ALUMNIPUBLISHED FOR SHELL ALUMNI IN THE AMERICAS | WWW.SHELL.US/ALUMNINEWSMARCH 2015 TRAINING SCALING ONE YEAR LATER A NEW NEW HEIGHTS WORKFORCE Integrated Operations Wind Energy vice Center impacts Alumni discover the president poised to performance. rewards of teaching. meet new challenges.
GEARING UP FOR ECO-MARATHON PAGE 3
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ALUMNINEWS AlumniNews is published for Shell US and Canada.
Editors: Design: Natalie Mazey and Jackie Panera Production Centre of Excellence Shell Communications The Hague Writer/copy editor: Shell Human Resources: Susan Diemont-Conwell Annette Chavez Torma Communications and Alicia Gomez
A WORD FROM OUR EDITORS
GO GREEN Thank you to all who took part in our Sign up to receive the newsletter electronically by AlumniNews survey! A summary of the survey visiting www.shell.us/alumni. While you’re there, read results can be found on page 13 of this issue. the latest news and information about Shell. Thank you to those who have already chosen to go green! We’ve reviewed everything you have to say and are working hard to bring you more of
what you want to see. That includes more on CONTENTS what alumni are doing in retirement!
We hope you will help us with a new section, called Noteworthy, located in the HIGHLIGHTS regional section of the magazine. Each issue, we are seeking your responses to a Paving the way for Eco-marathon featured question. Answers can be emailed, 03 Work accelerates in Shell mileage challenge move to Detroit. along with a related photo of yourself, if you have one. We can’t promise to publish One year later all responses and photos, but we will try to 04 Integrated Operations Center impacts performance. feature as many as we can! Offering the best of performance and technology While you’re flipping through the magazine, 05 Shell becomes BMW-recommended oil supplier. make sure to check out important stories on Shell, as well as a feature on Shell employee Scaling new heights Donna Oberg, who shares about her 06 Wind Energy vice president poised to meet new challenges. life-changing Project Better World expedition. Also in this issue, alumnus Sandy Scott talks about what she and her husband, Rick, are An adventure fit for Harry Potter doing to improve the lives of Romanian 11 Employee overcomes obstacles to take part in life-changing project. orphans, and 92-year-old alumnus Mike Yaschuk takes us into the world of hockey. Training a new workforce 12 Alumni discover rewards of teaching. As always, we are always looking for story ideas for our Alumni Features section of AlumniNews survey results the magazine. Our contact details can be 13 Read what fellow alumni have to say about AlumniNews. found below. Improving the lives of orphans Thanks again for all your responses to our 14 Alumnus and Shell employee help at-risk children in Romania. survey. We look forward to hearing from you in the new year! A winning strategy
15 Alumnus hits the ice, stays active at 92 years. Natalie Mazey and Jackie Panera Editors, AlumniNews magazine
CHECK US OUT ONLINE! STORY IDEAS WELCOME!
Visit www.shell.us/alumni AlumniNews magazine is looking for recent story ideas for our Alumni Features section! In this part of the for everything alumni. magazine, we highlight alumni who are staying active and making a difference in retirement. If you know Need forms? Want back issues of AlumniNews of someone who would make a great profile for the magazine, please send us his/her phone number magazine? Visit our Shell alumni website and email address, along with a brief description of the story idea. To submit story ideas for the U.S., for helpful links and phone numbers and the email [email protected] or mail a letter to Shell Oil Company Communications – Natalie Mazey, latest news on Shell. Also, connect with us by P.O. Box 2463, Houston, Texas 77252-2463. To submit story ideas for Canada, email PublicAffairs- emailing [email protected] to give us feedback and tell us what you’d like to see [email protected] or mail a letter to Jackie Panera, Shell Canada Limited, 400 4th Avenue S.W., P.O. on the site. Box 100 Station M, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2H5, Canada.
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VOLUNTEER AT ECO-MARATHON!
Take part in the inaugural year of Eco- marathon’s move to Detroit by volunteering at the event, held Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, April 12, at the Cobo Center. Multiple days and shifts are available. Some of the volunteer opportunities include serving on the technical team or safety team, as a VIP tour guide, Energy Lab ambassador and providing track assistance. For more information, contact Vicky Moreno at [email protected].
PAVING THE WAY
FOR ECO-MARATHON Work accelerates in Shell mileage challenge move to Detroit
Preparations are already ramping up for this spring’s immense. Another, more visible benefit is the improvement to inaugural Shell Eco-marathon Americas in the Motor City. city street surfaces where the students will drive their low-slung, Efforts include fixing up downtown streets to withstand the futuristic vehicles. Shell’s $450,000 investment in the streets extreme efficiency cars planned, built and tested by thousands around the Cobo Convention Center, a hip district known as of students for the mileage competition. In all, more than 120 Campus Martius, and historic Woodward Avenue, will smooth high school and university teams from across the Americas downtown driving for Detroit residents as well. Improved are expected to compete on those newly paved Detroit streets streets also create a safer place for crowds to watch and Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, April 12. cheer on the teams.
For more than 30 years, the Shell Eco-marathon series has Local civic and business leaders, including famed racing team challenged future engineers and scientists to go farther on owner Roger Penske, embraced and followed the annual less energy. Next year marks the first time this signature competition long before Shell selected Detroit as its host city. automotive competition will be held in the U.S. auto industry’s historic hometown. “We are excited that Shell chose Detroit to host its 2015 global competition. Not only is Shell bringing worldwide “We’re looking forward to bringing the Shell Eco-marathon to attention to our city, it is further showing its commitment to Detroit—in part to highlight the role that young talent and high Detroit by investing in improvements to several of the streets technology will play in the re-invention of this iconic American that will be a part of the Eco-marathon route. We appreciate city,” says Niel Golightly, Shell vice president of external affairs the benefits Shell’s partnership brings to Detroit,” says Mayor for the Americas. Mike Duggan.
