Please See the President's Messages for COVID-19 UPDATES & IMPORTANT Play Information
Get In Touch: +1 (780) 710-7590
President's Message - STAY TUNED
Presidents Current Message
Stay Tuned for Upcoming messages for the 2021 season in Edmonton
ALL Messages here are from current Club President
With Thanks and Appreciation,
Charlie Loiselle, (780) - 710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
President's Message
July 31, 2021
Hi Gang,
This is a short message to notify members that in 30 days we will have our AGM (Annual General Meeting), August 31st at 1:00 p.m. at the Ottewell Curling Club. This is a Tuesday and we will have our final Open Play that morning at 10 a.m. and it will be a 16-frame game, then a lunch break and then our meeting. Please mark your calendars and attend and support your club.
Thank you,
Charlie
Charlie Loiselle, President
780-710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
President's Message
July 24, 2021
Doubles Tournament July 26th to 29th/21
Hi Gang,
Well, here we are heading into our Doubles Tournament. First, I want to lay out the schedule for OPEN PLAY next week as not all members are in this tournament.
OPEN PLAY
Wednesday (July 28): Evening Session at 7:00 p.m. only
Thursday (July 29): 10:00 am – 16 frame game
12:30 pm – 12 frame game
7:00 pm – 16 frame game
Friday (July 30): 10:00 am – 16 frame game
12:30 pm – 12 frame game
*You should arrive no later than twenty minutes before your
planned open play game.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
Sunday (July 25): noon to 5:00 pm practice, pay & fill out paperwork
Monday (July 26): 10:00 am - 1st Draw – all tournament players
1:30 pm - 2nd Draw – all tournament players
Tuesday (July 27): 10:00 am - 3rd Draw – all tournament players
2:00 pm - 4th Draw – all tournament players
4:00 pm to 5:00 - Happy Hour
5:00 pm - Banquet
Wednesday (July 28): 10:00 am - 5th Draw – for those still in the tournament
1:00 pm - 6th Draw – for those still in the tournament
3:00 pm - 7th Draw – for those still in the tournament
*Presentation day/time to be determined.
A reminder that while concession is open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we are NOT allowed to bring our own food into the building. Please note that the concession onlyaccepts cash. If you need to the Ottewell will process your debit or credit cards at the bar and give you the cash. The concession will be open at 8:30 a.m.
For the tournament itself we have 80 chairs but 96 players, so you will have to get one for yourself and take it to where you are playing, please be polite and cordial about this. Not all players like to sit and many stand for the whole game. GESA apologizes for the shortage but we were unable to procure extra same brand of chairs this year due to a supply issue and a plastics resin shortage caused by the major winter storm in Texas last winter.
A reminder that we play by Arizona Rules plus our GESA Court rules which is - TURN OFF your cell phone, because if it rings or you take a call during play your opponent can claim a minus -10. If you are expecting an URGENT call, you can secure permission to take that call with no consequences if you have cleared it with me before your game commences. Now in the past we have had either the men at the head or the women but this year we are going “wild wild west” after the lag and because either player can lag for a team the player at the head will write their full name on the scoreboard at the proper spot. That person must play at the head for the whole tournament and any team violating this rule will forfeit that game and a 2nd offense will result in expulsion from the tournament. This should create some new and interesting match ups. Remember FULL NAME – for example, there are more than one Jim or Linda competing.
After the game, please leave the score up on the board and if you are not helping to clean courts, please exit the playing area and go visit upstairs. An official will come by to record the winners and clean the scoreboard.
Lastly, I want to say that I do all this work at GESA so I can play shuffleboard too. Therefore, I am going to be a competitor, tournament director and since there are no extra bodies around, I will act as head referee too, so cut me some slack please, your patience will be appreciated. I will also have recruited a couple of other competitors to help referee and will announce them before each draw.
There has been a lot of negativities associated with Covid-19 and being locked down, so let’s have some fun and keep the competitiveness friendly.
We are here now with friends and as most of us have been double vaccinated, making it a safer environment, only we can make the atmosphere cordial.
Happy shuffling and Good Luck to all.
Charlie
Charlie Loiselle, President & Tournament Director.
780-710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
President's Message
July 14, 2021
Hi Gang,
Singles update &
Message reminder – Doubles Tournament July 26th to 29th/21
Tonight, I want to review the Singles Tournament of 2021. Firstly, I want to apologize for mismanaging the entries. I failed to record several of them creating a situation whereby we had more than the 64 entries that the draw master had requested since we could not get to his next number which was 96. At anytime we had no more than around 75 entries.
