december 2016 edition - message from the president · inside this issue: games have been cancelled,...
TRANSCRIPT
THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
1
EDMONTON MARIGOLD 55 PLUS RECREATION Zone 6, Alberta 55 plus
Inside this issue:
Message From the President 1
Executive, Games Update, Official Notice of A.G.M. Zone 6
2
Grapevine Newsletter Article Request, Publicity Opportunity
3
Coordinator Contacts 4
Activity Calendar, Marigold Office, Change of Office Hours
5
Canada Games 6
Drumheller Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games
6-12
Future of Games 12
Coordinators’ Appreciation Dinner, Defibrillator Demonstration
13
Slo-Pitch 14
Pickleball, Mary Hogg Memorial Military Whist Tournament, Duplicate Bridge
15
Euchre, Carpet Bowling 16
Creative Writing; Marigold Annual Golf Day
17-18
Fort McMurray 19
Feature Article – Coping With Aging and Loss of a Spouse
20
Updated Membership Form 21-22
Editorial – Primary Care Network 23
Back Cover 24
December 2016 Edition - Message from the President
WHOA!!!! Where has the Fall gone? Winter is fast approaching, and 2017 will soon be here!
Drumheller held the Fall Games, which were excellent – especially considering the short time they had to prepare for them! Zone 6 Marigold sent 46 participants. We received medals in 7 events, plus 2 medals in Creative Writing. You’ll find photos of participants and winners within this newsletter. CONGRATULATIONS to all!
All the Zones had to have their own banner for the Opening Ceremonies – and Zone 6’s banner really stood out – in a good way! Thank you Stan for the design!
Looking forward to 2017, unfortunately, the Alberta 55 plus Spring Games have been cancelled, but most of those events will be held in the Fall Provincials at High Prairie September 14th through 17th, 2017. The Alberta 55 plus Summer Games are undecided at this time, but we will let you all know as soon as possible.
During this time of restructuring how the Provincial Games will go forward, the Provincial Board has been working hard to get actual plans put in place, trying to liaise between Alberta Sport Connection, the Provincial Government, and the eight Alberta 55plus zones and their members. It has not been easy, and we appreciate your continued patience and understanding. Know that we are working hard to make the best of a difficult situation.
Thank you to all new members, and members renewing their membership for 2017. For your convenience, we have included an updated version of the Alberta 55plus membership form on page 21-22 of this newsletter. Print off and complete the form, and send it with your cheque to Stan Androschuk, Membership Director, whose address is at the top of the form. You can also drop it off at the Marigold office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 1:00-3:00 pm. Or you can now go online to the Alberta 55plus website and register online.
As the New Year starts, I would like to thank the Executive Members, the Coordinators and their Assistants for all the hard work over the past year. Your efforts and presence are appreciated in helping to make Zone 6 into a better Zone. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the AGM on March 22nd, 2017.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous happy and healthy New Year.
Caroline Anker, Edmonton Marigold President
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Executive
Caroline Anker 587-469-4460 President ([email protected] – att: Caroline )
Pat Covington 780-488-3676
Vice-President ([email protected] )
Marshall Yaremcio 780-434-1754 Past President ([email protected] )
Ray McMurray 780-435-6622
Treasurer ([email protected] )
Eleanore Frend 780-462-7488
Secretary ([email protected] )
Stan Androschuk 780-484-2168
Membership Director ([email protected] )
Louise Libich 780-222-6208
Activities Director ([email protected])
Bill Burton 780-444-7355
Resources Director ([email protected] )
Jessie Trottier 780-452-4917
Director at Large ([email protected] )
Marianne Gregory 780-446-8387
Director at Large [email protected]
Linda Biedrava 780-476-1245
Director at Large ([email protected] )
Marshall Yaremcio 780-434-1754 Newsletter Composition ([email protected] )
Eleanore Frend 780-462-7488
Newsletter Compilation ([email protected] )
The people listed above are the people responsible for
the direction and leadership of YOUR Edmonton
Marigold 55 plus Recreation organization. Thank you for your trust in
awarding these duties to us.
IMPORTANT NEWS
Alberta 55 plus Provincial Spring Games have been cancelled.
All events will be played in the Alberta 55plus
FALL PROVINCIALS (GAMES) on September 15, 16, 17, 2017 in HIGH PRAIRIE.
Events: Bocce, Carpet Bowling, Cribbage, Contract Bridge,
Duplicate Bridge, Euchre, Floor Curling, Floor Shuffle Board, Military Whist, Crafts & Arts, Creative Writing.
Playoff dates will be announced by the coordinator.
Alberta Sport Connection SUMMER GAMES
are yet to be determined.
Zone 6 Activities Director Louise Libich
Official Notice Edmonton Marigold 55plus Recreation – Zone 6
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017 In the Small Gymnasium at Central Lions Seniors
Association 11113-113 Street. Edmonton
Doors open at 6:30 pm; meeting begins at 7:00 pm
Reports from all Executive Members and Coordinators
Election of Executive Members
Come out to support your fellow Alberta 55plus and Zone 6 members, and to find out what’s happening with
your organization.