Investment in the future of Detroit and mobility Many in the region hope Shell Eco-marathon Americas Students are highly motivated and often work long nights, encourages people to give Detroit another look and attracts weekends and holidays, fine-tuning their designs and building future talent to the U.S. automotive businesses that call their concept cars. Many hope to one day work in the it home.“These students represent the next generation of automotive and energy industries. Their goal is simple: to drive the world’s future scientists and engineers. Being able to the farthest distance, over a closed downtown course, using showcase the city of Detroit and the future of mobility in the least amount of energy. Of course, setting a new record Detroit’s automotive industry will hopefully inspire these in the shadows of storied automotive headquarters, where students to consider our city and state as a place to be mobility’s future is being shaped, would be icing on the cake. educated and to live and work. I want to personally thank The economic and reputational impact of four days of events, Shell for bringing this terrific event to Detroit and for helping which attract visitors and interest from around the world, is improve our downtown’s infrastructure,” Penske says. «
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ONE YEAR LATER Integrated Operations Center impacts performance
When 33-year Shell employee Sam Mabry found out he would n 46 days of continuous production without a process be moving from his enclosed office to the new open Integrated shutdown, only four months after startup Operations Center (IOC) for the commissioning of the Olympus n Ramp-up of new wells faster than planned tension leg platform (TLP) last year, he was one of the most n Elimination of 1,055 personnel-days offshore outspoken critics of this new way of working. “Those are world-class results,” says Jay Trussell, Olympus “How am I going to work in an environment where people are Operations manager. “We used the IOC/RCR to commission all around, without a quiet place to think and work,” the senior subsea equipment and two of the three subsea trees at Olympus. facilities engineer remembers saying. We opened downhole fluid loss isolation valves in the wells, optimized equipment operating conditions, reviewed bad A year later, he’s singing a different tune. “I can’t say enough actors in the alarm registers and ramped production in new about it,” Mabry says. “We have much better access to each wells. It is impossible to know how many platform trips were other. I didn’t think the change would be that dramatic,” he prevented by having those daily interactions, but there are key says of the IOC, an innovative, collaborative work environment business results that indicate the IOC was a key enabler to our that aligns people, work processes and technology so Gulf early success,” he says. of Mexico (GOM) asset teams can better plan activities and improve decision-making. A step change The IOC is a step change in how operations staff offshore work The IOC—a key venue in Upstream Americas Deepwater with a virtual asset team of technical and engineering staff Integrated Operations program—houses subject-matter onshore. “We’ve had a lot of visitors come and tour the facility, experts, operations staff, surveillance staff and technical staff but the IOC is more than a place. It’s a change in how we of an asset together at One Shell Square in New Orleans. work,” Chevis says. “The step change is how this model attacks A 24/7 remote control room (RCR) linked to the platform via the inefficiency of our deepwater geography by co-locating fiber-optic cable allows the shore-based team to see the same operations and supporting functions in One Shell Square. Its data as their offshore counterparts. overall design and collaborative technology enables the field and office staff to work together as an integrated team.” “The RCR creates the same ‘situational awareness’ as in the on-asset control room. This is a new key enabler for the Technical and operational support personnel are collocated in high-value, low-latency collaboration between technical/ six different work zones to focus on similar processes, such as operational support and operations,” says Marc Chevis, production equipment, chemical and controls and automation. Integrated Operations manager. “We found that in our old offices, we communicated by email and telephone too often. In sitting together and hearing As the Olympus IOC marked its one-year anniversary in conversations, communications is quicker and better. We’ve November, the results of this new way of working speak for reduced email traffic and meeting times to make better, faster themselves: decisions,” Trussell says. n Project startup six months earlier than originally proposed n No lost-time or recordable injuries this year Olympus Subsea Engineer Caryn Bazzi can testify to that. n 98% runtime “The IOC fits in the way we work naturally. You’re in close
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contact with those people you have frequent interactions with offshore community to another level,” says Kimberly Limmex, throughout the day,” she says. “Having 24-hour operational Mars Operations manager. “My office is equipped with a personnel in the RCR as part of the floor has really broken video monitor, and in two clicks I can contact my leadership in down barriers between offshore and office staff and makes us the field and have face-to face conversations. It’s also made it more accessible to each other. It enables us to make business possible to support the field without making trips offshore. We decisions faster and in a more integrated way so we have can open a subsea well with engineering support in the IOC better solutions,” she says. instead of sitting offshore.”
Offshore Installation Manager Steve Flack admits he first Mars Facilities Focal Point Scott Hyder says each day in the questioned the benefits of pulling talent off the platform and IOC begins with a morning videoconference with the platform putting it in a remote location. “Today, when we have well issues, to understand what they are working on and how the shore- we have an experienced operator who knows topsides in the based team can help. “It’s really powerful to see their faces RCR working with engineers. It’s given us capability we wouldn’t and read the body language. It helps us connect at a different have had before. With the direct video and remote control level,” he says. console, it’s like having an extra engineer in the field with you.” Shell plans to implement Integrated Operations for other Because the RCR allows the team to perform activities remotely, major brownfield assets, including Auger and Perdido it eliminates additional personnel on the platform. “When in 2015, followed closely behind by Ursa and Brutus in you bring on a subsea well, you typically bring a team of four 2016. “Based on the value delivery to date, this is just the to six people to the platform. For the second subsea well on beginning,” Chevis says. “We’re working with Appomattox Olympus, we brought zero, with all support provided remotely and Vito projects to embed integrated operations in those from the RCR. That freed up six days for our construction efforts new assets. on the TLP,” Flack says. “We’re taking what we’ve learned over the past year from Adjacent to the Olympus IOC is the Mars IOC, the second Olympus and Mars to improve on the experience. But asset to incorporate the new collaborative environment last fundamentally, we hit the mark. It really fits our business,” December. “The IOC has taken our ability to support the he adds. «
OFFERING THE BEST OF PERFORMANCE AND TECHNOLOGY Shell becomes BMW-recommended oil supplier
Shell recently announced that it has The patented gas-to-liquids (GTL) process, He says that this is recognition of the been chosen by BMW AG as its only developed over 40 years of research, benefits of Shell’s engine oil expertise recommended global supplier for converts natural gas into a crystal-clear and cutting-edge technology by aftermarket engine oils for the following base oil. Base oil, usually made from crude one of the world’s leading premium BMW brands: BMW, BMW i, BMW M, oil, is the main component of finished manufacturer of automobiles and MINI and BMW Motorrad. oils and plays a vital role in the quality motorcycles. “This deal brings two of the finished engine oil. The base oil is leading brands together to offer the best Beginning in 2015, premium engine oils produced at the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar, of performance and technology to BMW manufactured by Shell will be available a partnership between Shell and Qatar service customers. Both companies have to customers at BMW’s network of more Petroleum. From 2015, BMW service a very strong commitment to premium than 3,500 dealers, in more than 140 customers will benefit from the integration products and services, giving us much in countries, including China, Germany, of Shell’s global lubricants supply chain common,” Gainsborough adds. « Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the with its gas value chain in Qatar. United Kingdom and the U.S. “We are honored to become BMW’s The collaboration means that Shell will recommended supplier of aftermarket produce and supply BMW’s branded engine oil. We look forward to jointly engine oils. These products will meet supplying, distributing and marketing the latest BMW engine specifications these oils,” says Mark Gainsborough, and are underpinned by Shell’s PurePlus executive vice president for Shell Technology—a breakthrough in the Lubricants. Shell PurePlus Technology. formulation of engine oils. Auger has served as a training ground for employees over the years and is credited with leading Shell—and the industry—into deepwater operations in the GOM.
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SCALING NEW HEIGHTS Wind Energy vice president poised to meet new challenges
To understand employee challenges, some leaders take time to walk in their shoes, visiting or working onsite. For Johnna Van Keuren, walking in her employees’ shoes means learning to climb a 300-foot-tall tower.
