GYRO CLUB OF SHERWOOD PARK

Gyros and Ladies:
Earlier today (Sept 27/20) Jeanne Carter passed away. Bill and Jeanne have been members of Gyro for 34 years and in that time Jeanne has been a friend to us all. She was a very caring and loving person to her family and friends.
To Bill and his family, our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very trying time. Jeanne is now at peace and free from pain, may God Bless.
Don

Gyro Club of Sherwood Park President’s Message

It is a privilege and an honor to be elected to serve as the President of the Gyro Club of Sherwood Park for the year 2020/2021.  The year 2020 has not been one of the better years in history, but we can look forward to better times ahead.  The friendship of our Gyro community gives us all the strength to persevere.

Our lives have all been affected by the pandemic and will be for some time to come.  We will see it in our Gyro programs for the upcoming year.  Some popular events will be cancelled as they introduce challenges for physical distancing.  Others will be scaled back to ensure that we do not exceed the maximum number of people who can attend.

I am pleased to introduce the Board of Directors for 2020/2021 as follows:

• Past President Allan Bleiken
• Vice- President Peter Elzinga
• Secretary Ray Davis
• Treasurer Erik Braun
• Returning Director Bernie Kropp
• Returning Director Ian Bannatyne
• New Director Bruce Copeland
• New Director Art Merrik
• President Ted Ewanchuk

In addition, we are fortunate that the following members have volunteered to return for the following roles:

• Park Points Bulletin Editor Scott Brisbin
• Health and Wellness Coordinator Don Greig
• Club Administrator John Williams
• Club Registrar Dorne Hunt

I look forward to working with this talented group of individuals.

We have been busy preparing for the upcoming year.  The German Canadian Cultural Center (GCCC) is in the process of re-opening for their members and will host several of our events this year.  They will be taking all precautions to keep us safe and we will be expected to follow their rules for distancing and well being. Our first meeting is the Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 9 where we will introduce the new Schedule of Events.  As stated previously we must cancel some popular events but have added new events to replace them.  Our Founders Night which is shared with the Edmonton Club will be a “men’s only” event at the Faculty Club to ensure that we do not exceed the 50-person limit.

I would like to thank Gordon Stewart for coordinating the Golf Event at Legends, and Gary Kleebaum for hosting the outdoor Bocce tournament at his place.  Both events were very well attended (even if nobody played Bocce) which shows how we all want to return to some level of normalcy.

I realize that some members may be hesitant to attend the events, but I hope to see you all at least some of our meetings.  I look forward to serving you in the upcoming year.

Please stay safe and be healthy.

Ted

 Fellow Gyros:

Great news.  The German Canadian Cultural Center is re-opening for their members, and can host our events starting with the Annual General Meeting.

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2020 starting at 6:00 pm.  As in past years the GCCC will open at 6:00 for drinks with dinner served at 7:00.  The major difference is that you must be seated at your table and a server will take your drink order.

In addition, all members must follow the City of Edmonton Covid-19 protocols for wearing masks in public places.  A mask must be worn when entering the GCCC and only removed once seated at your table.  Masks must be worn in public areas such as the lobby or washrooms.

Please respond to Peter Elzinga at  to confirm your attendance by noon on September 4, as we have to provide a head count to the GCCC on that date.  It would be appreciated if you could also notify if you are not attending as that confirms that you received this e-mail.

I will forward the agenda and background material prior to the meeting.

I am including the link to the City of Edmonton Covid-19 protocol site:  

https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/emergency_preparedness/masks.aspx

Effective August 1, 2020, wearing a mask or face covering will be mandatory in all indoor public places and public vehicles.

The bylaw applies to the publicly accessible areas of businesses/retail and includes transit, transit centres and LRT platforms.
 

• Retail stores
• Entertainment venues
• Recreation centres
• Transit stations
• Places of worship and religious and cultural gatherings
• Hotels
• Public vehicles including buses and LRT
• Taxis and vehicles for hire like Uber

An indoor public place is any enclosed space to which the public has access including:

Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM on September 9.