Anyhow I was bailed out by my Board members, Collette Carlisle, Linda Wozniuk, and Wally Bentt who all stepped aside. Also stepping aside were 2 very classy ladies in Darlene Brown and Lorna Shoults and a classy couple from the Camrose area Verna and Lionel Hinch. After disappointing those people, we made some other folks happy as they got to play in the tournament.
A Event Winners:
1st Shirley Tucker
2nd Doug Noad
3rd Ron Williams
4th Rob Robinson
B Event Winners:
1st Dale Dunlop
2nd Darlene Salls
3rd Denise Lawson
4th Charlie Cull
C Event Winners
1st Sid Johnston
2nd Bob Linthorne
3rd Bert Routhier
4th Mary Anne Kroetsch
D Event Winners:
Since the D Event competitors would have had to play another game (4th of the day) or come back the next day to play, they decided as a group to donate all the D Event winnings back to the club, making them all winners. A huge thank you in no particular order to:
Howie Farrell, Lynn Bell, Veronica Baumgardner and Doug Struve.
Once the shuffling started everything went very smoothly and a great time was had by all.
We really enjoyed the banquet on the Tuesday night. The food was Chinese Food prepared by the Ottewell’s new caterer, Joel Short, along with his trusty assistants Dawn and Sandy. The food quality and variety was top notch and there was plenty of food. So great job to Joel and staff!!
The food for the Doubles Banquet will be “Italian”. It was my suggestion that we try something different this summer and Joel, by his own admission, is up to a challenge of his culinary skills.
I’m pretty sure that along with me many of you are tired of the same old choice “chicken or beef”. Let’s try some new stuff and we’ll get back to the old chicken and beef at a later date.
As I write this tonight, we have registered our 47th and 48th couples for the Doubles so it is now full. Hopefully everyone shows and we will have 96 players competing. I am hoping to have all 96 play in the opening draw at 10:00 a.m. on the Monday. One of our members who is a skilled photographer will be on hand to take pictures. I would like a picture of all 96 players on our 24 courts with the new scoreboards and carpet and that picture will become our wallpaper picture for the website.
A new project: there was a call by me to collect money to help the Ottewell do some parking lot repairs. I had mentioned this in a previous note. When I left the Ottewell this afternoon one load of gravel had been delivered. I will be putting out a President’s message on the weekend about that whole fundraiser program.
So that’s all for now.
Attached is a PDF of the Singles 2021 Winners.
Charlie Loiselle, President & Tournament Director.
780-710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
President's Message
July 4, 2021
Hi Gang,
Message reminder - Singles Tournament July 5th to 8th/21
Some final thoughts for the tournament.
1. You cannot bring your own food into the building this week as the concession is open. If you bring your own food, it must be consumed in your car or outside.
2. All the scoreboard markers have been exchanged for fresh unused ones. If you have a dry one, please do not throw it in the garbage. Please bring it to me and exchange it for a new one so I know what I have to purchase. Next when marking scores - PLEASE store the marker flat or in the disc caddy with the NIB pointing down and the cap firmly on. These markers are expensive.
3. Help would be appreciated to refresh and re-wax the courts between games. I want to provide a fresh wax job for each game. Please see me for your assignment.
4. It is no secret that all curling clubs are struggling to survive and many will probably not re-open so please support the concession and buy the odd beer or glass of wine. It all helps. As President of GESA what I want to do for the Ottewell this year is fill the holes in the parking lot with gravel. To that end I am starting the drive with a personal $250.00 donation and GESA is donating $100.00 from the $5.00 drop-in fee fund – a great $350. start! So please help out, even a $10.00 donation from everyone will help, but we’ll be happy with a bigger donation if you are so inclined.
5. I keep saying this is our club house too so I have brought ½ dozen extender handles to pick-up garbage off the ground from around the building and parking lot. I have supplied plastic bags to put it in. If you have spare time grab a picker and a bag and fill it up and put it in the dumpster that is not marked recyclables. Let’s make our home cleaner. Thanks in advance for any your help.
6. Lastly this week’s schedule:
July 4th, Sunday: Tournament - Registration and Practise
July 5th, Monday: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - only tournament play
July 5th, Monday: 10 a.m. and 1:3 (Banquet in the evening)
July 7th, Wednesday: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - for those still in the tournament
July 7th, Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. - OPEN PLAY for anyone
July 8th Thursday: 10:00 a.m. Finals for Tournament AND Open Play,
as we will have many available courts. 7:00 p.m. Open Play for anyone.
July 9th, Friday: 10:00 a.m. – OPEN PLAY – for anyone.
“Thanks for all your help, support and forgiveness for my many mistakes.
Let’s have fun and make it a great tournament.”
Good luck, & thank you for your support.
Charlie Loiselle, President & Tournament Director. 780-710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
President's Message
July 1, 2021
Hi Gang,
This message is about the Singles Tournament.
