THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 EDMONTON MARIGOLD 55 PLUS RECREATION Zone 6, Alberta 55 plus
THE GRAPEVINE
April 2017 Edition - Message from the President Now that Spring has sprung, (I think!), the geese and crows are back, we are looking forward to the warm days of summer, and to being outdoors. The Annual General Meeting was held on March 22nd. Elections were held in which Vice President, Treasurer, Membership Director and Publicity Director were filled, as well as Directors at Large. Welcome aboard to all! I would like to THANK Stan, Ray, Jessie and Bill for their years of service. Job well done! Thank you also to the Executive and the Coordinators and Inside this issue: Assistants who helped make this a great year. Message From the President 1 The Summer Provincials are in Calgary August 10th and 11th, 2017, Executive List, Zone 6 AGM 2 and the Fall Provincials are in High Prairie September 15th to 17th, AGM (continued); 3 2017. Provincial Coordinator Provincial AGM; Request for 4 The Zone Playoffs are held between April and June, and the details are Articles; Creative Writing published in this edition (see pages 8 & 9). Look for the activities in Tribute to Jessie Trottier; 5 Edmonton Walk of Fame which you can participate to go to the Provincials. Coordinator Contacts 6 Good Luck to you all! Provincials – What’s New, What’s 7 Next? Thanks to all for renewing your membership. There will also be Fun Zone 6 Activity Calendar 8-9 days, and these are listed in the Activity Calendar as well. Curling, Culture (Crafts), SloPitch 9 Coordinators’ Appreciation Dinner 10 Playoffs for Golf, Carpet Bowling, 11 Floor Shuffleboard Playoffs for 5 Pin Bowling & 12 Enjoy your summer in whatever you do. I know I will be touring Badminton/Pickleball Tennis, Darts Alberta, and enjoying parts that I haven’t seen before. Playoffs for Military Whist & 13 Cribbage; Bocce & Cribbage Fun Tournaments Charitable Donations; 14 Caroline Anker, Edmonton Marigold President Membership Cribbage; New Coordinators; 15 Scrabble; Marigold Office Canada’s 150th Birthday Feature 16-17 General Interest 18 Pickleball; Vic Fedyna 19 Editorial – Motivation 20 Membership Form 21-22 Photos 23
Back Cover 24
1 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Executive Annual General Meeting
Caroline Anker 587-469-4460 President Caroline Anker welcomed everyone, and a quorum was established with more than 55 members present – down President from 67 members in 2016. A moment of silence was observed in ([email protected] – att: Caroline ) honour of those members who had passed away 2016 - March Pat Covington 780-488-3676 Vice-President 2017. ([email protected] ) Twenty-one Long-Service pins and certificates were presented to Marshall Yaremcio 780-434-1754 continuous members. (Photo on page 23.) They were: Past President ([email protected] ) 10-Year Members: Linda Benediktson, Benno Kappel, Joe Bob Blackwood 780-473-0750 Walter, Sandra Ward, and Marshall Yaremcio Treasurer ([email protected] ) 15-Year Members: Jimmy Choo, Delores Heck, Don Holtom, Eleanore Frend 780-462-7488 Jim Knull, Sonja Kosowan, Richard Masikewich, Sylvia Secretary ([email protected] ) Masikewich, Dorothy May, Don Sagriff, John Stewart and Steve Marianne Gregory 780-446-8387 Szpital. Membership Director ([email protected] ) 20-Year Members: Wally Hawryschuk Louise Libich 780-222-6208 25-Year Members: Eric Eisner Activities Director 30-Year Members: Hanna Andersen and Victor Fedyna ([email protected]) Linda Biedrava 780-476-1245 When Marshall Yaremcio was presenting Jimmy Choo with his Director at Large 15-Year certificate and pin, and shaking his hand, Jimmy became ([email protected] ) so excited he gave Marshall a ‘peck on the cheek’ – a highlight of Marilyn Fleger 780- the evening! Publicity Director (marilynfleger ) Past President Marshall Yaremcio chaired for the Election of Gordon Severin 780-430-6827 Officers. Our new slate of Officers is as follows: Director at Large (Casino) ([email protected] ) President – Caroline Anker Pat Chobater 780-469-0727 Vice President – Pat Covington Director at Large Past President – Marshall Yaremcio ([email protected] ) Treasurer – Bob Blackwood Director at Large Activity Director – Louise Libich (Vacant) Secretary – Eleanore Frend Marshall Yaremcio 780-434-1754 Membership Director – Marianne Gregory Newsletter Composition Publicity Director – Marilyn Fleger ([email protected] ) Director at Large – Linda Biedrava 780-462-7488 Eleanore Frend Director at Large – Gordon Severin Newsletter Compilation ([email protected] ) Director at Large – Pat Chobater Sincere thanks to Pat Covington who agreed to stay on for another term, to Marianne Gregory who moved laterally to The people listed above are Membership Director, to Bob Blackwood for taking on being the people responsible for Treasurer, to Gordon Severin returning as Director, to Marilyn the direction and leadership Fleger in Publicity, and Pat Chobater as a new Director. of YOUR Edmonton Welcome to Bob, Marilyn and Pat who are all new to the Board. Marigold 55 plus Recreation organization. Thank you for your trust in awarding these duties to us.
2 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017
Annual General Meeting (Continued): As well, our sincere thanks to those retiring from their positions on the Board: Ray McMurray (Treasurer), Stan Androschuk (Membership Director), Bill Burton (Director at Large) and Jessie Trottier (Director at Large). We are happy to welcome back Gordon Severin as a Director at Large; Gordon is in charge of arranging and organizing our fundraising Casinos, and as manager it is a requirement by the Gaming Commission that he be a member of the board. The office of Publicity Director has been vacant for some time, and after some fervent encouragement from Marianne Gregory, Marilyn Fleger agreed to take on the role. Well done Marilyn! Marianne Gregory takes over from Stan Androschuk as Membership Director, and our gratitude to Stan for making himself available to mentor and guide Marianne as she learns the in’s and out’s of this big role. After the meeting, Pat Chobater graciously agreed to become a Director – thank you Pat and welcome! We still have one Director at Large position vacant; if you would like to become an executive member, contact President Caroline Anker or Vice President Pat Covington for more information. With Ray McMurray completing his term as Treasurer, and choosing to leave for health concerns, we were left with a very demanding office to fill. Several members were nominated, but all declined the office. At the end of the meeting, having mulled it over for a time, Bob Blackwood volunteered to take on the office of Treasurer. Your choice to do so is very much appreciated, Bob, and we all look forward to working with you. Bob also is Coordinator for Bocce and Cribbage. We sincerely thank Ray for serving for multiple terms as Treasurer, and wish him the very best in regards to his health. Volunteers help Marigold 55plus come to life, adding much value to our membership with their leadership, skills and expertise. Volunteers – they’re our “secret heroes” who willingly give their time and talents to support organizations and communities, and are so deserving of our appreciation. To those who serve as Executive members, Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Helpers, and as Office Volunteers – we say THANK YOU! Most of our volunteers serve in more than one capacity, and many do the same for several organizations as well as Marigold. The adage “If you want something done, ask a busy person” is very obviously true in this instance. Provincial Coordinator
Zone 6 Edmonton Marigold has a new Provincial Coordinator, and his name is John Gregory. Having John attend our AGM was just great, and this is only the second time we have had a Provincial Coordinator come and take part in our AGM. The first time was when Chad Monner was Coordinator, and Chad showed us how to really take advantage of the computer age by registering online, organize fundraising, and advertise our activities and events online. Seven years later we have another caring, talented and computer savvy Provincial Coordinator who is willing to show our members how to use the newer systems, and share how he is ‘tidying up’ our Provincial website. He emphasized that he was here to help in any way that he is able, in getting our website functioning properly, and helping with workshops on how to access ‘the system’. For some time we have been trying to set up a Zone 6 website, without success. With John’s assistance, Zone 6 is now able to utilize the Alberta 55plus website at http://alberta55plus.ca. Coordinators wishing to add an event or information to the website should contact Louise Libich who will coordinate this. To get in touch with John we can e-mail him at [email protected]. Many thanks to John for coming to our AGM – it was very much appreciated. This April newsletter will be posted online at the Alberta 55plus website – enjoy!