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Request for Articles for Grapevine Newsletter
Thanks to those who submitted articles to our Grapevine Newsletter – please continue to submit reports on all your events – with photos if possible. We really appreciate the articles and photos. If you see or hear of an event, or something which you think might be of interest to our members, kindly phone, e-mail, or snail-mail me or any Executive member, or drop it off at our office at Central Lions. We’d like to get that information out to our members, or into our Newsletter. Thank you.
The general response of our Edmonton Marigold members to the decision to e-mail our Grapevine newsletter has been one of gracious acceptance and generous cooperation. The Executive would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Zone 6 membership for this. We are depending on our members to keep our Membership Director Stan Androschuk updated on any change to your contact information – most importantly – your e-mail address. If you do not have e-mail access, your copy will still be sent via Canada Post.
Marshall Yaremcio, Editor
Opportunity for Volunteer(s) to Work on Publicity
We are all involved with Edmonton Marigold in some way; some are more involved than others, but together we form a strong group of like-minded people who have a lot of fun together. If you like to interact with people and enjoy good computer skills, we are looking for someone to work on Publicity – several someone’s, as a matter of fact. We are looking for new and innovative ways to publicize our events and our organization; if you think you may be that person, please get in touch with any member of our Executive, listed on the previous page. We welcome your help, and look forward to working with you.
Christmas Lights
At the time this newsletter is being put together (in late November), a lot of people have already put up their Christmas light displays. One that is a little different and worth going to see is on Edmonton’s south-side, just off 109th street between 75th and 74th avenues. Visitors are allowed into the backyard to view the expansive, always colourful and sometimes animated displays; they are only open for 5 weeks due to the expense involved. Put this on your list of ‘things to do for Christmas’!
We wish all our Marigold members a wonderful
Christmas with family and friends, and best wishes for
health and happiness in the New Year.
Caroline, Pat, Marshall, Ray, Stan, Louise, Bill, Jessie,
Marianne, Linda and Eleanore (Marigold Executive)
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Coordinator Contacts 2016 Updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 Activity Name of Coordinator Phone Number
Arts & Crafts Vacant
Athletics Arnold Nett ([email protected] )
Dwight Swane ([email protected] )
780-475-8971
780-487-4159
Badminton Jimmy Choo
Bill Burton ( [email protected] )
780-456-5405
780-444-7355
Bocce Bob Blackwood ([email protected] )
John Sievers ([email protected] )
780-473-0750
780-476-0225
Bowling (5 Pin) Caroline Anker ([email protected] )
Pat Chobater ([email protected] )
587-469-4460
780-469-0227
Bridge (Contract) Valerie Rappel (valrap16@@gmail.com )
Joan Batten ([email protected] )
780-690-1623
780-452-9547
Bridge (Duplicate) Lloyd White ([email protected] )
Louise Holtom ([email protected] )
780-436-8533
780-475-8252
Carpet Bowling Louise Libich ([email protected] )
Ann Hartwig ([email protected] )
780-222-6208
780-468-4697
Creative Writing Eleanore Frend ([email protected] )
Marshall Yaremcio ([email protected] )
780-462-7488
780-434-1754
Cribbage Bob Blackwood ([email protected] )
Delores Heck ([email protected] )
780-473-0750
587-473-2378
Cycling Harvey Ford ([email protected] )
Ilene & Richard Larson ([email protected] )
780-434-1063
780-435-6537
Darts Eleanor & LeRoy MacIntosh ([email protected] )
Lloyd White ([email protected] )
780-478-7435
780-436-8533
Euchre John & Linda Frank ([email protected] )
Linda Bird ([email protected] )
780-476-0140
780-475-1700
Floor Curling Mike & Vicky Dolynny ([email protected] )
Vacant
780-457-5036
Floor Shuffleboard Louise Libich ([email protected] )
Ann Hartwig ([email protected] )
780-222-6208
780-468-4697
Golf Ray McMurray ([email protected] )
Paul Davison ([email protected] )
780-435-6622
780-455-4110
Hockey Gordon Severin ([email protected] )
Wally Hawryschuk ([email protected] )
780-430-6827
780-437-1098
Horseshoes Richard Toma ( [email protected] )
Eric Eisner ([email protected] )
780-475-6452
780-454-0288
Ice Curling Ross Lepard ([email protected] )
Derry Ingram ([email protected] )
780-469-8169
780-466-1731
Military Whist Joyce Ruptash ([email protected] )
Delores Heck ([email protected] )
780-476-3978
587-473-2378
Pickleball Vacant
Pool (Snooker)
Pool (8-Ball)
Warren Bittorf ([email protected] )
Norm Perry ([email protected] )
780-476-8612
780-462-2529
Scrabble Clint & Geneva Sopchyshyn
Clayton Terry ([email protected] )
780-434-7133
780-483-7020
Skiing (Cross Country) Vacant
Skiing (Downhill) Larry Comfort ([email protected] )
Bob Frizzell ( [email protected] )
780-444-4917
780-907-2960
Slo-Pitch Bill Yakymyshyn ([email protected] )
John Cabaj ( [email protected] )
780-437-6598
780-717-6018
Swimming Dwight Robinson ([email protected] )
Kathleen Harper ([email protected].)
