rocky mountain seniors ski club o ctober ski tracks · up your 2016-17 membership card, and...

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SENIORS SKI CLUB OCTOBER 4, 2016

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President’s NotesBefore I begin this month's section of what I am going to call "Getting to Know You", I need to say a big thanks to our two Special Activities Coordinators and the volunteers who assisted them with the Club's summer activities.

The summer is winding down. Indeed, by the calendar, it is fall and the leaves are falling. The ski conditioning classes are scheduled so that must mean the ski season will shortly follow. Golf had its annual tournament on September 14th and the biking wrap-up lunch is scheduled (as I write this) for October 4. Special Activities Coordinators Richard Barham and Darryl Reimche and their helpers have done a stellar job organizing and executing programs for you. A more personal and formal recognition will be forthcoming at the fall dinner. That being said, kudus for a successful summer season.Getting to Know.....

Marjorie AndersonEach month I am writing about a member in the Club. This month, the member is Marjorie Anderson. Marjorie is, one could say, unique in that she was born and raised in Edmonton. Indeed, we share a common event in that we were both born at the Royal Alexander Hospital. The primary reason I wanted to write about Marjorie is that I learned that she is a passionate synchronized swimmer and coach. While she loves to bike and ski, her face lit up in response to the question, "What would you rather do, ski, bike or swim?" as she quickly responded, "Swim". The picture above is with the award she and her team mates received for finishing first in the team event in synchro at the first World Masters Games first held in Toronto in 1985.After finishing high school, Marjorie started her five-year program to become a nurse. Later, she obtained a Masters degree in nursing and started teaching at the University of Calgary. She then obtained a Doctorate in Psychology with a gerontology focus (perhaps we should be employing her skills inside the Club?).While completing her nursing degree, Marjorie became involved in synchronized swimming, an individual and team sport and now competes in masters competitions. In masters, swimmers compete against others in the same age group in a technical routine with required elements, and a

free routine. The scores from each are combined for the final score. The routines are choreographed to music, often with a theme, and are designed to impress the judges with the swimmers strength, stamina, skill, artistry, team work and synchronization..Marjorie currently swims with the Edmonton Aquadettes and over the years has, through competitions, been to a number of places around the world. Besides the gold she won at the World Masters Games in Toronto in 1985, Marjorie won again in Copenhagen in 2009 and has competed in Perth, Australia (2008, Silver), Sheffield, England, Montreal (1994 and 2014) and Sarasota, Florida (2013), Winnipeg (Canadian Master Championships, gold, 2006) and Montreal (FINA World Masters Championships, bronze and gold (for solo, 2014)), to name a few. When you consider the fact that the competitors have to fund their training and their travel costs out of their own pocket, you can perhaps best understand that Marjorie has to be passionate about her sport.She hopes to next compete in Budapest in 2017While active with swimming, Marjorie also skis. She told me that when she was in grade 5, her mother took her to Sunshine for her first ski experience. In those days, Sunshine had a rope tow installed where the Strawberry chair now exists and that was the lift. She also skied Marmot, again in the earlier days. Marjorie had not quite mastered the "stem christie" turn technique and relied on crossing the hill, stopping and making a kick turn to work her way down the various slopes. Remember, this would likely have been before metal edges on skis, easy step-in and step-out bindings (that would also release when needed), and laced leather boots that had the habit of releasing warmth!

SKI TRACKSCelebrating National Seniors Day, October 1


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It’s time to renew your membership for the 2016-17 season. The membership fee of $25 ($20 for those members 80 and older) will extend your membership to October 31, 2017. The Application for Membership is available on the Club website, www.seniorsski.com. Look for Join Us under Membership. If you would like a print copy, contact us at [email protected] and we will mail a form to you. Mailing your forms early really helps us.

