OSHAWA, May 02

Oshawa Optimist Club members Elizabeth and Sandy Crosbie are spearheaded this month’s end showcase. The Crosbie native “Scots” themselves have been close friends of the Alexander Brothers for decades. “There doing the shows as a personal favour to us” remarked Elizabeth who is predicting a complete sell-out for both performance.

The local Optimist Club of Oshawa are the prime sponsors and are footing the bill for the air travel fare, accommodations and meals during there stay. A reduced performance price has been secured between the Optimist and the two brothers Tom and Jack.

Any entertainment fan will enjoy their two hour non-stop performance. “There professionals right from the get-go” smiled Sandy who can’t wait to renew the Crosbie’s long standing friendship. Prior to this official announcement, the Optimist Club of Oshawa and it’s members have been fielding ticket request at a rapid pace. Tickets will go on sale May 6th.

The brothers first professional appearance occurred at the Webster Theatre in Arbroath, Scotland. Ross Bowie became their manager and relationship surviving for 35 years.A major break-through occurred in 1962 when songwriter Tony Hatch heard them. Hatch brought them to London and recorded their first Album “Highland Fling” which turned into a massive seller. A single recorded song became a instant hit in 1964 called. “Nobody’s Child” . At that point the Boys where outselling the Beattles.

They operated a TV series and appeared at the world famous and legendary London Palladium during prime Sunday evenings. During their outstanding five decade plus career they’ve appeared at all the top world’s top theatre’s including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and the world famous Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Born in Cambusnethan near Wishaw, their father Jimmy, was a steel worker and the driving force behind the family. Blessed with natural musical talent their mother Helen sang and played the piano.Tom originally started to learn the accordion and in 1952 at the age of 9 won the Classical Open solo at the Glasgow, NOAOF.championships. Jack is an accomplished piano player. By the age of 11 he had secured several diplomas.

After leaving school, the Alexander Brothers gained valuable experience playing before live audiences winning every contest they entered during at six year period from 1950-thru-1956. After a stint in the National Service they turned professional and developed a repertoire of Scottish material.

Tom and Jack have recorded over 30 albums and countless singles of the ‘Pye’ and ‘RCA’ labels.

Flooded with radio/television offers they co-starred with Shirley Bassey in 1967 during the famous London Palladium show. For years they received top ratings while hosting shows for STV.

Their achievements and success has been well documented at major venues within the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada. Now it’s Oshawa’s turn to roll out the welcome carpet and enjoy to celebrating their incredible career.

Senior tickets to be discounted…

Oshawa Optimist 29th president Stephen Hambley call this tour appearance as a “Windfall” for his club. By bringing the Alexander Brothers to Oshawa it’s another way we are serving our mandate supporting the Youth and Community’ “We are very fortunate”remarked Hambley to secure the Alexander Brothers,they are world famous entertainers” He continued to say,”thank god the long standing relationship between the Alexander Brothers and the Crosbie’s, this will translate into profits which will go directly to our 27th Annual Christmas Food Hamper & Toy Deliveries scheduled for Dec. 19, 2010′

Each festive season, the Optimist purchase than deliver Xmas Food Hampers & Toys to needy local families selected and screened by the Salvation Army. ‘Last year the club conducted a Car Raffle to fund the project’ said Hambley. This project has $25,000.00 fee to operate.

“Keeping in focus of serving the community, the event sponsor are offering discounting tickets for Seniors and complete table group purchases’ commented a confident Hambley. Sales will commence on Thursday, May 6th with seats and tables sold will come on a first come first served basis.

Tickets will be available on line from ticketweb.ca via tele – at 1-888-222.6608,

and from local business outlets including

Wilson & Lee Music Store 87 Simcoe St. N, Oshawa 905-725-4706,
the UK Shoppe 91 George St. in Peterborough 1-705-745-0085,
the White Heather Scottish Bakery 209 Dundas St. Whitby 905-666-4827,
Isle Skye Gifts & Highland Dancing 373 Wilson S. Oshawa,
the Wee Tartan Shop 177 Queen St. Port Perry 905-985-6573,
the But’N'Ben Scottish Bakery in Pickering located at 619 Kingston Road 905-420-6200 and their Scarborough venue 1509 Ellesmere Avenue location 1-416-438-4214.

