It's hard for me to believe that the summer and my term as President are drawing to a close and it is time to take a look at some of those original goals and see how we fared.  As I look back on this Optimist year, I believe we have accomplished a few things that will make this a special year for me.

Last year at this time I hoped that this newsletter would provide our club with the type of information that would keep all of our members and other Optimists up do date on our activities and I think Don and Bob have done a great job. I also hoped that our members would become involved in at least one activity during the year. I am pleased to say that with the exception of just a couple of people we have seen all our members at something or other this year.  By the time you receive this letter there will still be time to attend the last dinner meeting on September 21st.

I also hoped that our club would qualify for Honor Club standing. It may be a little too early to put this one in the books but I believe that the hardest part of that has been overcome.  With one more member signed up, we are plus 6 and that along with a couple of other requirements should do it.  Come out to the last dinner meeting with your spouse and find out for sure as we swear in three new members and our new Board of Directors.

I attended the Baseball Coach and Sponsor Appreciation dinner on August24th at the Amber Lounge. (No sacrifice is too great for the members of this club.)  It was a great turnout and the club presented the members of the Committee with Optimist golf shirts as a token of appreciation for all the hard work they do year 'round.

Plans are underway to meet with the Soccer and Hockey Committees. Bill Chantler is heading up the hockey tournament committee with the help of Bob Stark and many others. I know he will need the help of all members in getting sponsors for advertising in the booklet and in locating prizes for the many draws.  This is a big fund raiser for the club in the coming year.  We will need the help of everyone to pull this one off.

Thanks for the help of everyone that came to my aid this year. I wish Jim and the new board the best of luck in the 2000-2001 year.

Optimistically, Rick Gillespie
 

Oakography

Jim Easton is the President Elect of the Oakridge Optimist Club and it is fitting that we all learn a little more about him before he assumes office on October 1st. Jim joined our club in 1985 and has served on the executive as Treasurer for two years and as Director for an additional 3 years.  He has a long history with two of our sport committees that began when he was a baseball convenor during his university days.  He joined the ball committee in 1972 and was a convenor for boys' ball for 2 years. He later spent 12 years on the hockey committee and was Chair for 2 years.  He has coached baseball and hockey and has served as an official as a hockey referee and baseball umpire.

Jim has been married to Janine for 14 years and they have two daughters, Rebecca 12 years and Michelle 10 years. Jim and Janine are very involved in their daughters' schools and in the London Aquatic Club where Jim is the Director of Officials and Janine is the newsletter editor and one of their bingo chairs among other duties.  In his spare time Jim has been a Governor on the Board of the Greater London Hockey Association and a member of the Board of Managers of the Oakridge Presbyterian Church.  For 8 years he enjoyed involvement with the Big Brothers' Organization. He is co-owner of Hauser Easton Bailiffs and is the self proclaimed 'friendly bailiff' of London.  He tells me that he is very good at what he does but I have my doubts.  He has been looking for years but has been unable to find a suitable boat for Eric Riley.

His favourite Optimist moments include past car rallies where one member ended up in Sarnia (That doesn't sound too bad except Sarnia wasn't the destination) and working the beer tent at Delaware Raceway when past Optimist Bill Kay sold both sides of the 50-50 tickets. Jim almost mentioned the night he was convinced to stand for the office of President except he doesn't remember much of that event (and there is no hard evidence anyway). Jim is always cheerful, energetic and optimistic and he has many great ideas for the coming year. Best of luck Jim.
 

ADS WANTED!

It takes a lot of money to produce this newsletter. If you or someone you know would place a small ad in the paper it would go a long way to defray costs. Our paper reaches 600 readers during the course of the year. I have already signed up one advertiser at $100 for 8 to 10 issues. We could use about six more at that price. Call Rick Gillespie or Don Draper for more info.
 

BALL TRIP CANCELLED

Unfortunately we had to cancel the Tigers bus trip at the last minute. It's hard to believe but Detroit is actually winning ball games and we couldn't get tickets at the price that would sell. Judging from the reaction we had it would have been a popular trip. We will try to book early and do it next season.
 

