Message from the President

Transcription

1 SPRING 2014

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3 Message from the President Greetings everyone. As the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi come to a close, one can t help but feel a whole lot of pride being Canadian. The athletes representing Canada were models of sportsmanship, fair play and respect for other competitors, even to the point of sacrifice, where an athlete gave up his spot to attend, because he felt that his team mate would have a better chance of winning. Then there was the accomplishment of the athletes. The excitement and emotions of winning medals was shared by family and friends and all Canadian fans watching on TV here at home. For those of you who have competed in the Alberta 55 plus Winter or Summer Games will recognize the emotions and excitement of accomplishment that goes along with just being able to compete, with the medals being the bonus at these events. Many out there might say why Table of Contents Page 1 President s Message Page 2 Alberta 55 plus Annual General Meeting Page 2 Online Auction Page 3 Zone 1 - The Sunny South Page 11 Page 18 Page 24 Page 29 Page 32 Page 37 Page 40 Zone 2 - Big Country Senior Sports Society Zone 3 - Calgary Recreation and Culture Association Zone 4 - Silver Willow Association Zone 5 - Black Gold/Yellowhead Zone 6 - Edmonton Marigold 55 plus Zone 7 - Lakeland Senior Games Association Zone 8 - Mighty Peace Sports and Recreation bother knowing that there are other athletes that might be better than they are. To them I would like to share this famous quote. Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt I believe that our Association is about a lot more than winning or losing in a particular sport or activity. It is about winning in life, about staying active, healthy and strong mentally and physically, well into our senior years. It is about beating the odds which tell us that a high percentage of us will spend the latter years of our life in long term care facilities. It is also about new friendships with others of like mind. This year with the Canada 55+ Games here in Alberta we will have a record number of Alberta athletes participating. I believe the number is now over 700 and still counting. I am sure that we will feel pride being part of this large contingent representing our province. I am confident that this pride will spill over even after the games because of the way we represented our province. Just a reminder, if you haven t renewed your membership, please get it done. It is not just the Canada 55+ Games that are coming up, the Zone playoffs for the 2015 Alberta 55 plus Winter Games will be played off October through December of Good luck to all of the participants in the Canada 55+ Games. Renew the passion for your sport or activity get involved with Alberta 55 plus. Vernon Hafso, Alberta 55 plus President COVER PHOTO: Canada 55+ Games Strathcona County

4 Alberta 55 plus Annual General Meeting The Alberta 55 plus Annual General Meeting is being held: Date: Monday, May 5, 2014 Location: ihotel 67 Street Street Red Deer, Alberta Time: Meeting begins at 10:00 am Lunch and refreshments will be served, and yearly service Awards and Pins will be presented! All persons with a current membership in Alberta 55 plus are welcome to attend! We ask that you please bring your current Alberta 55 plus membership card. Our AGM always proves to be a very nice outing lunch, a visit with friends, and a chance to meet our Provincial Board members and some Zone Directors The following positions on the Alberta 55 plus Executive Committee are up for election: Secretary Vice President North (must reside in Zone s 5-8) Technical Director South (must reside in Zone s 1-4) Each of the positions will be elected for a 2 year term (expires May, 2016) For more information on the job description for each position, please contact the Provincial Office at or info@alberta55plus.ca We hope to see many of you at the AGM!! 2 Alberta 55 plus 2013 Online Auction was a Success! The final totals for the Online auction 2013 were: $ plus $ in donations for a total of $ Alberta 55 plus wishes to thank the following businesses and individuals who made donations to the 2013 Alberta 55 plus On-Line Auction held in November but whose names were inadvertently either missed or were incorrectly identified in our Winter Newsletter. We extend our sincere apologies for any oversight and inconvenience this might have caused. Thank you to: Accent Home Management Calgary 55 plus (Zone 3) Fitness NW/Only Women s Fitness Holiday Retirement James Rempel/Fitness NW Massage

5 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Military Whist Vulcan Senior Centre BETTY SMITH Monthly Military Whist Organizer Volunteer Vulcan Senior Centre January Game, 5 tables for Military Whist Tournament 1st Place in Military Whist with 21 flags Ray Brisson, Marj Stephen, Ann Williams & Kay Bailey 2nd Place in Military Whist with 18 flags Sandy Grant, Lorraine Gair, Doreen Waskiewich & Betty Evans Follow us on Alberta 55 plus has a Facebook page Like Us to be kept up-todate on upcoming events, interact with friends across the province, post pictures from the Games and your events, and just have fun! Be sure to search for Alberta 55 plus and find our page! 3

6 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Dan Deringer s Profile of a Retirement Well Spent Retirement had arrived for Dan Deringer in June of 1996 at the age of sixty! He had spent his career being an auto mechanic in Lethbridge finishing with the RCMP detachment garage. Now was decision time what to do in his spare time? Summers were filled with golf as a member at the Henderson Lake Golf Club since1983, but he needed a winter fill-in. With encouragement from of his brother in law, Joe Szabo, Dan dropped in at the Nordbridge Senior Centre located in the Bill Kergan building and liked what he saw a Games Room with two pool tables his other ball passion. He joined in 1997 and proceeded to enjoy his new digs. While playing pool one day, he was approached by Gus Herresvele the Bingo Chair and fund raiser for the Senior Centre. He asked Dan to volunteer weekly to work bingo events. Dan has done this willingly until March of With some Grant Money, Nordbridge boldly bought the vacant Chinook Mall property in July of 2001 and owned a new home. Dan was pleased more space, larger games room and more pool tables. He became the games room convener organizing house activities, invitational tournaments and fundraisers; he continued until Dan also spent 6 years on the Board of Directors at the Nordbridge Centre. Dan Deringer Alberta 55 plus Provincial games peaked his interest in 2001, which were held in Lethbridge that year. He qualified in snooker and he enjoyed his first venture at the games. He regularly qualified and attended other games in St Albert, Wetaskiwin, Fort McMurray, Airdrie and Calgary. He found the competition very keen and subsequently won two silver medals and a few 4th., place finishes. He said, it s great fun attending the Alberta 55 plus games I met some great pool players and nice people and we had a good time. Many thanks to the Alberta Sport Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation for their financial support to keep the seniors of Alberta active and participating in the many activities of the Alberta 55 plus games. Dan invites pool players saying, look me up when you are in Lethbridge drop into the Games room at the Nordbridge Centre and we ll have a game of snooker. Submitted by and unbiased wife, Eva Contract Bridge Vulcan Senior Centre - Volunteer coordinator 1st place winner Barbara McKay Tuesday night Contract Bridge 2nd place winner Ray Brisson 4

7 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Monthly Canasta Tournament Monthly Canasta Tournament Volunteer Organizers: Brenda Langridge Myrtle Walker 5 tables of enthusiastic Canasta players paused for a tasty chicken dinner followed by more Canasta 2nd Place in Canasta with a score of 54,290 Donna Eriksen & Myrtle Walker Vulcan Annual Christmas Banquet Preparations for the December 9, Decorated to accommodate 79 Vulcan Senior Members Renew your Membership Online Today! Remember, you can also renew your membership online at 5

8 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Interclub Crib Tournament in Vulcan Organizer Lorraine Gair, awards the winners and low score on February 1 at the Vulcan Senior Centre 6

9 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Shuffleboard Alice Graham Coordinator for monthly Shuffleboard Volunteer at the Vulcan Senior Centre Shuffleboard Tournament 16 players for the January Event Kay Bailey and Marg Tyler 1st place in the C event in Shuffleboard Duplicate Bridge 3 tables of Duplicate Bridge with players willing to play for 10 weeks every Wednesday Volunteer coordinator Ray Brisson - Weekly Duplicate Bridge 7