3 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Provincial Annual General Meeting at Red Deer Our Provincial Annual General Meeting will be held in Red Deer on Monday, May 8th, 2017 beginning at 10:00 am. The venue is the Radisson Hotel located at 6500-67th Street (formerly the I Hotel). We encourage members to try and attend and support the organization. Elections will be held for the important offices of President, Vice President South, Vice President North, as well as others. Members who intend driving down to Red Deer for the meeting, who have space in their vehicle for one or more others, are requested to phone the Marigold office (780-454-6560) between 1:00-3:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, and leave their name and contact information. Members wishing to get a ride can also phone the Marigold office and our friendly volunteers will try to match up riders and drivers. Thank you to our volunteers for doing this. We look forward to seeing many of you there. Make sure you take your current membership card with you as you will be asked to show it at the door. 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. We are depending on our members to keep our Membership Director Marianne Gregory updated on any change to your contact information – most importantly – your e-mail address. If you do not have e- mail access, your newsletter will still be sent via Canada Post. Marshall Yaremcio, Editor Creative Writing – Marshall Yaremcio Your Creative Writing Coordinators, (Marshall and Eleanore), are trying to come up with something special for 2017 capitalizing on the fact that this year our wonderful country celebrates its 150th birthday. We want to encourage our writers to keep on writing even though this is an ‘off-year’ with no official competition planned. The deadline for entries is tentatively set for June 22nd, 2017. The categories are Short Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry. We are hoping to contact all Creative Writers in Alberta 55plus across Alberta to get them to join in. This might develop into some version of a competition, or it may end up just being a compilation of everyone’s entries made into a book, which can be posted online for everyone to read. Consideration is being given to also publishing such a book, but costs will dictate whether this is feasible or not – we will keep you posted. The theme for the writing should centre on Canada, focusing on: What it means to me to be a Canadian My personal story on how I became Canadian The best things about Canada are…… The history of your family, and how they came to settle in Canada The best way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday The importance of Canada’s role in the World, past, present and/or future At present we are working with our Provincial Coordinator John Gregory figuring out the best way to handle entries. John will be instrumental in helping us to put all the entries into book form. If you think of a snappy or fitting of a title for this book, please send it along to Marshall at [email protected] or Eleanore at [email protected]. Most Alberta 55plus zones like the idea of keeping our Creative Writers involved during off years. John Gregory proposed this idea to them at the last Zone Presidents’ meeting. Members interested in participating should e-mail Marshall or Eleanore who will keep them posted on all the perameters and logistics.
4 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Tribute to Jessie Trottier Jessie is our very own ‘nonagenarian’ (a person between the ages 90-100 years). She is hard working, devoted, most pleasant, has a wicked sense of humour, and faithfully came to all executive meetings and general meetings – except, of course, unless she was in Mexico enjoying sun, surf, and the attentions of adoring family and assorted ‘fans’. She is our in-house historian, and is a great role model to all of us. Her attributes are endless! Jessie came ‘on board’ in 2005 when Edmonton hosted the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games. She took on a big job as Treasurer, plus being Zone 6’s representative to the Provincial Board, reporting back to our executive on all issues. She appointed herself as the one in charge of sending ‘well wishes’ and birthday cards, which was much appreciated by all. Jessie ‘retired’ in 2008, citing ‘too many meetings for a lady of her delicate vintage’. Jessie thoroughly enjoyed upgrading her skills by attending instructional retreats in Nordegg Goldeye Centre. Her passion for playing Contract Bridge (second only to holidays in Mexico) resulted in her becoming the Contract Bridge Coordinator from 2005-2013. Her efforts all contributed towards Edmonton Marigold being such a vibrant and fun-filled group. Following her retirement, she continued to enjoy playing Contract Bridge, and attended all our AGM’s, often offering insight and positive suggestions and solutions in resolving many issues. She never failed to offer encouragement and appreciation to all our volunteers, and was not averse to administering a “verbal kick in the pants” when needed. At the 2015 AGM, when all efforts failed to bring forward people willing to serve on the executive, the spry 91-year-old took the podium and proceeded to put us all in our place. She explained that this was our organization, and we all have a responsibility to ‘step-up-to-the-plate”; that without a quorum of members on executive, we could not function – no motions could be made or passed, no cheques could be written, and our doors would soon close”. She then volunteered herself to be a Director at Large, leading by example as she had done so many times. Members did indeed ‘step-up-to-the-plate’ and the offices were filled. Thank you Jessie! This March Jessie ‘retired’ again after having served her full two-year term as Director at Large. At our AGM in March, she took the floor, thanking everyone for their cooperation and participation during the time of her own membership, saying that she hoped everyone would continue to support and work for this wonderful organization. We – the Marigold membership wish you well Jessie, and we hope that you will continue to attend our AGM’s, because we need your brand of enthusiasm and joie de vivre! Bring some photos of your times in Mexico! Jessie – you are one classy lady!
Walk of Fame on 118th Avenue Starting at 97th street and 118th avenue, and continuing on to 34th street, is Edmonton’s own Walk of Fame. A huge baseball bat at 97th street is one of many sporting sculptures featured; there are also many decorated small parks, statues and numerous murals. In the early stages of the Walk of Fame, Edmonton Marigold was approached and asked to contribute something, resulting in a mural depicting seniors enjoying all sorts of activities displayed at 94th street and 118th avenue. It was painted on the wall of a cream-coloured building, and even though the building next to it burned down in 2011, it survived. It lasted some 20 years. I drove by a few weeks ago to check on ‘our mural’, and was shocked to see it has been painted over – back to a cream coloured wall. Unfortunately, Edmonton Marigold was not consulted about this, even though our name and contact information was at the bottom of the mural. How sad!
