December 2016 Edition - Message from the President · Inside this issue: Games have been cancelled, but most of those events wi Message From the President 1 Executive, Games Update,

THE GRAPEVINE December 2016

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EDMONTON MARIGOLD 55 PLUS RECREATION Zone 6, Alberta 55 plus

Inside this issue:

Message From the President 1

Executive, Games Update, Official Notice of A.G.M. Zone 6

2

Grapevine Newsletter Article Request, Publicity Opportunity

3

Coordinator Contacts 4

Activity Calendar, Marigold Office, Change of Office Hours

5

Canada Games 6

Drumheller Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games

6-12

Future of Games 12

Coordinators’ Appreciation Dinner, Defibrillator Demonstration

13

Slo-Pitch 14

Pickleball, Mary Hogg Memorial Military Whist Tournament, Duplicate Bridge

15

Euchre, Carpet Bowling 16

Creative Writing; Marigold Annual Golf Day

17-18

Fort McMurray 19

Feature Article – Coping With Aging and Loss of a Spouse

20

Updated Membership Form 21-22

Editorial – Primary Care Network 23

Back Cover 24

December 2016 Edition - Message from the President

WHOA!!!! Where has the Fall gone? Winter is fast approaching, and 2017 will soon be here!

Drumheller held the Fall Games, which were excellent – especially considering the short time they had to prepare for them! Zone 6 Marigold sent 46 participants. We received medals in 7 events, plus 2 medals in Creative Writing. You’ll find photos of participants and winners within this newsletter. CONGRATULATIONS to all!

All the Zones had to have their own banner for the Opening Ceremonies – and Zone 6’s banner really stood out – in a good way! Thank you Stan for the design!

Looking forward to 2017, unfortunately, the Alberta 55 plus Spring Games have been cancelled, but most of those events will be held in the Fall Provincials at High Prairie September 14th through 17th, 2017. The Alberta 55 plus Summer Games are undecided at this time, but we will let you all know as soon as possible.

During this time of restructuring how the Provincial Games will go forward, the Provincial Board has been working hard to get actual plans put in place, trying to liaise between Alberta Sport Connection, the Provincial Government, and the eight Alberta 55plus zones and their members. It has not been easy, and we appreciate your continued patience and understanding. Know that we are working hard to make the best of a difficult situation.

Thank you to all new members, and members renewing their membership for 2017. For your convenience, we have included an updated version of the Alberta 55plus membership form on page 21-22 of this newsletter. Print off and complete the form, and send it with your cheque to Stan Androschuk, Membership Director, whose address is at the top of the form. You can also drop it off at the Marigold office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 1:00-3:00 pm. Or you can now go online to the Alberta 55plus website and register online.

As the New Year starts, I would like to thank the Executive Members, the Coordinators and their Assistants for all the hard work over the past year. Your efforts and presence are appreciated in helping to make Zone 6 into a better Zone. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the AGM on March 22nd, 2017.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous happy and healthy New Year.

Caroline Anker, Edmonton Marigold President


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Executive

Caroline Anker 587-469-4460 President ([email protected] – att: Caroline )

Pat Covington 780-488-3676

Vice-President ([email protected] )

Marshall Yaremcio 780-434-1754 Past President ([email protected] )

Ray McMurray 780-435-6622

Treasurer ([email protected] )

Eleanore Frend 780-462-7488

Secretary ([email protected] )

Stan Androschuk 780-484-2168

Membership Director ([email protected] )

Louise Libich 780-222-6208

Activities Director ([email protected])

Bill Burton 780-444-7355

Resources Director ([email protected] )

Jessie Trottier 780-452-4917

Director at Large ([email protected] )

Marianne Gregory 780-446-8387

Director at Large [email protected]

Linda Biedrava 780-476-1245

Director at Large ([email protected] )

Marshall Yaremcio 780-434-1754 Newsletter Composition ([email protected] )

Eleanore Frend 780-462-7488

Newsletter Compilation ([email protected] )

The people listed above are the people responsible for

the direction and leadership of YOUR Edmonton

Marigold 55 plus Recreation organization. Thank you for your trust in

awarding these duties to us.

IMPORTANT NEWS

Alberta 55 plus Provincial Spring Games have been cancelled.

All events will be played in the Alberta 55plus

FALL PROVINCIALS (GAMES) on September 15, 16, 17, 2017 in HIGH PRAIRIE.

Events: Bocce, Carpet Bowling, Cribbage, Contract Bridge,

Duplicate Bridge, Euchre, Floor Curling, Floor Shuffle Board, Military Whist, Crafts & Arts, Creative Writing.

Playoff dates will be announced by the coordinator.

Alberta Sport Connection SUMMER GAMES

are yet to be determined.

