1507 Newsletter - Esso Resources Annuitant Club

July 2015
Esso Resources Annuitant Club
Publisher - Susan Sawka Editor - Diane Cook
SUMMER BBQ
WARE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Tuesday, August 18th - Noon to 5:00pm
Members $20/Guests $25
Games Commence at 1:00pm
(Horseshoes, Arizona Horseshoes, Bocce, Bean Bag Toss, Golf)
BBQ Dinner Served at 4:00pm
To Register:
Call Ian Walker at (403) 880-8677 or Don Schaef at
(403) 217-4382
Or email barbecue@essoannuitants.ca
Make Cheques Payable to: ESSO Annuitants
Club
Mail to Ian Walker at:
1423 Carlyle Road SW
Calgary, AB T2V 2V2
Registration Deadline is August 14th
Bring Your Own Drinks. Coffee Available.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
OFFICERS AND
CHAIRPERSONS
JUNE 1, 2015 - MAY 31, 2016
EXECUTIVE
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
TREASURER
SECRETARY
PAST PRESIDENT
Howard Gallimore
Luise Merk
Doug Goebel
Connie Scruton
Rick Wards
242 8181
257 1900
554 7455
202 0320
282 1486
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Ottenbreit 251 4104
Susan Sawka
239 1930
Gary Scruton
202 0320
Rick Kry
Ian Walker
Don Schaef
259 2951
258 0912
966 6361
STANDING COMMITTEES
Auditor
Membership
Nominating
Newsletter
Outreach
United Way
VIP Program
Visitation
Peter Ramsay
Rick Kry
Al Davis
Diane Cook (Editor)
Susan Sawka (Publisher)
Dorothy Kaethler
Joan Johnston
Rick Trow
Al Davis
Dorothy Kaethler
Cliff Kippen
256 6429
259 2951
254 0489
285 9603
278 9982
271 2087
874 8769
254 0489
278 9982
238 1819
ACTIVITY COMMITTEES
Arts & Crafts
Bowling
Bridge
Community Care
XC/SS Skiing
Curling
Dinner Theatre
Fall Social
Angela Wards
Peter Perry
Linda Boyer
Peter Baltais
Dave Varga
Dennis Heacock
Christa Schaper
Luise Merk
Rick Wards
Garden
Helen Mandry
Golf
Connie Scruton
Hiking
Sue Deyell
Horseshoes
Ken Gemmell
Lawn Bowling
Jean Abbott
Photography
Derek McClure
Spring Lunch/AGM Howard Gallimore
Rick Wards
Spring BBQ
Don Schaef
Summer BBQ
Ian Walker
Technology
Rene Bialek
Tent & Trailer
Diane & Nick Weyland
Travelogue
Richard Sawka
Wine Appreciation Dwain Weckman
Woodworking
Rick Kruse
282 1486
270 0704
271 8032
n/a
n/a
241 6492
281 9699
257 1900
282 1486
281 6841
202 0320
851 0443
246 2898
281 6593
770 0246
242 8181
282 1486
966 6361
258-0912
247 0946
938 1446
239 1930
239 2394
938 5407
July 2015
page 2
ANNUITANT CONTACTS
CONTACT RICK KRY
(see Membership article) to report a
change in name, address, telephone number
or marital status, AND
CALL the IMPERIAL OIL ANNUITANT
HELP LINE - TORONTO
Toll Free at: 1-800-387 0621
to report changes in the above
or 1 866 769 8524
for info regarding benefit forms,
medical cards, medical/insurance coverage,
pensions or any other concerns.
In addition to calling the Helpline, changes to
address and bank accounts may be made by
accessing Managing Your Benefits web portal
on www.iolemcbenefits.ca
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
August 15, 2015 for September Issue
Email articles and images to:
Diane Cook
Phone: (403) 285-9603
Email: dianecook@shaw.ca
IMPERIAL OIL’S VIP PROGRAM
pays up to $1000 a year to charitable and
non-profit associations supported by
employee and annuitant volunteers.
