Our two, newest rock handle sponsors ...

Thank you to club members Karen and Mike Schneider for sponsoring rock handles in the name(s) of Thelma and George Graves (Karen's parents). Both Thelma and George were very active and accomplished RKCC curlers and it is fitting that their names are now, and forever will be, gliding down our sheets!

If you are interested in sponsoring a rock handle, you might better act quickly ... there is only 1 left!

For more details, please email or call me in the office.

Congratulations to REG GORE ...

He was the lucky winner of our Labatt's Bud Light Lime contest, drawn on December 15!

Compliments of our friends at Labatt's, Reg will receive two tickets to the Labatt's private box at Scotiabank Place (Ottawa) to watch the Sens play the Rangers on March 2. Best of all, food and drinks are included!!!

HAVE FUN REG!!!!

Proshop offering great Christmas deals on curling supplies in Kingston ...

There is still time to get the perfect gift for that curler in your family - the RKCC proshop is stocked and open for Holiday business!! Whether you are on the hunt for a major present (new shoes or perhaps a carbon fibre broom - all at the lowest prices possible), or a stocking stuffer (new gripper, broom head, toeguard), we will work to make it easy and convenient for you!


If you are not sure of style or colour, no problem ... pick your best guess, stick it under the tree and swap it in the New Year if needed. We have more product coming in all of the time.


And remember, the RKCC proshop is open to everyone, not just members! If you are a curler, or are shopping for one, and you are in the Kingston area - drop in! While our prices are designed to give our members the best possible deal for any equipment their game requires, they are honoured for the general public - Best deal ... Best price!

On sale now ...

• Asham curling products, including Donut Rotator sliders, APW pants and Team Canada Carbon Fibre brooms
• Tournament Fibre Glass brooms and Ultima Carbon Fibre brooms - very low Christmas pricing
• Extender Scope and Sure Shot deliver aids - stay in the sport with one of these sticks!
• Brand new, Stormtech RKCC jackets - posted in an earlier blog - go back and take a look!

Need an idea or suggestion? Give me a call - I have been selling curling products for many years and can help make sure you get the best equipment for your skill level, at the very best price!

The proshop is open M-F, 9am-10pm (after 5:30, please see the bartender - as their duties allow, they will be more than happy to open up the shop for you to browse). Also, this Saturday, December 19, from noon - 3pm ... and, this Sunday, December 20, from 4:30-7:30pm.

Happy Holidays from the RKCC Proshop

Congratulations to the Tournament of Hearts Regional Winners ...

This past weekend, RKCC was proud to host the Regional playdowns for the Tournament of Heart competition. The ladies managed to put on quite a show ... whittling 16 teams of Ontario's best female curlers down to 2 provincial spots made for a very entertaining weekend!

Thanks to our Head Ice Tech, Rod Leeder, and assistant, Terry Barker, for their hard work - the competitors voiced their appreciation for the excellent ice conditions!

In the end, past Provincial Champion, Jenn Hanna and her rink, deservedly captured the A side berth, and Lisa Farnell led her team to a hard fought B side win. Congratulations to both these teams for their consistent play and Good Curling at the Ontario finals!

Afterthought ... thanks to the local media for covering the event, on TV and in print. The Royal Kingston Curling Club is always happy to showcase our facility, and our members can't help but be warm and receptive when hosting guests ... it runs deep in our curling veins!

See everyone for the ParaSport Winter Games in January, when RKCC will be the host club for the curling competition. All of Kingston will be welcome to come out and watch the athletes compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze ... check back to our site for schedules and draws in the near future!

The challenges faced by competitive curling teams - why are there fewer members, particularly women, interested in playing?

I wanted to take a moment to elaborate on one comment/issue that the Whig printed as part of its Saturday, December 5 story - "Sweeping Success", and that is, that competitive curling is dwindling at the Royal Kingston.

Without a doubt, there are some very competitive teams still competing out of RKCC, and doing quite well at regional and provincial levels. You need just take a look in the lounge to witness the success our Master's Women program has achieved in last few years, 2 Ontario Provincial banners, including a runner-up in the Canadian event. And, we regularly send out teams to compete in the Men's, Senior Men's, Senior Women's, Mixed and Senior Mixed zone playdowns - very competitive teams with eyes on possible provincial berths.

What we are missing at the competitive level, are multiple club entries in these various sections and, perhaps more importantly, representation in the Ladies' Scottie playdowns. Why aren't there more teams trying to qualify out of our club, and where are the women's teams?

When thinking back to the Clergy Street days of RKCC when 12+ Men's teams, and multiple Women's teams, would compete for the right to represent their club at the zone level, there were obviously a larger number of curlers vying to compete for Provincial titles -more teams and players that truly felt that, with 4 curlers peaking at the right time, they could take a run at a banner. Now, the average club curler seems a little less anxious to throw their hat in the ring, given the likelihood of facing off against professional teams, teams curling full-time (many with sponsors), when they arrive at the zones, regionals and, certainly, the provincials and beyond. How did the skill gap between a very good club team and the full-time squads we all watch on TV, get so big - big enough for many teams to doubt they could win? Answer - time and money.

The success of curling on television has brought ever increasing corporate sponsorship to the sport, which has created bigger and more lucrative special interest spiels, where the best of the best can take home some serious prize money. To challenge for this money, teams must dedicate hours and hours of their week to practicing and playing (usually, with a fair amount of travel thrown in). This takes time that the club level curler, especially those with young families, just can't afford to schedule or sacrifice, and it takes money to take time off work and travel. Without time and money it is very difficult to achieve and maintain the high level of skill needed to be successful game after game at this level.

