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 17

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.

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

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

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.