Regards,

Ted

Gyro Club of Sherwood Park

June 17^th, 2020

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as the President of the Gyro Club of Sherwood Park for the year 2019/2020.  It has been an interesting and unusual year in that the last seven meetings of the year had to be cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Serving as President was made easy and enjoyable because of a remarkable Board of Directors who provided advice and assistance throughout the year.  Rick Craddock and Ted Ewanchuk provided exceptional support and advice on every occasion.   Eric Braun, as usual, did a stellar job as Treasurer, and Ray Davis kept everything on track as Secretary and Club Webmaster.  As Directors, George Ward, Ian Bannatyne, Roger Delveaux, and Brian Wolfe, stepped in at every opportunity to make sure the programs ran smoothly. Unfortunately, Brian sadly passed away during the year, and Bernie Kropp volunteered to replace him as a Director.  Scott Brisbin continued to do his remarkable version of William Shakespeare in serving as our Bulletin Editor.  And John Williams continued to serve as the Club Administrator, as he has done for many years.  And last, but not least, Dorne Hunt served as the club Registrar and kept the 50/50 draw on track.  With this incredible team, serving as your President was a joy and a great reward.  Thank you.

 The highlights of the year included:

1. The AGM meeting on Sept. 4^th, which approved the budget, the annual meeting program, and simplified New Member Procedure.  And, once again, the Curlarama budget was denied.

2. On September 18^th, Dorne Hunt, Jim Malott, Terry Bajer, and Milt Lanes won the Horseshoe tournament.

3. On October 2nd, we enjoyed an interclub Bocce tournament with the Edmonton Club with 48 members in attendance from both clubs.  Bocce has become one of the meeting highlights of the year.

4. October 16^th was Founder’s Night, which was another interclub meeting with the Edmonton Club, attended by more than 80 members.  Our guest speaker was Dr. Jasneet Parmar, who spoke on the issue of Seniors in Society.  Keith Bradley delivered the Founder’s Night speech in his usual and gifted way.

5. Curlarama was held on November 1st through 3^rd, and the team of Ray Davis, Don Grieg, Terry Bajer, and guest player Dave Rozak, brought home the trophy.  Thanks to Bill Austin for organizing this event.

6. Our annual Crib tournament took place on November 13^th, with Paul West and Brian Wolfe were the first-place winners, while, Les Bellan and Ray Davis came in second.

7. November 27^th was Billiards Night with 22 members attending.  Ted Ewanchuk and Ian Bannatyne were the first-place winners, while Ken Lesniak and Art Merrick placed second.  Each of the players went home with a fine bottle of wine.

8. November 11^th was Bowling Night.  Bill Austin and Ray Davis were the first-place winners and Al Govenlock and new member George Huybregts were the follow-up winners.

9. Our annual Christmas Party took place on December 21^st, at the Belvedere Country Club, with 64 members in attendance.  As usual, it was a great mixed meeting, and everyone was decked out in their party best.  It was great to have Bill and Jeanne Carter in attendance.

10. Darts Night took occurred on January 15^th, at the German Club.  It was a crowded event, which took place in the basement.  Having lost in the first round, I left early and do not know who won the event.  The good news is that no one was injured by an errant dart throw, although there were some close calls.

11. One of the best events of the year was our Valentines Dance organized by Garry Jones.  It occurred on February 14^th, at the OLPH, which was magnificently decorated for the evening.  In included a live auction and it is rumored that the last Gyro couple left the party around midnight.

12. Poker night occurred on March 4^th, and Peter Elzinga, Augie Annicchiarico, and John Williams were the winners.  As usual, everyone had a good time.  Unfortunately, because of COVID 19, this was the last Gyro meeting of the year.  Based on the restrictions issued by the Alberta Government, all other meetings for the year had to be cancelled.

COVOD 19 tossed a real monkey wrench into our Gyro year.  Not only did the club have to cancel the remaining meetings of the year, the District and International Conventions were cancelled.   Of some concern, was the fact that Auction night was cancelled, which is a critical meeting for club finances.  However, Erik Braun worked his magic and advised that the costs saved by not having the seven remaining meetings offset the revenue expected from Auction Night.  As a result, Erik was happy to report the Club is in good financial condition.

Rick Craddock and his election committee carried out election night by phone and email and was happy to report that Peter Elzinga had volunteered to serve as Vice President and Bruce Copeland and Art Merrick had volunteered as the two new Directors.  It was agreed that the Gyro summer events would be turned over to be handled by the new Executive.

While not a participant in their events, it is understood that the Gyrette Club had another great year as well.  They too, had to adjust their program year because of the need to self-isolate.

On health and welfare, it was not such a good year for our Club.  We lost two members, Brian Wolfe and Les Bellan, and several our Gyros and Gyrettes experienced serious health issues.  This brought great sadness to every member of our Club and our deepest condolences to the families of Brian and Les, and our heartfelt best wishes to those who suffered illness.  As has often been said, words cannot begin to express our sadness and hope for all members of our Gyro family.