10 ZONE 1 The Sunny South A Profile of Tom Lees Tom Lees was honored with the Zone 1 Appreciation Award for his willingness as a volunteer in our Zone 1 playoff events. Also, Tom generously volunteered countless hours with Larry and me in correcting our computer problems. Did we mention frustration!! In addition to this Award, I have a further personal appreciation of Tom. Four and a half years ago, June 6, 2009, Tom was participating and helping run the Alberta 55 plus Zone 1 playoffs in Cycling and Track and Field, in Vulcan. The weather was terrible cold and windy. He and I were together between the cycling course and the track and field for athletics when I collapsed with a major heart attack. He, as a first responder, was able to administer C.P.R., get me breathing, my heart beating and keep me stable until Vulcan Emergency Medical Services arrived. A STARS helicopter flight carried me to the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary a few hours later. I woke up four days later in a tub of ice. Double by-pass surgery put me back on my bicycle again and I was able, with my wife as my coach, to compete and earn a Bronze Medal in Airdrie at the Games six weeks later. Were it not for his quick thinking and actions, I would not be with the living today. Tom also, when I met him over the past four plus years, was able to fill in many Tom Lees & Larry Evans Zone 1 Certificate of Appreciation - To Tom from Larry and Al Thank you - Thank you! blank events that happened during my experience. He once told me that my last two words before my heart failure and collapse, were: Oh S**T. Tom, thank you again for your dedication to Alberta 55 plus, and especially a big thank you from me, for your gift of life. Respectfully submitted, Maynard Roelofs, Activity Director Zone 1 Sturling & Curling Vulcan Curling Club - Ron Fernley Volunteer Sturling coordinator Vulcan Curling Club - 9 volunteers service the up keep of the 4 sheets of curling ice for the 13 winter weeks of 2014 A team of 2 people may use a stick or slide to deliver 6 rocks each end 8

11 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Zone Winter Games Playoff Schedule ACTIVITY VENUE DATE REG. BY CONTACT Giant Slalom Westcastle TBA TBA Maynard Roelofs , 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+ maynardroelofs@gmail.com Badminton LSCO Oct. 16 Oct. 9 Ron Kincade , 65+, 75+ Doubles ropakin@shaw.ca Men/Women Bowling 5 Pin Taber Bowling Centre Nov. 20 Nov. 13 Maynard Roelofs 55+, 70+ mixed team of , 65+, 75+ maynardroelofs@gmail.com Men s & Women s singles Bridge Duplicate NordBridge Oct. 21 Oct. 14 Pat Kincade open (2/zone) patkincade@yahoo.ca Carpet Bowling NordBridge Oct. 29 Oct. 22 Clay Olsen & 70+ (open team of 4) candl@shaw.ca xcountry Skiing Allison Creek TBA TBA Maynard Roelofs , 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+ maynardroelofs@gmail.com Men s 8km/10km 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+ Women s 5 km/ 10km Darts Suffield Nov. 8 Nov. 1 Davis Dennis , and 70+ Nov. 9 djdennis@shockware.com Men s & Women s Men s & Women s doubles Euchre Claresholm Oct. 30 Oct. 23 Ray Monpetit 2 open pairs per zone miskipper@me.com Hockey Lethbridge TBA TBA Maynard Roelofs , 60+, 65+, 70+ maynardroelofs@gmail.com teams up to 18 Ice Curling Coaldale Nov. 5 Oct. 30 Maynard Roelofs , 65+, 70+ men Nov. 6 maynardroelofs@gmail.com 55+, 65+, women Al Jackson , 70+ (2 men, 2 women) adjackson@telusplanet.net Pool Snooker Cardston 70+ Nov. 13 Nov. 6 Ted MacKenzie , 70+ Open 55+ Nov. 14 memfargo@gmail.com Scrabble LSCO Nov. 18 Nov. 11 Lucy Graham , 70+ Open Singles Lgraham405@hotmail.com T. Shuffleboard NordBridge Oct. 23 Oct. 16 Clay Olsen , 70+ Open Doubles candl@shaw.ca 9

12 ZONE 1 The Sunny South Zone 1 People Pat Kincade Pat is a volunteer for the Arts and Crafts Playoffs Pat judges the entries for Creative Writing Playoffs and she delivers the qualified items to and from the Provincial Games safely Lea Switzer Lea Switzer Chair 2015 Lethbridge Winter Games With Gratitude! Alberta 55 plus would like to express our gratitude to Alberta Sport Connection for our partnership in the Alberta 55 Plus Games program. 10

13 ZONE 2 Big Country Senior Sports Society Table Shuffleboard Tournament Zone 2 held a very successful Friendly Games Table Shuffleboard Tournament in Olds on Saturday, February 1st. We had an excellent turnout, 40 participants in all. Nick Radmanovich, Zone 2 Activity Director, with the help of Linda Rinas and her staff, helped to make this a great, fun-filled day. Dave Neustaeter, our Membership Director, was on hand selling memberships, and his wife Nettie (Treasurer) handled the money. There was a 50/50 draw, and the Olds Legion put on a delicious lunch, and goodies for our coffee. There are plans to follow up with another tournament in April or May of this year. Table Shuffleboard Tournament And the winners are: Left: Dave Neustaeter (Carstairs) and Wayne Moench (Olds) BRONZE Middle: Larry Piernek (Olds) and Bonnie Myers (Airdrie) GOLD Right: Leona Jeffrers (Canmore and Sandy Jahn (Olds) SILVER Leilani du Toit All about Dog Sledding On my 70th birthday I went dog sledding in the Spray Lakes area. Fresh snow had fallen two days before but roads were groomed so the dogs could get better footing as well as making it easier for them to pull the sleigh and its passengers. We were given instructions on how to drive a team of 8 huskies and given the choice of either driving the dogs or sitting in the sleigh. Well, in for a dollar in for a dime I learned to drive a wonderfully hardworking team of 8 huskies pulling a sleigh up and down the hills with commands such as: HIKE, to make them move forward; EASY in a firm but commanding voice whilst applying the break as you descended another hill; and throughout the journey, saying GOOD DOG!! By the way, if the lead dogs wanted a pee break you had better be ready to put on the brake and call out loudly WHOA!! or you could well end up with an 8 dog pile up. One other thing, if you were going uphill you had better get off the sleigh rung and help to push it up the hill because they would turn their heads to make sure you were doing your share of pushing or they could just decide to STOP right there. No lie! THEY NEED A LOT OF LOVING and they will work their butts off for you. It was the most exhilarating experience I have had in long time and I would do it again in a nano minute. Submitted by, Leilani du Toit 11

14 ZONE 32 Calgary Big Country Recreation Senior and Sports Culture Society Association Notes from Nancy I confess. Hockey is not on the top of my list of sports that I enjoy watching on TV. However, I found myself, very early one Sunday morning (along with half of Canada) in late February, coffee in hand, watching our men s hockey team beat Sweden in the Gold Medal game of the 2014 Sochi Olympics. It was a proud moment when the National Anthem was played and the cameras scanned the thousands of spectators, focusing on our Canadian fans, cheering wildly, singing loudly, shedding a few tears. You could see they were thrilled to be there. But now it s time to get back to normal. Here in Alberta, things are gearing up for the Canada 55+ Games. Competitors, all over the age of 55, from all across the country, will merge in Sherwood Park on August 27th for 4 days of competition. My husband Karl and I will be 2 of those competitors. He will be swimming and I will be playing 8-ball pool. We talk proudly about our involvement to our family and friends. We encourage them to ask questions about 55 Plus, and about the summer games. They may not be 55 yet, but they will be. We tell them how fortunate we feel to be physically and mentally fit enough, at our age, to be part of this great event. And we hope our family and friends, and our fellow Zone competitors, will come and cheer us on. Cheer on all our athletes, wherever and whenever possible. Although not all the venues are observer friendly (like Bridge, Crib, Scrabble) there will be many opportunities to watch other competitions. Sherwood Park has a wonderful aquatic facility and recreation centre. Make a day of it, or a week. Check out the official Strathcona site at for more details. And join us. We will be thrilled. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Gibbie, Publicity Director, Zone 2 Nick Radmanovich, Activity Director for Zone 2 has been very busy scheduling various Friendly Games activities in each of our areas. We invite all Zones to take a look at our up and coming events and join us in some fun workshops and tournaments. Big Country Zone 2 Friendly Games (March - June) 2014 MONTH GAME WORKSHOP LOCATION NOTES MARCH 01 (Sat) Cribbage Cochrane hosted at Cochrane Senior Centre 12 (Wed) X-Country Ski Racing Cochrane 29 (Sat) TBA Strathmore hosted at Canmore Nordic Centre Evaluate venues for Alberta Summer Games 2015 APRIL 05 (Sat) Contract Bridge Yes Cochrane * winners go to Challenge Cup 09 (Wed)-AM Floor Curling Yes Oyen hosted by Oyen Floor Curling Club 12