Club Registration and Information Session PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATEPlan to attend the Club’s Registration and Information Session on Wednesday, October 26, starting at 3 pm until 7pm at the Lodge at Snow Valley. Information about Club activities planned for the coming winter season will be available:

• 2016-17 ski tour details,• On-hill ski programs at Snow Valley,• Volunteer opportunities at Snow Valley,• Welcome to Winter and New Members Day.

You will also be able to renew your membership, pick up your 2016-17 membership card, and purchase tickets to the Club’s Fall Dinner. Snow Valley’s Guest Services will be open to sell season passes and lesson packages. If you are unable to attend, your membership card will be mailed to you after October 26.

Let your ski friends know about this information session and encourage them to check us out.

Club BuddyClub Buddies have an important and rewarding role in our Club. As a Club Buddy you play a vital part in building community among our members. You welcome new members, help them to meet other members, and help them to understand how our Club works. You are always ready to answer questions and to encourage new members to participate in Club activities. As a Club Buddy, you will be assigned one new member or a couple. What can you do to be welcoming?

• Give your buddy a phone call.• Meet your buddy for coffee, perhaps with

another one or two of your friends. In this way, your buddy will recognize a familiar face in a group at a dinner, on a ski tour bus, skiing at Snow Valley, in a biking group, or on the golf course.

Marjorie also bikes with the Club and enjoys being able to cycle, admire the surroundings and smell the roses.In 2015, Marjorie was recognized for 25 years of volunteer service with the Edmonton Aquamasters Synchronized Swim Club. I had to smile when she said that most of that time was as Treasurer, well before the advent of home computer software that made treasurer jobs as easy as they are today.Not only does she volunteer with her swim Club and swim three times a week, Marjorie has hosted, along with Lynn Skillen, two of our ski tours to Sun Peaks. Oh, and she also plays the flute in a community band.So, if you happen to see Marjorie in one of her "idle" moments, stop and say hello. Jim Vine, President

Membership

http://www.seniorsski.com

http://www.seniorsski.com

mailto:[email protected]



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• Discover your buddy’s interests. You may share some of them. You will certainly share the love of the outdoors: skiing, biking, golf

• Ensure your buddy knows about opportunities to meet other members: socials, skiing at Snow Valley, going on ski tours, biking or golfing in the summer.

Leslie Knight, a Club Buddy for the past few years, writes

“Now that it is officially fall I look forward to the upcoming ski season and Club Registration & Information Day. For the past few years this has meant volunteering as a Club Buddy. I enjoy being a Club Buddy as it lets me meet new members, learn more about them, and explain to them all the activities the Club is engaged in. Being a Club Buddy is a wonderful opportunity to develop ongoing friendships and to help new members meet other Club members. The Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club gives members a chance to participate in common activities and socialize and the Club Buddy program helps ensure new members feel welcome in the Club.

To become a Club Buddy for a new member, please contact Art Robinson at [email protected] . You will be helping build our community.

Welcome to WinterWe know winter comes. We know Snow Valley makes snow if the natural stuff is not available. We will welcome winter on Tuesday, December 6, at Snow Valley. There will be activities planned including a coffee break and occasions to meet new members and greet ski friends. Look for more information in the November newsletter.

Snow Valley Season PassYou can purchase a senior’s season pass for Snow Valley for $79. The pass provides good value for skiing at Snow Valley as well as discounts at the

Snow Rider Shop. When you visit other ski resorts on your own (i.e. not on a Club tour), the Snow Valley Season Pass offers discounts on accommodation and lift passes. Check out the Pass Holders Privileges at http://www.snowvalley.ca/products/discounts.php.Club members ski Snow Valley on a regular basis. The Club’s ski day is Tuesday but, every day of the week, you will find members on the hill and in the lodge having coffee. It’s a great way of meeting other members. Just look for a white badge.