Zone 6 Activities Director Louise Libich

Official Notice Edmonton Marigold 55plus Recreation – Zone 6

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017 In the Small Gymnasium at Central Lions Seniors

Association 11113-113 Street. Edmonton

Doors open at 6:30 pm; meeting begins at 7:00 pm

Reports from all Executive Members and Coordinators

Election of Executive Members

Come out to support your fellow Alberta 55plus and Zone 6 members, and to find out what’s happening with

your organization.

mailto:[email protected]




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Request for Articles for Grapevine Newsletter

Thanks to those who submitted articles to our Grapevine Newsletter – please continue to submit reports on all your events – with photos if possible. We really appreciate the articles and photos. If you see or hear of an event, or something which you think might be of interest to our members, kindly phone, e-mail, or snail-mail me or any Executive member, or drop it off at our office at Central Lions. We’d like to get that information out to our members, or into our Newsletter. Thank you.

The general response of our Edmonton Marigold members to the decision to e-mail our Grapevine newsletter has been one of gracious acceptance and generous cooperation. The Executive would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Zone 6 membership for this. We are depending on our members to keep our Membership Director Stan Androschuk updated on any change to your contact information – most importantly – your e-mail address. If you do not have e-mail access, your copy will still be sent via Canada Post.

Marshall Yaremcio, Editor

Opportunity for Volunteer(s) to Work on Publicity

We are all involved with Edmonton Marigold in some way; some are more involved than others, but together we form a strong group of like-minded people who have a lot of fun together. If you like to interact with people and enjoy good computer skills, we are looking for someone to work on Publicity – several someone’s, as a matter of fact. We are looking for new and innovative ways to publicize our events and our organization; if you think you may be that person, please get in touch with any member of our Executive, listed on the previous page. We welcome your help, and look forward to working with you.

Christmas Lights

At the time this newsletter is being put together (in late November), a lot of people have already put up their Christmas light displays. One that is a little different and worth going to see is on Edmonton’s south-side, just off 109th street between 75th and 74th avenues. Visitors are allowed into the backyard to view the expansive, always colourful and sometimes animated displays; they are only open for 5 weeks due to the expense involved. Put this on your list of ‘things to do for Christmas’!

We wish all our Marigold members a wonderful

Christmas with family and friends, and best wishes for

health and happiness in the New Year.

Caroline, Pat, Marshall, Ray, Stan, Louise, Bill, Jessie,

Marianne, Linda and Eleanore (Marigold Executive)


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Coordinator Contacts 2016 Updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 Activity Name of Coordinator Phone Number

Arts & Crafts Vacant

Athletics Arnold Nett ([email protected] )

Dwight Swane ([email protected] )

780-475-8971

780-487-4159

Badminton Jimmy Choo

Bill Burton ( [email protected] )

780-456-5405

780-444-7355

Bocce Bob Blackwood ([email protected] )

John Sievers ([email protected] )

780-473-0750

780-476-0225

Bowling (5 Pin) Caroline Anker ([email protected] )

Pat Chobater ([email protected] )

587-469-4460

780-469-0227

Bridge (Contract) Valerie Rappel (valrap16@@gmail.com )

Joan Batten ([email protected] )

780-690-1623

780-452-9547

Bridge (Duplicate) Lloyd White ([email protected] )

Louise Holtom ([email protected] )

780-436-8533

780-475-8252

Carpet Bowling Louise Libich ([email protected] )

Ann Hartwig ([email protected] )

780-222-6208

780-468-4697

Creative Writing Eleanore Frend ([email protected] )

Marshall Yaremcio ([email protected] )

780-462-7488

780-434-1754

Cribbage Bob Blackwood ([email protected] )

Delores Heck ([email protected] )

780-473-0750

587-473-2378

Cycling Harvey Ford ([email protected] )

Ilene & Richard Larson ([email protected] )

780-434-1063

780-435-6537

Darts Eleanor & LeRoy MacIntosh ([email protected] )

Lloyd White ([email protected] )

780-478-7435

780-436-8533

Euchre John & Linda Frank ([email protected] )

Linda Bird ([email protected] )

780-476-0140

780-475-1700

Floor Curling Mike & Vicky Dolynny ([email protected] )

Vacant

780-457-5036

Floor Shuffleboard Louise Libich ([email protected] )

Ann Hartwig ([email protected] )

780-222-6208

780-468-4697

Golf Ray McMurray ([email protected] )

Paul Davison ([email protected] )

780-435-6622

780-455-4110

Hockey Gordon Severin ([email protected] )

Wally Hawryschuk ([email protected] )

780-430-6827

780-437-1098

Horseshoes Richard Toma ( [email protected] )

Eric Eisner ([email protected] )

780-475-6452

780-454-0288

Ice Curling Ross Lepard ([email protected] )

Derry Ingram ([email protected] )

780-469-8169

780-466-1731

Military Whist Joyce Ruptash ([email protected] )

Delores Heck ([email protected] )

780-476-3978

587-473-2378

Pickleball Vacant

Pool (Snooker)

Pool (8-Ball)

Warren Bittorf ([email protected] )

Norm Perry ([email protected] )

780-476-8612

780-462-2529

Scrabble Clint & Geneva Sopchyshyn

Clayton Terry ([email protected] )

780-434-7133

780-483-7020

Skiing (Cross Country) Vacant

Skiing (Downhill) Larry Comfort ([email protected] )

Bob Frizzell ( [email protected] )

780-444-4917

780-907-2960

Slo-Pitch Bill Yakymyshyn ([email protected] )

John Cabaj ( [email protected] )

780-437-6598

780-717-6018

Swimming Dwight Robinson ([email protected] )

Kathleen Harper ([email protected].)