780-461-2941
780-433-5459
Table Shuffleboard Vacant
Tennis Eunice Barron ([email protected] )
Vacant
780-435-7541
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Activity Calendar
Date (2017): Activity: Venue & Contact Information:
February 17-18-19, 2017 Ice Curling Alberta 55plus Provincials
Grande Prairie (Contact Ross Lepard or Derry Ingram for more information
Friday, April 21, 2017 Euchre Tournament NWESS – John Frank – ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140; Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700
Friday, June 23, 2017 Euchre Tournament NWESS – John Frank – ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140; Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700
Friday, September 15, 2017 Euchre Tournament NWESS – John Frank – ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140; Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700
Regular Play as Follows: Date (2016): Activity: Venue & Contact Information:
Third Saturday of every other month (alternating with Contract Bridge)
Duplicate Bridge NWESA – Lloyd White – 780-436-8533 – [email protected]
Third Saturday of every other month (alternating with Duplicate Bridge)
Contract Bridge NWESA - Valerie Rappel – 780-651-9358- [email protected]
Fridays 1:00-4:00 pm Scrabble CLSA – Clint Sopchyshyn – 780-434-7133 or Clayton Terry at [email protected]
NWESA (North West Edmonton Senior Association – Calder – 12963-120 Street, Edmonton)
SEESA (South East Edmonton Senior Association – 7350 – 82 Street NW, Edmonton)
CLSA (Central Lions Senior Association – 11113 – 113 Street, Edmonton)
Marigold Office
Zone 6 has a permanent office at Central Lions Recreation Centre. Our address is 11113-113 Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 2V1, and our phone number is 780-454-6560.
If you have any inquiries, please contact us at the number listed above, and speak with one of our friendly volunteers, or leave a message on the answering machine. A huge THANK YOU to those members who are putting in time at our Marigold office to answer the telephone and questions, and to greet visitors. If you would like to volunteer to take a shift at our Marigold office, please phone Eleanore at 780-462-7488 or e-mail her at [email protected] , or you can call the office at 780-454-6560 and leave a message on the answering machine.
A big thank you goes to Executive Director at Large, Jessie Trottier, who acts as our friendly ‘Phone Fairy’ and calls each of our office volunteers to remind them of their assigned day. We really do appreciate getting those phone reminders, Jessie!
Change of Marigold Office Hours
And speaking of the Marigold Office, the hours that the Marigold office will be open have changed. The office will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm. We had comments from a number of our volunteers that the former hours often interfered with being able to do something else during their day to work. This way, our volunteers will be able to schedule another activity in the morning, and still be able to work in the office in the afternoon. The office will be closed during the month of December, but will re-open January 3rd. If you would like to learn more about Marigold, and would like to volunteer, you can get in touch with any member of our Executive. Thank you!
And a very special thank you to each and every one of our volunteers – our coordinators, our assistant
coordinators, executive members, event and activity helpers, and our office duty volunteers – for sharing
your time, energy, expertise, and talents. What each of us does individually may not seem to be a huge thing,
but what we do all together is truly wonderful, and makes Alberta 55plus and Edmonton Marigold great! Thank
you all!
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Congratulations to Canada Games Winners
We congratulate all Zone 6 entrants to the Canada 55 Plus Games in Brampton, Ontario in August of 2016, with special congratulations to our medal winners. As the information regarding those winners on the Canada Games website was sometimes incomplete (listing only first names for instance) we are unable to list our winners’ names. Here are the medal standings:
Province Participants Gold Silver Bronze Total
Alberta 223 63 42.5 22 127.5
British Columbia 56 15 10 7 32
Manitoba 108 25 22 505 52.5
New Brunswick 11 3 6 0 9
Northwest Territories 38 10 4 9 23
Nova Scotia 151 25 7 13 45
Ontario 519 115.5 71.5 46 233
Prince Edward Island 72 3 1 4 8
Quebec 46 0 3 5 8
Saskatchewan 154 36 21 9 66
Yukon 95 28 26 11 65
As you can see, Alberta was second only to the host province, Ontario in the number of participants, and the number of medals won, so WELL DONE ALBERTA! It really speaks to the spirit of the people who live here. If you were one of the 223 persons from Alberta who competed in the Canada Games, you should be very proud of that; and if you were one of the medal winners, you should be especially proud! Zone 6 members – you represented us in splendid fashion! Thank you all!
Drumheller Alberta 55plus Fall Games
The Drumheller Games were a ‘first’ for our Provincial Board and Zone 2 in that they were run without Alberta Sport Connection being involved. Zone 2 Executive and Members are to be commended for making a ‘last-minute decision’ to host the Games, and for doing such a good job even though they had no outside funding and very little time to organize everything. Their comment of ‘well, the tourist season will be ending by that time, thus making hotel space available – so yes, we can host the Games’ was indicative of their ‘can-do’ attitude. They immediately publicized the Games in their local newspaper, saying Alberta 55plus members were coming, and asking for volunteers. After all the negative news from our Provincial Board and Alberta Sport Connection, this was great news!