So, while the Royal Kingston is maintaining a healthy, overall membership, we are indeed seeing a dwindling interest in competitive play, which likely can be directly attributed to the time and money needed to compete against the best teams out there. While I believe our sport will adapt to this trend (Dominion Championships for instance - more on that in another blog), there is one issue that needs to be addressed soon, or it could have a more dramatic, long term effect ... RKCC, and Curling in general, needs more women curlers ... and soon!

The topic of increasing the number of women curling will be addressed in more depth, in a future blog ... please send me your thoughts and suggestions on the issue.

Good Curling!

NEW in the proshop ... STORMTECH JACKET!!

Just in time for Christmas ...

Available in Men's and Ladies' sizing, and offered in a range of colours, these RKCC crested, Stormtech jackets are perfect for year-round wear! To get a more detailed overview, please check out the official jacket summary on the Stormtech website here .

To start with, limited quantities have been ordered - ready to go under the tree! But, if you are interested in a size or colour not in stock, we may be able to order your specific jacket and have it shipped for Christmas ... don't wait too long.

Lois Logan and Lin Jenkins were gracious enough to model the Ladies' jacket.

And Chef Gerry shows off the Men's.

As is always the case, the Proshop is happy to help you find any piece of clothing you may be looking for - crested with the RKCC logo, or not. Looking for a golf jacket, rain pant, winter jacket, vest? See me in the office and I can go through some of the options with you.

Watch for extended Proshop hours to be posted this week. Hopefully, with extra hours in the evening, shopping for that curler in your family will be easier.

BACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS ... ICE HALO protective headwear!

New, and stylish, protective headware ... the ICE HALO!!

The RKCC proshop is now a proud agent for the ICE HALO (visit website here), a wrap around headband made from a closed cell, light weight foam and tested to reduce impact force over 250 G (according to ICE HALO website)!

These headbands are designed especially for curlers and skaters, but can also be worn while walking or hiking anywhere there is a chance of slippery surfaces - play it safe!

Thanks to Don Wood for modeling the basic version.

They come in a variety of sizes and colours ... pick the one that suits you best!

Young or old, the ICE HALO is your insurance policy against head injury on the ice. Try one on today in the RKCC proshop.

Thanks to Alex Tosh, Randy Neal, Rob Campbell and Mike Schneider ...

... for representing RKCC this past weekend at the OCA Senior Men's Zone Playdowns, hosted by our friends at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. Up against some stiff competition, our men were not able to win through to the Regions, but did represent our club very well.

Congratulations to the Land O'Lakes rink, skipped by Bob Ray, for qualifying on the A side, and to Cataraqui Golf and Country Club's own Rick Ward, for taking his team out on the B side.

Good Curling, Gentlemen!

A RARE 8-ENDER IN NAPANEE ...

On rare occasion, an unnatural, curling phenomemon - the 8-ender - materializes. As if frozen to the ice with glue, one team's rocks just cannot be removed from play.

This is what happened this past weekend in Napanee, at the Annual Men's Open Spiel - Nov.20-22. Bob Helliar's RKCC rink, skipped by longtime Napanee curler, Chris Ramshaw, watched as the rocks piled up in the house. With his last stone, Chris had to make a delicate hit and roll to leave all the yellow rocks counting ... and he did just that!

Pictured above (left to right) Phil Berry - Napanee C.C, Chris Ramshaw - Napanee C.C., Tom Miller - RKCC and Bob Helliar - RKCC. Congratulations on the amazing feat!!

While 8-enders are, as mentioned, a very rare curling feat, it is worth noting that this is number 2 for Chris Ramshaw. My advice for any opposing skip who finds himself down to his last rock, staring at seven, with Chris coming to bat ... hit something - my hunch is, he's a lock for number 3!

Good Curling!

Bob's Butcher Shop and Boston Pizza

Thanks to two of our Royal Kingston sponsors, who are providing excellent deals for Tuesday night food at the club ...

Bob, Archie and the staff at Bob's Butcher Shop, for the excellent wings, and Boston Pizza for some of the tastiest pie around!

Bob's Wings - Many of you tasted them last week during our first night of kitchen activity. For comparison, we cooked several different wings - Bob's and two frozen varieties. Without question, Bob's fresh wings were the preferred choice. So, we went back, negotiated a good deal on price, and placed our order for Tuesday.

As an added bonus, Bob and Archie offered to marinate them for the club ... all we have to do is pop them into the oven!! This will definitely save us some time - thanks, guys.

Pizza - As a second choice for Tuesday night, you can't go wrong with Pizza. Boston Pizza has been a club sponsor for a number of years now, and can be counted on to supply some of the tastiest pies around. Although they make many different varieties, we will start with the old dependables: Pepperoni and Deluxe. If you would like to order something else off their menu ... preorder it at the bar.

Bob's Butcher Shop and Boston Pizza ... two examples of supporting those who support us!

Remember to consider all of our sponsors when shopping for goods or services.

Good Curling and GOOD EATING!!

***Remember to preorder, if possible

BARLEY DAYS BREWERY hosting a beer sampling at RKCC

... and all the members are invited!!

Looking for something to do for the evening of Monday, November 23rd? Well, why not come on down to the club for a beer sampling!!

