Thank you letter from Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

We are pleased to share a special thank you letter from the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, acknowledging the incredible support and generosity shown at our Annual Holiday Toy Drive Fun Night this past December. Your contributions made a meaningful difference in the lives of local families, helping to bring joy to children in need this holiday season.

As members of our squash club community, your involvement in events like these goes beyond just participating—it makes a real impact. We are proud of the positive change we create together, and we want you to know that your actions truly matter. Thank you for being part of something that not only brings us together but also gives back to those who need it most.

“Dear The Pickering Squash Club, 

As the days grow a little longer and we settle into a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the warmth and generosity you shared through the Annual Holiday Hope Campaign.

Because of you, children experienced the excitement of opening heartfelt gifts, families gathered around warm meals, and so many felt the embrace of a compassionate community. Your kindness ensured that no child was left without a moment of joy and no family felt alone.

But the most incredible part? The hope you created didn’t fade with the season – it carries on. The joy, relief, and sense of belonging you helped provide continue to uplift families well into the new year, reminding them that they are not alone.

We are deeply grateful for your support and the meaningful difference you’ve made. Your generosity is a beautiful reflection of what’s possible when we come together as a community.

Wishing you a year filled with joy and connection. We look forward to continuing this important work with you by our side.

With so much thanks and heartfelt appreciation,

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation”

905-433-1551 Ext. 2823  

1320 Airport Blvd, Oshawa, ON L1J 0C6

www.durhamcaf.ca

Get Ready to Play and Party! Exciting Events Coming to the Pickering Squash Club!

Sign up now:

Registration Form

Deadline: March 19

Hi Everyone,

Get ready to play and party!  I have some exciting events to share with you that are coming up at the club. 

This is a longer email so please be sure to read through it because there’s lots of important information included.

First off, we are bringing back the Club Championship Tournament for both singles and doubles!

The Club Championship Tournament is open to all our club members at all levels.  Matches will be scheduled during the evenings over the course of one week with the finals being played on Sat. April 5th. 

The specific dates are:

  • Monday March 31st – singles
  • Tuesday April 1st – doubles
  • Wednesday April 2 – singles
  • Thursday April 3 – doubles
  • Friday April 4 – doubles and singles

Sat. April 5 – singles and doubles

Here’s how it will work…You can sign up for both singles and doubles as we have staggered the dates to make it easier for scheduling.  I will place you in an appropriate draw for your level based on the sign-ups so all you have to do is fill in the Google form below.

For doubles, you need to sign up WITH a partner (male or female), draws will be made according to the level of your team, not gender specific.  ie, a mixed team may play against a women’s team if the level is similar. 

For singles, I plan on separating the men’s and women’s draws if the sign-up allows.  If not, I will combine.

The cost to participate in our Club Championships is $30 and you may play both singles and doubles for the same fee.  Please fill out the Google form below and send your e-transfer to the membership email (please see Nicole, or any of the executive if you don’t have the membership email address in your email or check the posters in the club) before your entry is confirmed.  We do not want to have to chase everyone down for payment so if you would like to play, please send in your e-transfer by March 19th!

Wait!  That’s not all…

We will be celebrating another successful year and our 40th anniversary of the Pickering Squash Club at our annual banquet party.  This year will be special and a night you won’t want to miss.  We will be celebrating at the Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club on the evening of Sat. April 5th.  We will have a delicious sit-down dinner, Club Championship awards, dancing, music, cash bar and lots of prizes.  The cost for a banquet ticket (largely subsidized by the club) is $60 per person and must also be e-transferred.

But wait…

Let’s assume you want to play in our Club Championship Tournament and attend our annual banquet party.  Well then you will get a greal deal!  The cost to play and party is $60, which includes both the tournament entry fee and a banquet ticket!  Again, fill in the Google form below and send in your e-transfer.

The Pickering Squash Club isn’t just a place to play, it’s a community built on passion, competition and lifelong friendships.  Our Club Championships Tournament and Banquet is the perfect way to celebrate everything that makes this club special!  Whether you’re battling it out on court or cheering from the sidelines, the energy and camaraderie are unmatched.  And after the action, our banquet is the ultimate way to come together, share stories, and recognize the incredible talent within our club.

