ALEXANDER BROS. COMING TO OSHAWA

May 2, 2010

Alexander-BrothersOSHAWA, May 02; The Optimist Club of Oshawa members are bringing Scotland to Oshawa. That’s correct the world famous Alexander Brothers now celebrating their 51st year in show business. The “Brothers’ have agreed to appear in Oshawa for two performances scheduled for Friday, May 28th at the Lviv Auditorium and Sunday May 30th in the hamlet of Raglan’s breathtaking Trillium Trails Resort and Conference Centre for the matinee sabbath performance.

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.

“D” DAY ARRIVES FOR OSHAWA OPTIMIST CAR RAFFLE SELLERS AFTER EIGHT MONTHS AND 10,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS

December 19, 2009

OSHAWA, Dec. 22; Finally after eight months of tireless worked hours  which rose to over 10,000 manhours worked the wait is now over. It’s “D” day at the Colonel  R.S. (Sam)  McLaughlin Oshawa Armouries Sunday afternoon with the announcement of the winning ticket holdere for a General Motors 2009 Pontiac Vibe will be raff;eoff. Included in the package is a $1,500.00 gift card donated by Wal*Mart SuperCentre in South Oshawa.
On the weekend sales finished in flurry covering two dates at Walmart SuperCentre and ended yesterday at Price Chopper located within the Lake Vista Plaza. Weekend bank deposit into the Credit Union Lottery accounted total to $1,372.93 in net dollars.
Optimist Car Rasffle chair Jimmy Shaw saluated his dedicated, overworked volunteers for a job well done. Oshawa City council saluated the local service club whose mandate is “Friend of Youth and Community supportor” donated a box at the ultra modern GM Centre in downtown Oshawa to witness the OHL Major Junioe “A” festuring the Owen Sound Attack and the hometown favourites the Oshawa Generals.
Upwards to 12.000 tickets where sold to clinics from all Canadian provinices, a variety of U.S.A. states, Great Britian, Germany, France, Russia, Hungary and Mexico.
Oshawa native 19 year old Canadian Army Medic Kasey McBride a graduate from the local cadet program with be the draw master. It is expected the draw will held at approximatelt 2l30  pm. Other scheduled to appear at this prestigious event will be his worship Oshawa Mayor John Gray, Ontario Optimist Cenon governor Tom McLaughlin and his wife Carilyn, Thomas Motors sales manager Ed Winnerick, and Lt. Colonel Robert Brown.
A calvade over 100 cars will be delivering 14 days of food and three new toys for each family child to insure 2009 will be memorable festive year. Over 16,000 pound of food has been purchased from the sale of raffle tickets. This marks the 26th consecutive year the Optimist Club of Oshawa members have donated Christmas Hampers and toys to needy Oshawa families.

DECEMBER THE BUSIEST OPTIMIST MONTH OF THE YEAR

December 16, 2009

OSHAWA,Dec 06: Certainly December is the busiest month in 2009 for our overworked dedicated Optimist Club of Oshawa members and volunteers. We’re selling raffle tickets on a GM Pontiac Vibe which includes $1,500.00 in Walmart Groceries. We’re saluating two important events the Durham College Athletic Scholarship bursaries, the Wado Kai Karate Optimist Tournament for over 500 youths. To go with this we’ve inducted our 2010 executive. Monday Nite Euchre continues plus we’ve added Breakfast with Santa for 108 youth in North Oshawa.

HAMPER/TOY UPDATE.

December 20th is “D” day for the 26th annual Chrstmas Food Hamper and Toy deliveries for needy Oshawa families as selected and screened by the Salvation Army. The “Armys” staff head have supplied us with the official list of families who be receiving the Hampers/Toys.  Sales where conducted at Sobey’s Food (Wilson & Taunton Rd) on Dec. 5 & 6th. A profit of $1,042.00 was banked. Optimist volunteers included Eric Goodwin, Brian Tremblay, Marg Ross, Neil Metcalf, Elizabeth and Sandy Crosbie, Cybil Dewhurst, Brian Tremblay and raffle coordinator Jim Shaw..

MONDAY NITE OPTIMIST EUCHRE

Peter Pniuskas captured week 12 recording the most points accumulated with 83. He just returned from a well deserved two week golfing vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Newcomer Andrew Wood placed second with 80 points. Jimmy Duval was third – 78 points. He and his lovely wife Sandi will be enjoying a spiral ham for the top prize reward. Gloria Logan won the official coin flip for the most lone hands for the evening outdwelling Optiist Jim Shaw. Logan took home the bottle of Opti-Napa Valley wine.

Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky continues to dominate all percentage players with a nifty 70:18% mark. He’s immedately folowed by James Brooks at 69:80

DURHAM COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP BURSARY

A huge crowd attended the 9th annual Optimist/Durham College atheltic scholarships buseries in memory of deceased Thomas A. Scero and Sydney H. Breland . Students receiving this presitigious  honour was Courtney Small )Varsity Basetball) and Courtney Small (Varsity Soccer). Both the players, their families and close friends where in attendance.  Soccer coaching legend at the college Stan Bombino received a special award for his longivity and dedication to the sport of soccer.

INDUCTIONS CERMONIES

Former Cenon Zone 8 Lt. Governor James ‘Jimmy D’ Dimitroff sworm in the 2010 Oshawa executive. Stephen Hambley will be our new president, president elect is Cybil Dewhurst. Treasurer will be Marjorie Ogden and veteran Jim Shaw takes over as secretary and special events. Ken “Story’ Ferrill did a superb job as MC.

OPTIMIST BREAKFAST WITH SANTA.

A last minute decison to the host a Optimist Breakfast with Santa Claus for 108 youths was a tremendous success. Working with Brenda Danson – pancakes, juice boxes, fruit, was served and enjoyed by the hungry kids from the North Oshawa area. It was a a special days for the youngsters. Jim Shaw was the liassion official for this event.

OPTIMIST WADO KAI KARATE TOURNAMENT

The largest attended crowd in the 19 year history of the Optimist Club of Oshawa-wado Kai Karate attended at the Y.W.C.A. Auditorum Dec. 5. Sixty four indiviudal trophies where donated by the Optimist Club plus bargian value Opti- hot-dogs and soda.

Special acknowledgement were presented by the Optiimist to Theresa Virgin, susan Kucakowaki, Kim Ellias and John ‘Janusz’ Galant for their longivity and loyal service to the Wado Kai Club.

Ronald ‘Batman’ Hele, Lori Hambley, Peter Pniauska, and Jim Shaw represented the Optimist club.

UNBELIEVABLE – 869 NEW TOYS DONATED TO 26th ANNUAL OPTIMIST FOOD HAMPER/TOY DELIVERIES FOR DEC 26

December 16, 2009

OSHAWA, Dec 14th: Another giant step to-wards success for the 26th annual Optimist Club of Oshawa members Foor  Hampers and Toys deliveries was accomplished to-day.  Thanks to the generousity from the clients and patients from Lakeridge Health (Oshawa General Hosiptal 4th Floor Nurses) and the Martin Chiropractic Clinic 869 new toys will a retail value price of $43,450.00 was donated to th Oshawa Optimist club. The Optimist in turn turned the collected toys over to the Salvation Army who will carefully bag them, sorting by gender and age for delivery by the 150 Optimist volunteers this Sunday.

‘This is another part of the festive puzzle solved’ remarked incoming president Stephen Hambley. Both outlets have been strong supporters of community affairs he continued. The Martin clinic has been involved for 19 years and the OGH nurse six years. Lakeridge Health collected 192 new toys and the Martin Clinic the balance of 677 by coming from the Martin Clinic clients.

On Dec. 19th Greg Martin the Clinic co-owner and Ivan Downey, director  of family services were interviewed by local radio morning host Terry Johnston on 107.7 FM and 1580 CKDO-AM. over host

FOOD HAMPERS ARE NEXT

This Sun. Dec. 20th Optimist volunteer team gets into high gear. Hampers are being packed into four separate large boxes containing two boxes of staple foods, a meat box including the all important festive turkey and another box continaining fruit.

Over 150 volunteers will gather at noon to delivery the product to needy Oshawa families as selected and screen by the Salvation Army This calvacade of vehicles will be lead by Oshawa Mayor John Gray and Optimist Cenon Governor Tom McNaught.

Funds for this important local community project came from the selling raffle tickets on a GM produced Pontiac Vibe. The Oshawa Optimist have been selling tickets since early May. Over 10,000 manhours have gone into this project. Kasey McBride 19  a graduate from local 1913 Cadet corp and now a private first class in the Canadian Army will make the winning ticket draw. He’ll be marched into the R.S.McLaughlin Armories by 1913 Cadet band prior. He was recommonded for this honor by Cathy Kehoe whose deceased husband Jerry tutoured him during his cadet days. He became an Oshawa cadet at age 12.

