Message from the President
I find it hard to believe it's March already. It was only one year ago that I received that fateful phone call from Doug MacKay. He told me that my club need-ed me and that I would make an excellent President. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating that last part a bit but you get the idea.
My first reaction was that I was too busy, had a new position at work, had other volunteer work and I could not possibly add to that. It is obvious to all now that I did agree to take on this position and I am glad that I did.
The position does take a fair amount of time and requires commitment but like anything else in life, you can fit it in if you have to or if you want to. I have enjoyed this year because it has helped me to understand the operation of our club better and I can now feel that I have done my part to assist the youth of our community. Our Board is made up of a good mix of new and veteran members.
You are probably wondering why I am print-ing this now and not in September as a fare- well message. The reason is that I know many of you will be getting that phone call from Doug, Don or Fred or some other mem-ber asking you to stand for one of several offices on our Board. Please think about it very carefully. Your club does need you.
The only way you can avoid being asked to take one of these positions is to call and volunteer first. Optimistically yours, R ic
Oakography
Norm Smith joined the Oakridge Optimist Club in 1988 at the same time he began his tenure on the Baseball Committee as diamond convenor. He has served as a Director, Newsletter Editor, Vice President of both Ways and Means and Youth and as President during the 1993-94 term. He was honoured as a Life Member in September 1995.
Norm married his wife Barb in August of 1971 and they have two daughters, Stephanie and Heather. Both girls played fastball in their younger years and Norm has several years of coaching under his belt.
Norm's work history sounded a little fishy to me but I will pass it along regardless. He began his career with the Fisheries Ministry with the Province of Saskatchewan and held that post for four years. He then moved on to a similar position with Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources. Norm retired in February after 23 years of service. He immediately joined the federal government's Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is commuting to Burlington each day. He will soon begin a position in Sarnia with the same organization as the Team Leader of a group of biologists. Sarnia sounds like a better commute than Burlington any day. Congratulations Norm!
Norm had a long list of fond Optimist memories. I finally found someone that wasn't around for the garage sales. The Pig Roast was the first memory that Norm recalled. He enjoyed this event because it brought the whole club together for an event. Other things that stood out were the bicycle rodeos, coaching ball, being part of the ball committee and initiating the Oakridge Optimist road signs program. Have a look as you enter Oakridge from any major artery. Norm obtained those signs during his term as President, although he is quick to share the credit saying that they were erected during the next term. His fondest and longest lasting memory remains the camaraderie of the club members and friendships that he has formed over the years.
Thanks for all of your contributions to the club and to your community Norm.
Last Dinner Meeting
The get-together at Clyde's on February 17th gave us an opportunity to treat and recognize members of the three sports committees. Beer flowed and food was a-plenty. Can you say "spicy pizza and pepper hot chicken wings"?
The origins of our club are rooted in the organization of hockey and baseball for children in the community. Soccer followed and has really blossomed in popularity. In the earlier days of the club, many committee members were also members of the Oakridge Optimists. This dual association is not as prevalent today but is viewed by some as still desirable. Individual involvement in both the Optimist Club and one of the committees would certainly enhance communication between the overall sponsoring body and the working groups which truly make the sports programs happen.
Whatever the future may hold, members of these committees can be genuinely proud of their efforts to provide sports training, activity and fun for children.
Whoops For Hoops
Might be a whole lot of slam dunkin' goin' near Oakridge Arena this summer.
The Directors have recognized the very high interest in basketball by youth in the community - for that matter, all of North America. It is felt that organization of a 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 regular competitions during summer months would be extremely popular. The idea actually was born at the Oar House one night (no names mentioned) and received nurturing during the Mar. 5th Directors' Meeting. Plans are to apply for government funding (Trillium Fund ) to purchase portable hoops and to hire a co-ordinator. Watch for more on this project in future newsletters.
