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Esso Resources Annuitant Club Publisher Rick Trow Editor Diane Cook
February 2015
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 2
OFFICERS AND
CHAIRPERSONS
JUNE 1, 2014 - MAY 31, 2015
EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT Rick Wards 282 1486
1st VICE PRESIDENT Howard Gallimore 242 8181
TREASURER Doug Goebel 554 7455
SECRETARY Rosemary Kry 259 2951
PAST PRESIDENT Al Davis 254 0489
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Randy Ottenbreit 251 4104 Rick Kry 259 2951
Rick Trow 874 8769 Ian Walker 258 0912
Luise Merk 257 1900 Don Schaef 966 6361
STANDING COMMITTEES Auditor Peter Ramsay 256 6429
Membership Rick Kry 259 2951
Nominating Al Davis 254 0489
Newsletter Diane Cook (Editor) 285 9603
Rick Trow (Publisher) 874 8769
Outreach Dorothy Kaethler 278 9982
Joan Johnston 271 2087
United Way Rick Trow 874 8769
VIP Program Al Davis 254 0489
Visitation Dorothy Kaethler 278 9982
Cliff Kippen 238 1819
ACTIVITY COMMITTEES Arts & Crafts Angela Wards 282 1486
Bowling Peter Perry 270 0704
Bridge Linda Boyer 271 8032
Community Care Peter Baltais n/a
CC Skiing Don Schaef 966 6361
Curling Dennis Heacock 241 6492
Dinner Theatre Christa Schaper 281 9699
Fall Ball Al Davis 254 0489
Rick Wards 282 1486
Garden Club Helen Mandry 281 6841
Golf Andy Strilchuk 281 1176
Hiking Sue Deyell 851 0443
Horseshoes Ken Gemmell 246 2898
Lawn Bowling Jean Abbott 281 6593
Photography Derek McClure 770 0246
Reindeer Romp Luise Merk 257 1900
Spring Lunch/AGM Al Davis 254 0489
Spring BBQ Rod Smyth 246 4764
Summer BBQ Rick Wards 282 1486
Tech. Club Rene Bialek 247 0946
Tent - Trailer Diane & Nick Weyland 938 1446
Travelogue Richard Sawka 239 1930
Wine Appreciation Dwain Weckman 239 2394
Woodworking Rick Kruse 938 5407
IMPERIAL OIL’S VIP PROGRAM
pays up to $1000 a year to charitable and
non-profit associations supported by
employee and annuitant volunteers.
For details of the program access the
web-site www.imperialoil.ca,
then search for VIP Program
and follow the links.
If you have any difficulty obtaining the
application form please call
Al Davis at (403) 254-0489
ANNUITANT CONTACTS
CONTACT RICK KRY
(see Membership article) to report a
change in name, address, telephone number
or marital status, AND
CALL the IMPERIAL OIL ANNUITANT
HELP LINE - TORONTO
Toll Free at: 1-800-387 0621
to report changes in the above
or 1 866 769 8524
for info regarding benefit forms,
medical cards, medical/insurance coverage,
pensions or any other concerns.
In addition to calling the Helpline, changes to
address and bank accounts may be made by
accessing Managing Your Benefits web portal
on www.iolemcbenefits.ca
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE March 14, 2015 for April Issue
Email articles and images to:
Diane Cook
Phone: (403) 285-9603
Email: [email protected]
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Rick Wards—(403) 282-1486
The year 2015 promises to be another exciting year that will see a few changes to our key ERAC events. At our January meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed the past two fall events — the Fall Dinner and Dance held in October and the Reindeer Romp held in December. Despite a steady increase in ERAC membership, attendance for these events has been on the wane for the past several years. As our main objective is to stage a pre-winter social event that is accessi-ble and attractive to the widest possible range of members, the Board decided to consolidate these two events into a single ―new‖ event that will be held around mid November. Luise Merk, Rick Trow, and I will begin working in February on the format, date, and location and your com-ments and suggestions would be gratefully appreciated. Please feel free to contact or talk to any one of us.