Overall cost for this event is estimated at $60,000.00

Anyone wishing to delivery hampers may containing any Optimist member or email info@oshawaoptimist.ca


day.
OSHAWA CLUB ALMOST FOLDED
The Oshawa club became a chartered member on July 22, 1982 nearly folded this past
spring due to the lack of operational funds. Their weekly bingo’s the main fundraiser
hall close it’s doors in whitby going into receivership on Jan. 31st.
Bingo’s has been mainstay for all Zone 8 clubs (Durham Region) which operates clubs
in Ajax, Brooklin,Uxbridge and Whitby. When the local economy downfall  hit via auto
plant closures, layoffs and forced retirements Oshawa’s future was best described as
bleak.
Always Optimistic and employing a positive attitude was reduced to seven members
decided to give it one more try to rebound.
Starting with bank balance of $2.86 and a commented budget of scheduled events a
comeback began by using a re-cycled fund raiser a car raffle.  Working with a Cobourg
GM dealership Thomas Pontiac-Buick-GMC was started purchasing a 2009 GM Pontiac
Vibe. Wal*Mart SuperCentre located at Stevenson Road & Laval Street have kicked in
a bonus of $1,500.00 in groceries for the winning ticket holder.
Sales commenced during the Victoria Day weekend in May. Despite unwanted growing
pains,the Club has rebounded  securing a new attitude  serving their mandate of being a
Friend Of Youth” while serving the community.
Long devoted volunteer accumulated hours of upwards to 10,000 have been clocked in.
Best  description it’s been a ‘Cinderella Story’ with an anticipated happy ending.
“To day the membership is rebounding’ remarked a confident new club president Stephen
Hambley.  He continued saying the dedicated volunteers reached the 12,000 ticket sold.
Another 3 day successfull  blitz was accomplished last weekend at the Metro Food Store
in Bowmanville.
When sales started  the 10,000 assemblied only a pipe dream.
It’s been unbelievable as the community as accepted our sales techiques endorsing support
with over 12,000 ticket having been sold.Using smart-well thought out marketing strategy
the Optimist have made the public believers.Ticket pricing was established a $5.00 each,
the bargain basement price consisting of Five tickets for $20.00 being the most popular.
Sales close down this Sunday. Wal*Mart SuperCentre will play host to the final weekend
session running from Thurs. Dec 17, Fri. Dec 18,Sat. Dec 19 from 11:00 am till 6:00 pm
Optimist sellers have been pro-active using high traffic area’s.The largest single sales
day  occurred in nearby Cobourg. The Optimist operated a BBQ at wholesale pricing.
This incentive packing prove to be a variable reason for super sales.
Other strong locations included the Downtown Busines Merchants SideWalk Sale,
auto-fest, Oshawa Centre, Five Points Mall they’ve supplied the largest revenues.
A total of 31 weeks will have expired before  the draw is made at 2:30 pm. from the
Oshawa armouries (R.S.McLaughlin Memorial Building) located at 53 Simcoe St. North
in Oshawa. The volunteers are deeply committed. Made up from mostly seniors. Their
a kickback as being a non-paid true volunteers. Yes, they event purchase their own
coffee while on duty. Many times the Optimist have upwards to three sales outlets
on the same day.
The Optimst volunteers are a tired group and in some cases even “burnt out” With
winter upon us, the conditions have resulted in lack of a focus point.
CADET GRADUATE KASEY McBRIDE
WILL DRAW THE WINNING TICKET
Oshawa native Kasey McBride 19, will be drawning the winning
ticket  on Sunday. The winning tickets has numerous options/ He/She
could take the money of $15K, upgrade or downgrade.The dealership
is flexible. 
McBride joined the local 1913 Royal Canadian Army Cadets in
September 2002 at age 12. In 2007, he served as Chief Warrant
Officier and Regimental Sargeant MajorCadet courses including
marksmanship, Cadet leader instructor-drill and ceremonial the
leadership and challenge course at Rocky Mountain National
Army Cadet Summer training centre and the ‘07 central regional
expedition in Algonquin Park.
At age 16 he received the rank of Chief warrant Officier.
He was the receipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet medal
of excellence and received the Lord Strathcone Medal (Highest
Award which can bestowed upon a cadet) in recognition of examplary
performance in physicial and military training.
Prior to joining to joining the Canadian Army as a medical technican (medic)
he successful completed the pre-firefighter service course conducted
at Durham College this past June.
Currently he’s stationed in St.Jean sur Richelieu in Quebec awaiting an
oversea’s assignment.
GENERALS SHUTOUT THE OPTIMIST
Originally it was felt – the winning raffle would be announced at the OHL Major
Junior “A” game between the home town Oshawa Generals vs the Owen Sound Attack.
The Optimist had ,met face to face with Generals officials in early June for approval.
At that point it seemed like “GO”. Our community suggestion was a good one.
After all, the citizens where responsible for the multi million building built in
the first place.
The OHL club rent the GM Centre from the City of Oshawa. Since the original meeting
\Generals officials haven’t returned the Optimist telephone calls or email request.
High profile individuals including the City of Oshawa elected officials, The chamber of
commerce, GM Centre management and Super Fan himself Terry V. Kelly a mainstay
in the errection of the Civic Auditorium couldn’t convince Generals management to host
this important local event. .
ORGANIZATIONS THE OPTIMIST CLUB HAS HELPED
Mt. Sinai Hospital,Oshawa Dodgers Baseball, Durham Region Police,Disabled Children’s Games,
Model U. N. McLaughlin H.S., Lung  Cancer Association, Children’s Aid Society,Legion Minor
Baseball.Junior Achievement,Mary St. Community School,Heads First Bicycle Helmut, Safety
Education Durham Region Police, Children’s Aid Society,H.O.B.Y.,Youth Appreciation,Respect
For Law, Wado-Kai Annual Judo Karate Tournament-Essay Contest, Oratorical Contest,CCAA
Volleyball Nationals, YWCA, YMCA, Children’s Wish Shelter. Gertrude Colpus School .Police
Bike Sticker Program, Xmas Food Hampers/Toys, Salvation Army Outreach Truck, Oshawa
Generals Hockey. Ringette Tournament, Minor Soccer, Mushball-”T”Ball, Optimist Day At The
Ball Park , Annual Toy Drive ,Oshawa General Hospital .Ontario Bantam/Midget & Junior
Baseball Tournaments, Minor Hockey .Family Free March Break Skate, Groundwater Festival.
Ride For Sight. DASS – “Dare To Soar”.Police Charity Golf Tournament, St. Anthony Daniel
School, Sherwood Public School.City of Oshawa Canada Day. Council for Exceptional Children,
Sunrise Youth Group, Glen St. School -Adopt-A-School , Eastview Boys & Girls Club,Oshawa
Community Health, Y.W.C.A. & Y.M.C.A., Durham Family Court, National Peewee Girls Tourney,
Durham