Sign up, compete and celebrate with us!  Please fill in the Google form below and send in your e-transfer before the deadline to solidify your entry and/or banquet ticket.

Cost re-cap:

Banquet only $60

Club Championship tournament only $30

Club Championship tournament and Banquet ticket $60

Fill in the Google form below to participate in any or all the events!

Registration: 2025 Pickering Squash Club Championship and 40th Anniversary Celebration

See you on the courts,

Nicole

Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament Wraps Up

Photo Credit: Joan Hill

This past weekend, we wrapped up another incredible Lee Hanebury Memorial Squash Tournament, and what a tournament it was! From intense rallies to inspiring sportsmanship, every match was a testament to the passion and dedication of our squash community.

Lee Hanebury Squash Tournament 2025 highlights.

A huge thank you to all the players who participated, giving it their all on the courts. Whether you were battling for the championship or simply enjoying the camaraderie, your energy and enthusiasm made this event truly special.

Video by Jackie Ferrier

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers and organizers. This tournament wouldn’t be possible without your hard work and generosity. From coordinating matches to ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes, your efforts did not go unnoticed.

Lee Hanebury’s legacy continues to inspire us, and this tournament remains a fitting tribute. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for another unforgettable weekend of squash!

#ThankYou #SquashCommunity #LeeHaneburyMemorial

2025 Lee Hanenebury Squash Tournament Winners

Men E Single Winner

Vonas, Nigel

Men D Singles

Sunil Malik, Raamis

Men C Singles

Dwivedi, Krish

Men B Singles

Eltorgman, Kareem

Men A Singles

Steckle, Brett

Women E Singles

Beltran, Maria

Women D Singles

McPhaden, Megan

Women C Singles

Koowar, Sumintra

Women B Singles

Malik, Ranya

Women A Singles

Lee, Young

Men C Doubles

Nicholson, Eric / Tieche, Roger

Men B Doubles

Portillo, Alfredo / Henderson, Robert

Women B Doubles

Pirko, Nicole / Pratt, Lisa

Deadline Approaching for Doubles House League – Jan 10th

Just a reminder to those who want to play doubles house league this season, the deadline is fast approaching for signup. Please make sure your team is listed on the signup sheets or contact Jim or Nicole to express your interest in playing by this Friday, January 10th.

If Jim or Nicole do not hear from you by the 10th we cannot guarantee your participation in the upcoming house league as we need time to put schedules together to be ready for the week of January 19th.

Children’s Aid and Food Bank: Thank You to All Who Donated

Dear family and friends,

Sincere thanks to all who have donated so generously with food or monetary transfer to the St Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank and Children’s Aid of Durham, serving the needs of many families across our communities of Pickering and Ajax.

St Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank

We are extremely pleased to inform you Dec 11, 2024 we provided 331 pounds of food (a record amount for us), along with significant amount of funds to the food bank. Lindsey Morrill (Food Bank Director) expressed her sincere gratitude for our efforts and significant contributions.

Sadly, demand for support continues to increase substantially, with numbers posted on their site including those helped, individuals fed, volumes distributed and household visits Food Bank | St Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank | Ajax Pickering | Ontario . Although they receive donations from many sources, she re-iterated “it all goes out as fast as it comes in”, highlighting the need for continuous support.

On behalf of Lindsey Morrill, Rick D’Souza and myself (supported by the Pickering Squash Club), a sincere thank you for supporting our community in need. 

Happy New Year to you and loved ones. 

Best regards,

Rick D’Souza & Fred Dizig

Pickering Squash Club

Fall 2024 Doubles House League Winners

The Pickering Squash Club held a great season of doubles hardball squash house league. We really enjoyed getting to know the players who came from Mayfair Parkway.

The finalists and runners-up are: Div 1: Mark Rowland and Alfredo Portillo over Raj and Sameer Vadera. Div 2: Terry and Anderson over Shan and Dayan. Div 3: Jim and John over Dan and Naveen. Congratulations to all!

Winners for Div 1 are Mark Rowland and Alfredo Portillo over Raj and Sameer Vadera.

Winners for Div 1 are Mark Rowland and Alfredo Portillo over Raj and Sameer Vadera.