More than 460 Alberta 55plus members from all parts of Alberta travelled to Drumheller for the Games ‘on their own coin’. The Opening Ceremonies were great (despite a few flaws). The Honour Guard consisted of 80-year-olds who unfortunately had to stand for most of the Ceremony because the Emcee forgot “O Canada’ and they couldn’t leave until the National Anthem was sung. The opening walk-in with the new and colourful banners from each zone was applauded and appreciated by all the members and the Host Community. The Zone 6 banner looked terrific! Special thanks go to President Caroline Anker and Activities Director Louise Libich who were our banner carriers. A lot of the program could not be heard by the audience because of problems with their sound system. That was the only negative aspect, however! The provided lunches were really good, and were made by the Home Economics
THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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students at the local High School who volunteered to do it. The Opening Ceremony Supper was excellent, and for the most part, all events at the Games operated without a glitch.
Again, special thanks to Zone 2 for all their hard work putting on these Games – well done everyone! Zone 6 has sent them a letter of appreciation for their efforts, and congratulating them on their success!
Drumheller Games Zone 6 Medalists:
Congratulations to the following Zone 6 winners at the Drumheller Games:
Event & Category: Medal Achieved: Winners’ Name(s):
Carpet Bowling 70+ Silver Skip Louise Libich, Third Ann Hartwig, Second Caroline Anker, Lead Marguerite Perry
Euchre Open Pair Bronze Evelyn and Lyle Waun
Floor Shuffleboard Bronze Anna and Richard Fahrion
Scrabble 55+ Bronze Ava Ziegler
Scrabble 70+ Silver Lorette Fairfield
Snooker 55+ Gold Norm Perry
Bocce 55+ Gold Stan and Dianne Androschuk, John and Linda Frank
Pickleball 55+ Bronze Linda Dane and Wynne Shapka
Following are some photos from the Games – enjoy!
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THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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Some Memory Photos:
Entrance to Silver Creek Golf Course
Pregame Strategy Meeting Zone 6 Members (Do you see yourself???)
Zone 6 Shuffleboard Tournament (below)
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Entry of the Competitors and the Banners:
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and, of course, Zone 6 – doesn’t it look great????
Old fashioned unisex toilet Bag lunch at Bocce
Can you spot the yellow palino? Bocce 55+ Gold Medal Winners
Wally & Lorraine Hawryschuk and
Dianne & Stan Androschuk
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A fossilized ammonite that ‘ammolite’ jewelry is made from – and it’s
only $14,000 at the Drumheller Fossil Shop!
Future 55 Plus Games
As you are all aware, the state of future 55 Plus Games is still in flux with Alberta Sport Connection withdrawing
their support (financial and otherwise) of any of the Games. As with any election of government, be it provincial
or federal, the populace has to cope with decisions made by the new government – financial and what their
priorities are, and how they influence events that affect all of us. It is hoped that by 2017 and 2018 we will have
better news regarding future Games. See the President’s Message, and page 2 for more details.
Our Provincial Board is working hard to keep the Games rolling – in some form – be it Mini Games where each
zone hosts several events, or larger efforts like the Drumheller Games. Of course, so much depends on funding,
and single zones, especially rural zones, just don’t have the funding to host large events – sometimes hosting
even downsized events becomes a hardship. With everything being in limbo, zones are struggling to make any
decisive plans, and unfortunately a lot of people have invested a whole lot of time and effort researching the
booking of venues and coordinating events only to have it be for naught because tentative plans at the Provincial
level have had to be shut down due to lack of funding. The one thing it has brought home is our realization of
how fortunate we have all been in the past to enjoy the Games as they were, and also to realize just what the
real cost of hosting the Games – in any form – can be.
The next Canada 55 Plus Games will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick in the summer of 2018. This can
be viewed as being ‘a positive’. Rest assured Members, there is a tremendous amount of hard work being done
by our Provincial Board to keep our organization strong and vibrant. They need our encouragement and
appreciation, so please express that if you are speaking with any of them. They have been placed in an
uncomfortable position, and are truly between ‘a rock and a hard place’ with disgruntled Members on one end,
and a reluctant government on the other end. Our understanding can go a long way towards lessening their
feelings of discouragement and frustration – they are doing their best with an untenable situation.
Joke: One year I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next
year, I didn’t buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift
I bought you last year!”
And that’s how the fight started……..
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Coordinators’ Appreciation Dinner
The Appreciation Dinner for our Activity Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators (and their spouse or guest) will be
held on Monday, January 16th in the Atrium at Central Lions Seniors Association. A fun evening is planned,
beginning at 5:30 pm with Dinner at 6:00 pm. These Coordinators and their Assistants contribute hundreds of
hours towards the success of Edmonton Marigold; they are hard-working, dedicated people, and are the true
heroes of our organization. We very much appreciate you and the work you do.
An appreciation dinner was held for Executive members (and their spouses) on December 12th. Our Vice
President and Social Director, Pat Covington, arranges and plans for both these appreciation dinners, and we
are indebted to her for doing such a great job. Great food, great company, great organization! Thank you so
much Pat!
