FALL 2013 - Alberta 55 plus · FALL 2013. 1 I’m not sure how ... will be filled by Diane Callan....

FALL 2013

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I’m not sure how it happens but time just seems to slip away. It seem like it was just yesterday I was counting the days waiting for the Summer Games and already they have come and gone. I would guess there will have been some great memories for the 55 plus members who were lucky enough to have participated in the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games at Westlock and Barrhead. If your experience was like mine, the urban and rural municipalities of Westlock and Barrhead and the town of Clyde were amazing hosts and should be commended. Once again smaller communities have stepped up and proved that they have what it takes to put on a great Games. Thank you to all of the volunteers. You are what makes the difference. Congratulations to all of the medal winners and the participants who represented their zone with pride. Also, congratulations to Zone 4 who won the “President’s Spirit of Participation Award”, voted on by officials and volunteers, going to the Zone which shows the most Zone pride and sportsmanship at the Games. Then just about when you think you have seen and heard it all, along comes Florence Storch from Hanna, who at 100 years old competes at the Games in javelin. You are

no ordinary Lady! You are admired and envied by all and deserve a special congratulations for this achievement.

This past month has not been without challenges, our coordinator Chad Monner announced that he would be resigning from his position and taking up a full time career farming with his Dad. We wish him all the best. He will be missed. Thanks Chad for the past six year of dedication to Alberta 55 plus. We received several applications for the Provincial Coordinator’s position, and the position will be filled by Diane Callan. Diane will begin working with us in mid August. Welcome Diane!

Once again our Annual Online Auction will take place in October so we will be looking for items donated by individuals or businesses for that auction. This is our main fundraiser for the year so don’t forget to browse through the items and bid to support the Association.

This next year is not a games year for Alberta 55plus but the Canada 55 plus will be held in Strathcona County in August 2014. Keep active, stay fit!

Vernon Hafso, Alberta 55 plus President

Message from the President

Table of ContentsPage 1 President’s Message Office ChangesPage 2 New Executive for Alberta 55 plusPage 3 Congratulations to Eldest Participants of the GamesPage 4 Online AuctionPage 5 Zone 1 - The Sunny SouthPage 12 Zone 2 - Big Country Senior Sports SocietyPage 15 Zone 3 - Calgary Recreation and Culture AssociationPage 21 Zone 4 - Silver Willow AssociationPage 28 Zone 5 - Black Gold/YellowheadPage 32 Zone 6 - Edmonton Marigold 55 plus Page 36 Zone 7 - Lakeland Senior Games AssociationPage 39 Zone 8 - Mighty Peace Sports and RecreationPage 39 Zone Award Winners at the 2013 Summer Games Page 42 Message from the (Old) Provincial Coordinator

COVER PHOTO:Zone 4 Opening Ceremonies

New Executive for Alberta 55 plus

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Important news

COVER PHOTO:Zone 4 Opening Ceremonies

Our Provincial Coordinator of the past six years, Chad Monner, is leaving the offi ce to pursue his lifelong dream of farming and ranching in the Milo, AB area. The Provincial Board of Directors would like to thank Chad for his years of service and wish him and his family the best in his future endeavours.

Diane Callan has been hired as the new Provincial Coordinator. She is based out of Edmonton and will be working part-time hours as Chad did. We look forward to having her as part of our team!

The contact information for the offi ce is, as of this newsletter printing, the same. Diane can be reached at: 403-803-9852 or, via our new Toll Free Number! Dial 1-855-9-55-PLUS to call the offi ce for free from across the province! (1-855-955-7587)

The email addresses of [email protected] or [email protected] will also connect you with the offi ce. Please keep an eye out if our contact information changes further.

At the Annual General Meeting held in Red Deer on May 7, the following positions were fi lled via election: Vern Hafso (Viking – Zone 7) as President Doug Campbell (Cochrane – Zone 2) as Vice President South Mary Zabolotniuk (High Prairie – Zone 8) as Technical Director North

They join those whose terms were not up to form our Executive Committee: Leona Logie (Sherwood Park – Zone 5) as Vice President North Caroline Anker (Wetaskiwin – Zone 4) as Technical Director South Rosella Snopek (Camrose – Zone 4) as Secretary Dave Johnston (Rocky Mountain House – Zone 4) as Treasurer

The Board of Directors would like to give a tremendous “THANK YOU” to our outgoing President of the past six years, Pat Covington (Edmonton – Zone 6), who remains on our Executive as the Past President. Pat’s leadership and incredible volunteerism was a major asset to this Association, and we are honoured to have her as such an integral piece of the puzzle for these past three terms. THANK YOU PAT!

Offi ce Changes

to the Eldest Participants at the 2013 Summer Games! All participants were presented with a certifi cate recognizing their achievement. Some pictures of these athletes are below and throughout the newsletter. These fi ne competitors were:

Florence Storch - AthleticsMaude Purdy - BocceRobert McIntosh – Contract BridgeJoseph Muller - CribbageMargrit DeGraff - CyclingWillie McGregor – Floor CurlingLeona Jeffers – Floor Shuffl eboard

Margrit DeGraff - CyclingWillie McGregor – Floor CurlingLeona Jeffers – Floor Shuffl eboard

to the Eldest P ticipants at Congratulations

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Ron Pike - GolfEdward Rode - HorseshoesMinnie DeZutter – Military WhistBen Watkins – Pool-8 BallJohn Dempster – Slo PitchBobby Chan – SwimmingBeryl Park - Tennis

Alberta 55 plus is proud to announce we are holding our fifth annual online fundraising auction. Proceeds from the auction will help us host more local activities at the Zone level for the Association.

The auction will run from October 23 to November 6, 2013.

All items to bid on will be goods and services that have been graciously donated from across the province. Examples of articles from past auctions include: free golf across the province, Calgary

Flames tickets, one-week vacation in a condo, Costco gift cards, and so much more!

• A tax-receipt based on the value of the donated item

• An online listing with picture, description and contact info (if you choose) about the item and your business during the auction

• Recognition in the winter edition of our Alberta 55 plus newsletter - Every member receives a copy in the mail• Recognition on our website www.alberta55plus.ca • All items should have a value of $50 or higher

For more information, please phone: 403-803-9852

www.alberta55plus.ca

Zone 1 Medal Winners

Athletics: Gold – Robert McKinnon (2), Bob Walker Silver – Ed Makel (3), Bob Walker Bronze – Bob Walker (2)

Bocce: Gold – Ron Kincade, Ted Mackenzie, Alice & Norman Sheen Bronze – Tim & Barbara Arnett, Doral & Phyllis Woolf

Cribbage: Silver – Cliff Christensen, Stanley Machacek Bronze – Sharon Corriveau

Floor Curling: Silver – Lila Charls, Eva Deringer, Nadine Taylor, Iva Theissen

Floor Shuffl eboard: Bronze – Charles & Wilma Gerlach Golf: Gold – Barbara Sheen, Bert Stevenson Silver – Elizabeth Codd, Betty Smith

Pool 8-Ball: Silver – Ken Tamura Bronze – Fran Irvine

Slo Pitch: Silver – 55+ Men’s Bronze – 65+ Men’s

Swimming: Gold – Ingrid Berg, George Berg, Doug Ingram (3), Leona Jacobs (2), Kaye McKee (2), Gladys Miklos (4), Mark Sandilands (2) Silver - Ingrid Berg (2), George Berg (3), Doug Ingram, Leona Jacobs (2), Kaye McKee, Gladys Miklos, Mark Sandilands (2) Bronze – Kaye McKee (2), Leona Jacobs, Ingrid Berg (2)

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Merri-Ann Ford, Faye Ward, Maryann Westgard Silver – Barbara Bond, Marilyn Dewar, Merri-Ann Ford (2), Patricia Kincade (3), Kathy Rollingson, Manny Schile, Marina Vannatta, Maryann Westgard Bronze – Elizabeth Codd, Merri-Ann Ford, Robert Framz, Patricia Kincade, Kathy Rollingson, Marina Vannatta (2)

Creative Writing: Silver – Hazel McLarty

ZONE 1 The Sunny South

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Alberta 55 plus has a Facebook page – “Like Us” to be kept up-to-date 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 fi nd our page!

Follow us on

third consecutive Gold Medal win at the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games.

The 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games will be held in Strathmore. Steve Grajczyk, Mayor of Strathmore, proudly accepted the challenge to host the 2015 Summer Games.

The Strathcona County has been awarded the honour of hosting the Canada 55 Plus Games from August 27-30, 2014. Mayor Linda Osinchuck says “That this is an incredible opportunity to connect the older and younger generations by involving our youth in volunteer positions”. Strathcona County with all of its world class facilities, will proudly host all of the activities that are played in both of our Winter and Summer Games at our zone level. Strathcona has it all – world class facilities – volunteers – energy – and a vibrant community spirit. Bring it HERE!

The Canada 55 Plus committee expects 2000 participants to attend the Games from all across Canada. Proud Albertans must fi ll in all of the categories in each of the events through your Alberta 55 Plus 2013 memberships. To attend the 2014 Canada Games, a Team Alberta Application form must be fi lled out and sent to Leona Logie before December 31, 2013. An application form may be picked from your Area Director or by looking up www.alberta55plus.ca.

Chad - we will miss you! The Zone 1 Board of Directors wish you all the best in your new endeavors.

Respectfully submitted,

Al Jackson,Publicity Director

The Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games that were held in Barrhead/Westlock were very successful.The togetherness that smaller centers’ provide is a wonderful atmosphere for both the spectators and for the competitors. Many new and old friends are united in a sportsmanship and keen competition activities.

Pat Kincade is the Director for Arts & Crafts and Pat also manages the Creative Writing and we saw a huge increase in both categories. In the 2013 Summer Games in Barrhead/Westlock, Pat entered 70 items to be judged in the Arts & Crafts and 15 entries were judged in the Creative Writing category. The Arts and Crafts entries were rewarded with 3 Gold, 11 Silver and 8 Bronze standings and the Creative Writing received 1 Silver. Congratulations go out to all the participants at the Zone 1 level and at the Provincial level, for their dedication to this creative event.

