From the Manager's Desk

If you can believe it ... the Christmas break is here!!

2011-12-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

This may be as close as we get to seeing Frosty this year!

The Christmas break is here and the club will be closed for the holidays, starting with the end of curling tonight, December 22.

The only time the club will be open between December 23 and January 3, is for Family Fun Day - Tuesday, December 27. If you would like to participate, bring your family out for some curling fun, please contact Mary-Stewart Ross or John Koronyi - their contact information can be found in the club's online roster.

If you are looking to make a last second purchase from the proshop, it will be open until approximately 9pm tonight.

FROSTY SAYS, " MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!"

SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LAST MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER, WHO WILL RECEIVE 2 TICKETS TO THE FINALS ...

2011-12-12T13:03:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FINAL, MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

EDWARD GIBSON!

Edward will be taking a guest to the Finals of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Sunday, December 18, at 1pm.

TEAMS ARE SET FOR THE BDO - SEE SCHEDULE OF DRAW TIMES HERE

HELPFUL GUIDE TO CITY OF KINGSTON MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS HERE

As you know by now, the Royal Kingston Curling Club started the year off with a Member Appreciation Giveaway, to run in conjunction with our weekly Donation Draw. Each Monday morning, one lucky member was awarded a pair of draw tickets to the upcoming BDO Canadian Open / Grand Slam of Curling event, being held this week, December 14-18, at the K-Rock Center.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

There are now a variety of ticket packages available through the K-Rock Center website: 5-day -weekend - single game - Senior and Student specials - and more ... PLEASE CHECK OUT THE K-ROCK LINK FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

the contest that started here , is now complete ...

Congratulations to all our winners!

SEE EVERYONE AT THE K-ROCK!!!!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 11, THE SEMI-FINALS, IS ...

2011-12-12T10:06:00.006-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 11 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

Robert Heintz!

Robert will be taking a guest to the Semi-Finals of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Saturday, December 17, at 7pm.

TEAMS ARE SET FOR THE BDO - SEE SCHEDULE OF DRAW TIMES HERE

HELPFUL GUIDE TO CITY OF KINGSTON MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS HERE

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

the contest that started here , is almost done ...

that's right, ALMOST!!

We still have one pair of tickets to give away, and they are to the FINALS!!!

Later today, Monday, Julie and I will hold a special draw, to be conducted in the same method we use for the Toonie Draw, and the lucky member who's name is drawn will receive 2 tickets to the FINALS!!

(This draw is independent of the Toonie Draw, and will only award the tickets as a prize.)

CHECK BACK LATER TODAY TO SEE IF YOU WON!!!!

GOOD CURLING!!!!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN WINNER FOR WEEK 10 IS ...

2011-12-05T10:06:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 10 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

Dave Johnson!

Dave will be taking a guest to the Quarter Finals of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Saturday, December 17, at 3pm.

TEAMS ARE SET FOR THE BDO - SEE SCHEDULE OF DRAW TIMES HERE

HELPFUL GUIDE TO CITY OF KINGSTON MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS HERE

As you know by now, the Royal Kingston Curling Club is starting the year off with a Member Appreciation Giveaway, to run in conjunction with our weekly Donation Draw. Each Monday morning, one lucky member will be awarded a pair of draw tickets to the upcoming BDO Canadian Open / Grand Slam of Curling event, being held this December at the K-Rock Center.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

There are now a variety of ticket packages available through the K-Rock Center website: 5 day -weekend - single game - Senior and Student specials - and more ... PLEASE CHECK OUT THE K-ROCK LINK FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

10 DRAWS DOWN ... 1 MORE TO GO!!!

Denis Faubert and his guest blog entry #2 ... T'was the Night before Brier!

2011-12-02T16:32:00.001-05:00

Twas the Night before Brier

by Denis Faubert

Twas the night before Brier, & all through the club,

Not a curler was curling, not one in the pub!

The banners were hung on the wall with great care,

In hopes that Glen Howard soon would be there.

While Graham checked entries, & sipped on his tea,

Roddy the Iceman, was scraping sheet three.

The ice, how it sparkled!, the stones how they gleemed!

Eagerly waiting the morning draw’s team.

The curlers were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of trophies soon danced in their heads.

The rocks were aligned in a row four by four,

Looking for patrons, to come through the door.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave way to the lustre of sunrise below

The dawn’s early light had arrived by and by,

Along with eight curlers with brooms held on high.

And me with my slider, Emil with his hat,

Were just settling in, sliding out of the hack.

Then all of a sudden, there arose such a clatter,

We looked up to see, just what was the matter.

When what to our wondering ears should we hear,

But our skip saying loudly, “I want the rock here!”

“Now please brush it harder, much harder,” said he

To the top of the four foot, and freeze it “thusly”.

So, lively and quickly the brushers did sweep,

That the skip yelled and shouted “don’t bring it to deep!”

Then, in a heartbeat, the granite rock stopped,

Relieved of this burden, my blood pressure dropped

The skip jumped six feet, to his team gave a whistle,

Shook hands with his front end, who helped just a little.

As briars before, both teams strove to score,

And soon it was clear that the end was quite near.

As often does happen, it came to last rocks,

And our skip for good measure had worn his red socks.

All eyes were upon him, not a sound in the house,

Not even a squeak from the club’s only mouse.

And then, in a twinkling, the time did draw nigh

The skip set the broom and let out a sigh.

In prayerful repose, pulled the rock with a jerk,

Cleaned off the bottom and went straight to work

With a wink of his eye, and a nod of his head,

Soon gave us to know we had nothing to dread.