Ticket prices have been established at $29.99 (Scottish Discount) for individuals, seniors admission is set for $25.00 while groups of 10 for a table will receive a special Optimist 10% discount.

Included in the price each ticket sold includes a lunch comprised those famous Scottish meat pies with peas, coffee and tea for each performance. A cash bar is available.

Oshawa, April 14:h.

In a joint announcement in a prepared statement by Optimist event chair Gregory Bamber and Lynn McDowell a hearing resource teacher at the Durham Region District School Board, the Communicantion Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Heading (CCDHH) has increased it’s first place scholarship for 2010 to $2,500.00.

The Ontario winner will be announced at the provincial championship to be conducted on Sun. April 25 at the Royal Canadian Legion Auditorium in Richmond Hill located at 233 Centre St. E.

OOC RECEIVES PRAISE

‘ The  Oshawa Optimist Club members have always been mainstays supporting the CCDHH’ remarked Ontario coordinator James Dallimore from Milton, Ont. For yyears the Oshawa club hosted the Ontario finals’ he continued.

Oshawa chair, Greg Bamber himself  is restricted to a wheel chair has two capable co-chairs Cathy Kehoe and Oshaws president elect Sybil Dewhurst.  The  trioka of  Bamber, Kehoe .Dewhurst said jointly the CCDHH contest provides an opportunity for young people who are deaf and hard of hearing the opportunity to comunicate in a public forum while developing valuable skills and confidence.

The contest features local students. Lynn McDowell is the new Durham Region School Board chair. She’s replacing long time chair Judy Moreau. Both will appear in this friendly competition. Ms. Moreahas four of her students represented including Jake Simpson, Abby McAuley both grade 5 studentsd, Laura Colley attends grade six and Sarah Motiani another Moreau students is the oldest and is a grade 12 student.  The others are Britany Hodgeman who is grade 8 student and Keirsten Jackson.

Three judges and a time keeper have been assigned by Bamber. Wendy Rhead a hearing resource teacher with the Durham Board will handle the time keepers duties. Judges will be Ahila Punnoose a speach languard pathogist from the Durham Board. The other two judges asre Sybil Dewhurst the Optimist president elect and Cathy Kehoe a long time Optimist supporter.

A caoacity crowd is expected in the 150 seat venue which includes a twenty five gas fire place.

Those in attendance will be treated to a special Chinese dinner from the Optimist Club of Oshawa members. Dinner is set for 6:30 pm followed by the CCDHH Contest at 7;00 pm

OSHAWA, March 07

A final count of 202 patrons skated enjoying family bonding with fellow skaters and eaters. This reminded Optimist 29th president Stephen Hambley that this was an excellent day. He continued to say “I’ve been around our skating parties for years but this was one of the best” To me it looked as if everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest commented Optimist president elect Sybil Dewhurst as native of the Carbineen who has never skating before.

Special highlight was the appearance of Tori Richards a talented figure skater. Her solo lasted only just over 3 minutes and the crowd request more.The Oshawa Figure Skating Club member but she had to depart as other commiments prevailed. Tori – is a ‘feel good story’ For the past few years Richards a teenager has been a mainstay helping Optimist Youth Events. Her admitted favourite is the annual Optimist Christmas Food Hampers & Toy deliveries each December. The atheltic Richards blood lines run deep and Tori continues in the tradition. Her great-grandfather Ivan, grand-father Ron, her uncle Ron Jr hold positions as the only family having three generations as inducted members in the Oshawa Hall of Fame. Father Randy is a former national Ski jumper member and he’s former head coach of Canada’s National ski jumping team.

The Durham College mascot proved popular with the youngsters skating. He joined hands, providing hi-five’s and aid older skaters who haven’t skated for years.