At the Summer Games in Barrhead/Westlock, 113 participants represented Zone 1. A total of 77 Medals made up of 25 Gold, 32 Silver and 20 Bronze created an opportunity to celebrate. For all of the participants that entered the Zone 1 activities demonstrated the spirit of what Alberta 55 plus are all about. The participants that qualifi ed to go to the Provincial Summer Games, are the ambassadors for our Zone 1.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Cup was won by Zone 1. This Cup is awarded to the Zone that has shown the most improvement from the previous Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games. Accepting the Cup was the 70+ Bocce Ball Team of Ted MacKenzie. Clay Olsen, our Chef de Mission, asked Team MacKenzie to accept the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup because this was Ted’s

2013 Zone 1 Summer Report

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Zone 1 Spring Report - continued


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Zone 1 2013 Summer Games Playoffs in Contract Bridge. President Mike Bennett presents Gold Medals to Howard Taylor

and Blair Ruff.

The 2013 Lorin Pitcher Bocce Challenge Trophy presented to: Clay Olsen, Butch Olsen, Eileen Sawatsky, Joe Ellan.

Seven Bocce Teams played on this cold rainy June day.

Zone 1 2013 Summer Games Playoffs at NordBridge 55+ Cribbage Doubles. President Mike Bennett presents Gold Medals

to: Stan Machacek and Cliff Christensen.

Pictured here are the 70+ Bocce winners from the Zone Playoff held in Cardston to qualify for the Summer Games. President Mike Bennett

with Ted MacKenzie, Donna Gills, Alice Sheen, Norm Sheen.

Zone 1 2013 Summer Games Playoffs at NordBridge 70+ Cribbage Doubles. President Mike Bennett presents Gold Medals

to: Eileen Sawatsky and Maynard Roelofs.

2013 Zone 1 Arts and Crafts display at NordBridge Centre. Items judged 1st and 2nd advance to: the Provincial Games

at Barrhead/Westlock.


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Zone 1 2013 Summer Games Military Whist Playoffs in Hays. President Mike Bennett presents Gold Medals to: David Dennis,

Lynn Carter, Marlyne Johnson, Marion Freimuth.

The Annual Resource 55+ Faire in Vulcan. The Vulcan FCSS sponsored this annual event and Tina Wibdeen, representing Seniors, chaired the

conference. A table representing Zone 1 directors, promoted the Alberta 55 plus advantages for seniors 55 years old and over.

Zone 1 Spring Report - continued

To all the Zone Activity Directors, Zone Chefs, Sport Coordinator and Board members who helped organize and run the Zone playoffs and registration for both the Winter and Summer Games – THANK YOU!

To all the Zone Activity Directors, Zone Chefs, Sport Coordinator and Board members who helped organize To all the Zone Activity Directors, Zone Chefs, Sport Coordinator and Board members who helped organize

Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!

The Town of Vulcan Centennial was advertised on the 21st Annual Spock Days parade with a magnifi cent USS Vulcan fl oat. Guest actors were Ethan Philips and Robert Picardo who played in the Star Trek: Voyager series. The guests took part in many events as it was also the 21st Annual Star Trek Convention in Vulcan. The USS Vulcan was entered on July 4th in the Calgary Children’s Hospital parade and again on July 5th it was entered in the Calgary Stampede parade, where it was voted as the “Fan Favourite” Float for 2013!


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I am so thankful that Al Jackson talked me into joining the Alberta 55 plus Organization. I have been places that I would never have seen if it was not for the Games.

In 1990, I went to Hinton to play Golf and the fi rst day we played in the snow—a different challenge. In 1992, I was in Medicine Hat and that year I played Shuffl e-board with a partner Bill Schrans. In 2001, I entered my Counted Cross Stitch in the Lethbridge Games. I went to Fort McMurray in 2003 and there I was playing Darts. It was the fi rst trip that I made up there. There was so much to see and it was exciting. In 2007, I was entered in Golf in Fort Saskatchewan but we played golf in Sherwood Park. I was in the same hotel as a group from Lethbridge. And after the golf game, we had a wonderful time.

I had a wonderful experience in 2008 when I got to play golf in the National Championships in Dieppe New Brunswick – a once in a lifetime opportunity. My sister and I stayed another week and that made a holiday out of it. In 2009 the Games were in Airdrie and I golfed that beautiful course. That city showed us a wonderful time. Then in 2010 I went all the way to the Peace River country and golfed in the rain in Fairview. My son’s in laws come to watch me get my Medal which was awesome.

This year I am going to Barrhead to play golf again and I know that I will have an exciting time. Because of the Zone Playoffs, I’ve had the privilege to play at

A Profi le of Betty Smith

many golf courses such as Magrath, Fort Macleod, Cardston, Redcliff just to name a few.

When you go to the Provincials, everyone is so friendly and you meet people that you have golfed with at other venues and in other years. The food and the accommodations are the greatest. The Games have given me the wonderful opportunity to golf at all these different courses and to get to go to the Maritimes was the highlight of my 83 years. All because of Al Jackson selling me a membership to the Alberta 55 Plus Organization many years ago!


Betty Smith

many golf courses such as Magrath, Fort Macleod,

Renew your Membership

Today!Membership

All Zones are committed to running more local events, such as Fun Games, Challenge Cups, Mini Games, Memorial Tournaments

and more. RENEW TODAY!


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In 2007 Ted Mackenzie’s team won the Zone 1 Playoffs and went to Ft. Saskatchewan to compete in the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games. They tried hard and fi nished in 2nd place. In 2009 once again Ted Mackenzie’s 70 Plus Bocce Ball team won the Zone 1 Playoffs and went to the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in Airdrie. His team was comprised of himself, Norman Sheen, Ken Walton and Leonard Purnell and they won the Gold Medal.

Again in 2011Ted Mackenzie’s team represented Zone 1 in the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in Fairview. This year at the last minute one of the team members was not able to make the trip to Fairview. So the host Zone was requested to supply a player to support the Zone 1 team. Guess what, they rounded up the mayor of Fairview’s mother, Naemi MacLeod to play with the other three members, Ted Mackenzie, Norman Sheen and Leonard Purnell. Naemi was a good player and again they won the Gold Medal at the 2011 Games much to the pleasure of Naemi.In the 2013 Zone 1 Playoffs Ted and his team was again the champion. One of their players was not able to go to Westlock and as I did play in the playoff I became a member of the team. The team was now made up of Ted Mackenzie, Norman Sheen, Alice Sheen and Ron Kincade.

Ted Mackenzie Zone 1, Bocce Ball 70 Plus RecordsIn Westlock on the fi rst day we won all but one game that Zone 3 (Calgary) won. So we were tied with Calgary with 3 wins and 1 loss. So on Saturday the winner would be determined. Zone 1 managed to win all of our games on Saturday and Calgary did not, so we fi nished 1st. Ted, the bocce ball players in Cardston and his wife Reva have run the Zone 1 playoff for the last 2 years and did and excellent job. ATCO did supply their tent to provide shade or shelter from the rain as required. The Town of Cardston generously did help prepare the courts and make sure they were marked and smooth as possible.

The success for Cardston and area, in playing excellent Bocce Ball, is that the seniors have for the last 7 to 10 years played Bocce Ball every Monday and Wednesday from 10 AM till Noon. Ted and the same team mentioned above also did a great job in running the Zone 1 Lorne Pitcher Memorial Bocce Ball Tournament in the last 2 years.

The special record mentioned above, is that Ted MacKenzie and Norman Sheen have been the backbone of Zone 1’s team in all the last four ALBERTA 55 PLUS SUMMER GAMES.

Ron Kincade,Past President of Zone 1

ZONE 2 Big Country Senior Sports Society

Zone 2 Medal Winners Athletics: Gold – Helen Standing Silver – Clint Docken, Florence Storch Bronze – Charlie Clarke (2), Garry Hunt

Bocce: Bronze – Ben & Marie Sept, Ella & Hank Siemens

Cribbage: Silver – Peggy Stockwell Bronze – Cora & Kenneth Oliver Cycling: Gold – William Fedyk Silver – Jack Whitlie Bronze – Peter McDonald (2), Jack Whitlie Floor Curling: Bronze – Faye Frerot, Evelyn & Joe Galarneau, Karl Gibbie, Bill Lee, Ron Mundle, Harvey Skov, Donna Tomecek

Floor Shuffl eboard: Gold – Lloyd Church and Leona Jeffers Golf: Gold – Loreen Lehmann, Michal Prichuk Silver – Joss Binns Bronze – Robert Cheyne, Leilani Duoit, Marilyn Toews

Horseshoes: Gold – Rosie Armes Bronze – Ernest Domshy, Jean Strocher

Military Whist: Bronze – Myrna Kelly, Eleanor McKenzie, Joan & John Tullikopf

Pool 8-Ball: Silver – Bill Gibbons

Slo Pitch: Silver – 55+ Co-ed, 65+ Men’s Bronze – 55+ Men’s, 70+ Men’s

Swimming: Gold – Roswitha Schmitt-Blouin Silver – Henry Wilson, Jeannine Palardy (2) Bronze – Roswitha Schmitt-Blouin (2), Kathy Dixon, Henry Wilson

Tennis: Silver – Maureen Martel and Beryl Park Bronze – Lorrain Fader, Chris & Joan Logan, Pat Wylie

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Roswitha Schmitt-Blouin, Marion Alward, Earl Markham, Beryl Moe Silver – Martin Jorgenson, Gertrude Ferguson Bronze – Carolyn Pelerine (2), Beryl Moe, Martin Jorgenson

Creative Writing: Silver – Nancy Bell Bronze – Alfreda Brockman

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What’s New in Zone 2?

President: Doug CampbellVice President: John MackillopSecretary: Adeline FedykTreasurer: Nettie NeustaeterMembership Director: Dave NeustaeterActivity Director: Nick RadmanovichPublicity Director: Nancy Gibbie

On May 27th we held our Annual General Meeting in Airdrie.

Continuous membership pins were awarded to 16 of our members. 10-year pins to Bob Black, Terry Green, Ron Howery, Gordon Potter, Mildred Potter, Robert Thorburn, Jim Waiting and Jack Whitlie. (None were in attendance for a picture)

A 15-year pin was awarded to Alf Cadman by Zone 2 President, Doug Campbell.

