NO MORE OPTIMIST EUCHRE AT JOHNNY’S

July 20, 2010

OPTIMIST EUCHRE MOVING TO NEW LOCATION THIS FALL.

Watch for exciting new Euchre, Great Prizes and Great Fun at our exciting NEW LOCATION

Oshawa Optimists Alive and Well after successful Alexander Brothers

July 20, 2010

Oshawa Optimist Club alive and well after successful Alexander Brothers Concert.

After the negative forecasts of former Optimist executives willing to cancel the concerts and accept a loss of $3200.  President Steve Hambley and President Elect Sybil Dewhurst pushed the event to a profitable end.

 

VILLAGE UNION AFTER SCHOOL BARBEQUE AND FUNDRAISER.  Optimist President Steve Hambley and Director Elizabeth Crosbie along with volunteers Andrea and Patricia served Hot Dogs and Pop at the event.  A Big Thank you to the Salvation Army for providing their vehicle to cook and serve the Hot Dogs.

 

Our next event is the Optimist Bingo, Tuesday at 10:15 at the Red Barn.

 

We are pleased to announce that Marjorie Ogden has accepted the position as Treasurer as many of you know she held this position earlier in the year, we are very happy to have her back.

 

Our club is growing in the last few weeks a number of new people and old friends, even former life members are coming back into the fold.

 

FYI the current executive of the Oshawa Optimist Club is as follows:

President:                      Steve Hambley

President Elect              Sybil Dewhurst

Treasurer                      Marjorie Ogden

Director (Bingo Chair) Sandy Crosbie

Director                         Elizabeth Crosbie

Director                         Greg Bamber

Acting Secretary           Sybil Dewhurst

 

No Bus, Kids Still Fish

May 29, 2010

Oshawa May 29 dispite the Optimist Bus not appearing to hall, 50 students from the Village Union Elementary School still made it down to Herber Downs Conservation Area for the 10th annual MPP Jerry Ouellette Fishing Durby.

The day prior confermation was recieved by Mr. Ouellette’s office conerming the 9:00 am pickup of the students. Paul Barta was bitterly disappointed informing the Optimist Chair Person Sybil Dewhurst of the disappointed of the bus companies error. Barta further stated that this was the first time in the history of this event that this ever happend.

The largest attendance ever was posted by the particiapating organizations. The Oshawa group head the largest number of particiapance for this years event. The Optimist were forced to hire another bus to deliver the students to their destination arriving just in time for Lunch. Limited fishing was available as the general public had the use of the pond. Which was stocked with over 500 trout.

Photos of this event can be found on our site @ www.oshawaoptimist.ca/nggallery/page-319/album-8/gallery-87/

OPTIMIST JOINS KIDS FISHING DERBY

April 30, 2010

Oshawa: May o1; The Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc have joined the Kid’s Fishing Derby 2010 team operated by popular Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette. It’s the 10th anniversary for this prestigious event.The annual derby will be held at the Heber Downs Conservation Area on Sat. May 29th.

For years Ouellette has proposed a partnership with the Oshawa Optimist to join the family-fun-filled day.”Optimist Jim Shaw and I have been friends for decades” remarked Ouellette who made the official announcement to-day.

Shaw stated “as a organization we a proud to join the other community minded groups in helping the kids which serves our mandate of being a “Friend Of Youth”.

Mr.Ouellette is the former Minister of Fisheries for the province.

In the past few years,the Optimist where forced to cut-back or eliminate Youth related community events due to lack of funds.For over 25 years the Optimist Club of Oshawa main fund raiser weekly bingo’s at Whitby’s Hideaway Auditorium was closed Jan. 31,2009 going into receivership. With no incoming in,the Optimist where forced to cut-back or eliminate projects .

The Optimist have rebounded conducting a successfull car from May to December 2009 and have secured a new bingo venue at the Red Barn Auditorium in Oshawa last July. To-day they’re back on the right side of the financial ledger. For six months funds where non existent.

President elect Sybil Dewhurts who takes over the top position effective Oct. lst, 2010 is the driving force behind the fishing derby. She stated “this fishing derby is helping to-day’s youth and getting involved with the community is what the Optimist club is all about.

Her plans are the transport 50 students from the Village Union Eliminatory School to the Herber Downs site. The majority of the kids have never fished before. This experience will served as a liftime of memories.

Besides the enjoyment of fishing the kids will enjoy a BBQ lunch a variety of assorted treats while enjoying the benifits of being outdoors. Countless support groups like the Optimist will be displaying their individual programs ie-teaching how to bait the fishing rods, proper use of conversation,community health, face painting, lure making, casting procedure, instructions of the how to clean the fish, Even the CFL Toronto Argos will have a display and instructions on how to catch and throw a football.