A representative from Barley Days Brewery will be on hand to sample off some of their wares. The brewery is located in a renovated, historic Prince Edwarrd County family dairy, located between Picton & Bloomfield, just west of the Waring House and its popular Barley Room.

This convenient location, in the heart of Prince Edward County, allows visitors, espectially those following the County's popular Taste Trail, to stop by Barley Days Brewery for tours, tastings, and to participate in a number of exciting events planned at the brewery.

Barley Days Brewery is committted to producing superior craft beers. State-of-the-art equipment, fine-tuning of formulas by their talented brew-master, along with a first-class facility, ensures the best possible product quality and consistency.

Come down to the club between the hours of 8 & 10 pm to have a taste!!

Look who's in the kitchen serving food ...

GERRY ... would you eat a sandwich created by this man?!?

Well, Don Cameron enjoyed his (pictured above), as did ...

left to right: Marty Chilton, Don Cameron, Don Wood, Don Pringle (no, you don't need to be named Don to eat at RKCC :o) ), Stan Palmer and Leo Doyle.

Today was the first day of Soup and Sandwich for $5.50, and the response was very good! As mentioned in an earlier Blog, the staff will run the lunches in the short term. Starting at approximately 11am, and running until 2:30pm (or later), members and guests are welcome to stop by and take advantage of the warm meals offered in the lounge. Work nearby and want to bring some of your work mates? No problem ... there is lunchtime room for all guests!

As for the Tuesday night, Men's Flight offering, we are starting simple ... WINGS! The price will be $6.50 a pound, and we will work on the seasoning options. Feedback is appreciated and encouraged - tell us how you want them to taste! In the future, the wings will be purchased fresh from Bob the Butcher (a club sponsor) and marinated in their shop! This will allow us to somewhat customize the taste ... maybe even come up with an RKCC blend?

Most important, for Tuesday nights, we ask that you order in advance of your game. In order to prepare for the post game rush, please sign in at the kitchen for your order. Those curlers who are coming in for pre 7:15 and 9:15, will be welcome to order when they get here (although, ordering in advance for these times would be best as well).

See you in the lounge ... Good Curling!

KITCHEN SERVICE UPDATE ...

While the number of members and guests taking advantage of the club's trial, kitchen service is steadily increasing, the ladies preparing and serving the meals are not able to continue. Therefore, in order to provide warm, weekday lunches, and Tuesday night snacks, I will be looking for alternatives - but, regardless, the kitchen will still be offering food.

For the short term, we will be using staff to prep the lunch dishes. Soup and sandwiches will be available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 11am-1:30pm, and all members and guests are encouraged to grab a bite to eat.

For Tuesday nights, I have arranged for a cook to be on site from 5-9pm. The menu will be simple, Wings and Nachos (maybe more - to be determined), and preordering will still be encouraged - place your order before you go on the ice for your game.

For other nights of the week, the demand will dictate the service. Please talk to your teammates about whether or not you would like to see hot snacks to purchase (wings, nachos, etc.) on these nights.

An overdue thank you to ...

... Carole Rivington.

Carole's work on corresponding with the various club sections to compile this year's roster is the reason that the printed booklet is as impressive as it is! It is not easy to accurately gather and sort members' ratings and contact info, and then create a template for printing, and posting to the web ... job well done, Carole!

As well as working on the roster, Carole also compiles and edits the now monthly Sweep publication (which is available online in the Members area for your reference).

Thank you to Carole for all the work that she does to keep our members in touch and connected!!

Rememberance Day 2009

On this day, let us take time to honour and remember the sacrifices of those who have fought for our country.

To all veterans and their families, in particular those who are members of RKCC, may we offer a very warm and humble ...

Thank you

2009/10 MEMBER ROSTER IS ONLINE!!

For those of you who have not yet discovered the online member roster, it is now up and running. Along with telephone contacts and individual curler ratings, the online roster includes email contacts for most RKCC members. Simply access the Member section and click on the roster tab.

I have been trying for a number of seasons to implement an online roster ... to reduce the amount of paper and ink that the club issues and uses each year. The biggest concern has always been privacy - do our members need/want to have their contact information available for the whole world to see? Well, thanks to Teresa Wilson, we now have an effective username and password system in place to allow only members to view the roster data. If you do not yet have a username and password, please contact the office and I will provide you with one.

The convenience of the online roster, with email addresses, should make it even easier for a member to find a teammate or opponent. Whether you are at the office, on the road or working from home, you are only a few key strokes away from the phone number and email address of any club member. And, you are helping reduce the amount of paper and ink that the club produces and uses each year.

We do understand that not all members are online and that some of you prefer a paper copy. They are available now at the club - just pop into the lounge to pick one up, or visit the office.

Good Curling!

DAILY LUNCHES and TUESDAY NIGHT FOOD at RKCC

LUNCH IS SERVED ... and Tuesday night, Men's Flight food as well !!!

For the next 3 weeks, we will have food in the kitchen, available for purchase. The lunch time will run from 11am - 2pm and all members and guests are welcome to eat at the club.

And, there will be Wings and Burgers for the Tuesday night Flight crew. Service time in the eveing will likely run from 5 - 8pm , and we ask that if you are curling at 5:10 you preorder your food with the kitchen ... give them an idea of how much to have ready for the end of the game.

Here is the tenative menu for the 3 week period:

Tuesday - Soup and Sandwich - Beef Vegetable Noodle (fresh-cut noodles and diced beef) with Ham & Cheese or Shaved Chicken Breast sandwich.

