Latest news with #OptimistClub
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cross-border relationships are strained — but this town is forging a bond with a U.S. city by the same name
Amid strained cross-border relations between the U.S. and Canada over President Donald Trump's talk of annexation, a small Ontario town is on a quest to rekindle its relationship with a nearby U.S. city. The Town of Tecumseh, Ont., and its sister city, Tecumseh, Mich., both hope the long running tradition of the Tecumseh Corn Festival will serve as a focal point for this diplomatic overture. Coun. James Dorner, who represents ward 2, says there used to be a stronger connection with Tecumseh, Mich., tied to the corn festival, which will mark its 49th anniversary this year. "In the past, [organizers] used to invite delegates from Tecumseh, Mich., over, and the last time we had them over was nine years ago in 2016," Dorner said on Windsor Morning. The Optimist Club, with which Dorner volunteers, has been running the festival for three years, "and they're looking to bring back some of these older traditions." According to Dorner, the organizers started looking at the Tecumseh, Mich., council and Dorner said "eerily," one of the councillors there [Austin See] "had way too much in common for it to be a coincidence. "We were both in the military, he was in the U.S. Marine Corps, I was in our armed forces, we had the same trade — combat engineers — so we did the exact same job. He deployed to Iraq, I went to Afghanistan, and then we both got on council and were around the same age." 'We're all very excited' Dorner said reached out to See "almost instantly" and they've been talking ever since. "Austin and I have spoken on the phone a few times [and] I'm going there this weekend," Dorner said. "He mentioned that there's a Sand Sculpture Festival … happening, but he's told a lot of their council and administration about me coming over and they're just thrilled to have me. We're all very excited." Like Dorner, See said there was "instant connection" between them. "James and I immediately connected, just from our backgrounds as combat engineer veterans, the fact that we're younger council members in both cities of Tecumseh, [and] our personalities really mesh well together," See told CBC Windsor. "Our first phone call lasted four hours, there was so much to talk about. I felt like I was talking to myself for four hours." See said he's really looking forward to the Tecumseh Corn Festival, and he "can't wait to show [Dorner] this weekend all the cool things that we do for this Sand Sculpture Festival." See said he loves the initiative to reignite the relationship between the two Tecumsehs. "Canadians and Americans, we need to continue to look at each other as brothers and sisters, like we're family," See said. The Tecumseh Corn and Music Festival will be held Aug. 22 to 24 at McAuliffe Park.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Would bigger be better for Canada Day in Niagara Falls?
While praising city officials for organizing an 'amazing' Canada Day celebration, Niagara Falls city councillors mused about creating an even 'bigger' and 'better' event at Firemen's Park. 'A couple of people said we wish we really had one big band at the end of the day or the end of the night to kind of keep people there,' said Coun. Mike Strange during last week's meeting. 'Maybe that's something we can think of. To get a nice big band like The Trews — I think it would keep people there.' Kathy Moldenhauer, the city's general manager of recreation, culture and facilities, said officials would need the support of sponsors for that to happen. 'If anybody has any sponsors who want to help sponsor that big band at the end of the day, we'd love to get that because I know our budget is limited for next year,' she said. 'We do start planning now for next year.' Firemen's Park hosted the city's celebration of Canada's 158th birthday July 1 with live music and entertainment, food, vendors, inflatables, a cake/cupcake giveaway and more. The bandshell stage featured various performances, while the family zone stage included a day of family-friendly entertainment and interactive shows. Coun. Chris Dabrowski said the city should consider turning its Canada Day celebrations into a two-day event. 'We can look at ways of generating revenue to pay for some of those things because the gate numbers draw people and the people draw revenue to the vendors and then the vendors pay to be there,' he said. 'It's really difficult to get a vendor to set up for one day. They come to a one-day event, they try to generate some revenue, but if you have two days, they might pay a little bit more. Having a beer tent or look at ways that we can gate a nighttime concert, I think it's a great idea.' Dabrowski said there are ways to keep the event community oriented but also attract tourists. 'It's great that we do it for our community, but bigger could be better with events and with a large band like The Trews — maybe you could even charge for ticketing on an event like that.' Coun. Victor Pietrangelo brought up carnival rides, similar to years past when the city held its Canada Day celebrations at Optimist Club. 'I know, mayor, you've suggested this already — bring the rides back, have them there on Canada Day, especially if it falls on a weekend, it makes a lot of sense,' he said. 'They're there for three days and then everyone celebrates Canada Day with the rides there — I think that would be a great addition to what we're already doing.' Mayor Jim Diodati said as Niagara Falls' Canada Day celebrations continue to grow, ride companies will take note of the economic benefits that would come from committing to the municipal event. 'I think they're going to make an economic decision, based on bottom line and once they see where we're at … they're going to want to set up their carnival rides and bands are going to want to play where we have a gated, make some money event,' he said. Dabrowski suggested the city consider partnering with community groups such as Ribstock when organizing future Canada Day events. 'A little bit of private, a little bit of public, it takes the burden off a lot of the labour and the staff, and we can partner with a local organization to help benefit some charities — the possibilities are endless,' he said. Coun. Mona Patel suggested finishing the city's Canada Day event with fireworks or a drone show. 'Maybe it becomes our own little celebration.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
