Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Where did Chris Zagar get the fancy duds and since when did he start driving a Lexus? Well, that's not him and I have yet to see Chris in a suit and tie. Chris skips a team in the Thursday Mens League. They have yet to win a game this season but they are at the top of the "fun leader board". These guys enjoy getting together and I am thinking the curling game is incidental to their entire Thursday night gig. But that's great, they get out there and mix it up and it's is good to see people enjoying themselves. The Wednesday Night Mixed league was out there enjoying themselves this first night of league play. All the sheets were full.

Ice A: Al Viel vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Viel. This was a good game! The Roberts crew brought it right down to Andrew's last rock where he failed to make a split and that was it, the Viel squad were buying at the bar.

Ice B: Ryan Haggar vs Hayley Horton. Win for Hagger. With Hayley absent, dad, Chad, was at the helm. He did his best, as did the rest of the crew, but could not catch the Hagger squad. Perhaps Chad was feeling the pressure...Julia was giving him a motivational speech before each time he shot. Always the same speech, "Don't mess up Dad!"

Ice C: Tom St Jules vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet steam-rolled Big Daddy, et al. With all 4 of them doing the "accordion walk" off the ice, I'm sure he'll be back next week looking to straighten it out.

Ice D: John Hammond vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Hammond. Even with the "Rose Factor" on board, Warren and his squad could not overcome the tough Hammond crew. But it's only the first week and I am positive that the Neufelds will be handing out their fair share of Red Bum Awards before long. As for the Hammonds,  they are going for a ride on the Newfie Bullet this coming Wednesday. Hopefully, they'll bring their seat belts!

And that's it for the first week of regular play. There are 9 teams in this league and for all intents and purposes, not much has changed. It is pretty well all the same teams from the previous Wednesday Mixed. And it is still fun.

The Curffle Spiel is coming up soon. Are you signed up. Your support is needed. Can't play, please donate!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Is Richard Lachapelle really a homeless Jedi knight? Well, that's not him, Richard got a home and I'm pretty sure he has no Jedi skills. But, he IS the BRCC Club Associate and he will need some Jedi skills...at least the multi-tasking ones because he looks after the ice, the bar and cleans the club.

Richard is new to curling and is doing his best to learn all the aspects of his role...so, help him out where you can. Give him pointers and help him while he is on this learning curve.

Meanwhile, the Tuesday ladies were out there again last night for the second week of regular play. With 13 teams, the ladies League is strong as ever and the BRCC Ladies is a really fun time. Never a dull moment with these gals.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Hagger . Speaking of learning curves, the junior ladies are in the learning phase now and as a result, will have to take some lumps in order to grow in the game. But, these girls are awesome and they are prepared to don red backsides for the time being but be forewarned, the time will come where they will be dealing out some beatings.

Ice B: Annie Austin vs Makayla Alloway. WIN for Austin. That's two in a row for the Rez Girls. This is a veteran team and I think they will hover at the top of the leader board for the season. But there are alot of good teams in this league and they will have to continue to consume a cup of focus prior to each game. And you know what they say, A cup of Focus a day keeps the spankings away!

Ice C: Marg Tivy vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. Just coming off a loss, the Lemieux rink have found their MOJO and knocked off the Iron Bridge Belles, a veteran crew in this league. I'm sure the Belles will be looking to tan some hides next week.

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute squad are also just coming off a loss but were able to inflict some curling pain on the newly-formed Hammond crew. With Joanna breaking away from her mother's squad and going out on her own, perhaps she needs to finish healing from where she cut the curling umbilical cord and then I'm sure this team will find their groove.

Ice B (Late): Christine Sholberg vs Paula Sommers. WIN for Sommers. That's the first win for the Sommers rink. Hopefully, marriage will allow Red to get in the zone and it sure doesn't hurt to have 3 awesome players (and ladies) on her side. The Sommers crew are taking care of the Ladies League this season and it looks like they are well on their way to a successful run. Put a few wins with it and it will have the makins of a stellar season.

Ice C: Anita Moran vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle.  The Rouselle rink posts a "W' for their second time out this year. And they beat a tough squad as well. The Moran crew is full of veteran players and will be a force to be reckoned with this season. But, the Rouselle rink is also a veteran crew and they will be looking to reclaim the title of top team, especially coming off a tough season last year.