ANOTHER NEW MEMBER

Paul Weeks came out to our NOW breakfast last fall and has now signed up to join the club. Paul owns Phoenix Electronics on Consortium Court. He is married to Deb and has two sons, Jeff and Mike. Next time your VCR needs repairing you know where to go. Welcome aboard!
 

Working at Bingo Events Helps Others

¨ Recent contributions from our Bingo Account have included the following:
        1. Recently formed East London Junior Optimist Club - $100
        2. London Ringette Association - $300
        3. Junior Golf Program which we subsidize by 50% - $1008.00.
             Twenty-four competitors from our area went to the regional competition and seven to national championships.
        4. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Jessie's Journey) Golf Tournament on Sept.- $250
        5. Youth in Education - $300
¨ Super Star Bingo Blues! Ever wonder if we benefit at all from those $3 cards that we sell?

No question the Ontario Government has a real cash cow in this gambling initiative. Also some very lucky souls are winning a ton of money across the province. Actually we do get something. At the September Directors' meeting it was announced that our quarterly share of Super Star and Nevada Ticket profits was $2111.52

¨ Please mark these dates on your calendar. They summarize our Bingo Schedule for fall and Winter.

Wed., Oct 18 - 6:15 p.m. (Teams 1 & 2)
Sun., Nov. 12 - 6:15 p.m. (Teams 3 & 4)
Fri., Dec. 29 - 9:45 p.m. (All Teams)
Wed., Jan. 24 - 6:15 p.m. (Teams 1 & 2)
Sun., Feb. 18 - 11:45 am (Teams 3 & 4)
Tues., Mar 6 - 6:15 p.m. (Teams 1 & 2)
Fri., Mar. 30 - 9:45 p.m. (teams 3 & 4)
 

O.I. Membership Drive

Rewards are offered for recruiting new members before Sept. 30th as follows:

1. Sponsor a new member and receive a handsome "Drive for Success" certificate.
2. Bring in 3 new members and get a Pyramid of Success.
3. Club with a net plus of 3 gets a Pyramid of Success.
 

Youth in Education Programs

Thank you to Michael Hoy for serving as our representative on this city wide program. Recently announced were winners of the $500.00 scholarships offered among the schools included in Zones 7 and 9. They are Mariam Naqshbandi of A.B. Lucas S.S. (Fanshawe Opt. Club) and Lauren Starr of Montcalm S.S. (North London Opt. Club).  Didn't know about these scholarships?  Have your teenaged son or daughter ask the Guidance Dept. (any local secondary school) about the Optimist YIEP Fund or check out scholarship information on the Thames Valley School Board website.

Nancy Greene Olympic gold medal skier and Canada's "Athlete of the Century" will be in London on Nov. 2nd as a result of arrangements and funding made by the Youth in Education Committee. Her schedule is:

1. Nov. 2, 9:30 - 11:30 am at Centennial Hall. Grade seven Classes are invited to attend free of charge. Optimist volunteers are needed to assist as ushers. Call Jim Braddon (659-7457) if you are able to help and would also like to hear this excellent speaker and Canadian hero.

2. Nov. 2, 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall. General public is invited at $12.00 per person.
 

Volunteers Needed at CNIB

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind need volunteers to help people, who are blind, visually impaired and deafblind lead independent and fulfilling lives. Within Middlesex County, 1701 clients are assisted by the CNIB. Helpers are needed for the positions of Driver, Reader and Friendly Visitor. Training is provided. Whatever time you can offer will be valuable and appreciated. If you are able to donate time or if you have questions please call Cindy Metcalf, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at 685-8420.
 

Children's Safety Village

Finally! A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wed., August 16th at the Fanshawe Conservation area where the Children's Safety Village of the London Area will be built. Our club has made several significant donations to support this venture. Former member and Past President, Don Boos was an avid promoter of the concept from the beginning stages. Thanks to much community support and a Royal Bank line of credit, the Village will be realized, hopefully by the projected date of November 2000. Chair of the Children's Safety Village Board of Directors is Bill Brock, (451 -1340 ext. 316) and Marketing Director is Dorothy Wilson (686-6236). They are still asking for community assistance with product, services and labour.
 