Defibrillator Demonstration
At the October 31st Coordinators’ Meeting, Leanne Campbell was a guest and demonstrated how to use our
Automated External Defibrillator. Many thanks to Marianne Gregory, Director at Large on the Executive, for
arranging to have this demonstration.
Many of our newer Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators were feeling unsure of just how to use the
Defibrillator, and everyone else felt that a refresher demonstration would be of benefit. Our Automated External
Defibrillator ‘lives’ in the Marigold office at Central Lions, and is a marvellous invention. Once it is activated, it
gives step-by-step instructions of what and what not to do, and absolutely walks you through the procedure.
Leanne made an excellent presentation, and left all of us feeling more confident and at ease should the
Defibrillator ever need to be used. Our Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators are encouraged to take the
Defibrillator to all their activity events if one is not available at the venue. If this results in the saving of just one
life, it will be well worth the purchase and upkeep. Written instructions for use of the Defibrillator are available
at the Marigold office, or one can go online and search on the internet for “How to Use an Automated External
Defibrillator”. Should you ever have to make use of this device, or assist, make sure that 911 is called first thing
so that medical assistance is alerted, and arrives promptly. By working together, you might just save someone’s
life – or someone might just save your life! A sudden cardiac arrest could happen to any one of us!
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Edmonton Seniors Slo-Pitch League 2016
League registrations for 2016 were essentially the same as in 2016 – just under 400. A few started the season
but retired after a few weeks, so the number at the end of the season was 382. A total of 28 teams were formed
and placed in one of four Divisions depending on players’ wishes and/or ability. Each team had between 13 and
15 players. In the top Division the players entered as a team, and in the other three Divisions the players were
drafted onto a team or were assigned to a team. Intent is to balance the teams and keep the teams in a given
Division competitive. All team members who show up for a game are placed in the batting line up. In three of
the Divisions, 10 defensive players are in the field, and in one Division 11 defensive players are permitted.
Defensive players are freely rotated after every inning to give all an equal opportunity to play.
League play starts in early May (weather permitting) and continues into early September. Teams play two games
per week – best efforts are made to reschedule rainouts, but that is not always manageable due to time restraints.
Diamonds are ours exclusively Monday to Thursday evenings, but the City (this is a City Park) reserves the right
to rent the Diamonds out to others for other times unless we make a prior request for Diamond time.
In 2016 a Day League was initiated. Players showed up every Wednesday at about 10:30 am, were placed on
a team and played two games. Normally about 25 players showed up, which was just right for two teams. The
effort was well received and will be continued next year. Players paid a small fee to cover additional costs.
In late 2014 ESSPA started work to
upgrade the last (4th) of the Diamonds
located at Airways Park. Most of
Diamond 2 work was completed in 2015,
and in 2016 the patio at Ulmer House
was extended with a covering roof. In
2017 the parking lot will be extended and
housing for our equipment (grass
cutters, Gators, etc.) will be provided.
The total cost for this four-year project
will be $570,000 of which $140,000 are City Grants, $75,000 are Provincial (2014) Grants, and the balance of
$355,000 are ESSPA Funds (8 years of Casino work). ESSPA showed their appreciation for all the hours of
volunteer help that was provided by the members to keep the costs in line at the year end banquet held on the
patio under the new roof.
Even though ESSPA is a
50+ League, most of the
players are over 55 and
there are quite a number
of players in their late 80's.
Slo-Pitch is a fun game
where you get to make a
lot of friends. The score is
one thing, but the
camaraderie after the
game is the best part.
ESSPA has room for at
least four more teams.
Bill Yakymyshyn, Slo-Pitch Coordinator
Rollie Ulmer House
Diamond #2
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Pickleball Update
The Lexus South Pointe Winter Classic second annual Indoor Pickleball Tournament (St. Francis Xavier Sports
Centre – 9240-163 Street) occurs January 6-7-8, 2017. Competition includes Women’s, Men’s, and Mixed
Doubles, and is Double Elimination. Registration opened November 1st, and closes December 16th. The first
event is $30, and the second another $10. New players and spectators are all welcome.
On Tuesday, October 24th CLSA Pickleball Club held an
open tournament to all clubs. It was a difficult format where
you played with different partners, but your score was
yours; a total of 6 games each were played. It took on a
note of pomp and circumstance as all players and
volunteers were bagpiped from the atrium down the hall,
and then into the gym. Six Marigold members participated
and the event was open to all clubs. The competition was
limited to 40 people.
Mary Hogg Memorial Military Whist Tournament
The Mary Hogg Memorial Military Whist Tournament was held at North West Edmonton Seniors on September
23rd, with 15 tables of 4 players.
Winning first place with 23 flags was the team of Don and Louise Holtom, Barb
Groenink and Gloria Zielinski. Second place with 18 flags was the team of
Dorothy May, Evelyn Waun, Sandra Ward and Joyce Ruptash. The cute little
skunks with the furry tails were won with 3 flags by Ed and Linda Biedrava,
Charlie Sams and Maude Purdy.
We had a nice lunch and we all had a good time with lots of cards – 30 games
in all. Everybody visited with old friends, and some new ones in between
games. We hold this event yearly in the Fall. Many thanks to Delores Heck
for all her help – allowing me to play.
