SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES S.O.A.R. … · SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES...

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SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER Christmas 2012 Hello SOAR Members: Another year is rapidly coming to a close, even though our Fall in Toronto has hung in there pretty well. It's time to look back and see what your SOAR committee has accomplished?? The spring Luncheon at the Latvian club was well attended (65 attendees) coordinated by Barb Priest and Peter Defreitas. The food was good and abundant and it gave a chance for all to reconnect with others from Shell. The Spring Golf tournament was held at Maples of Ballantrae this year and was attended by 33 golfers. This event was pulled together by Bob Davie and the new course had good reviews from those in attendance, ...probably worth a repeat! Harley William's attempt to get members on a bus trip to the St Jacobs area didn't pan out, nor was there significant interest in a dinner/theatre event at Stage West in Mississauga. Perhaps it was bad timing or the locations that did not appeal to our group? The Fall luncheon at the Historic David Duncan House was a very well received. Bob Davie and Barb Priest coordinated the event and our treasurer, June Bullied set a bargain price for this up scale dining experience. We had 75 guests (The most we have had out in a long time) and all were complimenting the décor, food selection and fine service! It proves, once again, that retirees love to eat especially when the price is right! All in all a busy enough year for your SOAR volunteer committee. We are trying to provide opportunities for members to get out and socialize with their friends from Shell, however, as always, we need more input and “hands” to come up with ideas that will reach additional members. If you would like to help, please let us know and join the committee working on the activities for 2013. Another “Special Thanks” goes to Neil McCann for his efforts to maintain our membership file, tracking down member’s changes and his excellent work at producing the quality SOAR Newsletter 3 times a year! He is always looking for ideas or articles from members, so help out if you can. Remember Neil is our "Roving Reporter" connecting with the group from Edmonton, Florida, Phoenix, the Turks & Caicos...or even Ontario from time to time! So from our SOAR Committee we wish you all the Merriest Christmas Season ever and a Very Happy and Healthy New Year in 2013.

Transcript of SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES S.O.A.R. … · SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES...

Page 1: SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES S.O.A.R. … · SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER Christmas 2012 Hello SOAR Members: ... "Downunder" in a continent so

SHELL ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF RETIREES

S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER

Christmas 2012

Hello SOAR Members:

Another year is rapidly coming to a close, even though our Fall in Toronto has hung in there pretty well. It's

time to look back and see what your SOAR committee has accomplished??

The spring Luncheon at the Latvian club was well attended (65 attendees) coordinated by Barb Priest andPeter Defreitas. The food was good and abundant and it gave a chance for all to reconnect with others fromShell.

The Spring Golf tournament was held at Maples of Ballantrae this year and was attended by 33 golfers. This

event was pulled together by Bob Davie and the new course had good reviews from those in attendance,...probably worth a repeat!

Harley William's attempt to get members on a bus trip to the St Jacobs area didn't pan out, nor was theresignificant interest in a dinner/theatre event at Stage West in Mississauga. Perhaps it was bad timing or the

locations that did not appeal to our group?

The Fall luncheon at the Historic David Duncan House was a very well received. Bob Davie and Barb Priestcoordinated the event and our treasurer, June Bullied set a bargain price for this up scale dining experience.We had 75 guests (The most we have had out in a long time) and all were complimenting the décor, food

selection and fine service! It proves, once again, that retirees love to eat especially when the price is right!

All in all a busy enough year for your SOAR volunteer committee.

We are trying to provide opportunities for members to get out and socialize with their friends from Shell,

however, as always, we need more input and “hands” to come up with ideas that will reach additional members.

If you would like to help, please let us know and join the committee working on the activities for 2013.

Another “Special Thanks” goes to Neil McCann for his efforts to maintain our membership file, trackingdown member’s changes and his excellent work at producing the quality SOAR Newsletter 3 times a year! Heis always looking for ideas or articles from members, so help out if you can. Remember Neil is our "RovingReporter" connecting with the group from Edmonton, Florida, Phoenix, the Turks & Caicos...or even Ontario

from time to time!

So from our SOAR Committee we wish you all the Merriest Christmas Season ever and a Very Happy and

Healthy New Year in 2013.