15 ZONE 32 Calgary Big Country Recreation Senior and Sports Culture Society Association Big Country Zone 2 Friendly Games (March - June) continued MONTH GAME WORKSHOP LOCATION NOTES APRIL 09 (Wed)-PM Pool/Shuffleboard Oyen 09 (Wed)-PM Crib, Military Whist Oyen 10 (Thur)-AM Pickleball Yes Hanna hosted at Hanna Fieldhouse 10 (Thur)-PM Crib/Bridge/or Euchre Yes Hanna hosted by Hanna Seniors Circle 11 (Fri)-AM PickleBall/Shuffleboard Yes Drumheller hosted at Drumheller Fieldhouse 11 (Fri)-PM Bowling / Pool Drumheller Bowling / Pool at Sandstone Lanes 19 (Sat) Military Whist Yes Sundre 22 (Tue) Contract Bridge Calgary Challenge Cup - Zone 3 Invitational 26 (Sat) Badminton Millarville MAY 03 (Sat) Table Shuffleboard Olds hosted by the Olds Legion (Club Member) 07 (Wed) TBA Three Hills Road trip to Three Hills 14 (Wed) Bocce Chestermere 28 (Wed ) Golf Tournament Strathmore 31 (Sat) Horseshoes Cochrane hosted by Cochrane Horseshoes Club 31 (Sat) Tennis Cochrane hosted at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park 13

16 ZONE 32 Calgary Big Country Recreation Senior and Sports Culture Society Association Big Country Zone 2 Friendly Games (March - June) continued MONTH GAME WORKSHOP LOCATION NOTES JUNE 07 (Sat) Cycling Strathmore coordinated by Garry Hunt ( ) 13 (Fri)-Aft Softball Fun Games Yes Cochrane hosted at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park 13 (Fri)-PM Horseshoes Yes Cochrane 14 (Sat) Athletics Strathmore 14 (Sat) Softball Tournament Cochrane hosted at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park coordinated by Garry Hunt ( ) hosted at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park 14 (Sat)-PM Tennis Cochrane hosted at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park 15 (Sun) Softball Tournament Cochrane hosted at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park 18 (Wed) Bocce Carstairs 21 (Sat) Cycling Calgary coordinated by Garry Hunt ( ) 25 (Wed) Golf Tournament Three Hills & Trochu hosted by Three Hills Golf & Country Club 25 (Wed) TBA Three Hills 28 (Sat) Athletics Calgary coordinated by Garry Hunt ( ) Contact Nick Radmanovich, Zone 2 Activities Director for additional information. Phone: or Cell: nradman@shaw.ca Renew your Membership Today! All Zones are committed to running more local events, such as Fun Games, Challenge Cups, Mini Games, Memorial Tournaments and more RENEW TODAY! 14

17 ZONE 32 Calgary Big Country Recreation Senior and Sports Culture Society Association Big Country Senior Sports Society Executive and Board of Directors President Doug Campbell Cochrane (cell) Vice-President John MacKillop Okotoks Secretary Adeline Fedyk Didsbury (cell) (fax) Treasurer Nettie Neustaeter Carstairs Membership Director Dave Neustaeter Carstairs (cell) Activity Director Nick Radmanovich Cochrane (cell) Publicity Director Nancy Gibbie Cochrane (cell) VOTING AREAS DIRECTORS Area 1 & 2 Vacant Area 3 Linda Traquair Drumheller ltraquair@shaw.ca Area 4 Irene Jacques Three Hills anderjac@telus.net Area 5 Richard (Joss) Binns Strathmore binnsj@shaw.ca Area 6 Alf Cadman Olds cadmana@telus.net Area 7 Margaret Whitlock Cochrane norweta@shaw.ca Area 8 Norma Dawson Millarville ndawson@xplornet.ca Area 9 Garry Hunt Canmore Ph. & Fax Casino Chairperson Nettie Neustaeter Carstairs Nettie@neustaeterd.com Arts & Crafts Vacant Creative Writing BCSS Newsletter Publisher 15

18 ZONE 32 Calgary Big Country Recreation Senior and Sports Culture Society Association World Masters Games Did you know... For those of you who want to do more than 55 Plus, there are the World Masters Games every four years, and they are held all over the world. In 2013 they were in Torino, Italy. The next games are in Auckland, New Zealand in The first WGM s were in Toronto in 1985, and since then there have been eight games hosted around the world. You don t have to be over 55 to participate, as some sports such as swimming start at 25 years, and age groups are in increments of 5 or 10 years. There are many seniors who participate in the games, and it s lots of fun. I have been doing Masters Sprint Flatwater kayaking since 1985 when the Canadian Canoe Association began CanMas. Though I have not competed every year, I have been to many national championships and to 5 of the 8 WMG s. I compete in K-1, K-2 and K-4, and last year in Torino I came home with 2 Gold medals and one Bronze. After the games last year we did a cruise to Turkey, Greece and Italy, and I plan to tour New Zealand after the games in It s a great way to compete in your favorite sport and to see the world! Submitted by, Norma Dawson Douglas Campbell, AB55 Plus President, Big Country Seniors Sports Society (BCSSS; Zone 2) Nearly 800 Albertans over the age of 55 will be participating in the next Canada Seniors Games, which will be held in Strathcona County (City of Sherwood Park) this coming August. Zone 2 had 30 qualify through medaling at the July 2013 Summer Games held in Westlock &. In addition, we received notice in February 2014 that some 50 medalists could not go to the Games, and we were provided the opportunity to add in-fills and I am pleased to report we have inserted another 15 participants from our Zone onto the AB Team. So out of over 400 members in Big Country Sports Society (Zone 2), 85 or 20% are advancing to the Nationals. THREE CHEERS for your keenness. You are role models for the grandkids and your communities. Physical activity = Mental and Social Wellness. ON TO THE GAMES ZONE 2...LOUD AND PROUD. 16

19 ZONE 32 Calgary Big Country Recreation Senior and Sports Culture Society Association Zone 2 Turner Valley Braves COED Team Third Consecutive Trip to the Canada Senior Games Zone 2 Turner Valley Braves COED Team Third Consecutive Trip to the Canada Senior Games Turner Valley Braves came into existence in Although I hate to admit it as it tends to go to his head, Harry Cowan was instrumental in forming the team! Harry s work with ladies ball has given the Braves a leg up on every other co-ed team; our ladies are some of the best in the country. The team has stayed basically the same since its inception with the addition of only 2 or 3 players over the 5 years. It is like a second family as we all enjoy each other s company on and off the field, getting together throughout the year for social activities. In Airdrie at the 2009 Alberta 55+ Games, we won a Silver Medal. Our next stop was Brockville, Ontario when the entire team went for the 2010 Canadian 55+ Games and won the Bronze Medal for Alberta. The next year, 2011, we attended the Alberta 55+ Games in Fairview again winning a Silver Medal. Amazingly, the entire team struck off for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to holiday and attend the 2012 Canadian 55+ Games, winning the GOLD Medal for Alberta. Last year in Barrhead we attended the 2013 Alberta 55+ Games, again capturing the Silver Medal. The team is excited and already scheduling our trip to Strathcona County for the 2014 Canadian 55+ Games with high hopes of keeping our medal streak alive! Although, we are very competitive, the team loves to participate for the pure joy of being together and making new friends at these Games!! Pat Drinnan, Activity Director Zone 1 Crib Workshop at Senior s on the Bow Centre Despite the cold weather that was gripping the province on Saturday, March 1st, twenty 55 Plus members from Zones 2 and 3 gathered together at the Senior s on the Bow Centre in Cochrane for a crib workshop. Coffee and muffins, and a lovely lunch was provided by hosts, Nancy and Karl Gibbie. This is just one of the many events being planned by Zone 2 over the next few months. Take a look at our Calendar of Events in this issue, and sign up for some Friendly Games fun. 17