Joyce Ruptash, Military Whist Coordinator
Editor’s Note: Yes, that’s our Joyce (to the right) – one of the cutest little witches ever! We invited our
Coordinators to come in costume to our October 31st Coordinators’ Meeting, and Joyce good-naturedly complied
– complete with broom!
Duplicate Bridge
A Duplicate Bridge tournament was played Saturday, October 15th with the following results:
First place – Louise and Don Holtom
Second place – Two teams tied – Clayton Terry and Pat Ferguson, and Ken Mortensen and Lloyd White
The next Duplicate Bridge event will be held Saturday, December 17th, 2016 at the North West Edmonton Seniors
Society (12963-120 Street); competition begins at 12:30 pm, and doors open at noon.
The schedule for 2017 is: (all Saturdays) – February 18th, April 15th, June 17th, October 21st, and December
16th, 2017. Come on out and enjoy some Duplicate Bridge, and have a great time!
Lloyd White, Duplicate Bridge Coordinator
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Euchre Playoff
The Marigold 55 Plus Fall (Drumheller) Games playoff for Euchre was held at
Central Lions on July 15th. After making numerous phone calls, there were 5 teams
entered. Following the Euchre official rules, we played a round robin format. After
completion of the round robin, there were three teams with 3 wins each. Under the
second tie-breaker, each team had one loss to another of the top 3 teams. The
third tie-breaker was total points earned.
First place was awarded to Lloyd White and Ken Mortenson with 38 points. Second
place was awarded to Lyle and Evelyn Waun with 37 points. Joyce Ruptash and
Linda Benediktson won third place with 35 points. Congratulations to Lyle and
Evelyn who ultimately won bronze in Pairs Open at the Drumheller Games!
We had the room from noon until 4:00 pm, and refreshments were served throughout the afternoon. We used
our extra time for some fun games, and waited for the big hail and rain storm to subside before we went home.
John Frank, Euchre Coordinator
Marigold Carpet Bowling Invitational Fun
On Saturday, November 26th we hosted an invitational Carpet Bowling Fun Game at SEESA. We had 8 teams
– 3 from Fort Saskatchewan, 3 from NWESSA and 2 teams from SEESA.
We started the day off with coffee and goodies (muffins and sweet bread). There was a 50/50 which was sold
by Joyce Simunkovic and Phyl Jacuala. We started shortly after 9:00 am, and Louise welcomed everyone and
read out the rules. We had a 15 minute break in between games. After the two games were played, we had
lunch – pizza from Papa John’s, which was very good, with cheesecake for dessert. We continued on with the
third game and then the fourth. Many thanks to Caroline Anker and Ann Hartwig for helping out with everything.
The 50/50 was won by Sharon Johnson.
Winners of the Carpet Bowling were:
Third Place: Ed Doucet from NESSA
Second Place: Louise Libich from SEESA
First Place: Willy Sayers from NESSA
Louise thanked everyone for coming out and enjoying the day, and for helping put everything away at the end
of the day. It means a lot when everyone gives a hand in the cleaning up.
Louise Libich, Coordinator Carpet Bowling
An Alberta Sunset Unique Fence near Turner Valley
THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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Creative Writing
Creative Writing was one of the events held at the Drumheller Games in August, and a competition was hastily
organized in May and June with a deadline for entries of July 1st, 2016. Thirteen brave people sent in their
entries and results of the playoff were as follows:
Category Placement Entry Title Entrant Name
Non-Fiction Humorous
First The Round Square John White
Second Food for the Soul Eleanore Frend
Third Colonel Agnes Schmidt
Honourable Mention Rest and Relaxation Yukon Style Marshall Yaremcio
Non-Fiction Serious
First Final Freedom Jean Crozier
Second The Owl Agnes Schmidt
Fiction First Peace and War and Peace John White
Poetry First The Never-Ending Job Eleanore Frend
Second Giving John White
Third My Girl Dee Boscher
Honourable Mention Fire Marshall Yaremcio
Honourable Mention Nobody Sees Her Betty Nordin
Honourable Mention Timeless Love Eric Swanson
Four of our writers became Alberta 55plus members in order to enter, and we are happy that they did.
Coordinator Marshall Yaremcio organized a friendly luncheon with the Creative Writing Club at the downtown
Churchill Manor on November 10th. We would like to thank the Lifestyle Consultant for Churchill Manor (Ashley)
for coordinating everything with Marshall, and thanks to Marshall for coming up with this great outreach idea.
We had a lovely luncheon, and got to know each other better – this was the first time that many of us had met.
After lunch, we joined the Churchill Manor writers in the theatre, where Marigold writers read aloud their entries
from the Zone 6 competition. It was also a first-time experience for many of our writers of reading their material
aloud to others, and by and large, it was a positive experience, and the creative writers from Churchill Manor
were most appreciative of their efforts. Our Marigold writers were given Memory Books including copies of
everyone’s entries as a keepsake, as well as certificates and pens. Keep up the writing everyone!
