Optimist Club of Oshawa

TEAM CROSBIE – EXCELS AT OPTIMIST EUCHRE

Jim Shaw — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:50:16 +0000

OSHAWA, MAR 16: Another successful monthly bingo was conducted at the Oshawa Red Barn Auditorium directed by Elizabeth & Sandy Crosbie our new bingo co-chairs. This marks the second bingo the Crosbie’s have operated on a solo basis and they deserve solid credit for performing yeoman service.

Heading the Crosbie volunteer team where president Stephen Hambley, president elect Sybil Dewhurst, Eric Goodwin, Peter Pniauskas and high-school student Jordan Passfield (grandson to our Monday Nite Euchre team Pat ‘Baba ‘Passfield.

The ledger balanced again proving the system being operated by the Crosbie is airtight. A total 71 customers attended the late night session.

Our next Monthly bingo will be held on Tues. April 20th. Volunteers should contact the Crosbie’s via email at bingo@oshawaptimist.ca to volunteer your services.

CROSBIE IMROVES BY 38 POINTS – BECOMES TOP DOG

Jim Shaw — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:34:34 +0000

OSHAWA, March 15th: -What a difference a 7 day’s makes at the weekly Optimist Club of Oshawa sponsored Monday Nite Progressive Euchre party.Well that’s the way Sandy Crosbie see’s it improving by 38 points from Mar. 8th to Mar. 15th. He jumped from 38th place to lst.

He launched a one man attack against 39 other players to conqueor top spot with 89 points. By comparision a week prior he managed a mere 51 points. He started his ten games very slowly collecting only 5 points playing with Elizabeth. After they broke up he went on a streak scoring 27 points playing with Shirley Robinson for 14 points than added 13 more as Brian Tremblay’s partner. His other double digit scores where compiled toiling with Jan ‘Hun” Lynch 13,Tremblay again with 15 and David Pye with 10 more points. On the night he had four lone hands and now has compiled a sparking 67.61% week total point percentage.

After game one, Elizabeth got the monkey off her back as well placing 5th overall just 10 points back of her hubby. ‘Lizzie’ posted three lone hands. Other ‘top ten finishers’ where Brian Tremblay second with 85 points, steady Gloria Logan was 3rd with 81 points followed by David Stoliker with 80 points. Birthday gal Cathy Kehoe and Margaret McFayden shared sixth tied with 76 points,Frances Hirst continues to improve scoring 75 points for a 8th place showing, Michael Logan had a 74 and petit Shirley Robinson rounded out select group with 71.

LONE HAND’S RACE REMAINS TIGHT

Seems the Lone Hands race is going right to the wire with a photo finish. With four weeks remaining Jim Duval has retained his first place grip with 58 accumulated lone hands. He scored a pair on Mar 15th however the year long leader Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky who is endearing a late season slide rebound somewhat posting 3 and now is just two back of Duval. Jim’s buddy David Debosky won’t go away either, trailing his lone time friend by three. Defending two time champ Ron ‘Batman’ Hele sitting on the sidelines recovering from a triple by-pass is a distance with 45. Hele’s return to action is still a long way away despite progress in the past week. The other top ten performers remain only as pretenders and not contenders.

PERCENTAGE LEADERSHIP WIDE OPEN

Will it be David Conway or Gloria Logan who win the prestigious yearly percentage award? This award marks the signal of a true champion. To qualify a player must maintain a high weekly standard of points. Further each competitor must appear in 75% of the game played during the 2009-2010 season. George Hagerty is the defending title holder. With 4 weeks remaining an individual to qualify must have played a minimum of 23 games of the 30 game schedule. This longevity permits players to have winter vacations, illness etc and eliminates any hot or cold streaks.

At present it’s a dog fight between Mr. “C” at 70.21% vs Gloria Logan at 70.04%. Other possible winners could come from David Debosky, James Brooks, James Duval, Kenny Graves, Jan ‘HuN’ Lynch, Bob Blair, Mike Logan or Pat Brooks.