25-year pins were awarded to Doreen Boake and Joan Tulikopf by Provincial President, Vern Hafso.

A 30-year pin was awarded to Vera Fawkes. Unfortunately she passed away on April 6, 2013. (see obituary)

Elections were held for the next 2-year term. Our Executive for 2012 to 2014 are:


Adeline Fedyk,Secretary

Vera Fawkes from Canmore, a lifetime member with Alberta 55 plus passed away on April 6, 2013 at the Canmore hospital after a lengthy illness.

Vera and her husband, Jack were involved with Alberta 55 Plus Winter and Summer Games, competing in carpet bowling, badminton and bocce. They last competed in carpet bowling in the Winter Games in St. Albert in 2011.

As a former Provincial Board Secretary, Vera devoted many hours of her time in past years. She was involved in the Canmore community, in the 1988 Olympics and the Nordic Center ski races. She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Royal Canadian Legion in Canmore.

Vera had been a continuous member of Alberta 55 plus and would have received her 30-year pin at our Annual General Meeting on May 27. It will be presented to her husband, Jack, by our Area 9 Director, Garry Hunt.

Vera Fawkes

ZONE 3 Calgary Recreation and Culture Association

Top group, from left:

Back Row: Doug Campbell, President; Adeline Fedyk, Secretary; John MacKillop, Vice President; Nettie Neustaeter, Treasurer; Dave Neustaeter, Membership Director; Nancy Gibbie, Publicity Direcrtor; Garry Hunt, Area 9 DirectorFront row: Irene Jacques, Area 4 Director; Margaret Whitlock, Area 7 Director; Leilani du Toit, Area 7 Co-Director; Roy Macfarlane, Area 7, Co-Director

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Lower group, from left:

Carollyne Hinde, Area 7 Assistant Director (Chestermere); Norma Dawson, Area 8 Director (Millarville); Alf Cadman, Area 6 Director (Olds); Dave & Sharon McPherson, Area 7 Assistant Directors (Bragg Creek/Redwood Meadows); Nick Radmanovich, Activity Director (Cochrane).

The Zone 2 Board of Directors as voted in at the May 27 Annual General Meeting in Airdrie.

ZONE 2 Big Country Senior Sports SocietyCalgary Recreation and Culture Association

Alberta 55 plus is proud to announce we are holding our fi fth annual online fundraising auction. Proceeds from the auction will help us host more local activities at the Zone level for the Association.

The auction will run from October 23 to November 6, 2013. www.alberta55plus.ca



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On May 27, 2013 Marie Olson from Cremona was awarded her 20-year continuous membership pin from Alberta 55 plus. Marie has been a member of the Cremona Gold and Silver Club for many years and has served on their executive in many capacities.

Her involvement with Alberta 55 plus started in 1990 where she represented Area 6 in carpet bowling along with Kay Unger, Geordie Whitlow and Fran Whitlow at the Zone playoffs. They also competed in carpet bowling at the zone level in 1994. Carpet bowling was very popular with the Seniors clubs in the 1990’s. There were many bonspiels held at different venues with teams from Calgary, Olds, Cremona and Sundre.

Marie has entered her handicrafts twice in the Provincial Games, fi rstly winning 2nd prize in Three Hills and winning 1st prize in Medicine Hat at the Provincial level and 2nd at the Canada Games. Marie continues to live on her farm northeast of Cremona.

Marie Olson

Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Richard Starke with then-President Pat Covington when the winning bid was announced.

The 2015 Summer Games were awarded to Strathmore.

Alberta 55 plus would like to express our gratitude to the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation for

our partnership in the Alberta 55 Plus Games program.

With Gratitude!

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The 2015 Summer Games were awarded to Strathmore.

Athletics: Gold – Ray Colliver (3), Betty Dargie (3), Joe Elder (2), Brian Hill, Nessie Hollicky, Peggy Platham (3), Chieko Rehm (2) Silver – Ray Colliver (2), Joe Elder (3), Brian Hill (2), Nessie Hollicky, Chieko Rehm Bronze – Grace Watson

Bocce: Gold – Bob Craswell, Erna Dreger, Betty & Ralph Markle

Contract Bridge: Bronze – Joan Finlay and Robert McIntosh

Cribbage: Gold – Gloria Culp, Linda Elder, Carol LaPierre, John Younker

Floor Shuffl eboard: Silver – Eileen & William Phillips Golf: Gold – Mary Martens Silver – Joey Brown

Horseshoes: Gold – Sidney Aker, Doreen Peers, John Winfi eld Bronze – Robert Murray, Alan Peers

Pool 8-Ball: Silver – Don LaPierre Slo Pitch: Silver – 55+ Men’s, 65+ Men’s Swimming: Gold – Bobby Chan (3), Hobe Horton (5), Ivan Pivovarov (5), Marilyn Shaw (5), Keith Shaw (4), Pat Hlady (3), Gabor Zinner (5), Johanna Bands (2), Lily Chan (2), Deborah Kotlewski (1) Silver – Keith Shaw, Pat Hlady (2), Johanna Bands, Lily Chan, Deborah Kotlewski (2) Bronze – Bobby Chan, Lily Chan, Deborah Kotlewski

Tennis: Gold – Dee Ann Clark, Merilyn Crombie, Rosel Fehres, Mark Ferrier, John Gordon, David Hagopian Silver – Paul Duteau, Richard Martin, Debby Pyecroft, Corlyn Rubin

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Lynn Hladik Silver – Peggy Plathan, Larry Spreadbury Bronze – Carolyn Alway (3), Jean Weis, Lynn Hladik Creative Writing: Bronze – Joe Elder



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Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games 2013The towns and counties of Barrhead and Westlock “set the bar a little higher” as they hosted the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, 2013. Over 1200 participants from 8 zones were warmly welcomed at the opening ceremonies by town offi cials and dignitaries including His Honour, Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell and Her Honour, Linda Ethell, who were piped in and escorted by two RCMP offi cers.

This ceremony, ably hosted by Ken Kowalski, set the tone for four days of fun and competition in 14 events plus a cultural competition in 50 categories of Arts and Crafts and 5 in Creative writing.

The two communities did a superb job of providing accommodation, transportation, entertainment and delicious meals for the four day event. The many volunteers were unfailingly friendly, welcoming and helpful. Some of these volunteers were no more than 10 years old.

Zone 3 was represented by 148 participants, many of whom returned with medals in the various events. Congratulations to you all. Our Zone 3 chef, Norm Thomas, was on hand to help with information and details whenever they were needed. Thank you so much, Norm.

After the closing ceremonies on Sunday afternoon we boarded our bus to head back to Three Hills and Calgary with great memories and a lot of admiration and appreciation for all the people who worked so hard to make this a very enjoyable and memorable experience.

Submitted by,

Mary Martens,Zone 3 Publicity

Opening Ceremonies. The cauldron is lit. Let the Games begin!

Calgary Recreation and Culture Association

Piping in the Dignitaries.


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Zone 3 Alberta Summer Games Participants

John Younkers & Linda Elder – Cribbage Doubles.

Cordella Schwengler & Leona Mork – Floor Curling.

Roy Jarvis – Bocce.

Bill Phillips – Floor Shuffl eboard.

Carol Kyle takes aim in Bocce. Cheiko Rehm in Javelin at the Athletics event.


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Zone 3 Alberta Summer Games Participants - continued

Sydney Aker – Horseshoes.

Contract Bridge at the Games.

Hungry participants at the Food Centre.

Davis Lawson tearing up the course.

Joe Elder in Discus. Ron Pike, in red, was the Eldest participant in Golf, shown here with other members of his foursome.


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Zone 3 Alberta Summer Games Participants - continued

Our strong swimming team!

Men L-R: Gabor Zinner (5 gold); Keith Shaw (4 gold); Bobby Chan (3 gold, 1 bronze); Hobe Horton (5 gold); Ivan Pivovarov (5 gold). Women L-R: Jo Bands (2 gold, 1 silver); Marilyn Shaw (5 gold); Pat Hlady (3 gold, 2 silver); Lily Chan (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze); Debbie Kotlewsky (1 gold, 2 silver).

The writers set aside their pens, the painters washed their brushes and the ‘click’ of knitting needles ceased for a short time on July 31. ‘The work’s all done, now let’s have some fun’ served as the theme of the Zone 3 Creative Writing/Arts and Crafts Appreciation Evening. Our eyes widened when 100 year old guest speaker Peggy Orr arrived on a motorcycle driven by her son, Allen.

The 40 attendees – members of the Calgary 55plus Board of Directors, participants in Creative Writing/Arts and Crafts, volunteers and invited guests enjoyed fruit and cheese while viewing the Summer Games entries, until Paul, chef at the Forest Lawn Legion and his staff, served a delicious meal at 5:00 pm.

During the program that followed Norm Thomas thanked everyone involved in the success of the Games, after which several participants elaborated on some unusual items, such as beautiful stone carvings and Christmas decorations—and a ‘skunk!’ Other speakers related

the efforts involved in completing their various entries. Peggy’s display of handicrafts and her advice for aging graciously delighted us. “Keep an open mind and keep your body moving,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye.

After the presentation of the Provincial medals and the participants had packed the items one last time, the conversation seemed centered on what projects to enter in the Provincial Games in 2015.

By,

Linda Elder

Zone 3 Writers and Crafty Folk Enjoy Appreciation Evening

Peggy Orr talks about her painting.

Bobby ChanBobby Chan has been a Board Director of CRCA 55 Plus (Zone 3) for 13 years. Since 1999 he has been an active participant in table tennis, swimming, snooker and 8 ball. He has medaled for the above events at 55 Plus Provincial Games. In 2000 he was the one to re-activate “Table Tennis” event to Provincial Games. At the present Bobby is the “Table Tennis” Coordinator for Zone 3.

