September 2024 Newsletter


Anne Whelan - Vice Chair

Welcome to our September 2024 newsletter. 


We are so happy to present our autumn newsletter.   I can’t believe it has been three months since our summer newsletter as we have had so much happen in between.  First, we want to welcome all the new retirees that joined the GTA Lamplighters over the summer.  We hope you had an opportunity to join us at one of our events.  We look forward to seeing you at our future events.   

We want to encourage everyone to reach out to other retired coworkers who have not joined yet to sign up.  We would also like to encourage all past Enbridge employees that retired from Direct Energy or Accenture to join.  They can go to the website to register.  

We would like to acknowledge Warren Dickert (Retiree Co-ordinator) and his wife Deb. 

Warren has been the retiree coordinator for the last 10 years.   Please see the article below.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our upcoming events.  Please take some time to visit our website for more pictures and more information regarding all our events.  

Keep in Touch with us and with each other.  

 

Technical Hint:  With some browsers, links don’t always work properly.  If you are experiencing problems, you can clear your cache and browser history or go to our website directly for the item of interest. 

Need Help?

Other technical help is now available by clicking the Need Help link on the Home Page on our website.

You’ll be directed to helpful links from there like

  • Log in/Forgot Password/Never Logged In
  • Registering and Paying For An Event
  • Privacy Settings

You can also  Click Here

Thank You Warren and Deb!

Welcome Twila Reynolds


Warren worked first with Union Gas and then with Enbridge Gas. Warren has been our Enbridge liaison and helped us to set up a club for the Greater Toronto area (GTA).  He has guided us for the last three years in helping us to grow the membership and has been a mentor to us.

This past June Warren officially retired so he could spend more time with Deb and do some travelling.  In May at our annual picnic the GTL Lamplighters presented Warren with a going away gift to say thank you.   We also made Warren an honorary member.

Thank you, Warren, for your assistance in helping us succeed.  

Enjoy your future plans.   We will miss you.

Twila Reynolds will take over the role of Retiree Coordinator – Enbridge Gas.  Our club got to meet Twila at the Enbridge Retiree Luncheon.  Welcome Twila.  We look forward to working with you and seeing at our events.


Safety Reminder



Sun Safety Tips

Although summer is coming to a close, we still have some hot days ahead of us.  Its best to always stay protected with these tips:

  • Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible. If possible, plan your outdoor activities either early in the morning or when the sun starts to set. 
  • Air conditioning is your friend in the heat. Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you don’t have an air conditioner, go somewhere that is air-conditioned. For example, read a book at the library, walk around in indoor malls, watch that new movie at the theater, or meet your friends at the senior center.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine cause you to lose water in your body by making you urinate more.
  • Dress appropriately. Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-colored clothes. Avoid dark-colored clothes as they may absorb heat. Top it off with a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat and you are dressing like a pro! These simple changes will help you both stay cool and avoid sunburn.
  • Did someone say sunburn? Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray.  The higher the sun protection factor (SPFthe better. Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin. Also, bugs are abundant in summer, so spray insect repellent when going outdoors.
  • Cool down! Take tepid (not too cold or too hot) showers, baths, or sponge baths when you’re feeling warm. Don’t have the time? Then wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck.
 

Enbridge Retiree Luncheon

On Wednesday, August 14th, Enbridge hosted the annual Enbridge Retiree Luncheon at the Delta Marriott Airport and Conference Centre. There were 108 retirees present.

We were treated to presentations by Malini Giridhar, Vice President Business Development & Regulatory (who announced her upcoming retirement) and Keith Boulton, Director Public Affairs and Marketing. We were also treated to a fantastic buffet luncheon.

We appreciate the investment that Enbridge makes supporting our retirees. Let’s aim for an excellent turn-out next year.

Thank you Jenn Thomlinson, Twila Reynolds and many other Enbridge staff who helped put together an eventful day.

