OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003 Guy Hemmings By Bruce Deachman

blasphemous west draw as much of his tal- of the - ent from his sheer en- border. joyment of the game In in as he does from the Tour Dates 1999, however, the years of practice. It’s part- feeling was unani- ly from that ugly delivery of his October 20-22, 2003 mous. that we derive a kinship: are not Corner Brook, NL “They’re all great shows,” says our own deliveries equally flawed? Contact: Gary Oke Hemmings of his four Brier visits (he also His friendliness and accessibility, too, are [email protected] competed at the 2001 Ottawa Brier and also irresistible, especially when so many October 28-29, 2003 last year’s championships in Halifax). “It’s of his contemporaries have chosen Dauphin & Swan River, MB like having the chance for a week each to adopt holier-than-thou, standoffish Contact: Bev MacKenzie year to play in (baseball’s) major-leagues. postures; who can forget Middaugh’s 204-638-3244 Photo by Michael Burns Photography Photo by “Obviously the first one is a bit special, semi-off-ice attitude in Ottawa in 2001, because you spend so many years dream- where he clearly placed himself far October 31 to November 2, 2003 ing about going there. But one thing above the fans. Whereas many top curlers New Liskeard & area, ON Contact: Steve Amyot Guy Hemming made his Brier debut in that’s special about going to the Brier is - especially in men’s - widen the [email protected] 1998 in Winnipeg, where he shook off that you dream about it for so many gap between club curlers and elite ones some early-round cobwebs and went on years, and, once you’ve been there, you by their attitude, Hemmings effectively November 11-13, 2003 to win his final four round-robin games dream even more about going back bridges it until it almost disappears. Cape Breton Island, NS Contact: Gordon Granchelli to secure second-place. In the 1-vs-2 Page again.” Of course, it’s been a while since curlers [email protected] playoff game, his squad of Pierre But what’s so special about Guy like ’s , so successful Charette, Guy Thibaudeau and Dale Ness Hemmings? What makes him the one as a junior and so quick to translate that November 25-27, 2003 lost 10-4 to Ontario’s , Quebecker to have such a positive impact early success into Brier fame, have had to North Battleford (and area), SK eventually earning a berth in the final by in Western , when so many be- struggle in zone and regional playdowns, Contact: Greg Mackie [email protected] defeating Manitoba’s Dale Duguid, 7-5. fore him had failed? let alone club championships, and so it In the championship game, Middaugh Well, for one, he’s almost the quintes- might be unreasonable to expect much December 3-4, 2003 beat Hemmings for the third time that sential Western curler. True, his English, empathy from their quarters. Chicoutimi, QC week, stealing three early ends en route she’s not so good, but for a guy whose Hemmings’ trail, on the other hand, Contact: Gilles-Paul Tremblay to a 7-4 win, and the title. awkward slide emerged from a tuck de- has been the sort of Cinderella story that [email protected] The following year, in Edmonton, livery, and who spends his summers made the Minnesota Twins such an un- January 12-14, 2004 Hemmings’ story was almost identical: farming, he’s about as close to Ernie derdog favourite in recent baseball circles. Prince George (and area) BC his 8-3 round-robin record once again Richardson as la belle province has ever Martin and Middaugh are perennially the Contact: Chris Hale earned his team a second-place finish, produced. New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves of [email protected] and they again lost the 1-vs-2 playoff He’s also The Entertainer, sort of curl- curling, expected shoo-ins with little to January 16-18, 2004 game, this time to Manitoba’s Jeff ing’s version of hockey’s Eddie Shack, ex- worry about, save where to display yet Grande Prairie (and area) AB Stoughton. An extra-end win against cept with way more talent. In his 1999 another championship ring. Hemmings, Contact: Michael Bain ’s Gerald Shymko followed, semi-final match against Shymko, the in stark contrast, is the equivalent of the [email protected] and then, just as he had done a year ear- diminutive Hemmings drew roars of Montreal Expos; showing up with a lier, Hemmings came up against a team laughter from the audience by watching lunchbox each day and hoping for the he couldn’t beat, as Stoughton stole a sin- some of the match in a crouched posi- best. gle in the sixth and scored three in the tion, peering through the legs of And whereas the Martins, the eighth, eventually running the Quebec Saskatchewan’s “Jolly Green Giant.” In Middaughs, the Stoughtons, et al, only skip out of rocks in the 10th for a 9-5 win. Ottawa, after a large advertising sign fell give us a sense that our own aspirations The only difference this second time from one of the Civic Centre’s walls and were left too late, Hemmings helps us to What’s Inside around was that everyone was watching, onto the ice surface, Hemmings again de- realize that, no, it isn’t yet time to give up, and cheering, Hemmings. If fans only lighted the crowd, this time by donning that hope, indeed, springs eternal. Guy Hemmings began to notice him in Winnipeg; they a hockey helmet. And last year, in Halifax, “When I started to play this game,” he Rockin’ the House Tour ...... 1,2 absolutely loved him in Edmonton. One the reaction was similar when he was recalls, “I was pretty old, and I just played Curling Clubs Go Smoke Free ...... 3 case in point was a banner waved by a fan spotted, mid-game, reading from a copy for the fun of it, like a kid who didn’t at Edmonton’s Skyreach Centre: “Guy of “Curling For Dummies.” want to grow up. Volunteer Burn Out...... 4 Hemming for Prime Minister,” it read, a He is, in short, every-man’s (and every- “There’s no way I could play this game sentiment that would once have been woman’s) curler, a guy who seems to without enjoying myself,” he adds, “and 2003 CCA Volunteer maybe I enjoy it more than those guys, or of the Year Award ...... 5 at least express it more.” The Blind River Curling Club ...... 5 Now 41, Hemmings didn’t even start curling until he was 23 (Middaugh, by 2003 Curling Development Fund...... 6 comparison, was 23 when he competed The Legacy of Montreal Thistle...... 6 in his first Brier). That would have placed him in Montreal’s Outremont Curling LaScie - A Success Story! ...... 7 Club in 1985, a time, he likes to joke, when the club’s second-youngest mem- Abby and the Curling Chicks ...... 7 ber was 63. It wasn’t especially ‘cool’ to After the game...... 8 curl then, but that wasn’t what attracted him. “I liked all kinds of games,” he ad- Your Curling Club and the mits, “cards, board games, and all the Foundation ...... 8 sports I could play. And this game (curl- 2004 Strauss Canada ing) is a sport I could play. I’m lucky I can Cup of Curling...... 8 play it because, at 40 years old, there