John Kennedy is the Draw Master and the computer program and numbers dictate when and where you will play. Thanks John.
I, Charlie Loiselle will act as Tournament Director and Head Referee (probably the only referee since everyone plays at the same time). My rulings on calls shall be final as I am acting in both capacities. I will always be fair.
1. *N.B. Please remember to TURN OFF your cell phones during a game. A phone call to you during the game could cost you. Your opponent can call you out for a -10. If you have an important call coming in, such as a medical issue, you have to tell the Tournament Director (which is Charlie Loiselle), before the game to avoid the -10.
2. After your game ends please just leave the scoreboards as is. Do not erase. The Tournament Director, myself, will be recording the results and cleaning the board. Make sure you mark your name on the Scoreboard – e.g., Linda Wozniuk.
3. John Kennedy’s – schedule below
*DAY 1 – Monday – 10 a.m. – everyone plays
Monday - 1:30 p.m. – everyone plays
* DAY 2 – Tuesday – 10 a.m. – everyone plays
Tuesday - 2 p.m. – everyone plays
Tuesday – after the second game – “HAPPY HOUR”
You will be able to buy wine or beer.
Tuesday - 5 p.m. – Banquet for those attending - $35.00 per person.
* DAY 3 – Wednesday – 10 a.m. - everyone plays that are still in the
tournament.
Wednesday – 1 p.m. - everyone plays that are still in the tournament.
Wednesday – 3 p.m. - some D eventplayers will have to play a
3rd game.
*DAY 4 – Thursday – 10 a.m. – the Finals are played, one game only
for A, B, C, D Events.
Thursday – at approximately 11:30 a.m. to noon, prize presentations and pictures will take place.
Good luck, have fun & thank you for your support.
Charlie Loiselle, President & Tournament Director
780-710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
Sunday June 13th, 2021
Hi Gang,
SHUFFLEBOARD 2021 OPENS FOR PLAY!
Tuesday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Format: 10:00 a.m. – 12 frame game (arrive 20 minutes early to sign in & court assignment) •
After 1st game a 45-minute break for court maintenance, lunch & bathroom break. • You are allowed to bring a snack for yourself if the concession is not open. •
After the break there will be a 16-frame game. •
This is the format for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. •
Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. there will be a session with a 16-frame game.
IMPORTANT – please continue to follow Alberta Health Services rules & facility rules. •
On Monday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. there will be a pre-registration Session (there will be NO shuffling this day). •
Every member and tournament player has to fill out 2 additional forms. One for the Ottewell and the COVID questionnaire. I am sure you have heard the terms legal liability and contact tracing before.
That’s what this paperwork is about.
NO paperwork – NO play. •
This also allows you time to buy your club membership and register and pay for tournaments if you so desire. At the last AGM (35 members attended) last August these fees were voted in:
o Club membership 2021:
$50.00 per person (play as much as you want – good value) o Daily Drop-in fee: $5.00 per person per play.
o Tournaments: $35 per person per tournament (Singles or Doubles).
Singles Tournament: July 5, 6, 7 and 8th
Doubles Tournament: July 26, 27, 28, 29th (preference given to mixed couples, then two females and lastly two males. Be sure to pay attention to the two words “preference given”. If you are single, we gladly attempt to pair you up with a partner of the opposite gender 1st .
o Both tournaments will be 4 events and payout cash prizes, as in the past.
o You are guaranteed 4 games. That’s all for now. I’ll put out more messages after the shuffling has started and things calm down a little.
Right now, things are very hectic but everyday we move forward to an opening.
Please co-operate and come in to register on Monday if you can as it will go a long way to prevent a huge traffic jam on Tuesday morning.
PLEASE REMEMBER, SOCIAL DISTANCING & MASKS ARE STILL MANDATORY BY LAW.
Thanks again for your continued support. Charlie Loiselle,
President
780-710-7590 or charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca
Wednesday August 19, 2020
AGM 2020 Presidents Report
GREATER EDMONTON SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB - GESA Accomplishments to date.
- The membership has been kept abreast of going's on by regular President's e-mail messages. This is a quick recap of the year.
- • Thank you GESA Board: Wynn, Pat, Collette, Wally and Linda for your support and encouragement and for all you do for our Shuffleboard club.
- Wynn Textor, on the Board since 2016, has continued building club equipment (tables, racks for draws, more poly tubes to roll up courts and for reinforcing of scoreboards and shelving - just to name a few items) and we are grateful for his contributions and skills. He will be stepping down this year. Linda Chalifoux has been on the board since 2016 as Secretary and will also be stepping down this year. Thank you, Linda, for all you have done.