5 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Coordinator Contacts 2017 Updated: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Activity Name of Coordinator Phone Number Arts & Crafts Vacant Athletics Arnold Nett ([email protected] ) 780-475-8971 Dwight Swane ([email protected] ) 780-487-4159 Badminton Jimmy Choo 780-456-5405 Bill Burton ( [email protected] ) 780-444-7355 Bocce Bob Blackwood ([email protected] ) 780-473-0750 John Sievers ([email protected] ) 780-476-0225 Bowling (5 Pin) Caroline Anker ([email protected] ) 587-469-4460 Pat Chobater ([email protected] ) 780-469-0227 Bridge (Contract) Valerie Rappel (valrap16@@gmail.com ) 780-690-1623 Bridge (Duplicate) Lloyd White ([email protected] ) 780-436-8533 Louise Holtom ([email protected] ) 780-475-8252 Carpet Bowling Louise Libich ([email protected] ) 780-222-6208 Creative Writing Eleanore Frend ([email protected] ) 780-462-7488 Marshall Yaremcio ([email protected] ) 780-434-1754 Cribbage Bob Blackwood ([email protected] ) 780-473-0750 Delores Heck ([email protected] ) 587-473-2378 Cycling Harvey Ford ([email protected] ) 780-434-1063 Ilene & Richard Larson ([email protected] ) 780-435-6537 Darts Eleanor & LeRoy MacIntosh ([email protected] ) 780-478-7435 Lloyd White ([email protected] ) 780-436-8533 Euchre John & Linda Frank ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140 Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700 Floor Curling Mike & Vicky Dolynny ([email protected] ) 780-457-5036 Vacant Floor Shuffleboard Louise Libich ([email protected] ) 780-222-6208 Pat Chobater ([email protected]) 780-469-0227 Golf Ray McMurray ([email protected] ) 780-435-6622 Paul Davison ([email protected] ) 780-455-4110 Hockey Gordon Severin ([email protected] ) 780-430-6827 Wally Hawryschuk ([email protected] ) 780-437-1098 Horseshoes Interim - Eleanor & LeRoy MacIntosh 780-478-7435 ([email protected]) Ice Curling Vacant Military Whist Joyce Ruptash ([email protected] ) 780-476-3978 Delores Heck ([email protected] ) 587-473-2378 Pickleball Vacant Pool (Snooker) Zane Loga ([email protected] ) 780-477-2885 Pool (8-Ball) Eric Fayant 780-278-5296 Scrabble Clint & Geneva Sopchyshyn 780-434-7133 Skiing (Cross Country) Vacant Skiing (Downhill) Larry Comfort ([email protected] ) 780-444-4917 Bob Frizzell ( [email protected] ) 780-907-2960 Slo-Pitch Bill Yakymyshyn ([email protected] ) 780-437-6598 John Cabaj ( [email protected] ) 780-717-6018 Swimming Dwight Robinson ([email protected] ) 780-461-2941 Kathleen Harper ([email protected].) 780-433-5459 Table Shuffleboard Vacant Tennis Vacant
6 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Provincials – What’s New, and What’s Next - By Marshall Yaremcio, Editor Alberta 55plus is learning to do things differently – without provincial funding. It’s taking some time to sort it all out, but progress is being made. At the present time, Alberta Sport Connection will be organizing the Alberta Summer Games in 2019; the events and funding may not meet the levels we have enjoyed in the past. Only the Active Sports will be included in these Games. In 2017 Alberta 55plus is holding Provincials. On August 10th and 11th Calgary (Zone 3) will host Summer Provincials including Badminton, Cycling, 5-Pin Bowling, Golf, Horseshoes, Ice Hockey, Pickleball, SloPitch, Swimming, Athletics, and Tennis. These Provincials begin at 10:00 am Thursday (August 10th) and are scheduled to finish by 4:00 pm on Friday (August 11th). In this way, participants will be able to drive in Thursday morning, and home on Friday, thereby incurring the cost for only one night’s hotel accommodation. There is a banquet Thursday evening to which all participants are invited. On August 10th, participants will go directly to their competition venue, and check in at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. Medals will be awarded to the top three in every event, and will be presented at the conclusion of each competition at the respective venues. No shuttle buses will be provided. Events are as follows: Activity Events Badminton Men’s and Women’s Doubles – age categories 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+, 85+ Extra event Mixed all ages. Cycling Men’s 20 km, Women’s 10 km – age categories 55+, 65+, 75+, 85+. Open 55+ Predicted 5 km Thursday and 10 km Friday. 5-Pin Bowling Men’s and Women’s Singles – age categories 55+, 65+, 75+. Mixed team of 4 – 55+. 70+. Golf Men’s and Women’s Gross Singles – age categories 55+ 65+, 75+, 85+. Also Calloway same ages. Horseshoes Open Singles – age categories 55+, 65+, in 4 different ringer classes. Ice Hockey Teams of 18 – age categories 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+. Pickleball Men’s and Women’s pairs – age categories 55+, 65+, 75+, 85+. Outdoor courts Extra event Mixed pairs – age categories 55+, 65+, 75+, 85+. SloPitch Men’s teams of 14 – age categories 55+, 65+, 70+, 75+. Mixed team – age 55+ Swimming Men’s and Women’s – age categories 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+, 85+ in maximum of 4 events – 50 free, 100 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 75 IM. Predicted Men’s and Women’s 250 M Thursday, and 150 M Friday. Extra event 4x25M relay. Track & Field (Athletics) Men’s and Women’s – age categories 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+, 85+ in maximum 4 events; 100, 200, 800, 1500, 3000 M, Javelin, Discus, Shot put, Long Jump. Predicted Men’s and Women’s 800 M Thursday and 1500 M Friday. Extra event 4x100 M relay. Tennis Men’s and Women’s Doubles – age categories 55+, 70+, 75+, 80+, 85+. Extra event Mixed Doubles 55+, 70+. High Prairie (Zone 8) will host the Fall Provincials including Bocce, Carpet Bowling, Cribbage, Contract Bridge, Darts, Duplicate Bridge, Euchre, Floor Curling, Floor Shuffleboard, Military Whist and Crafts. These events (Summer and Fall Provincials) will serve as qualifiers for Canada 55 Plus Games to be held in Saint John, New Brunswick August 21st through 24th, 2018. The Grand Lady of Alberta 55plus (Board member, Provincial Activity Director, Workshop Organizer, several terms as Zone 8 President, and the list just goes on and on) is known as Mary “Z” – officially Mary Zabolotniuk. This lady (just one of many Alberta 55plus volunteers) has helped to make Alberta 55plus what it is today. Here again, her name just keeps coming up, and Zone 8 is front and centre. First they hosted the 2017 Alberta 55plus Curling Provincials February 17th-19th, 2017, and now the Fall Provincials. Mary Z” played a big part in making all this happen in Zone 8. More details will be available soon.