To see more images Go To Events

 

Social

We have had a great social summer. It was wonderful to see the retirees enjoying social events while catching up with friends.

For additional images Go To Social Events

On Friday, June 7th, twenty-three of our GTA LL members volunteered their time at a local foodbank at the Agincourt Community Services. Enbridge donated $1000 to the ACS as part of the Fuel The Futures initiative.

June 19th was our third annual GTA Lamplighter Picnic at Morningside Park. The Community Events Team cooked up hamburgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers.  Thank you again Team.

We had a great turnout with eighty members and guests attending. 

 

On July 17, we were entertained to Steel Magnolias at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene. We had a super time at the theatre. After the play, some of us went to dinner at the Boathouse on the water.

August 6th Oro-Medonte BBQ, it was a little cool, but we had an excellent time with twenty-five in attendance.

On Sunday, August 25th,  fifty of us attended the Los Angeles Versus Blue Jays game . It was a great event. We all sat together and cheered on our Jays.

Coming up on Friday, September 13th, GTA Lamplighters will host its first Golf Tournament in Oshawa. Lunch will be provided by the GTA Lamplighters, all our members are welcome for lunch. At the time of publication, we had twenty-six signed up. We hope to make this an annual event.

November - We will host our Swiss Chalet Lunches. More details and registration will be provided.

The dates are as follows:

  • November 13 – Whitby
  • November 20 – Near VPC
  • November 27 – Barrie

More details and registration to follow.


You can see that we have lots planned and provide opportunities for our retirees to connect. We would love to hear from you on opportunities to get together or idea for events. I can be reached at rosalyncraig@rogers.com or you can reach out to GTALAMPLIGHTERS@gmail.com

Memory Lane

The Consumers Gas Relay teams faced still competition in the The Sixth Annual Corporate Challenge


Teams were entered

Team one 


Jim Bronson - Exploration

Robin Inwood - Land

Josh Donnan - Land

Frank Zechner - Legal


Team Two


Paul Dalglish - Engineering

Dave Baxter - Engineering

Jeff Sim - Lab

Wally Watson - Business Development


Hiram Walter Team


John Smith - Materials Management

Jean Algren - Materials Management

Terry Chadwick - Sales

Laurie Gadsden - System Operations



Healthy Aging

Dental Health

This is an important topic for seniors. Poor dental health can impact us in so many ways.

Gum disease may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Poor oral health may increase the amount of harmful bacteria found in the mouth, which may release toxins into the blood that can damage heart tissue. Poor oral health can lower self-esteem and reduce social interactions.

Older adults are at increased risk for root because of both increased gingival recession that exposes root surfaces and increased use of medications that produce xerostomia. Approximately 50% of persons aged older than 75 years of age have root caries affecting at least one tooth.

The Canadian Dental Plan was introduced in 2023. It contains great information. Some of it is has been provided below.

Oral health for seniors

Seniors are living longer than ever before. Advances in oral health care prevention and disease treatment mean that many seniors will have some or all their natural teeth.

When we age, teeth undergo changes. Sometimes these changes are affected by chronic diseases and the use of medications. Some changes may include:

  • Sensitive teeth - teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold foods and/or touch
  • Exposed roots - gums may start to pull away from your teeth as you age. Exposed roots are exposed to bacteria that can cause cavities
  • Darker or yellower teeth - the colour of teeth naturally changes with age. Also, consuming staining food and drink over a lifetime can change the colour of teeth. Plaque also builds up faster as we age and can accumulate stains.

The recently introduced Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will help make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents.

The Enbridge Choices Plan and Retiree Health Spending Account plans both have a health spending account (HSA) which the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) views this as access to dental coverage. Enbridge retirees with these plans are therefore not eligible for the CDCP.

Lighter Side of Life


Key Lime Pie


Provided by Judy Hocking, System Development


4 eggs separated.