Div 2 winners are Terry and Anderson over Shan and Dayan.

Div 2 winners are Terry and Anderson over Shan and Dayan.

Jim and John over Dan and Naveen in Div 3 final.  

Jim and John over Dan and Naveen in Div 3 final.  

House League Registration

We hope you are looking forward to the winter 2025 of the doubles hardball squash house league!

If you haven’t already signed up on the list outside the double courts, please contact Jim by January 10th. Please include the names of your partners. As schedules need to be compiled, so if we don’t hear from you by then, we can’t guarantee your participation.

2025 upcoming events at the Pickering Squash Club

– From Nicole Pirko

The first half of the squash season has been a success and there is much more to come in the new year.  So don’t you dare put your racquet away over the holidays because we have a busy schedule of house leagues, tournaments and lots of clinic opportunities coming up in the new year.  

First up is our Monday Night Singles House League that will be starting up again on Monday Jan. 20th.  I have automatically added everyone from the final round in December so there is no need to sign up if you were participating in the final weeks before the break.  If you are new to the league and would like to participate, simply send me an email and say “I’m in” and I will add you to the list. If you are not sure if you are included, just send me an email and I’ll confirm.  All levels are welcome and the house league is a fun way to meet other players and get a great work out.  

Our doubles house league will also be starting on the week of Jan. 20th.  The sign-up sheet is posted on the board outside the doubles courts.  Please find yourself a partner and add your team to the list!

 Our annual Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament – Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 2, 2025. I would like to invite you all to participate in the Pickering Squash Club’s annual Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament on the weekend of Jan. 31-Feb. 2.  This is a tournament weekend you do not want to miss!  Tournament events include Men’s and Women’s singles events levels A-E (This means everyone at every level should play), as well as Doubles Men’s and Women’s B and C draws (you will need to register with a partner).  Women may play both singles and doubles (only required to pay one entry fee) but due to limited court time, men may only play one event.  Your entry fee includes a tournament souvenir, licensed bar, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Saturday night doubles Calcutta (if court time permits) followed by a social night at our local restaurant and lots of squash.  You must register on the Squash Ontario website at: www.squashontario.com (under the “tournament community” tab.  The sign-up deadline is Wed. Jan. 22th but please sign up early to avoid disappointment as some draws WILL fill up fast!  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  

Junior Squash Programs:

Our junior squash program is in full swing and we have added more clinics for juniors of all levels and ages!  All clinics are 12 weeks and the emphasis will be on teaching the kids proper techniques, drills, game play and of course fun!  Here are the details below.  Please sign up early because the clinics fill up fast!

Tuesday’s 4:30-5:30- Advanced Junior Clinic (all ages)

Tuesday’s 5:30-6:30- Intermediate Junior Clinic (Ages 7-14)

Saturday’s 12:30-1:30 – Novice/Beginner (Ages 4-15) 

Saturday’s 1:30-2:30 – Intermediate Junior Clinic (Ages 7-14) this is an additional class for our Tuesday Intermediate players. 

Please contact Nicole to sign up for all Tuesday classes and Sameer for all Saturday classes.

Are looking for some extra training to improve your game, why not try a clinic?  Here are the new clinic dates for various levels starting in Jan. 

Beginner Squash Clinic (men and women) – Wednesday’s 6:00-7:00 – 4 week program – Contact Nicole to sign up

Men’s intermediate Skills Clinic (tournament level C/D) -Thursday’s 6:00-7:00- 6 week program- Contact Sameer to sign up

Mixed Performance Advanced Clinic (tournament level A/B) – Thursday’s 7:00-8:00 – 6 week program – Contact Nicole to sign up

Lastly, our social directors are busy planning this year’s banquet party and we have a date confirmed.  Be sure to add Sat. April 5th on your calendars for this year’s banquet party following our Club Championships Tournament.  More details to come!

I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday and we will see you on the courts in the new year!

Nicole

PSC Christmas Food Drive in support of St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank

Dear Family and Friends,

We are reaching out to you again this year to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate in our communities of Ajax-Pickering, by way of support to the St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank.

The need for support continues to grow especially over the past few years as families continue to struggle through a challenging economy, health issues or other reasons. Anything you can offer to help support this effort is greatly appreciated by many. Please feel free to forward this message to extended family and friends who you think may also be able to help.