He was born in Hong Kong and educated in English College. After school he worked for Standard Chartered Bank for 28 years. Then he ran his own advertising company for 15 years. When he was young, he participated in many sport tournaments, such as spring board diving, swimming, snooker, 10 pin bowling, soccer, track and fi eld. He won a great many prizes. He won Hong Kong diving championship in 1959. He became diving coach and was promoted to be a head coach in 1990-1993. He supervised 5 City diving pools, training courses and ran many tournaments. He was the diving team leader to arrange the Hong Kong diving representatives to participate in National Diving Meets.

1993 Bobby came to Calgary as a new immigrant. In order to meld into the society, he started as a volunteer at Kerby Centre and the Golden Age Club. He was on the Board as a Director of Golden Age Club from 1997 to 2001, helping the club to form up a table tennis team. Bobby was a founder President of Calgary United Seniors Table Tennis Assn. from 2001 to 2005. Bobby was also on the Board Directors for Thornview Seniors Association from 2003 to 2007. In the years of 2005 to 2010 Bobby formed the Bobby Chan Table Tennis Club at Highland Park Community. At present Bobby is the Honorary Advisor of Peoples Table Tennis Association.

He was also very active in Chinese community. Since 1995 to 2009 he had been a Board Director and Vice President of Hong Kong Chinese Immigration Association of Canada. In the year of 2005, Bobby received a Certifi cate of Recognition of Alberta Centennial (1905-2005) for Outstanding Service and Contributions to the Calgary Chinese Community from Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Congratulations Bobby!

Bobby Chan


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Bobby Chan, center, won a Gold in Swimming!

Athletics: Gold – Merv Armstrong (2), Barrie Dargie (3), Kit Nielsen (3), Shirley Reaman (3) Bridie Forde (2), Allen Elliot Silver – Kit Nielsen (2), Shirley Reaman (2), Bridie Forde (3), Allen Elliot (2), Eileen Ensminger (2), Alvin Eyolfson (2) Bronze – Allen Elliot, Eileen Ensminger, Alvin Eyolfson Contract Bridge: Gold – James & Jeanette Schaffner Cribbage: Bronze – Alfred Blumhagen

Cycling: Gold – David Johnston (2) Bronze – Margrit DeGraff (2)

Floor Curling: Gold – Dennis & Dianne Hartman, Roger Olsen, Kathleen Tennant Silver – Doreen Kelly, Ole Lundle, Leona Oberg, Shirley Olsen

Floor Suffl eboard: Gold – Jakc & Jo-Anne Sell Silver – Jean Clarke, Marlene Neis

Golf: Gold – Steve Petz Silver – Debbie Retzlaff

Horseshoes: Gold – Theresa Laforce, Joseph Reichert Silver – Harry Kostiuk, Larry Kreutz, Roger Laforce Bronze – Nick Kreutz Military Whist Silver – Brenda & Gordon Mounteney, Alice & Russell Picketts Pool 8-Ball: Silver – Don LaPierre

Slo Pitch: Silver – 55+ Men’s + Men’s

Swimming: Gold – Roxanne Schmitt Silver – Wilton Littlechild, Roxanne Schmitt (3), Bill Stuckey (2) Bronze – Bill Stuckey (2)

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Shirley Barnes, Helen Drader (2), Betty Dragon, Eileen Ensminger (3), Mary Hydomako, Beulah Johnson, Doreen Rausch, Kathleen Tennant, Marlene Tiegs, Shirley Thomas (2) Silver – Shirley Barnes, Loreen Beggs, Eileen Ensminger (2), Doreen Rausch, Shirley Thomas Bronze – Eileen Ensminger (2), Beulah Johnson, Ole Lundle, Florence McMahon (2) Creative Writing: Gold – Walter Hawksworth Silver – Shirley Reaman (2) Bronze – Shirley Reaman


ZONE 4 Silver Willow Association

21


Zone 4 President’s MessageSo sad, another Summer Games is over. But I am sure those who went to the Games will agree with me, that what a time we did have.

First off, I would like to take my hat off to the communities of Barrhead/Westlock. Thank you for your hospitality. Volunteers, what can I say, they just bent over backwards to help us out. Entertainers were excellent.

And to top everything else off, to you Zone 4 Participants, it was you who won the Spirit of Participation Award. This is awarded to the Zone that exemplifi es the true spirit of participation

with personal integrity & sportsmanship both in and out of competition. Congratulations to Minnie DeZutter from Wetaskiwin who participated in Military Whist for winning the Alberta 55 Plus Wild Rose Award ! By now Minnie, you have found the right spot in your front room to hang your plaque. In closing, have a great Summer or Fall Holiday, and be safe out there. See you at our Challenge Cup events!

Rose Aebig,President, Zone 4 SWA

A Note from the Zone 4 Activity Director/Chef de Mission I would like to congratulate Westlock/Barrhead Summer Games Board for a wonderful experience. The volunteers and billets were so warm and gracious. A very big Thank You to the Barrhead Hospital who looked after our two slo-pitch players, with kindness and effi ciency, going that extra effort to be sure they were totally looked after, even to the point of setting up appointments at other hospitals for their care. Thank you to everyone who called about David Curtis who smashed his cheekbone, he has had two plates put into his cheek to replace those broken bones and is on the mend. I’m so proud of Zone 4, not just for the medals they won, but for the professionalism they showed and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the Games.

I must apologize for not obtaining any Tennis photos, but the results were confusing, all corrected now, and Congratulations to the 70+ Men’s Doubles team of Larry Volk and Jake Reimer from Red Deer for placing 3rd. Please enjoy my photos and stories listed in the

Zone 4 section about our members doing their best at the Games.

I also wish to send congratulations to our Zone 4 participants who were “fi lls” for other zones and medalled. Ellie Armstrong from Red Deer added a Gold and Silver medal to Zone 8’s total in Athletics. Ken Miller from Sylvan Lake and Anthony Pole from Red Deer added a Silver medal to Zone 6’s total in the 55+ Men’s Doubles.

And in keeping with the “fi lls” for other zones, congratulations to Barrie Dargie from Calgary who added 3 Gold medals to our total in Athletics and Roxanne Schmidt from Swan Hills who added 1Gold and 3 Silver medals in Swimming to our zone total. We are looking forward to the 2015 Alberta 55 plus Summer Games in Strathmore!!

Submitted by,

Rosella Snopek

22

Zone 4 Activity Director/A Note from the


23

Cyclists win Gold & Bronze medals

David Johnston from Rocky Mountain House breezed to a fi rst place fi nish in both the 55+ Men’s 10 km and 20km. Just so you all know, he is the Provincial Board Treasurer, which we found at a Trade Fair in Rocky last year. What an asset.

Margrit de Graff from Lacombe pedaled herself to a third place fi nish in the 65+ Women’s 10km and 20km. Oh yes, you should know she is a very fi t 86 year old, cycling against 5 other ladies much younger. She was the eldest participant in Cycling! Way to go Margrit!!

Camrose and Wetaskiwin combine to make a winning 70+ Floor Curling Team

When the zones were set in Zone 4, Ole Lundle from Camrose started asking members to participate with

him. He managed to recruit 2 ladies, but needed one more player. Luckily, Shirley Olsen from Wetaskiwin was on the hunt for a team to play with. The foursome combined to win the zones against 2 other teams. Shirley drove faithfully to Camrose to play in the regular fl oor curling day with the newly formed team. Looks like that paid off as they now have a Silver Medal hanging around their necks. Left to right, Ole Lundle from Camrose, Doreen Kelly from Bittern Lake, Leona Oberg from Bashaw and Shirley Olsen from Wetaskiwin. Lesson learned “Never give up looking for players if you really want to participate”.

They Proved it wasn’t a fl uke in 2011 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in Fairview

This Floor Curling team from Bawlf were the Gold Medal winners in the 55+ age division in Fairview. This year they had to play against 5 other teams in the zone playoffs, ending up tied with a Rimbey team.They squeaked by in the tie breaker to represent Zone 4. This also happened in the Games, tied for fi rst, having to play a 4 ender to determine the winner. Luck was on their side and they are sporting the Gold Medals around their necks. Left to right, Dennis Hartman, Dianne Hartman, Roger Olson and Kathleen Tennant.

Zone 4 Report

Camrose and Wetaskiwin combine

third place fi nish in the 65+ Women’s 10km and 20km.


Zone 4 Report - continued

24

Contract Bridge is their Game

Jim and Jeanette Schaffner come from a small town called Castor but that doesn’t affect their bridge game. The whole town will be celebrating their GOLD medal win. They try to attend as many Bridge tournaments around the zone that they are able to.

Happy smiles on the Floor Shuffl eboard winners faces

On the left is Jo-Anne and Jack Sell from Bowden. This is the fi rst year they have participated in fl oor shuffl eboard at zone level, as they are snowbirds, like many others who play this game. Their expertise and knowledge was very apparent, and to prove this they now have a Gold Medal in the 55+ Open division. Not to outdone, the 70+ team of Jean Clarke (Bashaw) and Marlene Neis ( Mirror) played their best games and were rewarded with SILVER Medals. Congratulations to both teams!!

Swimmers perform well

Bill Stuckey from Ohaton, on the left, won Silver Medals in 70+ Men’s 100m freestyle, 55+ Time Predicted, and Bronze Medals in the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke. Roxanne Schmidt from Swan Hills (a “fi ll” from Zone 5) contributed to our zone by winning a Gold Medal in 55+ 100m IM, Silver Medals in 50m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke. Willie Littlechild from Hobbema rounded out our small group by winning a Silver Medal in 65+ Men’s 50m breaststroke and Bronze in the 50m backstroke.

Zone 4 Banner Carriers

Ole Lundle, from Camrose, has been a continuous member for 10 years. His passion is Golf, Arts & Crafts, Creative Writing and Floor Curling, of which he has won several medals. Wilton Littlechild, from Hobbema, has been a continuous member for 8 years competing in Alberta 55 Plus Games since 2005 in Wetaskiwin. He has competed in several Canada 55 Plus Games as well, bring home several medals in swimming. Willie holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education and as an athlete, has won over 50 provincial, regional, national and international championships.

Zone 4 Banner Carriers


25

Alberta 55 plus Wild Rose Award goes to Minnie DeZutter of Wetaskiwin

Vern Hafso, President of Alberta 55 plus Association presented the Award to the eldest participant at the Games, who haven’t won in the past 3 years. Minnie is 93 years young, very active in cards, still sharp as a tack, nothing gets by her at the card table.