Without a doubt, the top squad title is not going to be easy to get for any squad. there are some excellent teams in this league and it is anybody's guess who will come out on top. But it's really early in the season and there is a ton of curling ahead. undoubtedly, it will be a dogfight to the finish...actually NO, it will be a "catfight" to the finish!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Eric Richer has hairy armpits. Well, that's not him but most men do have hairy armpits, unless they are into "manscaping" (a word I just learned existed within the last month!). Congratulations to Eric, on his recent marriage to Melissa just this past summer. And he is back curling at the BRCC, playing third for Stephane Lemieux. Now all he has to do is talk Melissa into joining curling and getting a team into the Mixed League. Hopefully next year!

The Monday Mixed kicked off just this week and the sheets were full.

Ice A: Al Viel vs Jerry Jensen. JUST A PRACTICE GAME. With some players missing, they just made up 2 teams and went 3 on 3. Welcome to Wendy Smith who is joining the BRCC for the first time this year. Awesome recruiting job by Scotty Smith. And wouldn't you know it, Scotty  missed their first night out!

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Brian West. WIN for Lemieux. Welcome to Guy Ratte as he just joined the BRCC this year. If he shows up to play with a skate shell on one foot, I'll know who has been his main influence! And there can only be 1 Bionic Boot.

Ice C: Sandy Milroy vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy crew is a 3 - person team thus far but they are a tough squad. They handed the Rivard crew a Red Bum Award this week but it's only early in the season so no Noxema required yet.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Gator Fortin. WIN for Fortin. The Monday Newfie Bullet was sent careening off the tracks by the unrelenting Fortin squad. the "Karenator" was on top of her game and was instrumental in feeding the Austin squad some "Curling Crow". Not to worry, the crow is digested by now and the Monday Newfie Bullet will be seeking redemption in the coming week.

And that is how it all began for the Monday mixed this week. Still not signed up for the Curffle Spiel? The list is up and they need your support!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

 

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. When did Brian Tonnelli start using Rogaine and dye his hair blonde? Well, that's not him, Brian is still follically challenged. After a year-long hiatus due to knee surgery, the Friendly Giant is back to the Roaring game. He is in the Thursday Mens League and although his team was not scheduled to play last week, he will be making his debut this Thursday. It's great to see the big guy back and I'm hoping he'll have a great year.

The Thursday mens league kicked off last Thursday with 6 games on the ice in 2 draws.

Ice A: Chris Astles vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Astles. The veteran Astles team is back again this year with exactly the same line up as they have had since they started Mens Curling. The one constant in an ever-changing society. And they came in this season with a splash, handing the Zagar squad their first Red Bum Award of the season.

Ice B: Keith Rouselle vs John Hammond. WIN for Rouselle by default. The Molson Exers showed up but the Hammond crew were conspicuously absent...so, it was an easy "W" for the Exers in their first night out. The Exers didn't leave it there, however, they went out and had a team practice. Wow! look out for these guys this year, they mean business.

Ice C: Dan Berthelot vs Al Viel. WIN for Berthelot. Great night for the Berthelot crew who were shooting well and opened up their season with a win against a tough team.

Ice A (late): Glen Austin vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet posts its first "W" for the season against the veteran Villeneuve squad. They were minus Terry Fryer so it could be that Bob and his crew were suffering some "separation anxiety". I'm sure they will be back on track next week.

Ice B: Dave Mitchell vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Mitchell. The current club champions are on the board early this season, sending the Robb Road Express off the tracks and into the bog. This one came down to the last end with Mitchell stealing the game away.

Ice C: Jim Kendrick vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Kendrick. It's a new season and a new squad for Craig Roberts. It's very early in the season but I expect Craig (and his mates) will be posting some wins this year, this being his second year at the helm.

Ice D: Mike Laderoute vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Laderoute. With Tom St jules at the helm, the Laderoute rink posted their first "W". if you recall, this squad had a heck of a run last year and it is expected that they will have a similar year this year. The Rivard rink is new and they will be looking to get into the groove as the season progresses.

So that was it for the first Thursday Mens night. The club was not as full as it normally is and I found this to be a bit of an anticlimax...especially for a league that is as popular as the mens is. but, hunting season is happening and lots of guys are away. I'm thinking things will be back to normal this week.

Have you registered for the Curffle Spiel yet? You can also sign up at the club and leave your money at the bar. There is a sheet posted on the board.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

And They're Off!

Joanne Niganobe, second for my beloved Rez Girls, attempts a draw. The Rez Girls have Annie Austin back on the roster. Annie shoots lead but skips the game. They fared well last night delivering a crushing victory. Awesome showing.