Our Annual Spring Luncheon & Annual General Meeting will be just a little over three months away by the time you read this newsletter. Please take note of the change in venue for this year’s meeting to the Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre. The Arts & Craft Show has been a highlight of the AGM for many years and it's open to all ERAC members to show off your artistic creations.
Gordon Holland and Roy Millar have been instrumental in organizing this show and both de-serve a very big thank you. Regrettably, both Gordon and Roy have decided that it is time to pass on their responsibilities and we are eager for individuals to come forward to step into their shoes. Angela Wards has graciously offered to coordinate organizing the upcoming show but additional help will be needed for the show to proceed. For more details on how you can help out please have a look at the Arts & Crafts Show article in this newsletter.
Angela and I are looking forward to many exciting activities in 2015. We hope you are too! Rick
UNITED WAY ANNUITANT 2014-2015 CAMPAIGN
As we wrap up our 2014 Campaign, a big "thank you" to everyone who contributed! Esso an-nuitants contributed $262,905 to the cause. There is always need in our community and it's never too late to make a contribution. Please contact Rick Trow at (403) 874-8769 or [email protected] for information on how to contribute to the 2015 United Way Campaign.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 4
Thank you to the November newslet-
ter stuffers! We had a couple of new people out this time, and for a change, Jim Couzens actually helped as op-posed to what he normally does -- eat his bacon and eggs while watching us work! lol Thanks to Jim Couzens, Ed Bollinger, Gabriela Diaz de Trow, Peter & Claire Baltais, Len Watts and Glenn Hammerlindl.
We are ready to visit club members who are in
Care Facilities, Seniors Homes, or in their own home but are unable to
come out to our club functions anymore! We do short visits several times
a year and that enables us to keep in touch!
We may even tell some stories or jokes! We would like to hear from you.
Give us a call. Dorothy Kaethler 403 278 9982 Cliff Kippen 403 238 1819 Dave Ellerington 403 851 1474
(Dave will do the Cochrane area)
Visitation
The Esso Resources Annuitant
Club extends sympathy to the
family and friends of our late
colleagues:
Grant Abbott - sympa-
thy extended to wife Jean and family
(Bill, Susan, and Carter)
Sympathy was also extended to :
John and Pat Burns on the death of their son Rob (October 7, 2014)
Bill and Mary Pick on the death of
their daughter-in-law Arlene Pick (September 10, 2014)
Shirley and Clarence Triffo on the
death of Shirley's brother Denis Mac-Dougall (December 23, 2014)
Hank Heerema on the death of his
brother Mark, in Ontario (January 5,
2015)
OUTREACH
Dorothy Kaethler (403) 278-9982
Joan Johnston (403) 271-2087
Please note….
The deaths of all Imperial Oil Annuitants who
have died during the past year are now
recognized by a listing on our Esso Website.
Click on the “In Memory” button to access the
list from hhtp://essoannuitants.ca.
Esso Resources
Annuitant Web Site
http://www.essoannuitants.ca
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 5
Our annual Horseshoe Tournament was held at the indoor Calgary Horseshoe Club on Novem-
ber 5. Twenty-four players participated -- two person teams each playing four games. It was a fun
afternoon and an enjoyable tournament. Prize winning teams were: Bob Craswell/Brenda Hurst,
Percy Williamson/Peter Perry, Norm Lussier/John Lentech, Clarence Triffo/Ray Thomas, Dan
Vescarelli/Cliff Kippen, Dennis Heacock/Marlene Heacock
HORSESHOE CLUB
WINE APPRECIATION CLUB
Dwain Weckman—(403) 239-2394
From the feedback that was received, the Christmas Cheer event on December 2 was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Santa came early, in the form of Merv Wallace, who generously paid for everyone’s event fee for the evening – thanks again Merv! The Pineau des Charentes fortified wine was a special treat that paired very well with the Christmas baking that was provided by many of the club members. Upcoming tasting events include California Wines on February 3; Member’s Choice on March 3; and Blind Tasting on April 7. In addition, the Club is planning an Okanagan Winery Tour from April 27 to 30 this year, which includes two full days of visiting wineries in the Penticton and sur-rounding areas. Please contact Hugh Brown for more information about this bus trip and to let him know if you are interested in participating. Our final event of the year will be the May Gala Dinner on May 5 at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club.