President’s Spirit of Participation Award

Zone 4 was awarded the President’s Spirit of Participation Award, presented by Gerry St. Pierre, 55 Plus Summer Games Chair. Accepting on behalf of Zone 4 is Bridie Forde from Stettler (Athletics) and Margrit de Graff from Lacombe (Cycling).

Zone 4 Amazing Four

Kit Nielsen, Red Deer, left, showed that she could run very fast, winning a Gold Medal in the 55+ Women’s 100m, 200m, Long Jump and a Silver Medal in Javelin and 4X100m Relay. Shirley Reaman, Red Deer, proved she could run with Gold Medals in 75+ Women’s 100m, Long Jump, Silver Medals in Discus and 4X100m Relay.Bridie Forde, Stettler, is our long distance runner bringing home the Gold in 65+ Women’s 800m, 1500m and Silver Medals in the 100m, 200m and 4X100m Relay.Eileen Ensminger, Ponoka, put all she had into her race, winning Silver Medals in 70+ Women’s 200m, 4X100m Relay; and Bronze in 100m.

The Fabulous Six in Horseshoes

Zone 4 sent 6 members to Horseshoes and 5 medals were won. On the left, Roger Laforce, Mirror, won SILVER in 65+ Open 20-34.9% ringer; Harry Kostiuk, Wetaskiwin, won SILVER in 65+ open 35 – 49.9% ringer; Theresa Laforce, Mirror, won GOLD in 55+ Women’s 35 – 49.9% ringer; Larry Kreutz, Wetaskiwin, won SILVER in 55+ open 0-19.9% ringer; Joseph Reichert, Lacombe, won GOLD in 65+ open 0-19.9% ringer; Nick Kreutz, Wetaskiwin, won BRONZE in 55+ open 20 – 34.9% ringer. What a team!!



26

Daysland is proud of Alfred

Alfred Blumhagen from Daysland is smiling proudly as he holds up his BRONZE medal in 70+ Cribbage Singles. At noon on Saturday, things were not looking too good, but, you know what happens in cards, after lunch, everything changes, which is what happened to Alfred. The card gods smiled on him in the afternoon.

Alvin does it again, along with his teammates

Alvin Eyolfson, Camrose, took up running to help with his Cross Country Skiing. Now he can add to his collection of medals from the 2013 Winter Games. This time he displays a SILVER medal in 55+ 800m and 1500m and a BRONZE in 3000m.Also

competing for Zone 4 in the Men’s Athletics was Merv Armstrong, Red Deer, who won GOLD in 70+ discus and long jump. And to round it off, Allen Elliott, Sylvan Lake, brought home the GOLD in 80+ Men’s 100m, Shot Put, and SILVER in Javelin and discus.

55+ Men’s Slo-pitch Team captures the Silver MedalThe Zone 4 55+ Men’s slo-pitch team were positioned in the A Pool this year as they placed fi rst in Fairview Games. They made it to the fi nal game against Calgary. It was a hard fought game but the team came up a little short on the runs. Pictured left to right,

Back Row: Reg Zimmer, Camrose; Kevin Drader, Bawlf; Jacquie Dietrich – scorekeeper; Paul Dietrich, Halkirk; David Curtis, Heisler; Wally Vance, Red Deer; Lawrence Boyer, Millet; Bryan Gallaugher, Wetaskiwin.Front Row: Elwood Irwin, Red Deer; Norm Van Petten, Ohaton; Roger Forth, Camrose; James Andres, Rimbey; Lorne Enright, Rosalind; Ken Kirk, Camrose.

Military WhistThe Rimbey/Bluffton Military Whist team of Russ & Alice Picketts, Brenda & Gordon Mounteney combined their talents to win a Silver Medal at Barrhead. These two couples play together in the Zone 4 Military Whist Challenge Cups each month, sharpening their talents for the Zone playoffs and then the Summer Games. Great results!!

It is Gold, Silver and Bronze for our golfers.Steve Petz, from Camrose, proudly accepted his Gold Medal in the 65+ Men’s Callaway golf, as in the Fairview Summer Games where he golfed in the low gross, but had to stop and be taken to the hospital with kidney stones. He was on a mission to prove he could play his best when he was healthy.

Military Whist

continued onto

happens in cards, after lunch,

Back Row:

Front Row:Ohaton; Roger Forth, Camrose; James Andres, Rimbey;


Zone 4 report - continued

27

Debbie Retzlaff, from Rimbey, added to her medal collection, by winning a Silver Medal in the 55+ Women’s Low Gross. It will hang by the one she brought home from the Winter Games in Ice Curling. What an athlete!!Carol Stewart, from Red Deer, holds up her Bronze Medal in 65+ Women’s Callaway with pride, as she was so surprised when she won in Zones. She was sure the computer had made a mistake. Look at you now girl!!

Zone 4 Amazing Cultural Group

This Zone 4 Group combined to win a total of 30 medals for the zone. Creative Writing contributed 4 medals: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze. The Arts & Crafts brought in 26 more medals: 14 Gold, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze. They come from all over the Zone with their creative talents. A special banquet was held for this group to acknowledge their contributions and award their medals. Missing from the picture is Beulah Johnson and Mary Hydomako from Red Deer. Pictured are:Back Row: Walter Hawksworth (Mirror); Ole Lundle (Camrose); Doreen Raush (Ponoka); Shirley Reaman (Red Deer); Betty Dragon ( Wetaskiwin); Florence McMahon (Camrose).Second Row: Shirley Thomas ( Innisfail); Kathleen Tennant (Bawlf); Shirley Barnes (Gwynne); Lorreen Beggs (Stettler).Front Row: Marlene Tiegs ( Stettler); Helen Drader (Red Deer); Eileen Ensminger (Ponoka).

Certifi cate of MeritRoz Aebig, Zone 4 President, receives the Certifi cate of Merit from Rosella Snopek, Zone 4 past president who nominated Roz for the award. The Certifi cate was presented at the Provincial AGM in May.

FAREWELL AND GOOD LUCKChad Monner, our Alberta 55 plus Provincial Coordinator for the last 6 years, is leaving us. He has joined his dad and uncle in pursuing his dream of farming and ranching on the family farm in Milo, Alberta.

Chad was presented a plaque and gift by Past President, Pat Covington on behalf of the Provincial Board with many well wishes and thanks for his loyalty, compassion and dedication to Alberta 55 plus.

We all wish Chad and his family all the best in this new venture and chapter in his life.

now girl!!

Athletics: Gold – Mike Bilidda (2), Etty Cameron (2), Barry Crombie (5), Margaret Fester, Jan Gudlaugson (3), Marvin Kaluzniak, Bruce Loughridge (3), Alain Marcotte Silver – Mike Bilida, Etty Cameron, Jan Gudlaughson, Marvin Kaluzniak (4), Bruce Loughridge, Alain Marcotte, Laurie Marcotte Bronze – Margaret Fester (2), Bruce Loughridge, Alain Marcotte Cribbage: Gold – Marie Byrd, Richard Nadeau

Cycling: Gold – John Daly (2) Silver – Irma Bradley (2), Sid McKinney (2) Bronze – Eleanor King-Lamoureux

Floor Curling: Gold – Art & Norma Brand, Bert & Mary Dube

Floor Suffl eboard: Silver – Paul-Emile Massia, Don Hunneman Bronze – Frank Fowler, Wilfred Goerz

Golf: Gold – Norman Miller, Kate Patrick Silver – Sonny L’Hirondelle, George Visser Bronze – Albert Mast, Glen Polis, Debbie Shoemaker, Bessie Stevens, John Stevens

Horseshoes: Silver – Hilda Laarz, Charles Nadeau Bronze – Peggy Nadeau, Betty Newman-Jones Pool 8-Ball: Gold - Jean Murtha, Edward Sehlin Bronze – Rudi Switala

Slo Pitch: Gold – 55+ Men’s, 65+ Men’s, 70+ Men’s Bronze – 55+ Co-ed

Swimming: Gold – Rita McCaw (4), Irene Harris (2), Richard Jacobs, Kahl Horst Silver – Irene Harris, Kahl Horst (2), Richard Jacobs, Debbie Riopel, Robert Lee (3) Bronze – Irene Harris, Richard Jacobs (2), Kahl Horst Tennis: Gold – Lorna Clayton, Christine Jenkins, James O’Donnell, Ronald Riley Bronze – Jack Adkins, Barry Robinson

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Stan Bienert, Carol Epton, Don Hunneman (2), Cheryl Meyer, Maureen Paches, Melanie Parker, Susan Rees (4), Barbara Strand (2) Silver – Gisella Brown, Chico Bulmer, Carol Epton (2), Joyce Goerz, Jacquioe Gross, Darlene Hunneman, Maureen Paches (2), Barbara Strand (3) Bronze – Carol Ambrose (2), Shirley Ayotte, Carol Epton (2), Jacquie Gross, Gail Hrycak, Melanie Parker, Barbara Strand, Frank Vettergreen (2) Creative Writing: Gold – John Betton, Dona Quick (2) Silver – Bruce Foster Bronze – Donna Quick


ZONE 5 Black Gold / Yellowhead

28

All Zone 5 Summer Games participants are congratulating themselves on the Zone Championship Trophy awarded to our Zone, repeating our win in the Winter Games. Truly a remarkable achievement! Check the provincial website for a full list of all winners.

Rocky Start to AMAbout 20 Zone 5 members attended the AGM in Red Deer on May 6. We were told to assemble in an Edmonton mall parking lot at 8 a.m. in order to arrive in Red Deer by 10 a.m. Eight o’clock came and went with no bus in sight; likewise 8:30 and 9 a.m. Frantic phone calls were made, and fi nally at 9:30 a bus appeared. It turned out that the bus company had mistakenly booked a 10 o’clock pick-up, not arrival. We left at 9:35 and somehow got to the meeting at 10:40, a distance of about 150 km. (Don’t try this yourself, folks.)