The vice president of Shell WindEnergy recently found herself high in the air in Reno, Nevada. During a two-day climbing course, she trained to climb the giant wind turbine towers which house the generators that produce wind power.
Van Keuren, who took on the leadership role in Shell Wind a year ago, wanted to understand the challenges her team and contractors face on a daily basis. “I believe you don’t ask someone to do something unless you are willing to do it yourself. It’s important to understand the challenges and the environment these folks work in,” Van Keuren explains.
Shell Wind has eight joint-venture wind Johnna Van Keuren at the White Deer wind farm in Texas. projects in the U.S. and one in Europe. All are non-operated ventures (NOVs), 50/50 co-owned by Shell with other She found out just how physically taxing emergency survival procedures.“The partners. “Since they’re not under our it can be during the training class, where recent climbing school was more operational control, we have to use students learn how to climb, as well as challenging because it was so physical. our influence to coach and mentor our maneuver equipment to help rescue a I’m small and didn’t have the strength to contractors,” she says. work partner in the event of an emergency. do some of the rescue work,” says the “What took others in the class 10 minutes five-foot, four-inch-tall Van Keuren. “I was The U.S. projects—two each in California to do took me 30,” she says. “Believe so nervous after my first rescue attempt. and Texas and one each in Colorado, me, it was not pretty,” she laughs. My hands were shaking during lunch on Iowa, West Virginia and Wyoming—have the first day,” she recalls. an installed capacity of approximately Getting hands-on experience is not new 900 megawatts of energy (Shell’s share to Van Keuren. As a project engineer While she doesn’t ever plan to climb is about 450 megawatts) from around prior to coming to Shell, she learned an actual tower, Van Keuren says the 720 wind turbines. how to weld pipe, pour concrete and training experience has given her a drive a backhoe. Since joining Shell completely different perspective on the The turbines include a rotor, consisting 15 years ago, she has served in challenges workers face. “It’s easy to of a hub and three blades that sit atop engineering and health, safety and sit in an office and expect people to a steel tower at an ideal height to catch environment (HSE) positions for Shell do things. Once you’ve attempted their the wind. Technicians who maintain Pipeline. Five years ago, she moved jobs on your own, you realize it’s not as equipment may have to climb multiple into Upstream Americas to manage simple as you may think.” towers several times a day to work on the safety, environment and sustainable turbines. “They work in pairs, climbing development for the Exploration and Getting back to basics up to 300 feet in a closed steel cylinder to Commercial organization. In that role, Van Keuren’s hands-on leadership style get to the equipment. While the majority she completed the Arctic Helicopter is helping Shell Wind Energy operate of our sites have climb-assist equipment, Underwater Egress Training (HUET), more efficiently and improve its safety which helps alleviate some of the body where students, wearing protective culture. “A lot of people don’t realize strength needed to climb the distance, it’s suits for cold water, are strapped into Shell is [still] in this business, but the still a physically demanding job in very a helicopter simulator and dropped company has more than a decade of tight quarters,” Van Keuren explains. upside down in a pool to practice experience in wind energy. Our share of
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 »
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DEER PARK CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY JAZZ FEST Get your groove on and join in the fun at the When Shell Deer Park alumni first began gathering to reminisce 45th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and catch up with former coworkers, gasoline was just 10 cents April 24-26 and April 30-May 3. Shell and Motiva a gallon, a loaf of bread was 8 cents, The Wizard of Oz was employees and retirees will once again experience the hit film of the year, and European countries were embroiled the benefits of our presenting sponsorship. You can in World War II. access additional information and register for tickets by going to http://starcite.smarteventscloud.com/ That was 1939. JazzFest2015. For more information, visit www.nojazzfest.com. Ever since then, alumni from near and far have gathered annually for the Shell Deer Park Reunion Party. At this year’s 75th reunion, Tommy Overstreet was awarded the Brag Board prize for the longest tenure at Shell Deer Park—46 years. At 20 years NOTEWORTHY! old, he launched his career at Shell, beginning as an ethylene department operator. Overstreet went on to work at Olefins Plant Welcome to Noteworthy!—a new section of the II, in Control Systems, as an electrician and as a coordinator magazine designed to share feedback from alumni for the Investigation group, which he considers a career high on topics of interest. Send your answer to the featured point. “I believe I was making a difference,” he says. question below, and we’ll publish as many responses as we can in the following issue of the magazine. The father-son team of Tom and Patrick Bennett also attended Email responses to [email protected], If you the reunion. Tom Bennett began his career in 1953 as a have a photo of yourself to share, please make sure bullganger (laborer) at $1.95 an hour in the Automotive the file size is at least 1 megabyte. department. Over the course of nearly 40 years, Tom Bennett worked in the Research Lab, Boiler shop, Utilities and at the And now for our question… Docks as an electrician. The annual reunion party gives him a What do you do to stay healthy? chance to see old friends.
His son, Patrick Bennett, began working with Shell in 1991 with the Vacuum Distillation group. He now works in Scheduling (Human Resources) supporting the Production team. HERO PROGRAM “I knew Shell was a good company,” he says. “I heard a lot of great stories from my dad, and our family often went to the Just a friendly reminder that the company will match gifts company picnics. I attend the reunion party every year with my of qualified pensioners (1:1 up to a maximum match of dad to see the people he knows and I remember as a child.” $5,500 per donor per calendar year) through the HERO matching program. This includes matching to schools Maurine Bishop followed in her parent’s footsteps as well. “My (grades K-12), colleges/universities, United Way and mother loved the company, and I wanted to follow her,” she many other approved 501 (c)(3) charities. In addition to says. Bishop worked in Records Management from 1959 to HERO matching, Shell encourages active participation 1991, and her mother, Vivienne Tucker, served as a secretary for through volunteerism. Volunteers can request a grant three plant managers, starting in 1936 until she retired in 1957. for an organization where they have generously given their time. “Shell has created an environment for a large number of people to come together and reminisce about their lives at the For more information visit www.Easymatch.com/HERO, plant,” says HSSE Manager Richie Walker. “We’re all a part of or contact Shell HERO customer service at 800-554-7861. a family, and these are my extended family members.” « As always, giving is a personal and optional choice.
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CLUB ROSTER AND UPCOMING EVENTS *As new calendar events are scheduled throughout the year, email [email protected].