- • We submitted (June 21/19) a grant application with the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) in the amount of $24,409.20 (for 12 courts (US exchange included), carpet for shooting area and safety, discs, freight, & computer). On February 17th of 2020 we received word that our application was approved. In March 2020 we received the cheque. We have since purchased 12 new courts, new discs, carpet and a computer. (See Presidents Message of June 26/20.) We are watching the NHSP website to see if we can apply for a $5,000 grant to finish buying the additional carpet.
- • Our membership this year is 108 to date. A great number considering what is going on in the world. Thank you to those that could not play this year but you still supported our club by buying memberships.
- • Due to Covid-19 we have been restricted in many areas: number of players, banquets, distancing, additional sanitizing and cleaning, lack of regular volunteers, no Sobeys fundraisers, etc. We are grateful for the new courts as it allowed us to distance and continue to play. There have been many positive comments regarding the carpet. Regular notices were set out regarding COVID-19 distancing, sanitizing and the wearing of masks etc.
- • Thank you to our volunteers at the registration table: Linda Wozniuk, Joyce March, Lorna Shoults, Leanne Struve, Collette Carlisle. Thursday nights: Charlie Loiselle, Vickey Siler and her daughter-in-law Mary. Thank you with court management, sanitizing after each shuffleboard session, going to the laundromat to wash yellow cloths and mop heads and to the car wash to wash the foam brooms heads and scoreboard erasers and all the little things going on in the background. There has been a huge amount of extra work required to operate our club this year. Our daily court volunteers, Dennis MacPherson, Wally Bentt, Jim Baumgardner and Doug Dixon are doing a great job of keeping the courts in great shape. The Board also recognizes and thanks Charlie Loiselle for his contributions helping with court set up and maintenance. Thanks also to Rick Carlisle for coming in to help tape courts and rugs.
- • Thank you to Gloria Erickson for her seamstress skills and making more of our yellow scoreboard cleaning cloths.
- • The Board has met a number of times and made decisions that have best served our club.
- • In our first year a Waiver Form was developed which all participants signed. This year we were able to have you confirm the form rather than completing a new one. All new players continue to complete a waiver form. All individuals playing shuffleboard must be signed in by the monitor (at the registration table) when they come to play.
- • Hats and Jackets and Pins - it is great to see so many members wearing our logo and promoting our club.
- • 2020 Membership badges continue to be ordered through ScanPlast.
- • In April 2020 Alberta Prime Times magazine printed an article promoting our club which was shared through a President’s message.
- • We hosted a Singles Event on July 13 - 16, 2020. There were 78 distancing competitors and $930 in prize money awarded. We are grateful to the Singles participants for donating $10.00 of their event fee back to the club for cleaning supplies and equipment, and facility user fees. • We hosted a Doubles Event on August 10 -13, 2020. There were 36 couples (72 players). $830 in prize money was awarded. Thank you to those that continue to donate their winnings back to the club. It makes a difference.
- • Thank you to John Kennedy for his charting skills at both the Singles and Doubles events. A big thank you from the Board goes to Charlie Loiselle for organizing these events. • Our 2020 operational days, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Thursday evening have worked well. We offered additional shuffling evenings during the tournament weeks.
- • Horse Collar event, August 20th.
- • We have been unable to hold a number of our regular events due to COVID and the lack of volunteers and players.
- • Although our bottle initiative donations have declined, we thank those who have been able to support this initiative. In the past we have used monies to help purchase US funds to then purchase new wax. If you are able to take your bottles to the depot and turn funds over to the club it would be appreciated. A reminder that this was developed to augment the tournament cash prizes but is now deposited into general donation revenue to continue to pay for repairs, equipment, and help during this Covid-19 time.
- • Spare Change Jar coins helped subsidize the purchase of toilet paper and hand wipes, receipt books, laundry money to wash yellow cloths and mops etc.
- • Our fourth year has been trying due to the Covid-19 but thanks to your support we are still going strong. I want to thank you all again for your help running and supporting the club. Thank you for your personal monetary donations and your volunteerism.
- • If I have forgotten to thank someone in my note I do apologize (sometimes I forget). Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to help make our shuffleboard club a happy place to play and thank you to all the competitors who come play in all our events! We couldn't do this without your help and without your support.
- • 2021 event dates will be set as we are able based on Covid-19 restrictions. We will let you know.
If you have not already done so please register by sending Linda a note indicating your name(s) and that you will be attending the AGM so we know which room and spacing that is required. The Agenda and 2019 draft AGM minutes were previously sent (please print documents as we do not have resources to provide copies). Thank you. Email to: linda.chalifoux1@shaw.ca
Sunday August 16th, 2020
Hi Gang,
To date I have only 22 people interested in the Horse Collar Event (Thursday, August 20th). You still time to pre-register so please let me know asap. At 10 am that day we will play a 12- frame game then take a break. We will start the “Horse Collar” at noon because of the extra 8 frames you shoot. So, you should still be out of there early enough to beat rush hour.