For details of the program access the
web-site www.imperialoil.ca,
then search for VIP Program
and follow the links.
If you have any difficulty obtaining the
application form please call
Al Davis at (403) 254-0489
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Howard Gallimore—(403) 242-8181
gallimoh@telusplanet.net
I want to extend a warm welcome to Susan Sawka, Connie Scruton, and Gary Scruton as new
members of the Board of Directors for the 2015-2016 year and to say "thanks" to those staying on
for another year. To the members who have left the Board – Past President Al Davis, Publisher
Rick Trow, and Rosemary Kry, thank you all for your significant contributions and valued support
to the ERAC over the past years. Special thanks to Rick Wards for his outstanding leadership as
President over the past year. I look forward to Rick’s continued support.
The new Board of Directors plans to meet on June-12th for the first meeting of the new term.
The main items on the agenda are to finalize the subsidies to the Clubs and to work the ERAC’s
budget for 2015/2016.
The ERAC’s membership is at an all-time high. A large part of our success is due to the many
volunteers that support the ERAC and its many Clubs. We are always looking for new volunteers
so as not to overload those who have made contributions over the years. Please consider volunteering in whatever capacity that interests you. You will find it a very rewarding experience!
If you have any suggestions or comments about the ERAC please contact any of the Board
members. Have a wonderful summer and I hope that many of you will have the opportunity to
2015 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN
Rick Trow — (403) 874-8769
magnanamo@gmail.com
We are just starting off the work for our 2015 United Way Campaign. Last year, we had a very
successful year with donations of $263,000 to this worthy cause. Last year was a special year in
that it was the very first time we used an online donation process. Anyone who receives their
newsletter by email will get their online notification again this year. We aim to send everything out
to you by the end of August, early September of this year. Looking forward to another great year
for the United Way!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
Visitation
We are ready to visit club members who are in
Care Facilities, Seniors Homes,
or in their own home but are unable to
come out to our club functions anymore!
We do short visits several times
a year and that enables us
to keep in touch!
We may even tell some stories or jokes!
We would like to hear from you.
Give us a call.
Dorothy Kaethler
403 278 9982
Cliff Kippen
403 238 1819
Dave Ellerington
403 851 1474
(Dave will do the Cochrane area)
July 2015
page 4
OUTREACH
Dorothy Kaethler (403) 278-9982
kaethler@shaw.ca
Joan Johnston (403) 271-2087
The Esso Resources Annuitant Club extends
sympathy to the family and friends of our late
colleagues:
Marie Hunter - sympathy extended to
her husband Don and family
Stan Paradoski - sympathy extended to
his wife Catharine and family
Cal Knox - sympathy extended to his
wife Alice and family
Sympathy was also extended to :
Thank you to the April newsletter
stuffers! Jim Couzens, Peter &
Claire Baltais, Duke Dukelsky,
Gabriela Diaz de Trow, Richard
Sawka, Susan Sawka, and of course,
Howard Gallimore, who showed up to
get a donut!
Esso Resources
Annuitant Web Site
www.essoannuitants.ca
Jerry Reynar
Gila Millar
Please note….
The deaths of all Imperial Oil Annuitants who
have died during the past year are now
recognized by a listing on our Esso Website.
Click on the “In Memory” button to access the
list from www.essoannuitants.ca.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 5
CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Rick Kry - (403) 259-2951 or membership@essoannuitants.ca
38 Spokane Street SW, Calgary, AB T2W 0M5
We welcome the following new members to the ERAC and look forward to meeting you at upcoming club activities and functions.
Wendy Tupper
Gerhard & Colleen Maier
Simon & Patti Reid
Jack & Clare Walker
Roger & Barbara Keefe
John & Laura Skowronski
Dave & Cathy Gardner
Peter Forristal & Laurence Pellan
Gerry & Jackie Denslow
Gerry & Deb Ertel
Barb Weiland
Ron & Sherry Kitt
Nick Ciappa
George & Colleen Bezaire
Teresa & Bob Hancock
Jean Galts
Blair Haukedal
Ron & Linn Moore
Wendell & Sharon Samoil
Bob Cahill
Hazel Boyd
We now have 1050 members, including 949 annuitants and spouses, 41 associates and
spouses, and 60 Lifetime/Honorary members.