7 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Zone 6 Activity Calendar for Playoffs and Fun Games Date Activity Venue Coordinator Contact Mar. 11 – 9:30 am Darts Fun Kingsway Legion LeRoy & Eleanor MacIntosh Tournament [email protected] 780-478-7435 Apr. 11 – 9:00 am Duplicate Bridge Central Lions Louise Holtom [email protected] Playoffs 780-475-8252 Apr. 21 – 9:00 am Euchre Fun NWESA John Frank 780-476-0140 Tournament [email protected] May 6 – 9:30 am Darts Playoff & Fun Kingsway Legion LeRoy & Eleanor MacIntosh Tournament [email protected] 780-478-7435 May 16 – 9:00 am Contract Bridge Central Lions Valerie Rappel 780-690-1623 Playoff [email protected] May 23 – 9:30 am 5 Pin Bowling Bonnie Doon Caroline Anker 587-469-4460 Playoff Bowling Lanes [email protected] May 26 – 10:00 Floor Curling NWESA Mike & Vicky Dolynny [email protected] am Playoffs 780-457-5036 May 27 Cycling Playoffs Hawrelak Park Harvey Ford [email protected] 780-434-1063 May 29, 31, June 1 SloPitch Playoffs Airway Park Bill Yakymyshyn 780-437-6598 [email protected] May 30 – 8:30 am Golf Playoffs Raven Crest Golf Ray [email protected] shotgun start Course 780-435-6622 June 1 – 9:00 am Carpet Bowling SEESA Louise Libich – [email protected] reg.; 9:30 am start Playoffs 780-222-6208 June 2 – 9:00 am Floor Shuffleboard SEESA Louise Libich – [email protected] reg.; 9:30 am start Playoffs 780-222-6208 June 3 Horseshoes Playoff Kingsway Legion LeRoy & Eleanor MacIntosh [email protected] 780-478-7435 June 5 – 5:00 pm Athletics Playoffs Strathcona Arnold Nett [email protected] Athletic Park 780-475-8971 1100 Clover Bar Road, Sh. Park June 9 – 9:00 am Cribbage Playoffs NWESA Bob Blackwood [email protected] registration; 780-473-0750 doubles 10:00am; singles 1:00 pm June 10 Joint Badminton and B-Active Jimmy Choo (Badminton) 780-456-5405 Pickleball Playoff Marshall Yaremcio (Pickleball) [email protected] 780-434-1754 June 23 – 1:00 pm Euchre Playoff NWESA John Frank 780-476-0141 [email protected] June 27 9:30 am Bocce Playoff Central Lions Bob Blackwood [email protected] 780-473-0750 June 30 Military Whist Playoff Central Lions Joyce Ruptash [email protected] Reg. 9:00 am Room 04 780-476-3978 Play 10:00 am July 22 Floor Shuffleboard SEESA Louise Libich – [email protected] Reg. 9:00 am Fun Games 780-222-6208 Play 9:30 am July 29 Carpet Bowling Fun SEESA Louise Libich – [email protected] Reg. 9:00 am Games 780-222-6208 Play 9:30 am
8 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Date Activity Venue Coordinator Contact Aug. 10-11, 2017 Alberta 55plus Calgary Zone 3 featuring Badminton, Cycling, 5 Pin Provincials Calgary Bowling, Golf, Horseshoes, Ice Hockey, Pickleball, SloPitch, Swimming, Athletics, and Tennis Aug. 15 Bocce Fun Games Central Lions Bob Blackwood [email protected] 780-473-0750 Aug. 25 Cribbage Fun NWESA Bob Blackwood [email protected] Tournament 780-473-0750 Sept. 15-17, 2017 Alberta 55plus High Prairie Hosted by Zone 8 featuring Bocce, Carpet Provincials High Bowling, Cribbage, Contract Bridge, Darts, Prairie Duplicate Bridge, Euchre, Floor Curling, Floor Shuffleboard, Military Whist, and Crafts Oct. 20 Mary Hogg Military NWESA Joyce Ruptash [email protected] Whist Memorial 780-476-3978 Tournament Both Calgary and High Prairie are looking for volunteers to help run the Provincials. If you are interested in helping, contact Mary Zabolotniuk at 780-523-6355 (High Prairie), or Doug Kyle at 403-255-7932 (Calgary). Curling Alberta 55plus Provincials Ice Curling took place February 17th through the 19th in Grand Prairie. Zone 8 did a great job getting sponsors and most contributed towards door prizes. Zone 8 had a total of 32 curlers plus fill- ins for other teams. The Grand Prairie Curling Centre apparently was an amazing host. As a member of the Marigold Executive Board, I – Marshall Yaremcio, would like to apologize for the confusion that led to not getting any of our curlers to Grand Prairie; first to our Coordinator Ross Lepard, and Assistant Derry Ingram for all their work setting everything for playoffs, and secondly to all the curlers who wanted to participate in the Provincials to qualify for the 2018 Canada 55 Plus Games. There were a number of bad judgements made with the limited information presented to us at the time, plus not really investigating things thoroughly for clarification. Again, our apologies to all the members involved. There will be more news later in the year on how curlers from Zone 6 can go to the Canada Games in 2018. Culture (Crafts for 2017) – Marshall Yaremcio The Interim Coordinator for 2017 for Crafts is Marshall Yaremcio ([email protected]; 780-434-1754). As mentioned in “Culture Within Alberta 55pus Provincials”, submitted by Rosella Snopek (Chair Cultural Committee), Culture (Crafts) is taking on a ‘new look’. Rosella and I have e-mailed back and forth several times discussing capitalizing on Canada’s 150th birthday (Sesquicentennial) as a theme for both Crafts and for Creative Writing. Rosella, and most of the zones, report they like this idea. If zone 6 crafters would like to enter a craft item(s), please contact Marshall for more information – we are trying to set something up to ‘vet’ our local entries so that winning items can then be submitted to the High Prairie Fall Provincials (September 15-17, 2017). Details and categories are available on the Alberta 55plus website www.alberta55plus.ca – click on Crafts on the right hand side. Arts competition will be held in 2018. SloPitch League registration for 2017 is essentially the same as it was for 2016. There should be a total of 28 teams formed, which are placed in one of four Divisions depending on players’ wishes and/or ability. League play will start in early May (weather permitting) and continue into early September. Teams play two (2) games per week. If you are interested, there is room for more players. For more information contact your SloPitch Coordinator Bill Yakymyshyn at [email protected] or 780-437-6598.
9 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Coordinators’ Appreciation Dinner The Appreciation Dinner for Edmonton Marigold’s Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators was held January 16th, 2017 in the atrium at Central Lions Seniors Association. Retiring Coordinators Stan Androschuk and Dianne Androschuk were honoured with a gift for their years of putting “F-U-N” back into Bocce. Stan has also served as Membership Director and will be leaving this position when his term expires at the end of March 2017. He plans on being available to mentor and assist the new Membership Director. And it was his initial vision for our beautiful new Zone 6 banner (visible just behind Caroline and Dianne in the photo to the right). Everyone enjoyed the excellent fellowship and the great food – all in all a very enjoyable evening. Ela Euro Catering supplied the tasty dinner, and thanks go to them and their staff for helping make the evening a great success – good food, good service, and beautiful centerpieces on the tables. And we can’t forget to thank Gordon Severin who arranged for the libations for the evening. Caroline Anker did a fine job emceeing the event, and we also appreciate her idea of displaying our new banner for everyone to see, as many had not had a chance to view it. Thanks also to Louise Libich for pocket calendars, and door prizes. And even though Pat Covington was unable to attend and sent her regrets from Phoenix, Arizona – we extend her our thanks for arranging the whole event. But, most of all, special thanks to all our Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators, because without you, Zone 6 members would not have a whole year of exciting events and activities in which to participate, compete, and have fun!
