OPTIMIST FREE SKATE FEATURES PANCAKES MARCH 07

February 27, 2010

OSHAWA, Mar. 07: The annual Optimist Club of Oshawa members FREE public skate has a new twist for their Sun. Mar. 07 outing.  A special prepared Opti-Pancake buffet is  being offered by Optimist members.

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.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER HOSTED BY OSHAWA OPTIMIST CLUB FEB 07TH

January 27, 2010

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

PRESIDENT – STEPHEN HAMBLEY CREATING A NEW OUTLOOK AND START FOR OPTIMIST CLUB MEMBERS

January 21, 2010

President: Steve Hambley

OSHAWA, Jan 19th -  Incoming Optimist Club of Oshawa president Stephen Hambley informed his first membership meeting members he’s creating a new beginning for his  revamped service club.  Our outlook remains the same helping the YOUTH & COMMUNITY by lending a helping hand when required.

Coming off a successful 8 month car raffle and the 26th annual Christmas Food Hamper and Toy Drive the new membership are riding the strings of success. Back in May of 2009 the club almost folding with only $2.86 in the bank. ‘The reward is new members have jumped on the Hambley Express’

At the first meeting, the new exeutive comprised of President Stephen Hambley, president elect Sybil Dewhurst, secretary Jim Shaw and treasurer Marjorie Ogden now have a future ahead. Other joining in at the first meeting included Eric Goodwin, Greg Bamber, Ron Hele, Peter Pniauskas, Elizabeth Crosbie and Sandy Crosbie.

Future plans to complete the 2010 Optimist calender years which ends on September 30th, 2010 includes the announcement of committee chair positions including Durham College Athletic Scholarships Awards under the direction of chair Sybil Dewhurst, the CCDHH  will be handled by Greg Bamber, the NASC “T”-Mush Ball tourament goes to co-chairs Peter Pniauskas and Ron Hele, Family”Spring Break” Family Skate – Jim Shaw, new bingo chairs – Elizabeth Crosbie, Euchre Chair – Margaret Ross and theatre chairperson – Sandy Crosbie.

It should be another exciting Optimist year  under expert direction of Stephen Hambley

DEWHURST REPORTS – RAFFLE AUTO WINNER PAULA WINECK SUPER HAPPY

January 3, 2010

WHITBY, Dec, 30th: Optimist president elect Sybil Dewhurst said she’s never seen a happier  couple than Paula and Jim Wineck. Dewhurst representing  the Optimist Club of Oshawa  Inc membership presenting the keys for a 2009 General Motors produced Pontiac Vibe when delivered door to door by Thomas Motors from Cobourg.

The excitement within the Wineck household was visibilty unbelievable with joy entrenching the Wineck household while awaiting  the deliver won ticket no.  05293  purchased at the Wal*Mart Super Centre during this past summer.

The vehicle was gleaming, licensed, insurance documented, verified and prepared awaiting for the Wineck’s official ownership take-over.

Immediately following the presentation they drove off  “in a cloud of dust’ wearing the biggest smile, grinning from ear to ear about their Optimist windfall.

Dewhurst remarked – ‘This was memorable and exciting experience’ not only for myself but the volunteers who sold nearly 12,000 tickets covering 31 weekends with over 10,000 volunteer hours. Profits from this fundraiser supported  the Optimist Club of  Oshawa 26th annual Christmas Food Hampers/Toys deliveries conducted on December 20th for needy qualified families.

The winning ticket was drawn by Private Kasey McBride a medic in the Canadian Army Forces. The nearly 12,000 tickets inserted into the drum was veritified under the watchful eye of Lt.Col. Robert Brown from the Oshawa Armouries.

PAULA WINECK WINS OPTIMIST – PONTIAC VIBE AND GROCERIES

December 20, 2009

OSHAWA,Dec 20th: Paula Wineck from 1080 Richard Court in Whitby held winning ticket number 05293 to win the Optimist Club of Oshawa Car Raffle draw for a  2009 General Motors Pontiac Vibe including $1,500.00 of groceries donated by the Walmart SuperCentre located in South Oshawa. He winning ticket was draw at the 26th annual Christmas Food Hamper and Toy deliveries held within the R.S. McLaugnlin Armouries by private first class Kasey McBride.

Over 150 volunteers delivered 14 days of food and children’s toys to needy families as chosen and screened by the Salvation Army prior to the raffle announcemen . One hundred percent of raffle profits went directly to purchase the vehicle from Thomas Pontiac Motors in Cobourg, the food cost of the hampers and toys.

Draw master  Kasey McBride a 19 Canadian Forces Army medic and a graduate from the 1913 Oshawa Cadet corp. drew the winning ticket.