Annual Zone PicnicThe Evansburg seniors’ centre was once again the site of the Zone 5 picnic, held on June 17. Approximately 30 members and guests enjoyed a huge potluck meal. After lunch, bocce and washer toss were played outside, with several tables of euchre in operation inside. Before lunch, everyone was asked to introduce themselves and then recall some memorable activity from the “good old days.” Would any of these be on your list?

Playing baseball seemed to be the most common theme. Other activities mentioned included playing Crack the Whip on skates, picnics, picking blueberries, playing hockey, and riding ponies. One interesting thought was the fact that you used to be able to go to a ball game on Sunday and not have to go shopping! (Suggested by a man, of course.)

A special Merit Award was announced for Leona Logie, which was accepted by Joyce Goerz in Leona’s absence. Zone president Darlene Hunneman outlined the reasons for the award, summed up as follows: Leona has served as Treasurer and Membership chairman for Zone 5 for a number of years. A year ago she also became Vice-President North, where she chairs several committees. Other contributions include: publishing numerous newsletters, volunteering as 2014 Canada Games Data Clerk, designing a Canada Games team application form and a system to distribute these to every Alberta 55 plus member, and organizing and fi nding facilities and equipment for Zone 5 Athletics playoffs.

Other members received pins to mark their continuous years with Alberta 55 plus. Receiving a 25-year pin was Anne Luchka of Fort Saskatchewan. Fifteen-year pins went to Bessie and John Stevens, Moe Campbell (sadly deceased June 2, 2013), Leona Logie, and Don and Darlene Hunneman. Ten-year pins were awarded to June Loughridge, Carol Ambrose, David Ashley, Doris Chizma, Ronald Crosby, Margaret DeHoog, Herb Holland, Lare Whelen, Glenda Polis, Audrey Zilli, Joan Dean, and Mira and Terry Fenton.

New Format For Cultural Competition MedalsZone 5 tried a new idea for presenting the Arts and Crafts and Creative Writing medals this summer. Instead of having a separate medal presentation in September as in the past, winners attended the zone Pep Rally on July 13. Being fortunate enough to win three creative writing medals, I ap-preciated the chance to attend the Pep Rally and feel more a part of the Games than in previous years.

Past President Pat Covington attended the rally and congratulated the Zone on the large number of Cultural Competition medals won, a total of 37. One third of the Creative Writing medals went to Zone 5. Pat was also impressed with the number of brand-new 55 plus members at the rally who would be attending the Summer Games.

Innovative Idea For New MembershipsLong-time member June Loughridge of Stony Plain presented an excellent idea for obtaining new members and at the same time making your birthday and Christmas shopping easier. June’s idea? Give your age 55 and over children memberships in Alberta 55 plus, which has the advantage of increasing membership numbers as well

as the fi tness and community involvement of the recipients.

Submitted by,

Donna Quick,Zone 5 Publicity Director


Rocky Start to AGM

29

as the fi tness and community involvement of the recipients.


30

Zone 5 Ready For The Summer Games!

Ready for the parade of Colours. Barry Crombie – Athletics – Wow. Bessie & John Stevens – 2 Bronze – Golf.

Cribbage – Had a Great time – no medals. Bill Hinds – Gold – Horseshoes Our Creative Writing MedalsJohn Betton, Donna Quick, Bruce Foster.

The Zone 5 Membership Director would like thank all members for either renewing or purchasing a new membership for 2013. This is the most members in our club since its conception in 1981. It also has the honor of acquiring the most new members in Alberta 55 plus.

As next year is the 2014 Canada 55 Plus Games I realize many of you will purchase 2014 memberships. In 2014 we will be having our winter games playoffs for 2015 Winter Games in Lethbridge. So our playoffs will be held in November and December of 2014.

We as a Zone need your support and I must say you have come through with fl ying colours. Thank you once again for your enthusiasm and from the sounds I am hearing everyone had a great time. Leona Logie, Membership Director

The Zone 5 Membership Director would like thank all members for either renewing or purchasing a new membership for 2013. This is the most members in our club since its conception in 1981. It also has the honor of acquiring the most new members in Alberta 55 plus.

As next year is the 2014 Canada 55 Plus Games I realize many of you will purchase 2014 memberships. In 2014 we will be having our winter games playoffs for 2015 Winter Games in Lethbridge. So our playoffs will be held in November and December of 2014.

THANKYOU!


“Remember, you can also renew your membership online at www.alberta55plus.ca”

Renew yourMembershipOnline Today!

31

Zone 5 Ready For The Summer Games – continued.

The Gang Is All Here. Robert Lee, Kahl Horst, Richard JacobsZone 5 Swimmers.

Some Bocce Players Having Fun.

Wilf Goerz, (wife Joyce) & Frank FowlerFloor Shuffl eboard – Bronze.

Laurie & Alain Marcotte – Medals – Athletics. Millie AndersonLifetime Member.

Athletics: Gold – Anne Black (4), Lucille Burton (2), Victor Fedyna (2), Paul Gaudreau, Maria Hopchin (3), Peter Kwan (4), Yuko Nakano, Lucille Normand, John Stewart (3) Silver – Lucille Burton (2), Victor Fedyna, Lucille Normand (2) Bronze – Paul Gaudreau, Peter Kwan, Takuo Nakano (3), John Stewart Bocce: Silver – Anna & Richard Fahrion, Clint & Geneva Sopchyshyn

Cribbage: Silver – Judith Axelson

Cycling: Gold – Barb Biggs (2) Silver – Howard Benson, Jan Robinson, Dick Foose, Mike Cooper (2), Ilene Larson (2) Bronze – Don Cross (2), Dick Foose Golf: Gold – Ron Berlando, Ed Dumka Silver – Joan Delainey Bronze – Dora Bilko, Ian Duncan

Horseshoes: Silver – Richard Toma Bronze – Robert McClymontJones

Pool 8-Ball: Gold – Elaine Maxwell Bronze – Ray Ewing

Slo Pitch: Gold – 55+ Co-ed Silver – 65+ Men’s, 70+ Men’s

Swimming: Gold – Dwight Robinson (3) Silver – Donald Boult (2), Natsuko Cyr, Roy Harper, Kathleen Harper (2), Dwight Robinson, Ken Miller, Anthony Pole Bronze – Natsuko Cyr, Roy Harper, Kathleen Harper, Benno Kappel (3), Sally Osberg (2)

Tennis: Gold – Lorna Clayton, Christine Jenkins, James O’Donnell, Ronald Riley Bronze – Jack Adkins, Barry Robinson

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Iris Horbasenko, Isabelle Kleparchuk (3), Mary Pityn-Dolynchuk, Joanna Skowronski (2), Anna Zoldi Silver – Lil Balomen, Eunice Barron, Inez Congdon, Isabelle Klepcharuk (3), Mary Pityn-Dolynchuk (2), Anna Zoldi Bronze – Joyce Dowdall, Eleanore Frend, Margaret Hansen, Lynn Harrington, Isabelle Kleparchuk, Coleen Lane, Marlene Richardson Creative Writing: Gold – Earl Masnfi eld Bronze – Linda Harrison


ZONE 6 Edmonton Marigold 55 plus

32


How quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday we were in our Zone Playoffs, and using the advertising on CFCW Radio, newsletters, posters, word of mouth and many phone calls to get as many participants as possible involved. We feel we have done a good job, with many fi rst-time members showing up to some of our playoffs, which is very encouraging.

Some events, such as tennis, had a very poor showing, while others such as cycling, golf and cribbage had great turn outs. These are all priorities on our fi rst Executive meeting on September 16. Special name pins for all 142 participants who went to the Games were presented at our Pep Rally to make everyone feel more comfortable with one another. The rest of our members will receive their name pins in the September Grapevine newsletter.

Anecdotes from the Barrhead/Westlock GamesArriving in Westlock on Wednesday for our Board meeting gave me time to visit all of the venues in that town. Bocce at St. Mary’s School; Contract Bridge – Golden Age Drop In Centre; Floor Curling – Elementary School; Horseshoes – Mountie Park; Swimming at the Aquatic Centre; and Floor Curling, Pool, Opening Ceremonies and Registration at the new Rotary Spirit Centre. The Barrhead venues were: Athletics – High School; Cribbage – Senior Drop In Centre; Cycling – Belvedere Hall Area; Golf at the Barrhead Golf Club; Military Whist at the High School; Creative Writing and Arts & Crafts – Curling Rink; Closing Ceremonies and Food Centre at the Barrhead Sports Centre; Tennis at the Sports Grounds and Slo Pitch in both Barrhead and Clyde. There was also the 5km walk and run on Sunday held at Cecile Memorial Park.

Whichever town you were in, the shades of green with black lettering were visible everywhere. All venues had visible signs pointing to events and parking. Both communities had hanging baskets of petunias throughout their towns and beautiful gardens in and around land marks. Atco Gas, once again, were the main sponsor for the Torch Relay and Opening Ceremonies. Atco Gas said they were thrilled to be part of the excitement, again lighting the way for the athletes and participants. The Torch Relay started at the Barrhead Agrena with participants of all age groups taking part. Then it was off to Westlock for a new group of participants again stopping at the Mountie Park, with the lighting of the Cauldron by George Oko and Richard Rau.

Offi cial Transportation was once again provide by National Motor Coach, with one of the buses advertising the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games of 2013 for the past 5 months. This bus is very eye catching and picturesque – well done to National Motor Coach and the ASRPW Foundation! “Wow”, what a fantastic 4 days. Thank you to everyone for your participation with congratulations to all the winners, MY goodness, what great athletes we have in Alberta. To all the fantastic volunteers who made these days fun for all of us, without you we wouldn’t have be able to compete, play and just enjoy yourselves. We all appreciate the work it takes to make things run smoothly. Special thanks to all the Host Community Board Members, ASRPWF and our Provincial Board for making the Summer Games an experience we will not soon forget. We truly appreciate your ongoing support.

Zone 6 Report

33

Zone 6 members at registration to kick off the Games!

their towns and beautiful gardens in and around land marks.

Atco Gas, once again, were

Some local beauty!

George Oko and Richard Rau.