Tom McNaught the Cenon Governor inducted five new Oshawa members. These new members included Eric Goodwin, Peter Pniauskas Sandy Crosbie, Elizabeth Crosbie and president elect Sybil Dewhurst. It is believed this was the first time induction have been conducted on arena ice, Records must be checked out in the World Book of Records. The Optimist organization was founded in 1919 world wide. The Oshawa club was chartered July 22, 1982. Councillor John Henry represented city council.

Yeomen volunteer work efforts where turned in by Kenny Graves, Cathy Kehoe, Earl Allen, Miles Richardson, Brian Tremblay, Eric Goodwin, Ken Ferrill, Stephen Hambley, Sybil and William Dewhurst, Peter Pniauskas, Don Richardson, Elizabeth and Sandy Crosbie and Jim Shaw. Those volunteers brought their own skillets, flippers, mixing bolls and wooden spoons serving up over 1,632 Opti-Cakes loaded with diet free syrup.

In exchange to patrons supplied non-perishable food products to aid the Salvation Army Food bank. A full scale of media turned up for this important fundraiser for the Salvation Food Bank with a estimated 750 pounds of non-perishable Food collected.

At present, this venue the  longest standing arena in Oshawa being constructed  in the 1950’s after the old Hambley Arena burnt  in Sept. 1953. We choose the Children’s venue that works in conjuction with the Optimist mandate of being a “Friend Of Youth” Optimist serve our youth and community’aid the 29th president Stephen Hambley..that’s what the Optimist are all about’ continued Hambley. It is general knowledge that this facility has  the best ice surface in the city.

Each month the Optimist Club of Oshawa select a community event to operate.  In February two varsity Durham College  athletic students  Courtney Small (Basketball) and Jordan Sutherland (Soccer) received $1,000.00 in scholarship funding in memory of deceased Optimist members Thomas A. Scero and Sydney H. Breland.

Future planned community events are the Durham Region Community Contest for the Death & Hard of Hearing (C.C.D.H.H.) in April foloowed by the 19th annual N.A.S.C. Blast Ball-’T'Ball tournament for youngsters ages 3 to 9. Other events include the Wado Kai Karate turnament and the popular Christmas Family Food Hampers and Toy deliveries each December.

Skating will commence at 12 noon and runs until 1:45 pm. The cost for skating will be a donation of a non-perishable food item(s) for the Salvation Food Bank.  In return the patrons will receive a FREE family skate and a special prepared Pancake Buffet to be served from 11:30 am till 1.30 pm.

In previous years, this public community event has been very successful.

OSHAWA, Feb 7th; You can circle Sun. Feb 7th on your Optimist Calendar of Events that’s a must. It’s the 44th annual Super Bowl for the National Football Championship and the Optimist Super Bowl Party is a go.  Doors will open at 4:00 pm sharp.  Two of the best team ever are pitted against each other - New Orleans Saints playing the Indianapolis Colts. It’s should be great game and your attendance will make it even better.

We’ve chosen one of Oshawa’s favourite eating establishments Johnny’s Original Eatery 850 King St. West located in Oshawa within the King/Thornton Plaza.

Excitement will prevail with all proceeds going directly to the 27th Annual Christmas Food Hampers and Toy deliveries to needy Oshawa families chosen by the Salvation Army.

A special prepared hot buffet meal has been authorized by restaurant owner Johnny Milosh who is a strong supporter of Optimist programs over the years.  Special prizes, a $500.00 OHL Box at the GM Centre featuring the Major Junior “A” game between the Kitchener Rangers and the hometown Oshawa Generals on Feb. 21st is up for grabs. Cash  prizes will be awarded after each quarter and at half time. Door prizes are also available.

A nammoth 60″ TV screen along with 3 others are available for viewing.