The registration process at the Glenmore Inn for the AGM/Spring Luncheon worked better than
ever before. In fact, the cash tally at the end was exact this year. The biggest thank you goes to
the group of check-in people who manned the desk and we all owe them a big round of applause.
They were Elizabeth Schott, Rosemary Kry, Susan Sawka, Maureen Cook, Ellen Swanston, Olive
Kippen, Dianne Davies, and Delane Bro. Thank you so much!
Membership is currently $10.00/person, $20/couple for annuitants or $60.00/person, $120/ couple for associates. Cheques should be made payable to: "Esso Resources Annuitant Club" and
mailed to me. You can also pay me at functions where I am in attendance. People are now using
email money transfers which is a very fast and convenient way to pay membership dues.
HOTEL AND CAR RENTAL PROGRAM
Annuitants are able to take advantage of Imperial Oil’s negotiated pricing for car rentals and
hotels. Imperial Oil has agreements with National Car Rental and several hotel chains that cover
rentals in Canada and the US plus a number of other countries. If anyone would like to use this
program, please contact a member of the ERAC Board of Directors and that person will provide
you with the details of the program.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 6
COMMUNITY CARE
Peter Baltais— peterab@shaw.ca
Responding to demand, our volunteers have helped at Calgary’s Interfaith Food Bank 15 times so
far this year. Through the summer will be assisting at gardens that support the Food Bank.
Our work was recognized by CTV’s Darrel Janz and his ―Inspire‖ program, which was televised on
April 22, and can be viewed at http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/club-cares-for-calgary-s-less-fortunate1.2339526.
Monthly visits to the Drop In Centre have been well supported. A group of our volunteers will be
helping to serve breakfast during Kids’ Day at the Stampede.
We have adopted Hole 3 at the Shaw Charity Classic. In August, about 30 of our volunteers, including members of our Golf Club, will marshal people over five days at the PGA’s Champions
Tour. We look forward to watching the pros and to help raise over $2 million for charity in the Calgary area.
The Community Care group continues to grow in number of volunteers and activities. Responding to the need and interest, we are working to add a second, regular monthly shift at the
Food Bank. A third, regular monthly group activity is also being sought that meets our criteria
of providing a safe working environment, meeting member interests and abilities, within an easy
commute, and that does not require funding from participants (many charities require groups of
volunteers to pay to help).
We are making a difference in our community and having fun doing it!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 7
STAGE WEST DINNER THEATRE
Christa Schaper (403) 281-9699
ceschaper@shaw.ca
STAGE WEST DINNER THEATRE
727 – 42nd Avenue SE, Calgary
Wednesday Matinee, September 16th
The Wedding Singer
Buffet and Show only: Members: $42.00 incl. GST (Gratuity not included)
Guests:
$51.45 incl. GST (Gratuity not included)
DOORS open at 10:00am - BUFFET from 10:30am – 12:00pm
To reserve a ticket call: Christa Schaper at (403) 281-9699
or email: ceschaper@shaw.ca
Send cheques to:
Christa Schaper
911 Canfield Crescent SW
Calgary, AB T2W 1K5
Make cheques payable to ESSO RESOURCES ANNUITANT CLUB
Due to popularity of this Show, please book early!
REMEMBER, your cheque MUST BE RECEIVED by September 4th
It's 1985 and rock star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's
the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie
makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.