ALASKA GEORGIA NEW JERSEY Kenai. Shell Alaska Alumni Club. Marietta. Shell Ladies and Old Boys. Sewaren. Garden State SO Shellites. Luncheon: March. Barbecue: June. Spring luncheon: April 30, Dunwoody Luncheon: May 7, Dominic’s. Bob Pete Woodson, 907-345-6335, Community Center. Ken Hyde: 770-973- Fischer: 732-969-1565. Mail: 134 7th [email protected]. Mail: 8901 8207, ken.hyde@ comcast.net. Mail: St., Port Reading, NJ 07064. Spendlove Dr., Anchorage, AK 99516. 4509 Woodhaven, N.E., Marietta, GA 30067. Woodbury. Woodbury Poly Pros. ARKANSAS Picnic: June 26, Riversharks (Camden). Hot Springs. Arkansas Shell Alumni ILLINOIS Richard Rupertus: 856-455-1705, Club. Oaklawn Racetrack: March. Wood River. Wood River Refinery [email protected]. Mail: 31 Seeley Lunch: Second Tuesday of the month, Retiree Association. June luncheon: June Rd., Bridgeton, NJ 08302. 11:30 a.m. Jack Williams: 501-226- 16, Wood River Moose. David Lewis: 9881, jawilliamsjr@ suddenlink.net. 618-972-1575, dalewis28@gmail. com. NORTH CAROLINA Mail: 21 Sorpresa Way, Hot Springs Mail: 105 Whispering Oaks, Bethalto, Charlotte. Carolina Alumni & Retirees Village, AR 71909. IL 62010. of Shell. Summer luncheon: June 3, noon, Longhorn Steakhouse (Pineville). Ira CALIFORNIA LOUISIANA Parkman: 919-846-4860, mpbenny23@ Bakersfield. Retired Shell Employees Baton Rouge. Shell Geismar Area earthlink.net. Mail: 7029 Millstone of San Joaquin. Spring barbecue: May Retirees Club. Spring luncheon: March Ridge Ct., Raleigh, NC 27614. 15, Golden Corral. Don Harrison: 11, Drusilla Seafood. Crawfish Boil: 661-763-4568, ddminis@peoplepc. April 29. Peggy Walker: 225-715- OHIO com. Mail: 27901 Tank Farm Road, Taft, 4409, [email protected]. Mail: 36106 Port Clinton. Ohio Shell Pensioners CA 93268. Ridge Road, Prairieville, LA 70769. Club. Luncheon: May 22, Houlihans (Westlake). Richard Mowry: 419-341- Martinez. Martinez Refinery Complex Houma. Shell Cajun Alumni Club. 4377, [email protected]. Alumni. Blackhawk Museum: March Luncheon: April 14, Petroleum Club Mail: 200 North Crest Dr., Port Clinton, 20. Membership meeting and luncheon: (Morgan City). Russell Poiencot: 985- OH 43452. March 25. Graton Casino: April 8. 872-4619. Mail: 244 Grande St., Scholarship lunch: May 18, Zio Fraedo’s. Houma, LA 70363. OKLAHOMA Bocce tournament: May 23 or 30. Tulsa. Mid-Central Shell Alumni Golden Gate Fields: June 10 or 11. Anne Lake Charles. Shell Pensioners Club Association. Annual luncheon: April 10, Fincke: 925-354- 2051, mtzshellalumni@ of Lake Charles. Quarterly meeting: Indian Springs Country Club (Broken gmail.com. Mail: 2954 Honeysuckle First Wednesday of the month, Pat’s Arrow). John Digges: 918-252-3307, Circle, Antioch, CA 94531. of Henderson. Fred Berger: 337-263- [email protected]. Mail: 9108 East 0475, [email protected]. Mail: 59th Place, Tulsa, OK 74145. Southern California. Shell Alumni 4218 Mary Ann Lane, Lake Charles, LA of Southern California. Annual meeting 70605. OREGON and luncheon: May 14, Reef Restaurant Portland. Oregon Shell Annuitants (Long Beach). Monthly luncheon: Fourth Norco. Shell Chemical Norco Plant Club. Lunch: Last Wednesday of the Friday of the month, noon, Joe’s Crab Alumni Club. Club luncheon: May 6 at month, Broadmoor Golf Course. Dan Shack (Newport Beach). Joseph M. Tully 11 a.m., Doubletree Hotel (New Orleans Harshburger: 541-390- 9622, runsmts@ III: 949-632-0271, [email protected]. Airport). Leroy A. Morales: 504-467-4639 gmail.com. Mail: 453 NW Flagline Dr., Mail: 28212 San Marcos, Mission or Sheryl Lupo: [email protected]. Mail: Bend, OR 97701. Viejo, CA 92692. #7 Lasso Lane, St. Rose, LA 70087. Siskiyou. Siskiyou Shell Alumni. Lunch: Roseville. Shell Golden Nuggets. Norco. Shell NORCO Retirees Club. March 12, Taprock NW Grill (Grants G. Dale Dowdy: 916-749-7612, River cruise: March/April, Mississippi Pass). Derek Eck: 541-552-9134, [email protected]. Mail: 4004 River, Steamboat Natchez. Seafood [email protected]. Mail: 1000 Paradise Ravensworth Place, Roseville, CA 95747. social: May, Shell NORCO Employees Lane, Ashland, OR 97520. Club. Bill Collins: 504-400-6472, COLORADO [email protected]. Mail: 29 TEXAS Denver. Mile High Shell Retirees. Edgewood, Destrehan, LA 70047. Austin. Austin Hill Country Alumni Spring meeting: June 12, Rocky Club. Spring lunch: April 22, Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife MISSISSIPPI Maggiano’s Little Italy. John Chenoweth: Refuge. Mike Anderson: 303-708-1160, Braxton. North Louisiana and 512-863-0505, hcshellretirees@ mymikea3@ gmail.com. Mail: 9228 Mississippi Shell Alumni Club. Wm. suddenlink.net or Vic Figurelli: 512-931- Meredith Ct., Lone Tree, CO 80124. N. Rook: 601-847-1120, wendysue@ 0108, vic41plym@aol. com. Mail: 116 inbox.com. Mail: 132 Cox Road, Ruellia Dr., Georgetown, TX 78633. Braxton, MS 39044.
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
50 YEARS Harry Ludwig (’91 Shell Tulsa Credit Ed Clark (’04 Wood River Refinery) Card Center) and wife, Joan: March 26. Brenham. Central Texas Shell Retirees and wife, Fran: Dec. 20, 2014. Joe Moss (’89 Odessa Refinery) and Club. Luncheons: April 9 and June 11. Pete Lyall (’98 Human Resources- wife, Marlene: June 11. Carroll Boecker: 254-697-6969, Equal Opportunity) and wife, Bobby: [email protected]. Mail: 4134 May 2014. 65 YEARS West FM 485, Cameron, TX 76520. Cliff Sharp (’04 SWEPI) and wife, W. Max Anderson (’86 Shell Sandy: July 2014. Chemical Laboratory) and wife, Lois: Dallas/Fort Worth. D/FW Shell Ed Weisheit and wife, Marian: July 4. Dec. 2014. Alumni Association. Spring luncheon: May 6, La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant 55 YEARS 70 YEARS (Colleyville). Duggan Smith: 817-579- Charles Goeking (’98 Shell Oil David D. Lobaugh (’80 Shell Oil) 5306, [email protected]. Mail: P.O. Box Products) and wife, Carol: Aug. 2014. and wife, Gloria: Jan. 5262, Granbury, TX 76049. 60 YEARS 75 YEARS Hallettsville. South Central Texas Shell William Kelldorf (’93 Shell Western Charles A. Walker (’79 Shell Oil) Pensioners Club. Dinner: April 22. J.C. E&P) and wife, Loretta: Oct. 2, 2014. and wife, Jane: Feb. 14. Kelley: 361-798-5300. Mail: 2355 FM 530, Hallettsville, TX 77964.