Tickets go on sale this Fri. Jan 29th from any member at Johnny’s Eatery or from an Optimist Club of Oshawa member or be calling with 905-576-7748 or Optimist headquarters 905-576-6919 for reserved seating.  Admission prize is $25.00

OSHAWA, Jan 18th:

The retired Durham Catholic School board custodian scored a 82 point effort- 39 points more than his Jan. 11th effort to state that’s back into the hunt. As a results his splendid showing gained him $20.00 of Opti-Cash. It was a superb showing scoring four lone hands and a trio of double digit wins while toiling along side his father and mentor Ralph “Red”, Jan “Hon’ Lynch and Ruth Bell. Affectionly known as Brooker, he now has 22 lone hands on the year plus a respectable percentage average of 68.00%. Right behind Brooks were Optimist president Stephen Hambley and his dad Red Brooks each with 78 points.

BABA JOINS BATMAN IN 1k CIRCLE

Pat ‘Baba” Passfield has joined Ron Hele in the Century mark in points this season. She now has 1,010 points compared to the first place holder Hele at 1,063.  Expected this select group shorter are Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky, Gloria Logan and Jimmie Durval. This trio could accomplish this as early as next Monday.

LEGROS GEORGE TAKES HOME 50/50 WINNINGS

Meanwhile David Conway has reclaimed first place in the all important percentage leadership board. Conway a former Oshawa Councillor boast a 72.00% compared to last week’s Dave Stoliker. Less than one percentage point separates the two. Stoliker is behind by 0.75% for his presitigious award. Other contenders are Bob Burtinsky, Jim Brooks, Bob Blair, Ron Hele, Peter Pniauskas, Jim Durval and the only female highly touted Gloria Logan.

Last January 31st, the Oshawa’s club main fund raiser outlet – Bingo’s at the Hideaway Hall in Whitby closed it’s doors. This announcement seemed to be letdown for the Oshawa membership who struggled with the important closures after nearly 30 years.  “The Hideaway profits paid our bills”  quipped incoming president Stephen Hambley. The outlook that prevailed with a cloudy forecast for the future.

Now eleven months have passed and the Optimist Club of Oshawa are back on right side of finanicial ledger. It’s taken a lot of  loyal work from our membership. “If  we hadn’t receive support from  the Optimist Monday Nite Euchre Club,  we could have easily  folded” said Hambley with a stern look on his face.

Next scheduled fundriasing bingo is set for Tuesday, Jan 19th, 2010.

Weekly Monday Nite Oshawa Progressive Euchre remains another fundraiser mainstays. Action resumes again on January 04th, 2010 at Johnny’s Originial Eatery located at 850 King St. West The first of ten games is scheduled at 7 pm sharp.

Every member accepted the challenge and committed themselves to work every weekend  since Victoria Day in mid-May accumulating over 10,000 manhours . The committment to honor to support Oshawa’s youth has been amazing.

Now the Optimist have volunteers wishing to join our club. Cenon  Governor Tom McNaugbht stated publicly the Oshawa Optimist demonstrated determination by  operating a car raffle with no guarantees.  As it turned the community rallied around the local service club. This was demonstrated at the 26th annual Toy and Food Hamper deliveries to needy Oshawa families as selected by the Salvation Army . Over 150 volunteer elves work collectively on December 20th to make this happen being lead from the calvacade by Oshawa Mayor John Gray and Governor McNaught.

The Oshawa members showed their appreciation as they are now back in the Bingo business at the Red Barn in Oshawa after six month layoff with no income. Instead of weekly events the Optimist operate late night monthly   events to insure the club remains solvent. The Dec. 30th bingo was an  extra allotment to the schedule a  mid-afternoon session..

Hambley his side kick Jim Shaw and the spark-plug  Crosbie  husband wife team of Elizabeth and Sandy worked the bingo. Infact the Crosbie’s are giving strong consideration of accept to become co-bingo chaie’a  ship effective the first of the year.

The other December bingo, was held on December 22th with Hambley leading the his troops again. Helpers included Jordan Quellette, Ruth Lelone, Marjorie Ogden and the for mention Crosbie’s – Elizabeth and Sandy.