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MEMBERS NEWS

Bob & Erika Buchkowsky - Niagara-on-the LakeWell it’s been quite a year so far! We received the offer for home on May 22 andwere out by June 21st. Fortunately our brand new bungalow in Niagara-on-the-Lake,Village of Virgil was ready. Talk about everything being wine related. House design

is the Chardonnay, our street is Riesling Drive & our development is called theVineyards. Therefore it made sense to have our new e-mail:[email protected]. Why the move to NoTL? We have always loved thearea, have visited many times, winters are warmer with much less snow, we are close

to everything especially the U.S. border and best of all – we LOVE drinking wine!We decided it was time to downsize to a smaller house, but still having the small-town ambiance. The back of thehouse faces east looking onto large

private backyards so although wedo not have any trees we aresurrounded by lovely mature trees

and vegetation. Will we miss raking 80+ bags of leaves in the Fall as wedid at our former heavily treed property … No…..don’t think so. Fabuloushistoric Old Town is really close, about an 8 minute drive down thestreet from us. Erika’s already found a very a nice Spa there to getsome much needed pampering usually followed by “shopping therapy”. Wehave already enjoyed various visitors and expect a lot more. If you arevisiting the area, let us know … we’d love to see you!Bob & Erika Buchkowsky, 10 Riesling Drive, R.R.5, Niagara-on-the-Lake, On. L0S 1J0Phone: (289) 868-9566

Better be careful Erika & Bob or your place could turn into a Shell B & B !! (The Editor)

Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the hell happened.

I have a great joke about procrastination...

I’ll tell you later.

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Garnett & Denise Gow - Orleans, Ontario

It's been awhile since old "Gator"has checked in with the Shell gang.Bob Nairn's recent article about"Shelly" made me send you a picturetaken at the 1986 Grey Cup paradein Ottawa. (Bob's HIGHLIGHT). Iwill never forget this, because Idressed up in that white Oil Can

Mascot and walked "BLIND" for themile and a half parade route. The ventilation was terrible, my glasses fogged up, and I literally hung onto a flex hose andallowed myself to be towed for at least half of the two hour ordeal!! It goes without saying that (left to right), BillMcAllister, Jim Hoffard, Chris Farrell, Sarah Russell, Bob Narin (right side, Bob's wife Bridget behind the whitebear??) rode in cars/Shelly while Francois Guay 2nd from right and I (centre behind truck) WALKED!! Shell was notalways fair. Ha, Ha.

I also included a picture taken at my retirement party (Feb 1999)where I gave "patented gator noses" to Dave Filo, Teresa Wesselink,Jim Milligan and Dick Hetrick. The world lost an angel when dearTeresa passed away. She was a pioneer for women's equity withinShell and was respected both by Agents and fellow Shell staff. Ourtrips to Audit Timmins and Kap were truly epic battles of good versusevil....to get out alive was testimony to our speed and elusiveness.

Denise and I continue to travel extensively. The Caribbean at leastonce/twice a year (Punta Canna this November, Montego Bay for twoweeks in February 2013); plus trips within Canada, USA and Europe being plotted in when budget allows. We paid a 10 dayvisit to Newfoundland in June, enjoyed the trip immensely. If ever you visit Rocky Harbour be sure to catch the

"Anchors Away" show. These guys sing, play numerous instruments, tell jokes and generally entertain at a very high level.We had a bad year for icebergs and whales, but beer, lobster, cod and screech were pretty good substitutes.

I no longer work in a Councillor's office for the City of Ottawa. He lost the last election (3rd term try) and I subsequently lost a great

part time job as an administrative assistant in the Ward Office. I still have a flyer delivery business and get great "paid" exercise

while working for Ottawa City Departments and Hydro One. Work is spotty but it makes pocket money for my sports and theatre

expenses.

Denise is still the love of my life and the worlds best Mom and Grand Ma. She's so good at it that Jodi (now 34) stilllives at home. Sonia, a teacher (en francais) has two children, Gabriel 10 and Melisande 7; needless to say that are ourpride and joy. Many trips to the rink, gym, auditorium for "Gran Mana and Gran Papa".

I miss not seeing a lot of the Toronto, Calgary, Montreal based Shell retirees. Email has been a great way for us to keepin touch. I'm afraid of Face Book. TOO MANY PEOPLE KNOW MY PAST.