½ cup of lime juice

1/3 cup of sugar

Blend in lime juice, then milk, stir until mixture thickens.

Pour mixture into a baked pie shell

Spread egg whites over the surface of the pie, spread to edge of crust

Chill before serving

14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

½ tsp of cream of tartar

Beat egg yolks till light and thick.

Optional Add a few drops of green food colouring

Beat egg whites till stiff with cream of tartar, gradually add in sugar, beating till glossy peaks

Bake at 350 degrees until brown, about 20 mins

    Member Updates

    For each newsletter, we reach out to members for their stories of what they have been up to.  Whether its travel, spending time with the grand kids, volunteer work or what ever, we provide their short summaries. Its a great way to hear about colleagues we haven't seen for awhile.

    Lycia Sudama

    I am one of the Co-Chairs of the GTA Lamplighter Retiree Club. I have been married for 45 years. I have two children and three grandchildren. I have been retired almost seven years after being an employee of Enbridge Gas Distribution for 27 years. I worked in various departments within the organization.

    Currently, I am working with the Toronto District School Board as a Lunchroom Supervisor and have held a second position as an Emergency Replacement Person (supply teacher) for the past year.

    I also head up the Social Committee at my Condo. I enjoy time with my grandkids and the children at my school (70 of them). I do enjoy taking my yearly vacation. My time is well spent and fulfilling.

    Pat Weddell

    I am enjoying my retirement; I am not travelling the same as I had been. I have travelled all over the World in the last forty plus years.

    I am busy with the GTA Lamplighter activities and with my Stouffville Probus (Retirement) Club, which I founded in January 2014. I enjoy the various social activities offered by Probus and the outings.

    I am also involved with Stouffville Legion on the committee of the Ladies Auxiliary. Stouffville 100 Women Who Care Charities. I volunteer at the Stouffville Strawberry Festival.

    I enjoy my time with my family and especially my two grandsons.

    I am still in contact with many Enbridge/Consumers Gas retirees, and we have a great laugh reminiscing about our workdays. the antics we got up to, great memories. Life is good.

    Dave Cobden

    My wife and I have lived in the Whites Road area of Pickering since 1975. We both volunteer at the Pickering Museum Village in Greenwood. We have three grown grandsons and two step grandchildren and three great grand daughters.                   


    Ros Craig

    I can’t believe that it has been 12 years since I retired. We have spent a great deal of time with our ten grandchildren, hosting at our house.

    We have travelled a great deal: The U.S., Caribbean, U.K. and Europe. We are enjoying our retirement. In 2022, Tara Seon and I travelled to Egypt, it was an amazing trip, and she was a great travel mate.

    This year, we travelled to Japan - another truly amazing location. We loved every minute of the tour. Both tours were with a company called WingBuddy. The tours were excellent value and with excellent tour guides.

    John and I are off to Portugal in March 2025. This will be our third March spent in this beautiful country.

    In Memoriam

    David (Dave) Moffat

    November 7, 1956 - July 30, 2024

    With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dave Moffat, a cherished partner, father, grandfather, and labour activist, who peacefully died on July 30, 2024, at the age of 67. Dave was surrounded by his loving family, who will forever honour his legacy.

    Dave was born on November 7, 1956, in East York, ON. As a labour activist he fought tirelessly for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity of every worker. His colleagues respected him for his integrity, mentorship, and genuine care for everyone he represented. The only thing more important than his activism was his family. He was a proud father and found so much joy spending time with his grandchildren.

    Dave is survived by his beloved partner, Sharon Moffat; his children, Andrea, Lisa, David, and Sarah; his cherished grandchildren; siblings, Marylin, and Richard; and loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Janet and David Moffat and sister Janice.

    Dave's legacy of selflessness, work ethic, strength and advocacy will continue to inspire all who knew him. He lived a life dedicated to uplifting others and standing up for justice. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Dave you will be forever loved and remembered.