Oshawa Mayor John Gray  and Ontario Optimist Cenon Govenor Tom McNaught and his wife Carilyn lead the calacade of vehicles  doing the deliveries.

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

December 19, 2009

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.

OPTIMIST VOLUNTEEERS RECEIVE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUNDAY FOOD HAMPER/TOY DELIVIERS

December 16, 2009

A signed receipt must be obtained and returned to Optimist officials.

CROSBIE’S SELLING STYLE NETS ANOTHER $1K AT METRO BOWMANVILLE

December 13, 2009

Bowmanville, Dec 11,12,14: What could have been a disastrous weekend for Optimist Club of Oshawa Car raffle sales at the Metro Food Store chain turned into an acceptable bank deposit of $1,275.20 of weekend sales.

On Dec. 11th fighting away blistering wins, snow and unbelievable cold weather sales where down to only $210.00.  Another our 2009 GM Vibe wasn’t on display because of hazardous sidewalk conditions. The veteran raffle sales team comprised of Ronald ‘Batman’ Hele Peter Pniauskas were frustrated with the results.

With improved weather conditions and our vehicle on display had to fly solo as his partner Ilse Gilchrist was hit by that nasty flu bug. After numerous telephone calls raffle chair Jim Shaw landed his grandson Curtis Rodgers as a pinch-hitter. Net Saturday sales improved to  $410.00

Thanks the super sales style of husband/wife Crosbie combo  of elizabeth and Sandy sales flourished. They completely took over in a two-team showcase netting $647.20 for a three day weekend total of $4,175.20.

On the floor, the Crosbie’s are selling “Tigers

Thirty one weekend have been completed. ‘With one week remaining this events can be described as a complete success’ said incoming Optimist president Stephan Hambley. Enough dollars has been raised to completely paid for the vehicle and the hampers/toys for needy families as selected by the Salvation Army.

Monday morning (Dec 14) optimist officials Peter Pniauskas, incoming treasurer Narjorie Ogden, Elizabeth Crosbie and Jim Shaw  will pick up the collected toys from the Martin Chiropractic Clinic (19th year) and the Nurses located on the 4th floor at Lakeridge Health (OGH) – 6th year. Last year they collected 1,108 new toys was collected.

To-morrow (Dec. 15) local radio morning host Terry Johnston will be interviewing live Greg Martin and Ivan Downey the director of family service of the Salvation at 8:22 am. Their interview can be heard on both AM 1580 CKDO and on the FM 107.7.

Weekend car raffle sales volunteers where Ron Hele, Peter Pniauskas, Cybil Dewhurst, Stephen Hambley, Bob Blair, Curtis Rodgers, Eric Goodwin, Brian Tremblay, Elizabeth Crosbie, Sandy Crosbie and Jim Shaw.

The final weekend of sales is set for Walmart Super Centre Laval & Stevenson Road, in Oshawa on Dec 17,18,19 from 11 am till 6 pm

The draw for the 2009 GM Vibe and $1,500.00 of grociers donated by Walmart Canada is set for Dec 20th at the R.S.McLaughlin Armouries 53  Simcoe St. N. at 2:30 pm. The Optimist will be honouring our troops as Private first class Kasey McBride will draw the winning ticket.

MAYOR JOHN GRAY & OPTIMIST GOVERNOR TOM McNAUGHT TO LEAD 26th ANNUAL XMAS FOOD HAMPER & TOY CAVALCADE

December 7, 2009

OSHAWA, Dec 6th: An all-star cavalcade featuring over 100 vehicles will be lead by Oshawa Mayor John Gray and Cenon Optimist Govenor Tom McNaught from Oakville at the 26th annual Optimist Club of Oshawa members sponsored Christmas Food Hamper and Toy deliveries on December 20th. The local Oshawa club where formed and chartered on July 22nd, 1982.

The Oshawa nearly folded this past spring due to lack of funds to operate. Their main fund raiser weekly Bingo’s ceased on January 31st in Whitby when the business went into receivership. The Oshawa club was the mainstay for Zone 8 (Durham Region) with clubs operating in Ajax, Brooklin, Uxbridge and Whitby. When the local ecomony suffering a severe downfall from the closures of the GM giant auto plant closures, layoffs and forced retirements the future was bleak at best for a Optimist recovery.