The entries of the winners from our local competition were forwarded on to the Drumheller Games, and we are
delighted to announce that John White won bronze in the Poetry category for his poem ‘Giving’, and Jean
Crozier won silver in the Non-Fiction Serious category for her composition ‘Final Freedom’. By the way, both
John and Jean are new Marigold members! Well done!
From left to right, Jean Crozier, John White, Dee Boscher,
Marshall Yaremcio, Eleanore Frend and Betty Nordin
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Dee Boscher wrote the following poem ‘My Girl’ about her beloved pet dog, and the poem ‘Fire’ written by
Marshall Yaremcio was inspired by the horrendous fire that swept Fort McMurray earlier this year. Enjoy!
My Girl
(Third Place – Dee Boscher)
I love her with all my heart, never thought we’d be apart
We were younger when we met, then grew older, to my regret
The year’s they seemed to go so slow but then so fast, I didn’t know
Everyday together, we spent till nightfall upon waking together, the best of all
Through the good and bad she stayed by my side
she was the best friend I ever had Our love it grew, our bond so deep
to look into each other’s eyes and see to treasure every moment, each day we’d keep
Close to my heart she will always be because the love of my life she is free
Do I while in my grief regret a minute, hour or day?
Feeling this pain, hoping it will go away? Who can regret being loved so well, if I could write, what a story I’d tell.
Fire
Neither a path, nor a road Only fire and smoke Wherever we look, we see Not our home but burning land
Honourable Mention – Marshall Yaremcio
Marigold Annual Golf Day
Tuesday, May 30th, 2017
Raven Crest Golf Course
This will be a Combination Event
Qualification for Provincial Playoffs
(subject to Alberta 55 playoff event notice)
A Fun Golf Day in the Sun 8:30 am Shotgun with Cart and Lunch
Entry Fee - $45.00 Coordinator – Ray McMurray
(E-mail) [email protected]
THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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Edmonton Marigold Donation to Fort
McMurray Relief Fund
And speaking of the Fort McMurray fire, our hearts went
out to the more than 80,000 individuals who had their
lives turned upside down by the fire that ravaged that
city and surrounding area. Over 2,400 homes and
buildings were destroyed forcing residents to flee their
homes and businesses. Many left behind everything,
uncertain and fearful of what the future held.
Edmonton opened many centres, facilities, and homes,
as well as hearts and wallets to help. Other communities
in Alberta did the same thing, as Canadians worked
together to alleviate the losses and trauma experienced
by the people of Fort McMurray. The residents will be
recovering for some time to come, and some will always
suffer the residual effects of being uprooted and having
their lives outside the realm of their own control. All
those affected – whether they were victims, or fire
fighters, or among the hundreds of people who helped –
they were all included in our prayers!
The Canadian Red Cross offers these following
statistics:
$84 million + In direct cash assistance through direct deposits, cash cards, cheques and money grams
90,000 + Emergency items distributed including clean up kits, after fire kits and hot meals
37,600 + Individuals checked-in with the Red Cross to receive further support after returning home
9,400 + Plane and bus tickets helped people return home
903 + Families provided a hotel room after returning home to Fort McMurray
107,000 + Calls received or placed from 13 call centres helped people receive assistance
2,630 + Red Cross personnel contributing 174,860 + hours helping those in need
$104 million Matching funds thanks to the Government of Canada
$30 million Matching funds thanks to the Government of Alberta
$299 million Grand total to date
Edmonton Marigold wanted to help too, and upon the suggestion of one of our Executive members, donated
$500 to the Red Cross Relief Fund; this became a part of the fund that was matched by the provincial and
federal governments. We received a letter of appreciation from Ronan Ryan, the Head of Emergency
Fundraising of the Red Cross, as well as an official thank you certificate which is on display in our display case
at Central Lions, and is pictured above.
On the next page you will find our updated Alberta 55plus Registration Form. You can print off this page and
complete it, and send it along with your $30 fee to Stan Androschuk at the indicated address. Or you can now
register online at http://www.alberta55plus.ca/ - it’s nearly the end of the year, and it’s time to renew your
membership. Please don’t wait until the last moment, or until a competition you want to enter, to renew!
THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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Feature Article
Coping With Aging and the Loss of a Spouse
An editorial written by Marigold Director at Large Marianne Gregory:
Alberta's population, like the rest of Canada's, is aging. By 2031 it is projected there will be more than 923,000
seniors. With an aging population comes loss and the stress scale tells us that the death of a spouse is the most
stressful and traumatic experience that a person can endure. After going through the grieving process and
coping with the loss of a life partner, many widows and widowers experience intense loneliness. People who
lose a spouse often experience waves of emotion separated by periods of feeling relatively normal. With time,
the waves become less extreme and less frequent until the widow or widower feels ready to engage.
While it is normal to feel lonely after a spouse's death, it is also important to take steps to avoid isolation and
reclaim your happiness. There are many ways to get involved:
In activities and hobbies. Reintroduce yourself to groups and hobbies that you participated in before your spouse died. Or try something new – be adventurous. Clubs, organizations, and senior centers exist for almost any activity imaginable and in every quadrant of the city. Do an internet search – if you're not computer literate, fix that! To find people in your area who share your interests, you might check out www.meetup.com. Take classes in subjects you know little about. Enroll in a cooking class if you lost the person that cooked for you – another great way to make new friends and also learn to cook well for yourself. Choose activities that are social in nature – sitting alone reading a book or brooding is not the best way to ward off loneliness.