Snow Valley Ski SwapThe annual Snow Valley Ski Swap will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16. Drop off your ski equipment for consignment at the Lodge on Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm. There is a consignment fee of $2 per item. Please note straight skis and used helmets will not be accepted.Come back on Sunday between 9 am and 3 pm and get some “new to you” equipment for you or other members of your family (like grand-children). The entrance fee on Sunday is $2 per person or $5 per family. The sale is also open for pass-holders on Saturday evening from 6 to 9 pm.Expert analysis, fitting and pricing assistance on site will be available both days.This annual fund raiser supports the Snow Valley Employee Scholarship Fund, and Snow Valley Racing.

Snow Valley Masters Racing Club – Seniors GroupThe Snow Valley Masters Racing Club (SVMRC) is a recreational adult ski racing group aimed at enhancing and improving the skills and techniques of individual skiers in a fun and friendly team environment. The group is intended for adults of all ages and all racing abilities. If you’re looking to improve your skiing or you’re just looking to have some fun and a different



http://www.snowvalley.ca/products/discounts.php





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experience on the hill, the Masters Club is for you.Many members of the Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club participate in the SVMRC’s Monday afternoon training program. Our CSCF-certified coaches can accommodate skiers of all levels and ages and, therefore, race courses, exercises, and coaching techniques used in training can be modified to suit skiers of a more refined age.We promote a fun, safe, and friendly team environment with a focus on camaraderie and a commitment to helping our members meet and

exceed their skiing goals. The group will train every Monday from 2:00 -4:00 pm from November 21 to March 20 (no training December 26, January 2, and February 20). The program fee is $200 (season passholder price) and registration can be done through Snow Valley’s Guest Services. The program can also be attended on a drop-in basis for a fee of $20/session. Helmets are mandatory for participation. For more information, please contact Paul Robinson: [email protected] Art Robinson, Membership

Ski tours for 2016-2017 are all now confirmed and awaiting a good snowfall.

Registration forms will be available at our Club Registration and Information Day on October 26, from 3- 7 p.m. at Snow Valley - be there!

Ski Tours 2016-17 - 9 Tours in Total !2016December 11- 14 Sunshine

2017January 8 - 13 Sun Peaks 1January 15 - 20 Sun Peaks 2January 22 – 27 Sun Peaks 3January 29 – February 2 Ski Improvement in Marmot February 12 – 17 Kimberley February 26 – March 3 Silver Star March 12 – 16 Lake Louise March 19 -23 Marmot

Ian Kupchenko and Bernice Gordeyko Ski Tour Coordinators

Ski Tours 2016-17

Fall DinnerWednesday, November 16, 2016

German, Canadian Cultural Centre8310 Roper Road

Drinks - 5:00 p.m. Dinner - 6:00 p.mTickets $35.00

Tickets from Judy Anderson




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If you are planning to join the Jasper Ski Improvement tour on January 29 through February 2, AND you want to have more fun than you have EVER had on a ski hill before, you will want to participate in the Wednesday afternoon “Costume Ski Race”. The race course is very easy and is planned with beginners in mind.Many Edmonton retailers are currently selling costumes for Halloween, so this is a perfect time to pick up that funny and/or outrageous costume for this event. And some outlets like Value Village also have a supply of used adult outfits that may be suitable at a very reasonable price ($10). If you have any questions regarding this event, please don’t hesitate to call Robbie @ 780 439-2634.

Important Notice for Jasper Ski Improvement January 29 - February 2, 2017

Fall Golf Tournament at Edmonton SpringsOn September 14th RMSSC held its annual Fall Golf Tournament which was attended by 52 golfers. The day started off with clear blue skies and stayed that way for the entire day. It was a picture perfect day.The Edmonton Springs Golf Course staff exceeded our expectations and delivered a great course, superb meal and gracious hospitality. All participants were able to walk away with a “PRIZE” and a smile on their face.Congratulations to the winning team this year of:

• Bev Blackwell • Derek Sanders• Carolyn Chmilar• Clair Radis

From your organizing team, Thank You to all the participants; it was our pleasure bringing the “Fall Classic” to you. Thanks to Clair Radis, Karol Muir and Lloyd Woynarowich for all their work in making the day such a huge success.