Continued on page 2 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003

Guy Hemmings continued in the next few days, the CCA will get calls from the surrounding towns. It’s a sign we’re doing to compete with the something good, and we’re pretty Brier, curling was still proud of it.” in the news. Hemmings adds that he’s de- “I remember get- lighted by the CCA and WCT’s ting some phone recent agreement to work to- calls from the WCT,” gether. “It’s good for curling,” he says Hemmings, says, “that finally both sides will “asking me if I’d be play together. That’s what peo- boycotting the Brier. ple want to see.” And I asked, ‘Why In fact, he points out, the did you call me? I re- question of relations between tired from curling. the two sides was the most- Why don’t you call often-asked question he’s Ed Werenich? He’s heard since touring for the retired, too, and you CCA: When are you guys don’t call him for his going to get together? vote?’” Despite being “Now people can watch all the good half a world away, curlers at the Brier, and all the good teams need four good players. In the late-70s Hemmings was still a on the Grand Slam. Fans will get the best aren’t too many games you can play and and early-80s in Quebec, there were lots considerable curling force in this country. of both worlds.” dream about being the best in the world. of good players - enough for more than The Canadian Curling Association rec- “I’m not better-looking because my “If I was into gymnastics, I would have one team, but they didn’t know they ognized what had slipped through its fin- neighbour is ugly,” he adds pointing to been gone at 23, but with curling, you needed four good curlers per team. So all gers; they knew the sport hadn’t had as what he believes was an unnecessary rift still have some hope. I enjoy all sports, the good curlers would end up skipping popular a player in a long time, and so between the two organizations. So why but there’s something special about this their own team and losing the provincials they began to negotiate Hemmings’ re- is he better-looking, you ask? “Well,” one, and it’s probably because of the peo- to those guys who were willing to sacri- turn. Eventually, they struck a deal where- Hemmings says, laughing, “you should ple who play it.” fice their egos for a couple of weeks of by the Quebec skip would cross the coun- see him first.” Then 23, he was like most other curlers playing front-end or vice. try in monthly tours, teaching junior He’s a natural at promoting curling, but in the country, he says, playing a couple “I’ll let Martin and Pierre make all the clinics, visiting sick kids’ hospitals, sign- then, he’d already been doing that on his of nights a week at his club, perhaps prac- big shots, and I’ll draw the pin and throw ing autographs and doing whatever he own for years, and he sees great potential ticing a bit harder than most, hoping to guards. That’s my plan this season.” could to promote curling. Despite a more and interest, es- get good enough to compete for the club And what two teams does he see in the lucrative offer from the pecially among championship. finals of the 2004 Brier? “That’s a good WCT to do essen- youngsters who “And if you do that,” he says, “you start question,” he says. “I haven’t thought tially the same have watched playing outside your club in a couple of about it much, but I know one team thing, Hemmings the Olympics ‘spiels, and the ball starts rolling.” that’s going to be there.” For six or seven years, he was simply took the CCA job. and Canadian hoping for the opportunity to play at “I knew I was champi- provincials and, once he got there, was going into some- onships on happy just winning a few games. A few thing new,” he says, television. “and I felt it would “They see it’s Private years later, he says with his characteristic modesty, “you end up winning it.” be easier with the not a sport “I never expected anything,” he points tools of the CCA; the for old out. “But I knew I could play the game, ground crew they al- men,” he Tour Stops and I had the patience and work ethic.” ready had to promote says, “and And then -whoosh- he was at his first the game across the they want November 2003 to July 2004 Brier. Then his second and third. Until, country. That part to try it. Monday, November 10th suddenly, we nearly lost him. made my decision easi- And once Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club After the 2001 Ottawa Brier, Hemmings er. they try it, “There was also the they’re Thursday, November 20th announced his retirement from the Lemberg CC, Sk game. He’d been unable to find any work question of playing in going to like it.” in curling, and instead took a job in the Brier,” he adds, refer- So now he’s making a run for a fifth Thursday, January 15th France, leaving soon after the final game. ring to the WCT’s policy of not allowing Brier, and first championship. To that McBride CC, Bc As the curling world reeled from the its members to participate in playdowns end, he’s added 47-year-old Pierre or the Brier. “It would have been tough to Charette, dropped after the Edmonton Tuesday, January 20th news of his hurried departure, Medstead CC, Sk Hemmings and his family were adjusting bring my family back to Canada and not Brier, back to the roster. Charette will to life in a new country. He didn’t miss play in the Brier. That wouldn’t make sense throw second’s stones and act as vice-skip Wednesday, January 21st Meadow Lake CC, Sk the game: what, after all, was there to to me.” in the house. Martin Ferland, who last This year marks the third and final year year threw skip’s stones for Charette’s miss? The season was pretty much over February 18th and summer was on its way. Yet as the of Hemmings’ CCA contract, but he adds foursome, will throw third and otherwise Carlyle CC, Sk dog days approached, he began to pine a that he’s presently negotiating an exten- play front-end. Ness will continue play- Thursday, February 19th little. With players starting their own tour sion. “It’s been good,” he says. “In the first ing lead. “I don’t know how the (CCA- year we had a lot of WCT) agreement will affect our team,” he Reston CC, Mb things to establish, but says, “but it would have affected us more Saturday, February 21 people now know if there hadn’t been an agreement: Red Deer, Ab what to expect, and I Pierre is vice-president on the board of Sandra Schmirler Day at the Scott think the CCA still the WCT, and I’ve worked for the CCA for Tournament of Hearts has lots of requests the past few years. Monday, February 23rd from towns that want “But, with two guys who played to- Forestburg CC, Ab us to go visit them. gether on the Slam last year, and two guys “There’s been a who were playing together on the other Friday & Saturday, March 19th & 20th great response. Every side, we could be seen as the team of the Calgary, Ab - fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation place we go we go to reunification.” a small town for a But as the season begins, it’s not poli- Monday, March 22nd weekend or a day tics that interests Hemmings. It’s time to Swift Current, Saskatchewan and you know that curl. “To be a good team,” he says, “you Tuesday, March 23rd Gravelbourg CC, Saskatchewan Saturday, April 17th Eatonia, Sk June 17th to June 20th CCA Curling Congress St. John's, Nf