Carlie Geoffroy, Vice for Team Hayley Horton delivers a rock on this first night of ladies curling. The Junior Ladies were up early but could not hold on to the lead. But still, an excellent showing for their first time out.

 

So they are off and running in the Ladies League. They have 13 teams and it looks like there may be a 14th team so this league is looking excellent. Two junior teams have registered, Team Hayley Horton and Team Mikayla Alloway. They played 6 end games last night, allowing themselves time for a meet and greet between games. But starting next week, it will be 8 end games. Here's your results:

 

Ice A: Marg Tivy vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Tivy. In this clash of the titans, it was the Iron Bridge Belles who secured a convincing win. They come to play every week and this will be a team to watch throughout the season. Looks like that deer meat diet pays dividends!

 

Ice B: Hayley Horton vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran (with Lucy Ann Trudeau at the helm). The juniors were up early scoring in the first three ends. But, in the latter part of the match, the veteran Moran squad caught up and ultimately secured the win. It should be noted that this is only the first time out for Team Horton. They conducted themselves well and demonstrated lots of promise. i expect great things from these young ladies this year and they will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.

 

Ice C: Beth Laderoute vs Christine Denis. WIN for Denis. Newly wed Christine Denis posts a win in her first time out with this new squad. obviously married life agrees with our "Red" and this crew obviously will be a positive addition to this league.

 

Ice D: Annie Austin vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Austin. After returning from a year long hiatus, Annie Austin has rejoined my beloved Rez Girls in the skip position. With knee surgery in her recent past, Annie has taken up the stick and is throwing lead stones and calling the game. Denelda Cada throws last. They posted a convincing win last night and I expect that they will be right up there in the standings throughout the season. Afterall, this is a veteran team. And as for Team Lemieux, Tammy Lou has joined forces with her mother-in-law and they will, no doubt, be a tough team to get by.

Ice B (Late): Myra Kiernan vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Kiernan. It was the first night out for the newly formed Hammond rink. Breaking away from her mother this year, Joanna has her own crew but lost a squeeker to the veteran Myra Kiernan. If you have ever played against Myra, you will know that even when you are beating her, she is never really out of it. And if you didn't know that, please accept those words of wisdom!

Ice C: Christie Hagger vs Paula Summers. WIN for Hagger. With Paula Summefrs conspicuously absent, Jamie Ellmore was at the helm and did a fine job but in the end, could not win against the intense Hagger crew. I am expecting big things from Team Hagger this year. Christie is an excellent player with awesome focus during a match and it will surprise me greatly if this squad is not near the top of the leader board this year.

So, there you have it. The first night out is in the record books. Lots of good looking teams and there will definitely be a dogfight throughout the season for the top spot. I'm stoked!

In other BRCC news, Myra asked me to mention that Wednesday Afternoon Curling will begin next week, Oct 17.

Also, Junior, Bantam and Little Rockers kicked off last evening. This year, Kristy Blanchet, Tammy Lemieux and Christie Hagger are out there teaching the younger curlers. No small task this year as they have 34 kids! that's huge...great work ladies!

Don't forget about the Curffle Bonspiel coming on November 23 and 24. I cannot stress enough how important your participation is for this event. The proceeds will go toward the purchase of important ultrasound equipment for the Blind River District Health Center. Also, a portion will go towards things needed for the Golden Birches and if there was ever an important cause, this it it! Seriously, the elders of our community need and deserve our support. If you can't play in this, make a donation. Call Kathy Jensen or Laurie Kendrick. A quick word about Kathy Jensen....she has been involved with getting the grants for the BRCC. Although usually operating in the background, Kathy has been instrumental in helping the BRCC many times over. She gives her time to many worthwhile causes in our community. Now, she is looking for our support in this latest cause and I am hoping that the membership of the BRCC will step up and either play in this spiel or make a donation. Please help!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

 

 

 

 

BRCC Bits and Bites

I know what you're thinking. Did Mike Landry lose more hair? And is he really Sugar Bear on "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo"? Well no, that's not him. But this IS Sugar Bear from that lame television show. I just cannot fathom how such a show could become popular.  And I just know that Mike wouldn't be caught on such a lame show. He will be too busy curling at the BRCC....2 nights a week plus practices. Mike is going to be curling with yours truly, Dennis Roberts and Dan Horton in the Senior Mens this year. So, practice will certainly be necessary.