Other wise it not just a fun day it serves as a education tool for unlimited appreciated of the outdoors.

All youngster will be supplied fishing poles with bait including professional and safety instruction will be provided. Over 750 will be stocked in advance for the event.

IT’s A WRAP –OPTIMIST EUCHRE

April 20, 2010

OSHAWA, April 19th; – In show business they would call last night’s Optimist Club of Oshawa sponsored wrap up appreciation banquet a “show of shows” Ninety Optimists and ‘Friends Of Optimist’ collectively shared a bonding atmosphere to climax another successful season of Progressive Monday Nite Euchre at Johnny’s Original Eatery.

Master of Ceremonies Ken ‘Story Teller’ Ferrill saluted those in attendance, said without the Euchre club a spin off of Optimist movement the Optimist club would have folded last spring.

At that point, the local service club had only $2.86 in the bank The future was gloomy with the lost of their bingo at the Hideaway Hall in Whitby and with no apparent means of fundraising. Our city was hit by hard times with massive layoffs, plant closures effecting the mainstream economy.

Founded in Oshawa on July 22, 1982 the Optimist vaulted back ‘taking a chance’ operating a first time car raffle. Working in harmony with the local business, the print and electronic media the Oshawa club has turned the corner eliminating the troublesome times and appear are back on solid footing again.

‘Everyone should be honoured’ quipped Stephen Hambley who engineered the overhaul comeback.He engineering the turn around by accepting his 3rd term president. Without his leadership and positive attitude towards our Oshawa Youth and Community requirements. Now the local club has a new sense of acceptance of accomplishment.Membership was reduced to five members mow has tripled. Volunteers in the last eight months have arose from the woodwork of new found supporters. They now consider the Optimist movement as the place to contributed their volunteer hours.

Worth-while programs that had been eliminated of reduced are now back.

The club operates one major community or youth event monthly. Last week-end was a perfect example of improvement. Ten members aided the Kiwanis club in their 12th Annual Kiwanis Spring Food Drive for needy Oshawa families. This group collecting a record smashing 58,000 pounds.

Back on track,is the re-invention of the Wado Kai Karate Club tournament, the spring break Family Skate & Pancake breakfast, the Community Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) and the always popular 26th annual Optimist Christmas Food & Toy deliveries held Dec. 20th. The Optimist calendar year runs from October till September.

Now everything remains positive. Our membership are having fun,enjoying themselves to the fullest while helping our community. The Optimist are working like well oiled machine jellying as a team serving their mandate of being a “Friend of Youth”.

Last night (April 19) marked another comeback effort. The 4 year old Monday Nite Euchre club closed it’s doors recording another outstanding year in fundraising. Closed for the summer, recording at 15% increase in attendance for 2009-2010 in attendance. It was just four years earlier the Monday nite euchre started with two tables compared the 16 tables operated last night. Certainly everything has flourished as the games are geared to have fun.

Local business merchants supporters of the car raffle sales, the print and elected media ,Ivan Downey and Lori Armstrong representing the Salvation Army and the winner of the General Motors produced “Vibe” Paula Wineck from Whitby enjoyed a 3 course sit-down dinner creating an atmosphere of bonding enjoyment.

This charismatic atmosphere was unbelievable.

After the awards presentations everyone stayed for a night of Progressive Euchre while enjoying the music supplied by a three piece sing-a-long Newfie band who called themselves Peter, Paul and Marion. This hootany style of singing worked majic for the Optimist and their friends.

Card results saw Frances Hirst deposited her four lone hands into a 89 points and was declared the nite’s champion.Top male player was Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky with 81 points . The 2009-2010 lone hands champion with 70 chipped chipped in with 4 LH’s this time.

Among the guest Shelda Woods ,Discount Car Rentals General Manager crushed her opposition scoring 72 points while Mike Kalynko president of the annual Auto Fest show recorded 50 points. Despite his low effort was the important thing….he had FUN. Kalynko is running this autumn for local council. CKDO-am Morning host Terry Johnston couldn’t believe the excitement that prevailed and enjoyed the evening.This trioka even inquired about jointing the Optimist movement.

Monday Nite Euchre players saluted the individual award winners. Dave Conway was named the ‘Best of the Best’ capturing the prestigious percentage award with an average with 69.79 average. To quality a player must appear in 75% of the 2009-2010 scheduled games. This allows for a player to be absent for winter vacation, illness etc. He basically lead from ‘wire to wire’ proving to be the steadiest player. Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky was crowned the lone hands title holder with 70 while Jim Duval collected the season overall most points with 1,811. Likeable Kenny Graves was presented the Jim Shaw “Goof Ball” Award for being named incorrectly the percentage leader earlier.

