Published April 5 2016
By Angelica Ingram
When Walter Tose retired from a career in teaching he wanted to stay active and give back to the community.
So Tose began volunteering his time as a driver for Community Care now known as Community Support Services.
Tose has been a driver for the organization for the past five years and has also helped organize the Scotty Morrison Charity Hockey Tournament which was not held this year for various reasons.
Since getting involved with the health services organization the retired teacher has been amazed at the amount of programs they offer to the community including Meals on Wheels Adult Day programs assisted living emergency response friendly visiting geriatric assessment Home Help and much more.
“There’s over 200 volunteers in the county working for them and about a dozen staff” said Tose.
He signed on to be a driver for the organization and finds it both rewarding and not difficult as it is a flexible commitment and an opportunity to meet new people.
“It just gives you another perspective on life” he said. “That’s the rewarding part you’re providing a service for them doing something that’s not too onerous.”
An avid musician and member of local band Custom Blend Tose and the band had this idea that each member was to pick a charity of their choice to support and he chose CSS.
“I went to the band last fall and said why don’t we host a dance?” he said.
On Saturday April 23 Custom Blend will be performing at a fundraiser dance in support of CSS at the Haliburton Legion.
When he introduced the idea Tose was met with support and people were immediately on board helping to secure door prizes create posters free of charge and more.
The event will serve multiple purposes including raising money for Community Support Services but also creating a fun night out for the public.
Tose describes the band as a group that plays a variety of genres but mostly focuses on classic rock and roll.
All five members with the exception of drummer Cathy Salvatori provide vocals said Tose.
For the upcoming fundraiser the band will include a sixth special guest Charlie Davis.
A retired cottager Davis has been a musician for most of his life playing harmonica and singing.
Other members of the band include Dave Bathe Andy Salvatori Bill Hutson Tose and Cathy.
“We do some original tunes but it’s really classic rock and roll covers” said Tose. “We try to do a cross section from everything including Van Morrison to Grand Funk Railroad to Hootie and the Blowfish.”
Doors for the event open at 7:30p.m. with music starting at 8:15 p.m. There will be late night snacks provided.
Tickets are $20 or $15 if you’re a staff member or volunteer for Community Support Services. They are available at Halco Electronics in Haliburton and Organic Times in Minden. Or they can be purchased through Tose by calling 705-457-4514 or Bathe at 705-286-2950.