I'll sign off for now. Our health is pretty good overall and life in general is worth living every day to the fullest. Wewelcome anyone visiting the nation's capital to our home. My famous bar is still pretty well stocked. Wine Cellar still isadequate, over 200 bottles.

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Bye for now and may God Bless you all.

Garnett "Gator" Gow

The article in the Summer 'Newsletter' about Shelly had a picture of a person lifting the front end of the truck. Ithought that it was Bob Nairn but he has told me that it was Bob Millroy the Cap-Tire rep at the time. (The Editor)

Sheila Andrews – Toronto (Part 1) (Part 2 to be in the Spring Issue)In September 2012, I decided to take a 'SOLO' vacation to Australia and I did

just that...."making Memories to last". It was actually a nice, but long journey,flying to Los Angeles and then boarding the 'Virgin Australia Flight' to Sydney.However, I am so happy that I took this opportunity to go to OZ, while I amstill healthy and mobile!

I had a marvelous time there and the weather was just great; not too hot, as itwas the end of their winter and into early Spring. The birds were singing, the

buds waiting to burst forth into flowers and some of the native bushes werealready fragrant & flowering. It made everything 'Downunder' such awelcoming sight. Australia is such a big country, slightly smaller than Canada,

however, it is a vast country no doubt, with such varied climates and such a variety of flora and fauna, making it so

distinctly different.

The loud, chirping laugh of the 'Cuckabura' was indeed an interesting sound to wake up to each morning. There were somany parrots and cockatoos and cockateels as well all over the place. I kept my windows open and the noisy birds sure

did wake me up! My first reaction, hearing the "Cuckabura", was indeed a surprise. He actually laughs like a kid. I neverrealized that, till I actually heard him. As a kid, I learnt the 'Rounds',..."Cuckabura sits on an old gum tree, merry, merryking of the bushes he ; ...laugh cuckabura laugh,"... that's exactly what he does,...laughs!!!

I arrived in Sydney ,bright and early around 6 a.m. after a long,15 hrs flight, non-stop, from LAX to SYD. However, Ihad slept at least 6 hrs. solid on the flight, so it wasn't that bad, after all. I didn't have any of the 'jet lag' that Iexpected. It was so good to wake up bright and early on that sun shiny day and the warmth of the sun was enough to get

me going for the day. I took a leisure walk down the Sydney Harbour bridge and looked beyond at the vast spreadingocean and could see the beaches far away. The sky was clear and blue. It was something to remember and I could notbelieve, I was finally here, "Downunder" in a continent so far from Canada and really beneath the globe. Wow!

SYDNEY is a world class city. It is a beautiful city, vibrant and really picturesque, with the natural harbour, the oceanand the lovely beaches, above all, the clear, blue skies and lots of sun, loved it.

I met up with my dear, old friend from University days and meetingher after a solid 45 years was just a treat to me. I never dreamt wewould ever meet again, since Australia seemed so far away. We had somuch to catch up on,. both of us were just in our early 20s when we

parted soon after post-graduation and here we are now, "GRANDMAS"!Can you imagine the joy and how much we talked and talked, my oh my!Not sure, whether we enjoyed the dinner so much OR just the factthat we were together once more. Whatever it was, we thoroughly

enjoyed the evening together. SYDNEY seemed all the moremeaningful to me, after I had met up with my friend. No doubtwhatsoever it is really a beautiful city. I took great sight seeing toursand visited the local markets, (which I loved) the Bondi beach, the

Manley harbour and beach; the old Museum; the marine exhibits of oldwar ships; the Fort and of course, the famous Opera House,......just awonderful experience, indeed.

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William Cate – Whitby, Ontario

Bill was born on December 11, 1911 in Gillingham, Kent, England.Last year, on December 11, 2011 Bill celebrated his 100thBirthday! (Bill Cate with his family Irene, Eve & David have a realreason to celebrate).