20 ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association Bridge Builders - Profile of John and Ruth Gilchrist Wondering about that 2-under preempt? Unsure if you should ruff out? Zone 3 s Ruth and John Gilchrist could tell you. Bridge players for more than 40 years, they have been partners since they met at a bridge club in Calgary in At first the partnership was at the card table, but in 1989, John needed a place to stay and asked if he could rent a spare room in Ruth s house for six to eight weeks. He moved in and just never left, Ruth says. They have now been married for 20 years. John was born in Virden, Manitoba in 1944, but grew up and went to school in Winnipeg. After finishing his schooling, he became a Journeyman sheet metal worker working in Winnipeg and Fort McMurray before settling in Calgary in John s sheet metal career has spanned about 50 years. Ruth was born in Bear River, Nova Scotia, a charming town of about 1000 people that has been called the Switzerland of Nova Scotia. She worked as a bookkeeper in Kentville for seven years before heading to Calgary with a couple of girlfriends in For the next 40 years or so, Ruth worked as an oil and gas accountant. John and Ruth joined Calgary 55 plus in 2003 and embraced the Bridge competitions. They have played twice in Provincials and went to the Canada Games in 2008 in Dieppe, New Brunswick. They soon became an important part of the 55 plus organization. John joined the Calgary 55 plus Board six years ago and is 18 currently the Duplicate Bridge coordinator for Zone 3 as well as Photography director. Together John and Ruth ran the Duplicate Bridge event during the Alberta Winter Games at Canada Olympic Park in And they may have been the ideal candidates for the job. The two are Bridge Silver Life Masters, each having accumulated more than 1000 master points. In addition, they have both director and teaching qualifications and a wealth of experience to go with them. After they were both retired, John and Ruth went on a five-month trip exploring Eastern Canada and the U.S. In the course of their travels, they heard about opportunities for skilled bridge players to teach passengers on cruise ships. Ruth went online and found a cruise agent. She outlined their backgrounds, and the agent was quickly able to make arrangements for them with the cruise lines. It turned out to be a very mutually satisfactory arrangement. So far John and Ruth have given bridge lessons on 10 cruises and in the process have visited exotic destinations like Sydney, Hawaii, San Diego, Tahiti, Puerto Rico, Malaga and many others. Ruth and John plan to continue with Calgary 55 plus and to keep on giving bridge lessons. They have an appointment with Holland America and hope to be teaching and cruising again soon. Bon Voyage, Ruth and John!

21 ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association Calgary Winter Fun Games 2013/14 Many Calgary 55 Plus members enjoyed taking part in Zone 3 s Winter Fun Games which were held at various venues in and around Calgary from November 15, 2013 to February 12 and 13, Activity Director, Doug Kyle, reported that the Games were well attended by over 250 participants, with over 20 competitors in 6 of the 12 events. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Games and thank you to Doug and all the event coordinators. Winter Fun Games - Curling Winter Fun Games Euchre Badminton Participants Snooker Competitors 19

22 ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association Winter Fun Games Results SNOOKER Event Place Name Men 55+ Gold Bill Gunning Silver John Murphy Bronze Ernie Falkner Mens 70+ Gold Don Pierce Silver Len Christensen Bronze Art Stotz Women 70+ Gold Carol Kyle DARTS Event Place Name Men Singles 55+ Gold Bob Pond Silver Al Enevold Bronze Irvin Landherr Men Singles 70+ Gold Sid Aker Silver Jim Brysh Bronze Roy Jarvis Women Singles 70+ Gold Velma Sormberger Silver Ruth Gilchrist Open Doubles Gold Jim Brysh and Bob Pond Silver Aker and Roy Jarvis Bronze Al Enevold and Irvin Landerherr CARPET BOWLING Event Place Name 55+ Gold Ben Watkins, Cordella Schwengler, Arnie Jensen, Bobby Chan Silver George Santo, Ruth Jensen, Teresa Couch, Ron Pike Bronze Pauline Simpson, Lenora Schwab, Marilyn Conrad, Jean Thomas 70+ Gold Karl Barfrieden, Lucien Turcotte, Jim Van Horne, Al Folkers Silver Joyce Kapty, Donna Rignanesi, Yvan Lariviere, Arnold Clay Bronze Leona Mork, Anna Cairns, Lilly Chan, Gail Innis 5-PIN BOWLING Event Place Name Women 55+ Gold Peggy Plathan Silver Debbie Stapleton Bronze Lily Chan Men 55+ Gold Ernie French Silver Al Enevoid Bronze Keith Shaw 5-PIN BOWLING - Continued Event Place Name Women 65+ Gold Marilyn Conrad Silver Doris O Malley-Winfield Bronze Gail Aker Men 65+ Gold John Winfield Silver Bill Alexander Bronze John Murphy Women 75+ Gold Mary Martens Silver Dorothy Crosby Bronze Toni Ironside Men 75+ Gold Wilf Kuss Silver Ralph Connell Bronze Ernie Hanchar Team 55+ Gold Nettie Wobma, Gladys Richardson, Roy Jarvis, Emvie Antnio Silver Richard Starchuk, Diane Steffen, Elgin Street, Rose Peters Team 70+ Gold Lloyd Weis, Betty Markle, Ralph Markle, Carol Kyle Silver Gary Rosling, Gerda Blaney, Sid Aker, Elizabeth King Bronze Bob Bowen, Gloria Spielman, Phyllis Yaskinsky SCRABBLE Event Place Name 55+ Gold Barrie Dargie Silver Keith Shaw Bronze Jeanette Daley 70+ Gold Betty Dargie Silver Estelle Matthews Bronze Verla Boyle EUCHRE Event Place Name Open Pairs Gold Lloyd and Gertie Colins Silver Pauline Simpson and Jean Moseluk Bronze Irma Naf & Brenda Smith BADMINTON Event Place Name W65+ Doubles Gold Betty Dargie and Chieko Rehm W75+ Doubles Gold Jean Noble and Lorraine Goss M55+ Doubles Gold Lorne Cowan and Bolek Babiavz Silver Tom Matthews and Doug Spark 20

23 ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association Winter Fun Games Results continued BADMINTON - Continued Event Place Name M65+ Doubles Gold Mamo Takenaka and Ken Parent Silver Tom Matthews and Bruce Mahon Bronze Paul Leavitt and Wilhem Rehm M75+ Doubles Gold Rex Lee and Forster Mah M80+ Doubles Gold Jack Glaser and Doug Kyle Silver Ali Khan and Ernie Domshy Mixed 65+Doubles Gold Orville Wong and Elaine Foulon Silver Wilhem and Chieko Rehm Bronze Bruce Mahon and Betty Dargie Mixed 75+Doubles Gold Forster Mah and Lorraine Goss Silver Rex Lee and Jean Noble DUPLICATE BRIDGE Event Place Name Mixed team Gold Marylyn & Murray Haggins Silver Marylin & Garth Wiggens Bronze Paula & Jack Sisko ICE CURLING Event Place Name W55+ Gold Sandy Turner, Judy Carr, Sharon Cameron, Sharon Huculak Silver Wendy McCulloch, Heather Kuntz, Sheila Frank, May Beblow Bronze Yvonne McIvor, Maureen Mallet, Wendy Carson, Christie Murphy M55+ Gold Dave Rutherford, Doug McIntyre, Jim Miller, Bob Allen Silver Larry Inaba, Brian Glendinning, Glen Boraas, Gary Mann M65+/75+ Gold Maurice Partridge, Jim Thomas, Dave Peers, Barry Hunt Silver Andy Strilchuk, Dennis Dunn, Dennis Heacock, Gary Scruton Bronze Dan Guglielmin, Ron McCurdy, John McIntyre, Tony Krivoblocki TABLE SHUFFLEBOARD Event Place Name 55+ Gold Cherry Eastcott and Emil Cote Silver Al Enevold and Al Osaka Bronze Doris and John Winfield 70+ Gold Del Hutchinson and Betty Simison Silver Leona and Halvor Mork Bronze Pauline Simpson and Lenora Swab CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Event Cancelled ALPINE SKIING Event Place Name Giant Slalom W55+ Gold Cynthia Mantel M55+ Gold Sergy Voronin (Zone 6) Silver Tom Ostrem (Zone 5) Bronze Bryan Gough W65+ Gold Maria Yakkula (Zone 6) Silver Sirpa Torrence M65+ Gold Bob Frizzzell (Zone 6) Silver Peter Rueben Bronze Jim McKinnon W70+ Gold Gail Ennis Silver Bertha Fisher M70+ Gold Theo Christen Silver Len Bracko (Zone 5) Bronze John Eliuk M75+ Gold Karl Janosek Silver Rob Holzer (Zone 6) M80+ Gold Jim Park Slalom W55+ Gold Cynthia Mantel M55+ Gold Valentin Malukhin Silver Murray Mortenson (Zone 2) Bronze Brian Gough W65+ Gold Sirpa Torrence Silver Maria Yakula (Zone 6) M65+ Gold Peter Ruben Silver Serge Bisson Bronze Jim McKinnon W70+ Gold Gail Ennis Silver Bertha Fisher M70+ Gold Theo Christen Silver Len Bracko (Zone 5) Bronze Jim Lambert M75+ Gold Karl Janosek Silver Rob Holzer (Zone 6) M80+ Gold Jim Park 21