Bicycle Safety Rodeo

For the first time this will be offered at Westdale School on Friday Sept. 29, 2000. Rain date is Fri. Oct. 06th. Whether we do it in the morning or afternoon depends, in part, upon the availability of club members to assist. If you or a spouse or an older child will be able to help for about 2 hours please call Don Draper at 471-1925 or email don.draper@sympatico.ca

This program will coincide with the Go for Green initiative of the school which includes the installation of a new primary bike rack funded by the "Go for Green" Health Canada Project.
 

Upcoming Meetings

1. Dinner Meeting, Thursday Sept. 21, 2000. At the Mandarin Restaurant, 387 Wellington Road. Program will include swearing in of the new Board of Directors. You may also learn who will be our next Life Member. Spouses are invited to attend. Cost is $20.00 per person, which includes buffet dinner, taxes and tip. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m.

2. NOW ( New Optimists Wanted) Breakfast -Sat. Sept. 30th, 2000 at Thames Valley Golf Course. Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. and will cost $6.25. Members of the Hockey Committee have been invited and chair, Dave Peach will outline plans for the 2000/2001 minor hockey program. Lieutenant Governor, Len Egan, also will be on hand to speak about Optimist initiatives. This will be a great chance to bring a friend, relative or neighbour so that he or she may be introduced to the community service we provide and to the fellowship enjoyed by our members. At least come for a great breakfast and meet some of our newer and potential members.

3. Dinner Meeting, Thursday Oct. 16th, 2000 at Thames Valley Golf Course. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. This will be the first dinner meeting under the direction of the new Board of Directors with President Jim Easton. Let's have a record turnout to support them and to enjoy the terrific program, which has been arranged. Guest speaker will be prominent Londoner and Director of the Canada 2001 Games - Jim Etherington. Meals at Thames Valley were generally excellent last year and prices will remain the same this year - $14.00 includes taxes and service charge.
 

OSKEE-WEE-WEE

Keep Sunday November 5th set aside. We are working on a bus trip to Hamilton to see Tiger-Cats (7-3-0) host the Stampeders (6-3-1). Should be a good matchup of two of the top teams in the CFL. Planning on the same Camel Coach luxury bus that we took to Detroit in January. Return bus with game ticket for $30 per person. Times have yet to be finalized but should leave 12:30 with return at about 9 pm). There will be a limited number of seats (around 50). More details as they become finalized or call Jim Easton 641-0798 to reserve.
 

End of Summer Humour

¨ Three men marooned on a desert island find a bottle and rub it. Out pops a genie. I will grant you three wishes says the genie. I wish I could go home says the first man. Whoosh and he was gone. Me too says the second man. In a poof of smoke he was gone. Well said the genie you have the last wish, what would you like? The third man said "I would like my friends back."
 

¨ After the party, as the couple was driving home, the woman asked her husband "Honey has anyone ever told you how handsome, sexy and irresistible to women you are?" The flattered husband said "No dear. They haven't. The wife yelled "Then what the heck gave you THAT idea at the party tonight?"
 

¨ A woman was taking a shower when the doorbell rings. "Who is it?" she asks. "Blind man" was the answer. She walks to the door with no clothes on and opens it. "Nice bum" the man says. "Now where do you want me to hang the blinds?
 

¨ A fellow walks into a bar, orders a drink, and asks the bartender if he'd like to hear a good U.W.O. joke. "Listen buddy", he growled. "See those two big guys on your left? They were both players on the Western rugby team. And that huge fellow on your left was a world class wrestler at Western. That guy in the corner was Western's all-time champion weight lifter. And I've got 3 letters behind my name for sport at Western. Now are you absolutely sure you want to go ahead and tell your joke here?" "No, guess not" the man answered. "I wouldn't want to have to explain it 4 or 5 times"
 

The Shirt Everybody Wants

Have you seen members of our Sports Commit tees recently with new digs? We're talking about the black and red golf shirts, complete with Oakridge Optimist logo and red maple leaf emblazoned on the sleeve, being worn proudly in the community. They were evident during the well-organized Hockey registration on Sept. 9th at Oakridge Arena. At a recent Baseball coaches' appreciation banquet, Pres. Rick presented committee members with one of these very attractive shirts. Such will also be done for Soccer Committee members at their next meeting.