Tuesday Night - Chicken Wings or Burger and Fries

Wednesday - Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Bread - Fresh pasta with homemade meatballs.

Thurday - Chicken Burger on a Bun with Fries - Chicken burger served on a sesame seed bun, garnished with tomato slices, lettuce and mayonnaise.

(all lunches are $6.50)

Every day - Dessert - Pumpkin pie with whipping cream or a bowl of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup.

(dessert is $2)

Feedback is welcome and the menu will evolve if necessary.

Please support the kitchen at RKCC ... bring a friend(s)!

Notice to members about Flu Season

MEMBER NOTICE

The flu season is upon us and, as all members are well aware, this year it is compounded by the H1N1 virus.

As a precaution, please use the hand sanitizers provided by the club – before and after your game. Especially, on the ice ... the rock handles are touched by many curlers throughout the day.

They can be found:

On the ice, at the lounge end, between sheets (pictured above)
At the bar
Main lobby (these units will be replaced by a stand alone, hands-free unit when available)

And, as another courtesy to your fellow member(s), we would like to suggest that the traditional handshake before the game be replaced by another suitable gesture … “knuckle bump” or a simple “Good Curling”.

I have included some links that will allow you to research more on the subject:

KFL&A

Health Canada

World Health Organization

Be knowledgeable … Play safe

BRAND NEW FEATURE - Member Classifieds

As a value added service for all members, I have added a Member's Classifieds feature to the website. Teresa Wilson has designed an easy to use template for anyone wishing to list an item or service ... simply provide the details and submit for approval - it's that easy!!!

Being a brand new feature, the specifics are still evolving. At this time, we will list just about anything ... with the understanding that the service is meant to allow for members to reach other members, not the general public or vice versa. The general public will not be able to list on, or respond to, the classifieds - only members! The feature is included in the Members section and only those with a user ID and valid password will be able to access it. If you are a registered/paid member and do not yet have that information, I will be happy to provide it to you. Simply contact the office by phone or email, and I will give you the details.

So, what sort of stuff can you advertise? Well ...

Recently buy a new broom from the proshop and have an older one with some games left in it? Please consider donating it to the junior program first ... or, list it!

Recently buy a new pair of shoes, but are certain that your old ones still have a couple of clutch draws to the button left in them? Again, please consider donating them to the juniors ... or, list them!

Not able to use a set of event tickets and hope that someone at the club can use them? List them!

Need an extra player for an upcoming bonspiel? List it!

Organizing a road trip and need some travellers? List it!

There are many more applications, but these are some of the most relevant. If you have an idea, or question about a possible listing, then submit it through the template and let us have a look - we inspect all ads and reserve the right to refuse any that we deem inappropriate for any reason.

As I have already mentioned, this is a work in progress - please provide feedback. I am always trying to enhance member service and am happy to consider new directions.

Good Curling!

Close to final list of 2009/10 Advertisers/Sponsors

With the following 3 addtions, almost all of the ice shed advertisers/sponsors have been confirmed for this season. The newest companies to confirm their association with RKCC are:
Bayridge Chiropractic Center
Gorway
JAKK Tuesdays

To summarize the companies one more time ... here they are ...

Ice Sheet Sponsors

Four Points by Sheraton/Ambassador Convention Center
Empire Life Financial
TD Waterhouse
BMO - Bank Of Montreal


Wall ad sponsors

State Farm Insurance - Mark Armitage
Township TireService
MasterMcCoy Bus Service
Tackaberry
Haven Home Climate Care
RBC Dominion Securities
Wayne Halladay
Donohue Financial
Independent Planning - Jeanie Quirt-Brown
The Trophy House
Revell Ford Verona
Kingston Nissan
Amey's Taxi
Union Gas
Collins & Blay - Murray Robertson
Blaser's Physiotherapy
Sutton Group Realty - Brian Ward
The Loyal Oarsman
SafeStep Building Treatments
Independent Pest Control
Wine Kitz - Rose Schwager
Sutton Group Realty - Ron Pols
D&D Auto Service
Kingston Toyota
Exclusive Cooling
Parade of Paints
Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang
Wartman Funeral Home
Investor's Group - Brian McConnell
Svendson Bros. Auto Repair
Bennett's Valu-Mart
Rent A Chef Catering
Ramekins
Kwik Kopy
Edwards Jones Financial - Peter Schenk
Assante Financial - Henry Treier
Specialty Trophies/Graphics
Trousdale Home Hardware
Bob's Butcher Shop
McGinnis Landing
Quality Tax
Rosen Triheat Anglin
Boston Pizza
Remax Realty - Cathy Dervan
Bayridge Chiropractic Center
Gorwary
JAKK Tuesdays

The Royal Kingston Curling Club thanks all of the individuals and companies listed above, for their support. Without it, the amenities at our club would be much harder to maintain.

And remember ... use these companies for your retail and service needs whenever, and wherever, possible! Tell them that you are from the Royal Kingston Curling Club and that you are there because they support your club!!

Airtight, Waterproof Storage Containers - Need one?

Great for dry storage - maybe in your canoe!

These barrels are 22" high x 12" wide, with a 9 1/2" opening. The tops click into place and the ratchet lock seals them up ... great for portable, dry storage! One of our members has a good number of these barrels, but nothing to do with them. Currently, there are about 20 available at the club.

If you would like one or two, or more, please drop an email to the office - admin@royalkingston.com - or call 613-546-2243.