Until next year, Happy Skiing!

Golf Tournament PlannersKarol Muir, Clair Radis & Lorne Woynarowich

Special Activities Winning Team


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The RMSSC Cycling Season Comes to a CloseAfter approximately 113,000 collective kilometres ridden by RMSSC cyclists on 45 weekly cycle rides beginning May 3, the RMSSC cycling season came to a close for another season with the final weekly ride and Cycling Wrap Up Lunch at Festival Place in Sherwood Park on October 4. If you are looking for a new bicycle, this might be a great time to shop with fall clear outs at many shops.

Looking Ahead to RMSSC Cycling Season 2017RMSSC cyclists and ride leaders attending the wrap up lunch as well as cycle committee members have provided feedback to the cycling coordinator via three different surveys this fall to identify what has been working and what might change in the cycling program. The results of these feedback tools will help inform the cycling leadership in planning for the 2017 season. Thanks for your feedback.

This year 279 members registered for RMSSC weekly cycling with an estimated 220 actually coming to at least one ride. Our weekly ride turn out on any scheduled day ranged from approximately 60 to 140ish. And this is an increase over last year and the year before. Factoring in that new members are now able to join our Club at any point during the year, we can anticipate there may be an influx of folks wanting

to join our Club cycling program during the 2017 cycle season. How many we are not sure. But we will look at ways to welcome these members to our rides and ensure the 2017 Club rides maintain their inclusive, welcoming, friendly and safety focus. The RMSSC cycling committee and the cycling coordinator are looking at ways to assist new members with RMSSC cycling and your suggestions are welcome.

2017 RMSSC Canmore Cycle Tour The 2017 Cycle tour to Canmore is slated for June 19-22. Our volunteer hosts are Lynn Skillen and Marjorie Anderson with assistance from Jim Spalding. A call for registrations for this tour will be sent out by email to all members in early spring. Mystic Springs Chalets and Hot Pools will again serve as our host hotel. Information on the negotiated rate for our club members will be sent to all interested members in early spring. Planning for our Welcome Supper and follow-up activities is underway


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The RMSSC Cycling Program Works Because…On behalf of the 279 registered RMSSC cyclists for 2016, I would like to extend my thanks to the wonderful members of our Club:

• To all who joined the weekly rides this season and helped to make the Club more enjoyable, safe and welcoming.

• To all who welcomed new members to our Club• Volunteers who led rides and those who served

as ride sweeps• Those who stepped in at the last moment to

lead when the numbers were greater than anticipated – their willingness to make the rides work is greatly appreciated

• To the new members who stepped up and led rides for the first time this year and to those who have been leading rides for many years

• To those who helped organize and lead the special rides at Leduc, Elk Island, Sherwood Park and St. Albert

• Monthly coordinators - Susan Hall, Rob Fenton, Gerry Woolnough, John Zurbrigg, Mike Tansey and Tom Middleton – thanks for giving us the opportunity to have some fun.

• To Celeste Zurbrigg and others who helped mentor new ride leaders

• Thanks to Mike Tansey and Gordon Hollis for coordinating the ride leaders in St. Albert and Sherwood Park.

• Special thanks to Rob Fenton, Bob Rose, Mike Tansey, Bob Holzer and others who stepped up to host the assemblies when I was away.

• Rob Edmunds for organizing the Canmore Cycle Trip 2016 and putting up with me as cohost.

• Harold Knopke who again ran a very successful and appreciated Bike Again course in May.

• And a special thanks to all of you for patiently enduring my horrible jokes at the cycle assemblies before you were free to ride with your friends - you now have the winter to recover!

To those I missed in this list above, I ask for your patience but also your continued assistance with RMSSC cycling program. You belong to this Club, set

a challenge for yourself in being a member of the Club and contribute to its success by being who you are.