Calling all Computer Wizards
On March 24th, up to 200 students from 40 secondary schools will take part in a Computer Programming Contest. This is a joint project of the Public and Catholic School Boards to be held at Westminster S.S and St. Thomas Aquinas S.S.
The Optimist Club of Fanshawe is co-ordinating sponsorship of awards for this event. Total cost will be about $2500. The Oakridge Optimists will contribute $100.00. Participating clubs will be acknowleged during the television and newspaper coverage.
Winners of this event will go on to regional and provincial competitions.
From the International Scene
May 27, 2000 has been designated the First Annual International Day of Optimism. This year each club has been invited to participate by recognizing an individual, business/media, or Non profit/Government Organizations which has/have really made a difference in the community. The winner will be presented with the Honorary Optimist Award. Optimist International will do a national media blitz to promote the recognition program and the good works of Optimist Clubs everywhere. It is believed that the publicity, contacts and relationships developed from this program will enhance the resources and visibility of individual clubs. If you would like to make a nomination give President Rick a call with the name.
Community Event at Oakridge Mall
Twice a year the mall is available for ommunity groups to set up displays to promote their organization. We are hoping to put together some material for the next event which is April 19 - 27, 2000. This is a great opportunity to tell people what the club is about and to encourage additional membership. Optimists Don Draper and Peter Hegler will investigate what can be displayed and during the next dinner meeting a sign-up list will be circulated for various members to commit some time at our table(s). The display will be between the MacDonalds and the vacant music store.
Community Skating
If you haven't taken out those old tube-style Tacks for awhile why not give it a shot. They probably work just fine once the rust is scraped off. Members and families are invited to join the community skating sessions organized by Opt. Kevin Heslop at Oakridge Arena. There is no cost to Optimist members and their families. We do, however, make a profit from this venture. Dates for skating are March 17th (8 -9:45 pm), 19th (2-3:45), 24th (8 -9:45 pm), and the 26th (2-3:45).
>March 23 Dinner Meeting
Focus on this occasion will be on past presidents who are no longer members of the club. Invitations have been extended to the following: 1971-Gord Rumming, 1972-Tom Walton, 1973-Chuck Dungey, 1974-Bill Weir, 1975-Joe Ecclestone, 1976-Jack Forbes, 77-78-Gary Dempster, 78-80 Bob Harris, 81-82-Jim Wetlauffer, 83-84- Peter Chapman, 85-86-Perry Doig, 87-88-Don Boos, 88-89-Greg Harness, 89-90- Bob Reneboog, 91-92-Jim Coleman. If you know of someone who has been missed, please notify President Rick. All have been asked to recant a few remembrances of their time as club presidents.
This promises to be a fun filled meeting. Place is Thames Valley Golf Course, 6:30 p.m. for cocktails, 7:00 p.m. - dinner.
The Mother (Father if you wish) of All "Bingoes"
It was Sunday , February 20th, 2000. At 11:30 a.m. the lineup began at the Bingo Castle. Excitement was in the air as purchasers of Bingo Books noted the relatively high "magic number" which determined whether or not the super jackpot would be won - 56.
Seldom have we seen such a frenzy of buying super jackpot cards and "catch 22" as was witnessed on this occasion. The ten workers from teams 3 and 4 literally sweat as they hustled to keep up with the demand for cards. In all, 243 players pounded daubers on multiple sheets anxiously anticipating a big win. During the contest to estimate our earnings, few Optimist workers came close to the amount - $2293. Nobody managed to win the "Super". Too bad we didn't have the next Bingo as well!
A psychologist from Clarion University, Iseli Krauss, Ed.D, has probed the reasons behind bingo's popularity among older adults. Based on her experiments, she suspects that bingo may have the potential to keep people's mental skills functioning.
Obvious benefits she identified were:
It keeps them in a social situation.
It forces them to think about a
schedule.
They have to have meals at a certain
time so they can get to Bingo.