Bill sailed to Canada in June 1912 with the Royal George Cruiselines when he was 6 months old. Bill, his parents Harry and AnneCate, and 3 older brothers, Horace, Harry and Percy initially livedin Guelph, Ontario and then one year later in 1913, the familymoved to Port Whitby. Bill's father was a brick layer employedby the Province to build Government offices. The family thenmoved to Orillia, Ontario and for the next 10 years. After thistime, the family moved to Willowdale and then to Toronto, where

there was much building going on. His father continued in the building trade, while the boys went to school. His father

passed away in 1949.

Bill met the love of his life, Patricia Abram and they were married on April 25, 1940. They had two daughters Evelynand Irene. Pat passed away December 2009 at the age of 93. Bill has 2 grandchildren, Sarah who lives in Brooklin,Ontario and Geoffrey who lives in Whitehorse, Yukon. Sarah has 2 girls and Geoffrey has 2 boys and a girl. Bill gets hisgreatest joy from his 5 “great grandchildren”!

Bill first went to work for Lake Simcoe Ice and Fuel as an “ice man”, delivering ice to local homes and businesses. Yearslater, he became the Branch Manager on Gerard Street in Toronto. He transferred to the fuel oil department which waseventually purchased by the Shell Oil Company in the early 1960's. Bill soon became responsible for inventory control ofservice parts in the Shell Home Comfort Division (Thermoshell).

Bill retired from Shell when he was 65, in 1976. In retirement, Bill was lovingly known as "Mr. Fixit". There was nothingBill couldn't do around the house, whether it was electrical, plumbing or carpentry. He became very popular and an “in

demand” handyman with his family and many of their neighbours.

Bill was President of the Scarborough Amateur Radio Club for 6years, he was an avid ham operator for many years and he was alsoPresident of the Scarborough Tennis Club. Tennis was hisfavourite sport. He was also the charter member of CliffcrestUnited Church on McCowan Avenue in Scarborough until the

Church closed. He was the oldest living founding member.

Bill now resides in Amica, a senior residence located in Whitby,Ontario where he enjoys many friendships, the excellent food,

and playing his beloved game of Bridge with other seniors. Healso spends time playing Bridge and Freecell on his favouritepastime, “the computer”.

Being almost 101 years of age is not a hindrance in any way for Bill. Those who know him or meet him for the first time,marvel at how he conducts himself, his humour, alertness and communication skills. He always looks at the positive sideof situations and this perspective continues to serve him well at this stage of his life!

Written by his daughter - Evelyn Harries

What a great life story, we should all be so fortunate to make it to 100+ and be as lively as Bill.

(The Editor)

An old Woman was asked, "At your ripe age, what would you prefer to get - Parkinsons or Alzheimers?" The wise oneanswered, "Definitely Parkinsons - Better to spill half my wine than to forget where I keep the bottle..!"

Bill Cate's 100th birthday

Bill at his computer

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Why do people keep running over a thread a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examineit, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

A NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR

Well the efforts of Helen Blakeley to have an email book club failed to get anyreasonable support / response from the members except for a couple of people so wehave put that idea to rest. Thanks for trying Helen.

Your committee is finding it extremely hard to come up with ideas that will appeal to alarger range of retirees. We are not sure why that is but I think it might be the

average age of the group now days. As such I'd like it if in making your dues payment you could simply put your year ofbirth on the form as well. I've got about 25 people already in my data base (including our Bill Cate) and the average ageso far is 76 years young!! This info will only be know to Barb Priest who opens the mail and myself 'The Editor'. If wecan get at least 200 peoples year of birth out of our 319 members it may show us something different. For the 200members that have email, simply reply to this email with your year of birth, that would help me and make it easier on you.

One last item. When sending me write-ups on your trips, activities, etc. it is really important to send along a few goodpictures. Pictures that have you and maybe your friends in it are the best. Pictures of just a interesting building whileOk is much better if it is in the background and you, your spouse, kids, etc., or someone special is also included. It alsohelps our members to view the pictures better if you don't wear hats or have on your sun glasses!!

Also if you could try to keep the write-up to around 1 full page that would be appreciated. That way I don't have to cutout any of your interesting material to make it fit. This also helps with the photocopying, postage costs for those 125

copies that each issue we mail. But(KEEP THOSE STORIES COMING), SHELL retirees like nothing better then readingabout the activities of other SHELL retirees.

