Eventsplus

31/10/2024

Gofundme Book

Hello

Many wonderful people stepped up and lifted me out of my homelessness via a previous Gofundme. To those folks thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you did was help me off the streets, god bless you. I was living in my truck, then a hockey arena converted into a homeless shelter, and thanks to your help I now reside in an a small apartment in a city community building. My old age pension permits me to pay my rent and basic needs. I also volunteer to help the seniors there by cooking a meal for 60 monthly as well as overseeing the organic gardening seniors.

It has also allowed me to get here. HERE is my having written a book/novel on being homeless. I want to share my story with the world, give hope to those that need it, open doors to politicians to understand and learn, plus give back in that part of the book proceeds will also accomplish help, in only a way an insider understands.

My new book is called The Mayor of The Wal-Mart Parking Lot, because as I started out homeless I lived out of my truck, and the safest place was the Wal-Mart parking lot. There were other homeless in their cars there among the many RV people.

I am trying to reach people at Wal-Mart Marketing and Purchasing too. It would be very cool to speak to Wal-Mart- I estimated a large revenue number they receive from RV’s and homeless from their welcome parking lots.

The book as it enters the final stages of grammar and spell checking before proofreading and editing, addition of pictures and such is now 245 pages, likely to get to 280, will be published as a hard cover and paperback.

It is important to do this gofundme because despite having income to pay my bills, it is necessary to spend around $3,500 to get the professional services to get the book ready (edited) to publish and market. As one may expect the banks are not interested in lending me the money- they don’t think a former homeless person has dreams or motivations- and as an unknown author publishers are shy. It took Stephen King multiple attempts to get his first book published.

So please help as best you can, any amount that gets me towards the goal is welcomed.

I have just put up a page. https://www.facebook.com/mayor.of.the.wal.mart.parking.lot/

Any donation over $100 will receive a certified first edition, personally inscribed and signed copy of the book. Shipped within North America continental.

10% of all net profits of book sales will be donated to helping the homeless, through supporting food programs.

Thanks you in advance!

https://gofund.me/75419eb8

Grant

Hello Many wonderful people stepped up and lifted me out of my homelessness vi… Grant Yusak needs your support for Publish an inside story on homelessness

16/10/2024

I am having a great day. Up to 54000 words into chapter 37 of The Mayor of the Wal-Mart Parking Lot- hey is there a Walmart Canada- they should know of the book, maybe chat about a side deal.
Otherwise still riding the high from Thanksgiving, my family and my feast.
Plus planning a Pancake Breakfast here for the holidays, and maybe a toy drive. I want to figire out donations/gofundme and ued toys drop off. I think it would be awesome to combine them- drop off toys receive a plate of Home Make pancake.
Thoughts??

14/09/2024

Stoked. While i am an outcast having had a breakdown in 2008 when Ed needed me most. It will hurt me until i die i wasnt there. But so thrilled to see Tammy Toes on the foeld in Hamilton.

22/08/2024

last thing tonight..bless you. as I work on 5 books. The follow up to Away- www.awaythebook.com on amazon with be Concete Angel. While I complete my no fiction book on being homeless, called the Mayor of the WalMart Parking Lot.

Just help me and go to amazon and buy a book. I hope you like it.

Off to the Press!

14/07/2024

I just stumbled on this new video, Chris LeDoux like Garth is a huge favorite of mine and this song has been too. I have awesome friends that are bikers, when I owned Walkley we were often visited by the Bikers Church, when at Strathcona Legion RCL 595 we had the Legion Riders, and starting with Val Larabie many years at Popular Grove Golf Club while I spun tunes at Mrs Schells monthy member dances.

Another thing I thank my good buddy Jim Ross for, sorry what he got in exchange. Val wanted country music and me Mr RocknRoll 77 had nothing. Val came to the dances dressed like he was gonna do a Rodeo.