Based on the hit movie, The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed
was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 8
LAWN BOWLING
Jean Abbott - (403) 281-6593
grantandjean@shaw.ca
Lawn bowling season is underway. We have a large number of new bowlers this year and
many have begun their coaching sessions. Several bowlers enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning
for their first lesson in May. But the rain did not deter some 12 new, keen bowlers heading to the
green for some lessons on opening day as regular bowlers deferred the season start. They also
appreciated our heated patio, coffee and cookies, before and after their lesson. Do come out and
try this enjoyable sport!
WARE CREEK TENT & TAILER
Nick & Diane Weyland - (403) 938-1446
ndweyland@shaw.ca
Hopefully the good weather will continue for the summer -- makes for great camping! An email
was sent to members advising them of the new combination for the lock at Ware Creek. If you're
a member and didn't receive this email, please contact us. Have a great "outdoor" summer!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 9
HIKING CLUB
Sue Deyell—(403) 851-0443
suedeyell@xplornet.ca
The Hiking Club’s 2015 season started off on April 30th with around 100 people at our registration
meeting. There was a Club Night at Mountain Equipment Coop in late May. Since our registration meeting, we have had three carpool hikes to Glenbow Ranch, West Bragg Creek, and Brown
Lowery Provincial Park. Now we have started our bus hikes and are traveling further afield. We
recently had one of our favourites - a hike organized by Tim Hawkings in the Drumheller area.
We hiked from Dalum to Wayne where we enjoyed lunch at the Last Chance Saloon.
The “A” group coming down the coulee into Wayne.
Our upcoming hikes are mostly scheduled to be in Kananaskis country and Banff National Park.
The hiking schedule is on the ERAC website.
Our hikes are held every Thursday and we offer three levels of hiking. We always welcome new
hikers and you may join us at any time!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 10
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Derek McClure—(403) 770-0246
derekandmaureen@gmail.com
The Photography Club is getting started with our summer session. Everyone had fun with our
first topic -- Leading Lines – using lines to guide the viewer’s eye to the subject of the photograph.
Dwain Weckman’s panorama photos were a great success at the AGM. So for our June meeting,
Dwain will give us a presentation on how to photograph and assemble a panorama and we’ll practice our hand at that. The remaining topics for the season will concentrate on various aspects of
composition. To learn more about the club, visit our page in the Activities section of the ERAC
Web site and check out our best photos in the Photo Gallery.
We are continuing to meet at the Lakeview Community Association Fieldhouse. If you’ve attended other ERAC functions at Lakeview and are coming to a Photography Club meeting for the
first time, remember that the Fieldhouse is behind the Community Hall.
Alaska Sunset
At the Zoo
GARDEN CLUB
Helen Mandry—(403) 281-6841
helenmandry@hotmail.com
We have had a great start to the gardening season with very good attendance at our kick-off
lunch at the Saskatoon Berry Farm and subsequent plant exchange at Christ Church in Elbow
Park.
With our gardens now well into bloom, our next event will be on July 15th to visit the garden of
Sharon Williams who lives in Oakridge. On August 19th, we will be heading to Olds for a tour of
the botanic gardens at the College.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 11
BOWLING CLUB NEWS
Peter Perry - (403) 270-0704
peter347@shaw.ca
The season wound up with a fine banquet at the Calgary Curling Club where we celebrated a fun
23 games. The top three league teams were: 1st - Val Turnbull, Ron Kishlewich, Juliette
Sahnwald, and Connie Chesterman; 2nd - Frank Dillon, Mori Kwan, Kay Lewis, and Thelma
Soltice; and 3rd - Bob Craswell, Howard Nagel, Helen Willison, and Diane Weyland.
The playoff winning teams were: 1st - Rudy Kaethler, Joyce Fediuk, Connie Scruton, and Bob
Cahill; 2nd - Peter Perry, Clarence Triffo, Avis Huffman, and Joan Willson; and 3rd - Rose Davis,
Mandy Beswatherick, Gwen Westcombe, and Maureen Hickey. Well done teams!
Special recognition to Val Turnbull and Rudy Kaethler who, with close competition were, as usual,
our high average bowlers scoring 177 and 177.5, respectively. Prizes also went for many outstanding individual achievements and high game scores.