780-461-2941

780-433-5459

Table Shuffleboard Vacant

Tennis Eunice Barron ([email protected] )

Vacant

780-435-7541



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Activity Calendar

Date (2017): Activity: Venue & Contact Information:

February 17-18-19, 2017 Ice Curling Alberta 55plus Provincials

Grande Prairie (Contact Ross Lepard or Derry Ingram for more information

Friday, April 21, 2017 Euchre Tournament NWESS – John Frank – ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140; Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700

Friday, June 23, 2017 Euchre Tournament NWESS – John Frank – ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140; Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700

Friday, September 15, 2017 Euchre Tournament NWESS – John Frank – ([email protected] ) 780-476-0140; Linda Bird ([email protected] ) 780-475-1700

Regular Play as Follows: Date (2016): Activity: Venue & Contact Information:

Third Saturday of every other month (alternating with Contract Bridge)

Duplicate Bridge NWESA – Lloyd White – 780-436-8533 – [email protected]

Third Saturday of every other month (alternating with Duplicate Bridge)

Contract Bridge NWESA - Valerie Rappel – 780-651-9358- [email protected]

Fridays 1:00-4:00 pm Scrabble CLSA – Clint Sopchyshyn – 780-434-7133 or Clayton Terry at [email protected]

NWESA (North West Edmonton Senior Association – Calder – 12963-120 Street, Edmonton)

SEESA (South East Edmonton Senior Association – 7350 – 82 Street NW, Edmonton)

CLSA (Central Lions Senior Association – 11113 – 113 Street, Edmonton)

Marigold Office

Zone 6 has a permanent office at Central Lions Recreation Centre. Our address is 11113-113 Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 2V1, and our phone number is 780-454-6560.

If you have any inquiries, please contact us at the number listed above, and speak with one of our friendly volunteers, or leave a message on the answering machine. A huge THANK YOU to those members who are putting in time at our Marigold office to answer the telephone and questions, and to greet visitors. If you would like to volunteer to take a shift at our Marigold office, please phone Eleanore at 780-462-7488 or e-mail her at [email protected] , or you can call the office at 780-454-6560 and leave a message on the answering machine.

A big thank you goes to Executive Director at Large, Jessie Trottier, who acts as our friendly ‘Phone Fairy’ and calls each of our office volunteers to remind them of their assigned day. We really do appreciate getting those phone reminders, Jessie!

Change of Marigold Office Hours

And speaking of the Marigold Office, the hours that the Marigold office will be open have changed. The office will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm. We had comments from a number of our volunteers that the former hours often interfered with being able to do something else during their day to work. This way, our volunteers will be able to schedule another activity in the morning, and still be able to work in the office in the afternoon. The office will be closed during the month of December, but will re-open January 3rd. If you would like to learn more about Marigold, and would like to volunteer, you can get in touch with any member of our Executive. Thank you!

And a very special thank you to each and every one of our volunteers – our coordinators, our assistant

coordinators, executive members, event and activity helpers, and our office duty volunteers – for sharing

your time, energy, expertise, and talents. What each of us does individually may not seem to be a huge thing,

but what we do all together is truly wonderful, and makes Alberta 55plus and Edmonton Marigold great! Thank

you all!












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Congratulations to Canada Games Winners

We congratulate all Zone 6 entrants to the Canada 55 Plus Games in Brampton, Ontario in August of 2016, with special congratulations to our medal winners. As the information regarding those winners on the Canada Games website was sometimes incomplete (listing only first names for instance) we are unable to list our winners’ names. Here are the medal standings:

Province Participants Gold Silver Bronze Total

Alberta 223 63 42.5 22 127.5

British Columbia 56 15 10 7 32

Manitoba 108 25 22 505 52.5

New Brunswick 11 3 6 0 9

Northwest Territories 38 10 4 9 23

Nova Scotia 151 25 7 13 45

Ontario 519 115.5 71.5 46 233

Prince Edward Island 72 3 1 4 8

Quebec 46 0 3 5 8

Saskatchewan 154 36 21 9 66

Yukon 95 28 26 11 65

As you can see, Alberta was second only to the host province, Ontario in the number of participants, and the number of medals won, so WELL DONE ALBERTA! It really speaks to the spirit of the people who live here. If you were one of the 223 persons from Alberta who competed in the Canada Games, you should be very proud of that; and if you were one of the medal winners, you should be especially proud! Zone 6 members – you represented us in splendid fashion! Thank you all!

Drumheller Alberta 55plus Fall Games

The Drumheller Games were a ‘first’ for our Provincial Board and Zone 2 in that they were run without Alberta Sport Connection being involved. Zone 2 Executive and Members are to be commended for making a ‘last-minute decision’ to host the Games, and for doing such a good job even though they had no outside funding and very little time to organize everything. Their comment of ‘well, the tourist season will be ending by that time, thus making hotel space available – so yes, we can host the Games’ was indicative of their ‘can-do’ attitude. They immediately publicized the Games in their local newspaper, saying Alberta 55plus members were coming, and asking for volunteers. After all the negative news from our Provincial Board and Alberta Sport Connection, this was great news!