Houston. Shell Alumni Association of 100 YEARS & COUNTING... Greater Houston. Events: www.saagh. SA Brown, 103, SC Lau, 102, Joseph J Principi, 103 com. Luncheon: March/April. Bayou Bend: March. Bush Library Tour: March 28. Mercury Orchestra: April 11. Golf tournament: April 13. Financial seminar 3: May 8. BBQ: May. Wine Country Trip: HEALTH MATTERS May 18-22. Musical: May. Wine tasting: June. Randy Petty: 281-579-3554, Creating a senior-friendly garden [email protected]. Mail: 19515 Desert Ivy Dr., Houston, TX 77094. As cold temps wane and new leaves begin to bud with spring, it’s a great time to get out into the garden. Gardening is not only a good form of Houston. Shell Northwest Alumni exercise, but it also relieves stress, clears the mind and can provide healthy Club. Spring luncheon: March 10, fruit and vegetables for the table. Shirley Acres. Spring golf event: April 7, Cypresswood Community Center. Club For those who are deterred by the thought of lugging heavy bags of mulch or info and alumni travel photos: www. wielding cumbersome gardening tools, there is hope. The secret to gardening shellnwalumni.com. Robert Frederick: at any age lies in making a few easy changes in the garden. Below are a few 281-923-0377, robob61@earthlink. tips and tricks: net. Mail: 230 W. Northcastle Circle, Conroe, TX 77384. Raise it up. Raised beds with wide pathways give easy access to plants. Contain it. Consider container gardening with lightweight pots placed Pasadena. Shell DPMC Retirees. on casters or stands. TUTS - Joseph and the Amazing Go vertical. Want to avoid bending completely? Use a vertical garden Technicolor Dreamcoat: March 18. Elect or trellis. new officers: March. Monthly meeting: Increase visibility. For those with poor eyesight, paint or use different First Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. colored tape on garden tools. Ada Mae Collazo: 713-828-0080, Easy does it. Invest in padded or curve-handled gardening tools, [email protected]. Mail: which not only provide better grip and leverage, but are easier on 10500 Fountain Lake Dr., Apt. 426, muscles and arthritic joints. Stafford, TX 77477. Don’t break the budget. Plant from seeds or use seed tape. Take a breather. A lightweight, foldable bench provides a place to WEST VIRGINIA rest and can act as a kneeler. Parkersburg. Shell/Kraton Belpre Be safe. Stick to gardening in the early morning or late in the day Plant Retirees. Monthly meeting: when temperatures are lower. Wear mosquito repellent when needed, Second Thursday of the month, 11:30 replenish fluids frequently and protect against the sun with long-sleeved, a.m., Western Sizzlin. Jerry Watson: lightweight clothing and a hat. 304-422-6988, jcwatson1999@ Slow and steady wins the day. Pace yourself with projects. frontier.com. Mail: 451 Watson Rd., Focus on one chore each day and leave the rest. Parkersburg, WV 26104.
20151385_US.indd 9 2/13/15 5:43 PM 10 REGIONAL FOCUS United States
A WORD FROM SHELL RETIREMENT FUNDS To Roth or not to Roth. That is the question. company contributions, earnings on all Until recently, that question was only contributions) will be subject to federal applicable to savings opportunities income tax in the year they are converted. INVESTING outside the Shell Provident Fund (SPF). The after-tax money you contributed to the Effective January 1, 2015, however, Roth SPF (but not the associated earnings) can IN YOUTH features have been added to the SPF. be converted to Roth without incurring a Notices of this were sent in mid-December tax on those contributions. Shell Houston Open 2014. To view the notice online, log into puts $2.2 million your NetBenefits account and look under There are a number of variables that to work in community Summary Plan Descriptions at the bottom you need to consider before making a of the home screen. decision to convert assets to Roth. We recommend consulting with your financial For 20 consecutive years, the 2014 For those not familiar with a Roth savings planner or tax advisor before making any Shell Houston Open (SHO) PGA TOUR feature, Roth allows individuals to save decisions. Tournament has raised more than $1 million after-tax dollars, but not pay federal for local worthy causes, and 2014 was no income taxes on the earnings from But, a question for you to consider if you exception. Tournament proceeds, as well as those savings when they are ultimately have after-tax money in the SPF: Do you the Houston Golf Association’s (HGA) other withdrawn from the account (assuming want future earnings on your after-tax golf-related activities, totaled $2,236,977. the withdrawal meets the requirements of contributions to be free of federal income These dollars are now at work in the a “qualified distribution” as provided in taxes? If so, contact the Shell Benefits community. “Helping young people in our the Internal Revenue Code and assuming Service Center to understand what community is a key reason we take pride the tax rules do not change in the future). conversion features might be available, in our involvement with the Shell Houston and then discuss the opportunity with your Open,” says Shell Oil Company President SPF participants who are no longer active financial planner or tax advisor. Marvin Odum. The proceeds from the 2014 Shell/Motiva employees cannot make event elevate the community impact dollar Roth contributions to the SPF, but the On November 30, 2014, approximately total to more than $62 million since 1974. SPF offers a couple of Roth features that 5,000 former-employee SPF participants former employees may want to consider: held after-tax positions in their accounts HGA, a 501c (3) nonprofit organization, 1) You can roll Roth money held in totaling approximately $375 million, has been promoting golf in the region another employer’s qualified plan of which $60 million represented since 1946 and has been funding into the SPF, consolidating your assets original contributions and $315 million local youth-development programs and and taking advantage of the low-cost represented accumulated earnings on charitable organizations since 1974. investment options available in the SPF. those contributions. 2) You can make a decision to convert Shell Oil Company has been title existing SPF balances to Roth (Roth To learn more about the Roth in-plan sponsor of Houston’s PGA TOUR in-plan conversion). conversion features that are available event since 1992. During this 23-year Almost all assets in the SPF are eligible in the SPF or how to roll in Roth money partnership with Shell, more than 94% to be converted to Roth, but assets that from another employer’s qualified plan, ($58,323,825) of the total funding has have not yet been subject to federal call the Shell Benefits Service Center at been generated. Shell’s title-sponsorship income tax (such as pre-tax contributions, 1-800-307-4355 (1-800-30 SHELL). « agreement with the PGA TOUR and HGA runs through the 2017 event.