We welcomed eight guests to our wind up event. Also thanks to all who helped organize the evening. Special thanks to Delane Bro who kept our finances in good shape and we welcome
George Hamilton who volunteered to join the bowling organizational team!
Be sure to check the next newsletter for next season’s specifics. New bowling members are always welcome; why not give it a try? It’s a fun league!
GOLF CLUB
Connie Scruton (403) 202-0320
thescrutons@shaw.ca
Our first golf event of the season was at the Nanton Golf Club with 23 golfers playing in really
windy conditions but good course conditions. Tim Horton $10 gift card draw prizes were won by
John Maguire, Ivan Ericksen, and Bob Miller. Draw prizes of donated golf ball sleeves were won
by Colin McNeil, Jim Henderson, Wally Wright, and Gary Scruton.
The next monthly golf date is set for Murfield Lakes Golf Course in Lyalta on June 17th with a
starting tee time of 11:00 am.
The next event has been arranged for Apple Creek Golf Course just north of Airdrie on July
15th. The first tee time is at 10:30 am. The August and September golf events have yet to be arranged.
If you are not on my golf e-mail distribution list and want to receive information about each golf
event as it comes up, please e-mail me at thescrutons@shaw.ca with your request.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 12
WOODWORKERS CLUB
Rick Kruse - (403) 938-5407
krusera@shaw.ca
In March, members of the Woodworkers Club attended a wood carving course put on by Gernot Kieffer, a renowned Calgary woodcarver. The course was held at Lee Valley tools and was
enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks to Richard Sawka for arranging this session and Lee Valley
for use of their facility.
In April, members met at Tim Hawkings to have our yearly wind-up event and planning meeting. Pizza and refreshments were served and some members talked about the projects that they
were working.
2015 Woodworkers Club Activity Dates
Date
May 13
June 10
July ??
Sept. 30
Oct. 28
Nov. 25
Dec.
Activity
AGM Woodworkers Club Display
Camp Ground Picnic Table Building
Food Bank Toy Drop Off
Antique Tool Tour
Veneering Course- John Morel Shop
Scroll Saw Course
No meeting
Lead
Peter Perry
Rick Wards
Rick Kruse
Tim H.
Stu B.
David S./Richard S.
May AGM
The Woodworkers Club had a great display of crafts at the AGM again this year. Thank you to
Peter Perry for leading this and to all the woodworkers who displayed their crafts.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 13
WINE APPRECIATION CLUB
Dwain Weckman—(403) 239-2394
altaweckman27@shaw.ca
On April 7th, the final tasting event of the season was a Blind Tasting of six wines that was led by
Marian Tsaprailis. Who knew we would be drinking mystery wine out of brown paper bags! The
event was a lot of fun and I'm sure everyone learned a lot!
Thirty-eight members of the Club went on an Okanagan Winery Tour from April 27th to 30th,
which included two full days of visiting wineries in the Penticton and surrounding areas. The
weather was great and everyone really enjoyed themselves as they visited five to six wineries
each day and sampled six to 13 different wines at each winery. The bus was 2,200 pounds heavier on the way back to Calgary with all the wine that was purchased! Many thanks again to Hugh
Brown and Warren Bartnes for organizing and leading such a great trip for us.
Our final event of the year was the May Gala Dinner on May 5th at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club. Following the stand-up Champagne Reception, there was a three course sit-down meal
with a different wine served with each course. The food and wines were all excellent and complemented each other very well. It was a wonderful way to finish up the tasting season!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 14
CURLING CLUB NEWS
Dennis Heacock - (403) 241-6492
dwheacock@shaw.ca
The curling season at the North Hill Curling Club ended on March 24th with a Skins game.
Following the last game, a wrap-up event was held with prizes awarded for the winners of the
Skins game and the second half winners and runners-up teams. Winners of the spring session
were skip Andy Strilchuk, third Ron Watkin, second Nick Weyland, and lead Brenda McOuat.