Please donate by Friday December 6th

Our plan is to deliver all donations received to the Food Bank on Fri Dec 13 2024. If you are able to help, kindly consider the following options:

  • Donation of food: Drop off in the large green marked container along the wall near the north exit at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex at 1867 Valley Farm Rd. This large container is easily visible and marked accordingly place. A picture is attached here for reference. Alternatively, please send email to either [email protected] or [email protected] to arrange for convenient pick up
  • Monetary donation (via cheque):  Please be sure to make cheques out to “St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank”. Their mailing address is 882 Kingston Rd, Pickering Ontario L1V 1A8. However, in the event of continued labour disruption, we would suggest donation via e-transfer or Paypal, as follows;
  • E-Transfer: All e-transfers are automatically deposited directly to the food bank’s account. Please forward to [email protected] . You could also use the link on their website St Paul’s on-the-hill Community Food Bank See DONATE button at the bottom of their page;
  • Paypal: They now also accept donations via Paypal. Reference the following link to their home page St Paul’s on-the-hill Community Food Bank
  • Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. See details on their site at St Paul’s on-the-hill Community Food Bank

Their most urgent needs at this time include the following items. Please ensure all donated food items are within the ‘best before’ or expiration dates.

Canned TunaBreakfast cereals/oatmeal
Pancake MixCanned tomatoes
Peanut ButterGranola bars
Halal itemsCanned fruits
Canned cornTomato paste
Corned beefCooking oil
JuiceHygiene products
 Dry beans (chickpeas, kidney)

Reference their website for a complete list as this changes from time to time: Food Bank | St Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank | Ajax Pickering | Ontario

All donations (food and monetary) received will be delivered to Lindsey Morrill (Food Bank Director) at St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank at 1537 Pickering Parkway, on December 13 2024. No amount of food or monetary donation is too small. All funds received will be used by the Food Bank team to purchase needed items at wholesale cost, and distributed to those in need. All our efforts to collect and deliver your donations are strictly on a volunteer basis.

Thank you very much again for your consideration and any support you could offer, by Friday Dec 06 2024.

We wish you and loved ones the very best of health and happiness, especially during the coming holiday season.

Kind regards,

Rick D’Souza & Fred Dizig

Pickering Squash Club

Make a Difference This Holiday Season – Join Our Annual Toy Drive & Round Robin!

The holiday season is a time of joy, tradition, and togetherness. But for some families in our community, it can also be a time of great vulnerability. Many face the heartbreak of struggling to provide for their children or maintain cherished traditions, making the holidays feel like a challenge instead of a celebration.

That’s why every year, our squash club comes together for something bigger than squash: our Annual Toy Drive & Round Robin. It’s our way of giving back, supporting families in need, and rediscovering the true spirit of the season.

Join us

Here’s how you can join us:

Sign up for singles on the board in the singles court area and for doubles on the board outside the doubles courts.  You can also respond to Nicole and let her know if you would prefer to play doubles or singles and she will add you to the list. 

  • Bring an unwrapped toy and nonperishable food item(s) to donate.
  • Participate in a fun and friendly round-robin tournament.
  • Date: Monday Dec. 9th 
  • Time: 6:00 sharp 

Why This Matters

By giving, we help families feel the warmth of the holidays and create moments of joy for children who might otherwise go without. It’s also an opportunity to counterbalance the season’s consumerism and focus on what truly matters – kindness, connection, and community.

Celebrate Our Club Community

And let’s not forget, this event isn’t just about helping others. It’s also about celebrating and strengthening the bonds that make our squash club so special. It’s a chance to reconnect with fellow members, share some laughs, and celebrate what it means to be part of a team that cares.

The night will include both doubles and singles squash round-robin fun games for all levels of players and all ages (the more the merrier)!  The evening will finish off at Sabina’s restaurant for some drinks and food for those of you who would like to join us!

Join Us and Make a Difference

So, whether you’re here to play, donate, or simply show your support, your presence will make a difference. Together, let’s show the power of our community to bring hope, joy, and generosity to those who need it most.

Looking forward to playing some “fun” squash and helping to put smiles on some children’s faces this holiday season!