Well I would help Jim with his band Good News and on one trip up the Valley we stopped on the way home in Cobden of a snack and gas- the snack also gave us gas. But while there I bought smokes, yep I used to smoke- my golf nickname was Gary Player. I asked the guy at the cash as there was a turnstile of cassette tapes- remember those? He gave me two- well yeah I paid, but I got Tom T Hall- Watermelon Wine, and John Denver Greatest Hits.

A week later at the dance, Val was with his friends at the first table off the dance floor. I had precrecorded the first 12 songs as they were the usual favorites, and would get played a 2nd time later.

I recall about the 8th or 9th song in, a waltz, Val swayed by with his lady in his arms and he looked over at me, and the look was odd- mostly why bother asking, mournful even.

Well I winked at him. The waltz ended and I keyed up "Thank God I'm a Country Boy, as all know I am long winded and told much of this story, ending with saying Val Larabie I am so so so sorry you had to wait this long to get a country song, I got a few for you tonight. That fiddle started and before the bow had hit the strings a 5th tme, he and his boots and hat and sturapes were on the floor.

Every dance after and recall post double Trudeau (hopefully) people this was 1976 and minimum wage was 1.85 an hour. That I played a country song, he gave me a $5 bill. It was a bill- no stupids loones- sometimes a One and 2 Twoes.

An add on- a few years later new Pro Tim screwed me over and I went to Betty to thank her for her support and kindness. She said you young man are not leaving, she uped my dance fee to $100 and gave me a free annual membership.

https://youtu.be/oci3IcveYI4?si=m-K2b1YZhO9iJOt6

Now enjoy a massive great story even better that the true one I just told you, it will be in one of my new Books- My Stories 1.

Like this if tis book may be of interest and ths video is awesome. Oh and share.

Official Music Video for This Cowboy’s Hat performed by Chris Ledoux.Follow Chris Ledoux:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisledouxFacebook: https:/...

22/06/2024

i work Saturday, but Sunday I will set up my new laptop and start to write and write I will 6 books- 3 more in the Angel series, you need to get book one- book 2 is 30%- based on..https://youtu.be/KtNYA4pAGjI?si=zoUIMUg94dAaNXgG

09/05/2024

I have a request- next week I am looking for a ride- on either Friday the 17th or Tuesday the 22nd as there are no buses to Falcn Ridge. Once secured I can set up an appointment for an event I plan to run. DM me on messenger. I am good to buy a beer or wine (Alison Priddle). Grant Yusak

29/04/2024

Hey everyone- just a note- Mother's Day is coming, do love your mom, and do you have an insanely awesome wife, girlfriend, or partner?

Well, how about a signed copy of a book about music, possibilities and love. Signed by the author- a local Ottawa boy, the first edition of the Angels Among Us series, by John Grant Yusak.

I carry a few copies but you can order on Amazon and get fast delivery, and I will have a few spots to sign it for you or her/him. Maybe at one of our awesome local book stores, like Perfect Books Ottawa.

Inspired by this song. https://youtu.be/i6S-wFe20LA?si=xdBgfjR4rEXOIzEW

27/04/2024

I had a long post about my birthday and life, but the Facebook Rogers crash -toasted it, so I will just say I am working on a few things including my next themed book (following AWAY www.awaythebook.com) and it will be based on this song.

Official music video for ”Concrete Angel” by Martina McBrideListen to Martina McBride: https://martinamcbride.lnk.to/listenYD Watch more videos by Martina Mc...

17/04/2024

Digging in. As life is changing, it stays the same. Where I am now I have jumped in to help a long-time volunteer dealing with cancer X2- herself and her niece.

My mom said I had to, as I took down the flyer and the PLEA posted on the hallway notice board. While I myself go for testing at a cancer clinic for my melanoma. Fingers crossed they can just cut it off. Lots of hair in the brush tells me to be concerned. heck Jim I might have some cutaways too.

I might have to accelerate my plans.

No quit, no surrender.

Check out our website for more Unidisc content: http://geni.us/BnsAGBShop for Vinyls, CDs, Merch and More: http://geni.us/UAcikBuy/Stream: http://geni.us/NL...