Offi cial Transportation was once again provide by

Class A Poetry – “Lunch” by Linda Harrison, Zone 6 The cerulean sky holds the glorious golden globe while wispy white clouds occasionally drift by and hide her warm beams the beach is crowded.

Like parallel parking in a tight space mats, beach towels, and bags lie down to stake the claim while we leave to get some lunch

Padding carefully through the maze carrying far in fl imsy paper boxes the return trip to enjoy paradise is almost successful.

The box slips, dips, and slides to the left the organic veggie whole wheat wrap tumbles and falls to the sand too much fi bre now.

The wrap drops in the trash can nearby a man, bearded, unkempt, long-haired watching its demise Rushes to retrieve....lunch.

The Arts and Crafts coordinator who handled this job created quite a few stares by the public viewers. She rearranged the ribbons so that Blue was fi rst, Green was second and Red was third, going against the grain. Many visitors spent more time observing the displays with this different format – “Great Job!”


34

The Alberta 55 Plus Games are all about participation – winning is just “a plus” as Pat Covington always states. That does not mean we won’t try hard to win, but that we also just want to enjoy the fellowship of friends new and old. The sun shone brightly for 2.5 days even though a violent storm went through the area on Friday night, with marble-sized hail devastating crops between Westlock and Barrhead. The snow plows were called out to clear the highway, and hail was still visible in wind rows on the sides of the road until 2:00pm on Saturday. The Games continues with little ill effects.

Zone 6 fi nished in second place in the overall medal count with a total of 98 medals. Zone 5 had the most, with 122. Zone 5 also won the “Zone Championship Trophy” for the highest total placing amongst all events (not just medals).

In Cribbage, Jim Normey of Zone 6 was very popular at the Games. Everybody wanted to play against him, as Jim never won a hand while his opponents scored big time. Jim has been a great ambassador for the Alberta 55 Plus Games and Zone 6.

The Creative Writing book “Our Greatest Treasure” was printed by the Host Community for the Summer Games. Talk about some great reading! I have shed a few tears, my mouth was dry on occasions and the humour tickled my insides – what a super job by all participants. For example, here is a “Light Verse” by Justin Richards of Zone 6: There once was a man from Dunbuce, In the morning put scotch in his juice. This tasted so good, He had more than he should, Now his body’s all limpid and loose.

Alberta 55 plus is proud to announce we are holding our fi fth annual online fundraising auction. Proceeds from the auction will help us host more local activities at the Zone level for the Association.

The auction will run from October 23 to November 6, 2013. www.alberta55plus.ca


Continued on Page 36


Special thanks go to some key volunteers for the Summer Games from Zone 6. Gordon Severin was the Zone 6 Chef de Mission, working tirelessly before and during the Games as the Zone 6 main contact. Also, we provided 4 Provincial Advisors, including Pat Covington (Contract Bridge), Don Holtom (Cribbage), Walt Mollenkopf (8 Ball Pool) and Ernie Jackson (Slo-Pitch). Thank you everyone!

Meet and Greet NightJust a friendly reminder to all new members, but also open to all memberships, for our fi rst “Meet & Greet Night.” The date is set for September 23 from 7:00-9:00pm. It was suggested for this night that we maybe do a tour for our newer members of Central Lions, Slo-Pitch Diamonds and Bocce Courts. Also we will present the Summer Games Cultural medals for Arts & Crafts and Creative Writing to the 2013 participants. Members, make sure to mark your calendars for this special event. For more information, contact Len Stevens at 780-481-4791 or [email protected].

I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to fi nd one!

Submitted by,

Marshall Yaremcio,Vice President



Some Art Entries at the CulturalCompetition

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Comments from Slo PitchCongratulations Barrhead/Westlock for putting up an excellent Alberta 55 Plus Games. I have myself personally participated in Slo-Pitch in 9 Games. Over those years our Zone 6 has won gold, silver and bronze medals but this one will be the highlight of my career and our Zone 6 Plus 70 team. We had played Zone 5 in the round-robin which this game was to decide who would be the Gold Medal fi nalist. After 7 innings of play our game was tied at 10 all. We went into an extra inning where they scored 3 runs and we tied them again making the score 13 to 13, another inning was played where they scored two runs and we only came back with one run loosing the game 14-13 and losing the Gold Medal. That is why slo-pitch is always a highlight in the 55 Plus Games!

All the games we participated in were overwhelming; umpires were just excellent, the fi eld conditions (diamonds) were also in fantastic condition, the diamond crews in Clyde have to be congratulated for their work, even after the downpour on Saturday night!

Registration went off with no hassle what so ever at Westlock on Thursday, also we have to congratulate who ever the caterers were for their outstanding meals that were put out to the athletes. Our team agreed that this may have been one of the best meal presentations that was put out. Thanks again! Yes we are already looking forward to the 2014 Canada Games and the 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Games.

Submitted by,

Daniel MartinuikSlo-Pitch 70’s Manager (sorry no pictures!)

Pool) and Ernie Jackson (Slo-Pitch). Thank you everyone!

Some Art Entries at the CulturalCompetition

Category #18 – Wood Working

The Mary Hogg Military Whist Tournament is booked for September 20/13 at 10:00 AM at the

Calder Senior Centre , 12963 – 120 Street. This will be the 12th anniversary of the event.

Everyone is welcome from all Zones! Contact Helen Conrad for more info at

[780] 452-4295, or Delores Heck [780] 475-647.

The Mary Hogg Military Whist Tournament is

M A R Y H O G G

Military Whist

Meet and Greet Night

Tournament

ZONE 7 Lakeland Senior Games Association

Zone 7 Medal Winners Athletics: Gold – Ross Betton, Lorraine Donovan, Peter McArthur, Susan Shewchuk, Ed Storch Silver – Lorraine Donovan (2), Dave Garth, Joe Ibach (2), Peter McArthur (2), Susan Shewchuk, Ed Storch, Alice Tymorichuk-Betton Bronze – Lorraine Donovan, Dave Garth (3), Joe Ibach, Alice Tymofi chuk-Betton (3)

Bocce: Silver – Doreen Lafrenierre, Bertha Lemley, Doris Thompson, Molly Yurkowski

Cribbage: Silver – Gilbert Classen, Evelyn Reiter

Golf: Gold – Maida Baskerville Silver – Bernie Houle, Howard Row, Claudette Roy, Patricia Sevcik

Horseshoes: Gold – Victor Ouellette Silver – Colleen Ouellette, Elsie Quickstad

Military Whist: Gold – Margaret Baguley, Gudrun Baranyk, David Clennett, Katie Harrison

Swimming: Gold – Sharon Charters (2) Silver – Sharon Charters (2), Daisy Fraser (4)

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Meg Price, Marie Routhier (2), Betty Samaroden Silver – Maryann Latty, Meg Price Bronze – Katie Bohnet, Maryann Latty, Lorane McGregor, Betty Samaroden

Greetings to everyone. The year seems to go by fast, already 7 months have slipped by. In the month of April we started the Zone playoffs for the provincial Summer Games and fi nished in June. Then a new game called Pickleball exerted the picture, however we got the Zone playoffs settled and waiting for the provincial play down August 22 in Edmonton. We just arrived home from the provincial Summer Games which had very good attendance. A great time was had by us. Westlock and Barrhead hosted the Games and did an excellent job. The food was great

and the volunteers put in great effort. In order to enjoy these Games

you have to try entering them.

Upcoming events for Alberta 55 Plus Games: Winter Games will be held Lethbridge

and Summer Games in Strathmore 2015. Also the Canada Games in Sherwood Park 2014.

Take in the try outs and have fun. Join Alberta 55 plus!

Joe Ibach,Zone 7 President

Zone 7 President’s Report

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Summer Games 2013Westlock/BarrheadZone 7 had 99 participants. We won 51 medals: 14 gold, 25 silver and 12 bronze. Participants and Non Participant Guests had a wonderful time, meeting old and new friends from all over the province. Our hosts worked very hard to provide great venues, accommodation, food, entertainment throughout the Games. We wish to thank Zone 5 for their hospitality, their superb organization, and their energetic, friendly volunteers. You made this a memorable event that we will treasure for years to come.

‘Til 2015,

Linda Danilak,Zone 7 Chef

Zone 7 Ball Team from Vermilion

Zone 7 Chef

Zone 7 at the Opening Ceremonies Cribbage players – Lillian McLaughlin, Bea Campbell, Del Smith

Athletics Medal Winners: Lorraine Donovan, Alice Tymofi chuk, Joe Ibach, Peter McArthur

Peter McArthur throwing Javelin

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Athletics Medal Winners:

Joe Ibach, Peter McArthur

37

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Golf 75+ Callaway – Howard Rowe – Silver winner

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Willie McGregor of Bonnyville enjoyed every minute of the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in Westlock this past weekend. The 90-year-old received a certifi cate from Caroline Anker, provincial advisor in fl oor curling, for being the oldest fl oor curling participant in the Games. “Everything is good here,” McGregor said, in between games at the Westlock Elementary School which hosted the fl oor curling event. “I enjoy meeting people and talking to everybody.” McGregor added that the food was excellent at the Westlock Community Hall and he also enjoyed the entertainment on Thursday and Friday night.

McGregor, who was the skip for Zone 7’s 70 plus fl oor curling team, said that his rink qualifi ed for the games by winning the Zone 7 playoffs earlier this year. His team plays out of the Bonnyville Seniors Drop In Centre in north eastern Alberta. “It is a nice building,” McGregor said. “We have one of the better buildings in northeastern Alberta.” McGregor, who was the president of the

seniors centre for 11 years, added that the centre has fl oor curling, fl oor shuffl eboard and regular shuffl eboard. “We play cards too from bridge to whist and cribbage,” he said. “I play cards twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I do regular whist on Tuesdays and cribbage on Thursdays. We fl oor curl twice per week in the win-ter on Mondays and Thursdays.” He added that there is also pool and snooker in the centre. “We have more than 200 active people in the centre,” he said.

McGregor added that his wife, Lorane, and he qualifi ed for the Canada Summer Games in Brockville, Ont. in 2010 where they took fourth in cribbage. “We are going to sign up for the Canada Summer Games after these Games,” he said. “We don’t know what we will play yet, but probably fl oor curling.” “Lorane has won many medals in crafts,” he said. “She has crafts here as well and she got a medal here. The crafts are on display at the Barrhead Curling Rink.”