You too can have one by simply paying your dues for the 2000/2001 Optimist year, which starts Oct. 01, 2000. Cheques for $65.00 (Yes! It hasn't gone up!) can be sent to our current treasurer, Jim Easton at 68 Hampton Cres. London, N6H 2N9. You could also arrange payment at the Sept. 21st Dinner Meeting.

After Oct. 1st cheques should be sent to the new treasurer, Craig Rath, 417 Coombs Ave, London, N6G 1S3.

"With membership comes privileges!"

President Richard Gillespie 641-2815
Vice President /Youth David Gilmore 663-9057
Vice President
Ways & Means Kevin Heslop 472-2627
Past President Don Draper 471-1925
Treasurer/
Director Jim Easton 641-0798
Secretary Steve Cochrane 657-8865
Director Rick Harriss 473-2412
Director Eric Riley 472-2025
Director Michael Hoy 471-2712
Director Max Davis 472-9890
Director Peter Hegler 471-4928
 

1999/2000 Sports Chairs

Hockey Chair Bob Litvinchuk 474-0255
Baseball Chair Joe O'Neill 641-8441
Soccer Chair Jim Harkin 474-1074

¨ Next Board of Directors' Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000 ( 7:00 p.m. ) at Oak. Arena
 

Team #1

Call Captain
Mark McGugan(Shannon) 641-4710
Fred Fickling (Sheila) 472-1062
Linda Hegler (Peter) 471-4928
Peter Hegler (Linda) 471-4928
Richard Hooper (Christine) 471-2715
Doug McMaster (Joyce) 243-2263
Ted Melchers (Kim) 473-4149
John Preston 641-4642
Bob Stark (Leone) 471-5408
Phil Stumpf 679-1539
Bill Tyssen (Cathy) 472-5387
Mike Wolowich(Paula) 473-0769
 

Team #2

Call Captain
Paul Weeks(Deb) 472-7496
Jack Beattie 472-9461
Sil Brecevic (Candace) 657-8803
Bill Chantler (Pam) 641-6483
Steve Cochrane (Chantal) 657-8865
Hal Fraser (Lizabeth) 657-9645
Vince Giannantonio(Brenda) 672-6038
Rick Gillespie (Mary Anne) 641-2815
Rick Harriss (Dana) 473-2412
Kevin Heslop (Lisa) 472-2627
Alex Poulette (Karen) 672-9596
Craig Rath (Lisa) 673-6403
Rob Stevenson (Donna) 474-0964
 

Team #3

Call Captain
Dave Kelday (Cathy) 471-2916
John Cameron (Lorraine) 471-4737
Bob Caron(Patricia) 472-9704
Max Davis (Alice Ann) 472-9890
Jim Easton (Janine) 641-0798
Michael Hoy (Mary Beth) 471-2712
Doug Mackay (Judy) 473-5885
Pat Moffatt (Barbara) 657-1147
Bob Moldowan (Patti) 471-0057
David Peach(Cathi) 657-6227
Bruce Pope (Mary Ann) 473-2133
Eric Riley (Dana) 472-2025
 

Team #4

Call Captain
Scott Hessel(Joanne) 641-7870
Randy Brewe (Cathy) 471-7154
Ab Chahbar (Ahlam) 657-1424
Don Draper (Pat) 471-1925
Doug Finlay (Cathy) 657-9078
Tim Firth(Brandie) 472-5617
Ron Fisher 641-2388
Jim Foster (Marie) 472-8347
Andy Friyia (Lisa) 474-3877
Ross MacDonald (Svetlana) 657-7117
Ted Riquinha (Patti) 472-6416
Norm Smith (Barb) 473-0899

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

don.draper@sympatico.ca