More than 460 Alberta 55plus members from all parts of Alberta travelled to Drumheller for the Games ‘on their own coin’. The Opening Ceremonies were great (despite a few flaws). The Honour Guard consisted of 80-year-olds who unfortunately had to stand for most of the Ceremony because the Emcee forgot “O Canada’ and they couldn’t leave until the National Anthem was sung. The opening walk-in with the new and colourful banners from each zone was applauded and appreciated by all the members and the Host Community. The Zone 6 banner looked terrific! Special thanks go to President Caroline Anker and Activities Director Louise Libich who were our banner carriers. A lot of the program could not be heard by the audience because of problems with their sound system. That was the only negative aspect, however! The provided lunches were really good, and were made by the Home Economics


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students at the local High School who volunteered to do it. The Opening Ceremony Supper was excellent, and for the most part, all events at the Games operated without a glitch.

Again, special thanks to Zone 2 for all their hard work putting on these Games – well done everyone! Zone 6 has sent them a letter of appreciation for their efforts, and congratulating them on their success!

Drumheller Games Zone 6 Medalists:

Congratulations to the following Zone 6 winners at the Drumheller Games:

Event & Category: Medal Achieved: Winners’ Name(s):

Carpet Bowling 70+ Silver Skip Louise Libich, Third Ann Hartwig, Second Caroline Anker, Lead Marguerite Perry

Euchre Open Pair Bronze Evelyn and Lyle Waun

Floor Shuffleboard Bronze Anna and Richard Fahrion

Scrabble 55+ Bronze Ava Ziegler

Scrabble 70+ Silver Lorette Fairfield

Snooker 55+ Gold Norm Perry

Bocce 55+ Gold Stan and Dianne Androschuk, John and Linda Frank

Pickleball 55+ Bronze Linda Dane and Wynne Shapka

Following are some photos from the Games – enjoy!


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Some Memory Photos:

Entrance to Silver Creek Golf Course

Pregame Strategy Meeting Zone 6 Members (Do you see yourself???)

Zone 6 Shuffleboard Tournament (below)


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Entry of the Competitors and the Banners:


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and, of course, Zone 6 – doesn’t it look great????

Old fashioned unisex toilet Bag lunch at Bocce

Can you spot the yellow palino? Bocce 55+ Gold Medal Winners

Wally & Lorraine Hawryschuk and

Dianne & Stan Androschuk


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A fossilized ammonite that ‘ammolite’ jewelry is made from – and it’s

only $14,000 at the Drumheller Fossil Shop!

Future 55 Plus Games

As you are all aware, the state of future 55 Plus Games is still in flux with Alberta Sport Connection withdrawing

their support (financial and otherwise) of any of the Games. As with any election of government, be it provincial

or federal, the populace has to cope with decisions made by the new government – financial and what their

priorities are, and how they influence events that affect all of us. It is hoped that by 2017 and 2018 we will have

better news regarding future Games. See the President’s Message, and page 2 for more details.

Our Provincial Board is working hard to keep the Games rolling – in some form – be it Mini Games where each

zone hosts several events, or larger efforts like the Drumheller Games. Of course, so much depends on funding,

and single zones, especially rural zones, just don’t have the funding to host large events – sometimes hosting

even downsized events becomes a hardship. With everything being in limbo, zones are struggling to make any

decisive plans, and unfortunately a lot of people have invested a whole lot of time and effort researching the

booking of venues and coordinating events only to have it be for naught because tentative plans at the Provincial

level have had to be shut down due to lack of funding. The one thing it has brought home is our realization of

how fortunate we have all been in the past to enjoy the Games as they were, and also to realize just what the

real cost of hosting the Games – in any form – can be.

The next Canada 55 Plus Games will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick in the summer of 2018. This can

be viewed as being ‘a positive’. Rest assured Members, there is a tremendous amount of hard work being done

by our Provincial Board to keep our organization strong and vibrant. They need our encouragement and

appreciation, so please express that if you are speaking with any of them. They have been placed in an

uncomfortable position, and are truly between ‘a rock and a hard place’ with disgruntled Members on one end,

and a reluctant government on the other end. Our understanding can go a long way towards lessening their

feelings of discouragement and frustration – they are doing their best with an untenable situation.

Joke: One year I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next

year, I didn’t buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift

I bought you last year!”

And that’s how the fight started……..


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Coordinators’ Appreciation Dinner

The Appreciation Dinner for our Activity Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators (and their spouse or guest) will be

held on Monday, January 16th in the Atrium at Central Lions Seniors Association. A fun evening is planned,

beginning at 5:30 pm with Dinner at 6:00 pm. These Coordinators and their Assistants contribute hundreds of

hours towards the success of Edmonton Marigold; they are hard-working, dedicated people, and are the true

heroes of our organization. We very much appreciate you and the work you do.

An appreciation dinner was held for Executive members (and their spouses) on December 12th. Our Vice

President and Social Director, Pat Covington, arranges and plans for both these appreciation dinners, and we

are indebted to her for doing such a great job. Great food, great company, great organization! Thank you so

much Pat!