In closing, my sincere thanks to every member of the Gyro and Gyrette Clubs.  You have been wonderful friends to Kay and me.  And my thanks again to an incredible Board of Directors, who have made the job of being President so easy and so enjoyable.

Allan Bleiken, President

PS – One more bit of good news is that we have a new member, George Huybrechts, who was sponsored by Bill Austin and seconded by Lloyd Wilson – Welcome George.

April 4^th, 2020

Dear Gyros and Gyrettes

The COVID 19 pandemic has changed our world, and with it the activities of our Gyro Club.  Over the past several weeks, the Board has reviewed the status of the remaining meetings in the current year and has come to the following conclusion:

1. The remaining Gyro meetings scheduled for this calendar year ending June 30^th, have been cancelled.  The assessment by the Board was that it was highly unlikely the restrictions on public meetings of more than 15 people would be lifted and that it is doubtful that there would be any place to hold a meeting.  More importantly, the Board felt is would be unacceptable to put any Gyro or Gyrette member at a risk of contracting COVID 19.
   1. The remaining meetings include: Wills and Estates on April 8^th, the Mixed Supper on April 25^th, Election Night on May 6^th, the Auction on May 20^th, Horse Racing on June 5^th, and our Wind-up Meeting on June 17^th. 
   2. The summer events including the Pot Luck Picnic, Mystery Golf, and the Outdoor Bocce, will be reviewed by the incoming executive to determine if they can be held as planned.
2. The cancelled meetings in this year’s program will be reviewed by the incoming Board following June 30^th, to determine if they should remain cancelled or deferred to a later date in next years program.
3. It has been agreed that Rick Craddock will organize an election process for this year to seek two new Directors and a Vice President who will become part of next year’s executive.
4. In terms of the Club’s financial position, Erik Braun has advised that with the cancellation of the remaining meetings in this year’s program, the meal costs saved would be the general equivalent of the revenues normally raised in the auction.  Therefore, there is no requirement to hold an auction this year.

Several of our members have asked for an update on our program schedule for this year.  Hopefully, this letter will answer your questions, but if you want additional information, please let me or any Board member know.  Please make sure to inform your Gyrette member or your significant other of these changes.

Hopefully, this letter will find everyone to be healthy, happy, and not too constrained by the need for self-isolation.  And, hopefully, we can put this dreadful pandemic behind us and return to our normal and happy lives as friends in Gyro.

Kind regards and best wishes on behalf of the Board,

Allan Bleiken, President

As previously announced, all Gyro meetings are cancelled until further notice.  The Board has followed up on this matter and the consensus was to review this matter on a monthly basis and make future decisions as required.  Accordingly, the next two meetings, the Wills and Estate Speaker, and the Mixed Supper have been cancelled.  The Board will review future meetings in a timely manner to allow Program On-To Chairs to cancel commitments such as Race Night, if and as required.

Should you as Gyro members wish to offer your comments and input on this manner, please advise, so the Board can take your comments into account as they make future decisions on our Meetings.

Thank you, hope you are having a good day, and are staying healthy.

Allan

PS – since I can not dance or sing, I am going to hold an outside music concert on my deck and invite neighbours to sit on their deck to enjoy the music and have a cup of coffee or a drink of wine.  I have a huge 500-watt speaker which can broadcast music over a large area, which might be useful for outdoor Gyro get-togethers in the summer.  It comes with a mike.  If any of you have ideas of how to entertain your friends and neighbours, please pass them on.

Since all Sherwood Park Gyro Club meetings have been suspended for the duration of the Covid-19 outbreak, I have been asked by Rikke Dootjes to set up a place on the Club website where members can keep in contact with each other.

All that is required to use this Chat Line is to Login to the site on the right hand side of this page with your Username or Email address and your Password. You can then reply or comment on any posts made to this page.

Some felt it essential to ware protection while playing darts.

A few minutes ago, Don Greig left after visiting me following my surgery. He left me with a great get well card and a libation that will see me through difficult times in the future.  This type of friendship is what makes Gyros the great club it is, and the great friends in the club. I want to personally thank Don for taking time to visit and to each of you for being a Gyro friend.

In many ways, Gyro is one of our community’s greatest secret.  Next to family, it gives the best thing in life, friends.  And haveing been a Gyro for the past 20 years, I have great memories of wonderful times and lots of laughter.

I have four new holes in my belly which are healing well.  The doctor said the gall bladder was a mess, so it was good to get it out.  Sorry I can’t join you for cribbage tonight, so I know my money is safe.

Thanks again and have a great evening.

Allan