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.

DOWN TOWN MERCHANTS EXPECTING CAPACITY CROWDS WORKING WITH THE OPTIMIST

July 12, 2009

Oshawa: This weekend hopes to be another boost for the Optimist Club of Oshawa Fundraising efforts. It’s the annual summer 4 day bonanaza sale. Teaming up in partnership with the localdowntown  business operators in an attempt to lure shoppers, the Optimist members have gone overboard to make this a event special.Operational days July 15,16,17,18

Besides bargain based pricing, the OCO have pulled out all the stops. Each day over the noon hour, Bingo and Euchre games are available in a special share the wealth pay-off. Out front of the interim hall, chef Dave Maher will be cooking up his BBQ  serving Optim-Burgers, Sausage On A Bun and delicious hotdogs. Bubbles & Bibbies will be doing her thing, with face painting in a clown-like atsmophere with the Funky Monkies. Three local Optimist Bands will be appearing over the noon hour supporting our Car Raffle draw. Leading off Wed. July 15 will be Gary Fossum and his Country & Western band, followed by the Nancy Jones special clown band and on Friday July 17th -PC Scott Dargie lead singer with the D.R.P.S. Heat Rock’N'Roll  Band  will singing and playing your favourites. Special Youth sponsored Optimist sports teams will be supplying sports demo’s for the public daily at high noon. The Wado Kai Karate Club, Blue Knight Lacrosse Club, the NASC Softball and soccer clubs  will conducting the secrets of their sports. Daily at 12:30 pm the go head to head in a “Tug Of War Contest” with local city councillors, D.R.P.S. and the Oshawa Firefighters supplying the opposition.  The winning team will receive a Opti-Lunch and reconigition awards.

On the final day Sat. July 18th at Lot 4, the Optimist are hosting a mammoth Yard Sale under Optimist Miles Richardson. Vendors can purchase tables for $15.00 each in advance. Cash payments go directly to the Optimist Christmas Food Hamper and Toy Deliveries.  Bargains galore will be on display from 8 am till 1 pm. Vendors are requested to be set up and ready to go by 7:45 am.

Immedately following the yard sale, it’s off to the  downtown ball park to watch exciting Inter-County baseball tagged as Optimist Day At The Ball Park. We’re featuring the hometown heroes the Oshawa Dodgers up against the highly touted Toronto Maple Leafs. Patrons are requested to bring along a non-perishible Food item to aid the deplated Salavation Army Food bank. Game time is 2 pm and Optimist president Petrina Perrineau will toss out the first pitch,

Certainly these are exciting time for the Optimist Club of Oshawa members.

OPTIMIST LOB-BALL TOURNAMENT STRIKES OUT

May 3, 2009

OSHAWA: The proposed first annual Lob-Ball “Guys & Dolls” Lob-Ball tournament has struckout. Event chair Jim McFater had to cancel the three day fundraising event scheduled for May 8th, 9th, 10th at Alexandra Park as not enough teams had applied. “We had about six teams interested in playing” reports McFater from the original proposal of sixteen. Another had displayed sincere interest however the down payment of $150.00 just wasn’t available.

I’m very disappointed reported McFater however if we would have operated we would have operated at a loss.

The intention was to raise enough funds to cover our Youth and Communitys scheduled events  for this summer. Since the lost of Optimist weekly bingo’s  at the Hideaway on January 31st  the Oshawa Club have been seeking and investigating other avenues to require funds. For the past 28 years Optimist bingo has operated for the past twenty-eight years. Currently Oshawa  has an bingo application to operate at the Red Barn commencing on July lst,2009. At present the City of Oshawa licensing bureau awaiting approval.

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.

OPTIMIST-WADO KAI KARATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS DEC 06

December 8, 2008

Optimist Wado-Kai Karate 19th Annual Tournament

December 7, 2008

Oshawa ,Dec 06:- For the 19th consecutive year the Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc Membership sponsorship of the Annual Wado Kai Youth Karate tournament resulting in another first class showcase. Upwards to 500 participates, parents, friends and genuine supporters attended this function.

Again the Optimist Club under the direction of event chair- Oshawa Club president Petrina Perraneau performed yeoman service  at the event held at the Y.W.C.A. gym. The Oshawa Optimist Membership supplied first class rated trophies for all events. The calibre of trophy was designed by former Oshawa Optimist Ted Bailey, president in 2000 who received accolades from the receiptants. Also the Optimist kitchen staff comprised  of current Oshawa President Petrina Perrineau and her two side kicks Optimist Stephen Hambley (President 2005 & 2008) and Jimmy Shaw (President 2006) proudly hung out the COMPLETELY SOLID OUT sign from their gourmet menu comprised of Opti-Hotdogs, Opti-Bottle Water and Opti Soda at the bargain bottom price of a “Loonie Each” Fresh made orange drink was supplied FREE by the Optimist. Complete results details will appear on our website WWW.OSHAWAOPTIMIST.CA on Mon. Dec 8th