New members are always welcome. Information about the Wine Appreciation Club activities
and registration for events can be found on the ERAC web site or you can call our registrar, Luise
Merk at (403) 257-1900.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 6
On December 3, the Reindeer Romp was once again held at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre with 65 guests attending. Although the attendance was low again this year, those that came had a fun filled afternoon of visiting and laughter with lots of food and good cheer.
Unfortunately, neither Marie Blackburn nor Joey Bleviss from the Veterans Food Bank/Poppy
Fund were able to attend the Reindeer Romp this year. So arrangements were made to have the generous donations of food picked up the day after our event. Proceeds from the raffle ($190.00) as well as the donation box ($727.00) were delivered to the Poppy Fund by Rick Wards.
The winners of the prizes were: Olive Morrow (Costco gift basket & bottle of wine); Garry
Strong (Costco gift basket & bottle of wine); and Peter Baltais (Bowring gift basket and bottle of wine).
Many thanks to Sue Deyell and Avril Roberts for looking after the registration desk; Derek and
Maureen McClure for creating the raffle tickets; Cec and Avis Huffman for selling the raffle tickets; Jim Deyell for helping with the draws; and Maureen Cook for all the email notices and reminders.
Additional pictures from the 2014 Reindeer Romp can be found on the ERAC web site.
REINDEER ROMP!
Luise Merk—(403) 257-1900
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 7
COMMUNITY CARE
Peter Baltais— [email protected]
The Community Care group members enjoy socializing with other ERAC members and their friends while supporting our community. In two years, the group has grown to over 70 volun-teers. Over 1,100 hours of community service were provided in 2014 and 652 hours of com-munity service were provided in 2013.
Responding to member demands, we are adding additional events in 2015. After extensive research, Jennie Wolter has arranged for the group to provide vital support to kitchen staff at the Drop In Centre each month. We will also have multiple shifts at the Food Bank during months when additional support is needed. Community Care group activities are listed in the calendar on ERAC’s web site.
Everyone is welcome to join the Community Care group. There are no participant evalua-
tions or long term commitments. You will receive invitations and can participate at events that
fit your interest and schedule. Be ready to have an enjoyable time with a great bunch of peo-
ple, while feeling good for helping in our community!
CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Rick Kry - (403) 259-2951 or [email protected]
38 Spokane Street SW, Calgary, AB T2W 0M5
We welcome the following new members to the ERAC and look forward to meeting you at up-coming club activities and functions:
Sue & Michael Trefry Dave Dudus
Chris Wilks Barb & Joe Lazowski
Aldous & Vivian Wong Sandra Andrais
Ted & Lee Boos
We now have 1,043 members which includes 946 annuitants and spouses, 37 associates and spouses, and 60 Lifetime/Honorary members.
Membership is currently $10/person, $20/couple for annuitants or $60/person, and $120/couple
for associates. Cheques should be made payable to: "Esso Resources Annuitant Club" and mailed to me. You can also pay me at functions where I'm in attendance. People are now using email money transfers which is a very fast and convenient way to pay membership dues.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 8
BRIDGE CLUB
Linda Boyer - (403) 271-8032
The Bridge Club Christmas lunch was held on December 11 at the Garrison Curling Club. Twenty-six members enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and dessert. Mmmm!
We started our 2015 season on January 8. We'll be playing every Thursday at 10:00 am.