As I mentioned before, Haley Horton will have a competitive team for the Bantam Girls. I'm still waiting to hear if there will be any other competitive teams this year. It would be real nice to see a competitive ladies and/or senior ladies team coming out of the BRCC. Aaah, to dream.....

There was supposed to be curling tonight...a few scrimmage matches for the men but it turns out the plant has kicked out the past couple of nights. They are looking to correct this but the ice will NOT be ready for curling until Tuesday, Oct 9. That's when the Ladies League will kick off!

UPCOMING SPIEL AT THE BRCC:  The Curffle Bonspiel (Shuffleboard on Ice)

November 23 and 24th

$50.00 per team

Guaranteed 3 games (approx 1 hour each) AND a Spaghetti Dinner AND PRIZES!

PROCEEDS TO: "Within Reach"Program....for Blind River District Health Center
Funds are needed for a Large Scale Ultrasound Machine, a portable Ultrasound AND Improvements to Golden Birches Terrace Garden.

DROP OFF YOUR CHEQUE TO: Blind River District Health Center Finance Office OR Mail to:  Laurie Kendrick, Funding and Resource Development Planner
       P O Box 970; 525 Causley Street; Blind River, ON  P0R 1B0
MAKE CHQ PAYABLE TO THE BLIND RIVER DISTRICT HEALTH CENTER FOUNDATION

This is a really good cause folks. I'm going to blog about this one alot and remind you to get your cheque in for this spiel. And hey, even if you can't make it to play, I'm sure a donation to this Foundation would not go astray. Anything to do with the health of the community and its residents is a good cause and having good equipment can only benefit the people living in BR. So c'mon out and play in this worthwhile event. The people organizing and helping to run this event like Laurie Kendricks and Kathy Jensen are long time BRCC pals and need your support. Let's not let them down!

MORE CURLING INSTRUCTION: Unfortunately, the 2nd night of Curling Instruction was cancelled. However, Maymar and Al will be available to offer more instruction in November and some of December if you would like it. Please let Kristy know and perhaps a night could be assigned for you and others. If you are looking to improve your game, an evening with Al and/or Maymar would not go astray. They have coached many people over the years and have accomplished alot in our beloved sport so a free lesson from them is a total bonus.

Paid your membership yet? Now is the time. Get your membership paid as soon as possible. Pay it on your first night if need be but let someone know (preferably a board member) that you plan to pay your curling fees by start up night. I know the board will be ecstatic not to have to chase down outstanding membership dues.

Got curling-related news you want posted? Or perhaps a humorous curling story. How about some curling pictures. Email me  labcity007@hotmail.com and I'll get it posted for you.

Need equipment? The club has lots and it is quality stuff at good prices. And your purchase benefits the club.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Instruction Night at the BRCC

Dan Horton slides out while Al Gemmell records it and using a software program he has, Dan is able to see if he is sliding to the broom and how he can improve.

Haley Horton showing Maymar her slide. Haley is going to skip the Bantam ladies this year. her teammates are Carlie Geoffroy, Julia Horton and Tamarra Behnke. These girls are serious too, they are playing in the Tuesday ladies and the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. And practice days are Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. These girls are awesome!

Bella Blanchet slides out showing Maymar that she has the right stuff. Bella may be young but she has been playing for a while and is no stranger to the Roaring Game.

Oct 2 and it's Curling Instruction Night at the BRCC. Al and Maymar Gemmell were out again this year, donating their time to help improve curlers' skills or to introduce new curlers to the game. I stopped by for a while and observed while young and old alike were shown some pregame exercises and then escorted to the ice surface for some on-ice instruction.
THANKS ALOT FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT MAYMAR AND AL.  Instruction was scheduled for tonight (the 3rd) as well but has been CANCELLED. There is some unforeseen maintenance required that will prevent use of the ice tonight. That's OK. Curling starts on Tuesday, Oct 9 with the Ladies League. Yep, that's right, everything starts up on Tuesday. And I'll be there to see my beloved Rez Girls kick off the season.

And here's one more: Look below. I know what you're thinking. Was Glen Austin a Bay City Roller? Or perhaps he was auditioning for Abba. Well, actually, this was a curling bonspiel in Labrador City when I was in Grade 10.  You just know this picture is old...just look at the ashtrays on the walls. AND, look behind the glass...that's SueAnne Bartlett. For those of you who don't know her, she is a Newfoundland Ladies Curling Icon. She has been to several Scott Tournament of Hearts. Good times!