24 ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association ZONE 3 Summer Fun Games 2014 ACTIVITY EVENT DATE/START TIME REG. COORDINATOR LOCATION DEADLINE Athletics M&W 55+, 65+, 70+, 75+, , 100, 200, 800, 1500m Races Jun :00 am Jun. 16 Doug Kyle M&W 55+ Javelin, Shot Put, Discus, Glenmore Track Long Jump 50 Ave. & 16 St. SW 1 Km Time Predicted Walk Bocce Open 55+ Open Team of 4 Jun :00 am Jun. 16 Betty Markle Open 70+ Open Team of 4 Jun :00 am For both Thornview Seniors 5600 Centre St. N Bridge-Contract Open 55+ Open Pairs Apr :00 am Apr. 15 Gertie Collins ( Note: 3 page 2 ) Thornview Seniors Centre N Cribbage 55+, 70+ Singles May 30 10:00 am May 25 Norm Thomas 55+, 70+ Doubles Jun. 9 10:00 am Jun RC Legion # St. SE Cycling M&W 55+, 65+, 70+, km and 20 km Races June 28 9:30 - T.B.D. Jun. 21 David Lawson 10 km Time Predicted Floor Curling Open 55+ Open Team of 4 May 22 10:00 am May 19 Cordella Open 70+ Open Team of 4 Greater Forest Lawn Schwengler 55 Plus Centre Ave. SE Floor Shuffleboard Open 55+ Open Team of 2 April 24 10:00 am April 19 Lloyd & Jean Open 70+ Open Team of 2 April 25 10:00 am For both Weis Thornview Seniors Centre St. N Golf M&W 55+, 65+, 75+ Low Gross Jun. 10 Jun. 3 Dan Guglielmin M&W 55+, 65+, 75+ Net Callaway Heather Glenn GC, Glenmore Tr. & 100 St. SE 22

25 ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association Retiring Board Members Will Be Missed Lorraine Hanchar Gary Rosling Linda Elder Unfortunately, Calgary 55 plus will be losing five directors when our 2014 Annual General meeting rolls around on March 25th. Lorraine Hanchar is leaving the Board after serving a fouryear term on the Board which included serving this past year as Vice-president. During that time she has provided valuable support to the President and served as Chair of the Pickleball Committee in 2013 when we held our first Zone Pickleball Playoffs. Ron McCurdy joined the Board as Treasurer in 2011 and has carefully guided our finances since then. Ron was persuaded to stay as Treasurer a year longer than he originally wanted but now wants some more free time to spend polishing up his ice-curling game. Our stalwart Director of Events, Garry Rosling, is leaving us after four years of organizing our great Pep Rallies, Volunteer Appreciation Lunches, and Annual General Meetings. Now he will have more time to work on his bowling average. Linda Elder, probably best known for being our Writing Coordinator (since 2008) and the Arts & Crafts Coordinator (since 2010), is leaving those positions and is not running for another board position after two terms. In August last year, Linda graciously stepped in and agreed to chair the Publicity Committee until this year s AGM. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the members of the Association, I wish to thank these very fine volunteers for giving so generously of their time during their time as Directors and Coordinators. They have been a pleasure to work with. ZONE 3 Summer Fun Games continued Notes: 1. Please try to register early to assist the coordinator in planning. 2. Participants must sign in at the Venue 30 minutes prior to start time and don t forget to bring your Membership Card. 3. Contract Bridge will be a Challenge Cup event. Other zones must send 2 teams of 55+ pairs for the Challenge. 4. Participants going to be 50 years young by Dec. 31, 2014 must purchase an AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP in Alberta 55 plus ($30) In order to participate in these Fun Games. If we have 2 such participants in an event, they will compete in a separate age category. 23

26 ZONE 4 Silver Willow Association From the Desk of Rosella Snopek, Publicity/Activity Director, Zone 4 Zone 4 would like to thank Roz Aebig for 4 years of dedication as the Zone 4 President. I know all too well the time and effort it takes to fill this position. She now takes over as Past President, still occupying a seat on the Board. We still need another area director for Red Deer, so please consider this position even if you can only give some of your time and energy. There is so much potential in that city which is going untapped. Gloria needs support, it takes two people to cover this city. Good Luck to all the participants from our zone who have earned the privilege of going to the Canada Games in August. Make us proud! Remember to breathe and have fun! Things coming up in our zone this summer: Fun Day in Leslieville in May, details to be announced via blast in April. Golf Challenge Cup in Pine Lake in June, get those golf clubs out and join us for some fun in the sun on this little known 18 hole course, details coming once the club opens. Euchre Workshop being held in Wetaskiwin May 28rd at 1:00 p.m. Come try it out as this is a activity featured in the Winter Games. The Winter Games zone playoff locations, times and dates are now complete. Look for them in this Newsletter, and mark your calenders.. There is one more call to action, who would like to fill the position of Activity Director? I presently hold 3 positions, Activity Director, Publicity Director and Area Director. It is just too much of a load to carry. Please, someone who enjoys organizing sports and card events, please call me or someone on our Board to discuss this position. I m getting old fast. HELP!! New Area Director s Course in Red Deer Zone 4 has been working diligently trying to find more area directors to sit on the Zone 4 Silver Willow Association Board. Success comes if you just keep asking. Meet our newest directors, from left and around the table, Roz Aebig,( President), Sharyn Pahl, (Lacombe & West), Sue Boswell (County of Stettler), Judy Peperkorn (Treasurer), Dixie Pinchbeck (MD of Clearwater), Ron Holt, Linda Holt (County of Red Deer, East), Gloria Zukiwsky (City of Red Deer ). Conducting the 2 hour session in conjunction with the President was Rosella Snopek, Past President, Activity Director & Publicity Director. 24

27 ZONE 4 Silver Willow Association Zone 4 Playoff Qualifying Schedule 2015 Provincial Winter Games ACTIVITY VENUE DATE REG. BY CONTACT Alpine Skiing Snow Valley, Edmonton TBA TBA Rosella Snopek Dennis Ensminger rfsnopek@telus.net Badminton Camrose Composite Nov. 17 Nov. 12 Rosella Snopek High School 7:30 pm rfsnopek@telus.net Ave. Bowling 5 Pin Leisure Lanes Nov. 23 Nov. 18 Dennis Ensminger Singles St. 10:00 am dennis@ensminger.ca Ponoka Bowling 5 Pin Heartland Bowl Nov. 16 Nov. 12 Gladys Groat POA - Teams St. 10:00 am jggroat@telusplanet.net Stettler Bridge Duplicate Mirror Lake Centre Nov. 9 Nov. 4 Rosella Snopek Ave. 10:00 am rfsnopek@telus.net Camrose Carpet Bowling Royal Canadian Legion Nov. 4 Oct. 29 Roz Aebig Bremner Ave. 10:00 am bogeyroz@gmail.com Red Deer xcountry Skiing Heritage Ranch Dec. 13 Dec. 8 Rosella Snopek Red Deer 1:30 pm rfsnopek@telus.net Darts Bashaw Happy Gang Nov. 1 Oct. 27 Caroline Anker Centre 9:30 am capes@eastlink.ca Euchre Wetaskiwin Oct. 29 Oct. 23 Caroline Anker Senior Centre 10:00 am capes@eastlink.ca St. Hockey Civic Centre Dec. 8 Dec. 1 Rosella Snopek Wetaskiwin 11:00 am rfsnopek@telus.net Ave. Ice Curling Lacombe Curling Club Nov. 29/30 Nov. 23 Sharyn Pahl Ave. 9:00 am sharynp@shaw.ca Lacombe Pool - Snooker Mirror Lake Centre Nov. 9 Nov. 3 Rosella Snopek Ave. 10:00 am rfsnopek@telus.net Camrose Scrabble Jolly Senior Centre Oct. 18 Oct. 14 Lisa Hawksworth Ave. 10:00 am elisah@xplornet.ca Mirror Table Shuffleboard Bashaw Happy Gang Nov. 1 Oct. 27 Caroline Anker Centre 1:00 pm capes@eastlink.ca 25