Five ladies received special flowers from the Optimist Euchre Club. Accepting where Marg Ross who travels weekly from Pontypool to serve as special host and greater, Fay Graves elimates her work schedule taking time off work on Monday’s to help Ross.Audrey Thompson a native of Newfoundland spends her eight weeks vacation in Ontario working Optimist Euchre. Marg Conway and Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield supply the weekly home made deserts. This time it was strawberry short cake from ‘Baba’s kitchen while Conway’s favourite is butter tarts.

To conclude the success evening special lucky draw prizes where awarded in lieu of the weekly 50/50 draw. Winners where Sandy Crosbie receiver of the donated $300.00 sculpture from fellow player David Buchan-Terrill. Bob Blair won the $125.00 Mirco Wave Oven, Brian Tremblay went home a six piece $500.00 Patio set that included the table, four chairs and umbrella, Greg Brooks will enjoy a 25 box of hand woven cigars from the Dominican Republic,Those are worth $18.00 per. Elizabeth Crosbie is now a proud owner of 50,000 Watt $500.00 BBQ, while Mike Logan will be peddling his legs around town in $400.00 mountain bike.

The euchre season is over. Action resumes on Sept 13th at Johnny’s Original Eatery. Meanwhile the Optimist events continued with the “Kids Fishing Derby’ and the 19th annual Youth Blast Ball tournament for youngsters age 3 to 9, scheduled plus a just announced four day series of concerts by the touring Alexandra Brothers from Scotland. They are celebrating their 50th anniversary in show business from May 26 to the 30th. The Oshawa Optimist are the backers for this show. Location will be announced within a week. Oshawa Optimist Alexandra (Sandy) Crosbie and his wife also an Optimist Elizabeth are the promotors .

SANDY SLIPS PASS EVERYONE

February 24, 2010

1. OSHAWA, Feb 22nd; Sandy Crosbie is a happy bus driver during the day light hours than switchs gears into a increditable Optimist Monday Euchre stud during the pm time frame at Johnny’s Original Eatery – better known at Oshawa Optimist headquarters. He was uncanny scoring 95 individual points in nailing a first place finish and collected $20.00 in prize money at the weekly fundraiser for Youth events within Oshawa.

A happy-go-lucky Scotsman from Glasgow produced six lone hands and enjoyed double digit scores with side-kick partners Greg Bamber his neariest  rival with 91 points, Devid Debowsky, Jim Brooks  and Dave Stoliker. It took a 16 point performance in his 10th and final game to squeeze out the triumph. Oddity his partner was Bamber. Other top ten point getters where host Johnny Milosh 89, Donald Richardson 88, Gary Smith 84, Michael Logan 88, david Stoliker 78, Gloria Logan 75, Neil Metcalf 74 and Jim Brooks 72.

GLORIA LOGAN REMARKABLE

Last week’s (Feb 15) top point getter Gloria Logan is probably the steadiest player. It showed again this week claimed the leadership in the prestigious stat percentage point per game. A quiet individual, the day time accountant seems to go unnoticed yet ranked in the top ten again. “Glo” is one of the best including the so-called experts the other gender. She placed in 8th spot out of 32 players. Her average now stands at  an amazing 70;47%. To qualify for this title a player must appear in 75% of the scheduled game. Her accumulative YTD standings are 19 games plated, 33 lone hands and total point showing of 1,339. Logan is like the rock of gilibater. A special prize is awarded annually.

Euchre resumes next Monday, March lst. The first of ten games starts 7 pm.

HELE SET FOR SURGERY

February 24, 2010

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MIKE LOGAN REBOUNDS

February 10, 2010

OSHAWA, Feb 8: Mike Logan has finally solved his low score problem at Optimist Monday Nite. He’s searching for answers for over a month now and considers the problem is behind him after nailing down first placed scoring 92 points besting 39 other players who also had great nite’s at the tables. Scoring five brilliant lone hands, he and his partners teamed up for five double digits gaves to collect first place price of a $35.00 Durham Region Discount 2010 Golf Book.

Since Christmas break, Logan a retiree has hit the low ebb in scotinh doldrums. On Jan 5 he scored 53 points. sunk to 46 at Jan 11 event, improved to a 55 on Jan. 18 and dropped further to 44 on Jan 25. Just a short week ago he showed improvement recording a 61. But this around he feels he’s now on the comeback trail with 93 points. Yhat’s a turn around of z 31 point improvement.