‘GLO’ TOPS THE TOTAL POINT LEADER BOARD

Everyone’s favourite Gloria Logan has taken over first in the total point YTD Leader board scoring 81 points giving he a year total of 1,541 points. Jim Duval last week’s pace setter slipped into second with 1,513 after he dropped 19 points from the previous week. Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield another ‘hot and cold’ streaker performer is the other 1,500 point plus player with 1508 just 33 points back. Jim Brooks and Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky rest in the 1,400 point area.

MISTER ‘C’ THE 50/50 WINNER

Affectingly know as Mr. ‘C’ David Conway is richer pocketing $62.50 in capturing the popular 50/50 draw. As a result the Optimist Fund Raiser has produced $1,478.50 in Opti-payouts. Cost for draw tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and may be obtained from our hostess Margaret Ross at the start of the evening. The draw is made at intermission after five games and Johnny’s delicious lunch. Consolidation prizes where won by Sandy Crosbie, Shirley Robinson, David Pye, James Duval, Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky, Ted Kapuncunski, Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield and Kenny Graves. YTD total for all prizes now stands at $5,234.50 for the ‘09-’10 Euchre campaign

SEASON ENDS APR. 19 WITH APPRECIATION DINNER

The majority rules.At a secret ballot taken the 2009-2010 Optimist Monday Nite Euchre will end on Mon. April 19th with the annual championship awards and appreciation dinner. It’s was a narrow vote 65% voted to end the year after 30 weeks while 35% requested the season to be extended into May. Actually the competition will on April 12th permitting time to calculate the stats That means four Monday’s remain to play.Dates are Mar 22 & 29 and in April on the 4th 12. Individual awards will be presented on April 19th to wrap up another successful fundraising year in aid of supporting the Optimist Club mandate of‘Serving the Youth and Community of Oshawa’

Plans call for a steak dinner with the trimmings on April 19th. These year we’ve had another banner year and our appreciation awards and dinner is the Optimist way of saying a special Thank-You for supporting our Euchre. The 2010-2011 campaign our 5th season will commence on Sept. 15th. To-date this year 92 players have played Optimist Euchre with a hard core of 48 players who have played 8 games or more this season.

GORDO BOAST HE’S NUMBER ONE

Jim Shaw — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:51:55 +0000

OSHAWA, March 8th: -It’s been 19 weeks in coming but Gordo Johnson finally achieved his year long wish nailing down first place at the weekly sponsored Optimist Club of Oshawa Monday Nite Euchre Recently retired, Gordo was wearing the biggest smile crumbling all the opposition by

launched 88 points for his first ever record victory. “He was like dancer doing his victory after

the millions on a ’649′ ticket.

Prior to Monday’s action, Johnson was an average a mid-fifty scorer however in recent weeks his totals has beem on the upward swing. Finally he has his breakout evening. On the year Johnson has improved tremoudously having 1,162 YTD accumulative points, 27 lone hands including a season high five on Mar 8, while jumping from 19th place on Mar lst result a 28 point increase. WOW he’s the man. After 19 games played his average percentage is a respectable 59;66%

Other top ten finishers where Jim Duval 82, followed by a 3 way deadlock with Ruth Bell, Shirley Robinson, Geo. Hagerty each with 81 points. David Conway followed with 78, Ken (Balecher) Graves 77, Pat ‘Baba” Passfield 74, while our host Johnny Milosh, Optimist president Stephen Hambley and Greg Brooks each connected with 73 points apiece

JINGLE JIM LEADS IN TWO OTHERS

Two time defending champion Ron ‘Batman’ Hele recovering from recent triple by pass surgery recover quicker just to retail his crown. He trails Duval by eleven and holds down 4th spot.