 
ATTN Men: There is curling this Thursday, Oct 4. It does not count on the schedule but some guys want to get together and play some games. Just show up for a game.

Rock On!

 

The Curling Chronic

 

N Ontario Ladies Win the Shorty Jenkins Classic

Team Horgan. These Sudbury girls managed to win the Shorty Jenkins Classic this past weekend. And they did it in fine style too, beating Eve Muirhead of Scotland in 6 ends. Awesome job ladies. Good weekend for Team Brad Jacobs as well. They made it to a semi-final against the eventual winner, Team Epping. And they lost that one in an extra end so here's another great performance. From all accounts, Northern Ontario curling is alive and well.

Gushue and his "maritime agglomeration" did not fare as well. A respectable showing, going 3 and 2, the Gush can't be doing cartwheels with his teams' strength. I watched a few ends via Live Streaming and Team Gushue had a few flashes and lots of 1/2 shots. If these boys want to make it to the Olympic trials, they will have to get some more practice in for sure.

Stoughton lost the final against Epping but quite a good run all the same. I guess Nichols in the lead position is working out.

In BRCC news, things are in the "getting ready" phase for the new season. The ice will be going in next week! Don't forget, Sept 24 in the evening, Tom Leonard will be there to get the ice going. This is worthwhile stuff and it's free. if you got the time, come out and learn about curling ice. Then, the next time you complain about it or praise it, you'll know exactly what you are talking about.

Looks like our membership will be down a bit this year. It's still a little early and more memberships are due to come. If you are still planning on registering, please get your paperwork in (call Kristy Blanchet, Lorraine Liss or any other board member), ASAP because the conveners will need some time to make up the league schedule and need to know if you are playing and what your team is.

Don't forget what i said about the Open 8-Ender League. There won't be major changes and it is NOT meant to be a competitive league. It just allows for freedom in mixing men and women who want to curl together. Give it a try...certainly don't let it be the reason you are not curling. C'mon, it'll be fun.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Shorty Jenkins Classic Starts Tomorrow

I know what you're thinking. How come Robert Ambeault is sporting some Norwegian Curling duds? And how come he hasn't shaved? Is he between council meetings? Well that's not him. But, Robert is a curling enthusiast and he'll be back this year at the BRCC. Most likely he'll be continuing on with the Legal Eagle (Team Kearns) on Mondays and playing for Team Villeneuve in the Thursday mens. This is unconfirmed  but if history has taught me anything, I would have to say that this is a pretty safe assumption.

The Shorty Jenkins Classic is this weekend in Brockville starting tomorrow (Sept 13). Some big names will be there including Team Jacobs who is just coming off a win last weekend. These boys are busy...and they're committed. Hard not to root for them...especially when they are doing Northern Ontario curling so proud. Other notables will be the Chinese Mens team from Harbin, China. Kevin Koe will be there as well as Guy Hemmings getting back into the mix. Jeff Stoughton will be there with his new squad...and yes, with Mark Nichols in the lead position (I still can't wrap my head around that one!) Another notable is Team Heath McCormick who represented the USA last year in the Worlds. Playing in the lead position is longtime BRCC pal and son of Maymar and Al Gemmell, Dean Gemmell. All the best to these guys as well. In case you didn't know, Dean is the founder and host of the Curling Show, a cool podcast that interviews many curling personalities. Very interesting stuff, check it out. dean is a huge advocate of curling and it's guys like this that do our sport good! And don't forget Brad Gushue. He'll be there with his new squad. After a disappointing showing in Baden, Switzerland earlier this month, I'm sure the Gushue is looking to have a good showing....especially when he has the record for the most cabinet shuffles of any skip. But, he has put Newfoundland Curling on the map and I for one am proud of that and for that reason, I continue to have a soft spot for this guy.

On the Women's side, Eve Muirhead has made the trek from Scotland to play in this tournament. Sherry Middaugh also has a team in there. Not surprisingly, Marie France Larouche is in there, once again proving that Quebec needs more female competitive curlers! Tracy Horgan and her squad will be there, the sweethearts of Northern Ontario curling. As well, Rachael Homan will be there with her crew. I am interested in seeing the kind of year this squad will have. They have been together for a few years now and they are pistols, one and all. Tough team alright...they got game but they needed some maturing. Has it happened?