2009 Optimist Christmas Hampers & Toy Drive

December 7, 2009

2009-PosterClick Here To Enlarge The Poster
Click Here To Download The Poster In Adobe Acrobat Reader Format

CAR RAFFLE SALES STAFF FINALLY RECEIVE A SUNDAY OFF

November 21, 2009

OSHAWA, Nov 22; Finally the hard working Optimist Club of Oshawa sales team has been granted a Sunday off from their gruing sales schedule. Since mid-May our crack sales team has clocked every  Friday, Saturday and Sunday raising important funds for the 26th annual Optimist Christmas Food Hamper and Toys deliveries on Sunday, December 20th.

Car raffle chair Jim Shaw says it’s about time. Every member have  been taxed to limit yet never complain as a group they support this mighty project with zealous and committment. With four busy weeks ahead  our team requires a needy break away from selling.  On the weekend Fri, Nov 20 and Sat. sales amounted to $1,350.00 at the 24 hour Metro Food Store in Bowmanville.

Hats off to Fay and Kenny Graves, Stephen Hambley, Eric Goodwin, Tyler MacDonald and Jimmy Shaw for a job well done in producing another $1K plus week of sales.

This coming weekend we make our final appearance at Price Chopper located on the corner of Wentworth and Cedar Streets starting Fri. Nov 27th, Sat. Nov 28 from 11 am to 6 pm and Sun. Nov 29 from 11 am till 5 pm.  To complete the hectic 31 consecutive weeks of raffle sales we will be employing the following location before the 2009 GM Vibe loaded down with $1,500.00 in grocery  is drawn on December 20th.

