THE OAKLINE

The Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres, Inc

President’s Message

v Fred Fickling

Since assuming the role of President of the Oakridge Optimist Club (again), I have had the opportunity of working closely with many of our Optimist members. It will be one of my goals , this year, to get to know, even better, many more of our fifty- plus members, in our quest of serving youth in our community and abroad. Each and every one of us have the opportunity (and responsibility), as an Optimist member, to be involved with one or more of our youth programs, either at the organizational or working level. Please volunteer to help or “Just Say YES” when called upon to fill the many committees which will be working again this year. A good example was Optimist Don Lucas phoning me to volunteer to head up the Oratorical committee. He would welcome the assistance of some Optimist members. For information, call Opt. Don, (474-0854).

Our programs are numerous and we need everyone’s help to be successful. Each Optimist reaches thirty-one youths when every member is involved. Please ask yourself “What can I do to contribute to the Oakridge Optimist Club this year?” or “Why am I an Oakridge Optimist?”

Our membership is growing. At our N.O.W. breakfast on Saturday, November 02, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Herdman inducted two new members, Peter Riffel and Darryl Danek. They will be a welcomed addition to our club. They already work the Bingos. Thanks, to Optimist Pat Moffatt, for sponsoring these new members. Well done, Pat! Optimist Gary Shawyer, with assistance from Don Draper and Jim Easton, organized this gathering and are thanked for their contributions. Good job Optimist gentlemen!

We are well on our way to our goal of 10+ new members this year. (P.S.- Opt Gary brought out 3 prospective members himself.)

Our Vice-Presidents, Optimist Vince Giannantonio (Ways and Means) and Optimist Andy Friyia (Youth), have been very busy fulfilling the duties of their respective roles. Again, please help out if these Optimist leaders call upon you. Even better, call them and ask how you can be of assistance.

Our dinner meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2002, will feature a presentation by Ray Bradbury and Reid Huston of Oakridge Ford outlining the contribution of their company to our sports programs (hockey, soccer, and baseball). This promises to be an interesting and informative chance to learn and appreciate this partnership. Please make every effort to attend this evening of information and fellowship. P.S. – You are invited to bring a prospective member, as well.

I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting, if not before, and I will be in contact with you.

President Fred Fickling

Oakography

v Andy Friyia

Andy Friyia is in his third year of membership with our club and he has already taken a lead roll in our activities. He has completed one year as a Director and is embarking on a term as Vice President – Youth. This position is probably the most demanding on the Board, as it requires the member to take part in the meetings of the three sports committees as the club representative and liaison. Some people may not be aware that the soccer, hockey and baseball committees are not separate, autonomous entities, but rather, committees of the Oakridge Optimist Club.

Andy has taken a keen interest in the sledge hockey sponsorship that was initiated by Optimist Kevin Heslop. They are taking the lead and promoting a broader sponsorship program within Zones 5 and 9 in London. This program has touched many members and Andy has been a forceful ambassador.

Andy has been married to Lisa for 11 years and they have a 3½-year-old son, Cole. He is already involved in our skating development program. I see many years of Optimist sponsored sports in his future. Andy has been a partner in May McConville Insurance – St.

Thomas for 12 years. Since he only works in St. Thomas, I wonder if his life is only 12.5% better than ours.

Andy has a long history of volunteering as a hockey coach. He began in 1988 with West, 1990 with South, 1992 with Oakridge, 1994 with the Rebels - Jr. Knights and one season in 1999 with Exeter Junior D. During his two year Oakridge stint he won two city championships, 1 league and 1 Alliance championship. The teams were minor Pee Wee and Pee Wee. In 1997 his Rebel Bantam AA team won the OHF Championship in Kapuskasing. In his spare time he is a director on the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce and is a scout for the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.

Andy has helped at bingos and has aided our club in organizing our insurance policies, saving considerable money. I know that he would be pleased to help any member with their personal needs.

Thanks for all your help and dedication to the youth in our community.

Optimist Rick Gillespie

2^nd London Scouts

For many years the Oakridge Optimist Club has sponsored the 2^nd London Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers which meet at Clara Brenton School. A Group Committee must oversee all scout groups, and we appreciate the efforts of Ross MacDonald who has served as the Sponsor Representative on the 2^nd London Group. This duty involves attending a monthly meeting of the Committee and acting as a liaison between the Optimist Directors and the “Group”. Ross wishes to be relieved of his position. We need a member to step forward and assume this role. If you are interested, please call Ross (657-7117) or Pres. Fred (472-1062).

Ross MacDonald

There are vacancies for youth to participate in the excellent programs offered by the various scouting sections of 2^nd London. If you have a child, or are aware of a neighbour’s child who might be interested, contact Ross.