HOLE-IN-ONE A part of the overall funding goes to HGA youth programs, which include Dave Ferguson (’05 Deer Park Chemical) hit a hole-in-one on Oct. 22, 2014 an academic scholarship program, as at the River Terrace Golf Course in Channelview, Texas, on the 3rd hole. He well as The First Tee® of Greater Houston used an 8-iron on the 120-yard, 3rd hole. chapter and HGA Junior Golf. The First Ira “Parky” Parkman (’02 Oil Products-Marketing) hit a hole-in-one Nov. 3, Tee of Greater Houston reached more than 2014 at the Brevofield Golf Links in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She used a 130,000 young people in 2014, making 4-iron on a 175-yard, 16th hole. it number one in outreach in a worldwide After playing golf for 57 years, Robert Hillaker (’00 Shell Oil Martinez) shot network of nearly 200 chapters. More than his first hole-in-one on June 30, 2014 at the Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord, 200 additional worthy causes and nonprofit California. He used a pitching wedge on the 100-yard, par 3, 17th hole. organizations also received donations or Peggy Paul (’13 STUSCO) scored a hole-in-one on the 15th hole at the Links gifts-in-kind. SHO ongoing beneficiaries, at Land’s End in Yantis, Texas, on Sept. 7, 2014. She used a 9-wood on the which annually supply volunteers for the 91-yard hole. tournament, are Chinquapin Prep (since Arvester Smith (’07 Shell E&P) scored a hole-in-one on Oct. 6, 2014 at Big 1979), Cenikor Foundation Inc., (since Oaks Golf Course in Saltillo, Mississippi, on the 2nd hole. He used a #4 hybrid 1996) and Project Joy and Hope of on a 165-yard, 2nd hole. His number in the National Registry is 39,104. Pasadena, Texas (since 2014). «
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Donna Oberg, retail country finance lead.
AN ADVENTURE FIT FOR HARRY POTTER Employee overcomes obstacles to take part in life-changing project
When Donna Oberg, retail country finance lead, was selected her participation that much more important. With 11 people to participate in a Project Better World expedition on behalf of on her team—from Canada, Africa, the United Kingdom, Shell Canada, she might have had a few reservations. Project India, the Hague, Poland and Singapore—Oberg says she was Better World is a global initiative that inspires Shell employees surrounded by extraordinary individuals, all of whom gladly to put their skills into action for a more sustainable planet. provided her with assistance when she needed it. Employees work surrounded by nature—from the Borneo rainforest to the white-tipped mountains of Canada. When the terrain proved difficult, Earthwatch guide Richard Sylvester stepped in. “There were muddy clay paths, fallen Taking part in a trip like this would come with challenges for trees and brambles that seemed to purposefully take hold of my Oberg, who lives with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that cane, causing me to tumble,” Oberg says. “It felt like I was in a affects body movement and muscle coordination. This particular Harry Potter movie!” expedition would take participants deep into the forests of the United Kingdom. There, team members would hike the trails to Sylvester proposed using walkie talkies to aid in data collection. collect data and study climate change with Earthwatch. “I would find a spot to sit, and my team member—the hilarious and brilliant Gerald Foo—would take another person and read “As a 46-year-old—having lived with cerebral palsy from birth out the stats so I could record them on the spreadsheets,” she says. and having been hit by a car in 2006—my body will react Through the resourcefulness and encouragement of her team to the aging process a bit more aggressively than a healthy, members, Oberg was able to contribute to the project and take abled-body person. That doesn’t mean I won’t fight it off as part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. hard as I can, but it is a reality and something I’ve learned to face with as much grace as I possibly can,” Oberg says. “I think back to those nine days, sitting in the middle of the forest, listening to the chatter and laughter of the Shell With that in mind, Oberg knew that the window of opportunity team and realize that I have been changed as a person,” to take part in such a life-changing journey was small, making Oberg says. «
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 making sure our staff and those in the area. This is a partnership between field have the right training, understand our joint venture partners, as well the energy capacity from these projects is the risks of the job and take time to plan as operations and maintenance approximately 500 megawatts, making us for the tasks they will be working on.” contractors, to help them develop a one of the larger wind operators among safety culture where everyone believes oil and gas companies,” she says. “Each Last year, Shell Wind achieved over workers can and should go home safely year, the wind power generated by these 120 days at Goal Zero after four safety each day to their families and that we projects helps to avoid approximately incidents earlier in the year. The industry do no harm to the environment. They three million tons of carbon dioxide has a number of health and safety are the ones who make it all happen. which could otherwise be emitted from hazards, including working at heights, How we work together is critical in the conventional power sources.” lifting and hoisting, and falling objects, success of the business and in keeping as well as working in tight spaces and people safe.” Van Keuren is working to guide Shell around high-voltage electrical and Wind successfully through some of the rotating equipment. Van Keuren says her aspiration is to key challenges of this business. “We create a fun, dynamic place to work. have aging assets, which is a challenge Van Keuren’s approach is to not only “It’s an opportunity to learn a new from a maintenance perspective. And, improve Shell Wind’s safety culture, but business and new challenges. We want we have a young technician workforce. also to raise the bar for the industry as a to build the skills of our people to make We’ve been working to improve our whole. “We’re probably 10 to 15 years Shell Wind a stepping stone in their safety culture, getting back to basics and behind the oil and gas industry in this careers at Shell.” «
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TRAINING A NEW WORKFORCE Alumni discover rewards of teaching
When Miguel Hernandez immigrated qualified women for craft positions at our to the U.S., he spoke no English. He refineries and on our platforms. Retired scrambled for temporary jobs as a day or active employees who can teach their laborer until technical instructors at a skills would make great adjunct professors community college gave him a new and role models for other women.” start. “Getting an education has been pretty powerful,” says Hernandez, a Falling in love with the job maintenance excellence specialist at the Shell retiree Mark Demark took advantage Shell Deer Park refinery. of the opportunity to give back and train a new workforce. The former general When training as a pipefitter, Hernandez manager of a Shell catalyst plant, who learned the ropes from active and retired retired in 1997, stepped in as department industry professionals. “The only people chair in 2001, heading the fledgling who can teach the kind of technical skills process technology department at we need in refineries are those who have Alvin Community College near Houston. actually worked in the field,” he says. Although he ran the department, he also taught classes. That’s why Shell partners with other public and private organizations to develop “Standing in front of a classroom as an strong technical programs at community educator was the furthest thing from my colleges. The company recently sponsored mind,” Demark said. “But I just fell in the National Association of Process love with the job.” Miguel Hernandez credits his technical training Technology Alliance (NAPTA) conference to active and retired industry professionals. on instructor skills in New Orleans, where It was supposed to be just a summer job. Shell employees helped develop strategies He stayed for 10 years. and share best practices for training the department head might create a position next generation of essential workers. Teaching gave Demark the chance to for the right person, says Demark. share his passion for operations. A “At Shell, we couldn’t produce energy or process engineer, he spent most of his “Technical education is a game changer oil and natural gas safely without a well- 31 years at Shell in management. “Most for students,” he says. “Instructors have a trained craft and technical workforce,” of the time, I was stuck in an office. But powerful opportunity to make a difference.” says David Esquibel, a member of Shell’s the times when I was out in the field were Workforce Development Initiative team. some of the best of my career,” he recalls. Hernandez agrees. “Going through “Yet, even when high school students college changed my life completely. are aware of these high-paying career The sound and feel of perfectly tuned Thanks to the instructors who taught me opportunities, their options for good machinery, the subtle clues when skills, I can work for a company like technical training are limited.” something is wrong, the overarching Shell and send my kids to better schools. responsibility for safety—these are just That means a better future for my Although options are increasing with the some of the learnings Demark shares grandchildren. This can affect the next emergence of new programs, the need for with students. After retiring from Alvin two or three generations.” high-quality technical instruction remains Community College in 2011, Demark critical in the energy industry. One reason soon returned to the classroom. He now Hernandez believes so strongly in is a shortage of qualified instructors and works as a professor of process technology technical education that he has become programs at community colleges. at Houston Community College. a part-time pipefitting instructor at Lee Community College in Baytown and has That’s where retired and active Shell According to Demark, Shell retirees funded his own scholarship program employees can help. Part-time adjunct and active employees are a good fit for at the college. Although his work as a professors—subject-matter experts with technical training programs. As adjunct teacher may look good on his resume extensive field experience—form the professors, they can often set their own and help him build his professional backbone of most technical training schedules and teach as little or as much network, Hernandez does it for the programs. as they want. Demark recommends students. “As a former student myself, I meeting with the school’s department know how much it means,” he says. “Women would be especially valued chair, since many of these positions may as teachers on almost any campus,” not be advertised or available through the To learn more about teaching opportunities says Krista Borstell, a craft recruiter for human resources department. The need for retired or active Shell employees, Shell. “We really scramble to find enough for technical training is so great that the email [email protected]. «
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ALUMNINEWS SURVEY RESULTS Thank you to everyone who filled out the 3rd annual AlumniNews survey in our December issue. This year, we received 167 responses. Your input helps us better understand what you want out of an alumni publication, and we’re working hard to bring you the content you want!