28 ZONE 4 Silver Willow Association Our Newest Director I d like to introduce Jeanette Harris from Sedgewick, who is now the area director for the County of Flagstaff. She has worked in communications most of her life. She understands volunteerism as she has served on Provincial Boards, Regional Health, Childrens Services and Alberta Cancer Board. She has served as chairman of the Killam Hospital Board, and looks forward to her term on the Zone 4 Board. Who can resist that bright smile! Seniors making a difference Wilf Maertens-Poole and Rosella Snopek were nominated for the 2013 Minister s Seniors Service Award which recognizes volunteer work with seniors. In 2013 the Ministry of Health received 88 nominations for individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives of Alberta s seniors. Wilf, President, and Rosella, Treasurer of the Camrose & District Senior Centre Society made a huge difference since taking over in 2007 when the Society was in debt to the City of Camrose to a tune of $270,000. They have encouraged 19 clubs to join, and user pay has brought the Society out of debt in 5 years. They also helped build the membership from 185 to 385. You can find them in the office, hard at work most mornings running the affairs of the Society, all on volunteer hours. Gretzky might have some competiton! Local residents Alvin Bishell and Elmer Bridge display the famous number on their jerseys, but with a different twist: both men were 99 years young as of The gentlemen played hockey against each other over 80 years ago. Alvin, born February 24, 1914 played for the Loyalist hockey team and Elmer, born December 2, 1914 played for Talbot, a small community east of Castor. 26

29 ZONE 4 Silver Willow Association Lyle Lorenz inducted into the World Series of Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. Lyle Lorenz from Lacombe was presented with one of the most prestigious awards for amateur baseball players at the World Amateur Baseball Championships held October 24, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the first Canadian in the 26 year history of the World Baseball Championship to be inducted into the World Series Hall of Fame. Lyle has organized, coached, and played on the Red Deer teams that won World Championships in 2006 (58 and over), 2008 (65 and over), and 2010 (60 and over), each of which included undefeated records. Lyle recently recorded all-time highs in the 65+ championship with a.850 batting average and 18 stolen bases in five round-robin games. He has organized and coached teams that have participated in the World Championship for the past 16 years and has participated as a player for the past 18 years. Lyle serves as a coach in the Lacombe Minor Baseball Association. Presenting the award is Steve Sigler, President of the U.S Men s Senior Baseball League. Lacombe Ladies Ice Curling Team Victorious From January 6 to 11th, curlers from across Lacombe County and beyond grabbed their brooms, shoes and even a pair of fancy pants for the 70th annual Lacombe Farmers and Farmerettes Bonspiel. The Farmerettes were first included in 2003 and our winning skip, Sharyn Pahl has played in every one of them. This year she picked the right team, and came out victorious. It is an excellent run spiel for women, guaranteed 3 games with 2 more if you keep winning. On the left is Sharyn Pahl, skip, Jennie Linkleter, third and future Alberta 55 plus member, in training, Sonja Tweit, lead and second, a business lady from Lacombe, a distant Alberta 55 plus prospect. Congratulations!! 27

30 ZONE 4 Silver Willow Association Who Founded Floor Curling?? Where did this game come from and who thought of it? Well the answer is Martin Bruce of Camrose. He and his wife were enthusiastic ice curlers and they heard about the game of floor hockey, so they thought, why can t we have floor curling? it would have for all intents and purposes the same rules as ice curling, but we d make two pound rocks. Bruce originally introduced the game of disking, but the handless rocks were hard to control and made too much noise. He originated floor curling in The first floor curling lane was installed at the Skudesness Church, just a few miles east of Camrose, and the game caught on there so quickly that a second lane had to be added. Word of the new game spread throughout the community and soon, Bruce, along with Walter Lachman and Marvin Vassberg, who built the rocks and handles, were installing lanes in the surrounding communities. The game is still played on that same church floor to this day in the Skudesness, Marvin Vassberg in charge. 28 Martin Bruce was one of the founding members of the Alberta Senior Citizen Sport and Recreation Association which obtained it charter on January 30, Bruce was active in the organization and development of the first Alberta Senior Games held in Camrose in He carried out over more than 100 clinics at Senior Drop-In Centre throughout the province and logged over 20,000 miles for the association as a volunteer encouraging seniors to participate in the Senior Games. For his work with seniors, Bruce received the Alberta Achievement Award from the Alberta Government and the National Life-style, Certificate of Merit Award from Health and Welfare Canada. Oh yes, I have the Floor Curling rules revised in 1988, the rules are almost the same now. It also shows sticks being used!! And on the final page 21 it states: Floor Curling is a fun game in which we do not exclude anyone!! Submitted by, Rosella Snopek, Camrose Hay there Zone 4 SWA Where did 1460 days GO! By the time you ll be reading this, I will have completed my term as President of Zone 4. And what a ride I did have. So what is next - Sky is the limit. You know one thing that avoided Zone 4? To Win Best in Province at the Winter Games!!!! Maybe Lethbrdge 2015 is the one. Go get it. At this time I would like to thank the Zone 4 Board for all their hard work. And thank you, Zone 4 members - what can I say. What a group you are - always a helping hand at events and the best smiles one can see, always on your faces. Now as for me, oh I will still be around, working hard for the zone in the background. One thing on my bucket list is to get back to the links more often. This summer I hope to see (along with Bogey) the four corners of this Great Province and soak up a little southern sun in the Winters ahead. Please do not cry because it s over - Smile because it happened It s been a slice. Respectfully submitted, Roz Aebig, President, Zone 4 SWA

31 ZONE 5 Black Gold / Yellowhead AGM Results The Annual General Meeting of Zone 5 was held on Tuesday, February 11. The newly elected executive is as follows: President George Oko Vice-President Marlene Fizer Secretary Laurraine Ringuette Publicity Director Donna Quick Area 2 Director Terry Fenton (incumbent) Area 4 Director Bob Walker Area 6 Director Bessie Stevens (incumbent) Treasurer Leona Logie, Activity Director Joyce Goerz, and the Directors for Areas 1, 3, 5, and 7 remain in their positions until the 2015 AGM. Remarks from the Past President Dear Zone 5 Board Members and Members, It is with sadness that I am missing today s AGM and regular meeting. My life has taken a bit of a turn. Many thanks for the number of calls I have received about Don s health. I have truly enjoyed my time with Zone 5. I ve met so many very nice people and both Don and I have enjoyed good, keen competition wherever we went. As I said in my newsletter article, I look forward to being past president, working with the next executive, more keen competition, and the big bash we are going to have in Fort Assiniboine this summer. Thank you all so much for the support you have given me during the time I have enjoyed the position of president of the zone. Darlene Hunneman Summer Campout At Fort Assiniboine, Alberta Come for the weekend or just one day. Free Camping. No camper Linda s Motor Inn, phone: We will be meeting old and new friends, playing games like pool, floor curling, crib, whist, bocce, golf, etc. or just relaxing. This is a pot luck event for all meals. If you don t have a camper, there is a fridge and stove in the hall. Call Joyce: or Bessie: BY JUNE 25, 2014 Fort Assiniboine s Wagon Wheel 29

32 ZONE 5 Black Gold / Yellowhead President s Message For those of you that don t know me, I live on an acreage 10 miles from Westlock with my wife, Vivian. We are both retired teachers who have spent most of our teaching careers in the Westlock area. When our son was playing baseball, I took my turn as the president of Clyde Minor Ball. For many years while our daughter skated, I was president of the Westlock Figure Skating Club and the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation. I worked many competitions in the Edmonton area and was in charge of the ice captains and ice patchers when Edmonton hosted the Canadian Figure Skating Competition in Having retired from teaching, I began competing in both the Alberta and Canada 55 Plus Games. I bowled in Lethbridge, Wainwright, and Fort McMurray, participated in the predicted walk in Fort Saskatchewan and played bocce in Airdrie and Fairview. In Summerside and Whitehorse I was on the Alberta bowling team and on the bocce team this past Canada Games in Sydney. For the 2013 Alberta Games held in Barrhead-Westlock I was chairperson for bocce up to the day of the games, when I switched hats and was the provincial advisor. Our bocce team did not compete in zones, but had decided to run the bocce event. What a great time we had! After over 20 years of bowling, I have taken a year off from the sport and am now very involved in pickleball. Since Vivian is competing in pickleball in the Canada Games in Sherwood Park in August, I have volunteered to do refereeing. As the president of Zone 5, I know I have huge shoes to fill. Thank you to those who have confidence that I can continue the good work of our past president, Darlene Hunneman. I will work hard to increase our membership and to promote an active lifestyle for our members. As a zone we did very well in the last Alberta Games, and I know we can continue to do so. I have a great executive, area directors and coordinators to work with. I am sure they will keep me aimed in the right direction. I would like to welcome to our team a new member and our new secretary, Laurraine Ringuette, who is also from the Westlock area. I am looking forward to meeting the Alberta 55 plus Executive and the members in our zone. If anyone has any concerns or suggestions, please feel free to me at oko4@cciwireless.ca. Keep active and healthy. George Oko, Zone 5 President Renew your Membership Today! All Zones are committed to running more local events, such as Fun Games, Challenge Cups, Mini Games, Memorial Tournaments and more RENEW TODAY! George Oko 30