Defibrillator Demonstration

At the October 31st Coordinators’ Meeting, Leanne Campbell was a guest and demonstrated how to use our

Automated External Defibrillator. Many thanks to Marianne Gregory, Director at Large on the Executive, for

arranging to have this demonstration.

Many of our newer Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators were feeling unsure of just how to use the

Defibrillator, and everyone else felt that a refresher demonstration would be of benefit. Our Automated External

Defibrillator ‘lives’ in the Marigold office at Central Lions, and is a marvellous invention. Once it is activated, it

gives step-by-step instructions of what and what not to do, and absolutely walks you through the procedure.

Leanne made an excellent presentation, and left all of us feeling more confident and at ease should the

Defibrillator ever need to be used. Our Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators are encouraged to take the

Defibrillator to all their activity events if one is not available at the venue. If this results in the saving of just one

life, it will be well worth the purchase and upkeep. Written instructions for use of the Defibrillator are available

at the Marigold office, or one can go online and search on the internet for “How to Use an Automated External

Defibrillator”. Should you ever have to make use of this device, or assist, make sure that 911 is called first thing

so that medical assistance is alerted, and arrives promptly. By working together, you might just save someone’s

life – or someone might just save your life! A sudden cardiac arrest could happen to any one of us!


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Edmonton Seniors Slo-Pitch League 2016

League registrations for 2016 were essentially the same as in 2016 – just under 400. A few started the season

but retired after a few weeks, so the number at the end of the season was 382. A total of 28 teams were formed

and placed in one of four Divisions depending on players’ wishes and/or ability. Each team had between 13 and

15 players. In the top Division the players entered as a team, and in the other three Divisions the players were

drafted onto a team or were assigned to a team. Intent is to balance the teams and keep the teams in a given

Division competitive. All team members who show up for a game are placed in the batting line up. In three of

the Divisions, 10 defensive players are in the field, and in one Division 11 defensive players are permitted.

Defensive players are freely rotated after every inning to give all an equal opportunity to play.

League play starts in early May (weather permitting) and continues into early September. Teams play two games

per week – best efforts are made to reschedule rainouts, but that is not always manageable due to time restraints.

Diamonds are ours exclusively Monday to Thursday evenings, but the City (this is a City Park) reserves the right

to rent the Diamonds out to others for other times unless we make a prior request for Diamond time.

In 2016 a Day League was initiated. Players showed up every Wednesday at about 10:30 am, were placed on

a team and played two games. Normally about 25 players showed up, which was just right for two teams. The

effort was well received and will be continued next year. Players paid a small fee to cover additional costs.

In late 2014 ESSPA started work to

upgrade the last (4th) of the Diamonds

located at Airways Park. Most of

Diamond 2 work was completed in 2015,

and in 2016 the patio at Ulmer House

was extended with a covering roof. In

2017 the parking lot will be extended and

housing for our equipment (grass

cutters, Gators, etc.) will be provided.

The total cost for this four-year project

will be $570,000 of which $140,000 are City Grants, $75,000 are Provincial (2014) Grants, and the balance of

$355,000 are ESSPA Funds (8 years of Casino work). ESSPA showed their appreciation for all the hours of

volunteer help that was provided by the members to keep the costs in line at the year end banquet held on the

patio under the new roof.

Even though ESSPA is a

50+ League, most of the

players are over 55 and

there are quite a number

of players in their late 80's.

Slo-Pitch is a fun game

where you get to make a

lot of friends. The score is

one thing, but the

camaraderie after the

game is the best part.

ESSPA has room for at

least four more teams.

Bill Yakymyshyn, Slo-Pitch Coordinator

Rollie Ulmer House

Diamond #2


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Pickleball Update

The Lexus South Pointe Winter Classic second annual Indoor Pickleball Tournament (St. Francis Xavier Sports

Centre – 9240-163 Street) occurs January 6-7-8, 2017. Competition includes Women’s, Men’s, and Mixed

Doubles, and is Double Elimination. Registration opened November 1st, and closes December 16th. The first

event is $30, and the second another $10. New players and spectators are all welcome.

On Tuesday, October 24th CLSA Pickleball Club held an

open tournament to all clubs. It was a difficult format where

you played with different partners, but your score was

yours; a total of 6 games each were played. It took on a

note of pomp and circumstance as all players and

volunteers were bagpiped from the atrium down the hall,

and then into the gym. Six Marigold members participated

and the event was open to all clubs. The competition was

limited to 40 people.

Mary Hogg Memorial Military Whist Tournament

The Mary Hogg Memorial Military Whist Tournament was held at North West Edmonton Seniors on September

23rd, with 15 tables of 4 players.

Winning first place with 23 flags was the team of Don and Louise Holtom, Barb

Groenink and Gloria Zielinski. Second place with 18 flags was the team of

Dorothy May, Evelyn Waun, Sandra Ward and Joyce Ruptash. The cute little

skunks with the furry tails were won with 3 flags by Ed and Linda Biedrava,

Charlie Sams and Maude Purdy.

We had a nice lunch and we all had a good time with lots of cards – 30 games

in all. Everybody visited with old friends, and some new ones in between

games. We hold this event yearly in the Fall. Many thanks to Delores Heck

for all her help – allowing me to play.

