ALEXANDER BROS. COMING TO OSHAWA
May 2, 2010
OSHAWA, 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.
OPTIMIST AID KIWANIS FOOD DRIVE
April 17, 2010
OSHAWA, April 17: If it isn’t enough operating the daily duties of their own Optimist Club of Oshawa, our membership for the second consecutive year have pitched in to aid another Oshawa service club.
On Saturday, seven members supported the 12th annual Kiwanis Spring Food drive pickups for needy local families. Operated by the three Oshawa Kiwanis Clubs- Westmount, sydenham and Oshawa AM seven Optimist donated time from their busy individual schedules to help pick up groceries from the neighbourhoods in support of the Simcoe Hall Settlement House.
Chair Rick Brooks from the Kiwanis stated he required 200 volunteers to help make the weekend event a complete success. The Kiwanis where seeking 50,000 pounds of food in support of their cornerstone motto mission statement of ‘Serving the Children of the World’ He continued saying ‘without the cooperation from the Oshawa Optimist this venture wouldn’t have happened’ The Optimist mandate is being a “Friend of Youth & Community”.
Securing reliable volunteers seems to have become obsolete.
Greg Bamber,Jackie Norman Bamber, Fay & Ken Graves, Ken ‘Story Teller’Ferrill, Cathy Kehoe and Jim Shaw represented the Optimist.
SIX STUDENTS SET FOR OPTIMIST CCDHH CONTEST APRIL 14
March 28, 2010
Oshawa, April 14:h. For the 16th consecutive the Optimist Club of Oshawa will be sponsoring and hosting the Durham Region Zone Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the ultra modern Leisure Room within the all-purposed Legends Centre on April 14th.
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
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
OPTIMIST VOLUNTEEERS RECEIVE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUNDAY FOOD HAMPER/TOY DELIVIERS
December 16, 2009
OSHAWA, Dec. 20th: Final instructions where annonced for the delivery drivers for the Dec. 20th Optimist Food Hamper/Toys dispatching. Over 150 vehicles will gather at the R.S.McLaughlin Armouries North Parking lot at noon making needy Oshawa families happy for the festive season. The families as selected and screene by the Salvation Army will be receiving 14 days of food compacting into four boxes. Two boxes will contain staple food items, another meats incluiding a twenty pound (average) festive turkey and another boxes or produce items.
Each children under the age of 14 will be grant three (3) new toys.
VOLUNTEERS SCHEDULE
1) Report at 11:50 am.
2) Enter off Ricjhmond st E. parking lot entrand is behind Wilson & Lee Music Shop.
3) Volunteer will direct your vehicle to the loading area.
4) Stay in your vehicle for instructions.
5) Volunteers (cadets & lacrosse players) will load your vehicle.
6) An instruction kits will be provided including a city map. We estimate delivery time of 1 hour
Volunteers are available to help seniors wiith deliveries.
7) The receiptant MUST HAVE PROPER ID, UNDER NO CIRCUMENTANCES LEAVE THE
FOOD/TOYS BE LEAVE. THE RECEIPTANT MUST SIGN A RECEIPT OF ACCEPTANCE.
Undeliveried Food Hampers can can be pickup on Monday (Only) the next day
from the Salvation Army locaged on Rossland and Thornton Road.
A signed receipt must be obtained and returned to Optimist officials. 9) Volunteers are invited to an appreciation lunch set for 1:30 pm after deliveries
See Greg/Jackie Bamber for your luchdon tokens
10. Optimist Master of Cermonies Ken Ferrill will introduce the 1913 Cadet Marching band including drawmaster
Kasey McBride. He’ll be pulling the winning ticket for a ‘09 GM Pontiac Vibe containing $1,500.00 in donated
groceries from the Walmart SuperCentre located in Oshawa at Stevenson & Laval Streets.
On behlaf ot the Optimist Club of Oshawa members a special thank-you for donating your volunteer time for this worthy and rewarding annual event.
On behalf of the Oshawa Optimist membership our family wishes your family a safe and merry Christmas 2009 and a enjoying and better 2010.
.