Secondly our AGM is Thursday, August 27th at 1:30 p.m. So far only 32 people have registered for what I am telling you is the 2nd most important meeting this club has ever had. After the meeting there has to be a Board. If there is no Board you have no club as this is the law and is stated in our bylaws. This is not my club it is our club so please become engaged.
Remember this too after the AGM I will run the Thursday 7:00 p.m. session and the shuffleboard season will be over for 2020. You only have 3 opportunities this week and 3 next week then who knows when you can shuffle again. COVID-19 is still active!
Thanks again for your continued support.
Friday, August 14th, 2020
Hi Gang,
URGENT!!!! EXCITING UP-COMING EVENT!!!!!
Next Thursday, August 20th , at NOON, the club will be hosting a Horse Collar event.
There will only be 48 players allowed in the event and you have to register to be in it. Remember the law of COVID-19, 50 people in an indoor event. There are 3 players at the Head and 3 at the Foot. We can still social distance by utilizing the outer courts. For example, we will use boards 1 & 4 keeping boards 2 & 3 vacant. Say you are at the Head or Foot of 1 – one person can be in the shooter’s box; one stands back 6 feet and to the left, the other back 6 feet and to the right.
Boards to be used: 1 & 4, 5 & 8, 9 & 12, 13 & 16, 17 & 20 and 21 & 24. The purpose of this event is to introduce you to the new rules format of horse collar played in the context of a tournament whereby you change position every 3 frames. We hope to have a horse collar tournament next year and it will be a much larger event. There will be no event fee this year and so far, I have these people registered; Barb MacPherson, Dennis MacPherson, Charlie Loiselle, Carol Board, Mike Board, Lynda Villeneuve, Bob Villeneuve and Wally Bentt.
E-mail me at charlie.loiselle@shaw.ca to register.
1st 48 get in! Rules attached.
Thanks again for your continued support.
HORSE COLLAR RULES
- 1. The purpose of the game is to achieve a maximum score.
- 2. Play is on the basis of a three-person Unit (Team). You have no opponents other than the Board. 3. You will be shooting a total of 8 sets of
- 3 frames per set. Total of 24 frames. You will be moving to a new shooting position and Unit (Team) every set (3 frames). Your Unit (Team) has to score an opener (kitchen disc every set).
- 4. Each player will shoot two discs in succession.
- 5. Each playing Unit (Team) will begin the game at one end of the Board. Two Units (Teams) play per Board (Head & Foot).
- 6. The Unit (Team) at the Head will keep score for both Units (Teams).
- 7. Shooting is from any location in the Kitchen.
- 8. After a Unit (Team) has shot all six of their discs a total score for the Unit (Team) is tallied for that frame.
- 9. To begin scoring a Unit (Team) MUST have one of the six discs shot in the Kitchen. That initial Kitchen shot is also worth 10 points. This is called the OPENER. Only 1 disc is allowed in the kitchen to count “THE OPENER”.
- 10. Once a Unit (Team) has opened (one disk in the kitchen) all future Kitchen shots are worth -10 as in regular play.
- 11. A Unit (Team) must establish its order of play and in each round a rotation of the players must be kept.
- 12. Players must each record their final Unit score for that set on their individual score card.
- 13. You can now have any number of counting discs (not touching the lines), in the squares of the triangle. For example, if you have 3 - “7s” in one of the squares you would score 21, provided you have your OPENER.
- 14. Coaching, fun and kibitzing is allowed and encouraged.
Remember the 2020 season is rapidly coming to an end so come on out and play.
Saturday August 8th, 2020
Hi Gang,
On the eve of opening our Doubles Event with practise and registration tomorrow (Sunday between 1 – 4 pm)) I would like to remind everyone that there will be open play at 7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week only. This is so GESA members that are not in the Doubles Event have an opportunity to shuffle this week too as the daytime is only for the Doubles Event.
Remember to pre-register for the AGM: Our Annual General Meeting is to be held at the Ottewell at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th . We need you to pre-register this year to ensure we meet COVID-19 standards. Our facility will accommodate social distancing but we need to know in what area of the building to set-up ahead of time. Please support this effort by emailing: linda.chalifoux1@shaw.ca to register. As of August 1st, wearing of face masks became compulsory in Edmonton. As in our previous messages please, wear a mask, social distance, no hugging or handshaking, if using the washrooms close the lid before you flush and again wash your hands before you exit. Common sense prevails and we will all stay safe. Thanks again for your continued support
ENTERING THE BUILDING:
Please use the Boot Boy inside the door to clean the soles of your shoes. Just pull the round handle back towards you to make it work. There is hand sanitizer at the top of the stairs.