10 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Marigold Annual Golf Day and Qualifying Playoff Tuesday, May 30th, 2017 8:30 am Shotgun start Raven Crest Golf Course (251-153 Avenue, Edmonton) This will be a Combination Event Qualification for Provincial Playoffs plus Fun Golf Age categories of 55+, 65+, 75+ and 85+ Winners at Provincials qualify for 2018 Canada 55plus Games Entry Fee - $45.00 includes golf with cart and lunch at 1:30 pm Participants must show their 2017 Alberta 55plus membership card to play. Registrations will be accepted until May 23rd, 2017. Please choose: Do you want to play Fun Golf? Or, if you prefer the Provincials Playoff, you must declare that you will go to the Provincials in Calgary August 10th & 11th, 2017 – competitors responsible for $65 entry fee, transportation & accommodations. Please bring a personal cheque to pay your entry fee should you qualify for the Provincials.
Choose either Gross Singles or Calloway, and include Handicap or Average Score, and Age. Players who are not prepared to go to compete in Calgary Provincials will play in the Fun Round which will follow. Cash Prizes will be based on the number of participants. If you want to play Fun Golf with someone, include their name(s) with your registration. Make a $45 registration cheque payable to Marigold Seniors Recreation, and mail to: Assistant Coordinator – Paul Davison – 14627-110 A Ave. NW Edmonton T5S 0E2 (E-mail) [email protected]
Carpet Bowling Playoffs Floor Shuffleboard Playoffs st Thursday, June 1 , 2017 Friday, June 2nd, 2017 At SEESA (9350-82 Street, Edmonton) At SEESA (9350-82 Street, Edmonton) Register by May 24th, 2017 Register by May 24th, 2017 Registration Fee - $5 Registration 9:00 am; Play 9:30 am Registration – 9:00 am; Play 9:30 am
Must be a current Alberta 55plus Member Must be a current Alberta 55plus Member Memberships can be purchased onsite Memberships can be purchased onsite Winners qualify to play in the Fall Provincials Winners qualify to play in the Fall Provincials In High Prairie September 15-16-17, 2017 In High Prairie September 15-16-17, 2017 Bring your membership card and a Personal Bring your membership card and a Personal Cheque ($65) should you qualify for Provincials. Cheque ($65) should you qualify for Provincials. Contact Coordinator Louise Libich Contact Coordinator Louise Libich 780-222-6208 or [email protected] 780-222-6208 or [email protected]
11 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 5 Pin Bowling Playoff Badminton / Pickleball Joint Playoffs th Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 Saturday, June 10 , 2017 B-Active Badminton Club At Bonnie Doon Lanes 14830-112 Avenue, Edmonton Bonnie Doon Mall, Basement 9:00-11:00 am Registration 9:30 am; Play 10:00 am Register by May 20th, 2017 Please register by May 17th, 2017 Registration fee - $5.00 Coordinator Caroline Anker Must be a current Alberta 55plus Member 587-469-4460 or [email protected] Memberships can be purchased onsite Must be a current Alberta 55plus Member Winners qualify to play in the Summer Provincials Memberships can be purchased onsite In Calgary August 10-11, 2017 Winners qualify to play in the Summer Provincials Bring your membership card and a Personal In Calgary August 10-11, 2017 Cheque ($65) should you qualify for Provincials. Bring your membership card and a Personal Coordinator Jimmy Choo – 780-456-5405 Cheque ($65) should you qualify for Provincials. Assistant Bill Burton [email protected] Interim Pickleball Coordinator Marshall Yaremcio [email protected] 780-434-1754
Tennis Notice to all Tennis Players: Any Tennis player wishing to compete in the Calgary Provincials August 10-11, 2017, please contact Activity Coordinator Louise Libich 780-222- 6208 or [email protected] for more information. Darts A fun dart tournament was held on March 11th at the Kingsway Legion. 16 people had registered to attend, but only 13 showed up. They played 501 and the winners were (Men A) Dave Formstone, 2nd Mac MacIntosh, (B side) Jim Clifford, 2nd Richard Fahrion, (Ladies A) Louise Holtom, 2nd Dianne Androschuk and Anna Fahrion, (B side) Eleanor MacIntosh, 2nd Caroline Anker and Louise Libich. Then they played golf; ladies played 9 holes; 1st Louise Holtom, 2nd Caroline Anker, 3rd Eleanor MacIntosh. Men played 18 holes; 1st Dave Formstone, 2nd Lloyd White, 3rd Stan Androschuk. They they stopped for lunch which everyone enjoyed. Two people had to leave so then they had 11 people to play on mixed teams. Warfare – 1st Dave Formstone, Caroline Anker and Mac MacIntosh. 2nd – Stan and Dianne Androschuk and Anna Fahrion. B Board – Jim Clifford and Richard Fahrion; 2nd Lloyd White, Louise Libich and Eleanor MacIntosh. Cricket – 1st Dave Formstone, Richard Fahrion and Eleanor MacIntosh; 2nd Mac MacIntosh and Dianne Androschuk. B Board – Jim Clifford, Louise Libich and Caroline Anker; 2nd Stan Androschuk, Anna Fahrion and Lloyd White. As you can see Dave Formstone had a very good day. He was the 2016 triple gold winner in Brampton, Ontario. Gold for men 55+, gold for mens’ doubles, and gold for mixed doubles. Congratulations to Dave – great darting! Eleanor and LeRoy MacIntosh, Coordinators
12 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Military Whist Playoffs Bocce Playoffs th Friday, June 30 , 2017 Tuesday, June 27th, 2017 Central Lions – Room 4 (113 St. & 111 Ave. Edmonton) Central Lions Register 9:00 am; Play 10:00 am (113 St. & 111 Ave., Edmonton) Registration fee of $5 per player Registration Fee $10 per player Register as a team of 4 players please Coordinator Bob Blackwood Coordinator Joyce Ruptash 780-473-0750 [email protected] 780-476-3978 [email protected] Players must have current Alberta 55plus Players must have current Alberta 55plus membership – available for purchase onsite membership – available for purchase onsite First & Second place players qualify to go Winners qualify to go to High Prairie Provincials to High Prairie Provincials September 15-17, 2017 September 15-17, 2017 Bring a personal cheque for $65 should you qualify Bring a personal cheque for $65 should you qualify for the Provincials. for the Provincials.
Cribbage Playoffs June 9th, 2017 NWESA (7524-139 Avenue NW, Edmonton) Register 9:00 am Bocce Fun Tournament Doubles 10:00 am; Singles 1:00 pm Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 Registration fee $5 per player Central Lions Coordinator Bob Blackwood (113 St. & 111 Ave., Edmonton) 780-473-0750 [email protected] Registration Fee $10 per player Players must have current Alberta 55plus Coordinator Bob Blackwood membership – available for purchase onsite Winners qualify for High Prairie Provincials 780-473-0750 [email protected] September 15-17, 2017 Players must have current Alberta 55plus Bring a personal cheque for $65 should you qualify membership – available for purchase onsite for the Provincials.