OPTIMIST HONOUR SCERO-BRELAND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS & INDUCT 2010 EXECUTIVE
December 6, 2009
OSHAWA Dec 02:- Two Durham College students where honoured at the 9th annual Thomas A.Scero, Sydney H.Breland Memorial Scholarship bursary awards along with the 2010 Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc executive being officially inducted by James ‘Jimmy D’ Dimitroff at Optimist headquarters held at Johnny’s Original Eatery.
Upwards to 40 attended this dual cermony for the reborn Oshawa club which almost folded last spring due to the lack of a major fundraiser to keep the club solvent. The main fund raiser covering the first twenty eight years - weekly bingo’s disolved on January 31st when the hall went into receivership. Since than the club has re-organized themselves.
Starting with a bank balance of $2.86 the membership floated a successful car raffle project. Despite long and never ending volunteer hours they have inserted themselves into the ‘BLACK’.
Optimist Stephen Hambley accepted his third term as president and has promised to re-organize internally re-establishing the Optimist movement return to an active role within the community. He replaced outgoing president Petrina Perrineau. Joining him are Cybil Dewhurst as president elect, Marjorie Ogden treasurer and his reliable side kick Jim Shaw as secretary for 2010.
The 9th annual Breland/Scero Memorial awards are presented in form of a $1,000.00 Durham College Athletic Scholarship/Bursary to varsity athletics who combine sports and education to it’s highest level. The winners are selected by special committee of knowledge members under the direction of athletic director Ken Babcock.
Courtney Small (Varsity Basketball) and Jordan Suthereland (Varisty Soccer) are the 2010 winners. Parents, family members and friends where in attendance at the dinner presentation.
“Friend of Optimist” Ken ‘Story Teller ” Ken Ferrill did a superb job as our master of cermonies.
COMMUNITY LIVING “MAKING A HOUSE A HOME” NOW HAPPY COOKERS WITH A NEW OPTIMIST STOVE
March 19, 2009
OSHAWA, Nov 19th: – Happy smiles prevailed at the supper table today in East Oshawa after a home cooked meal was prepared Early In mid-afternoon the Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc members Kenny Ferrill and Jim Shaw delivered a 2009 Maytag ultra modern-multi purpose kitchen stove to a home operated by the Community Living residence. Seems the old stove had outlived it’s duties
Cheri Smith the Resource Development & Special Events manager for Community Living Oshawa/Clarington accepted the generous donation on behalf of her organization. Others representing the local associated included Michael Hopkins, Brenda Rusicia and Shellia Stephenson. The stove has a retail value of $1,295.00. In accepting this much need donation Ms Smith remarked “The Oshawa Optimist are the front runners in their donation who operated twenty two home within Oshawa and Clarington.
Tabbed with the slogan making a “House a Home “Ms. Smith has issued a changelle to other organizations to match of better the Optimist club. We are dire need for repairs including amicrowave, washroom flooring, faucets, washroom sinks, a fire door, kitchen back splash tile, kitchen counterstop, a new roof . Her list is endless. She can be reached at 905-242-4027 (C) or email csmith@communitylivingoc.ca
Joe Tilley noted CTV sports announcer introduced the Community Living group to the Optimist Club at the 25th Christmas Food Hamper & Toy Deliveries held on Sun. Dec 21st. Mr. Tilley was the master of cermemonies. His other duties as a volunteer was loading the 100 vehicles with food hampers for delivery to needy Oshawa homes.
This is just another event of many on a endless for the members of the Optimist Club of Oshawa. Again the members get involved thus serving their mandate of being a “Friend of Youth” and helping our community.
Raffle Tickets Completely Sold Out
December 13, 2008
Oshawa, Dec 13th….The Optimist Club of Oshawa members produced a ‘whirlwind finish” in raffle sales. It took less than 2 hours to post the “Sold Out” sign finished off the last 80 remaining tickets. Super salesperson, Margie Ross, Kenny (Story Teller) Ferrill and Jim Shaw did a superb job selling the final ducats, at Walmart Oshawa located on Stevenson Road South. The prizes included a $500.00 home made quilt (value of $500.00), a complete set of T-Fal pots and pans (Value of $250.00) and, two restaurant V.I.P. Diner’s card good for 20 meals at the Tickled Toad Pub & Grill (Value of $374.00) located in Oshawa at 843 King St. W in Oshawa. All the prizes were donated and produced revenues go directly to-wards the 2008 Optimist 25th annual Food Hamper/Toy deliveries scheduled for this Sun. Dec 21st from Johnny’s. The Optimist Club members who sold the raffle tickets at the rock bottom price of $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Final sales figures are”- we sold 380 tickets and raised $725.00. Walmart-Stevenson Road - Howard Kerr store manager in the spirit of Xmas has promised the match our sales bumping our profits to $1,450.00.