True North, strong and foamy: Port Colborne to bring Canada Day bash to waterfront
Port Colborne is gearing up for a jam-packed Canada Day celebration that promises something for all ages, including foam parties, face painting, fireworks and country rock by the canal. Organized by Port Colborne Optimist Club and supported by the city, Canada Day in the Park will return to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park on July 1. Festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a Mad Science demonstration, setting the tone for a day filled with interactive entertainment. The Optimist Club has lined up a roster of entertainment, including bounce houses, face painting, a birds of prey exhibit and, back by popular demand, a foam party. People can also look forward to meeting beloved Disney characters who will be roaming the park throughout the day for high-fives and photos. A vendor fair will take over parts of the park with handmade crafts and artisanal products, while a variety of food trucks and local vendors will help keep guests fuelled with snacks and summer treats. 'This event really brings the community together,' the city said in a statement. 'It's a great way to celebrate what it means to be Canadian — fun, family and time spent outdoors.' Once the sun starts to set, celebrations will move to the waterfront. At 7:30 p.m., local country rock band The Blackstones will take the stage at the corner of West and Sugarloaf streets. The evening concert is free to attend, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to enjoy the show along the Welland Canal. To cap the day off, the sky above West Street will light up with a fireworks display to begin about 10 p.m. The launch is dependent on seaway traffic, but organizers are hopeful for a show that wraps up the day with a bang. More details about the full schedule of events is available on the city's website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
James R. Calhoun (Rob) July 8, 1941 - June 23, 2025 Rob was
Jun. 28—James R. Calhoun (Rob) July 8, 1941 — June 23, 2025 Rob was born on July 8, 1941 in Owensboro, Kentucky to the late Everett Calhoun and Pauline Payne-Calhoun and passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025 in Chandler, Arizona surrounded by his loving family. He was also preceded in death by brothers Rev. Gerald "Jerry" Calhoun, Sherrell Calhoun, James Henry Calhoun, Julian Calhoun and sisters Juanita Riney, Lucy Sthrel, and Martha Warren. Rob attended Catholic grade school, high school, and college in Owensboro, Kentucky. After college, he moved to Arizona where he was employed as Director of Restaurant Sales for a national bakery company. Through connections made there, he purchased a fast-food restaurant operation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He grew that first business to five restaurants, a restaurant equipment sales and rental company, and a Coca Cola Distributing Company. Rob's final venture was a Business Brokerage and Commercial Real Estate Company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rob had a love of boating, fishing, and traveling in his RV. Rob was past President of the Evening Optimist Club of Albuquerque where he received an award for Optimist of the Year and was awarded as Life Member to Optimist International. He was also past President of ASEGA (Albuquerque Sales and Economic Growth Association) and he was a member of the EAGA (Executive Association of Greater Albuquerque), and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Chandler, Arizona. He is survived by his wife Margie Moore-Calhoun, daughters Kathy Morris (Jerry) of Mesa, AZ, Christy Calhoun-Anderson (David) of Albuquerque, NM, Cindy Calhoun of Albuquerque, NM, and sons Tim Calhoun of Albuquerque, NM, Daniel Calhoun (Christina) of Prescott, AZ, and Sean Calhoun (Melissa) of Albuquerque, NM, and three grandchildren Cassie Kaplan, Payton Calhoun, and Lennon Calhoun. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Father Louis Anthony Sigman, Council 16277, St. Juan Diego Catholic Church, 3200 S. Cooper Road, Chandler, AZ 85286. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church, 3200 S. Cooper Road, Chandler, AZ 85286, followed by a reception at IronOaks Country Club at the Poolside Community Center, 24211 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Condolences may be expressed at
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Former Cooper City Optimist Club president denies embezzlement charges, calls case politically motivated
The former head of the Cooper City Optimist Club is accused of theft The former head of the Cooper City Optimist Club is accused of theft The former head of the Cooper City Optimist Club is accused of theft The former president of the Cooper City Optimist Club is out of jail and pushing back against embezzlement allegations, claiming the charges are an attempt to damage his reputation ahead of a political campaign. Molina: Charges politically driven "I'm shocked. People who know me, know me," said Herminio Molina, who has been involved with the youth sports organization for 18 years. He insists the case is politically motivated. "Nothing was hidden. There's someone in the city trying to ruin my name. Elections are coming up. I'm running (for commissioner) and he wants to ruin me." Prosecutors allege pattern of misconduct Broward County prosecutors allege Molina embezzled money from the nonprofit. According to an arrest affidavit, he rented out a soccer field for $200 without authorization and failed to turn over donations and concession proceeds in a timely manner, what prosecutors describe as "a pattern of conduct that's deceitful." "We are here because of a $200 Zelle payment," said defense attorney Marwan Porter, who also has a son playing on an Optimist team. He claims the allegations are exaggerated. "All the money ended up where it's supposed to go." Community reacts as Molina vows to fight charges Anthony Espinoza, who played Optimist soccer a decade ago, said if the allegations are true, it would be a blow to the community's trust. "The families come out and watch the kids play and many families have met him. So for him to ruin trust, it's unfortunate." Molina said he intends to fight the grand theft charges and appealed to the community for continued support. "If you believe in what I did for your children, continue to believe in me. I'm not going away."