For an uptodate list, check www.curling.ca/guyhemmings

2 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003 Curling Clubs

Go Smoke Free This year, Phillips is back, skipping a young rink that includes two-time By Don Power provincial junior champion Jennifer Guzzwell. And while Phillips’ return makes for a more competitive ladies curl- For a cold February night in “We have reviewed our records analyz- “Once you start losing your Friday ing field, she’s happy to return to a build- Newfoundland & Labrador, it was very ing the members who frequent our club, night business, that can jeopardize your ing that’s smoke free. heated. and in turn spend higher levels utilizing financial picture.” “It’s great news,” she said recently. As Bally Haly Golf and Curling Club our bar and kitchen facilities,” Stamp A short drive away at St. John’s Curling The move to a clean air environment members debated what appeared to be a wrote, igniting much debate. “It was no Club, manager Reg Caughie says initial will allow Phillips to bring her four-year- simple motion at its annual general surprise to see the top spenders were reaction has been very positive. However, old son down to the club more often meeting, tempers flared, insults were smokers.” because their vote wasn’t until June, than she would have previously. hurled and friendships were threatened. Despite the vast array of strong opin- Caughie doesn’t know what effect the “Given his age, I didn’t tend to have The motion seemed relatively innocu- ions on the matter, the motion passed, smoking ban will have on the club. him down when there were large ous: whether or not to make Bally Haly and Bally Haly became smoke free. “It’s something we have to get into and crowds,” Phillips said. smoke-free. That night, the air in the Today, almost seven months later, it’s dif- go through it to see what happens,” “Now that I’m back, he’ll see more of it building was blue — but mostly from ficult to assess the impact the decision Caughie says optimistically. now, and it’ll be nice to not have to worry strong language, not lingering smoke. has had on the club. “Until the members get back and get about that aspect of it.” “It was contentious, yeah, no doubt “From a financial standpoint, we prob- into the club, we can’t really tell how it’s Both club managers say the trend is to about it,” remembers Bruce Crichton, ably won’t know until about two months going to affect us. I was worried about it. see a drop in numbers immediately after Bally Haly’s general manager. down the road what affects it did or will We’ll see what happens.” the decision, but that gradually, going “It was almost like the smokers versus have on us,” Stamp said. “It’s hard to Caughie says other clubs — like the smoke-free will be a boon to their busi- the non-smokers, which we’ve probably measure. The smoking issue is very im- Mayflower in Halifax — have managed nesses. gotten through. At the same time, we still portant here.” to survive in a smoke-free environment, “You’re going to get negative feedback think business is down a little bit. We did In fact, some members who frequent- including still hosting highly lucrative at the start, but then you’ll see your sales see some kind of an impact early on, but ed the club every Friday took their busi- spiels like the construction industry. increase,” says Bally Haly’s Crichton. they’re our slowest months anyway. Our ness to another downtown St. John’s es- “Overall, it’s been mostly positive,” he “Time will tell for us.” sales did drop a little bit. tablishment — where smoking was says. “A lot of people tell me it’s a very “This year, we’ll certainly be able to tell permitted — for a while. gutsy call. We’re prepared to go through if there’s going to be a dramatic decline “I think at one time it divided a lot of it because we think it’s important.” in business, from food and beverage sales. the membership,” Stamp continued. A number of curlers who smoke re- “I won’t say we have a large population “But since then, I think a lot of the peo- fused to comment on the decisions, pre- of smokers, but the people who do fre- ple have forgotten about it. ferring to steer clear of any controversy. quent the club like to have a cigarette People come to Bally Haly because they One who would comment was four-time with their drinks.” enjoy the place; they enjoy the atmos- provincial ladies champ Laura Phillips. Bally Haly president Garry Stamp, a phere. Whether they’re smokers or not is Phillips picked a great time to return to smoker, didn’t exactly help smooth mat- not the issue. competitive curling. ters before the vote when he wrote a let- “A lot of my friends hang out at Bally The former Scott Tournament of Hearts ter to club members suggesting that Haly on a regular basis. Instead of going champion stepped away from the game smokers helped with the club’s bottom to George Street, they’d rather come out four years ago after the birth of her son, line. and support their own club. Alex.

www.curling.ca/online_store

Abby and the Curling Chicks 2004 Scott by Jean Mills Tournament of Hearts A novel for intermediate Polo Sweatshirt - Red readers and would probably appeal mostly to girls aged 16oz Fleece - cotton/polyester 10-13. Girls who curl, that is! blend with zipneck. $65 $12

2004 Nokia Brier 2004 Nokia Brier Mockneck Baseball Cap Long sleeve shirt - white 100% Navy with white trim. prima cotton pre-shrunk jersey. Heavyweight brushed cotton drill hit. $35 $20

To purchase any of these items or others from the CCA product list, go online to www.curling.ca/online_store. All transactions are secure. If you prefer using the telephone, call Rachel at 1-800-550-2875 (ext 101) to place your order. (prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include GST and shipping charges. Ontario residents add 8% PST)