17th Annual Optimist/NASC Tournament A Success

August 12, 2008

Oshawa, Aug 9th… Another successfull Oshawa Optimist Members/NASC Youth SoftballTournament was held at the North Oshawa Community Centre on the weekend.Over 300 players and their coaches ranging from ages 3 to 9 where treated in “Big League” fashion each receiveing a Opti-Hot Dog, Opti-Orange Drink, Opti-Orange Soda, Opti-Potato Chips and Opti-Freezies.This was their year end wrap-up banquet featuring games and skill competitions.Optimist director Joe Dryson was so busy handling the B.B.Q. he required relief help from event coordinator Jim Shaw as the smoke that prevailed became to much for the 83 year retired cabinet maker from New Jersey. “I’ve been doing this job for nearly a decade quipped Joe but this year the line-ups for my product seemed never ending. Eloi Dalcourt a “Friend Of Youth” supporter presented each participant with Optimist Medillions. Names of winners’ weren’t released as prior approval wasn’t secured. Two weeks prior the the NASC selected received front page coverage in Metroland’s- TorStar paper Oshawa This Week while SNAP-Oshawa published pictures without approval. Optimist webmaster Matthew Dykstra was the other volunteer. The Salvation Army mobile kitchen produced the Opti-Dogs for the kids under the direction of reliable Billy Boyce and his trusty side kick Trevor Smith. Special praise to the players parents who brought along an estimed 308 pounds of non-perishable food items to support the always needy Salvation Army Food Bank.Thanks to SNAP-Oshawa who supplied pictures for our website.

OPTIMIST LOB-BALL CHARITY TOURNAMENT

May 5, 2008

BATTER-UP JUNE 28/29 OPTIMIST LOB-BALL

* Profits – 25th ‘08 Annual Xmas Food Hampers & Toys
* 4 Divisions – 44 Games @ Alexandra Park
* 2 Fun Filled Days – Includes Opti-Dogs & Breakfast
* Featuring Top Guys/Dolls Teams From Durham Region

Oshawa, June 28/29………… Be sure to check off June 28/29 on your Optimist Calender. The Optimist Club of Oshawa members are sponsoring their first ever Lob-Ball Tournament at historical Alexandra Park located within the heart of our great city. This two day weekend gala event will create sincere people bonding within our community plus gain needed funds to operate our 25th annual Christmas Food Hamper and Toy deliveries scheduled for Dec. 21st from Optimist Headquarters aka Southmead Park.

Oshawa long known as the softball captial of Canada has our Optimist members bringing to-gether 32 teams to be classified into four different divisions, creating 44 games, permitting a “Buzz”of excitement among the local lob-ball jocks.

Action starts Saturday, June 28 with the first pitched called for 8:00 am sharp. Time limit of 75 minutes per game and a 10 run mercyrule after five innings will prevail to ensure the tight schedule is
kept. The finals are set for 12:30 pm featuring the top two teams in each division. Acknowledged with the presentationof Optimist “Friend Of Youth” jackets for the 4 division champions while the finalist receiving Optimist Sports Bags. Prizes have a retail value of $3,500.00.

As a Optimist bonus each time will receive pre-game ice-cold bottled water, a opti-hotdog after two games played, plus an Ole-fashion Sunday morning breakfast buffet served by Johnny’s Orginal Eatery Restaurant owner Johnny Milosh and his staff. Johnny’s is located at 850 King St and is the home of Monday Nite Optimist Progressive Euchre which operates from mid-September till early April annually.

Teams may register NOW via email events@oshawaoptimist.ca or tele – 905-576-6919. Cost per team is $290.00. A non refundable reserve deposit of $90.00 is required. Confirmation and receipts will be issued. The balance must be paid in full on or before June 15th allowing the the committee ample time to finalize the 4 division schedules. All payments must be paid via certified cheque or cash with no exceptions. Cheques should be issued to the Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc.

KUDOS FROM PRESIDENT STEPHEN HAMBLEY TO HIS MEMBERS BUSY 72 HOUR WEEKEND

December 19, 2007

Oshawa, Dec 17th – Kudo’s to Optimist Club President Stephen Hambley and his Merry Elves who finalize a busy 72 hour long weekend before the annual Christmas Break

On Saturday Petrina Perrineau event chair sperk headed the charge as event chair for the 11th Annual sponsored Optimist Wado Kai Karate tournament held at the Y.W.C.A. in Oshawa. Helper Optimist Elves were president Stephen Hambley, Joe Dryson and Jim Shaw worked long a well oiled machine operating full fledge Optimist Kitchen selling Opti-Dogs, Opti-Sausage on a Bun, Opti-Bottle Water with Opti- FREE Orange. Optimist Dryson certainly has his magic working as his kitchen was completely SOLD OUT.

OPTIMIST KARATE-FEATURING WADO KAI U16 PERFORM SAT. DEC 15

December 11, 2007

Oshawa, Dec 15h. Over 500 should be in attendance at the 12th Annual Optimist Wado/Kai Karate tournament on Saturday, Dec 15th starting at 1:00 pm at the Y.W.C.A. gym located at 1 McGrigor St. between Simcoe and Centre Street. Their local telephone number is 905-723-9922. All Zone 8 Optimist Clubs (Ajax,Brooklin, Oshawa, Whitby and Uxbridge) are encouraged to be in attendance and cheer on their favourite competitor.

Event chair Petrina Perrineau has arrange for the Optimist “Happy Cookers” to be in attendance again. Led by head chef Optimist Joe Dryson his helpers are Steve Hambley and Jim Shaw. On Dryson’s Opti-menu will be Sausage on a Bun for a Toonie ($2.00) Jumbo Opti-Dogs for a Loonie ($1.00) Free Orange Drink is available for the children.