Tuesday August 4th, 2020
Hi Gang,
It’s time to bang out a message to inform you of goings on.
1st - our Annual General Meeting is to be held at the Ottewell at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th . We need you to pre-register this year to ensure we meet COVID-19 standards. Our facility will accommodate social distancing but we need to know in what area of the building to set-up. Please support this effort by emailing:" linda.chalifoux1@shaw.ca" to register. As in our previous message please, wear a mask, social distance, no hugging or handshaking.
This will be the second most important meeting this club has ever had next to our initial organizational meeting in 2016. The future of our not for profit association is governed by our Bylaws and we require a Board to meet Government requirements. This year we will require 2 new members, one of which is the Secretary. Now I have been around for a while too and I can’t be your President forever – LOL! Please step up and volunteer for a position. Even if you are not able to serve on the Board there are other club needs that you could assist with. E.g., volunteer coordinator: to manage a list of people who can help fill specific volunteer jobs and other non-board functions, court jobs, laying courts, putting away equipment, table monitor jobs, etc. If I don’t have a new Board there will be no more GESA going forward. I am not threatening, I am not begging, just presenting the facts by which I have to operate.
In closing come out and enjoy your shuffleboard now as we are open and operational. With all the COVID-19 restrictions we will shut down likely at the end of August or the end of the 1st week of September and it could be a long time for your next opportunity to shuffle (we might not be snow-birds this year, even curling could be limited and facility use restricted and these facilities might not re-open in Spring). COVID-19 is not gone and is still damaging many aspects of life as we used to know it.
That’s all for now - I will write more later but, in the meantime, please preregister for the AGM.
Thanks again for your continued support.
Monday, July 20th, 2020
Hi Gang,
Well it was a long week but our 2020 Singles Event is in the books. Congratulations to all the winners (see attached pictures). I will write more on the tournament later in the week.
Today I also would like to announce that the carpet and runners are in and are out on the floor (see picture). I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Collette & Rick Carlisle, Dennis MacPherson and Wynn Textor who worked so hard to help me get this project done. See pictures below.
Now I am asking all members to respect the equipment and use the “BOOT BOY” at the front door to clean the soles of their shoes when you enter the building.
You also still need to text Collette at 780-446-5637 to pre-register to play. COVID-19 is still with us and the maximum who can play is 48. We have had 2 Tuesday morning sessions with over 40 players. Members who have texted in will have preference to play and I will make sure it happens. We have had one incident where a member who texted in was shut out by someone who had not texted. That is not fair to that person. It does not take a lot of effort on your part to let us know you are coming. It goes a long way to keeping things running smoothly. The people who prepare the courts (clean, wax and put out the discs) end up having a chaotic situation to deal with at the last minute when a bunch just shows up unannounced. It has happened to me a couple of times already this season so please do your part and clean your shoes and pre-register.
Please mark your calendars: AGM – Thursday, August 27th at 1:30. More information will be coming out once we establish the distancing set-up. Please plan to attend as your support to keep going is so important.
Pictures will be posted to the Gallery section soon!
Thanks again for your continued support.
Friday 10, 2020 (2 of 2)
Hi Gang,
This is a Covid-19 message.
Yes, I know you are sick of it! So am I but the message needs constant re-enforcing as we are not 100% and we need to practise the protocols that will keep us all safe. There are four main points to staying safe:
1) If you are sick stay away and get tested for Covid-19. DO NOT come back until you get your test results.
2) All the credible experts say the same thing - “social distancing” is most important. Since we are playing on every other court and have marked each court off with 2” yellow tape 6 feet from the shooters box at the Head and the Foot, you have plenty of space to social distance.
3) Masks are not mandatory but highly recommended. This president will wear one as much as possible. Sometimes you have to remove it to speak (at a social distance) and be understood. When you wear glasses if a mask makes your glasses fog up pull the mask below your nose. Droplets come out of your mouth and some protection is better than no protection. We have masks available at .50 cents each if you would like one. These are below our cost but we cannot afford to give them away.
4) Toilet & Washrooms: can become dangerous places. But danger can be very limited by doing these two things – we will have disinfectant wipes in each bathroom. Use them to wipe what you are going to touch - a door, a door lock, a flush handle and wipe the inside of the toilet cover too, then when you flush close the lid. PLEASE DO NOT THROW ANTISEPTIC WIPES INTO THE TOILET, use the garbage cans only. Then wash your hands and dry them before you exit.
If we do all of the above, we should be able to hold this tournament safely and that would make us all winners and show the youngsters and authorities it can be done.
