Message
from the President
January has proven to
be a busy month and
there is no let up in
sight for February or
March. The bus trip
was a great success for a club event and financial
perspective. all 44 passengers had a great time. We even managed
to make a small profit. It was a nice touch that the football gods smiled
on me and my son.
On a sadder note, Lorne Benner passed away on February 3, 2000. Lorne has been an Oakridge fixture for years through his skate sharpening and our club has benefited greatly from our association with him and his family. I will always remember him telling my son that he had put a goal in his skates after each sharpening. Our club sent flowers to his family and we will be making a donation to his charity of choice, the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario - Oncology Department. Our thoughts go out to his wife Phyllis and the Benner family.
Our new members have begun to make a big impact on our club through their work on pro- grams or by taking on the task of being call captains. Most of you will hear a new voice the next time you are called for a meeting or a bingo. We hope to have a few more new members after our next NOW breakfast on February 26th.
At the last board meeting we received information
on a new funding opportunity and we discussed the possibility of beginning
a new sports program. We have formed a small group to look into this possibility
and I hope to have more information by the breakfast meeting. If all goes
as planned this will be a great
opportunity for our club to fill a void that exists
in our community. I hope I have your interest.
Several of our board members will be attending the District Quarter Board Meeting and Awards Banquet at the Four Points Sheraton on February 19th. All members are welcome and the club will pay for your registration costs. Call me if you would like more information.
Once again, thanks for all of your help at bingos and in all of our other programs.
---Rick Gillespie
Oakography
It seems to me
that Peter Hegler
has been around
forever but I
learned that he
just looks that
old. Peter joined
the club in 1984
and has been involved in the service of our youth
non-stop ever since.
He served two terms as Youth VP from 1988 to 1990, three terms as a Board member and was President in 1990/91. In his spare time he was the baseball registrar from 1980 to 1995, coached baseball or fastball for 15 years and counting and coached hockey for 10 years.
He served as Distinguished Leiutenant Governor in 1997/98 and is in his fourth year on the District Board serving as the Director of Internet Communications.
He has been married to Linda for 30 years and they have two children, Graham and Jenna.
Peter is a civil engineer by trade and is currently employed by the City of St. Thomas as the Manager of Engineering. He also runs his own company, SITEST Engineering. Ever since he got the new job in St. Thomas life has gotten 25% better for the Hegler's.
Peter told me that over the years he has enjoyed his association with the kids he has coached and he takes obvious pride in seeing many of them graduate, get jobs, get married and generally develop into well rounded members of the community. I think we can all take a little credit for helping the youth of our community develop through the programs that we offer.
Some of his favorite memories include the organization of a new program (Tyke hockey), fundraising programs (he still has chocolate bars in the garage), the garage sales that we have heard so much about in these Oakographys and something he calls HEGEBUCKS. He promises to tell more about that at the upcoming old timer meeting.
The one thing we can all agree on is that Peter continues to be a dedicated member of our club and he has the most infectious laugh of all our members.
Thanks for all your years of service Peter!
December Dinner Meeting
"Informative and fun" best describe our first dinner meeting of the new millenium. Guests included Lieutenant Gov. Len Egan and Olympic rower, Gord Henry. Following a terrific meal, the 24 who attended witnessed the induction, by Lt. Gov. Len, of our five newest members, Bill Chantler, Doug Finlay, Scott Hessel, Dave Kelday, and Craig Rath. With this our ability to develop and carry out programs for the youth of our community grew and became stronger.
Thanks to Opt. Michael Hoy, who invited and introduced the guest speaker Gord Henry. Gord candidly told of his experiences as a member of the National Rowing Team, both as a competitor, in Seoul and Barcelona, and co-ordinator in Atlanta. The six medals won by the team in Atlanta support his claim that Canadian rowers have become the best in the world.
Gord emphasized that "Most limitations we have are self imposed. It is so hard for me to see a task and believe I can't do it. We can do anything if we set our minds to it." Gord would make a good Optimist!
It was funny to hear his anecdote about Canadians, in Seoul, stealing one of the many banners displayed throughout the city. While expressing appreciation to Gord, Pres. Rick warned Sargeant of Arms Jim Easton to guard our Optimist flags.
Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well. --Josh Billings
A critic is a legless man who teaches running.--
Channing Pollock
The "Teeth of the Matter"
It is most gratifying to receive positive feedback about any projects we sponsor. Printed below is a letter sent to Pres. Rick expressing appreciation for a recent allocation from our Bingo account.