Friendly Reminder ...

All membership dues should now have been paid. If you have not yet submitted payment, please visit the office to make arrangements.

Please note ... while the club accepts credit cards for proshop sales and hall rentals, club dues, including locker fees, can only be paid by debit or cheque. The reason? In trying to keep the yearly membership increases to a minimum, budgeting is tight. With members paying their dues by Mastercard or Visa, the associated service charges (1.7%+) would mostly negate a modest 2-3% fee increase. We feel that the debit or cheque option provides enough flexibility to make your payment on time.

For some members, it may be news that we accept debit and credit cards. If that is you, please note the following:

There is a $10 minimum purchase for debit and credit card transactions.

Cashback is offered at the bar - $60 maximum (as funds allow).

As stated above, membership dues (including locker fees and toonie prepayment) cannot be paid by credit card.

Help us Reduce - Reuse - Recycle!

With the start of the season, comes the start of our recycling initiative at RKCC.

REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE

Receptacles for metals, plastics and paper, can be found in two convenient locations:

Outside of the entrance to the kitchen, where Ella Brisson is pictured already pitching in.

Across from the locker rooms, near the section boards.

While not very fancy, these containers will allow us to collect recyclable material that has been, until now, disposed of in our regular garbage pickup. Separate containers are labelled for metal, plastic and paper.

Plastic drinking glasses are without a doubt our number one recyclable item. To make the collection of these easier, we are rinsing and stacking them in the bar sink until the end of the day. This way, they will take up less room and transfer more easily to the collection bins.

Gerry is only happy when we are recycling efficiently ... let's put a big smile on his face!

Back at it ... plenty of info to post!!!

Where did that month go?!?

Now that the season is underway, and club activity is levelling out to a more normal routine, there is PLENTY of information to get published - keep your reading glasses handy!

As always, any questions you may have are welcome at admin@royalkingston.com .

Good Curling to all the members for the 2009-10 season!!!!

Belated "Monday Morning Lead Rocks"

Holiday weekends, ice plant start up, Chartered Accountant hopefuls writing exams ... these issues all conspired together to delay Monday Morning Lead Rocks!

Without any further delay, please take note of the following member announcements:

• Barb & Mike Tureski celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary , September 5th. Reminisced by Mike, "It seems like it was only yesterday that I was marched down the aisle to say, "I do" to Barb and guess what, we still share a smile after all those years in spite of curling 'Mixed' together."
• Another milestone was reached in the Tureski family this month. Mom,( Eva Tureski), enjoyed her 99th birthday September 06. When Barb asked what kind of cake she would like for her birthday Mom replied," no cake thank you, just lemon pie with lots of meringue".

Congratulations to Barb and Mike on their 50th, and to Eva Tureski on her 99th!!

If you have an announcement you would like to have reported on Monday Morning Lead Rocks, please email the office.

Your club provides an AED onsite - looking out for our members.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - It would be best if we never have to use it, but it is available should the unfortunate happen.

The Royal Kingston Curling Club took the step last year to acquire an AED and make it public access for its membership. An AED is used in cases of life threatening cardiac arrhythmias which lead to cardiac arrest. This simple, low maintenance device can be the difference between life and death.


"Better survival has been associated with the first three links in the “chain of survival”: early access to emergency medical care, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation." - Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest, August 12, 2004. The New England Journal of Medicine


As part of RKCC staff's emergency first aid training, a two hour instruction component on the proper use of an AED was added to this year's St.John Ambulance visit. Our friends at St.John provided hands on exercises, along with basic theory, to train us in the proper procedure for using the AED on a victim. Combined with basic CPR, this device will significantly increase the victim's chance of survival.

Important facts that you need to know about AED's ...

• They are very easy to use - the particular unit that RKCC has available, the Philips HeartStart, uses clear, natural voice instructions to guide the first aider through each step of defibrillation. Designed to not slow you down or leave you behind, it paces and adapts voice instructions to your actions every step of the way. It even reminds you to call emergency medical services (EMS). On-demand CPR Coaching instructs the stressed user on how to perform the necessary breathing and compressions, even if they have never taken a CPR course - this is a VERY important feature.
• Any first aider using an AED is protected from civil liability - basically, you will not be held responsible if the treatment you provide fails to revive or save the victim. This is also a VERY important condition considered by RKCC when the AED was acquired. The Chase McEachern Act became law in 2007 and protects anyone, even a first aider without any certified defib training, from prosecution.

For your reference, I have provided the relevant links to St.John Ambulance and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

I am very happy that the club is finally able to provide this device for the safety of its members and guests, but, as I said at the top, it would be best if we never had to use it.

Training for club members on the proper use of the defibrillator could be arranged if the interest was sufficient. A lesson could be coordinated to take place in our lounge at the club, for a small fee per attendee. Please contact the office if you are interested.

6 more advertisers to confirm ...

Thanks to:

Quality Tax
Rosen Triheat Anglin
Boston Pizza
Assante Financial - RKCC member, Henry Treier
Specialty Trophies/Graphics
Remax Realty - Cathy Dervan

for confirming their sponsorship of RKCC. We are very happy to have them on board!

It has been sometime since I have included an entire list of confirmed sponsors for the upcoming season, so I have compiled one for you to browse ...