Meeting times are the following evenings:

Cubs – Tuesday

Scouts – Wednesday

Beavers -Thursday

A reward of involvement with a scout group is witnessing the growth that occurs.in young people. Ross has cited the example of Justin Hall, who graduated in June, 2002, from Oakridge Secondary School with a 98% average (first in the class). As a member of 2^nd London, Justin earned the highest possible awards: Chief Scout Award and Queen’s Venturer Award. Throughout his school career, Justin has achieved excellence in academics, athletics (Track & Field, X-country running and skiing) and music (Gold Graduating Medal from the Oakridge S.S. music dept.). He has earned 6 scholarships as a result. The scouting experience has given him an opportunity to enhance his leadership skills. In addition to roles as president, chair and manager of various school groups, he served as the 2^nd London Venturer Company President and Secretary, and was a youth rep. on the Group Committee.

There are many other accomplishments to mention but I think you get the point. To be part of an organization such as scouting gives the sponsor representative many chances to applaud the efforts of our youth and the fine leaders of the different sections.

Thank you, Ross, for the many years you have devoted to scouting and optimism!

Don Draper

Christmas (Party) is Coming!

Plans for the Christmas party are underway. We’ve booked Anna Banana’s for Friday, December 13^th. Your call captain will be in touch once all the details have been finalized. Cost is $25.00 per person. No doubt Santa will help distribute gifts we bring for each other. Beverages will be provided.

Dinner Meeting Reports

Thursday, October 17

This was the first evening dinner meeting of the current Optimist year. Seventeen members attended at Thames Valley Golf Course.

Rick Gillespie reported about the Coats for Kids project, the Legacy Committee and the Grey Cup Party. These were described in the October newsletter. The Bingo dates and progress were outlined.

Andy Friyia gave a brief report on the involvement of Oakridge Ford, with our hockey program. He voiced his intention to attend sports committee meetings so the club is properly represented in making decisions.

Ross MacDonald reported on the 2^nd London scout program. (see article p.3)

N.O.W. Breakfast – Sat., Nov. 02, 2002

23 members and guests were on hand for this first breakfast meeting of the year.

President Fred welcomed the group. He talked about other venues we have experienced and how returning to Thames Valley Golf Course was like “coming home” Knowing that Opt. Vince and Brenda Giannantonio along with Opt Rick and Mary Anne Gillespie had just returned from a trip overseas, Fred kidded “Is it true we are trying to develop a sister club in Italy?”. Opt. Vince responded that there seem to be only Rotary and Lions Clubs there; an Optimist club would be a worthy addition.

The chair was turned over to Opt. Gary Shawyer who capably conducted the remainder of the meeting.

Among the guests were Lt.-Gov. Catherine Herdman and District Membership chair, Bernice Bechthold. Catherine was called upon to induct new members, Peter Riffel and Darryl Danek – both sponsored by Pat Moffatt.

The following addressed the group:

1. Catherine Herdman described the history of Optimist Clubs. She took us through the stages of concern, first, for “delinquent boys”, to being “Friend of the Boy”, and to the present – “Friend of Youth” She explained how our club is a member of Zone #9, which is included in the Midwestern Ontario District of Optimist International.

2. Bernice talked generally of the various programs offered by Optimist Clubs. She cited the case of a club that organized a Bike Safety Rodeo and had only 8 children show up. Members were very discouraged at first. A police officer who assisted, explained that their organization was superb and if they saved the life of only one child, the event was a triumph. Projects her club, Wilmot, have pursued include Spelling Bee and a fund raiser – “Help Punch Out Childhood Cancer” (Editor’s Note: This focus is one many Junior Optimist Clubs have adapted in the U.S.A. One like it may work at Oakridge S.S.??)

3. Opt. Peter Hegler told of the evolution of the Oakridge Club – how its initial involvement was organizing hockey and baseball programs, followed by soccer. Peter, himself, has coached baseball over 20 years and still gets satisfaction from that position. He indicated that we don’t stop at sports and mentioned programs such as Oratorical, Junior Golf, Youth in Government, Bike Rodeos, Science Fair, Hugh O’Brien Leadership Development for youth, the P.E.A.C.E. program, Youth for Education. Peter plugged the websites for the club and District, both of which he developed. The latter’ s web address has been added to the back page and an error in the club’s address, corrected.

The effort of these 3 presenters was very much appreciated. We can hope that other guests, at the meeting, will be motivated to join us.

London Urban Alliance on Race Relations

v Awards, celebration and multicultural banquet – Sat., Oct. 17, 2002

This was attended by Kevin & Lisa Heslop, Vince & Brenda Fred & Sheila Fickling, Rick & Mary Anne Gillespie, Don & Pat Draper, Giannantonio, Mark Mcgugan.

Among the honorees were members of the P.E.A.C.E. program, which Optimist clubs, in our zone , sponsored. Our club contributed a tray of food.

Grey Cup Party Reminder

v Sunday, Nov. 24

v Cuff’s Lounge – corner of William St. and York St.

v Arrive for 5:00 p.m.

Kick-off time for this year’s Grey Cup, in Edmonton, is 4:00 p. m., Edmonton time. (6:00 p.m. here)

There will be a Barbeque – $5.00 per person will get you a fine nutritious meal. Kevin Heslop has been known to cook mystery meats and offer prizes if you 1.) dare to taste the meat and 2. if you can guess the carcass it came from.

Jim Easton will organize a pool.

You may win a draw prize. Last year Randy Brewe was (un)fortunate enough to win a box of turnips among other more desirable things.

This promises to be an evening of good fun and fellowship. Spouses and friends are welcomed to attend. Call captains will be in touch for numbers attending.

Bingo Report

1. Approaching Dates:

v Wednesday, November 20

Start time 7:00 p.m. (Be there for 6:30 p.m.)

Teams 4,5 and 6 (See updated call lists in this newsletter)

Saturday, December 14

Start time 10:30 p.m. (be there for 9:45 p.m.)

Teams 1, 2 and 3

2. Remember the Poker contest last year for Bingo workers? $100.00 gift certificates for Michael’s on the Thames were won by: Max Davis, Fred Fickling, Jim Easton, and Craig Rath. Congratulations! The certificates are available from Bingo co-chair, Rick Gillespie.

3. Recent Funding Approvals by the Directors.

v $300.00 - London Ringette Program for player subsidy

v $1000.00 bursary to John Primo of St. Thomas Aquinas School

v $300.00 – Operation Santa Claus at C.P.R.I.

v $300.00 – Robarts School for the Deaf. To support a cultural festival and exchange on May 28-29, 2003

v $500.00 – London Blizzard Sledge Hockey team (for program needs)

v $700.00 – London Blizzard Sledge Hockey for team sweaters. These will display a general Optimist insignia

v $1500.00 – London 2^nd Scout Group Committee.

4. How much do we earn at Bingos?

Between Jan. 01, 2002 and now, there have been 15 Bingo events that have generated a total of $11,249.75. This averages out to nearly $750.00 per Bingo.

Thrown into the mix is a quarterly profit we receive. The 4 extra amounts, this year, total $12272.47.

Adding the 2 amounts together results in a total revenue of $23522.22 for this year.

Novice Hockey Tournament

Sat. & Sun. - Nov. 16/17, 2002

Thanks to Optimist Bill Chantler and his committee for all the “leg work” in organizing this annual event. Reports are the tournament was a little harder to fill this year. Bill and Bob Stark have done extra calling to find teams. It’s a go!

Why not drop over to Oakridge Arena those days and enjoy some hockey and a hot dog or burger?

Operation Sledge Hockey

Since our club members played an exhibition, fund-raising game against the London Blizzard Team, last spring, interest in providing further assistance to this group has really taken off. Sledge Hockey allows children with lower body disabilities and injuries a chance to enjoy the skills and teamwork of hockey. Opt. V.P. Andy Friyia has proposed joint involvement of Zones 5 and 9 to sponsor the sledge hockey program. This has met with a favourable response and Kevin Heslop will co-ordinate fund raising.

Zone 5 has even challenged Zone 9 to a game.

“Hockey Day in Canada” – Saturday, February 15, 2003 will feature Sledge Hockey as follows:

10:30 a.m – London Blizzards sledge hockey team will provide a demonstration on the Covent Garden Rink

1:00 p.m. – London Blizzards vs. London and media celebrities at the John Labatt Center.

Oratorical Program

Topic: "United We Stand In Optimism"

Who: Young people who have not attained the age of 16 years prior to or on January 1 of the current school year and are educated in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean

Don Lucas did a super job in getting this going last year and has volunteered to co-ordinate it again. He will need assistance, especially on the date of the contest. If you are able to help, call Don at 474-0854.

Celebrations

Don Draper – Dec 09

Vince Giannantonio – Nov. 24

Peter Hegler – Dec. 09

Linda Hegler – Dec. 07

Noble Supersad – Dec. 12

Ted Riquinha – Nov. 29

November Humour

One day, while sailing the Seven Seas, captain Bravo's lookout spotted a pirate ship. The crew became frantic!