Starting with a lowly bank balance of $2.86 and a commented budgeted items the membership decided to roll the dice for a comeback. Using the recycled fund raiser the group decided to raffle off a 2009 General Motors produced Pontiac Vibe commencing sales last spring in mid-May during Victoria Day weekend as first prize. Wal*Mart SuperCentre added to the first price take donating $1,500.00 in groceries to the winning ticket holder. Despite unwanted problems and growing pains this project has seen a new attitude develop, has incourage new members in supporting the Optimist mandate of being a “Friend Of Youth and our Community”

Devoted volunteers and members have logged over 9,000 hours in making this turn-a-about possible. Certainly a Cinderella Story” with a anticipated happy ending. Newly elected Optimist president Stephen Hambley said “our volunteers have been remarkable, when we originally printed 10,000 tickets it seemed receiving that figure was only a dream”. Local citizens have responded to the marketing strategy making believers  in purchasing of tickets at $5.00 each or the bargin basement price of 5 tickets for $20.00. Many business firms and fellow Ontario Optimist Club purchased $100.00 packages in boosting  ticket sold to  12,000.With two weeks remaining to the December 20th draw date 15,000 tickets seemed to be a reachable amount. This weekend our raffle gang are selling tickets in Bowmanville at the Metro Food Store on Dec 11,12,13 from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm The final sales weekend will be held at the Wal*Mart SuperCentre on Dec 17,18,19 from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Optimist ticket sellers have been pro-active with in high traffic chain stores plus the Oshawa Centre, Auto Fest, Downtown Oshawa Sidewalk sale and the Five Points Mall.  The bulk of sales conducted every weekend for the past 31 weeks. The largest ever one day sale was conducted in Cobourg during the summer securing $1,700.00 in sales.

On Dec. 20th after the hampers/toys have been delivered a special cermony will be conducted within the R.S.McLaughlin Oshawa Armouries located at 53 Simcoe St. N. To-date over 9,000 volunteer hours have been accumulated by the Optimist and volunteers.  The volunteers are deeply committed. On numerous occassions tickets have been sold at three different locations on the same day. No one is paid for their efforts with all profits going to help the needy families and other Oshawa Optimist Youth events during the calendar year.

GENERALS SHUTOUT THE OPTIMIST

Originally it was felt – the announcement of winning ticket holder would be conducted at the multi-million GM Centre build by citizen of Oshawa. The Optimist where in contract with OHL club in early June and their management seemed very interesting in out suggestion in our face to face meeting. After 18 telephone calls/emails with no reply’s afterwards the anticipated love affair never happened. The “GO turn into a NO GO” for this no-brainer community project. The OHL Generals rent the GM Centre from the City of Oshawa. High profile individuals including elected City of Oshawa elected officials, Chambers and Commerce, GM Centre management and even super fan himself Terry Kelly a mainstay in the errection of the Civic Auditorium couldn’t convince the Generals Management team permitting the announcment. Plans called for a local soldier who served in Afghanistan to draw the winning ticket. The Optimist club wanted to saluate our armforces serving to protect our freedom for Canada. The Optimist membership offered to fill the unsold GM Centre  tickets and donating them to Oshawa’s youth for the Owen Sound vs Oshawa Generals game on Dec. 20th. Again the Generals never responded.

Jim Shaw – Car Raffle coordinator is disappointed with Oshawa Generals. A noted sports broadcaster, reporter he has aided the Generals for over 40 years however with new management they seemed non-interested in local community efforts.

As it now stands, the Optimist will employ the R.S.McLaughlin Armouries located at 53 Simcoe St. North for their Dec. 20th showcase.

Upwards to 150 volunteers will meet within the north parking lot north of armouries (off Richmond St) at 12 noon for  deliver for the 26th consecutive year of Food Hampers/Toys. Each vehicle are requested to deliver to two families each.

Each family will be supplied for two weeks (14 days) of groceries containing two boxes of staple food, one box of meats including a 15 pound average festive turkey with the fourth box jammed full or produce products Family members will be allotted three new toys each for children ages 14 and under. Toys are supplied by the Martin Chiropractic Clinic (19th year) and the Nursing Staff located on the 4th main floor at Lakeridge Health at OGH. The toys are sorted by gender and age for Optimist delivery. Last year the outlets collected 1,208 toys including 108 build a bears.

Kasey McBride 19 a Oshawa Cadet graduate will make the draw. He joined the arm forces this past spring . Prior he trained under deceased Jerry Kehoe whose wife is a super active volunteer with the Optimist Club. He be escorted by the Oshawa 1933 Cadet Band to make the official announcement.

The winning ticket holder name will be published in the local media, advise via telephone or email and his/her name will be published on the Optimist web site www.oshawaoptimist.ca

Anyone wishing to help delivery can contact Optimist event coordinator Jim Shaw at 905-576-6919 or via email at jimshaw15@rogers.com

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