The four lucky winners will be announced Sun. Dec 21 from Johnny’s Original Eatery at approximately 2:00 pm. The winners will be notified on the same day. \.
Early the 2nd annual Oshawa Optimist raffle for 12 OHL game day tickets game between the arch rival Peterborough “Petes” vs the home town Oshawa Generals on Jan 11th at the GM Centre sold out in a record 4 days at the 5-points Mall. Included in this raffle are 12 pre-game dinners at Johnny’s. Again this package was donated by the City of Oshawa and the GM Centre. This winner will be announced Dec 21st.
The Oshawa Optimist are a non-profit organization and no corporate aid. Our members are always busy fundraising. The 2008 Food hamper/Toys require an estimated $20,000.00 to operate.
On a average the Oshawa Optimist operate one major project monthly. Recently prime time monthy events was the Optimist Thomas A.Scero and Sydney H. Breland Memorial Durham College Athletic scholarships for the sixth consecutive followed by the 19th annual Optimist Club of Oshawa sponsored Wado-Kai Karate tournament featuring 500 youth athletics
RAFFLE SALES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE REPORT GREG BAMBER
November 23, 2008
Oshawa, Nov 22: The upstart Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc Membership
have their priorities straight entrying their busiest time of the year. Fund raising is always a major focus geared towards in securing the dollars required to operate the 25th annual Christmas/Food Hamper deliveries set for Dec 21st. The estimated cost for 100 Food Hampers (a week’s supply of food) and Toys is $20,000.00.
Accolades must be directed towards rookie Optimist member Greg Bamber whose controlling the fund raising project when it comes to ticket raffle sales. He’s done a wonderful job. On Thurs. Nov 20th sales where finalized three days ahead of schedule for the OHL Jan. 11th “Gens vs Petes”at the GM Centre plus a pre-game meal at Johnny’s Eatery under license M567678 for 12 individuals. The licence was limited to 700 tickets to be sold. Optimist members are convined they could have sold at least 1,000 ducats. “We finished 3 days of schedule compared to last year” smiled a contended event chair Greg Bamber. This early sell-off permitted his group to jump start his second raffle three days ahead at the Five-Points Mall. The original date established was Sat. Dec 13 in a one day blitz at the Walmart Stevenson Road location.
His second raffle is unique and isn’t sports related. Four prizes will be awarded including a lst price of a Hand Knitted Quilt with a retail value of $500.00, a set of T-Fal assorted pots and pans, three different sizes of stick free frying pans. This package has retail value of $150.00. Third and Four prize is a Dinning Out package from the Tickled Toad Pub & Grill with Ten dinner, ten lunches and five deserts. This VIP package has a value in savings of $450.00 for 3rd and 4th prize respectively. The total package of donated gifts has a retail market value of $1,100.00.
Only 82 squares remain unsold at closing on Saturday. First day sales were 85 followed by a bang up blitz to-day (Sat) creating 138 sold ducats. It is expected this allotment could create a “Sold Out Completely Sign” on Sun. Sales start at 12 noon. If successful the Optimist may not require the Dec. 13th date afterall.
Optimist crack sales team comprised of Bamber’s dedicated raffle workers include Margie Ross, Neil Metcalfe, Kenny Ferrill, Stephen Hambley, Jimmy Shaw and club president Petrina Perrineau. All have been outstanding spreading the word about the Optimist “Friend Of Youth” policy and community involvement.
Walmart Canada Stevenson Rd General Manager Howard Kerr has promise to match dollar for dollar on every sale accomplished.
All proceeds go directly to the 2008-25th Annual Food Hamper & Toy deliveries set for Sun. Dec 21. Lucky winners for both raffles will be announced that same day. This is one of the busiest time of the year for our membership. Anyone wishing to help may contact us via email e-mail@oshawaoptimist.ca or telephone @ 905-576-6919 and ask for Jim.
Gallery
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