"Dear Mr. Gillespie:
We received your assistance for removing braces and placing retainers for our two sons. Please express our profound gratitude to the members of your club for this help. We are in the process of settling in Canada and adapting to a different country and different language and giving us this type of hand up at this point has been so heartening. We would like to assist in any way, if you can use voluntary help in any of your projects.
Yours sincerely,
Martha Barajas and Fernando Mayorga"
Last Call...
‹The Name the
Newsletter contest closes soon. Send your suggestions to Bob
Moldowan. A prize will be presented to the member whose title is chosen.
One Honourable Club!
It is definitely within our reach to achieve the status of Honour Club this year. Our service initiatives are second to none. We need still to target growth in membership to ensure full success and support of our projects. Plan to bring a guest to the Feb. 26th NOW Breakfast or at least attend and show your enthusiasm to our guests.
During the January dinner meeting, Len
Egan announced a change in the Honour Club requirements. As of Jan 01,
2000 it is no longer a need to select a Life Member. Instead clubs are
asked to recognize an outstanding optimist member with the new International
President's Award. Fee to Optimist International will be $187.50 CAN.
Events of Other Clubs
1.) Lambeth Optimist Club: 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance, March 4th at Hellenic Community Centre, Southdale Rd. $25 per person. Call Jim or Angie at 668-6644
2.) Byron Optimist Club: 50th Anniversary Medieval Feast. At the Hilton London, King & Wellington. Tickets are $20 per person. Call Sandy Smith at 657-7347. The Opt. Club of Oakridge Acres was a new club building project of the Byron Optimists in 1956/57.
3.) Carling Heights Opt. Club: 2nd Annual Dart Tournament. Duchess of Kent Legion, 499 Hill St. $40 per team of 4. Phone Fred at 455-7954 or Grant at 452-3881.
4.) Carling Heights Opt Club Casino Windsor Bus Trip. Sat, Mar. 11, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. $20 per person. Call Gord at 672-4032 or Jackie at 672-2584.
5.) North London Opt. Club. Participating in the Walk for Multiple Sclerosis at Springbank Park, April 16th. They challenge other clubs to join them.
6.) Opt. Club of White Oaks. Participating in the Big Brothers' Bowl-a thon, at Fleetway on Mar. 4th. For information call Big Brothers of London, 679-1000.
7.) Carling Heights
golf tournament at Lyndenshire G. C. on June 10th
Youth in Government Program
Since 1957, Optimist Clubs have recognized youth for their talents in the arts, athletics, and academics and for contributions to the community. The Program provides the perfect opportunity for youth to recognize Optimist activities and involve them in city and provincial governments and agencies.
This year our club is supporting youth from Oakridge S.S., Byron is funding St. Thomas Aquinas. Activities include:
1. An office tour where students are matched with city, county or provincial government officials for one morning or an entire work day. Students vote for a Mayor, Councillors and Aldermen amongst themselves and the 'elected' student officials then shadow theircounterparts for the day.
2. A mock city council meeting is held with separate council committee meetings. Topics that are held include city budgeting, local crime, water pollution and building/zoning regulations. Elected students serve one-day terms in various council-reporting positions. On the designated day, they occupy the desks of the officials and learn about the problems that confront the public servant and how they are solved.
Oakridge Directors have approved spending
$175 for this program which runs Feb. 27, 28 and Mar. 3. Appreciation goes
to Optimists Bill Chantler and Dave
Kelday for their willingness to co-ordinate it.
The family that skates together…
Optimist Kevin Heslop organized a successful Family Skate at Oakridge Arena on January 23rd. Profit for the event was $200, enjoyment by the many skaters - priceless.
This is a super community service project
and you may want to mark on the calendar the next Family Skate - Sunday,
February 13th at Oakridge arena. Members and family will be
free - the exercise will do you good.
Bingo
Total earnings for 1999 was $11,902.32 - an average of $700.40 per Bingo. Returns from Nevada Super Jackpot and Super Star totaled $4766.55. Approved donations for 1999 amounted to $12,684.70. Future dates are as follows:
February 20, 2000 - 11:45 a.m. (Teams 3
& 4)
March 02, 2000 - 6:00 p.m. (Teams 1 &
2)
April 08, 2000 - 9:45 p.m. (3 & 4)
April 29, 2000 - 11:45 a.m. (1 & 2)
May 30, 2000 - 6:15 p.m. (3 & 4)
June 17, 2000 - 6:15 p.m. (1 & 2)
July 14, 2000 - 9:45 p.m. All Teams
August 13, 2000 - 6:15 p.m. All Teams
September 02, 2000 - 9:45 p.m. All Teams
September 24, 2000 - 6:15 p.m. All Teams
Bingo Bucks Do Good Things
The following donations were approved at the Directors' meeting Feb. 3rd.