Bingo experts may also excel at what Krauss calls a "divided attention task" - the ability to search for numbers and patterns simultaneously. During experments, inexperienced and younger players searched their cards exhaustively for numbers, then went back to look for patterns, leading them to commit more errors of omission-failing to mark numbers that were called.
So you see, there is hope and a pastime for us as we age. Play Bingo and you improve:
Ability to be alert-Ability to attend.-Ability to stay focussed for long periods.-Certain kinds of memory. Krauss did not consider it but it might be an idea to stay out of the smoking area.
March Humour
The following was submitted by Opt. Doug Mackay:
Stress Management Visualization
Picture yourself near a stream. Birds are chirping softly in the crisp, cool mountain air. Nothing can bother you here. No one knows this secret place. You are in total seclusion from that place called "The World." The soothing sound of a gentle waterfalls fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
The water is clear. You can easily make out the face of the person whose head you're holding under the water
There now, feeling better?
The recent warm weather may have resulted in you itching to get out on the links. You may enjoy some of the following "truisms" about the sport.
- In primitive society, when native tribes beat the ground with clubs and yelled it was called witchcraft; today, in civilized society, it is called golf
- The secret of good golf is to hit the ball hard, straight and not often.
- Many a golfer prefers a golf cart to a caddy because it cannot count, criticize or laugh.
- An amateur golfer is one who addresses the ball twice - once before swinging and once after swinging.
- Golf got its name because all of the other four letter words were taken.
Celebrations
Happy Birthday to :
Max Davis - March 27, Pat Moffatt - March 29, Doug Mackay - April 13 Ron Fisher - April 14, Michael Hoy - April 16.
Happy Anniversary to:
Sil and Candace Brecevic - April 8, John and Carol Innes - March 31
Canada-Wide Science Fair
May 14 to 21, 2000 - Volunteers are needed for the security of the exhibits and other duties. Call Rick Gillespie to sign up or get more information.
Respect For Law Dinner
Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at East London Optimist Hall. Guests will include London Chief of Police Al Gramolini and RCMP Assistant Commissioner Al Hutchison. Cost is $11.00 per person or $19.00 per couple. This will replace our May dinner meeting and should qualify as an official interclub meeting in our achievements this year.
Did you know?
As of Jan. 12, 2000 there were 124,911 Optimist members and 3,694 clubs.
Oakridge Hockey Committee Update
Many of you may have read in the Free Press on Saturday, March 11th that Oakridge
Hockey was pulling out of the GLHA and the Alliance and moving to the OMHA next season. No one was more surprised than me.
Our hockey committee has been exploring this option and a conditional application to
the OMHA was submitted in order to avoid a moratorium which may be placed on all moves by the Ontario Hockey Federation. The letter of application was very clear that the request was conditional upon the approval of the Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres.
It is my goal to have this issue brought forward quickly so that all members of our
club can be briefed upon the merits of each organization, GLHA and OMHA, and that we
can decide the matter once and for all. It is my understanding that the GLHA has made
many changes to its organization since the meetings they held with the various groups
that comprise the association although I have not yet seen the full documentation on the matter.
I am very disappointed that this matter was given to the press at this time. I want to
assure each member that I have asserted our club's ownership role over Oakridge Hockey
at each meeting with our committee or the GLHA .
Two West Virginians were having the blue plate special at their favorite watering hole when they heard this awful choking sound.
They turned around to see a lady, a few bar stools down, turning blue from wolfing down a possum burger too fast.
The first hillbilly said to the other, "Think we gotta' help?"
"I reckon," said the second hick.
The first hillbilly got up and walked over to the lady and asked, "Kin yew breathe?"
She shook her head "no".
"Kin yew speak?" he asked.
She again shook her head "no".
With that he helped her to her feet, lifted up her skirt and licked her on the butt.
She was so shocked, she coughed up the obstruction and began to breathe, with great relief.
The first hillbilly turned back to his friend and said, "Funny how that there Hind Lick Maneuver works ever' time."
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
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself
To be so 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 for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.