Runners-up team was skip Dennis Heacock, third, Garry Mann, second, Doug Caldwell, and lead,
Connie Scruton.
Missing: Ron Watkin
Missing: Garry Mann & Doug Caldwell
Winners of the Skins game in a three-way ―draw to the button‖ was skip Andy Strilchuk, third Ron
Watkin, second Nick Weyland, and lead Brenda McOuat.
Curling season will start again in October and an instructional session for new curlers will be provided before the first game begins. Both the sliding delivery and the stick delivery will be presented by some of our expert curlers. Sticks, brooms, and sliders are provided at the North Hill
Curling Club.
NEW FALL EVENT—SAVE THE DATE!
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
An Autumn Evening at Fort Calgary
Cocktails, Dinner, Guest Speaker
Details to follow in the next newsletter.
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 15
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING CLUB
Dave Varga
davidvarga@icloud.com
The 2014/15 season proved to be a challenge for skiing and snowshoeing. While much of
eastern Canada experienced record snowfall, the foothills and eastern slopes of the Rockies had
less snow than normal. The Club braved on skiing icy tracks or by parking the skiis and adding to
the number snowshoeing events until we simply succumbed to the warm weather and went hiking.
That said, the Club saw an increase in the number of its members and record numbers of people
coming out each Thursday.
In spite of the skinny snow conditions, the Club hosted three overnight trips to Silverstar, Lake
Louise and William Watson Lodge. We plan to host these events again next year and are looking
to add a trip to Nipika. Stay tuned!
The Club welcomes all cross country skiers and snowshoers (from expert to aspiring!). The
Club has people aged 55 to 82 (and aging!). Our registration meeting for next season is scheduled for November 5th at the Lakeview Community Hall, 6110—34th Street SW. Membership
costs $10 for ERAC members and $20 for non-members.
Mark Thursdays on your calendar and join us!
Esso Resources Annuitant Newsletter
July 2015
page 16
TECH CLUB
Rene Bialek—(403) 247-0946
rsc3b@aol.com
Another successful year of the Tech Club drew to a close with a wind-up social gathering on
April 22nd. During the year we had seven tours, one presentation, and two social gatherings.
The tours included: the Canadian Museum of Making located near Cochrane; Ralph Klein
Park; the Devonian Gardens; a mushroom farm; SAIT’s commercial kitchens and classrooms;
Canada Olympic Park; and the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health. Enmax gave a presentation on solar energy as well as a tour of a roof top solar power installation.
Club activities will resume in September with an organizational meeting. A long list of potential
site tours, topics, and places for social gatherings have been compiled. This list will be prioritized
during the September organizational meeting. Look for more details in future newsletters.
Club activities are typically held during the 3rd week of every month, either on Tuesday or
Wednesday, commencing in September and ending with a wind-up social in April.
NEW YORK MET LIVE IN HD
Rick Kry — (403) 259-2951
membership@essoannuitants.ca
The votes are in and this time I was in sync with the expected outcome. We will be getting tickets
to Otello and Madama Butterfly. So after you send your money in for the operas you want to go
to, mark Saturday October 17, 2015 and Saturday April 2, 2016 on your calendars.
Each opera experience will be similar with us meeting at 10:00am at Scotia Bank Theatres in Chinook, having some coffee and Timbits, and talking about the shows. We are then set to take our
seats and for the opera to start at 11:00am. Details and a reminder email will go out the week before each opera.
Some members have already got their $20/person per opera to me and there has been a change
in that the tickets will go on resale in mid July. So if you're going, I need to receive your money by
the end of June. Please send it to me as soon as you can. For both operas, for a couple, that
would be $80. For a single person for one opera it would be $20. Make cheques payable to Esso
Resources Annuitant Club or make an email transfer to me.
Don’t forget my email has changed to membership@essoannuitants.ca. More about the rest of
the upcoming season can be found at www.metopera.org/metopera/liveinhd/live-in-hd-2015-16-season.