Ice Sheet Sponsors

Four Points by Sheraton/Ambassador Convention Center
Empire Life Financial
TD Waterhouse
BMO - Bank Of Montreal

Wall ad sponsors

State Farm Insurance - Mark Armitage
Township Tire
ServiceMaster
McCoy Bus Service
Tackaberry
Haven Home Climate Care
RBC Dominion Securities
Wayne Halladay
Donohue Financial
Independent Planning - Jeanie Quirt-Brown
The Trophy House
Revell Ford Verona
Kingston Nissan
Amey's Taxi
Union Gas
Collins & Blay - Murray Robertson
Blaser's Physiotherapy
Sutton Group Realty - Brian Ward
The Loyal Oarsman
SafeStep Building Treatments
Independent Pest Control
Wine Kitz - Rose Schwager
Sutton Group Realty - Ron Pols
D&D Auto Service
Kingston Toyota
Exclusive Cooling
Parade of Paints
Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang
Wartman Funeral Home
Investor's Group - Brian McConnell
Svendson Bros. Auto Repair
Bennett's Valu-Mart
Rent A Chef Catering
Ramekins
Kwik Kopy
Edwards Jones Financial - Peter Schenk
Assante Financial - Henry Treier
Specialty Trophies/Graphics
Trousdale Home Hardware
Bob's Butcher Shop
McGinnis Landing
Quality Tax
Rosen Triheat Anglin
Boston Pizza
Remax Realty - Cathy Dervan

There they are! Some confirmations are still pending, so please check back to see which companies or individuals have given support to your club.

And remember ... use these companies for your retail and service needs whenever, and wherever, possible!

Tell them that you are from the Royal Kingston Curling Club and that you are there because they support your club!!

Office Hours for the week of September 7

It is feeling much more like curling season ... at least inside of RKCC! The ice plant was turned on today and the shed is slowly coming down to temperature. Water will be added next week, starting on Wednesday, and the ice will be ready for painting by the end of the week. With the BIG FREEZE on for the ice pad, the building starts to get much cooler as well. And that means ... my days of wearing shorts to work are numbered!!

Each year, at the beginning of the season, we have questions about when the ice will be ready for practice, and it really depends on the weather. We will be curling for each of the advertised clinic sessions, but daytime hours will depend on the temperature, and the amount and severity of humidity inside of the shed each day. The weather is forecasted to be warm, so check with the office before assuming ice will be available ... the staff will do our best to make it available for member usage/practice during the daytime hours of September 22-25 - best to stretch those muscles before league play, which is scheduled for Monday the 28th (check your sections' webpage for more detailed info - updates are happening daily/weekly). Remember, you will need a username and password to access the Members area. For simplicity, everyone in the club will be using the same ones - if you have forgotten them, please email the office for a reminder.

For those members wanting to drop off Cards of Intent next week, please note that the club will be closed Monday, September 7 (Labour Day) and Tuesday, September 8 (staff training day). Office hours will resume on Wednesday, September 9, at 9am. You may leave your applications in the club's mailbox.

Look for the Monday Morning Lead Rocks feature to start up on September 14 - get your announcements into the office before then.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

NEW FEATURE - Monday Morning Lead Rocks

Starting Monday, August 31st, I will be introducing a new feature to the Manager's Blog ... "Monday Morning Lead Rocks"

One of the objectives of From the Manager's Desk was to highlight and summarize, daily and weekly club activities. Monday Morning Lead Rocks will be a bulletin board of sorts - snippets of member's announcements and achievements - births, celebrations, meeting reminders, etc.

Much like a Lead's rocks setting up the start of a game, I hope Monday Morning Lead Rocks will evolve to become an essential place to start your curling week at RKCC. But, I will need your help!

If you have an announcement or reminder you would like to make (birth, anniversary, etc.), please notify me in person, or by email (admin@royalkingston.com). Give me the specifics and I will try to include it in the next posting. The more the merrier ... it is your bulletin board! If you have any questions about what can be reported, please contact me.

To demonstrate the type of content to be highlighted, I offer this recent member announcement:

Congratulations to RKCC members Allan & Lacey (nee Smith) Monk, who became the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy (8 lbs. even), named Carson Earl Monk, at 5:58 a.m. on August 24, 2009. Proud grandparents Donna and Wayne Smith, are already sizing him up for curling gear!

And don't forget!!! I am still looking for ideas about issues to discuss more in depth on the blog, and I would like the members to help pick the content. As mentioned previously, if you have a question about club operation, policy or activty, then it is likely that another member does as well ... let's try to get the question answered so that all of the members understand!

Good Curling!

Another advertiser confirmed for 2009-10 ...

Thanks to Lori Coulter and the good people at McGinnis Landing, for continuing to sponsor the Royal Kingston Curling Club.

In addtion to their yearly wall ad, McGinnis also lends support to our annual RKCC Golf Day, which takes each June at Camden Braes Golf Course. Those of you who were lucky enough to hit the green at #12 should have enjoyed your free food by now ... if not, what are you waiting for? Get over to McGinnis Landing asap!

Recycling has finally come to RKCC!

REDUCE ... REUSE ... RECYCLE - let's do our part!

In an effort to minimize the Royal Kingston Curling Club's yearly contribution of conventional waste, a recycling program will be implemented this year at your club. Collection boxes for glass, paper, plastics and metals, will be placed in and around the building, and we hope that each member will encourage other members to be aware, spread the word and recycle - to do our part.

If you have ideas for the recycling program at RKCC, please contact me in the office to discuss how they might work ... I am excited to see how this will evolve!