Of course I talk to myself! I need expert advice, don’t I?
Cribbage Fun Tournament th Whoever said, “Do the job right the first time, Friday, August 25 , 2017 and you won’t have to do it again,” NWESA never shoveled a Canadian driveway in Winter! Coordinator Bob Blackwood
780-473-0750 [email protected]
13 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Charitable Donations Membership Several years ago, Marigold Grapevine printed an Smile! For the cost of one average article about Charitable Donations made to dinner ($30) you can afford to invest Edmonton Marigold. Alberta 55plus Recreation in an Edmonton Marigold 55plus Association is registered as a Charitable Recreation membership for the whole Organization and can receipt donations for income year! Just think! Then your only tax purposes. In the past several members who obstacle will be to choose from the worked with Telus (through their long service) were numerous recreational activities available to you. offered donations in their names to their Charitable You compete in the active sports in age categories Organization of choice. Marigold 55plus was the (5-year increments), and passive sports in 55+ and recipient of these donations. Our recent donation 70+ age categories. Winners in the active sports was made by Clint and Geneva Sopchyshyn – it qualify to compete in the Calgary Provincials is very much appreciated. Thank you from all our August 10th and 11th against 7 other zones. Then members! September 15th through 17th, winners in the passive If you wish to make a donation, make out your sports qualify to compete in the High Prairie cheque to Alberta 55plus Recreation Association; Provincials. Winning at either of the Provincials they will process the cheque, issue a receipt, and qualifies you to enter and compete in the Canada then issue a cheque to Edmonton Marigold 55plus Games in St. John, NB August 21st to 24th, 2018. Recreation. This way, you will get the proper One rewarding aspect of Alberta 55plus receipt required for income tax, and our membership is the annual presentation at our organization receives the full monetary value of the Annual General Meetings of commemorative pins donation. and certificates to devoted people who have Free National Film Board Documentaries proudly held continuous membership for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Some of these ‘elder members’ In past newsletters, we have asked members if are even inviting their ‘aging’ children to join our they have items of general interest to add to the organization. So kindly spread the word of our newsletter. The following is one of the responses organization to the ‘young’ 55 plus people you received (thank you). encounter, and also to those in between (55+ to Bonnie Doon Community League volunteers host a 100+). monthly Thursday get-together for seniors at An incentive to increase membership was Bonnie Doon Hall. Everyone is welcome to come implemented several years ago, and is still in force out to watch National Film Board documentaries, today. Any member who brings in a new member followed by contemporary short animation films. in 2017 – that is someone who has never been a The films start at 10:30 am, and they are ‘free’ to member of Alberta 55plus – will receive their attend. A light lunch is served at 11:45 am for a $2 membership for the next year free of charge. charge per person (note – this is a great lunch for Towards the end of 2016 we had 347 paid-up $2!). Sponsors help maintain it as an affordable members, including our 8 lifetime members (Vic program. Larson, Val Ulmer, Hanna Anderson, Arnold Nett, Upcoming Events: Gordon Severin, Derry Ingram, and Pat Covington). April 20th – “In the Shadow of Gold Mountain The Marigold Executive seeks your support in “ (2004 recruiting new members, and also enlisting new May 18th – “Henry Ford’s American” (1977), and existing members to become Coordinators, “Moon Man” (2004) Assistant Coordinators, and members of our June 15th – “Finding Farley” (2009) Executive and Board. Our future lies in and depends on a succession of new directors, new rd Bonnie Doon Hall is located at 9240-93 Street, coordinators and assistants, and new approaches and it is wheelchair accessible. For more and new ideas! We welcome new people to our information access [email protected] or membership, and to leadership positions. Existing www.bonniedoon.ca. Executive members and Coordinators are Have you ever noticed that ‘Old Age’ comes at a bad time? available, and happy to mentor members new to any of these leadership roles.
14 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Cribbage
The following are Cribbage events for players willing to invest a dollar to win a dollar! In some cases, you have lunch included in your cost. Check it out!
North East Edmonton Seniors Senior Citizen’s Society Association (NEESA) Stony Plain, Alberta (7524-139th Avenue, Edmonton) Cribbage Fall Tournament Fun Cribbage Doubles September 16th, 2017 Saturday, May 13th, 2017 Contact Shirley $40 per team Phone 780-968-4934 10 Games plus Lunch
Welcome New 8 Ball and Snooker Coordinators Edmonton Marigold welcomes two brand-new Coordinators for 8 Ball and Snooker. They are Zane Loga (780-477-2885) and Eric Fayant (780-278-5296). They are still working things out and ‘learning the ropes’. We look forward to meeting you both at the next Coordinators’ Meeting. Scrabble Regular play Scrabble is nearing the end of the season in the next few weeks. It will return again September 17th, 2017. If you would like more information on Scrabble, call Clint or Geneva at 780-434-7133. 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 put 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 Marigold office at 780-454-6560 and leave a message on the answering machine. 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!
15 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Canada's 150th Birthday - Happy Sesquicentennial! By Marianne Gregory An homage to the 1967 logo, the sesquicentennial logo is created from 13 segments to represent the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada. Its angular forms symbolize our diverse and dynamic cultures. The maple leaf motif is recognized at home and abroad as distinctively Canadian and it fosters feelings of pride, unity and celebration. Created by Ariana Cuvin from Toronto, Ontario, the logo was the winning design in a nation-wide competition.
In Goobies, NL, and Sober Island, NS (which has its own brewing company) to Punkeydoodles Corners, ON and Uren, SK and yes even in Dead Man's Flats, AB, Canadians will be celebrating this special 150th birthday. We are Canadians because - as the story goes - Jacques Cartier coined the term in 1534 from a lost-in- translation conversation during his first meeting with the Iroquois after hearing the word KANATA, which means village or settlement and by the 1550's, the name Canada began appearing on maps. The British parliament passed the British North American act in 1867. The Dominion of Canada was officially born on July 1, 1867. Until 1982, July 1 was celebrated as Dominion Day to commemorate the day that Canada become a self-governing Dominion. Today it is officially known as Canada Day. What it means to be a Canadian is a question that the country's greatest leaders, thinkers and writers have wrestled with since our inception. For many years, the stereotypical Canadian brand was one of Mounties clad in red serge, beavers, maple syrup and a country of polite, beer drinking hockey fans. But these stereotypes don't reflect the current Canadian experience. Canada is one of the world's most socially diverse societies, populated by indigenous peoples, a historic French-speaking minority and generations of immigrants and refugees. In 2011, over 20 percent of Canada's 36 million people were foreign born, originating for the most part in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and America. We've grown as a country and as the Canadian experience changes, so too has our brand and what we stand for as a nation. Although challenges persist, over the last 40 years respect for diversity has evolved into a core national value and a source of shared civic identity. Although we can not only acknowledge our past, we must embrace an independent future where change is inevitable. As Canadians most of us realize we live in one of the best places in the world geographically, politically and culturally speaking. A beautiful country with vast expanses to explore where we can value our rights and freedoms; a country where you can enjoy freedom of expression, political choice, where to live and who to be. It is a progressive, multicultural country with unlimited opportunities. In worldwide ranking Canada consistently comes out on top and was declared second best in the world at the 2016 Economic Forum which ranks nations based on 75 factors. Some interesting facts you may - or may not - know: Alberta joined Confederation along with Saskatchewan in 1905, when the two new provinces - Canada's 7th and 8th - were created out of a section of the Northwest Territories. Canada is home to over 36 million people and has two official languages - English and French - but over 20% of Canadians have another international mother tongue. Canada claimed deep connections to over 200 languages in the 2006 census. As of June 30, 2016, the CPP Investment Board manages over $287.3 billion in investment assets for the Canada Pension Plan on behalf of 19 million Canadians, making it among the 10 largest sovereign wealth funds in the world. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson (L) first established the Canadian Pension Plan.