Days that will be duplicate bridge are: February 5 and 26, March 19, and April 9 and 30. All other Thursdays will be regular bridge. We hope to see you at the bridge table!
HIKING CLUB
Greg Thurn—(403) 809-4051
The Hiking Club is on hiatus until the spring but we've been busy working on the hiking schedule for 2015.
The trail planners (Janet Barker, Sue Costello, Don Hersak, and Ken Johnson) have developed a draft
schedule which is posted on the ERAC web site. Tim Hawkins will be organizing a trip out to the Drum-
heller area in June.
Although regular hikes won’t start until May, we did have the 16th Annual New Year’s Day hike with 23
club members participating. We celebrated the first day of 2015 enjoying some of the best winter condi-
tions that anyone could remember. Thanks to Kevin Meaney for this picture of the happy group at the sum-
mit of Prairie Mountain.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 9
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Derek McClure—(403) 770-0246
The Photo Club continued its successful Photo Walk theme with a second walk at the Centen-nial Golf Course to enjoy the annual Christmas lights there. We reviewed our photos of the lights at the January meeting and the best photos are available on the ERAC web site.
Also at our January meeting, Tim Hawkins gave us a demonstration on how to set up studio
lighting for portraits. The indoor theme continues in our next meeting on February 11, as we bring our cameras to practice portrait photography on each other.
If the weather cooperates and the snow lingers, we'll also venture outdoors for another Photo
Walk sometime during the week of January 26. The subject will be Winter Scenery. The exact date of the walk will be announced with an Evite notice. If you’re interested in joining us, send an email to the coordinator at [email protected] to get your name on the Evite list.
We've had two meetings at our new location in the Lakeview Community Association Field-house and we're enjoying the extra space that it gives us. If you’ve attended other ERAC func-tions at Lakeview and are coming to a Photo Club meeting for the first time, remember that the Fieldhouse is behind the Community Hall.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 10
CURLING CLUB NEWS
Dennis Heacock - (403) 241-6492
Curling at the North Hill Curling Club started the 2015 spring half on January 13.
In the first half curling, Gerry St. Onge, John Wither, Ron Kishlewich, and Darlene Simmons ended up
in first place followed closely by Larry Inaba, Bob Steele, Joe Peterson, and Debbie Mann. It was a closely
contested session with the top four team separated by 4 points.
First Place Team: John Wither, Darlene Simmons and Second Place Team: Joe Peterson, Debbie Mann,
Gerry St. Onge, missing is Ron Kistlewich Larry Inaba and Bob Steele
Starting the week of January 14th, all the teams have be realigned and the second half has begun.
On Saturday February 7, we'll be participating in our 14th consecutive curling bonspiel in High River
with the Esso seniors playing against the High River seniors. It's a fun day with each team playing two five-
end games followed by a luncheon and prizes being awarded to the winning teams.
If you're interested in joining the Curling Club this season or next season, please contact Dennis Hea-
cock. We're always on the lookout for spares who want to get involved in this fun sport!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 11
TECH CLUB
Rene Bialek—(403) 247-0946
On November 26, we toured All Seasons Mushroom Farm near Crossfield. Our tour guides gave a very detailed and enjoyable description of mushroom farming. We entered the various rooms where mushroom were in various stages of growth.
On December 17, Enmax gave a presentation on solar power and showed a roof top solar power instal-
lation. On January 21, we met for a delicious lunch at SAIT followed by a tour of SAIT’s commercial kitchen
training facilities. On February 18, we plan to tour Canada Olympic Park. The tour will include the bobsled facilities in-
cluding the refrigeration system and the new and old snow making facilities. On March 18, we plan to tour the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health. This facility is part of the
University of Calgary and home to world-leaders in the area of bone and joint health research. The lab houses state-of-the-art equipment.
A social gathering is being planned for April. We're also working towards an information session on
travel insurance for seniors for the first week of May. The ERAC has purchased a Sony sound system to amplify tour guide presentations. This system is
available to all ERAC clubs. For further information, please contact Malcolm Cullen who has volunteered
to manage this system.