Volunteer! One of the most positive ways to cope with the loss of a spouse is to do things to help others. Donate some time to a local soup kitchen; become a mentor, help your favourite charity with fundraising events, devote time to your church or spend some time at a pet shelter walking dogs. Giving back is a positive act that will have a lasting impact on the lives of others while helping you become involved and meet new people.
Travel! Visit new places with tour groups, an excellent way to have new and enjoyable experiences and a fun way to share an adventure. All arrangements are handled for you and there is a tour leader on hand to provide advice and help if needed. Become a Go Solo Traveller – Go Solo regularly has socials where you can meet other like-minded travellers and hear more about upcoming trips. Find out more about the trips and socials on AMA's website – several tours have waived the up-charge for singles to make it more affordable. There are several other solo travel options available – check online. Women Travelling Together and Women with Wings Travel also offer a variety of tours for women of all ages.
Start dating – if you're interested and if you're ready. Once you feel your heart is open to loving again, ease back into the dating scene. Although you may not be interested in marriage again, look at it as a way to have fun and meet new people. Consider it as a bonus if you meet someone you're interested in dating. Try your hand online – the official site for online dating is Senior People Meet.
Be proactive and commit to finding positive ways to avoid loneliness. Be sure to keep old friends, but construct a circle of new friends. Spend time with people who see the world as you do, and who offer you encouragement and new ideas. Having the time and money to pursue various activities does help, as does the realization that life's pleasures should not end with the death of a spouse. While you never forget your loss, it is vital to begin life again with a new twist – as a single person.
If you would like to write an article on something that interests you, and you think other members might find
interesting, please submit it to Marshall Yaremcio, Editor – by e-mail at [email protected] or phone at 780-
434-1754, or drop it off at the Marigold office in an envelope marked ‘Marshall Yaremcio – Grapevine’.
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THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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Editorial – Primary Care Network – Marshall Yaremcio
I was in our Marigold office the other day when one of our members came in for a visit. As we talked, he seemed
concerned about his, and his wife’s, medical problems – if something should happen to either one of them at
home or away. I asked him if he had his pertinent information available and accessible – such as their medical
conditions, medications, doctor’s name and contact information, next of kin contact information, copies of DNR
(Do Not Resuscitate) order and Power of Attorney. Would people know where to look for a copy of their wills?
Did they even have wills made out? If an ambulance was called because of a medical emergency for either of
them, would the EMTs be able to get all this information?
He answered that they didn’t have any of those things at the ready. I asked them, “Why not? Aren’t you both in
your 80’s?”
I explained that when paramedics are called in a medical emergency, the first place they look is on the front of
your refrigerator for this information, because it is essential for your speedy diagnosis and treatment. Then I
gave him a pamphlet on the Primary Care Network. At our Annual General Meeting in March of this year, our
guest speaker was Brendan King, a representative of the Primary Care Network. He had given us a supply of
pamphlets for handout. The pamphlet gives simple direction on how to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney,
your will, a Personal Directive, organizing pertinent information, and resource contacts to help you. Their team
includes personnel such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, behavioural health consultants, dietitians, respiratory
therapists, health-aging nurses and many others. They put on workshops to walk you through things step-by-
step. The cost of these services has been kept low – and will end up costing you much less by being prepared
instead of trying to cope should the unthinkable happen, and your spouse is left to make decisions in a hurry.
And all these services are housed within the same building. They will also help you to find a new doctor should
you be in need of a family doctor.
What I am trying to say, members, is that we are aging faster than we want to admit!
Don’t wait any longer to put these simple steps into effect to take control of your future.
If you have not planned for any of the things mentioned above – if you need help – call
these people to participate in a workshop. Know what? The workshops are free, and
it’s all legal and above board. To book yourself into a workshop, or get an appointment,
or just to get information, phone 780-395-2626, and press ‘0’ for information. Their address is #100, 3110
Calgary Trail for the Southside office. You can go online to www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca. Don’t delay –
check it out today!
My wife Yvonne and I just completed a workshop, and we found it to be very informative – and we now have
peace of mind that ‘things are in place’. Our pertinent information is in a plastic envelope and secured to the
front of our refrigerator. We feel more comfortable that we are both aware of where our important personal
papers are, and we feel prepared should any emergency arise. Some people rely on faith to meet their wishes
for the future. Faith always plays a part, and is important, but nothing beats a good ‘old-fashioned contract with
yourself’ – a will! If you haven’t already done so, take in an Estate Planning information workshop – many are
available. After all, we know not the day nor the hour!
Lovely Autumn in Edmonton Take a trip on the Trolley! Getting ready for winter!
THE GRAPEVINE December 2016
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Return Address:
Edmonton Marigold 55+ Recreation
11113 – 113 Street Edmonton AB T5G 2V1
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