Joyce Ruptash, Military Whist Coordinator

Editor’s Note: Yes, that’s our Joyce (to the right) – one of the cutest little witches ever! We invited our

Coordinators to come in costume to our October 31st Coordinators’ Meeting, and Joyce good-naturedly complied

– complete with broom!

Duplicate Bridge

A Duplicate Bridge tournament was played Saturday, October 15th with the following results:

First place – Louise and Don Holtom

Second place – Two teams tied – Clayton Terry and Pat Ferguson, and Ken Mortensen and Lloyd White

The next Duplicate Bridge event will be held Saturday, December 17th, 2016 at the North West Edmonton Seniors

Society (12963-120 Street); competition begins at 12:30 pm, and doors open at noon.

The schedule for 2017 is: (all Saturdays) – February 18th, April 15th, June 17th, October 21st, and December

16th, 2017. Come on out and enjoy some Duplicate Bridge, and have a great time!

Lloyd White, Duplicate Bridge Coordinator


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Euchre Playoff

The Marigold 55 Plus Fall (Drumheller) Games playoff for Euchre was held at

Central Lions on July 15th. After making numerous phone calls, there were 5 teams

entered. Following the Euchre official rules, we played a round robin format. After

completion of the round robin, there were three teams with 3 wins each. Under the

second tie-breaker, each team had one loss to another of the top 3 teams. The

third tie-breaker was total points earned.

First place was awarded to Lloyd White and Ken Mortenson with 38 points. Second

place was awarded to Lyle and Evelyn Waun with 37 points. Joyce Ruptash and

Linda Benediktson won third place with 35 points. Congratulations to Lyle and

Evelyn who ultimately won bronze in Pairs Open at the Drumheller Games!

We had the room from noon until 4:00 pm, and refreshments were served throughout the afternoon. We used

our extra time for some fun games, and waited for the big hail and rain storm to subside before we went home.

John Frank, Euchre Coordinator

Marigold Carpet Bowling Invitational Fun

On Saturday, November 26th we hosted an invitational Carpet Bowling Fun Game at SEESA. We had 8 teams

– 3 from Fort Saskatchewan, 3 from NWESSA and 2 teams from SEESA.

We started the day off with coffee and goodies (muffins and sweet bread). There was a 50/50 which was sold

by Joyce Simunkovic and Phyl Jacuala. We started shortly after 9:00 am, and Louise welcomed everyone and

read out the rules. We had a 15 minute break in between games. After the two games were played, we had

lunch – pizza from Papa John’s, which was very good, with cheesecake for dessert. We continued on with the

third game and then the fourth. Many thanks to Caroline Anker and Ann Hartwig for helping out with everything.

The 50/50 was won by Sharon Johnson.

Winners of the Carpet Bowling were:

Third Place: Ed Doucet from NESSA

Second Place: Louise Libich from SEESA

First Place: Willy Sayers from NESSA

Louise thanked everyone for coming out and enjoying the day, and for helping put everything away at the end

of the day. It means a lot when everyone gives a hand in the cleaning up.

Louise Libich, Coordinator Carpet Bowling

An Alberta Sunset Unique Fence near Turner Valley


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Creative Writing

Creative Writing was one of the events held at the Drumheller Games in August, and a competition was hastily

organized in May and June with a deadline for entries of July 1st, 2016. Thirteen brave people sent in their

entries and results of the playoff were as follows:

Category Placement Entry Title Entrant Name

Non-Fiction Humorous

First The Round Square John White

Second Food for the Soul Eleanore Frend

Third Colonel Agnes Schmidt

Honourable Mention Rest and Relaxation Yukon Style Marshall Yaremcio

Non-Fiction Serious

First Final Freedom Jean Crozier

Second The Owl Agnes Schmidt

Fiction First Peace and War and Peace John White

Poetry First The Never-Ending Job Eleanore Frend

Second Giving John White

Third My Girl Dee Boscher

Honourable Mention Fire Marshall Yaremcio

Honourable Mention Nobody Sees Her Betty Nordin

Honourable Mention Timeless Love Eric Swanson

Four of our writers became Alberta 55plus members in order to enter, and we are happy that they did.

Coordinator Marshall Yaremcio organized a friendly luncheon with the Creative Writing Club at the downtown

Churchill Manor on November 10th. We would like to thank the Lifestyle Consultant for Churchill Manor (Ashley)

for coordinating everything with Marshall, and thanks to Marshall for coming up with this great outreach idea.

We had a lovely luncheon, and got to know each other better – this was the first time that many of us had met.

After lunch, we joined the Churchill Manor writers in the theatre, where Marigold writers read aloud their entries

from the Zone 6 competition. It was also a first-time experience for many of our writers of reading their material

aloud to others, and by and large, it was a positive experience, and the creative writers from Churchill Manor

were most appreciative of their efforts. Our Marigold writers were given Memory Books including copies of

everyone’s entries as a keepsake, as well as certificates and pens. Keep up the writing everyone!