3 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003

Volunteer Burn Out By Mort Cooper

ARE you and others people getting paid or “I’m a volunteer the desire to be successful. suitable recognition is vital; and I don’t need a job description”, re- Sometimes it is not easy to create a …your curling club can be successful at your curling club member that these job descriptions just slate of candidates, so you may have and no longer needs to suffer from vol- suffering from started out as a list of duties; a guideline. to use the ‘Personal Approach and unteer burnout! It is an outline of the duties for the posi- Ask’ method, in order to conduct an What next? If your club’s human re- volunteer burnout? tion. Laid out in black and white, on election. sources are burnt out, maybe some of If so, then read on! paper, so everyone can understand what Important Note: No matter how the these thoughts will help correct the prob- is being asked. That’s right! The informa- volunteers are acquired, there should lem. What will be the legacy to your in- We have all heard about how difficult tion is being ‘clearly’ presented so people be some form of election process or volvement at the curling club? Maybe you it is to get and keep volunteers at our can see what is being asked of them. Now approval of their willingness to serve could change how business is dealt with club. Or, we’ve heard, “I’ve done the job isn’t that a great idea! from the populace. Empower the vol- at your club and make for a happier en- for ten years, now it is time for someone A critical piece, related to the job de- unteers you have in place and give vironment. There is no way around it; the else to do it”. Or let’s try this one, “I have scription, is the amount of work being them the authority to act. The last process has to start somewhere! too much to do, I cannot possibly attend asked of a volunteer. The number of du- thing you want is for someone to say, that extra meeting, so I guess nobody will ties to be performed should be achiev- “Who put you in charge?” This is called (Editor’s note: a tip that can help your reten- be there to represent us”. able. If the job description is long and covering your flank! (You know what I tion of new members is to ask first and second Yep, we’ve heard it all before. It does overwhelming, then of course who in mean!) year members to volunteer. Getting them involved not change. Maybe that is how you feel their right mind is going accept that vol- If you have the opportunity, it is also early in their “curling careers” will go a long way at your curling club. So how did we get unteer position. Present the job descrip- important to have qualified people to do in cementing your relationship with them and will build your volunteer base to boot!! Also, Mort like this? How do we fix the problem or tion as a small list of duties that can be the job. There is no sense to place a per- speaks about volunteers that are qualified to deliv- keep it from happening at your club? achieved in a reasonable amount of vol- son in a position, which they are not er on the job descriptions. How do we know what Every volunteer organization has a unteer time. Make the volunteer contri- qualified. The volunteer will be destined skills or hobbies our members can offer? How group of people at the top. They might bution fun and not to feel like work. to fail, be unhappy with the job and, about asking the question on your membership be called the Board of Directors or the Logically, the next thing the volunteer more than likely, will quit. The effect of application forms. Or when you survey your Executive Committee. No matter what is going to ask is how long they will be re- this situation could be demoralizing to membership. Ask what they do and what are the case, somebody is at the top. Below quired to stay in that position? This is re- the committee and to the club as a whole. their hobbies or special skills.) them are working committees caring for lated to the ‘terms of reference’ for the You may also lose a good member. We would appreciate your responses to this groups of people or specific pockets of ac- committee. The terms of reference will: One thing that should be mentioned article via the Business of Curling Forum at tivity. This collection of committees is outline how long a person is to be in a and it does not happen very often, is to http://www.curling.ca/webwiz/forum. Let us called the organizational structure. The position; it will note the rotation of suc- make sure that you have jobs for your know what’s working at your club, your success stories and your challenges. By sharing ideas, we ‘foundation’ or ‘base’ of any group, large cession; and, it will show how many volunteers to care for. It can become a se- can all benefit! or small, is the organization structure. committee members rotate on the com- rious problem when your volunteers are Mort, better known by his friends as Mort, lives Without a strong foundation holding up mittee and how many rotate off the com- under-utilized. From an actual case, there in Brantford, Ontario. Mr. Cooper has been in- your house, the house will crumble. Well, mittee at any one time. This information was a hard working committee chairman volved with curling administration for 24 years. the same goes for organizations. Without then completes the outline of the obliga- who did everything. The other volunteers He is a member of the Business of Curling team an organization structure in place, the rest tion being asked of a volunteer. were called together once in a while to in Ontario. of what you wish to do will be doomed Remember another old saying, “Many provide agreement on what was being to fail at some point. Volunteers will be- hands make for light work”. Well take done. In some cases the decisions had al- come frustrated, annoyed and quit. Who that saying literally and put it to use. Be ready been acted upon. Following a cou- needs the hassle. Sound familiar? sure that members of your committee ple of years of this routine, the chairman Next step is to write down your organi- know that they can have others to help moved to another committee. Those left zational structure and make it available on a sub-committee. Several minds work- in charge from previous years had no No worries to the committees and the volunteers on ing together are better than one. By doing idea what was to be done, when to do it those committees. This is your blueprint so, you share the work; as group you or how to do it. Some of those commit- on how all the pieces fit together. speak with a louder voice; develop ca- tee members quit due to a lack of direc- Remember the old saying, “a picture maraderie; generate a lot of fun; and ul- tion, while those choosing to stay on, about paints a thousand words”. If your organi- timately, achieve more success. were left to re-invent the wheel. zation’s blueprint is available to be seen, So now all this information is in place, A busy year at the curling club is now then all the parts of the organization will how do I get my volunteers? There are done and what a successful year it has see where they fit in. Just like building a several ways to go about collecting vol- been. Sometimes all it takes to keep vol- electricity!! house; follow the plan and follow the unteers. unteers coming back is to say ‘Thank blueprint. 1. Bulletin Board Notice – This is an ef- You’. A little gratitude expressed in the Now that you have your organization- fective way to spread the message club newsletter or at a club gathering can al structure laid out before you, you need that volunteers are needed, but is not be heartfelt by those devoting personal people/volunteers to be involved with an effective way in convincing peo- time for the organization. People strive these committees and most importantly; ple that your group needs their help. to be recognized. Some people need these people/volunteers need to know 2. Stand Up and Beg – Again this more attention than others do, but we all what they’re supposed to do. Positions or method of broadcasting is a great wish to be liked by our peers. To say titles on the committee need to be iden- way to tell everyone there is a need thank you could be all it takes to have tified. These may change from commit- for volunteers, but it may also send happy volunteers. Also, it is a terrific idea tee to committee or from Board to Board the wrong message. If you have to to host a volunteer party for all the folks of different clubs. beg, then maybe there are bigger who have devoted numerous hours car- So let’s use the following as an exam- problems with this committee; no ing for the business of curling. Moreover, ple to guide us through this process. one wants to be part of a failure. why not recognize, on an annual basis, There will be a: 3. Personal Approach and Ask – One- that very special person whom each year • President or Chairman on-one is the ‘best’ way to attract vol- goes beyond the call of duty. A place of Carrbridge Outdoor Curling Club, • Vice President or Vice Chairman unteers. You ask people with whom honour on the club wall can be very grat- Scotland • Secretary you have confidence and know they ifying for many people. What a great way • Treasurer (or combined together will put forward their best effort. to say thank you! Secretary / Treasurer) Some people only need to be asked Ok! We are now done reading. So what The Club is only for curling • Social/Entertainment Chairman and they would be pleased to con- did we find out? That… when the pond is naturally frozen - it • League Chairman tribute. Some other people may even • when an organization structure is needs to be at least -3° for a few days • Ice Chairman be honoured that you asked them to created; before it will freeze enough for curl- • Bonspiels Chairman join our committee. • when procedures are put in place and • Building & Property Chairman 4. Election – This is the most trusted followed; ing Visitors are welcome to the club, Now that we have these titles, outline means to acquire volunteers. People • we understand that ‘many hands stones are provided and the club hut the specific duties of each position. We are making themselves available make light work’; has a lovely hot pot bellied stove to could even call them ’job descriptions’. (opting-in) to be elected for service • enjoyment is an important element of keep you warm between turns. But, before you get all excited that job de- and therefore, have a self-generated volunteering (having fun); There is a charge to play. scriptions are only for the staff or the interest to perform the tasks well and • saying thank you and providing