16 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Canada is ranked seventh in the world for the number of millionaires (assets of $1 million US or more) with 422,000 claiming that title in 2012, accounting for 1.2% of the population. Edmonton had a sizeable number at 14,000 (Calgary, 32,000). Canada has the world's largest recreational trail - The Trans Canada Trail aka The Great Trail (thegreattrail.ca). If you are near The Great Trail — which is likely because 80% of Canadians live within 30 minutes of the Trail (download the app and then go use it). Canada has the largest beaver dam. Located in Wood Buffalo National Park which is also home to the largest land mammal native to North America - a herd of 5000 Wood Bison, and also birthplace to North America's largest bird - the Whooping Crane. This vast park contains one of the largest inland fresh water delta ecosystems in the world - the Peace Athabasca Delta. Canada has the world's deepest underground clean lab. SNOLAB is a world-class science facility specializing in physics, located 2 km below the surface in the Vale Creighton Nickel Mine near Sudbury, Ontario. The national colours of Canada were declared by King George V in 1921 to be red and white and are most prominently evident on the country's national flag. Red is symbolic of England and white of France, the colours having been used representatively by those countries in the past. The Canadian flag, after much discussion and debate, was inaugurated on February 15, 1965. Canada is the only country with a maple leaf on its flag. Canada has the most polar bears, maple syrup and donut shops per capita. Canada has one fifth of the world's fresh water. Canada stretches across 6 time zones. Yes, Canadians are inspired and inventive. Some inventions we can claim: Artificial Pacemaker Poutine Basketball Robertson Screwdriver Bloody Caesar Snow-blower Canada-arm Steam Foghorn Five Pin Bowling Telephone Insulin Trivial Pursuit Lacrosse Wonderbra As Canada marks 150 years since Confederation, it's a good time to take stock of who we are and what being Canadian means. The question of national identity is always going to be a complicated one, but we have a unique opportunity to refresh our national image, a chance to reflect on our history, assess our present and forecast our future in surprising new ways. The official website for our sesquicentennial is www.edmonton.ca/canada150. Check out the various events being planned across the province and across the country. Celebrate!
17 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Ice Fishing - This is a tale of Ice Fishing Delights and Woes – by Marshall Yaremcio Lake Wabamun provides good catch and release fishing. Just drive west of Edmonton 45 km to the town of Wabamun, then on to the 150 cm (or 5 feet) thick ice. At least, at the time of writing this article, it was 5 feet thick. If one drives out around 500 yards onto the ice you will notice where other fishermen (and women) have augered holes to fish. Put on your warm boots, jacket and mittens, get out your cheap on-sale ice auger, and look for previous drilled holes. Hint: they may be camouflaged by new-fallen snow and hard to spot! To say that we made some bad judgment calls regarding our augers (my 12 volt electric auger stayed at home, and Brent’s gas powered auger stayed at home too) would be kind. After a lot of hard work, sweat, and having to shed our heavy parkas, we managed to auger 4 holes. In Ice Fishing, you are allowed to use two lines – also, seniors don’t require a license to fish. We set out our teepee, jigs with a bell, and climbed into our covered one-person tents to fish. Because of the dark tents, we could see down our hard-won holes to observe the fish bite our baited hooks. Between the two of us, we caught 1 whitefish, 2 walleyes, and a number of various sized jackfish. We had one huge jackfish come by and take a look at my baited hook – I swear he was smelling it for quality; then he backed up, and just swam away, with me watching his l-o-n-g muscular body disappear into the void. The reason for including this article is just to let you know that if a group of seniors, or a family (car load) want to get some sun and a change of scenery – I suggest Ice Fishing. There is a man in the town of Wabamun who – for $15 per person – will drill each person 2 holes to fish, and supply fishing gear and bait. But no shelters – they’re extra. Bring your own chair or pail (turned over, of course) to sit on. The best time to fish is early morning until about noon. Due to Spring Thaw, the Lake is closed to fishing April 1st to May 15th. Reunion Through the Grapevine - Marshall Yaremcio It is gratifying to know that people are actually reading our Grapevine Newsletters! I refer specifically to a gentleman who happened to visit SEESA, and read through the December issue there. His name is Earl Anderson, and it turns out that he and I attended Strathcona High School together some 63 years ago. He recognized my name, and phoned me to see if I remembered him, and if it was okay to call. I was ecstatic to hear from a fellow high-school student – we were only 4 bodies apart in our High School Year Book pictures! We arranged to meet several weeks later (January 24th) at Central Lions. Earl asked if he could bring along another friend from our high school days – Ken Muir; amazingly, they both recognized me when we met up in the atrium. Wow! I felt like I had won a (small) lottery prize! Earl had married a girl from high school, and she too remembered me. He asked if I had married a girl from high school, and I replied, “No, I married a girl from Buford, Alberta.” Earl said he was born and grew up only 3 miles south of Buford. What a small world! So we had a lot more in common than just going to high school together. We were having lunch when Pat Covington joined us fresh from her vacation in Phoenix. Earl remembered and recognized Pat. We had a great reunion! It just goes to show how random acts on our part can lead to the most enjoyable endings. We all plan on getting together again and reminiscing some more. Pickleball – Marshall Yaremcio, Editor The Edmonton Pickleball Club held their annual Tournament on January 6-7-8th at St. Francis Xavier High School (92 Ave. & 163 St.). It was open to all Pickleball Clubs in Alberta. I met players from Bonnyville to Medicine Hat, and all points in between. January 6th all day was Ladies Doubles, January 7th was Mixed Doubles, and January 8th was Men’s Doubles. The viewing gallery was on the second floor looking through 2-inch square rope mesh.