On Dec. 4-5-6 it’s our final appearance at Sobey’s Food North on Wilson & Taunton, Week 30 we will appear at Metro Bowmaville Foods on Dec. 11,12,13 for the final time than wrap out scheduled showcasing ourselves at Walmart SuperCentre from Dec 17,18, 19th. As it now stands we start and finish our sales from the Walmart location located on the corner of Laval and Stevenson Road just moment from the MacDonald/Chartier (401) Freewa. Shaw plans to have  Scott Dairge and his D.R.P.S. rock band in attendance plus numerous clowns, the lolly pop singers and naturdally  Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus.

on

100 DAYS REMAIN BEFORE XMAS HAMPERS/TOYS ARE DELIVERY TO NEEDY OSHAWA FAMILIES

September 6, 2009

Oshawa, Sept 6th:  Weel 16 is no completed for the Optimist Club of Oshawa Car Raffle sales team.
It’s been a long, tiring 11 consecutive days from August 28 till to-day September 6th working the “Auto-Fest” Price Chopper at Lake Visa followed by a solid full week at the Oshawa Centre.
On Sun. Sept 6th our loyal dedicated group where tired, working consecutive long hours but where completely happy with the bank balance. Dragging themselves home for a few days of rest.
Optimist Club tresurer Jim Shawa reported we’re about 27 percent through our goal of $40,000.00 which is required to cover the cost of the Food Hampers and Toys for delivery on Sunday December 20th.  This will mark our 26th consecutive date of performing this needy community service.
The results are very rewarding remarkable Marjorie Ogden who logged nearly 14 hours during this extended sales campaign.This weekend our sales team returns to Walmart Oshawa South where we kick-off off this campaign on Victoria Day weekend.
Working long volunteer hours covering the past consecutive eleven days were helpers.Eric Goodwin, Joe Dryson, Margaret Conway, Ruth Lelone, Greg Bamber, Stephen Hambley, Jackie Bamber, Peter Pnanskas, Ronald Hele, Thelma Owen, Cathy Kehoe, Marjorie Ogden, Margaret Conway, John Zarowny, Jqckie Bamber, Kenny Ferrill, Betty Hambley, Bill Hambley, John Zarowny and Jim Shaw all turned in yeoman work. Shaw holds the ironman record with 11 straight days worked with Goodman, Zarowny posting six days out of the eleven. An even 100 days remain before the winner of the new 2009 Vibe is announced and the Hampers and Toys as selected by the Salvation Army will be deliveried.

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IT’S OFFICIAL – OSHAWA OPTIMIST NOW DEBT FREE – NEXT GIANT STEP XMAS FOOD HAMPERS/TOYS

August 9, 2009

OSHAWA,  Aug 10th. It seems only 12 weeks ago that members of the Optimist Club of Oshawa and their dedicated ‘Friends” accepted the challenge to supply food hampers and toys for delivery on December 20th. Back in May on Victoria Day this group started out to pay for a 2009 General Motors produced Vibe vehicle. Their honourable, long term  intentions was to secure enought profit from this car raffle to first pay the  Thomas-Pontiac,Buick,GMC dealership  for the vehicle . Next was advance to phase two by purchasing Food to serve needy  families as selected and screened by the Salvation Army   covering 14 days during the Christmas and New Years festive time slots plus new toys for the families children. As of this morning the “Mission” has been accomplished. Officially the vehicle is now paid for.

Now comes the next hard part raising enough funds for the food and toys.  The estimated cost for this project has a retail value of $40,000.00.  Last year marked our 25th anniversary aiding 108 families.

On the weekend we produced gross sales covering four days. We operated three separate three outlets. From Thursday to Saturday. Our volunteers covered Oshawa’s North End the  LCBO outlet,   three  more  days at the Walmart Super Centre in South Oshawa and two days at our sponsored Mush-Ball “T”Ball,Blast Ball tournament in Central Oshawa.

Weekend gross sales of $2,580.00.  Our biggest day occured on Sat. Aug 8 with $1,410.00 being collected while operating three different events.