4 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003 2003 CCA Volunteer

of the Year Award specific to the 2002-2003 season and we are not looking for lifetime achievements. Complete the Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form, provide a 5” x 7” colour photograph (head and shoul- A key factor to this recent growth, as ders), and finally, supply the Review team well as throughout the history of our with a maximum of three (3) reference sport, is the valuable role that volunteers letters of no more than 100 words each. play as the engine that allows curling This year’s winner will receive an all-ex- clubs and these showpiece champi- pense paid closing weekend trip for two onships to thrive. to either the Nokia Brier in , SK We congratulate this army of volunteers or the Scott Tournament of Hearts in Red who give unselfishly of their time and Deer, AB. The prize includes airfare to and abilities and we look forward to reading from the event, tickets to all playoff your submissions for the 2003 national Zivan Saper CCA President Photo by Michael Burns Photography volunteer of the year. and Stuart Parrott, 2000

Photo by Michael Burns Photography Burns Michael by Photo Volunteer of the Year Nominations Don Petlak, CCA Vice The 2003 award will identify Canada’s President, Maureen Miller, top volunteer from the 2002-2003 curl- ing season. Honour Roll CCA President and Ellery Applications are now being accepted Robichaud, 2002 Volunteer for the 2003 Curling Club Volunteer of 2000 - Stuart Parrott - Beausejour CC in of the year the Year Award. The forms are located at Beausejour, Manitoba www.curling.ca under the heading Four years ago, the Canadian Curling “Grants, Awards & Scholarships” and the 2001 - Jake Lynka - Penticton CC in Association created an important recog- deadline for application is December 31st Penticton, BC nition tool at the national level called the 2003. Jake Lynka, 2001 Volunteer of Photo by Michael Burns Photography Volunteer of the Year. Filling out the application is simple. We the Year and Dianne Barker, 2002 - Ellery Robichaud – Beausejour CC in , NB The sport of curling continues to expe- require a 500 word essay outlining the CCA Board Director rience sustained growth at the commu- impact of the volunteer on your club’s nity level aided by comprehensive and operation during the 2002-2003 curling 2003 - ??? quality television coverage, very success- season. This is important. Please do not games and social activities, a crystal tro- ful championships and a new found re- describe, for example, how your volun- phy, a crested Berber pullover, $200 in spect within the sport community. (We’re teer has contributed his or her time and spending money, and a CCA recognition cool again!) skills for the past 20 years. The award is banner to hang in the curling club

The Blind River Curling Club The Blind River Curling Club (about 160 kilometres west of Sudbury) contin- ues to challenge itself to come up with new ideas to increase and sustain awareness of the sport in their community and to continue to offer more than just curling for its membership. These photos are proof of this. Photos by Maymar Gemmell Maymar Photos by Last season, the club entered a curling float in the Community Days parade. This year, Maymar Gemmell writes: "Instead of entering a float...we put a curling club team in the dragon boat races. We qualified for the finals after two preliminary races. Six teams make (it) to the finals and we finished...6th!! All (are) very proud of our achieve- ment and (are) talking about "next year". Photo and caption by Maymar Gemmell Maymar Photo and caption by "We had a Ford "Hot Shots" contest for the wind-up of our women's league (last) March. Thanks to the generosity of our local Ford Dealer, North Shore Ford, they gave us a wonderful miniature car and other prizes to give

away - all before the Ford World Championships, so our timing was good to Gemmell Maymar Photos by keep the interest up."