Upcoming Events Calendar!
Feb. 3 Wine Appreciation Club Mar. 3 Wine Appreciation Club - California Wines - Member’s Choice Feb. 7 Curling Club Mar. 11 Travelogue - 14th Annual Bonspiel - The Lands of the Bible Feb. 11 Photography Club Mar. 18 Tech Club - Portrait Photography - Tour of the McCaig Institute Feb. 18 Tech Club Mar. 18 Stage West Dinner Theatre - Tour of Canada Olympic Park - And Then, the Lights Went Out! Feb. 24 XC & SS Club Mar. 25 Woodworkers Club & 25 - Overnight trip - Wood Carving Feb. 25 Woodworkers Club - Tour of New & Used Tool Store
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 12
WOODWORKERS CLUB
Rick Kruse - (403) 938-5407
In November, members of the Woodworkers Club attended the Introduction to Wood Turning presenta-tion and demonstration put on by Terry Goldbeck at Black Forest Wood training room. Terry is a master wood turner and instructor. The three hour session included information on basic safety tips, different turn-ing tools, and sharpening of turning tools. Terry then demonstrated the methods of attaching work using a spur and a chuck, with all of the science behind it. Terry turned a goblet and a bowl while demonstrating all of the different tools and techniques to use them. We all came away with a new found knowledge and appreciation of wood grain and of turning it properly.
Upcoming Meetings: Wednesday, February 25 – Tour to the New and Used Tool Store in NE Calgary; Wednesday, March 25 – Richard Sawka – wood carving; April – TBA
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
Angela Wards - (403) 282-1486
Calling all individuals to share their art or craft at our Arts & Crafts Show at our Annual Spring Luncheon and AGM to be held at the Glenmore Inn on May 13, 2015. Arts and crafts include photography, fiber arts, jewelry, stained glass, woodworking cards, and much more. Everyone loves to see and admire the artistic creations of our members. Please offer to bring something of yours or encourage a friend to bring some-thing, whether it was produced a few years ago, last year, or just yesterday. We know you are out there, pursuing your passion, being creative with the skills you have refined over the years or perhaps you have just taken up. Recent retirees are especially encouraged to participate. Thank you and we hope to see you there!
HELP NEEDED!
Please consider volunteering your time and talents if you are able to help out with the organization and
staging for this year’s Arts & Crafts Show. Help is needed to solicit individuals to display, pick up and re-
turn the easels, and set-up and take-down on the day of the Show. Without your help, this year’s Show will
not be the focus it has been in recent years.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 13
NEW YORK MET LIVE IN HD
Rick Kry — (403) 259-2951
BOWLING CLUB NEWS
Peter Perry - (403) 270-0704
What a wonderful pot luck spread that our lady bowlers provided for our Christmas Party Luncheon and
Fun Bowling Event! Thank you ladies, it was so delicious!
We also had our favourite fun games of Poker won by the Rudy Kaethler, Ruth Syme, and Wilhelmina
Geerds team. Next was the Golf game won by team of Dennis Dunn, Sarah Ramsay, Marlene Heacock, and
Lu Schwartzenberger. Then came the real test of bowling skills and luck, not that the other’s were easy, the Bingo game. Talk about excitement as just about all teams needed to exclusively knock down the two
3 pins to clear the bingo card. Bowler after bowler were coming close and then; “BINGO” rang out as Rick
Kry did it! His team of Mori Kwan, Nick Weyland, and Glen Allen picked up the well deserved prizes.
Everyone left the event well fed and happy, with a prize or a Christmas gift!
To our regular bowlers who haven’t been on the bowling committee -- now is the time to say ,“Yes, I can do that”! I can help while one of the committee members is away for a few weeks. "Yes, I’d be happy to help out to keep the Bowling Club running smoothly". "Yes, I’ll do my part!" Peter & Delane
would just love to have you join them, please call.
We now have 56 people bowling on a regular basis plus 12 who “spare” for the regulars who happen to be
temporarily away. We welcome Bob Cahill, Ellen Swanston, and Glen Allen who have swelled our ranks
since the turn of the new year. If you’d like to bowl too, please contact Peter.
The second year of the New York Met Live broadcasts ended with 17 of us watching an outstanding per-
formance of the Merry Widow at the Chinook ScotiaBank Theatres on January 17. The Merry Widow is an
operetta, which means there is some dialogue, and this performance was in English. The music was out-
standing, particularly the stirring melody of the Merry Widow Waltz. This outing was followed by a suc-
cessful viewing of the live broadcast of Carmen last November.
It's my intention to coordinate a couple of outings like this for next year as well, so please keep your eyes
open in the upcoming newsletters as I will need the money (likely $40) in my hands for two operas by the
end of this July so I can get us the good seats when the tickets first go on sale.
The plan for next year will be to vote on which two operas to see and then meet as a group before the opera
to socialize and discuss the operas and then sit back and relax in the best seats in the house to watch the op-
era live. This will happen on two Saturdays during the year, depending on the opera. We will meet at 10:00
am, have some coffee and Timbits, and then be ready for the opera to start at 11:00 am. Details and a re-
minder email will go out the week before the opera.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 14
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING CLUB
Don Schaef—(403) 217-4382
This season's Thursday outings started on November 13 with snowshoe participation now ex-ceeding that of cross-country skiing. In addition to the weekly XC and SS outings, two overnight trips are planned before the season's end. The ever-popular Lake Louise overnight trip on Janu-ary 27 already has 35 participants registered, while the William Watson Lodge overnight trip on February 24 is expected to have about 25 participants. Weekly outings will be planned as long as conditions permit, hopefully through the end of March. The wind-up meeting and social is sched-uled for the evening of March 26 at the Lakeview Community Center.
STAGE WEST DINNER THEATRE 727 – 42
nd Avenue SE, Calgary
Wednesday Matinee, March 18, 2015
… And Then, The Lights Went Out!
Buffet and Show only: Members: $42.00 incl. GST (Gratuity not included) Guests: $51.45 incl. GST (Gratuity not included) DOORS open at 10:00 am - BUFFET opens from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm To reserve a ticket call: Christa Schaper at (403) 281-9699 or email at
Send cheques to: Christa Schaper, 911 Canfield Crescent SW, Calgary, AB T2W 1K5
Make cheques payable to ESSO RESOURCES ANNUITANT CLUB
Due to popularity of this Show, please book early!
REMEMBER, your cheque MUST BE RECEIVED by March 2, 2015
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter February 2015 page 15
The Lands of the Bible A journey through Israel, Palestine, and Jordan: - See behind the walls of Old Jerusalem - Hear stories from the Old and New Testament - Explore the empires and the ancient and modern history of the Middle East
In early 2014, on a course sponsored by the Jerusulam University College,Tim and Janice Hawk-ings spent time in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. They visited many sites of Old and New Testa-ment significance and for a while became absorbed in the history, geography, geology, and cul-ture of the region. The Travelogue will show that a very small land on the shores of the Mediterra-nean Sea was once the ―centre‖ of the world and that the roots of the current conflict in the Middle East go back many thousands of years.
Travelogue and Wine Tasting Club
The Polish Canadian Cultural Centre, 3015—15th Street NE
Wednesday, March 11 at 7:15 pm
Call or email for Reservations: Richard Sawka at (403) 239-1930 or email [email protected] or Val Turnbull (403) 243-1722
Admission Sippers Abstainers Members $16 $11 Non Members $23 $18
Registration/Cancellation Deadline is March 6
If you reserve on the answering machine, please indicate if you are sippers or abstainers,and leave your telephone number for a confirmation.