“i’m back” remarked Logan. Among the top ten point getters where Stephen Hambley and Gordo Johnson each resting in second place with 84 points. Ken Graves 80 placed 4th while a two way tie existed for 5th place with Marg Conway and Johnny Milosh scoring 77 points each.  Marjorie Ogden and Ken (Story Teller) Ferrill finished tied in 9th place with 74 points each while a three way tie for 10th place inclufrf  Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky, Greg Brooks and Peter Pniausdkas each with 73.

OTHER IMPORTANT STATS:

Despite being called upon to attend a special Town Council meeting, Dave Conway still maintains his hold onto first place in the YTD percentage per game average.  Mr.’C” owns the top run with a 72.13% following close behind are Gloria Logan at 69.47% while others in the top ten are Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky David Debosky, Peter Pnisudksd, Jim Brooks. David  Duva;. Ron Hele, and Ken Graves.

Our week prize board pay-out was almost $200.00 raising of total after 21 weeks to $4,342.50. Elizabeth Crosbie took first place in th prizes winning the 50/50 draw of $67.50. Gloria Logan took home a bottle of Opti-Napa Valley produced White Wine. while  James Durval, Donald Richardson, Greg Bamber, Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky, David Debosky, Shifley Robinson, Ralph ‘Red’ Brooks, Ruth Bell and Neil Metcalg took home prizes,

You csn add six new players to the 1,000 plus points club. Latest to join are Jan Lynch, Cathy Kehoe, Marg Conway, Michael Logan, Eric ‘Bushwacker’ Goodwin, Ken Graves. Sharing the top billing spotlight are Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield and James Duval each with 1,213 points.

SUPER BOWL PARTY OUTSTANDING

February 8, 2010

OSHAWA, Jan 7th: Underdog New Orleans Saints behind the brilliant quarterbackingb from  Drew Brees employeed a second half story line defeating the game time five point favourite Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XVIL in Miami 31-17.  A handfull of Oshawa Optimist club supporters witnessed probably the greatest National Football championship game ever played at Johnny’s Original Eatery and banished themselves about 10:00 pm stamping out the phrases – ‘we’ll be back again next year’.

It was great, remarked Ron Cordell and his 40 year old son Keith.  The food was superb, the new friendships we gained was super, the underdogs won and now both of us have a better understanding of what the Optimist movement is about here in Oshawa.

Profits from this are directed towards the 27th annual Christmas Food Hampers and Toys to needy local families with scheduled delivery  established for Dec. 19th, 2010. Cordell was a happy camper  departing with a crip $50.00 bbill topping the lucky cash award at half time.

The Oshawa club promotors who organized these event just a few days earlier expected a crowd of 100 patrons however had to settle for 35 customers.  They’re  planning another party for 2011.   Two local councillors, John Neal and John Henry appeared and enjoyed  themselves.

LIZ CROSBIE WINS TOP PRIZE

Special quarter by quarter prizes where awarded. New Optimist Elizabeth Crosbie gained  the top prize, a suite at the GM Centre including 10 OHL tickets and VIP parking passes for the  OHL games featuring the hometown Oshawa Generals against Kitchener Rangers on Sunday afternoon Jan. 21. This prize was donated by the City of Oshawa. Other prize winners where Cathy Kehoe, Greg Bamber, Ron Cordell while John Thexton captured the coveted 50/50 draw.

It will be another busy week for our local service club. Monday nite (Feb 8th) it’s the weekly Progressive Euchre Party featuring 10 games starting at 7pm. Followed by a director’s offsite  meeting at the Durham College Athletic Complex on Fri. Feb. 12th. That same evening the Optimist will complete their final payment directed towards the 9th annual Thomas A. Scero/Sydney H. Breland Memorial scholarship awards to the 2010 winners Courtney Small (varsitt basketball) and Jordon Sutherland (varsity soccer). The first payment was presented last November.  The winners receive an annual split payment and  the final adjustment cheque. The winners must maintain the high level standings in both education and their individual varsity sport.

Members of the Optimist club, friends and family will receive FREE game day basketball  tickets from the college for the O.C.A.A. basketball twin bill against the St. Lawrence Lancers. Actually a bonus game has been added. The Lady Lords game starts at 6:00 pm the men’s match up going at 8:15 pm. The bonus game features the D.C. alumni.

The Optimist presentation will be handled by event chair Sybil Dewhurst and Greg Bamber during intermission estimated to start at 7:50 pm.

‘KAP-MAN’ WINS AHEAD – HEADS FOR CRUISE & FLORIDA TALKING PROUD

February 4, 2010

Week 20 Results….