The BRCC is still undergoing preparations for opening. The ice will be in later this month, under the direction of Tom Leonard. This is an excellent opportunity to get out to the club and see what is involved in making curling ice.

There's going to be repairs to our dance floor as well. I did not mention this earlier but it will be getting a face lift. Boy, if that floor could talk...man O man, the stories it could tell. And there will be more good times coming up this year. That is a BRCC trademark....excellent curling and certainly excellent fun.

Need some equipment this year? Whether you are a new curler or an experienced curler needing to upgrade, the BRCC has lots of GOOD equipment. Check it out. The prices are excellent and the quality is second to none. Purchasing your equipment locally at the club helps the club and the BRCC always needs your help.

A quick note about the board. They are doing a fantastic job. They do alot behind the scenes and they always have the best interests of the club in mind. it is alot of work and they don't get paid. So, at the very least, they deserve our kudos. Over the past few years, there have been many, many repairs done to the club...and they are ongoing! Why, just this past summer, they had the roof repaired. Every bolt in the roof of our quonset hut was changed and that my friends, was no small task. But our board applied for and received a Trillium Grant that made this repair possible. Awesome I tell you! And when you get into the washroom this season and plunk you backside down on one of those new toilets that were installed, you'll have another reason to sing the praises of the BRCC board! As a pat board member, I can say that it is impossible to please everyone...but with that said, people who give their time and energy to make our cool little club a success deserve our thanks.

I love the BRCC. As a guy who has "curled around", I can honestly tell you that the BRCC is tops in my books and I will always be faithful. Nowhere else can you find such a great bunch of people to spend a winter with. Get out to the club and catch the fever because it is contagious.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Team Jacobs On The Move Early

Brad Jacobs and his team of Ryan Fry, E J Harnden and Ryan Harnden have got it together early winning the OCT Championship in Oakville this past weekend. This squad has put in alot of hard work over the years and it is paying dividends. Great job by these guys.

The BRCC is gearing up to get the season going as they had a clean up day this past Saturday, Sept 8. My appologies for not getting there, my wife, Annie, had knee surgery just last Tuesday and I am the chief cook and bottle-washer at our place as a result. Needless to say, I could not get away and I do offer my regrets to our hard-working board. I'll make up for this during the year by volunteering around the club as needed. And you can do the same! If you missed helping out this weekend at the club clean-up, then contact Kristy and find out if these is still stuff to do. The club owes its success to volunteers stepping up and helping out. You have to punch your 6 hours so why not get them out of the way early. And of course, you don't have to restrict yourself to just 6 hours. Many of us spend many hours helping out at the club. Quite often, it's not like work and can be fun. That's not to say you have to do more than 6 hours, but I would like to point out that every person who volunteers at the club makes a difference so please, don't make the board members chase you for the 6 hours..they don't want to and heck, they should not have to.

Ice making and Maintenance! Want to learn how? Well, Sudbury Curlers Ice Guru, Tom Leonard, is coming to the BRCC Sept 24th - 30th to do some instructions on ice installation and ice maintenance. The instruction happens in the evenings so the working people can attend. This is free of charge so why not attend. What an excellent opportunity to learn about curling ice. Want to go? Contact Errol Patterson (356-2992) or Mike laderoute (356-7010).

Our beloved Al and Maymar Gemmell will be back this year offering free curling instruction on October 2nd and 3rd. This is NOT only for new curlers! Experienced curlers are also welcome to attend. What an excellent opportunity to improve your curling skills. And they are just the people to do it. Even an old tucker like me (yes, I did mean tucker!) can benefit from their instruction. I spent some time with Maymar and Al last season and had some curling epiphanies! I'll be going again this year for some more. Why not show up and see if they can help you improve your game?

Did you meet Richard Lachapelle on registration night? He'll be our new club guy so when you see him, stop and shake his hand. Make him feel welcome at the BRCC.

There was some controversy regarding the Open 8-Ender League. I heard many opinions during the registration night. In the end, this should NOT be a reason not to join curling. Curling is a fun, social game. Personally, I don't think there will be any big changes, other than the name of the league. It will not be a competitive league...in fact, I expect to see alot of the same teams. I registered our same Mixed League team anyway and I am hoping to see more Wednesday nighters do the same. Sometimes we have to embrace change and give it a chance. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised!

That's it for now! Not registered yet? Please get your registration in. Please help boost the club membership...advocate curling to your friends. It's good for the club and good for the sport!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic.