THE OAKLINE
The Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres, Inc
The Oakridge Ford Connection
During the November 21st dinner meeting, President Fred Fickling
welcomed, as our guests, Ray Bradbury and Reade Houston
from Oakridge Ford. Ray is the Director of Public Relations and Reade is the Vice-President
& General Manager. They were invited to clarify the, much publicized, and possibly, misunderstood hockey sponsorship
by Oakridge Ford.
Ray Bradbury, Pres. Fred Fickling & Reade Houston
Ray spoke about the dealership’s desire to “give something back” to the community. He also explained that this could be positive public relations for the company and if it resulted in people “taking a look” at automotive products sold by Oakridge Ford - great! It was their intention to create a “win – win” situation. In the project’s vision statement, they emphasize the desire to “establish an upscale Partnership that will benefit both the Oakridge Minor Hockey Program and Oakridge Ford for many years to come”. In retrospect, Ray, who has professional hockey experience, expressed that an initial presentation to the Oakridge Optimist Board of Directors and members would have been desirable.
Optimist Rick Gillespie thanked the guests. He indicated that we are certainly appreciative of corporate sponsorships to assist with any of the programs, sports or otherwise, overseen by the Oakridge Optimist Club. In the past we have experienced strong support from local companies in funding team shirts and tournaments, through placing ads in program booklets. Trophies and draw prizes have been donated as well. Rick explained that we are most appreciative of Oakridge Ford’s desire to financially assist with hockey and other sports under the umbrella of our club. He explained that, we as a club, have to be concerned about monetary equity among the hockey, baseball and soccer committees and programs. A sponsorship linkage with “Oakridge Sport”, not hockey, alone would be one solution to this concern.
Mr. Bradbury was asked about the company’s view of other businesses assuming similar sponsorship roles. He responded that they are most supportive of any funding offered for positive youth activities. The 2nd part of their vision statement aims at helping “our young people” to grow ”both psychologically and mentally to become outstanding citizens of our community”
Activities during this season will focus mainly on hockey and may include the following:
v Use of Oakridge Ford’s Boardroom for meetings
v Signage recognition at the dealership
v Kick off press conference
v Company newsletter includes updates on activities and tournaments. Also included will be service “specials” for parents.
v Program booklets listing all teams and coaching staff
v Signage in Oakridge arena.
v Monthly barbecues for players and families. Skate sharpening available at minimal cost.
v Alliance with Jim Sandlak, former Vancouver Canuck.
v Oakridge Ford commercials to include minor hockey promotions.
v Funding of trophies for all teams at the wind-up banquets.
v A “wind-up get together” for coaches, managers and executives.
Many lessons are to be learned from this initial experience with major
sponsorships. Included is the club’s recognition that a close liaison with the hard working hockey, baseball and
soccer committees is imperative. We have the overall responsibility for the success or failure of these groups.
Close communication and accountability are musts.
Oakography
v Ab Chahbar
Ab Chahbar became a member of the club in the spring of 1989 when past Optimist member Ian Dale sponsored him. He first volunteered as a coach in the infancy of the soccer program in 1974-75 when there were only a handful of teams. In those days the volunteers coached, refereed and acted as guides for the children.
He has coached soccer, baseball and T-ball and was a baseball convener in 1992. He has umpired baseball, refereed soccer and was included in many facets of athletics with the club until the mid 90's. He has also helped at his fair share of bingos through the years.
Ab is happily married to Ahlam for 22 years and they will celebrate the next anniversary on New Year’s Eve. They have four children, three of which are currently studying at U.W.O. Ali is 22 years old and is enrolled in 4th year political science, Darwish is 20 years old and is in his 3rd year honours history and Rima is a first year student. All three are hoping to attend law school. Ab jokes that he has to get a real job to continue paying their tuition fees. The youngest is Omar, 9 years old, and he attends Sherwood Forest Public School. The four children have enjoyed playing Oakridge soccer, t-ball, and baseball.
Ab has tried to tell me that politicians don't work but I know first hand that he keeps a grueling schedule with work in Toronto and his position as Councilor in Ward 1, a position he has held for five years. He is proud of the accomplishments of the councils he has been part of, as he should be. He includes the redevelopment of our downtown, including the new Central Library, the market and what he refers to as ‘our crown jewel’, the John Labatt Centre. I know that many of our members have enjoyed hockey games and other entertainment there since it opened in October. You may be interested to know that this project is the recipient of the Gold Award for Innovation and Excellence in Public-Private Partnerships.
Ab is also quick to mention other local projects including the reconstruction of the footbridge between Thames Valley Golf Course and Springbank Park, the purchase of Clara Breton Woods, the extension and widening of Oxford Street West and his role in keeping taxes at a "manageable level" as key accomplishments. Ab is always available to his constituents and attends many community meetings in relation to Ward issues. He has been a great contact in regards to our Legacy Committee work.
Ab was elected twice as a Board of Education Trustee for Ward 1, prior to moving up to City Council. He counts the renovations at Oakridge Secondary School, Oxford Park, University Heights and Emily Carr Public Schools as positive contributions to our community and regrets the high tax rate increases that came during that time. He has chaired many committees at both the school board and at the city including chair of the Human Resources Committee, Planning Committee, and the Community and Protective Services Committee and sat as director on many boards and commissions.
Ab is an active community volunteer with a history of helping Madame Vanier Children's Services, Children
Aid Society, Western Fair, King's College, Fanshawe College, and fundraising for many community and religious organizations.
He
was one of the first community leaders to come forward after the tragic events of September 11, 2001 to ensure
London remained relatively free of any residual acts of violence.
Ab stated that aside from coaching his children in Optimist soccer and baseball, the most rewarding experiences in the club were teaching and seeing the results in 5-year-old youngsters playing baseball and soccer and following their progress through the years. He says they still periodically approach him in the mall or the arena and thank him for his coaching. Some have even helped out in his election campaigns. Ab states, “I feel like I made a difference”.
I know that we all share that feeling. Thanks for all your help over the years Ab!
Rick Gillespie
Novice Hockey Tournament Report
Congratulations to Bill Chantler and his committee for running a successful tournament at Oakridge Arena, on November 16 & 17, 2002. The tournament was somewhat harder to fill this year due, in part, to organizational changes made by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. The Novice category used to include ages 8, 9, and 10 years old. This year the Novice ages have been designated 7 and 8 years old. The emphasis in the new age group is to make it less competitive. Competitions such as tournament play will begin more at the next level – Atoms.
Entries, this
year, were mostly local teams. Bill has indicated that the kids had a great time and feedback from parents has
been very positive. “Grab Bags” were distributed to the children this year and were a big hit.
v Opt. Bill Chantler
Looking at the future, it may be best if the club creates an Atom tournament in November. The Hockey Committee currently includes this age group in their winter tournament. Perhaps the Atoms could be left for the club competition?
Christmas Party – Hope to see you there!
v At Anna Banana’s (Yes! That’s her real name. Jesse is the surname)
v 1967 Richmond St. N
v $25 per person
v Bring a gift (value about $5) labelled “male” or “female”.
v 6:00 p.m. for cocktails. Beer and wine will be provided. If you wish to consume anything else, BYOB.
v 7:00 p.m. for dinner
I’m an Oakridge Optimist! What do I do now?
At the Dec. 5th Directors’ Meeting, Opt Dir. Gary Shawyer raised an important issue.
Members need to be involved in some aspect of the youth oriented service club work, we do.
We often have invited fellow Optimists to volunteer for a job on a committee or project. This, however, may not result in a huge response. It is human nature to want to know what we are getting involved in before we offer our time and energy.
Gary’s suggestion was that we need a more concerted effort to assign members to committees planning community service projects This is particularly important for new members. When people are approached to serve on a project they often will be more apt to accept, when the duty is explained, directly, to them.
Gary’s idea of establishing a membership chair position was met with unanimous approval. This person would take new members under their wing and ensure their assignment to, at least, one working committee. Gary offered to fulfill this role and Jim Easton said he would like to assist.
What are the youth projects that need co-ordination? Listed below are some:
Ø Oratorical (Don Lucas is chairing this but needs helpers)
Ø Spelling Bee. A new initiative for us.
Ø Youth in Government.
Ø Essay Contest.
Ø Junior Golf Program
Ø Bicycle Safety Rodeos
Ø Youth in Education
Ø Fund Raising including Bingo
Ø Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership seminars
Ø Optimist International Foundation.
Ø Sports programs. Soccer, Baseball and Hockey are established in the community. We could do others.
Ø Respect for Law.
Ø Scouts Canada
Ø Publicity and Social Events
An involved Optimist = A satisfied Optimist!
So this is Christmas! – The end of another year! Time for assessments and new beginnings?
Rick Gillespie submitted the following article, earlier in the year. He is not the author but recognized the truth herein.
“ I'll be happy when...
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated
that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we
are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire.
The truth is there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will
always be filled with challenges.
It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special. And remember that time waits for no one.
So, stop waiting ...
Until your car or home is paid off.
Until you get a new car or home.
Until your kids leave the house.
Until you go back to school.
Until you finish school.
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married.
Until you have kids.
Until you retire.
Until summer.
Until spring.
Until winter.
Until fall.
Until you die.
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and, dance like no one's watching. “
December Humour
A Cat’s Favourite Christmas Carols
10. Up on the Mousetop
9. Have Yourself a Furry Little Christmas
8. Joy to the Curled
7. I Saw Mommy Hiss at Santa Claus
6. The First Meow
5. Oh, Come All Ye Fishful
4. Silent Mice
3. Fluffy, the Snowman
2. Jingle Balls
1. Wreck the Halls!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A motorist was unknowingly caught in
an automated speed trap that measured his speed using radar and photographed his car.
He later received in the mail a ticket
for $40, and a photo of his car.
Instead of payment, he sent the police department a photograph of $40.
Several days later, he received a letter from the police department that contained another picture - of handcuffs.
December Celebrations
Happy Anniversary to:
Ahlam and Ab Chahbar- Jan 01
Donna and Darryl Danek – Dec. 26
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
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
http://www.optimistmwo.on.ca/