33 ZONE 5 Black Gold / Yellowhead Unusual Hobby Since my involvement with Alberta 55 plus, I ve always felt somewhat embarrassed that I m not like all the active members who take part in a wide variety of sports, since I only compete in Creative Writing. However, I do have one athletic-type hobby that many people find interesting. I ve owned horses since my teenage years, and along with my husband Ken, have taken part in gymkhana competitions, horse shows, and mountain trail rides. But almost 20 years ago, we switched from horses to large saddle donkeys. Most people are surprised to learn that donkeys are now being bred in the 14 to 15 hand high range, just like horses. Donkeys are much less likely than a horse or mule to buck, rear, shy, or bolt, which makes them a good choice for beginning or senior riders. They re also ideal for people who don t want to ride too often. Donkeys won t become hard to handle if they re ridden infrequently. There s no need to dread that first ride in the spring your donkey will act as if you climbed off just yesterday. For the past 18 years, I ve owned and trained Spider, a 13.2 hh gelding classified as a Large Standard donkey. As members of the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club, Spider and I have ridden in breed demonstrations at the Spruce Meadows Masters show-jumping tournament in Calgary, at the Mane Event horse expo in Red Deer, and in other area events. We ve also competed in close to a dozen donkey and mule shows at Tees Longears Days, near Lacombe. Just like a horse, Spider competes in western pleasure, trail, and gymkhana classes. We ve also gone on trail rides with our club, some of which included crossing the Battle River! (Donkeys are well known for their aversion to water.) Over the years, Ken owned two different donkeys over 14 hands, classified as Mammoths, and also rode at Spruce Meadows and Tees and on trail rides. Although I ve cut back of my riding since a hip replacement eight years ago, I hope to be able to stay in the saddle for many years to come. Donna Quick, Zone 5 Publicity Director Meet the New Secretary! Hi. I m Laurraine Ringuette, Zone 5 secretary. This position for Alberta 55 plus came as a surprise to me. I thought I was volunteering for the Westlock Golden Age Club, but when I received two phone calls from two members not from the Westlock area thanking me for agreeing to the position, I was getting suspicious! They each said, See you at the AGM held on February 11 in Villeneuve, which really got me thinking, What did I agree to? Arriving at the Happy Sixties Club at Villeneuve for the Zone 5 AGM, I discovered what I agreed to. Feeling a little nervy, I thought I d give this a good shot so here goes! I live in Pickardville, about 50 minutes NW of Edmonton, with my husband Omer. We have three children and four grandchildren. I m a retired secretary and I enjoy bowling. Omer and I also enjoy touring around Alberta in our Goldwing motorcycle. I m looking forward to new adventures with Alberta 55 plus in the years to come. 31

34 ZONE 6 Edmonton Marigold 55 plus Life After 55 Plus Goes On! Five years ago Marigold 55 plus recreation was invited to participate in a cross Canada Seniors event that would be held in Edmonton at the Rutherford Heights Retirement Residence. With much speculation and enthusiasm, several Marigold members attended and participated in a variety of activities such as: Wii Bowling, Wii Golf, Contract Bridge, Crib, Pool, Scrabble and Indoor Bocce. This event has always begun with an impressive opening ceremony that has had several distinguished guests in attendance, such as: Alberta s Minister of Health, the MLA responsible for sports and recreation in Alberta, the Mayor of Edmonton, several civic councilors and members of the City Police and Fire Departments. The entire entourage is always piped in along with the chef de mission for the week long festivities. Several exhibits were set up on site. Marigold s display was visible for the entire week with assistant scrabble co-ordinator Geneva Sopchyshyn explaining to the many residents and visitors the importance and scope of the various activities that Alberta 55 plus offers. Marigold members who attended complete with Rutherford s residents for an opportunity to win a coveted All Seniors Care Games medal. In addition, our members were dined and entertained throughout the entire week. Other organizations that cater to senior needs and interests were surprised by the magnitude of activities that are available for 55 plus citizens through our organization for such a minimal cost. Several of the exhibitors are looking forward to joining our ranks when they reach that golden 55 plus milestone. Here are the photos! Marigold 55 Plus Recreation Exhibit with Geneva Sopchyshyn in charge GOLD Contract Bridge Jessie Trottier & Pat Covington GOLD Wii Golf and BRONZE Contract Bridge Alec Kurillo Publicity Director, Clint Sopchyshyn, enjoys a happy moment with Rutherford Heights. Residents who participated in the 2014 All Seniors Care Games 32

35 ZONE 6 Edmonton Marigold 55 plus 2014 Marigold Winter Fun Games 65+ GOLD Jim Finch, Sonja Kosowan Silvia Masikewich, Jim Thomson 75+ GOLD Eric Eisner, Rose Tymko, Stan Andreschuk, Jean Cross (missing) Thank you Walt for a job well done! Walt Mollenkopf at his final shift as he retires after many years as the Co-ordinator for golf, snooker and 8-ball. A Golden Italian Moment Marigold member Lilly Szkorupa dropped in to participate in a friendly game of scrabble at the Edmonton Central Lions Senior Centre which co-hosts this weekly event at 1 p.m. on Fridays. It was during this visit when we discovered that Lilly had just returned from her world tour, which included her participation in the World Masters Games held in Turin (Torino) Italy, last August. Lilly, who has always been an excellent athlete in her pre-55 plus days, participated in the 60 plus Mixed Doubles competitive Badminton event and won gold with her Australian partner. She also received a Silver medal for the team event and a Bronze for ladies Singles and Ladies Doubles with her American partner. According to Lilly, the setting in Northern Italy was an interesting cultural experience Master Games Torino Badminton Champs (Lilly at the podium at #1 riser) 33

36 ZONE 6 Edmonton Marigold 55 plus Fun Dart Tournament The new luxurious environment of the Kingsway Legion proved to be the perfect location for the participants in the 2014 Marigold Fun Dart Tournament. Dart activity co-ordinators. Eleanor and LeRoy MacIntosh, insured that this was going to be a fun event for the veteran players and even for those who had next to no experience in the sport. After the serious throwing was done, some players had the opportunity to play some extra games in singles and doubles. In fact, one of the players had over-exerted himself so much that he had difficulty in lifting his spoon at lunch...in spite of this, a fun time was had by all! GOLD Lloyd White and SILVER Don Holtom President, Pat Covington, congratulates the winners! 70+ Ladies: GOLD Eleanor MacIntosh SILVER Dianne Androschuk 55+ Ladies, Pat presents: GOLD Ann Ogden, SILVER Louise Holtom, BRONZE Anita Nixon 70+ Mens, Pat presents: GOLD Stan Androschuk SILVER LeRoy MacIntosh BRONZE Marshall Yaremcio 34

37 ZONE 6 Edmonton Marigold 55 plus Badminton Winter Fun Games Now where did that bird go? And the Winners are... Co-ordinator Jimmy Choo managed to survive an excellent 5 hour long fun badminton tournament that was held at Queen Elizabeth High School. As the day progressed, thirty people showed off their bird smashing prowess. One of the continuing highlights of this event is the special catered lunch that the participants enjoyed. Marigold Activity Director, Carol Sievers, congratulates a pair of successful badminton players! Patrick Wong & John Lee - Badminton Champs!! A Defibrillator Can Save a Life After much discussion and debate Marigold 55 Plus recreation decided that after a health issue had occurred during the Alberta Winter Games in St. Albert, it was time to invest some of its funds for the purchase of a defibrillator that would be available for all Marigold s activities. In order to familiarize the working of this possible, lifesaving device, all activity coordinators and their assistants were given a learning session about its operation. This has enabled all those who were in attendance to see how easy it is to operate and develop confidence in being able to use it. Now that we have our defibrillator, our coordinators sign out the apparatus from the Marigold office before their activity and return it afterwards. As time necessitates it, our present coordinators and assistants, along with newly appointed ones, will have a refresher course in order to maintain a performance level of excellence when using the defibrillator if the need ever occurs. 35