Meanwhile Duval is the “main guy” with the most points scored YTD. He’s accumulated 1,468 eight better than second place rival Gloria Logan. Dobosky stated loud and clear to his buddy Duval in a prepared statement – Next Week is Mind. Dobosky is in striking range to overtaking him – heck he smiled quipping the heck with friendship … I want to win’

HUBBA – NORMA WINS.. YTD PAYOUTS HITS $5K

Who says that Super Max or the Lotto 649 has more winners. Sure we operate on a smaller scale in payouts but our weekly prize board does OK. After 25 weeks, Cash and Prizes has totalled - $5,030.50 in payouts YTD.major winner was Hubba, Hubba Norma Hubbell taking home $61.00 in the shared the wealth 50/50 draw. It was her second windfall this 2009-2010 euchre season. Previously she won the year’s highest amount $75.00 on Sept 28th. YTD “Hub” has pocketed $136.00 in Opti-dollars. Her travelling companion

Pat “Baba” Passfield has won 3 times totalling of $163.00. Other Mar. 8th prize award receptiants were Gord Johnson, George Hagerty, Bob Blair, Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield, Jack Gagnon, Betty Etili, Sandy Crosbie, Bob ‘Dirt” Burtinsky, David Pye, Pat Brooks, Ralph ‘Red’ Brooks and David Conway. 50/50 Tickets are sold at the entrance doorway by Opti-Greeter Marg Ross at $2.00 each or 3

OPTIMIST SKATE-PANCAKES — PERFECT

Jim Shaw — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:48:23 +0000

OSHAWA, March 07: Supporters of the Optimist Club of Oshawa members sponsored annual Family Skate and Pancake Breakfast walked out of the Children’s Arena located in mid-town Oshawa having received two hours of fun exercise skating with perfect ice conditions and boasting healthy red cheeks. Slipping through the door ways they’re departure also included a tummy full of Opti-style home made pancakes including everyone’s favourite chocolate chip.

A final count of 202 patrons skated enjoying family bonding with fellow skaters and eaters. This reminded Optimist 29th president Stephen Hambley that this was an excellent day. He continued to say “I’ve been around our skating parties for years but this was one of the best” To me it looked as if everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest commented Optimist president elect Sybil Dewhurst as native of the Carbineen who has never skating before.

Special highlight was the appearance of Tori Richards a talented figure skater. Her solo lasted only just over 3 minutes and the crowd request more.The Oshawa Figure Skating Club member but she had to depart as other commiments prevailed. Tori – is a ‘feel good story’ For the past few years Richards a teenager has been a mainstay helping Optimist Youth Events. Her admitted favourite is the annual Optimist Christmas Food Hampers & Toy deliveries each December. The atheltic Richards blood lines run deep and Tori continues in the tradition. Her great-grandfather Ivan, grand-father Ron, her uncle Ron Jr hold positions as the only family having three generations as inducted members in the Oshawa Hall of Fame. Father Randy is a former national Ski jumper member and he’s former head coach of Canada’s National ski jumping team.

The Durham College mascot proved popular with the youngsters skating. He joined hands, providing hi-five’s and aid older skaters who haven’t skated for years.

Tom McNaught the Cenon Governor inducted five new Oshawa members. These new members included Eric Goodwin, Peter Pniauskas Sandy Crosbie, Elizabeth Crosbie and president elect Sybil Dewhurst. It is believed this was the first time induction have been conducted on arena ice, Records must be checked out in the World Book of Records. The Optimist organization was founded in 1919 world wide. The Oshawa club was chartered July 22, 1982.

Councillor John Henry represented city council.

Yeomen volunteer work efforts where turned in by Kenny Graves, Cathy Kehoe, Earl Allen, Miles Richardson, Brian Tremblay, Eric Goodwin, Ken Ferrill, Stephen Hambley, Sybil and William Dewhurst, Peter Pniauskas, Don Richardson, Elizabeth and Sandy Crosbie and Jim Shaw. Those volunteers brought their own skillets, flippers, mixing bolls and wooden spoons serving up over 1,632 Opti-Cakes loaded with diet free syrup.

In exchange to patrons supplied non-perishable food products to aid the Salvation Army Food bank.