1.) London Police Service. $100.00 to support the elementary school safety patrollers' trip to Bingeman Park on June 8th, 2000.
2.) 2nd London Scouts (Clara Brenton School) $250.00 to cover an increase in the facility rental fee and the charter fee.
3.) Byron Optimist Club. $250.00 to support the 8th annual Citywide Chess Tournament run by Byron.
4.) Brain Tumour Foundation. $100.00
February Humour
A man who reeked of alcohol flopped on a subway seat next to a priest. The man's tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and a half empty bottle of rum was sticking out of his ripped jacket pocket.
He opened his newspaper and started reading. After a few minutes, the disheveled guy turned to the priest and asked "Say, Father, do you know what causes arthritis?"
The priest, disgusted by the man's appearance and behavior snapped "It's caused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and a contempt for your fellow man!"
"Well, I'll be," the man muttered and returned to his newspaper.
The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized, "I'm sorry to have come on so strong - I didn't mean it. How long have you been suffering from arthritis?"
"I don't have it, Father. I was just reading
here that the Pope does."
Celebrations:
Congratulations to the following for career
advancements:
· Optimist Rick
Harriss promoted to Detective Sergeant - Sexual Assault and Child
Abuse Section
· Optimist Kevin
Heslop promoted to Staff Sergeant - Patrol Support Section
Happy Birthday to: Bob Moldowan (Feb. 18th), Phil Stumpf (Feb. 26th), Rick Gillespie (Mar. 13th)
Congratulations and best wishes to Phil
Stumpf on his recent retirement from Canada Trust.
Upcoming Meetings
· Thurs., February 17th at Clydes to recognize sports committee members. This will count as our next dinner meeting. Finger food and beverages available at 7:00 p.m.
· Sat., February 26th. NOW breakfast at Thames Valley G.C. - 9:00 a.m.
· Thurs., March 23rd Dinner meeting at Thames Valley G.C. Past Presidents who are no longer members will be invited and recognized.
· Sat., February 19th . Second Quarter Board Meeting at the Four Points Sheraton. Members' registration fee to b paid by the club. Please call Pres. Rick if you plan to attend.
· Wed., May 31st - Respect for Law Banquet at East London Optimist Centre.(Trafalgar St.) 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cocktails, 7:00 p.m. Dinner. Guests of honour will be active/retired members of the Police. Special guest will be Chief Al Gramolini. Cost will be $13.00 per person or $25.00 per couple.
Board of Directors 1999-2000
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
Hockey Chair Bob Litvinchuk 474-0255
Baseball Chair Joe O'Neill 641-8441
Soccer Chair Jim Harkin 474-1074
Next Board of Directors Mt.
· Sunday, March 5th at
7:00 p.m. Yes! This is different from our regular meeting time.
Calling List (Updated Feb. 10, 2000)
Team #1
Call Captain Mike Wolowich (Paula) 473-0769
Fred Fickling (Sheila) 472-1062
Linda Hegler (Peter) 471-4928
Peter Hegler (Linda) 471-4928
John Innes (Carol) 680-7293
Doug McMaster (Joyce) 243-2263
Ted Melchers (Kim) 473-4149
Bob Stark (Leone) 471-5408
Phil Stumpf 679-1539
Bill Tyssen (Cathy) 472-5387
Team #2
Call Captain Craig Rath (Lisa) 673-6403
Sil Brecevic (Candace) 657-8803
Bill Chantler (Pam) 641-6483
Steve Cochrane (Chantal) 657-8865
Dave Fawcett (Karen) 471-5859
David Gilmore (Jennifer) 663-9057
Rick Gillespie (Mary Anne) 641-2815
Rick Harriss (Dana) 473-2412
Kevin Heslop (Lisa) 472-2627
Alex Poulette (Karen) 672-9596
Rob Stevenson (Donna) 690-0185
Team #3
Call Captain Dave Kelday (Cathy) 471-2916
John Cameron (Lorraine) 471-4737
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
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 Finley (Cathy) 657-9078
Ron Fisher 641-2388
Jim Foster (Marie) 472-8347
Ross MacDonald (Svetlana) 657-7117
Ted Riquinha (Patti) 472-6416
Norm Smith (Barb) 473-0899