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In our CLSA Club we had two winners – Catherine Olson and Wynne Shapka who won gold in 3.0 Division. Our pair of Marigold players (also from CLSA and Twerwilleger Park) were Ray McMurray and Marshall Yaremcio who won Bronze in the 2.5 Division. Volunteers from all different clubs were there offering their valuable time to help run the event – and it was a huge success! Royal Gardens are working with Alberta Lotteries to get a casino to raise funds to improve their outdoor courts. Community Leagues are requesting assistance to help them start outdoor Pickleball. Volunteers are needed to assist with lessons and play. Rumour has it another two leagues are showing interest as well. It appears that the “Boom has Arrived”! Groups who have evening and weekend play are meeting with the City to try and get some courts available for off-hours play for Pickleball. This is proving to be a tough assignment as so many other Youth and Sports groups all are competing for court time. A “New” 2018 Winter Classic Pickleball Tournament (January 5-6-7th, 2018) is already in the works, with space already booked. They are looking for volunteers to help run the event. See you on the courts! It is my view that if Alberta 55plus, and Edmonton Marigold 55plus Zone 6 want to have better success in their Provincials for Calgary, they should follow the lead of the Edmonton Pickleball Club and Royal Gardens Pickleball Club. We need to advertise in all Edmonton Pickleball Clubs regarding playoffs for Calgary; institute a registration fee of $5 or $10, round robin play, medal awards and age groups of 55+, 65+, 75+ to 85+. In order to compete in Calgary at the Provincials, winners would have to first purchase an Alberta 55plus membership – perhaps at a one-time offer of $15 – good only for the Provincials. The foregoing remarks are just my view – my suggestions to increase zone membership and interest in Pickleball, and the same might be applied to other Zone 6 activities as well. Marshall Yaremcio, Editor Vic Fedyna – Marigold Member & Legends Athlete 2016 1931 was the year the original Dracula with Bela Lugosi was released, Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion, the Empire State Building was completed, and Vic Fedyna was born in Viking, Alberta. His parents (John and Anne) were agriculturalists in Bruce, Alberta. Vic graduated from Bruce High School, and enrolled in various North American Colleges, pursuing his passions of Architecture and Barrier Free Design. He married Anne Chmelyk in 1956 and they raised four children (Sharon, Michael, Russell and Margaret. In 1955 Vic was hired by Campbell-Hope Architects in Edmonton. His first project was the Royal Canadian Legion, Norwood Branch. In 1960 he became Chief of Architectural and Engineering Technologists, Transport Canada for Alberta and NWT. In 1967 he became Chief of Architectural and Engineering Minor Works Unit and Coordinator for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and NWT. In 1980 he was promoted to Historic Position where he became Coordinator of the Task Force for Barrier Free Design of Canada. His primary mission was for full physical integration including all disabled citizens into society in Canada. In ten years his team successfully changed the way Canadians interacted forever by getting Building Codes changed and enforced so that all citizens (regardless of disabilities) had the opportunity to function equally in everyday life. This changed history in this country, and subsequently, the world. In 1984 and 1988 he received Tributes of Excellence at Government House in Ottawa, and in 1990 he resigned to embark on private enterprise – the Vic Fedyna Resources Group – which kept him fully involved with the disabled and handicapped community. Sadly, his wife Anne was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and stroke in 200, and Lou Gehrig Disease, and passed away in 2012. It was at this time that Vic drastically curbed operations of his Resources Group. Vic’s sporting resumé is as impressive as his career. In 1967 he ran his first 10 km race. He went on to win 398 medals and purses in Athletics (Track and Field) in 5 continents. He has also won medals at Canada 55 Plus Games, Canada Professional Disc Golf, Worlds Professional Disc Golf and World Masters Games. And he has participated in SloPitch for more than 30 years. The fact that both of Vic’s parents were physically handicapped might have held another person back, but in Vic’s case, he found ways to make the world a better place for the handicapped, and indeed, for all of us. Vic, you continue to be an inspiration to all of us.
19 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Editorial – Motivation – Marshall Yaremcio When people are approached with the idea or invitation of doing something new – what do we hear? “I have never done it” – whatever it might be. Is this the typical combination of inertia, everyday life, and most of all – “I’ll do it next year” mind-set that stops many of us from achieving things – great and small? Instead, let’s say, “I’m not going to let another chance slip by – I’m going to try it!” Who knows when there might be another opportunity to feel that combined glow of self discipline and accomplishment? All of which is to say this: make this year one in which you do the things you have perhaps been putting off. Resist the temptation to think that the things that really matter are best left as they are. In reality, aren’t our obstacles only “us”? Being the weird older persons that we are – I know speaking for myself – I now concentrate on competing against myself. By putting in some effort and determination, at this time next year, you can raise a symbolic (or literal) glass to each other and say,” We did it!”, or “I did it!” As our organization ages, so do we as members. Change is inevitable, and has been happening since the inception of Marigold in 1978. We have come from square dancing, archery, trap shooting and orienteering to Pickleball, Women’s Soccer, and Women’s SloPitch. The average age of our membership at the present time is 74. In many of the more active sports (Badminton, Tennis, Cross-Country Skiing and Downhill Skiing, and even the newer sport of Pickleball), it would seem that our members have lost their competitive edge due to aging. Most members still like to participate, but not to compete at a Provincial level. So what is the solution, or the alternative? We have to restructure, and in doing so, we may have to change some of our bylaws. Alberta Sports Connection is a provincial government department, and in our association with them, we seem to be at a disadvantage. We can’t claim “age discrimination” because only in Alberta is there no law in place against age discrimination. Some members are saying it would be easier and more advantageous to market the Alberta 55plus Seniors Recreation Association, Zones 1 to 8, rather than having all the individualized names attached to each zone. In their opinions, it makes for confusion, and thus difficult to market memberships. Everyone should get the feeling they are a part of the whole organization, with one unified name rather than individuals wanting single recognition as a group in ‘their zone’. We should see ourselves as Alberta 55plus members – period – in zones 1-8 throughout the province. Some say a lot of time and work has gone into making us what we are today – but that doesn’t mean we can’t make some changes. Along with this idea, we could institute one colour of sports shirt – Alberta Blue with zone numbers on the sleeve, plus the Alberta crest on the other sleeve, making us easily recognizable for Canada Games. If you look at the Drumheller Provincials, Alberta Sport Connection ruled we couldn’t have any active sports (with the exception of Pickleball for this one time) – just passive sports – with no grants or casino funds to help offset Host Community costs. This is not a winning situation for Alberta 55plus – no matter how you slice it! So what is the solution? Our Provincial Board is working very hard to somehow get us into a better scenario, but Alberta Sport Connection has the upper hand because they control our name and funds. Some members say the Government can’t control what we name our ‘Games’. We may have to lobby our government – as a group, and as individuals – to MLA’s all across our beautiful province – if we want to see Alberta 55plus continue to succeed – or we might “fall” under Big Government. If we are going ‘stand up’ to government, we have to get all our ‘facts’ correct, members! As an organization we still want to keep seniors active in mind and body. Everyone – please get out and support Edmonton Marigold 55plus. Register for playoffs – bring a new member with you – enjoy – have fun – and tell everybody about our great organization! There are many individuals volunteering their time and knowledge and efforts to the success of Alberta 55plus Zone 6.
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22 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Some Photos of Interest
Paintings – CLSA 50th Anniversary Silent Auction, New stairs near Fort Edmonton Park to River some were painted by Marigold Members
Some Winter scenes around town – pine grosbeaks, hoar-frosted birch tree, & a young eagle Long Service Pin Awards at Zone 6 AGM
23 THE GRAPEVINE April 2017 Return Address: Edmonton Marigold 55+ Recreation 11113 – 113 Street Edmonton AB T5G 2V1
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