I can do all the above stuff but there is ONE THING I cannot control: I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP, please follow protocol. We are a shuffleboard family. Most of us know each other very well so I think if you see someone not practising social distancing, not using bathroom manners, wearing or not wearing a mask this can all be discussed verbally without escalation or disrespect just as though you were talking to your sister, brother, parents or kids. A last reminder: no food or drinks (except water) on the courts and no spectators.
Thanks again for your continued support and patience.
Friday, July 10, 2020 (1 of 2)
Hi Gang,
I’m back. Next week we hold our Singles Tournament so there is no Open Play during the day time.
BUT
On Tuesday (14th), Wednesday (15th), and Thursday (16th) evening at 7:00 p.m. there will be open play. Minimum of 48 people with preference given to NON tournament shufflers. Second preference to our out of town guests staying on the grounds and dry camping. Also remember we are practicing social distancing and are following the Covid-19 rules.
Firstly, I am doing this especially for our GESA members who paid their $35.00 2020 membership fee. No one has complained. As your president we feel badly taking 2 weeks away for tournaments (this year our season is shorter due to the Covid) so I am willing to stay in the evening to give you a chance to come out and play during tournament weeks (July 13 -16 and August 10-13). Please make it worth our while to make this effort by coming out to play.
Secondly if some of our guests are bored in the evening they can come and see if there is room for them.
Remember to help old Charlie to clean up after!
Thanks again for your continued support and patience.
No wind, no mosquitos and no rain!!
Tuesday June 28th, 2020
OPEN PLAY
Last August 2019 at our Annual General Meeting a new open play format was proposed and passed (2 x 12 frame games). We have tried it for 2 weeks now and it does not seem to please the membership. Members have been saying playing 24 frames is too tiring and standing on the cement that long, is not comfortable. The second thing not working is the time it takes to play 2x12 frame games is much longer forcing us to start at 1:30 pm for the afternoon 2x12 frame games and members say they get home later than they want so very few have played in the afternoon.
Although we met in August of 2019 and agreed on some format changes and hoped it would work, it has not. Your Board has agreed to change the open play format to:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday & Thursday evening (7:00 pm) 10 am and 1 pm and Thursday evening at 7:00 pm
We will play a sixteen-frame game. You will stay at the Head or the Foot for the whole sixteen frames and play the same opponent for 16 frames. After 8 frames you will switch sides taking your color with you. Thursday evening at 7 pm will be a 16-frame game against the same opponent with a switching of sides after 8 frames keeping your original color.
As for scorekeeping you can switch after 8 frames as there is now sanitizing wipes at the scoreboards to wipe the markers and erasers if you change responsibilities. We have many new members, some of which are new to scorekeeping please mentor them or mark score for them if you are experienced at it. A sixteen-frame game with these conditions is like a tournament game.
To our members if you are an experienced shuffler please remember that our club GESA wants you to mentor beginners not beat them badly and scare them away. Open play is more about fun and socializing. A last comment is that our memberships was at 36 when the season started and now stands at 78 after 2 weeks of scaled down play.
Many people have asked is there shuffling on Wednesday, Canada Day July 1st? The answer is yes at 10 am and 1 pm – 16 frame games. Also, by then there will be 8 more courts ready for play so we can accommodate 16 more people for a total of 40 but you still need to TEXT Collette Carlisle at 780 446 5637 to book your space. Using the newly laid courts the 40 positions start Tuesday morning at 10:00 am and remember the afternoon is also now a 16-frame game starting at 1:00 pm (note new start time).
Remember: No wind, no mosquitos and no rain!!
Tuesday June 28th, 2020
1)WEBSITE UPDATE INFORMATION
Writing as fast as I can to get you information on the Website, Tournaments, Covid-19 & GESA and Open Play. Next part of the information update (Open Play) coming shortly.
Some of the information on the website is incorrect. The updated correct information comes in my President’s Messages. I am asked “why don’t we fix the website?” The webmaster still works as a long-haul trucker. He has indicated that most of his time is spent in the USA and when he stops at a truck stop the free Wi-Fi is too slow to work on our website and he would have to purchase better Wi-Fi which he is not about to do or is he expected to do considering the exchange rate. If we have a member who is willing and website knowledgeable of managing and taking over the webmaster duties please contact me.
2)TOURNAMENTS
New dates have been set for 2 Tournaments.
Singles Tournament: July 13, 14, 15 and 16th, 2020
Mixed Doubles Tournament: August 10, 11, 12, 13th, 2020
✓ 4 game guarantee
✓ Cash prizes paid to top 4 finishers in each A, B, C, D events
✓ Cost for tournaments is set at $35 per person.
(No banquets, food or drink allowed).