38 ZONE 7 Lakeland Senior Games Association Greetings Everyone I think that as time moves on it seems to gain speed, or is it that we keep our minds more occupied? The Year 2013 has kept us all busy with Winter and Summer provincial games along with our usual schedule of events. Our hats are off to the following people: I am really grateful to Vivian Bryant who volunteered to take on the publicity chairperson s job; I am sure she will do a good job. On behalf of our zone, a big thanks goes to two retired directors who served this position for many years and did a wonderful job: Ann Lemay, Area 2 from Lac La Biche, and Pauline Kucher, Area 3 from Vilna. This year we have another retiree, our Activity Director, Eva Podlosky, who held this position for more than 20 years. Eva gained great knowledge and experience which she shares with us. We will miss her greatly. This year we will be busy with our regular events, plus our mini games are coming up, June in Bonnyville. We are hoping for 350 participants or so. Also, we re hoping that the weather will cooperate for the duration of the games. In August, some of us will take in the Canada Games which will be held in Sherwood Park. In order to take part in these Games, don t forget your Alberta 55 plus membership. Joe Ibach, Zone 7 President With Gratitude! Alberta 55 plus would like to express our gratitude to Alberta Sport Connection for our partnership in the Alberta 55 Plus Games program. 36

39 ZONE 7 Lakeland Senior Games Association Eva Podlosky Retiring Activity Director Zone 7 is sad to have Eva retiring from the position of activity director. She has given tirelessly of her time and energy for the past 25 years, being an inspiration to all seniors in Alberta. Eva constantly made an effort ensure that the members were up-to-date about all events and has actively promoted Alberta 55+ throughout Zone 7. Her volunteer work began when she joined ASCSRA in In 1995 she was elected Area Director for St. Paul. She attended the Provincial Summer Games in Three Hills in 1998 as a non-participant. Then when the Alberta Summer Senior Games were held in St. Paul in 1996, Eva was the chairperson for floor curling. She continued on to represent Zone 7 in 1999 at the Olds/Didsbury Games, where she participated in carpet bowling saw Eva take on the responsibility of Activity Director for Zone 7. She has held that position continuously from She has coordinated seven Zone 7 Mini-Games, been Provincial Advisor for the Provincial Summer and Winter Games and Provincial Technical Director. Eva is well known throughout Alberta as she has attended all the technical meetings in Red Deer for the past twelve years. Eva has worked closely with all the Area Directors in recruiting participants and organizing all zone events, provincial play-offs and many social events. Eva will be missed at these functions. We wish her well in her retirement and hope that she will be with us at the Lakeland Senior Games 2014 in Bonnyville. Renew your Membership Today! All Zones are committed to running more local events, such as Fun Games, Challenge Cups, Mini Games, Memorial Tournaments and more RENEW TODAY! 37

40 ZONE 7 Lakeland Senior Games Association Lakeland Senior Games Association News The Lakeland Senior Games Association held the Annual General Meeting February 26, 2014 in Vilna. The following are the 2014 Board of Directors, as elected at this meeting. Area 1 Ft. McMurray Mrytle Dussault Area 2 Lac La Biche Barbara Chamberlin Area 3 Vilna Susan Nay Area 4a Bonnyville Willie McGregor Area 4b Ardmore Sophie Harasimiiuk Area 4c Cold Lake Victor Ouellette Area 5a St. Paul Odette Misiewich Area 5b Elk Point Lucille Smith Area 6a Two Hills Zenovia Keryluk Area 6b Viking Peter McArthur Area 7 Vermilion Vacant Area 8 Wainwright Robert Cormach President - Joe Ibach Vice President - Victor Ouellette Past President - Marjorie Osinchuk Secretary - Linda Daniluk Treasurer - Kay Hauer Publicity/Interim Activity Director - Vivian Bryant The resignation of three directors was received at the meeting. Faye Smith, Area 5b, Elk Point is moving out of the zone. She will be replaced by Lucille Smith. Marjorie Osinchuk is retiring as Area 7 director. A new representative has not yet been found. And Eva Podlosky retired as Activity Director. We are searching for a new activity director but in the meantime, with the help of the area directors, Vivian Bryant will act as interim activity director. The Lakeland Senior Games 2014 will be held in Bonnyville June 24, 25 and 26. The participant handbook, arts & craft handbook and the registration forms are available from the area directors or on our website, These games are hosted by the Town of Bonnyville, the Municipal District of Bonnyville and the Bonnyville Senior Citizens Society. Members of the Lakeland Senior Games 2014 organizing committee are soliciting sponsorship from area businesses. 38

41 ZONE 7 Lakeland Senior Games Association Lakeland Senior Games Association News continued LSGA Retirees Fay Smith, Eva Podlosky and Marjorie Osinchuk LSGA Presentation Kaye Hauer and Joe Ibach, Lakeland Seniors Games Association presented a $5,000 cheque to Willie McGregor, Vice-Chair of the Organizing Committee, Lakeland Senior Games 2014, on December 4, 2013 Co-op Presentation Co-op Presentation Wendy Lazore, from Lakeland Co-op presenting a cheque to Willie McGregor for a Gold sponsorship of the Lakeland Senior Games 2014, which are coming to Bonnyville in June LSGA 2014 Board Back row (L-R): Lucille Smith, Bob Cormach, Willie McGregor, Vic Ouellette, Susan Ney, Peter McArthur, Linda Danilak Middle row (L-R): Vivian Bryant, Barb Chamberlain, Faye Smith, Marie Routhier, Kay Hauer, Mrytle Dussault Front row (L-R): Odette Misiewich, Sophie Harasimiuk, Joe Ibach, Marjorie Osinchuk 39

42 ZONE 8 Mighty Peace Sports and Recreation It has been a quiet winter in Zone 8 Weather and travel conditions have kept Zone 8 members close to home and has limited participation in 55plus events this winter season. We re looking forward to spring when we will feel more energized and ready for 55plus sports and activities. Please look for updates in our next Zone 8 newsletter! Sincerely, Freddi Bromling 40

43 Alberta 55 plus Members, you could WIN an ipad Air Simply request a home and/or auto insurance quote and you ll be entered for a chance to WIN! Get more with Johnson At Johnson Inc., we take pride in giving Alberta 55 plus members the personalized service they deserve. That s why when you call our friendly representatives for your home and/or auto insurance quote, you ll automatically be entered into a draw for an ipad Air. Call for your home and/or auto insurance quote to enter today. (Existing policyholders are automatically entered.) Group ID Code: CZ MORE WAYS YOU WIN WITH JOHNSON. Combine home and auto insurance and save. Alberta 55 plus members get preferred insurance rates. Earn AIR MILES reward miles with home and auto insurance. Home and auto insurance is available through Johnson Inc. a licensed insurance intermediary. Policies are primarily underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company (Unifund). Unifund and Johnson Inc. share common ownership. Eligibility requirements, limitations or exclusions may apply and/or may vary by province or territory. Auto insurance not available in BC, SK and MB. Contest runs from April 1, 2014 to July 31, No purchase necessary. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries received. Winner must correctly answer a skill-testing question. One (1) 16 GB Apple ipad Air is available to be won in the contest (approx. retail value is $400). Visit for full contest details. AIR MILES reward miles awarded only on regular home and auto insurance policies underwritten by Unifund. At the time the premium is paid, one AIR MILES reward mile is awarded for each $20 premium (including taxes). AIR MILES reward miles are not available in SK, MB or QC. Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Johnson Inc. (for Unifund). Marlin.2.14

44 Your Alberta 55 plus Board of Directors President Vernon Hafso Past President Pat Covington VP North Leona Logie VP South Doug Campbell Secretary Rosella Snopek Treasurer David Johnston Technical Director North Mary Zabolotniuk ( ) Technical Director South Caroline Anker ( ) President Zone 1 Mike Bennett ( ) President Zone 2 Doug Campbell ( ) President Zone 3 Barrie Dargie ( ) Past President Zone 4 Roz Aebig ( ) President Zone 5 George Ok ( ) Vice President Zone 6 Marshall Yaremcio ( ) President Zone 7 Joe Ibach ( ) President Zone 8 Mary Sutherland ( ) Alberta 55 plus Office Percy Page Centre Groat Road Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3K6 Diane Callan, Provincial Coordinator PLUS ( ) info@alberta55plus.ca ZONE MAP