12/04/2024

Well what may could be considered a wasted day, but was very needed- I busted my butt at the BOC. doing a s**t ass job as a dishwasher.

Shifts these days are tough, and I am having a bit of a time breaking into the CLIQUE mentality that is Ottawa. You are all So special -right Caroline Name Dropper Phillips- whatever- with less than a month until I get my old age, CPP and GIS, the man Max keeping Called Ottawa's best event planner in 1999.

12/04/2024

amazing had a huge drem last night, i hwve these often but now I write them down, so a 5th book coming after-
Mayor of Walmart parking Lot
Concrest Angelo DinardoMu Stories 1 and 2
and now..
The Wolf in Your Heart (title TBA..lol)

I had the same dream 2 days in a row about this and,,, we will see.'

Many of you loved Away, www.awaythebookcom. so let's keep to going.

06/04/2024

Well, all u saying yah Imwamt a book, I will be at Southside on April 8 from noon to 6 I will bring some books.

27/03/2024

Oh and hey- I will set up two opportunities for the 32 people who SAID they want my book, which has awesome reviews- surprisingly, and hopefully any of you can find 15 minutes in your life to keep your commitment - because I need it and you said it.

I AM TOO KIND TO EMBARASS people. but it would be cool to move these books and help my plans.

22/03/2024

What is on my mind- 3 things. Stay patient friends.

1- Gratitude. After 8 months of being homeless (I cannot share the CBC story as it is media and of course Trudeau and FB doesn't want that) but during that time I received a lot of support. Friends and people bought my book (I have some copies left- if some one wants), others supported my Gpfundme- below- and others offered a lot of encouragement. I am thankful for all of it, and yes I visited a foodbank today, as I was fired by aramark, and wrongful dismissal is going to be pursued.

How do u fire a guy that showed up for every shift despite being homeless, took the bus often 2 hbours in -15 and even had a broken nose? WTF11

That support has me loving near Billings Bridge, near my old haunts of Kilborn, OBriens, and Kaladar. Yes is a small apartment. It is perfect for me. It has nice people, an amazing view and is 5 minutes to a bus to get me to downtown work, Southside Tap and Grill friends and food,. So thank you to those that got me established.

2) I am motivated. While I will be 65 in a few weeks I have no intention of slowing down. I have several books to write, "The Major of the Walmart Parking Lot" about homelessness, My Stpries- likely 2 books- as there are many stories, sorry I will name drop- good and bad, and my music series that started with Away (www.awaythebook.com). Next will be Concrete Angel. Based on martina McBride. I also have "Come Sail Away" in the hopper.

I hope with each book to get better and maybe a publisher will see me some time. Who knows, It has been said I have looked like Steven King, maybe....

3) I am far from done w9th Eventsplus- I have 16 events in the cauldren, trying to reach Algonquin College for a venue rental, and increase ACEE by 5% annually for 5 years. Plus Trivia, Daisy Train Karaoke & DJ Services, Golf events, and more. If you are in marketing, lets sit down, and well. I took the Hi-tech Hockey- from 4 teams to 56 (and a 24 team waiting list), from $600 for the United Way to $452,800- donated fro Ottawa area children's charities like CHEO, Rogers House. Read that slowly- 600 to 452680- that's a insane level of increase.

What are your goals. I will buy a coffee.

I want to support:
CHEO
Cornerstone
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa
Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
Childrens Aid Society
for starters

So here we are. I have a desk n0w, will have a business phone soon, and then I will start building team. Anyone what undercover Billionaire> ?I need 6 entrepreneurs who willinvest like will and we split the revenue and drive community.

Just saying I am back to dreaming.. and this thank you!!!!!

10/03/2024

It is cold in Bells Corners waiting 4 an 88. To maybe connect with an 98 to get to Southside and All Things Implied for a song or two. Adam might keep Friends on Low places and Smoke on the water for me.

Buses aside...