A full scale of media turned up for this important fundraiser for the Salvation Food Bank with a estimated 750 pounds of non-perishable Food collected.op

ANOTHER LOGAN VICTORY

Jim Shaw — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:38:50 +0000

OSHAWA, March 01; If it isn’t one Logan claiming top billing than it’s the other. Such is the finding a weeky Monday Nite Sponsored Optimist Bingo’s at Johnny’s Orginal Eatery. This past Monday (Mar lst) it was hubby David claiming domestic bragging rights as the best Euchre player in the Logan household. He outscored 35 other players registering 83 points including a trioka of mammoth lone hands. He nailed the victory teaming up with partner David Debosky compilin 13 points in game 10. This is comparsion to the Team Canada triumph 3-2 in overtime win against Team USA. His other double digit scores where recorded with Jan ‘Hun” Lynch (12) and Gord’O'Johnson (11) as playmates.That troika of points accounting for 46 points good for 56% of his total score.

On the year “LeGros Mike” has 1,236 points, 34 lone hands and sparkling 61;80% per game in points. Certainly he’ll have the bragging rights in the Logan household this week.His lovely wife Gloria slipped 19 points this time around finishing up with a woeful 56 points after a 8th place finish on Feb 22.

Other top ten point makers included;- Cathy Kehoe 79.Bob Blair 77, John Brooks 74, Gary Smith 71, Miles Richardson 70, Neil’Farmer’ Metcalf 69 while Frances Hirst, Jan ‘Hun” Lynch, Jim Duval and Eric Goodwin all deadlocked in a 8th place draw each with 67 points.

‘GLO’ TOPS THE % LEADERBOARD

Despite playing second banana to her likeable hubby, Gloria Logan is still the front-runner in the most important category. She tops the percentage leader board with a nifty 69.75% holding a first place advantage over David Debosky who has vaulted into second place. ‘Dapper’ Dave trails by a mere 1.25%.Other potentional contenders are Jim Brooks 67.40%, Jim Duval 66.00%, Patricia Brooks 65.44%, Bob ‘Dirt’Burtinsky 64.04%, Neil ‘Farmer’ Metcalf 64.22%, Peter Pniauskas 63;85%, Eric ‘Bushwacker’ Goodwin 62.95% while the hospitalized Ron ‘Batman’ Hele is still in the top runingten despite missing the last couple weeks from a triple by-pass surgery owning a 62.83% mark.

To win this prestigious crown a player must have appeared in 75% of the schedule 2009-2010 season. With six weeks remaining (season ends on Apr 14th) it looks like a photo-finish will happen.

Meanwhile Gloria does trail James Duval in the YTD total points scored. Jim has 1,386 while ‘Glo’ checks in with 1,385

MOST LONE HANDS A MO-TOWN BATTLE

“U” pick’em who will win the most lone hands on the season. James Duval or Bob ‘Dirt’ Burtinsky. They share the top rung each with 52. Both managed only a single LH’s effort during week 24 action. Right on their heels is David Debosky with 50. Other contenter’s are two time defending champ Ron ‘Batman’ Hele 45,Pat Brooks 42, Jim Brooks 41, Peter Pniauskas 39, Eric ‘Bushwacker’ Goodwin 36 Mike Logan 34 while John Brooks rests in 10th spot 21 back of the co-leaders.

‘BABA’ ADDS $51.00 TO HER POCKET BOOKS YTD TOTAL STANDS $163.00

Pat ‘Baba’ Passfield has won her third 50/50 draw this season. On Mar 01 she took home $51.00 on ticket 6107 to increase her season’s windfall to $163.00. Previous recorded wins occurred opening night Sept 14 ($60.50) followed by $51.50 on Nov. 23. “The extra cash is appreciated’ smiled the noted desert maker. She has planned surgery in late May for hip and knee replacement. on her hip and knees.