5 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003 2003 Curling Development Fund The Here are the results of the 2003 Curling Development Fund in alphabetical order. We received 126 applications requesting more than $700,000. 41 successful applicants shared in $95,680. The Canadian Curling Association would like to extend a sincere thank you to the host committees and Legacy of volunteers from the 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener, Ontario and the 2003 Nokia Brier in Halifax, for their efforts which led to the financial contribution to this Fund. Montreal Abbotsford CC, Bc Gananoque CC, On Morrisburg, On Membership Campaign Condenser Junior Stones $1500 $4000 $2000 Thistle Barriere CC, Bc Geraldton CC, On (northern) Norwich CC, On The Montreal Thistle Curling Club is Promotion Campaign Membership Campaign Roof pleased to announce, in conjunction $ 740 $2000 $4000 with the Canadian Curling Association's Curling Development Fund, that they Boucherville CC, Qc Glenmore CC, Montreal, Qc Osoyoos CC, Bc will donate additional funding to three Junior Stones Junior Stones Ice scraper Quebec curling projects that have been $2000 $3000 $2225 approved by the CCA Development Fund for 2003. The projects are Junior Broadview CC, Sk Hamiota CC, Mb Curling rock programs for both the Boucherville Furnace Chiller Association and Glenmore Curling Clubs, and a $ 950 $2225 Ice Tech Training membership campaign for the Town of $2000 Mount Royal Curling Club. Previous Brownsburg CC, Qc Hub City CC, Saskatoon, Sk grants include a donation of Junior rocks Compressor Youth Program Pembroke CC, On to the St Lambert Curling Club after $2000 $2000 Chiller their club was rebuilt in 2002 following $4000 a disastrous fire. The Montreal Thistle Carleton Place CC, On Kincardine CC, On Curling Club, established in 1843, Junior Stones Furnace Pincher Creek CC, Ab closed its physical doors in 1999 but re- $3000 $1700 Awareness campaign mains an active participant in bonspiels $ 900 and events in and around the Montreal Castlegar CC, Bc Laurier CC, Victoriaville, Qc area. Proceeds from the sale of the build- Ice Scraper Ice Scraper Redwater CC, Ab ing have enabled the club to establish a $2225 $2225 Water system development fund dedicated to the ad- $1200 vancement of the sport of curling in the Chedabucto CC, Boylston, Ns Lumby CC, Bc province of Quebec. The club will work Compressor Chiller Ripley CC, On with the CCA to identify projects worthy $4000 $4000 Refrigeration system of funding. Applications for funding $4000 from the CCA development fund are for- Chester CC, Ns Lunenburg CC, Ns warded to Montreal Thistle Board of Di- Adult Development Chiller Saltcoats CC, Sk rectors for their consideration. In addi- $ 600 $4000 Chiller tion, funding for trophies and projects $3500 outside the normal scope of the CCA Chinguacousy CC, Brampton, On Maple Leaf CC, O’Leary, Pe fund are also considered. The Montreal Teacher Development Condenser Ste. Anne CC, Mb Thistle Curling Club would like to thank $1000 $3500 Promotion Campaign the Canadian Curling Association and $ 500 Gaston Letendre, former Executive Edenwold CC, Sk McBride CC, Bc Director of Curling Quebec for their Roof Membership Campaign Town of Mount Royal CC, help in the formation of the Montreal $1000 $2000 Montreal, Qc Thistle fund. For more information Promotion Campaign about the Montreal Thistle Curling Edmundston CC, Nb Medstead CC, Sk $3000 Club or its development fund, please Business of Curling Ice Scraper contact Dave Ingham, the club secretary, (dollar total to be determined) $2225 CC, Yk at 514-332-0368 or by email at Friend-Get-A-Friend Campaign [email protected] Espanola CC, On (northern) Montreal West CC, Qc $3000 Refrigeration System Renovations $4000 $4000 Yarmouth CC, Ns Ice Scraper Fenelon Falls CC, On Morden, Mb $2225 Furnace Membership Campaign $2240 $1000 Total: $95,680

Chester, NS

Lumby, BC Whitehorse, YK Boucherville, QC

6 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003 LaScie - a success story! By Jean Blackie In an effort to interest the younger gen- make or break turning point. His faith in only way we finally got them off the ice eration, Munden Coates, the principal of the strength and determination of these was when it had to be converted back to Cape John Collegiate, introduced curling students proved right on the mark. hockey. They are very lucky to have an ice- to the physical education curriculum. Although they won only one game and maker that does a great job which can be Every student taking physical education their technique was far below the rest of difficult in arenas. Glen Bungay spends from grade seven through high school the teams, they came back determined to from three to four hours to convert the completes the curling unit. improve. In less than one month, I was surface from hockey to curling and it is After a few years, an after school pro- on my way out to do a Level 1 Clinic for good as it is in some clubs I have been in. gram was developed with 32 juniors par- coaches and a camp for juniors. This year, only two years after the first ticipating. This enthusiastic principal also We began with the eight coaches taking Provincial 17 & under Championship, LaScie, population 1500, is the largest felt his students needed exposure to com- Level 1 and the next morning we all went their hard work paid off when the girl’s fishing community on Newfoundland petition bringing 6 teams to the NLCA’s on the ice with 27 eager juniors. I could team from LaScie won the Provincial 17 and Labrador’s Baie Verte peninsula. inaugural Provincial 17 & under not believe the improvement in only & under Championship a the boys' team Twelve years ago, adults in this commu- Championship. As he explained, “we once month. Gone were the knee slides made the finals (also, another boys' team nity started curling once a week in the (the adults) are recreational curlers, but and no more brooms over shoulders or won their zone in the provincial play- hockey arena and have had anywhere up we want to take them (the juniors) a leaning on rocks. With the eight coaches downs for junior boys). to 96 members participating ever since. notch above.” This proved to be an eye- actively participating, we went through In the upcoming season, they are There are pockets like this throughout opener for both the curlers and coaches, rigorous series of drills. I had never met hoping to host the zone championship our province where curling ‘happens’ all of whom were without formal train- such an enthusiastic bunch. We contin- which will be the first time on arena ice once a week on stadium (arena) ice. ing. Mr. Coates knew that it would be the ued throughout the afternoon and the in this province. Abby and the Curling Chicks MultiCast