While recycling is a responsible act, and a great start, striving to reduce is another part of the puzzle. I intend to carefully evaluate the office usage and disposal of paper, cardboard, batteries, etc., and make changes where I can. I hope that as we strengthen our commitment at RKCC, and develop effective strategies to minimize our footprint on the environment, that it becomes just a matter of fact to REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE.

Good Curling!

That time of the year ... HERE WE GO!

Well, hard to believe that the Cards of Intent are in the mail already! Seems like we just handed out the Championship Night trophies and turned the ice plant off. But, before too much longer, the chiller will be on, concrete will be cooling, Rod and Terry will be hauling hose and water will once again start to freeze at the second oldest curling club in North America! Come on curling!!

Now please, don't get irritated by my enthusiasm. I am enjoying the summer as much as you. The sun has decided to finally stand guard against the seemingly unstoppable rain clouds, while the warmer (and more humid) temperatures make travelling to your favorite swim hole a very good idea ... a more typical, lazy summer climate. However, the club has to get the ball rolling, and that's what the Card of Intent package signals.

Those members who provided an email address on a previous Card of Intent, should have received a notification on Monday, August 10th, with instructions on how to view and download this year's forms. The remaining members will receive their packages in the mail - they were mailed on August 10th as well. If you would rather receive email notification of club business, and did not yet receive your Card of Intent email, then please provide a valid address on this season's application.

Another quick point regarding providing the club with information ... the Cards of Intent capture the membership info effectively for the start of the year, but, given the turnover in email addresses and telephone numbers, they miss the mid-season changes. Please contact the office when you change your email address or telephone number. That way, you can stay in the loop!

Another way to stay in the loop ... read the 1st Sweep of 2009/10! It contains articles from all the usual suspects and was compiled and edited by Carole Rivington - excellent job, Carole! You can view it inside the Members area of the new, improved website. Teresa Wilson has done an absolutely FABULOUS job upgrading our site. She took some suggestions and want lists, and turned them into smooth, functional reality. You must, if you haven't already, browse the site to appreciate all of the upgrades - I am sure you will be impressed - thank you for your tireless effort and patience, Teresa!

One of the more important upgrades came with the addition of a password protected section for Member Only information. While we don't plan on housing any government secrets, and therefore do not require the most sophisticated, state of the art security, the necessity of a user name and password will allow us to post useful member items and information, like the club roster, online. In doing so, in the case of the club roster, we can make it easier for you to access other member's phone numbers and email addresses, without posting if for the general public ... higher level of privacy for club members.
What other type of information will be available in the Members area? Club by-laws, Board correspondence, the Sweep, event photos, league schedules and standings, and more - we are still working out some of the applications.
Will each member have a unique user name and password? No, it is believed that the time and effort to construct and maintain such a complex entry system is not warranted. By using a common user name and password (which all email active members would have received in their August 10 notification) we can keep potential solicitors out as effectively as if we had unique ones. If there was information online that was to be shared between only you and the club, and not the other members, then maybe it would be necessary to create the necessary individual files. However, since we only want to keep prying eyes from searching, the common entry should work perfectly. If you have not received the user name and/or password, please contact another member who would have received it via email, or contact the office for assistance.

Note to members ... to maintain the privacy of the Members area, do not share the user name or password with any one you don't want looking at club business.


It is very exciting to be getting close to the start of another curling season and there will be many more things to update to the membership in the days to come. Please check back to the Manager's Blog often, to see what may be happening in the club that you shouldn't miss. And, if you think that I have missed something, or have a suggestion for an item to be included here ... please call me in the office, or drop me a note :o)

Good Curling! ... but keep applying the sunscreen for now

The list of advertisers and sponsors for the 2009/10 season keeps growing!

Since the last update, we have had the following companies sign on for the upcoming season, and beyond:

Ramekins
Kwik Kopy
Edwards Jones Financial - Peter Schenk
Trousdale Home Hardware
Bob's Butcher Shop

Again, thanks to the companies and individuals who support RKCC - remember to consider them when shopping for your family's goods and/or services.

Also, a BIG thank you to the RKCC Marketing Committee for filling our walls with support. Some leads are suggested by members, some are cold calls, but they all need to be investigated with professional enthusiasm. With the number of wall sponsors/advertisers approaching 53, they have obviously done an excellent job.

Advertiser update ... just a short one

The most recent sponsor/advertiser to confirm for the upcoming season is one of the club's favorite caterers ... Rent A Chef - Joe Desousa.



It is worth repeating, that Joe, and all of our sponsors, appreciate being informed of how and why you choose to do business with them. Make sure that you mention your membership at RKCC when dealing with any of our advertisers/sponsors.



I have included the entire list again for easy viewing:

Ice Sheet Sponsors

Four Points by Sheraton/Ambassador Convention Center
Empire Life Financial
SLH Transport
TD Waterhouse
BMO - Bank Of Montreal

Wall ad sponsors

State Farm Insurance - Mark Armitage
Township Tire
ServiceMaster
McCoy Bus Service
Tackaberry
Haven Home Climate Care
RBC Dominion Securities
Wayne Halladay
Donohue Financial
Independent Planning - Jeanie Quirt-Brown
The Trophy House
Revell Ford Verona
Kingston Nissan
Amey's Taxi
Union Gas
Collins & Blay - Murray Robertson
Blaser's Physiotherapy
Sutton Group Realty - Brian Ward
The Loyal Oarsman
SafeStep Building Treatments
Independent Pest Control
Wine Kitz - Rose Schwager
Sutton Group Realty - Ron Pols
D&D Auto Service
Kingston Toyota
Exclusive Cooling
Parade of Paints
Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang
Wartman Funeral Home
Investor's Group - Brian McConnell
Svendson Bros. Auto Repair
Bennett's Valu-Mart
Rent A Chef Catering

There are still a few rock handles available for sponsorship ...