09/03/2024

Gonna use a Friday night wisely since I need to be up at 6 AM to get to CTC Disney on Ice by 8 AM, with a coffee, and start my taxes. So much happened to me in 2023, we will see what the heck I am owed I did pay GSt, claimed already- waiting, then yes I paid taxes, CPP, and ei, even taxes on my CPP. So I hope to see the funds by the end of March or early April that I can use towards restarting Eventsplus.

I need to finish my commitment. It is shortly 20 years to the day that I made that promise. I last saw Mom on March 31st, 2004, when I escaped the family circus and went alone. It was hard to chat as she had a breathing tube in her throat but she still had some energy - talking about doing good.

Our chat focused on her being proud of me for exiting a marriage that was dead in the water and taking my son - the courts agreed in 1996 he was 4!! Joining the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, enlised by her good friend and an Ottawa icon Harold Moore, and by then the dollars I had raised through special events. In the millions, made her happy.

I wish she had seen me get the Ed Laverty Award in 2006, hell she would have loved the banquets, and then she could have helped my rough times between 2008 and 2011- mental health is no joke people- and my return to me, receiving the Strathcona certificate of Merit in 2014, the Strathcona 595 Legionnaire of the Year in 2015, the YBC Proprietor of the year in 2016, and being awarded the Youth Bowling National Championships in 2017 and 2018.

In fact, she would have loved to bowl and join the fun leagues we had at Walkley- she would have been a social star in Roy Hobin's Friday VIP League. She would have had a hard time deciding in a partner for my Women Bowling with Wine.

She would have been heartbroken, as I was to see my building see an ownership change before a new lease- a win-win lease could be signed and the doors locked me out on April 9th, 2019. I tried- I did the research, chased investors, and had a bang-up PowerPoint presentation with numbers authenticated by Brunswick Bowling Canada. Never found the right people- and HEY- what is there to do in Ottawa South now for kids to do, other than steal and mug.

I don't like early April, lost my mom, lost my lanes, lost a good friend, and I lost the 340k that I invested to keep Walkley alive for the 5 years after we bought out the old partner. No comments, but by 1st quarter 2019, we were ahead and got screwed. Mom would have found a bunch of crack lawyers to slap around the dimwits at Desjardins Bank. Don't buy their marketing - they care less about you, or me, or whatever they say in their commercials.

They are rip-throated killers and its all numbers. Vue up Bob Segar, I Feel Like A Number.

Yeah, it's a rant, but I didn't hurt any friends this time. I wish I could go back, but I can't. They didn't know I was losing my mind and did. A very very few stayed with me- I hold them like GOLD.

So like White Snake sings "Here I go again on my own". However end of the day, I have lots of contacts in Hospitality for events coming, solid people, and support from kind friends.

I am also relaunching stage TWO of my gofundme to help get Eventsplus back up to speed and still have 25 copies of AWAY (www.awaythebook.com(), that I need to sell.

Please if you told me you would get a copy, DM me and I will set up a pick-up day -somewhere in Ottawa South- maybe that has a great breakfast.

Have a freaking great weekend all.

Yeah, the rant is watered down with some nice efforts of friends, who take me as I am- bless you.

08/03/2024

TGIF -actually I have never really been a 5 and 2 guy since the FCA days ended. Retail and self-employed plus hospitality all say "evenings and weekends:.

However, it has been a great Friday. I got another support delivery of starter housing needs. Not sure what to do with the crib liner. I just don't fit.

Got a lot done, and applied for a few targeted jobs, but frankly, we all know I want to elevate Eventsplus back to doing what I was successful at doing before.

So as part of my thank you steps- I sent out thank yous updating the awesome people that supported my gofundme so far, and while doing so posted an update on the site, and was reminded that only step one has been achieved.

I need to get back to Eventsplus and find partners to launch the events I have or will create to finish my goal. This will take time and a lot of door-knocking, networking, and effort.

That goal was a promise to my mom just before she passed in April (4th) 2004. Twenty years in a couple weeks. Wow, time is not on my side. Time to saddle up this pony, line up the barrels, and dig up some dirt.

So a reminded to can check it out:

https://gofund.me/c42a6ac7