Thanks…to express gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgment

Darryl Reimche, Special Activities Coordinator, Cycling


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Once again Ski Conditioning Classes at Kinsmen Sports Centre have been arranged for Club members. A conditioning program for skiers is an essential part of any ski training program. Improve your performance by taking important preventative measures to protect joints and muscle tissue from injury.The classes will consist of two 1-hour workout sessions per week for 8 weeks, starting in mid-October. The sessions will concentrate on exercises specific to downhill skiing and be tailored for active seniors. Two choices of sessions have been set up as follows:

Kinsmen Sports Centre 589467 Mon/Fri

Ski Conditioning for Seniors

TRX Area

Mon 10:15-11:15am

Fri 10:45-11:45am Jerry K

Starts17-Oct

Ends9-Dec

OMIT11-Nov $180

Kinsmen Sports Centre 589468 Tue/Thu

Ski Conditioning for Seniors

TRX Area

Tue 9:15-10:15am

Thu 9:45-10:45am Kevin D

Starts18-Oct

Ends8-Dec $192

Registration is now openA minimum of 13 registrants is required for each class to a maximum of 16 permitted. Register by phone by calling 311 within Edmonton or 780-442-5311 outside Edmonton, or by visiting the Kinsmen Center. You will need the course code number and your credit card!We are looking forward to a good experience. Don't go into this ski season with "summer legs"! Get in ski shape and have fun with your friends in the Club.Contact Darryl for more information at [email protected] Or Doug at [email protected]

RMSSC Pre-Season Ski Conditioning Classes

Snow Valley on Hill ProgramsThis season, Snow Valley will once again offer club members a set of three excellent on-hill programs from which to choose. All of the programs share the common goal of developing the fundamental technical skills that will empower you to ski with control and confidence in a wide range of hill conditions, and thus, to get the most enjoyment from your skiing. The programs differ in terms of the degree of experience assumed of participants and the aspects of skiing they wish to master. Whether your goal for the season is building a solid foundation for your skiing or exploring all of the terrain the mountains have to offer, you will find a Snow Valley program that can help you attain your goal. Thanks to all who responded to the survey; your feedback has helped to shape the contents of this season’s on-hill programs.This year, all programs will be held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. The first set of programs will run in November and December. Depending upon interest of participants, programs may be offered again in the new year. Details about each program - content, schedule, and price - will soon be posted on the website.Those interested in racing should look into the Snow Valley Masters Racing Club which welcomes all skiers, independent of whether they have prior race experience. Skiers may join the Monday afternoon training sessions on a drop-in basis, which is a great way to gain an introduction to racing. For details, please consult: http://www.snowvalley.ca/lessons-rentals/masters-racing.php. Additional information will be available at our Club information and registration day on October 26th.

Richard Barham, Special Activities Coordinator





http://www.snowvalley.ca/lessons-rentals/masters-racing.php





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SKI SHOPS

Pacesetter Ski Shoppe Doug and his staff welcome the 2016-2017 ski season with all the excitement it deserves. New product awaits and they will be happy to serve all members of the RMSSC. A discount 15% is offered on all soft products except ski passes. Hard products like skis, boots, and bindings are 10% off. Pacesetter is located on Stony Plain Road just 2 blocks east of 170 Street. Pacesetter was one of the first businesses to get involved with the Club. They sponsored our newsletter and have consistently offered prizes for our various events. Sundance Ski ShopTheir new location on Gateway Boulevard just north of Whitemud Drive must be the largest ski shop in the city. The selection is outstanding and Jim and Alex are ready to welcome RMSSC members to winter. They offer 10% off their already low prices on all store products. You will also see Craig and Vern there. When they owned Sundance, they were the first ski shop to sponsor RMSSC in every way possible including paying for the newsletter and offering prizes for events. The new store is sure to have something you cannot do without.Out Of Bounds Ski ShopNew to the Club is Out of Bounds Ski Shop. Robb and his staff are pleased to offer 15% off of all soft goods and 10% off of all hard goods and tune-ups. Just show your RMSSC membership card for a discount. Out of Bounds also carries a good selection of bikes. Keep that in mind for spring. They are located on Calgary Trail just north of 51 Street, across from Home Depot. Please note that Out of Bounds is also a bike shop.