OSHAWA, Feb 1st: To say, Teddy Kapuscinski has made a lasting impression at the Optimist Club of Oshawa sponsored Monday Nite Euchre would be a mammoth understacement.  He joined the weekly party back on Jan. 11st being encouraged to join fellow loving card players bt his friend David Debosky. Certainly he’s stamped himself as superb euchre player taking first place overall on his first night and followed up with another pace setting leader board result with a night 82 points. To date he’s accumulated 285 points including six lone hands and a nifty game percentage of 71.25%. His latest triumph was a cliff hanger nosing out Jim Durval by a orphan point 82-to 81. Meanwhile Sandy Crosbie and fast improving Ken Graves finished deadlocked in a third place tie with 77 points apiece.

This Thursday, (Feb 4th) he departs for a one month vacation. His iternity includes a two way stay enjoying a Carbinean Cruise plus a fort-nite resting in the sunshine state of Florida.

Never one to brag ‘The Kap-Man’ he chose the $35.00 Durham Region Golf book full of plenty of discount golf games and restaurants as his first prize over the normal $20.00 cash award. Relating back now, the retired Durham Region school board retiree was prouder of the of O.U.I.T. hockey ball cap he won during the weekly 50/50 draw. The proud Ukranian hasn’t taken it off since. He was wearing the cap proud going out the door acknowledging safe trip and enjoy your vacation from his peers.

Rounding out the top ten point getters where Cathy Kehoe, Jim Brooks, and the upcoming ace Don Richardson,  Neil Metcalf, David Conway and Dave Dobesky.

DUVAL PUSHES BATMAN ASIDE

Vactioning Ron ‘Batman” Hele has relinquished his first place grip on the most points YTD category. He has dropped  slipping into third place while enjoying his annual winter cruise vacation. Accepting first place is Jimmie Duval who continued his steady play. Jimmie “D” now has 1,143 points on the year, He’s followed by veteran Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield who has 1,129 points. Gloria Logan who seems to have the inside track of overhauling Duval follows in fourth spot. Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky, David Conway, Jim Brooks, Peter Pniauskas, Eric Goodwin and Bob Blair share the top ten spotlight.

PRIZE BOARDS NOW OVER $4,000.00

Playing Monday Nite Optimist Euchre has been profitable to our players. After 20 weeks and 10 weeks remaining to season’s end retail and cash awards now stands well over $4,000.00. for an average of over $200.00 per event. Latest 50/50 winner was Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky collecting $54.00. Discount Golf Books, Opti-Napa Valley White Wine plus a wide variety of prizes ie-safety auto road kits, toasters, “T’ Shirts, ball caps, toasters etc have been won this year. Prize winners this week beside’s Burtinsky where Don Richardson, Jan “Hon” Lynch, Jim Brooks, Ted Kapuscinski, Elizabeth Crosbie, Dave Stoliker, Ken ‘Story Teller’ Ferrill and Gregory Bamber.

BAMBER RECEIVES PEERS SUPPORT

Physically challenged Optimist Euchre player Greg Bamber who is confided into a wheel chair received special support from his fellow players. He’s involved in his third annual wheel chair endurance ride scheduled for later this month in Peterborough. He raised over $200.00 in pledges to be directed to his favourite charity- the handicap. Three years ago he was helping a friend shingle his roof when he fell to ground and is now restricted to a wheel.  Always up-beat, Bamber celebrated his 54 birthday last weekend

OPTIMIST SUPERBOWL FUNDRAISERS GOES SUN. FEB 7

Optimist and their friends and sports fans are guaranted a FUN 6TIME at the Optimist Club of Oshawa members sponsored Super Bowl party this Sun. Feb. 7th. It’s the 44th annual gala NFL championship game from South Florida featuring the NFC’s New Orleans Saints pitted against the AFC’s Indianapolis Colts. It should be great night of exciting football and bonding with those in attendance. A capacity crowd is expected.  Special Prizes including a $500.00 valued OHL Suite for the Feb. 21st game against the home town Oshawa Generals against the Kitchener Rangers. Tasty all you can buffet menu, munchies, desert, salad, coffee, tea, and a cash bar being available.

Proud supporter of the Oshawa Optimist Club restaurant owner/chef Johnny Milosh has an open invitation for everyone to attend.  Other rewards features a 50/50 draw plus cash awards.

Johnny’s Original Eatery is located in Oshawa at 850 King St. West. Advance reservations can be made by calling 905-576-6919 or 905-576-7748. Doors open at 4 pm. and kickoff is 6:00 pm

All profits are directed towards the Optimist Club of Oshawa 27th  annual Christmas Food Hamper and Toy Deliveries scheduled for Sun. Dec. 19th. .