quickly becoming enthusiastic about Vankleek Hill, Ontario, a small rural rocks, brooms and bonspiels, Abby re- town where the curling club played a big Networks mains unimpressed, concentrating in- role in community life. Jean's back- stead on writing the winning story for the ground in teaching and writing, com- Young Authors contest. Trouble results bined with her love of curling, provides Inc. (MCN) when her prize - attendance at a writing a natural setting for Abby and the Curling conference - conflicts with the school Chicks. Now living in Guelph, she is also MultiCast Networks Inc. (MCN) a lead- curling championships, an event she had the author of Wild Dog Summer and The ing sports and entertainment web stream- agreed to take part in with her team, the Legacy both published by Nelson ing solution provider, announced that in Curling Chicks. With the help of her best Canada and used in classrooms across co-operation with the Canadian Curling friend, Will, and some guidance from the Canada. Association (CCA)and the World Curling club’s junior star, Catherine, Abby works This new book is now available at the Federation (WCF), MCNSPORTS will be Twelve-year-old Abby Chisholm lives through her difficulties with her friends, Canadian Curling Association’s web site providing a global web-casting Pay-Per- in a small Ontario town where she learns a lot about loyalty and sports- at www.curling.ca/online_store. For the View package for the 2003 Continental dreams of being a writer, not an athlete. manship, and realizes that maybe writ- low price of $12, Abby and the Curling Cup of Curling, being held in Thunder- When her mother offers her two weeks at ing isn’t her only talent. Chicks makes for an ideal gift for the Bay, Ontario, Canada on November 27th a summer writing camp in exchange for Jean Mills grew up in Toronto and ob- young curlers in your junior program. It's to 30th, 2003. “This is great news for curl- a season at the local curling club, Abby tained a master's degree in English from a novel for intermediate readers and ing fans all over the world” said CCA finds herself reluctantly joining her Queen's University in Kingston. In 1991, would probably appeal mostly to girls President Don Petlak. “Not only will friends on the ice. While the others are she moved with her young family to aged 10-13. Girls who curl, that is! MCN be web-casting the event using the highest quality of Internet technology, they will also be showcasing an exciting brand of world-class curling competi- services to charities and businesses to cussion forum called the Business of tion.” MCN offers unprecedented sim- After the game… hold curling days. Let the charities and Curling. This area is a communication plified streaming solutions “as a service”, By Danny Lamoureux businesses to do the organizing, the get- tool for presidents, board members, vol- so media, sports and entertainment con- ting of the teams and prizes. The club of- unteers, managers, ice makers and/or Identifying trends that can impact curl- tent providers have ready access to the fers its ice at a fee (do you think golf clubs members to share success stories, suc- ing club operations is a key function for power and technology they need, when- give away free green fees!?) and the par- cessful ideas and concerns / challenges all board of directors and club managers. ever they need it. “The excitement and ticipants and spectators will use the club’s they are facing. There may be a solution Understanding what is happening out quality of competition displayed at the food and beverage facilities. out there and we’d love to hear stories of there will lead you to make more in- Continental Cup of Curling tournament full leagues and new programs!. formed decisions about the operation will be delivered throughout the world at Here are some tips to We also are encouraging Canadian curl- and policies of your curling club. a very affordable price through our ex- ing clubs to post a snapshot of their Casual Rentals getting started and clusive SX4 (v.2) software and delivery 2003-2004 membership. Let us know Forgive the exaggeration, but it might making money!!: model” said Marc Brunet, President and how you are doing. What’s up; what’s be safe to assume most businesses and CEO of MCN. down. We’re anxious to hear! charities either stage their own golf tour- • Make sure you can deliver. Is your ice The site won’t be moderated; however, naments each year or, if their business is good? Is your club clean and tidy where CCA Business of Curling© facilitators will not big enough, they will play in others everyone feels comfortable? Can you post their experiences where applicable or at minimum contribute prizes. And provide food service? Is your bar well and will be encouraged to jump in when this happens in every city at every golf stocked with bartenders who can make the topic is relevant. club in Canada. So much so, that in larg- non-traditional drinks? Do you have We encourage you to participate and, er centres, there is significant overload anyone who can give a group an intro- as a special bonus, all logins between and there are too many charities and ductory lesson prior to the rental? November 1 and December 15th will be other organizations chasing golfers. • In the off-season, keep track of what hap- entered into a draw for one of four copies As curling clubs, how can we take pens at the golf course. You’ll see the ads/sto- of the popular curling computer game advantage of this trend? ries in the papers and on the local info cable Takeout Weight Curling. Why not start a trend of your own by channel. Now you have a contact list. To sign up for streaming of the The web address is http://www.curl- offering to host charity events at your • Design a package. Could be gold, silver, Continental Cup, look for this logo on ing.ca/webwiz/forum/ and we encour- club. Most charities are looking at winter bronze where gold is ice rental, banquet the main page of the CCA’s web site at age you to participate! activities to supplement their summer and lessons; silver is ice rental with www.curling.ca. fundraising and what better sport and/or lunch; and bronze is ice rental only. venue to do it than the curling club. There are already many charity events organ- Business of Curling Enjoy! ized by curling volunteers and held at the club, but that is not what we are propos- Discussion Forum ing you do. Market your building and The CCA’s web page now offers a dis-