Before RKCC moved to our new facility on Days Road, a number of fundraising activities took place to help raise money for the move. Definitely one of the most successful projects, was the sale of rock handle sponsorship.

For $500, current and former members purchased individual handles, on which was engraved their personal message. Some simply recorded their names, while others took the opportunity to honor family members who spent many years in, and devoted countless volunteer hours to, a club that they loved. Either way, the names of all those who supported the club in this campaign will exist in perpetuity on the ice at RKCC!

6 sheets of ice - 16 rocks per sheet - 96 rock handles for sponsorship. Well, the good news is that there are still a few left!

If you would like to have your family name added to a handle, or perhaps the name of a loved one, please contact the club for more detailed information on how to arrange it for the start of the 2009/10 season. As mentioned, you will receive a tax receipt for the entire amount.

Once the remaining rock handles are sold, there will never be another opportunity to have your family honored in this manner ... what a great opportunity!

Advertiser update - your list of club sponsors for 2009/10

As every club member knows, RKCC has a long list of advertisers and sponsors. Their generous support helps in many ways and I hope you will show your appreciation by supporting them when you can.

To help provide a bit more exposure for the companies and individuals who support RKCC, I will update the list of confirmed sponsors for the 2009/10 season each week. This way, you can add them to your short list of companies to visit when shopping for a product or service.


Here is your current list for 2009/10, with recent confirmations in orange:

Ice Sheet Sponsors

Four Points by Sheraton/Ambassador Convention Center
Empire Life Financial
SLH Transport
TD Waterhouse
BMO - Bank Of Montreal

Wall ad sponsors

State Farm Insurance - Mark Armitage
Township Tire
ServiceMaster
McCoy Bus Service
Tackaberry
Haven Home Climate Care
RBC Dominion Securities
Wayne Halladay
Donohue Financial
Independent Planning - Jeanie Quirt-Brown
The Trophy House
Revell Ford Verona
Kingston Nissan
Amey's Taxi
Union Gas
Collins & Blay - Murray Robertson
Blaser's Physiotherapy
Sutton Group Realty - Brian Ward
The Loyal Oarsman
SafeStep Building Treatments
Independent Pest Control
Wine Kitz - Rose Schwager
Sutton Group Realty - Ron Pols
D&D Auto Service
Kingston Toyota
Exclusive Cooling
Parade of Paints
Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang
Wartman Funeral Home
Investor's Group - Brian McConnell
Svendson Bros. Auto Repair
Bennett's Valu-Mart

Thanks to all of these companies for their continue support!

Remember RKCC members, when you visit or do business with any of these individuals or companies, tell them that you are there because they support your club.

The importance of Advertisers and Sponsors, and doing your part as a member to support them.

When was the last time you visited one of the club's many sponsors, purchased a product or service, and said "I am here because you sponsor our club. Thank you, I'll be back."?

If it has been a while, then I suggest you consider including some of our sponsors' businesses on your next shopping trip! Somewhere on the ice shed wall, or at the end of the sheets where our major sponsors are displayed, you should be able to find the name of a business that offers a good or service you are in need of. Visiting their store, pricing your desired good or service, and making it known that you are a member of the Royal Kingston Curling Club, would go a long way towards keeping them in our building and on our wall. I am sure they would be more satisfied if you made a purchase, but I'll leave that up to you and the salesperson to work out :o) What I am really interested in, is letting the businesses who support RKCC know that we recognize and appreciate that support; that we make an effort to support those who support us!

Amongst the almost 50 wall ads and 5 major, ice sheet sponsors, who together provide the club with essential operating funds, you will find a wide selection of goods and services available to you and your family. Restaurants, retail stores, auto dealers, insurance and real estate agents, financial advisors, barbers, plumbing and electrical contractors - what ever your need, chances are there is an option for you.

So, you are on board and want to help the club retain and expand their advertiser list ... next question you may have is, "Who is supporting RKCC?"

Each week, from the Manager's desk, I will list the advertisers who have renewed their association with the Royal Kingston for the upcoming year. My hope is that you will consider them when conducting your personal and/or business shopping, and, most importantly, take the time to notify someone in the store that you are a member of RKCC and have seen their ad at the club.

List of returning sponsors to date:

Ice Sheet Sponsors

• Four Points by Sheraton/Ambassador Convention Center
• Empire Life Financial
• SLH Transport
• TD Waterhouse
• BMO - Bank Of Montreal

Wall ad sponsors

• State Farm Insurance - Mark Armitage
• Township Tire
• ServiceMaster
• McCoy Bus Service
• Tackaberry
• Haven Home Climate Care
• RBC Dominion Securities
• Wayne Halladay
• Donohue Financial
• Independent Planning - Jeanie Quirt-Brown

This list will grow - check back for updates - JOIN THIS BLOG AS A FOLLOWER so that you don't miss any future info :o)

Remember, your feedback to any of these individuals or organizations may help them decide where to continue investing part of their, what I am sure must be a shrinking, advertising budget.

*** Potential Advertisers please note: we have room for your company, including 1 very special opportunity to become an in-ice sponsor. If interested, please contact the club for more details***