The extra $10 is to hire a couple of students to aid with the sanitizing, court clean up and security. Rules and protocols will be adjusted as we move forward. For example, if we have 48 players on the floor competing and a head referee along with a tournament director that adds up to 50 people which is right now the covid19 legal limit. So, there will be no extra scorekeepers or spectators allowed. However, the people who make the rules may bump up that 50-person rule and that would change everything. As the days go by, we are adapting to keeping players safe but as far as I know death and taxes are still the only two guarantees in life. What I really need is some empathy as I’m like that duck that looks calm above the water but paddling like crazy below the water. As I write this message 49 people have confirmed they will play in the Singles and 21 couples have indicated they will play in the Mixed Doubles. As the tournament director I still have many people to call.
3)Covid-19 and GESA
For the months of April and May, like you, I stayed indoors at my residence, reading books, watching TV, listening to a lot of news on TV and the computer. Every respectable expert said the number ONE thing to stop the spread of covid-19 was social distancing. GESA is supplying that social distancing space by playing every other court and an extra 6 ft. back of the shooter’s box on every court. The floors have been marked how to enter and exit. The floors are also marked at 6 ft. spacings to register. The second thing the experts say to do is to wash your hands properly and often and do not touch your face. The washrooms are open but more importantly we have hand sanitizer at entry, exit points and at the registration table. Members Veronica and Jim Baumgardner donated a large supply of sanitizing wipes so you can use them to wipe down things you may have to touch when you use the washrooms etc. Please do not take them home but feel free to use them.
A big thank you to Veronica and Jim.
No expert denies that masks are helpful. They are however not mandatory so GESA like most of society has not made them mandatory. However, we have masks available at the registration table for .50 cents (please bring exact change). We are not wealthy enough as an organization to give them out for free as we did pay slightly more for them (.54 cents, plus GST) so I think we are being fair. This week I donated $47. to buy some sports fabric and cotton liner to make masks and our member Gloria Erickson has volunteered her time and equipment to make masks out of this material. We hope this fabric will be as comfortable as we are told and your club president will then be wearing one. Results of this endeavour will be published once they are tested.
Thank you, Gloria.
In conclusion GESA is supplying plenty of social distancing space, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes and masks. We are also dealing with something new in the covid-19 as best we can. This is not something that most of us have experience dealing with. Our policies and procedures will be tried and if correct will stay and if a better way is suggested we will look at it as well. Lastly GESA supplying all this is not a guarantee of safety but a high probability of it. There are no guarantees and we all have to work together to stay safe. If you are not feeling well please stay home and get tested for covid-19 before returning to play. If you are exposed please disclose the exposure or illness in order to safeguard the health and safety of all participants and limit further outbreak. All the precautions in the world will not matter if each of us does not control our behavior/practices towards this disease and show respect for our fellow shufflers. It is your choice to come out and play and your demeanour makes it safer for you and your GESA friends.
Thanks for your continued support and patience.
Thursday June 18th, 2020
Hi gang!
Well after 2 days of shuffling I have 3 observations.
1) Social distancing could be better unless you live with that person. Please stay 6 ft or 2m apart. Every aspect of our activity is clearly marked with 2” yellow tape on the floor. Exit and entrance doors are all marked.
2) We started up with 36 members (people who pre-paid at the end of last year for this year) and I’m told we are already up to 63 paid up memberships. That’s great as we still need to pay our bills. Longstanding members please hurry back and try to recruit new members too as most organizations are still not operating and there are plenty of folks looking for something to do. Also, since we will only play on every other court (social distancing) we can only play 24 members at a time. You will need to pre-register at least 24 hours in advance with Collette Carlisle via TEXT at 780-446-5637 to be eligible to play. Please do not be angry at us if you have skipped this step and you get to the Ottwell and you are told you cannot play because we are full up. We have to follow these guidelines to be successful.
3) Our volunteerism needs to get organized. I have been very busy and folks have been telling me they will do this or that and on what days. Most of the time this is coming at me while I’m interacting with a group of people or working on the courts etc., and my focus is not what it should be and everything I am told is not sticking. LOL. So please keep telling me and showing up when you said you would. For instance, Dennis McPherson has told me twice that he’ll volunteer Tuesdays to work the courts. 1st time I totally forgot. Second time I wrote it down. A volunteer coordinator position would really, really help as we still need more support. Linda Wozniuk can use some help at the registration table too. Please approach her to volunteer.
Lastly, we are open, we are shuffling and although it is not perfect, we are working out the wrinkles (pun intended)!
Stay safe and have fun.
Sunday June 14th, 2020
(PLEASE READ ALL 4 MESSAGES FROM THE BOTTOM UP)
(COVID-19 Details)
Please NO WALKING ON THE COURTS - EVER.
Don