Totem Ski Shop - JasperDo you forget something? Totem ski shop has everything you or your skis might need during one of our tours or when you are cruising Marmot on your own. Totem has been a sponsor for many years and sponsors our fun race during Marmot Ski Improvement. They also have an extra staff member on duty when we are in town so the service should be A-1. Totem is at #408 Connaught Drive, the main street in Jasper. They offer a 10% discount so show your button or your membership card.

ACCOMMODATION

Mountain Park LodgesMountain Park Lodges have been promoters of the Club for 6 years. We were looking for a company who would recognize that seniors are low risk, quiet guests who leave the property as it was on arrival. Nadine McIsaac was the manager of the Amethyst Hotel, which was totally rebuilt and is now The Crimson. Nadine is now the manager of the Marmot Inn. Nadine recognized the value of our business and began building a strong relationship with RMSSC. She continues to court our business and sent this information:

“I am happy to confirm we are once again offering the Marmot Basin pass holder rates to your group. That is 50% off mid-week and 25 % off on weekends. There are some black-out dates around the holidays and reservations are based on availability.”

This year all the mountain Parks properties are available through their central booking number - 1-888-8Jasper or 1-888-852-7737. Just ask for the RMSSC rate, then show your card if asked on check-in.

Just a reminder. The following businesses support our biking and golfing.

GOLF COURSESDeer Meadows (Spruce Grove), Coyote Crossing (Sherwood Park), Hunters Green (St. Albert) and County Side (Hwy. 14 Sherwood Park)

BIKE SHOPS

redbikeredbike is another of our original sponsors. Cliff, the owner, listened when we described the basis of the Club and immediately joined in our vision. redbike has remained a sponsor since year one. They are located near the south end of the High Level Bridge. It is worth the trip to redbike just to feel the vibe of the store. It is unique in the bike shop world. Great service, competitive prices and a Club discount added in means it is hard to go wrong. (discount to be determined in the spring!)

The Sport Shack The Sport Shack is a new sponsor. They are located on 50th street near the Sherwood Park Freeway in the building formerly occupied by House of Tools. Sport Shack has been in business in East Edmonton for over 20 years. This family run enterprise was located in the Ottewell Shopping Plaza for years before moving to their current location. The current owner has run the company for about 15 years. While primarily a bike shop, they do have other sporting equipment. They are offering a 10% discount on all purchases.

Compiled by Bob Larson

Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club Sponsors 2016-2017


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Executive Contact InformationPosi%on Name EmailPresident JimVine [email protected] DougKnight [email protected] WendySaunders [email protected] AlanLister [email protected]%ons BobRose communica%[email protected]

Membership ArtRobinson [email protected] DonBlackwell [email protected] SylviaMoysa

JudyAnderson [email protected]

SpecialAc%vi%es RichardBarhamDarrylReimche ac%vi%[email protected]

Tours IanKupchenkoBerniceGordeyko [email protected]

Webmaster TonyHoltner [email protected]

CalendarOctober 26, 2016Club Registration and Information DaySnow Valley, 3- 7 pm.

November 16, 2016Fall DinnerGerman, Canadian Cultural Centre

December 6, 2016Welcome to Winter, Snow Valley

December 11-14, 2016Ski Sunshine

January 8-13, 2017Ski Sun Peaks 1



January 29 - February 2, 2017Ski Improvement in Marmot

February 7, 2017New Members DaySnow Valley

February 12-17, 2017Ski Kimberly

February 26- March 3, 2017Ski Silver Star

March 12-16, 2017Ski Lake Louise

March 19-23, 2017Ski Marmot

rocky mountain seniors ski club o ctober ski tracks · up your 2016-17 membership card, and...

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