Do you look forward to Do you usually read: Do you feel informed Do you share information receiving AlumniNews about Shell’s business? you read in AlumniNews magazine? with others?
78% 88% 54% 73%
n All of the magazine – 88% n n Often – 13% n Very much – 78% Very much – 54% n Only certain sections – 13% n n Sometimes – 73% n A little – 19% A little – 45% n None of the magazine – 0% n n Never – 14% n Not so much – 4% Not so much – 1%
1. Does AlumniNews help you to discuss issues concerning 83% yes no 17% What would you like to see more of? Shell and the oil/gas industry with friends and family? Top three answers out of 99 responses: 2. Would you be interested in “friends-and-family” messaging 1. Business news 57% yes no 43% 2. Retiree features documents outlining Shell’s stance on key issues and topics? (what alumni are doing in retirement) 3. Do you feel as though you can easily contribute story 3. More news about downstream 40% yes no 60% ideas to the magazine?
4. Do you feel a connection to the business 67% yes no 33% What would you like to see less of? articles included in AlumniNews? * Note from the editors: Of 48 responses, no topic gained more than five votes. 5. Do you ever visit the Shell website to learn 34% yes no 66% more about a topic you read in AlumniNews?
As we’ve seen from the results, it appears To submit story ideas for the U.S., email To submit story ideas for Canada, email as though our readers continue to have [email protected] or mail a letter [email protected] or mail a a difficult time submitting story ideas. As to Shell Oil Company Communications – letter to Jackie Panera, Shell Canada Limited, a reminder, your ideas for articles about Natalie Mazey, P.O. Box 2463, Houston, 400 4th Avenue S.W., P.O. Box 100 Station retired Shell colleagues and other topics Texas 77252-2463. M, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2H5, Canada. are always welcome.
COMMENTS I find that AlumniNews focuses too much survey results show that 57% of you would Considering all that happens within Shell, on Shell exploration and production and be interested in a “friends-and-family” and that you are trying to provide coverage very little if any on Retail activities. My Shell document outlining Shell’s stance on key for what used to be two distinct companies career was in Retail Marketing and I seldom issues and topics. Good news: look out in two countries, I believe you strike a good read any articles related to it. – J.P. Roy for some high-level messaging on Shell’s balance. – Bob MacDonell Note from the editors: Thanks for your position on significant matters in an Note from the editors: Thank you, Bob, comment, J.P. In light of the survey results, upcoming issue of AlumniNews. and many others for your positive feedback. we will focus on adding additional stories We enjoy working on the publication for highlighting the Retail, Marketing and 2. Information about alumni and their lives you all. Downstream businesses when applicable. after retirement. – Steve Browning Our goal is to continue to diversify the Note from the editors: Thanks, Steve. Regarding obituaries of retirees in magazine content in order to provide Check out the new “Noteworthy” section, the Canada and U.S. sections: pertinent information on a variety of projects located in the regional section of the Note from the editors: We know that within our Shell portfolio. magazine. Each issue, we are seeking many of you are interested and concerned your responses to a featured question. about hearing more information on What alumni want to see more of: Answers can be emailed, along with a retirees who have passed away or are ill, 1. Shell’s positions on key issues. I teach related photo of yourself, if you have one. along with other milestone events, such as at a university and I am trying to present We can’t promise to publish all responses wedding anniversaries. In respecting the a balanced position to students. – Paul and photos, but we will try to feature as privacy of people, we cannot publish this Britton many as we can! This will help us highlight information unless the individual or his/her Note from the editors: Paul we the many post-retirement happenings of family contacts us directly. We appreciate appreciate your comment. In fact, the our alumni. your understanding.
20151385_Common_r1.indd 13 2/20/15 6:09 AM 14 ALUMNI FEATURES
IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ORPHANS Alumnus and Shell employee help at-risk children in Romania
siblings cared for by the U.K. charity. “Our hearts were touched by these children. That trip helped us see the reality of the situation,” she notes. “Casa Primavara was amazing. Although it was in need of some repair, the house represented godly values, love and lots of potential.”