The entries of the winners from our local competition were forwarded on to the Drumheller Games, and we are

delighted to announce that John White won bronze in the Poetry category for his poem ‘Giving’, and Jean

Crozier won silver in the Non-Fiction Serious category for her composition ‘Final Freedom’. By the way, both

John and Jean are new Marigold members! Well done!

From left to right, Jean Crozier, John White, Dee Boscher,

Marshall Yaremcio, Eleanore Frend and Betty Nordin


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Dee Boscher wrote the following poem ‘My Girl’ about her beloved pet dog, and the poem ‘Fire’ written by

Marshall Yaremcio was inspired by the horrendous fire that swept Fort McMurray earlier this year. Enjoy!

My Girl

(Third Place – Dee Boscher)

I love her with all my heart, never thought we’d be apart

We were younger when we met, then grew older, to my regret

The year’s they seemed to go so slow but then so fast, I didn’t know

Everyday together, we spent till nightfall upon waking together, the best of all

Through the good and bad she stayed by my side

she was the best friend I ever had Our love it grew, our bond so deep

to look into each other’s eyes and see to treasure every moment, each day we’d keep

Close to my heart she will always be because the love of my life she is free

Do I while in my grief regret a minute, hour or day?

Feeling this pain, hoping it will go away? Who can regret being loved so well, if I could write, what a story I’d tell.

Fire

Neither a path, nor a road Only fire and smoke Wherever we look, we see Not our home but burning land

Honourable Mention – Marshall Yaremcio

Marigold Annual Golf Day

Tuesday, May 30th, 2017

Raven Crest Golf Course

This will be a Combination Event

Qualification for Provincial Playoffs

(subject to Alberta 55 playoff event notice)

A Fun Golf Day in the Sun 8:30 am Shotgun with Cart and Lunch

Entry Fee - $45.00 Coordinator – Ray McMurray

(E-mail) [email protected]



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Edmonton Marigold Donation to Fort

McMurray Relief Fund

And speaking of the Fort McMurray fire, our hearts went

out to the more than 80,000 individuals who had their

lives turned upside down by the fire that ravaged that

city and surrounding area. Over 2,400 homes and

buildings were destroyed forcing residents to flee their

homes and businesses. Many left behind everything,

uncertain and fearful of what the future held.

Edmonton opened many centres, facilities, and homes,

as well as hearts and wallets to help. Other communities

in Alberta did the same thing, as Canadians worked

together to alleviate the losses and trauma experienced

by the people of Fort McMurray. The residents will be

recovering for some time to come, and some will always

suffer the residual effects of being uprooted and having

their lives outside the realm of their own control. All

those affected – whether they were victims, or fire

fighters, or among the hundreds of people who helped –

they were all included in our prayers!

The Canadian Red Cross offers these following

statistics:

$84 million + In direct cash assistance through direct deposits, cash cards, cheques and money grams

90,000 + Emergency items distributed including clean up kits, after fire kits and hot meals

37,600 + Individuals checked-in with the Red Cross to receive further support after returning home

9,400 + Plane and bus tickets helped people return home

903 + Families provided a hotel room after returning home to Fort McMurray

107,000 + Calls received or placed from 13 call centres helped people receive assistance

2,630 + Red Cross personnel contributing 174,860 + hours helping those in need

$104 million Matching funds thanks to the Government of Canada

$30 million Matching funds thanks to the Government of Alberta

$299 million Grand total to date

Edmonton Marigold wanted to help too, and upon the suggestion of one of our Executive members, donated

$500 to the Red Cross Relief Fund; this became a part of the fund that was matched by the provincial and

federal governments. We received a letter of appreciation from Ronan Ryan, the Head of Emergency

Fundraising of the Red Cross, as well as an official thank you certificate which is on display in our display case

at Central Lions, and is pictured above.

On the next page you will find our updated Alberta 55plus Registration Form. You can print off this page and

complete it, and send it along with your $30 fee to Stan Androschuk at the indicated address. Or you can now

register online at http://www.alberta55plus.ca/ - it’s nearly the end of the year, and it’s time to renew your

membership. Please don’t wait until the last moment, or until a competition you want to enter, to renew!

http://www.alberta55plus.ca/


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Feature Article

Coping With Aging and the Loss of a Spouse

An editorial written by Marigold Director at Large Marianne Gregory:

Alberta's population, like the rest of Canada's, is aging. By 2031 it is projected there will be more than 923,000

seniors. With an aging population comes loss and the stress scale tells us that the death of a spouse is the most

stressful and traumatic experience that a person can endure. After going through the grieving process and

coping with the loss of a life partner, many widows and widowers experience intense loneliness. People who

lose a spouse often experience waves of emotion separated by periods of feeling relatively normal. With time,

the waves become less extreme and less frequent until the widow or widower feels ready to engage.

While it is normal to feel lonely after a spouse's death, it is also important to take steps to avoid isolation and

reclaim your happiness. There are many ways to get involved:

In activities and hobbies. Reintroduce yourself to groups and hobbies that you participated in before your spouse died. Or try something new – be adventurous. Clubs, organizations, and senior centers exist for almost any activity imaginable and in every quadrant of the city. Do an internet search – if you're not computer literate, fix that! To find people in your area who share your interests, you might check out www.meetup.com. Take classes in subjects you know little about. Enroll in a cooking class if you lost the person that cooked for you – another great way to make new friends and also learn to cook well for yourself. Choose activities that are social in nature – sitting alone reading a book or brooding is not the best way to ward off loneliness.