    MADGE, Gordon Stanley

    April 4, 1941 – July 24, 2024

    Gord Madge was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. After a life well lived, Gord passed away in his sleep on July 24, 2024, at the age of 83.

    Born in Ottawa on April 4, 1941, to Thomas Stanley Madge and Lillian Ada Wincott, he spent his early years in North Bay where he attended high school, worked for the local milk man, and pitched baseball – his favourite sport.

    Gord was the loving husband of Nancy (Love) and is predeceased by Bonita (Brisbois). Devoted and proud father of Stacey Ann Madge (Jeff Willner) and fun-loving grandpa of Max, Jack, and Charly.

    Thirty-seven years working at Consumers Gas in Barrie, Toronto, Peterborough, and Whitby, he made lasting friendships with many co-workers. Gord was a kind, loving and respectful man who doted over friends and family. He was relentlessly positive, resilient and a true fighter having survived multiple occurrences of cancer.


    Eric Alfred Roberts

    August 29, 1934 – July 7, 2024 (husband of Jean Roberts)

    Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Hospice Simcoe.

    Son of the late Herbert and Florence Roberts. For the past 66 years he was the best friend, travelling partner, golf partner and loving husband of Jean Roberts (Consumers Gas)

    There has never been a dull moment since their marriage on April 5, 1958. They have done extensive travel – camping, cruises, and bus tours, also enjoying 20 years wintering in Florida.

    Dear father of Michael (Karen) of Barrie. Beloved “Poppa” to Kyle (Cass) and Kate-Lynn (Kyle) and “G.G.” to Blake, Brodie, and Kyla. Beloved brother of the late Helena (May) predeceased.

    Eric immigrated from Peterborough, England with his parents at the age of 14. Over the years he worked at General Electric, Mansfield Rubber, Universal Cooler/Tyler Refrigeration, and retiring from F.K. Machinery.


    Betty Cooper

    It is with great sadness that the family of Betty Cooper announce her passing at home on July 9th, in her 105th year. In her final days she was surrounded by family and friends including son, Tom (Marilyn); daughter, Christine (William Fearn); grandsons, Thomas (Sarah) and Jacob (Jessica); and great-grandson, Stirling. She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob in 2014, Betty lived independently in her own home without much assistance until January of 2024. She will be remembered as a loving mother and caring friend by those she leaves behind, but most of all it was her spirit and determination that defined her.

    Betty worked in the Brampton and Mississauga offices; she was an iconic lady.

    Betty enjoyed many happy years working for the Consumers' Gas Company, retiring in 1985, but at that point she was just getting started. In retirement she gave her time freely as a volunteer to many organizations including Victims Services of Peel, her Condominium Board and Secretary of the local ratepayers association. In 1997, she began taking courses at the University of Toronto, at Mississauga, graduating with a BSC in 2000, at the age 80. 

    She was an amazing lady who in her one hundred and four years touched so many of our lives. Betty will live on in all of us with the all the great memories she left us with.


    Russ Tucker August 5th, 2024

    Russ Tucker passed on suddenly today. Russ worked for many years (Consumers gas) reprographics and he was such a nice guy and funny. I remember him along with Bob Armsden and Paul Serpanchy! My condolences to his family.


    Brian Nikkel June 28th, 2024

    Brian Nikkel, a beloved partner, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 28th, 2024, at the age of 70. Brian was born in Toronto where he was a long-time resident, and also resided for some time in the Georgina region.

    Brian was fun-loving, filled with jokes and loved to laugh, especially with those whom he held dear. He was also a long-time sports fan and could usually be found watching whatever game or sporting event was on for the day, especially if it was the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Yankees or Cleveland Browns.

    Although he struggled with his health, especially in his final year, his family and close friends will forever hold dear the precious time spent celebrating him at his 70th birthday party. Brian's memory will forever be held dear by those who knew him, and his laugh will continue to sound in their hearts.

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