The PGOSA Speaker Series will continue in 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 25
"Coombs Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Meggie Beal" Dr. Beal will focus her remarks on obesity in companion animals.
One of the biggest issues facing our companion animals today is obesity! While the extra pudge can be awfully cute, it can also lead to numerous health problems including joint injuries, arthritis, and Diabetes. On August 25, Dr. Meggie Beal from Coombs Veterinary Hospital will be discussing a few tips and tricks to lose those canine and feline love handles. She will also be giving a virtual tour of the hospital and answering as many questions as she can! Hope to see you then.
To join the Zoom meeting, click this link: ZOOM
Details on logging into the Zoom session are also in the PGOSA Calendar.
* RSVP required. Contact Doug Williams to reserve your spot. We think this will be a very popular event - RSVP soon.
* Due to Zoom logistics, this session is only open to 2021 PGOSA members.
In Case You Missed It
A play-by-play recounting of the 2021 Guys vs Gals Slo-pitch Classic
The Mamas and the Papas Play Nicely Together
The crowd started to arrive so early that the latecomers had to park as far away as the Community Park swings, where a few of the seniors marvelled at the way those kids could clamber up unassisted onto the free-moving slat-seats and inner tubes. "Gosh, look at the way their knees bend!" one stiff-legged former athlete exclaimed. Then steadily, they surged towards the ballfield, with folding-chairs and high expectations of an exciting contest. (Who knew for sure, ‘free hot dogs’ might have only been a rumour.)
At 11:00, the Guys vs Gals Game would begin. The annual event, its fifth, was a creation of the innovative Randy White, Parksville Senior Slo-pitch's Charles O. Finley. This year's contest, sponsored by PSAG, PGOSA, PISL, and M & R Trust, would pit the gold-jerseyed Mamas against the baby-blue uniformed Papas. The result seemed predictable. The feminine side had won three out of the last four, and featured women who could run, catch, throw, bat, and frankly (if we can still say this) were a lot better looking. On the other hand, the men were, well, mostly well-behaved.
The opening ceremonies included introductions of the teams and gift exchange by their coaches, Angie Dobie for the Mamas and Paul Perkins (think early Casey Stengel) for the Papas. Then identification of the 'celebrity' umpires Norm Joyce and Steve Gilmour followed; both had the word "UMP" printed on their caps and shirts in the event that they forgot what they were doing there. There was a warm-hearted salute to Bernice Fraser and all the volunteer scorekeepers for the league games.
Randy White received a gift from the game participants for his long-time organization of this event, and Chuck Blakey was awarded a well-deserved Award of Merit from the players of PSAG for his "considerable and on-going contributions of personal time, effort, and know-how" as President of the League. Chuck continued as a base umpire for the game.
The game started calmly and professionally, with well-executed plays all around and a growing sense early that "Gee, this could be a close one." The men of the Papas, normally by gender and playing experience vulnerable to panic and performance anxiety, showed outstanding patience and skill in taking the early lead 1-0. Rookie pitcher Kevin Thipthorpe, likely still signing autographs, pitched like a seasoned veteran.
The Mamas tied it up in the third inning with a big smash to center field by Sue Whittaker, but the defensive struggle continued. Roy Dutton played second base, self-admittedly like a modern-day Nellie Fox. Nellie would be 93 today, Roy.
The Papas forged ahead in the middle innings 3-1, led by a hard pulled shot down the 3rd baseline by Ray Pellerin. However, the later opportunities for the Papas to put the game out of reach were thwarted by a series of remarkable catches in the Mama outfield by Sue Maltby, Gloria Young, and the stellar infield combinations executed by Ann McVey, Lynn Laursen, Arlene Goldney, Sue Atchison and Judy Elliott.
A startling catch was made by Gloria off a howitzer blasted off the bat of Gil Sampson. Even the mild-mannered Gil was visibly shaken. "Drat", he exclaimed in a rare outburst. Mamma fielders Sandy Lund and Tracy Hurley humbly tried to hide their satisfaction (grins) as they headed in after that play.
So the stage was set. 3-1 Papas lead. Last inning. Top of the 7th. The away team Mamas to bat. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Four hard-hit singles in a row, including a shot up the middle by a new-hip-rejuvenated Leslie Gilmour. The lead cut to a single run. Now one out, bases loaded. A full count to a patient Sue Atchison. A hush over the diamond such that you could hear the ragged breathing from the Papas' dugout...
Knowing that a walk would tie the game, steady relief pitcher John Lund had to venture into the strike zone. And Sue crushed it, clearing the fielders and clearing the bases, for a three-run double to put the Mamas up by two. They were on their way to a final 6-3 victory, after they extinguished the Papas' hopes in the bottom of the 7th with three quick outs. Gosh. What happened?
The MVPs of the exciting Mamas and Papas encounter were Marie Morton, who played an amazing game at the rover position for the Mamas with multiple catches and assists, and Ray Pellerin of the Papas, who admitted that he “hadn’t hit the ball that hard since…” Ray’s eyes glazed over and he finally mumbled something about “maybe the late 60’s”. He seemed to drift slowly into an intoxicating reverie, and I think I saw him, almost imperceptibly, try to flex a bicep.