Captain Bravo bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt!" The first mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt, and while wearing the brightly colored frock, the Captain led his crew into battle and defeated the pirates.

That evening, all the men sat around on the deck recounting the day's triumph. One of them asked the captain, "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before battle?"

The captain replied, "If I had been wounded in the attack, the shirt would not have shown my blood. Thus, you men would continue to fight, unafraid." All of the men sat and marveled at both the courage and intelligence of such a manly man's man.

As dawn came the next morning, the lookout spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirate ships approaching! The crew stared in worshipful silence at the captain and waited for his usual brilliant orders.

Captain Bravo gazed with steely eyes upon the vast armada arrayed against his ship, and without fear, turned and calmly shouted, "Get me my brown pants."

The Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres, Inc

Calling List – Updated Nov. 08, 2002

Team #1

Call Captain

Steve Cochrane (Chantal) 657-8865

Rick Bender 433-2408

Vince Giannantonio (Brenda) 672-6038

Cam Halliday (Hilary) 474-7774

Linda Hegler (Peter) 471-4928

Peter Hegler (Linda) 471-4928

Bruce Pope (Mary Ann) 473-2133

Noble Supersad (Donna) 471-8268

Team #2

Call Captain

Bill Chantler (Pam) 641-6483

Ab Chahbar (Ahlam) 657-1424

Don Draper (Pat) 471-1925

Jim Easton (Janine) 641-0798

Andy Friyia (Lisa) 474-3877

Doug Mackay (Judy) 473-5885

Marty Meadows (Dayna) 439-8507

Peter Riffel 693-1933

Team #3

Call Captain

Pat Moffatt (Barbara) 657-1147

Hank Cammaert 434-5318

Scott Fickling 472-5358

Kevin Heslop (Lisa) 472-2627

Richard Hooper (Christine) 471-2715

Mark McGugan(Shannon) 641-4710

Norm Smith (Barb) 473-0899

Bob Stark (Leone) 471-5408

Team #4

Call Captain

Craig Rath (Lisa) 673-6403

Colin Chisholm 472-5008

Jim Coleman (Evelyn) 472-8875

Fred Fickling (Sheila) 472-1062

Rick Gillespie (Mary Anne) 641-2815

Don Lucas (Judy) 474-0854

John Preston 641-4642

Paul Weeks (Deb) 472-7496

Team #5

Call Captain

Gary Shawyer (Bonny) 657-1289

Randy Brewe (Cathy) 471-7154

Max Davis (Alice Ann ) 472-9890

Shawn Flick (Liz) 472-3829

Rick Harriss (Dana) 473-2412

Eric Riley (Dana) 472-2025

Ted Riquinha (Patti) 472-6416

Len Van Esch 472-4098

Team #6

Call Captain

Hal Fraser (Lizabeth) 657-9645

Darryl Danek (Donna) 471-9047

Doug Finlay (Cathy) 657-9078

Ron Fisher 641-2388

Michael Hoy (Mary Beth) 471-2712

Dave Kelday (Cathy) 471-2916

Ross MacDonald (Svetlana) 657-7117

Philippe Morin (Beth) 472-2905

Please report any errors or omissions to Don Draper (471-1925)

Email - don.draper@sympatico.ca

Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres Board of Directors 2001/2002

President - Fred Fickling (472-1062)

V.P. (Youth) - Andy Friyia

V.P. (Ways & Means) - Vince Giannantonio

Sec.- treasurer - Doug Mackay

Past President - Kevin Heslop

Director (1 yr.) – Steve Cochrane

Director (1 yr.) - Bill Chantler

Director (1 yr.) – Pat Moffatt

Director (2 yr.) – Craig Rath

Director (2 yr.) –Gary Shawyer

Director (2 yr.) – Hal Fraser

The Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres, Inc. is a member of Zone 9 in the Midwestern Ontario District. of the Optimist International Organization

· Dinner Meetings held the third Thurs. of each month at Thames Valley Golf Course, unless announced otherwise. (7:00 p.m.)

· Board of Directors Meeting held at the Oakridge Arena on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

THE OPTIMIST CREED

The Optimist Creed

PROMISE YOURSELF

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble

Oakridge Communicates!

1.) Newsletter Staff

Editor - Don Draper (471-1925)

Email articles to “don.draper@sympatico.ca”

Oakography - Rick Gillespie,

President- Fred Fickling

Sports – Andy Friyia

2.) Check out the website for the Oakridge Optimists.

Web address - http://www.execulink.com/~oakridge/optimist.htm

Email address - oakridge@execulink.com

Web Master is Peter Hegler

Web address for the Mid Western Ont. Dist.-

http://www.optimistmwo.on.ca/