Sandy and Rick Scott with the foster children of Casa Primavara in Romania. The Scotts returned to the U.S. with a passion to help the children remain at Casa Primavara after Peter Tat’s Fifteen years ago, if you had told Sandra to get involved. “We just gave money. death. They organized a U.S. board (Sandy) Scott (’02 Engineering) she We kept telling Peter that starting a U.S. of directors and applied for nonprofit would be spending her retirement years charity is too difficult for us.” 501(c)(3) status. They also emailed founding and growing a U.S. charity everyone they could think of. “That gave for Romanian foster children, she might Peter Tat, who had been diagnosed with us the beginnings of a mailing list for well have looked at you like you were congestive heart failure, was persistent. newsletters and fundraising events,” she crazy. Sure, she and her husband, Rick, “Peter wanted to make sure these children says. They hosted a dinner party for 40 a 35-year Shell employee, had scored were taken care of when he died. in their home as their first fundraiser. extremely high in “social service” on a Barbara was older, unable to travel personality profile test. And, granted, so much and needing someone else The Scotts named the U.S. charity they had been working with at-risk to take the lead. He told us he needed Springtime House in Romania-USA, children and teens for years in Houston. Americans to help,” Sandy Scott says. Inc. (www.springtimehouse.com), But why Romania? which is now eligible for corporate Getting involved matching through Shell’s HERO matching “We met a Romania couple at our When the Tats’ daughter, Claudia, called program. Chosen Marathon spotlighted church, Peter and Lydia Tat, who built a the Scotts with the news that her dad the fledgling charity in 2013, raising foster home in Romania for five orphans, was dying in 2009, the couple decided $7,500 through a marathon in New Casa Primavara (meaning, Springtime to make the long trip to Romania to say Braunfels. In 2014, the charity raised House). I recall thinking at the time, goodbye to their friend. What was just $16,000 through a fundraising dinner. ‘Where in the world is Romania?!’ ” a one-week trip quickly turned into two The couple has organized mission trips weeks, and at the insistence of Peter Tat, to Romania, using the funds raised to Peter Tat shared with the Scotts the plight the Scotts were taken around the city and repair Casa Primavara, provide ESL of orphaned children in Romania, where countryside. and tutoring classes for the children the country prohibits out-of-country and better compensate the children’s adoption. “After the fall of communism “The country seemed stuck in the 1930s. caregivers. Additionally, funds have in 1989, factories and businesses I remember thinking it was like the been used to extend the charity’s reach formerly operated by the government Grapes of Wrath. When communism beyond Casa Primavara. “After only five were shut down. People were without fell, people had to learn to do and think years, we now support eight foster care jobs, alcoholism was rampant, and for themselves. They didn’t have money households in five Romanian cities with over 95,000 orphans were added to for farm equipment,” she says. approximately 65 foster children and an already overcrowded orphanage 14 caregivers.” system. The government struggled to Colorful farmhouses dotted the steep feed and clothe so many children. The hillsides with pyramid stacks of hay in Future vision graphic photos shocked the world,” the fields. Hundreds of people dug for The Scotts also have a vision of funding a Sandy Scott shares. potatoes by hand. Mule-drawn wagons, safe house for orphans in Romania who loaded with potatoes, were common age out at 18. “The day these orphans A small group from the United Kingdom sights on the roads. “It may have been are released from the orphanages, (U.K.), led by founder Barbara Waldron, like Grapes of Wrath, but I remember they are given $20 and a small bag of offered a beacon of hope, partnering with thinking that the beauty of Transylvania clothes. Human traffickers are frequently the Tats to form Springtime in Romania was indescribable and the hard work outside those doors offering them a ‘job.’ Christian Charity in the U.K. and Romania. ethic was inspiring.” We see where the human trafficking trade begins in places like Eastern For years, the Tats, who lived in Houston In addition to seeing the countryside, Europe and where it ends in cities for a short time, encouraged the Scotts the Scotts got to know the five orphaned like Houston.” «
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A WINNING STRATEGY Alumnus hits the ice, stays active at 92 years
Back in 1934, at the age of 12, Mike Yaschuk (’84 St. Boniface Winnipeg Reo Flyers. “I was drafted by the National Hockey Blending and Packaging Plant) first strapped on his skates and League’s Detroit Redwings in the original six team league took to the ice for a pick-up game of hockey in his hometown of and spent two weeks in camp. I was offered a spot in their Winnipeg, Manitoba. In those days, indoor rinks were in short minor affiliate but declined.” Yaschuk subsequently played supply. “We played outdoors. Twenty kids with sticks. Ten on professionally for the Saskatoon Quakers of the Western one side. Ten on the other. We’d play all day,” he recalls. Canada Senior Hockey League and then played for Streatham in London, England, and the British National League, winning Today, at the age of 92, Yaschuk still straps on his skates once a the championship of the British Isles. week during hockey season to play for the Winnipeg Steelers, a team of former professional hockey players and businessmen. Yaschuk and his wife returned to Canada, and he joined “The majority on the team are in their 50s. We have a few in Northstar (which Shell Canada later acquired). “I started their 60s and 70s and then me in my 90s.” rolling drums and soon became a foreman. In 1970, I became superintendent of the St. Boniface Blending and Packaging That first pick-up game at the age of 12 soon evolved to Plant until I retired in 1984,” he notes. organized play, with Yaschuk joining his first junior hockey team when he was 17 years old. “There was definitely a While with Shell Canada, Yaschuk always kept his foot in the learning curve coming from ‘scrub hockey’ to organized game. “For 10 years, I coached kids from eight to 17 years at the hockey. I had good coaches though and was a fast learner.” Falcon Community Club—the same rink where I got my start.”
Scoring on the ice He also played “noon-hour” hockey. “At the time, I was playing His talent on the ice was rewarded while with the St. Boniface with a bunch of real estate guys. They worked nights showing Athletics’ junior team. Yaschuk scored the most goals during a houses so they were free during the day. The rink was close by 35-game schedule, earning him the scoring championship for so I could play on my lunch hour.” the season. After serving three years in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, Yaschuk soon found himself on the In 1988, Yaschuk joined his current team, the Winnipeg ice once again—this time with a senior hockey team, the Steelers, playing twice a week with former professionals like him. “It’s good to get out on the ice with younger people. I love the game and I love the companionship.”
Another chance to skate Yaschuk means a lot to the team. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 82—and given five months to live—the team rented out the MTS Centre, where the Winnipeg Jets play. Yaschuk hit the ice with the team for an hour. “I thought it would be the last time I skated,” he says.
Faced with a 5% survival rate for those with pancreatic cancer, Yaschuk opted to undergo a risky operation. “I didn’t think I would wake up.” After an eight-hour surgery, Yaschuk did wake up, viewing every day as a bonus. “When I thought it was ‘game over’ for me, it changed my perspective. The happiest part of my day now is just waking up to say ‘I’m alive.’ I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Determined to get back on the ice, Yaschuk soon returned to play with the Winnipeg Steelers. Though he’s cut back from playing two days to one day a week, Yaschuk still drives the six miles to the indoor rink. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll play. I got hit in the knee last year and I sure felt it!”
Though he may not play hockey many more seasons, Yaschuk, who still lives in a five-room house, is determined to stay active. His winning advice for others is to get out and move—no skates required. “Don’t sit at home and disintegrate. Find new outlets—new friends—and stay active.” « Mike Yaschuk on the ice in 1995.
20151385_Common_r1.indd 15 2/20/15 7:12 AM PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, TX Permit NO. 1991
Shell Oil Company Communications - Natalie Mazey P.O. Box 2463 Houston, Texas 77252-2463
LET’S FUEL THEIR IMAGINATION TO THINK OF MORE INNOVATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS.
Find out how we’re broadening the world’s energy mix at www.shell.com/letsgo
LET’S GO.
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