Oh, and by the way, the free hot dogs for fans and players, provided by PSAG, were not a rumour, making the day about as perfect as it could be. Bruised male egos? Really? That’s why we play.
Submitted by Roland Wickett, July 28, 2021
Photos by Chuck Blakey
PGOSA Pancakes in the Park
Friday, August 20
Lots of people enjoyed the first PGOSA Pancake Breakfast in July. Mark your calendar for the next breakfast and come on out to enjoy delicious pancakes and sausages!
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Date: Friday, August 20
Location: Parksville Community Park Picnic Shelter
Cost: $5
Menu: pancakes and sausages. Coffee, juice and water will also be available.
Remember to bring a chair!
Volunteers are needed to make sure that things run smoothly. Help with set up at 9:45 am, serving from 10:00 to 11:30 and clean up. Contact Doug Williams at d-williams@shaw.ca or 240-947-9230.
Coffee, juice or tea and cookies will be served from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Friday mornings at the Picnic Shelter in Parksville Community Park. (Please note updated times.)
Ball players appreciate the effort from PGOSA and others who want to socialize will still have an hour to gather for coffee and cookies. Coffee in the Park will continue throughout August.
PGOSA Membership Table
Have you renewed your membership? PGOSA activities are starting up again, and you must be a member to participate.
Our PGOSA Membership table is now open on Fridays through to the end of August, at the Parksville Community Park in the Picnic Shelter from 9:30 to 11:00 am. Registration forms will be available or bring your prefilled one (link to the form). Those that have name badges to pick-up will be emailed.
Membership Renewal
Can't make it to the Park? Here are your other options. Online membership application now available here. Your PGOSA membership card will be emailed to you for you to print and keep in your wallet or save and display on your smartphone. You can also choose to have it mailed to you. You can order your PGOSA name badge at the same time. Mail-in – download the membership form from our website, fill it in, print it off, sign it (2 places), and mail it to us with payment and a stamped, self- addressed envelope. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 957, Parksville, V9P 2G9. Your 2021 membership card will be mailed to you.
Bridge Coordinator
We are hoping to start a Bridge group in the fall but need a member to act as the coordinator of the group. This activity would be once a week (day of week and time to be determined) at the Bradley Center on Alberni Highway just before Coombs. Their duties would be to keep regular contact (email) with the players, teach the game to beginners, and create a welcoming environment where members could learn and enjoy the game of Bridge.
If you know the game, would like to host a group of players, please contact Jim Powell at trijim@shaw.ca and discussions could begin in getting a Bridge group started!
The list of Friends of PGOSA is growing!
They include restaurants, car maintenance and repair service, computer training, banking, veterinary services, personal memoirs and bicycles (and bike gear). And now furniture too!
Remember to show your card. Most offers may not be combined with other coupons or discounts. Check the PGOSA Friends page for terms and conditions.
Animal Care
Oceanside Animal Hospital - 10% discount
Cars, Trucks and Bicycles
Island Cycle - 10% discount on purchases of $40 and up.
Kerry’s Car and Truck Centre - 15% discount (excluding tires)
Shannon Motors - 10% discount on parts and labour
Computers and Media
Up Your Media - 10% discount
Financial and Legal Services
Coastal Community Credit Union - Golden Account with preferred rates
Gordon D.S. Ball, Law Office - $50 off regular fees
Furniture
Coombs Junction Furniture - 15% discount
M&N Mattress - 10 - 20% discount, depending on item
Health, Fitness and Sports
Adventuress Sea Kayaking - 10% discount on rentals, lessons and day tours
Island Cycle - 10% discount on purchases of $40 and up
Kirby's Source for Sports - 10% discount
Oceanside Golf Services - 10% discount on lessons and re-gripping clubs
Pharmasave - 10% discount on sports braces and compression socks. Free body composition analysis, a $20 value.
Thai Massage by Karen - 15% discount.
Restaurants
Amrikkos Indian Cuisine - 10% discount, dine in only
PGOSA Speaker Series 
he crowd started to arrive so early that the latecomers had to park as far away as the Community Park swings, where a few of the seniors marvelled at the way those kids could clamber up unassisted onto the free-moving slat-seats and inner tubes. "Gosh, look at the way their knees bend!" one stiff-legged former athlete exclaimed. Then steadily, they surged towards the ballfield, with folding-chairs and high expectations of an exciting contest. (Who knew for sure, ‘free hot dogs’ might have only been a rumour.)
So the stage was set. 3-1 Papas lead. Last inning. Top of the 7th. The away team Mamas to bat. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Four hard-hit singles in a row, including a shot up the middle by a new-hip-rejuvenated Leslie Gilmour. The lead cut to a single run. Now one out, bases loaded. A full count to a patient Sue Atchison. A hush over the diamond such that you could hear the ragged breathing from the Papas' dugout...
Knowing that a walk would tie the game, steady relief pitcher John Lund had to venture into the strike zone. And Sue crushed it, clearing the fielders and clearing the bases, for a three-run double to put the Mamas up by two. They were on their way to a final 6-3 victory, after they extinguished the Papas' hopes in the bottom of the 7th with three quick outs. Gosh. What happened?
PGOSA Pancakes in the Park
PGOSA Speaker Series - Save the Date!
Friday Coffee in the Park
PGOSA Membership Table
Membership Renewal
Bridge Coordinator