7 OCTOBER/OCTOBRE 2003 Your curling club and the The Ford Eight Ender Sandra Schmirler Foundation Program continues Story by: Jan Betker to grow in popularity The Sandra Schmirler Foundation imum order of 50 - in multiples of 50 was initiated in 2001 as a legacy hon- only). Associations and Clubs would with both our ouring Sandra's incredible curling then re-sell for $10 and use the pro- achievements and her love of her fam- ceeds from those sales to fund devel- dealers and curlers. ily. Its mission is to help families with opment programs within their organi- children who are challenged with life- zations. threatening illnesses. This year, the To order the pins, simply send your The 2003 program was extremely successful. charities that will benefit from dona- written order, along with your cheque, Over 255 dealerships supported 585 clubs across Canada. tions from the Foundation are The to: Children's Miracle Network, Ronald Hand in Hand Pin Order 170 Eight-Enders were scored and a total 680 curlers were awarded the Ford McDonald Houses and the Canadian P.O. Box 86300 Eight-Ender Recognition Package. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To date, North Vancouver, B. C. We would like to extend our congratulations to Mr. Joe Lansing, the winner $150,000 has been donated to these V7L 4R8 three organizations. In anticipation of your efforts, the of a 2003 Ford Focus ZX5 (two-year lease). The Foundation would like to partner Sandra Schmirler Foundation thanks Mr. Lansing, a member of the Viking Curling Club, with Curling Clubs and Associations you for joining us in celebrating the submitted the winning ballot at across the country to remember this legacy of Sandra Schmirler! Lamb Ford Sales in Viking, Alberta. great champion, promote curling and If you would like to use the Sandra raise funds for the Foundation and its Schmirler Foundation name or logo to designated charities. promote your event, please contact There are a number of ways you can Joanne Viau, Administrative Coordinator be involved. Some ideas are: for the Foundation, at 1-800-550-2875 Best Western • Highlight an open house with a ext 108. International is a learn-to-curl clinic (Editor’s note – If your club has had a suc- supplier to the CCA's • Organize a curl-a-thon or mini cessful Sandra Schmirler Day or is plan- Season of bonspiel ning such a day for this curling season, let Champions and to ONLY $6 per MONTH the Guy Hemmings • Host a sports banquet and silent us know. We would enjoy telling your story The Canadian Curling Association Rockin' the House Tour. In cooperation auction to other Canadian curling clubs. Contact can provide paid Windows 2000 web with the Canadian Curling Association, • Set up a donation box at your the Business of Curling magazine at 1-800- hosting and other web services to any they have designed the Member Value Club's local bonspiel 550-2875 or e-mail [email protected]) member curling club for a one time Program for the benefit of all Canadian • Visit our website, www.san- This article was originally appeared in set-up fee of $40 and a monthly hosting curlers and their families. draschmirler.org for more infor- October 2002. charge of $6. (Year One cost would be mation and to share your fund- As a member of the Canadian Curling $119.84 – GST included. Year Two cost raising ideas with us! Association, you are entitled to savings would be $77.04 – GST included) The Canadian Curling Association up to 20% at more than 4000 Best has declared the first day of the Western hotels worldwide. . . each fea- Canadian Women's Curling turing the service and amenities you NO DOMAIN NAME Championship, Feb. 21st, as Sandra want at a price you're willing to pay. NEEDED Schmirler Day. What better way to cel- Use this service for bonspieling, busi- You do not require a domain name ebrate this day than to culminate your ness travel, family vacations or any rea- (or the annual costs of owning your own year-long fund-raising efforts with your son to stay at the world's largest hotel domain name). The CCA has registered donation to the Sandra Schmirler chain! www.curlingclub.ca and any club can use Telethon on that day. Simply call your special MVP telephone this domain with our hosting package The Sandra Schmirler Foundation number and mention the Canadian by simply adding the club name. also has an exciting fund-raising op- Curling Association number and start (e.g. winnipeg.curlingclub.ca) portunity for you! The "Hand in saving today. Hand" collectible pin was created as a way to support Sandra in her battle Eastern Canada 1-800-441-1114 NO BANNER ADS OR with cancer and is now produced an- - code number 00154250 nually in her remembrance. The retail Western Canada 1-800-441-1114 POP-UPS cost of the pins is $10.00, tax included. Jan Betker played third for Sandra - code number 00151970 You will not be connected in any way The Foundation is pleased to offer the Schmirler in winning three world to www.curling.ca or any other CCA pins to Associations and Clubs at the championships and the 1998 Winter Have a safe trip! affiliated site nor will you be required to discounted price of $7.00 per pin (min- Olympics gold medal for curling. host banner ads or any other form of Privacy Notice - The Canadian Curling advertising. Association is committed to respecting the GO TO privacy of visitors and electronic members to the web site. The CCA does not gather any www.curlingclub.ca specific personal information from this service. to register! 2004 STRAUSS OF CURLING Canada's top curlers will be on the road to the pion Sherry Middaugh, Women's world silver medallist and Scott Tournament of Hearts Olympics when they descend on Kamloops for finalist Cathy Cunningham. Experience the curling competition and then enjoy the the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling presented by Canada Cup pub for music, up-close and personal interviews and special events. Aquafina. The Canada Cup of Curling is hosted by the non-profit Kamloops Charity Curling The national sports spotlight will focus on Kamloops as men's and women's teams Society to support the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. The Foundation assists families from across the country compete for prizes totaling $180,000. Winners are automat- of children with life-threatening illnesses. ically entered into the 2004 Continental Cup and a berth in the 2005 Trials to repre- Call any Ticketmaster outlet or Kamloops Sport Mart Place box office at sent Canada at the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. (250)828-3339, or visit www.thecanadacup.ca The Canada Cup features 15 draws from January 6th through the 11th at Sport Mart Place. Round-robin preliminaries will reduce 10 men's and 10 women's team down to a six-team playoff. CBC will cover both finals. Once again the field will include many Ken Lawrence of the best curlers in Canada including Canada Cup and world champion , Event Coordinator Brier finalist , former world champion , Canada Cup cham- Canada Cup of Curling

Editor - Danny Lamoureux, Canadian Curling Association • 1660 Vimont Court, Cumberland, ON K4A 4J4 1-800-550-2875 (106) toll free in Canada only • 1-613-823-2076 (106) all others • 1-613-834-0716 facsimile [email protected] • www.curling.ca

8