McGregor added that he has no health issues other than a little rheumatism. McGregor was a World War II veteran. He served four years overseas during the war. “I was with the medical core,” he said. “I was a medic orderly. I was the guy who put the fi rst bandage on a solidier and carried him out on the stretcher.” After the war, McGregor returned to the Bonnyville area where he met and married his wife. He then farmed for 50 years at Iron River, just 25 miles northwest of Bonnyville. They have been married for 65 years. His son, Ralph, and wife, Betty, took over the family farm in 1990, so Willie and his wife could move into Bonnyville and retire.

As for his fl oor curling advice, he added that his strategy for winning is simple. “You just throw them down there and hope it hits something,” he said, pointing to the other end of his sheet. The other people on Willie McGregor’s fl oor curling team included third Stella Marcotte, second Rene Normand, and lead Jeanne Wierzbicki.

By

Isabell Shoff

Floor Curling Still Fun at 90!

Caroline Anker, Provincial Advisor in Floor Curling, presenting the Eldest Participant certifi cate in the activity

to Wille McGregor of Bonnyville.

ZONE 8 Mighty Peace Sports and Recreation

4039

Zone 8 Medal Winners Athletics: Gold – Al Bromling, Leo Dawson, Karen Fimrite, Joe Larsbach (3) Dorothy Sudnik, Frank Tries Silver – Al Bromling, Fred Brown (2), Leo Dawson, Karen Fimrite, Eleanor Graw, Betty June Steffensen (2), Dorothy Sudnik, Frank Tries Bronze – Al Bromling, Fred Brown, Eleanor Graw, Joe Larsback

Cribbage: Bronze – Erwin & Mona Sloan

Cycling: Gold – Freddi Bromling (2), Barbara Hopkin, Bob Walsh (2) Bronze – Patrick Bonertz, Ruth Walkley (2)

Golf: Bronze – Keith Fraser

Horseshoes: Gold – Edward Rode

Slo Pitch: Bronze – 55+ Men’s, 65+ Men’s

Swimming: Gold – Mary-Helen Hopkins (4), Fjola Joelson Silver – Fjola Joelson

Tennis: Silver – Erwyn & Phyllis Marx

Arts & Crafts: Gold – Anne Kotyk, Lee Rasmussen, Frank Tries Silver – Ron Hemmingway, Anne Kotyk, Marie Peterson Bronze – Ron Hemmingway, Mary Hemmingway, Marie Peterson, Frank Tries

Zone Award Winners at the 2013 Summer Games President’s Spirit of Participation Award – awarded to the Zone that best exemplifi es the true spirit of participation with personal integrity & sportsmanship both in and out of competition. This was awarded to ZONE 4

Lieutenant Governor’s Cup is awarded to the Zone who showed the greatest improvement in overall activity standings from the previous Summer Games... congratulations ZONE 1!

The Zone Championship Trophy takes into account the highest point total from all activities at the Games. This is not just about “medal count” as some activities allow the opportunity to win multiple medals, while most only offer a chance at one medal. Each activity is ranked 1 through 8, with the Zone fi nishing with the highest average placement in the activity receiving the most points (8) and the Zone fi nishing last in that activity receiving 1 point. Each activity is weighted equally. The winner of this Award from the 2013 Summer Games was ZONE 5!


Zone 8 ReportZone 8 events during the winter and spring months have largely focused on the 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games (while working in the Winter Games in February!). It’s been a busy year so far! We’ll be heading into the Challenge Cup events in September again, still to be fi nalized once the dust settles after our AGM at the end of August.

A happy group of participants and supporters spent a wonderful few days in the Barrhead-Westlock-Clyde region this July, enjoying the warm hospitality and rolling countryside. We were treated to some great entertainment and venues to visit, and of course the Games!!

Zone 8 participants were spread out amongst the venues, from the ball diamonds in Clyde to the venues located in the towns of Barrhead and Westlock and the cycling venue south of Barrhead at Belvedere. Being housed, whether it was hotel/motel/billets or campgrounds near the event was helpful in getting to and from effi ciently. In spite of being spread amongst three communities, the wistfulness of some of us that we weren’t able to interact as much as we would have liked given the distances between venues

speaks to the camaraderie and community that was formed nevertheless! These Games proved once again that small communities working together can successfully host these events. Well done Barrhead/County of Barrhead/Westlock/County of WestlockClyde!!!

Canada Games 2014 in County of Strathcona, here we come!

Not listed in the preceding page were the names of the players on the Slo-Pitch medal-winning teams. They are:

• 55+ Men’s Team (Bronze): Bob Roessler, Ken Purvis, Henry Biendarra, Bob McIntosh, Dennis Milligan, William Tucker, Gord Konno, Jim Hammond, Bruce Cassidy, Rob MacAlister, Rick Kozie, Gord Head, Ray Biendarra.

• 65+ Men’s Team (Bronze): Alan Abbott, Mike Frey, Paul Listoe, R.R. Hemmingway, Al Hallick, Roger Mestinsek, Rod Middlebrook, Nick Demchuk, Ernie Helliker, Melvin Schmidke, Don Tunke, Don Toews, Ray Gilkyson.

40

Zone 8 Pictures from the Games

A detail of Anne Kotyk’s award winning crocheted doily. Anne won both Gold and a Silver medal in the crocheting categories – wow! The Cultural entries

garnered a total of 3 Gold medals, 3 Silver medals and 5 Bronze medals!Edward Rode won a Gold medal in Horseshoes,

tossing those shoes right where he wanted them!

41


Barb Hopkin cycling the beautiful countryside south of Barrhead. Barb won Gold in the Predicted Time event – cycling 5 kilometers each day and coming the closest of all the competitors in predicting her time over the 2 day event. Luckily, the cycle events experienced fi ne cycling weather (well, mostly – nice strong headwind going out on day 2, but to compensate it was behind the cyclists on the return run – the only better scenario would have been to have experienced strong ‘back’ winds both ways!). Zone 8 fi elded our strongest cycling team ever, taking home a total of 5 Gold medals and 3 Bronze medals

Zone 8 Pictures from the Games - continued

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Frank Tries is a multi-talented guy, proving beyond a doubt that the 55+ crowd is versatile (which we all knew anyhow!) Frank won a Gold medal in the cultural competition (Photography) and a Bronze medal (also Photography) as well as a Gold medal in Athletics (Shot Put) and a Silver medal (Discus).

�

Hamming it up at the Closing Ceremonies were Military Whist participants Wilma Friesen, Helen Zahn, Shirley Anderson and Doreen Boyd. They had a great time, and as one participant of the Games commented, they ‘made some other players very happy’! and as one participant of the Games commented, they

In her fi rst appearance at the 55 Plus Games, Karen Fimrite snagged a Gold in Athletics (Shot Put) and also a Silver in Javelin. Just to fi nish the week-end off in style, she entered the 5 kilometer Run/Walk on Sunday, and fi nished fi rst in her age group!

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Proving that teamwork gets results are Ervin and Mona Sloan, who teamed up to win a Bronze medal in Doubles Cribbage. They had the cards and made them work!

�

I must thank Pat Covington for taking a chance on me six years ago and hiring “some 22 year old kid” to be the ‘arms and legs’ of the Association and run the offi ce. I know many of the Board members were skeptical of the hire initially as they feared I would only be involved for 6 months and move on. But, I hope I rewarded Pat’s belief in me with the hard work and loyalty that she, and this organization, deserves. Pat, you are a continuous inspiration to me, and I am so proud that our relationship has evolved from “employer-employee” to one of great friendship. I wish you the best in all your endeavours moving forward.

I look forward to following along as Alberta 55 plus grows and evolves into an even better Association, and am glad the 2015 Summer and Winter Games are both relatively close to my home so I can visit when they take place. Thank you so much to the Provincial Board of Directors (past and present), the Technical Committee, Zone Membership and Publicity Directors, and everyone else who I had a close association with during my time with Alberta 55 plus. This Association has been a huge part of my life, and I truly will miss the wonderful relationships I have formed.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.Yours truly,

Chad Monner

As you have read in this newsletter, I am leaving my position as Provincial Coordinator for which I have proudly served for the past six years. Two years ago I moved back to my family farm in Milo, AB and was lucky enough to have an ‘adaptable’ Provincial Board allow me to maintain my position at a part-time level. Now the farm operation is growing to the point where I do not have enough time to dedicate to Alberta 55 plus as the Association deserves.

I have been truly blessed to be a part of this incredible organization since 2007. I cannot properly express how impressed I always am at the level of volunteerism and hard work by so many members to help make this Association run. For those members who do not know it, I urge you to speak to your Zone Board representatives to get an understanding of the level of time and effort each of them put in. They are terminally underappreciated and deserve our utmost thanks!

I am extremely happy that Diane Callan was hired to take over the Provincial Coordinator position. From my short time getting to know her, I am very confi dent that I am leaving Alberta 55 plus in good hands. Good luck Diane, and you know that I am just a phone call away if you need anything.

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Message from the (Old) Provincial Coordinator

Your Alberta 55 plusBoard of DirectorsPresident – Vernon HafsoPast President – Pat CovingtonVP North – Leona LogieVP South – Doug CampbellSecretary – Rosella SnopekTreasurer – David JohnstonTechnical Director NorthMary Zabolotniuk (780.523.6355)Technical Director SouthCaroline Anker (780.352.3541)President Zone 1Mike Bennett (403.381.0495)President Zone 2 Doug Campbell (403.932.6866)President Zone 3 Barrie Dargie (403.247.9949)President Zone 4 Roz Aebig (403.887.3094)President Zone 5 Darlene Hunneman (780.968.1665)Vice President Zone 6 Marshall Yaremcio (780.434.1754)President Zone 7 Joe Ibach (780.636.2243)President Zone 8 Mary Sutherland (780.814.4564)

Alberta 55 plus Offi cePercy Page Centre11759 Groat RoadEdmonton, AlbertaT5M 3K6

Provincial Coordinator Diane Callan [email protected]

www.alberta55plus.ca

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