Other prize winners where Mike Logan,Jan ‘Hun” Lynch, Ted Kapuscinski (just back from Florida), Eric ‘Bushwacker’ Goodwin, Don Richardson,Miles Richardson,Gus Gordon and Bob Burtinsky. To be eligible players must purchase a ticket. They’re available at the doors from hostess Marg Ross at the economical price of $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.

OPTIMIST FREE SKATE FEATURES PANCAKES MARCH 07

Jim Shaw — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:23:20 +0000

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.

HELE HAS SUCCESSFUL TRIPLE BY-PASS

Jim Shaw — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:40:38 +0000

TORONTO, Feb 25: Successful triple by- pass heart surgery was completed at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto by Doctor Latter on long time Car Classic guru and Optimist Monday Nite Euchre stud player Ronald ‘Batman’ Hele. It’s been quite a week for the retired General Motors employee, Peter Pniauskas his long time friend has been a strong supporter of Ron and his wife Irene during this entire week long ordeal. He’s been with him every supporting his long time and loyal friend.

Last week-end, he entered Lakeridge Hospital (Oshawa General) via a ‘911′ ambulance on Sat. Feb 20 complaining of having a shortness of breath. He spent Saturday and Sunday in emergency as OGH had no beds available. On Mon. (Feb 22) he was taken to Scarborough Hospital via ambulance for further testing and returned back to Oshawa that same evening late. Finally on Tues. Oshawa awarded him a bed on the 4th floor

The test conducted in Scarborough proved he had suffered a heart attack with three artery problems. One was pronounced dead and non-operation, one was blocked 70% and the third by 50 %.

At this point, he was informed surgery was required at a undetermined venue. Late Wed Feb 24 information filtered down that Doctor Latter would operate in Scarborough at 1:30 pm on Thur (Feb 25) The location was switched to St. Michaels for 4:30 pm than adjusted again t0 1:30 pm. The surgery normally take between three to four hours.

He required a litre of blood during surgery which has been described as successful, however he suffered permanent heart problems. Further reports indicated his quality of life will improve and dispute remaining on self fuelled oxygen temporally. He is expected to return home late next week.

SANDY SLIPS PASS EVERYONE

Jim Shaw — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:17:59 +0000

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

Jim Shaw — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:25:30 +0000

OSHAWA, Feb 23: Ron ‘Batman ‘Hele one of the better Optimist Monday Nite Euchre players finally has his ownbed and room at Lakeridge Health (Oshawa General Hosiptal). He’s been in the emergecy ward since his arrival via ‘911′ ambulance on Sat. Feb 20. He’s been placed on the 4th floor room 4101.

On Mon. Feb 22 he was taken to Scarborough Hosiptal for further testing cause from his major concern of being short of breath. The results verified he has major problems with his arteries. One is described as being dead and non-functional, another has a 70% blockage and the third is operating at 50%.

His wife Irene, reports doctors have ordered a triple by-pass surgery which hopefully we be done later in the week. The surgery will be done preformed in Scarbourgh rather than the O.G.H. She further confirmed that doctors’ stated Ron has had a heart attack.

Prayers and best wishes go out to the Hele family from his friends at the Optimist Club of Oshawa especially the Monday Nite Euchre club members.

RON ‘BATMAN’ HELE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL

Jim Shaw — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:30:42 +0000

OSHAWA, Feb 20th; Ron Hele 76,was rushed to Lakeridge Health (Oshawa General Hospital) via ambulance at 5:00 pm (est) Saturday evening. The emergency call resulted from a ‘911′ call.

Hele who is affectingly know by his Optimist Monday Nite Euchre club team-matges as ‘Batman’ is expected to have an extended stay at OGH as doctors attempt to locate the reason for his shortness of breath. A series of test will be conducted.

Irene, stated her husband will probably will call OGH home for a mimimium of five days. He’ll spend this evening in the emergency ward until a bed becomes available. Irene further stated her husband had suffered a heart attack.

It was a week ago he and Irene both General Motors retires returned home from a two week cruise. As details are made available readers to our website will be advised.

Prayers and best wishes for a rapid recovery go out the Ron and Irene.