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Teresa Wesselink – Newmarket (Died August 12, 2012)I skipped having a write-up in the Summer 'Newsletter' on the progress Teresa was making inher fight against her illness as it was uncertain which way it was going at that time. She hadbeen feeling fairly well all things considered after the stem cell transplant. However, as thesummer progressed she was in and out of the hospital with infections and other setbacks. She

was in the hospital in July and lapsed into a coma and was not expected to survive more than afew days, however she lasted much longer than the Doctors expected. Teresa managed tosurvive until August 12th, she put up a good fight but this terrible disease finally took its toll.(The Editor)

June Kerr - Coldstream, B.C.Thanks, Neil for keeping me in the loop, I passed the info on to Marty Higgins who worked withTeresa for years and he was grateful for my letting him know as he had lost touch with 'Tess' ashe called her and like me, was very saddened to hear the news. I'll always remember Teresa frommy first days at Shell in the early /80's in the Credit Dept.... I was fresh out of school and herknowledge of the Shell operation was something to be envious of ... she was always so positive andI remember her exercising madly at lunch and of course who could forget her signature hairstyle

that only she could pull off and look so stunning! Having just celebrated my own entry into the 6thdecade, she was much too young and from all reports you've sent previously she suffered too

much. Hope you're enjoying the summer....we're headed out for a month to attend a wedding in Buffalo Point, Mb via theBlack Hills, Thunder Bay, Dryden returning for a few days visit with our kids in Calgary and then back home....just in time

for the start of curling season!!Regards, June Kerr

"Ever walk into a room with some purpose in mind, only to completely forget what that purpose was? Turns out,doors themselves are to blame for these strange memory lapses. Psychologists at the University of Notre Damehave discovered that passing through a doorway triggers what's known as an event boundary in the mind,separating one set of thoughts and memories from the next. Your brain files away the thoughts you had in theprevious room and prepares a blank slate for the new locale."

It's not aging, it's the door! Whew! Thank goodness for studies.

When a woman says, “What?”It’s not because she didn’t hear you.

She’s giving you a chance to change what you said.

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New MembersPlease Welcome the following new members:

Lynda Coffey - GoderichJohn Wotton - Calgary

Deceased Members

On behalf of the SOAR Executive and Members we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of:

Fredrick Cooper - November 24, 2011Teresa Wesselink - August 12, 2012

Joe Zink - May 29, 2012

Membership Status

Total Active Members - 319Members Paid for 2011 – 282Members Paid for 2012 – 270Members Paid for 2013 – 122Members Paid for 2014 – 28Members Paid for 2015 – 11Members Paid for 2016 – 1

Dues for 2013 are now payable, save a stamp, include your 2014 dues as well!!!

SOAR - Yearly Dues (2013)Your SOAR dues ($10.00) for 2013 are now due, please forward a cheque for them to:

(SOAR) Shell Ontario Association of Retirees946 Lawrence Ave. East, Unit #2

PO Box 47634Don Mills, Ontario

M3C 3S7

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

Town: __________________________ Prov: _______ PC: __________

Telephone #: _________________

Email Address: _____________________________YEAR BORN ________________

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SOAR Pre-Christmas Luncheon 2012

David Duncan House

I have more pictures that will be in the Spring issue. If anyone took

some extra pictures you can send them to me and I may include them in

that issue as well.

Ray Pinchen & Harley Williams

Linda Anderson & Dian Smith

Pauline & Austin James, Emerson Thorne

Joan & Kevin Gilbride, Merle Williams

Loretta Smith & Ruth Poole

Patrick Guiden & Tom Guiden

Dawn Thorne, Helen & Art Blakeley

Phil Tinning, Al Bjorkman, Dave Reason

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Funny & Other Random Stuff

And the HIGH FIVE goes to Emerson Thorne who sent me an email stating correctly

that there were 40 squares in the diagram to the left. If you have a computer and would

like to see how that number is arrived at go to this link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpkBjMams54&feature=endscreen&NR=1

You might have to copy & paste the link into your browser

Had a couple of other emails with some guesses but they were incorrect, Ruth Poole came

the closest to a correct answer with a guess of 36 not sure which 4 she missed

After bypass surgery, a patient says to his doctor, "Can I start having sex?"

The doctor replies, "Yes, but only with your wife, your heart is not yet ready for any excitement!!!"