Hats  Off – for a “Job Well Done” we salute our volunteers Tyler MacDonald, Marilyn and Don Richarsdson, Johnny Zarowny, Gus Gordon, Ronald Hele, Ruth Leone, Thelma Owen, Eric Goodwin, Vera Menzie,  Billy Boyce, Joe Dryson, Trevor Snell, Kenny Ferrill,  Neil Metcalf, Bill Hambly, Cathy Kehoe, Marjorie Ogden, Stephen Hambly and Jim Shaw.

This weekend (Fri,Sat,Sun) our volunteer gang will be operating a trio of dates at the Cobourg Walmart while president Petrina Perrineau, Matthew Dykstra and Jim Shaw will be attending the 4th quarter conventions selling tickets to fellow Optimist Cenon members within the Best Western Hotel in Orangeville.

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OSHAWA OPTIMIST EUCHRE PLAYERS HELP AT KIWANIS FOOD DRIVE

April 4, 2009

Oshawa, April 4th:Ten members from the Oshawa Optimist Monday Nite Euchre pitched in to help the shorthanded Oshawa Kiwanis annual spring Food drive for Simcoe Hall Settlement house. An estimated 50,000 pounds was collected during this one day blitz. The Saturday previous members helped delivering flyers to Oshawa residence supplying the information about the pickups on April 4th.

With the Oshawa area hit hard but slipping ecomony failure many families are in dire need of staple food for the kitchen table.

It certainly was a rewarding experience.

Optimist bingo players John Brooks and Johnny Milosh filled a pickup full of donated food bags  while Kenny “Story Teller” Ferrill  another Optimist Euchre player feels he and his  student volunteers collected over 1,000 pounds in his GMC oversized truck.  Other Optimist Euchre players who helped where Rhonda Comeau, Miles Richardson, Jackie/Greg Bamber, Peter Pnauskas, Gus Gordon and Jim Shaw.

Another Food Drive is scheduled for this autumn.

The Optimist 26th Annual Christmas Food Hamper & Toy deliveries are scheduled for Sun.  Dec 20th, 2009.

Optimist spokesperson Jim Shaw stated it great to have a cross reference of cooperation with the Kiwanis Club and their worthy community operations.

GENS NIP PETES AT OPTIMIST HOCKEY NITE IN OSHAWA

January 11, 2009

Oshawa, Jan 11th – A happy group departed the GM Centre after witnessing a hard fought 5-3 Oshawa Generals victory against their  O.H.L.  East division arch rival Peterborough Petes at Optimist Hockey Nite in Oshawa. A dozen Optimist supporters cheered the Gens onto victory. This group was the official  winners’ of the 2nd annual  raffle conducted by the local service club. The group  saw a new scoring ace appear as Brett Pharmen tallied two markers in the Oshawa win.

Local O.H.L. fans still  attempting to get over the departure of team leader and  captain John Travaras who was dealt to the London Knights Thursday in a mammoth nine player swap.  Travaras will  probably be the N.H.L.’s first draft selection this spring

Winning ticket holder Sue Kuczkowski and her immediate family comprises of  husband Dan, daughter Kathryn and son Michael  backed off on game day.The Kuckowski had just  returned from their annual  Dominican Republic vacation  Saturday. They  had a family crisis as one of their favourite pets had to be put to sleep. At a special family meeting the group collectively they decided not to attend. The  entire family was upset over the bad news.

The quartet was replaced by Michael Garcia, Victor Kobic, Brock Buntsma  and Adam Przybyiski. Mrs. Kuczkowski officially apologized for her family’s absence stating “if the circumstances were different we would have attended, but life plays it’s funny hand”. Oddity was whenthe winning ticket was announced on December 21st, 2008 at the 25th annual Optimist Food Hamper/Toys Deliveries for 100 needy local families she missed that announcement. After delivering her alloted hampers, her husband Dan was dispatched to emergency suffering servere pain that  required immediately medicial attention.

Included for this special occassion package were long time friend Kim Ellis, Alex Munr0, Keith Munro, Jose Carlos Garcia, Myrna Garcia and the Virgin family Theresa, Ted and Jennifer.

Prior to the game, the group was treated to a special pre-game dinner at Johnny’s Orginal Eatery. Oshawa Optimist Club reresentives where immediate past president Stephen Hambley, the director of ticket sales Greg Bamber and Jim Shaw.

The tickets were donated by Peggy Kohls representing the City of Oshawa Community Service department. Profits from the raffle went directly the 2008 Christmas Food Hampers/Toy deliveries. A profit of $1,200,00 was raised after expenses.

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