Volunteer! One of the most positive ways to cope with the loss of a spouse is to do things to help others. Donate some time to a local soup kitchen; become a mentor, help your favourite charity with fundraising events, devote time to your church or spend some time at a pet shelter walking dogs. Giving back is a positive act that will have a lasting impact on the lives of others while helping you become involved and meet new people.

Travel! Visit new places with tour groups, an excellent way to have new and enjoyable experiences and a fun way to share an adventure. All arrangements are handled for you and there is a tour leader on hand to provide advice and help if needed. Become a Go Solo Traveller – Go Solo regularly has socials where you can meet other like-minded travellers and hear more about upcoming trips. Find out more about the trips and socials on AMA's website – several tours have waived the up-charge for singles to make it more affordable. There are several other solo travel options available – check online. Women Travelling Together and Women with Wings Travel also offer a variety of tours for women of all ages.

Start dating – if you're interested and if you're ready. Once you feel your heart is open to loving again, ease back into the dating scene. Although you may not be interested in marriage again, look at it as a way to have fun and meet new people. Consider it as a bonus if you meet someone you're interested in dating. Try your hand online – the official site for online dating is Senior People Meet.

Be proactive and commit to finding positive ways to avoid loneliness. Be sure to keep old friends, but construct a circle of new friends. Spend time with people who see the world as you do, and who offer you encouragement and new ideas. Having the time and money to pursue various activities does help, as does the realization that life's pleasures should not end with the death of a spouse. While you never forget your loss, it is vital to begin life again with a new twist – as a single person.

If you would like to write an article on something that interests you, and you think other members might find

interesting, please submit it to Marshall Yaremcio, Editor – by e-mail at [email protected] or phone at 780-

434-1754, or drop it off at the Marigold office in an envelope marked ‘Marshall Yaremcio – Grapevine’.

http://www.meetup.com/



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Editorial – Primary Care Network – Marshall Yaremcio

I was in our Marigold office the other day when one of our members came in for a visit. As we talked, he seemed

concerned about his, and his wife’s, medical problems – if something should happen to either one of them at

home or away. I asked him if he had his pertinent information available and accessible – such as their medical

conditions, medications, doctor’s name and contact information, next of kin contact information, copies of DNR

(Do Not Resuscitate) order and Power of Attorney. Would people know where to look for a copy of their wills?

Did they even have wills made out? If an ambulance was called because of a medical emergency for either of

them, would the EMTs be able to get all this information?

He answered that they didn’t have any of those things at the ready. I asked them, “Why not? Aren’t you both in

your 80’s?”

I explained that when paramedics are called in a medical emergency, the first place they look is on the front of

your refrigerator for this information, because it is essential for your speedy diagnosis and treatment. Then I

gave him a pamphlet on the Primary Care Network. At our Annual General Meeting in March of this year, our

guest speaker was Brendan King, a representative of the Primary Care Network. He had given us a supply of

pamphlets for handout. The pamphlet gives simple direction on how to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney,

your will, a Personal Directive, organizing pertinent information, and resource contacts to help you. Their team

includes personnel such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, behavioural health consultants, dietitians, respiratory

therapists, health-aging nurses and many others. They put on workshops to walk you through things step-by-

step. The cost of these services has been kept low – and will end up costing you much less by being prepared

instead of trying to cope should the unthinkable happen, and your spouse is left to make decisions in a hurry.

And all these services are housed within the same building. They will also help you to find a new doctor should

you be in need of a family doctor.

What I am trying to say, members, is that we are aging faster than we want to admit!

Don’t wait any longer to put these simple steps into effect to take control of your future.

If you have not planned for any of the things mentioned above – if you need help – call

these people to participate in a workshop. Know what? The workshops are free, and

it’s all legal and above board. To book yourself into a workshop, or get an appointment,

or just to get information, phone 780-395-2626, and press ‘0’ for information. Their address is #100, 3110

Calgary Trail for the Southside office. You can go online to www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca. Don’t delay –

check it out today!

My wife Yvonne and I just completed a workshop, and we found it to be very informative – and we now have

peace of mind that ‘things are in place’. Our pertinent information is in a plastic envelope and secured to the

front of our refrigerator. We feel more comfortable that we are both aware of where our important personal

papers are, and we feel prepared should any emergency arise. Some people rely on faith to meet their wishes

for the future. Faith always plays a part, and is important, but nothing beats a good ‘old-fashioned contract with

yourself’ – a will! If you haven’t already done so, take in an Estate Planning information workshop – many are

available. After all, we know not the day nor the hour!

Lovely Autumn in Edmonton Take a trip on the Trolley! Getting ready for winter!

http://www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca/


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Return Address:

Edmonton Marigold 55+ Recreation

11113 – 113 Street Edmonton AB T5G 2V1

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Documents

December 2016 Edition - Message from the President · Inside this issue: Games have been cancelled, but most of those events wi Message From the President 1 Executive, Games Update,