He drew back the rock, then sprang from the hack,

The stone almost flying, we were taken aback!

It was said as it passed, one could hear pebble sizzle,

Like the sound that one hears, of bacon on the griddle.

The rock reached it’s target, with terrifying might,

A quadruple takeout, a spectacular sight!

The game had been won, our opponents undone,

We all gave a cheer, and then drank some beer.

As we left one by one, I looked up to the sky

And just for an instant, saw something streak by.

It was said of that night, as I gazed on that sight

T’was no more than a shimmering, flickering light

I beseech each of you, to consider this true,

In that fraction of time, I had seen the sublime

A right jolly old elf, so full of good cheer,

And a miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer.

As he flew threw the air with nary a care,

I heard him exclaim, with grandiose flair

Happy Brier to All, and to all a Good Night!

Thank you, Denis! Perfect lead into the Holiday Season!!

Want a great gift idea for your curler this Christmas? How about an AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF JOHN MORRIS' FIT TO CURL?

2011-11-30T17:07:00.002-05:00

Sport-specific Training
for the World's Greatest Game

By John Morris, with Dean Gemmell

Taken from the Fit to Curl website (click the photo above for a link to the official website) ...

"Written by John Morris, Third for Team Kevin Martin and a fixture among Canada’s elite curlers since skipping teams to world junior titles in 1998 and 1999, Fit to Curl is the first sport-specific guide to training for the world’s greatest game. John has seen the game evolve and uses his experiences in the sport and his background in kinesiology and personal training to provide specific training that will make a difference on the ice. No matter what your aspirations might be, whether it’s making a few more shots on League Night or winning national titles, you’ll find programs in this book that will help you improve as a curler and be healthier as a person. Filled with great photos of some of the world’s top players on the ice and in the gym, Fit to Curl also offers insights into nutrition, team dynamics and the mental side of the game. It’s a great book for players of all levels."

The RKCC proshop has a limited number of copies available for purchase - $20 plus tax.

How you get them autographed? It is likely that John will be holding an autograph session at the Goldline booth sometime during the BDO Canadian Open in December, taking place at the K-Rock in December (I will confirm this if/when details are provided). However, his father, Earle, relayed to me, "All that anyone who has bought a book would have to do is wander down to the boards and ask him to autograph it and he would be happy to do so."

If you would like a copy set aside, please email me in the office.

Thanks to Earle Morris for his clinic instruction at RKCC!

2011-11-30T16:32:00.002-05:00

RKCC member, Michael Cook, with guest instructor, Earle Morris

This past Sunday, November 27, we were very lucky to have had Earle Morris, a level III Certified Curling Instructor - 3 time Brier participant - National Team Coach - Inventor of the Stabilizer, in our house for the day. Those curlers fortunate enough to have taken part in one, or more, of the clinic sessions he offered, have certainly taken their game up a notch!

While Earle conducted a number of group instruction sessions, included a strategy talk with 20 or so of RKCC's members, there was one that stood out ... the use of the Stabilizer. As many of you may know, Earle and his wife, Maureen, are the owners/operators/inventors of the Stabilizer, a patented curling crutch designed to help make your delivery as tight as possible. For learning the art of sliding with an aid, there would be no one better to teach it.

Available with, or without, a cleaning head, the Stabilizer is available in the RKCC proshop. To visit their website, please click on the photo above.

A special thank you goes out to club member, Mary Stewart Ross, for arranging and coordinating the clinic ... job well done!

The rumor mill has already heated up with talks that a return visit to RKCC may be arranged for the new year ... if you would like to participate in a future clinic, please confirm this with the office. I will keep a list of those interested.

See everyone on the ice!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN WINNER FOR WEEK 9 IS ... PLUS, IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT TICKET SALES AND PARKING!!

2011-11-28T10:07:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 9 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

Eleanor Henderson!

Eleanor will be taking a guest to Draw 9 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Friday, December 16, at 7:30pm.

TEAMS ARE SET FOR THE BDO - SEE SCHEDULE OF DRAW TIMES HERE

HELPFUL GUIDE TO CITY OF KINGSTON MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS HERE

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

9 DRAWS DOWN ... 2 MORE TO GO!!!

2011-12 Membership Rosters are now available in print

2011-11-21T11:46:00.001-05:00

For those members without access to the online roster, a printed version is now available.

Members, Ken Burns and Art Russell, taking a look at this year's roster. With the online version available inside the Members area at royalkingston.com, the printed version should be restricted to one per family, if possible.

Special thanks to Carole Rivington for compiling the booklet ... it is not as easy as you might think!

If you don't require a printed copy ... please leave it for someone else.

Any member who has forgotten their UserID and/or Password to the website, should feel free to call the office for assistance.

Good Curling!!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN WINNER FOR WEEK 8 IS ...

2011-11-21T09:42:00.001-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 8 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

Wayne Smith!

Wayne will be taking a guest to Draw 8 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Friday, December 16, at 4pm.

TEAMS ARE SET FOR THE BDO - SEE SCHEDULE OF DRAW TIMES HERE!

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

There are 2 ticket packages available through the K-Rock Center website: 5 day and weekend.

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

8 DRAWS DOWN ... 3 MORE TO GO!!!

The 2011-12 online roster is now available in the Member's section.

2011-11-14T16:08:00.001-05:00

GOOD NEWS ... the online roster for 2011-12, including ratings, is up and running in the Member's section of the website. Printed rosters will be available shortly and can be picked up in the lounge, or from the office.

If you see an error - incorrect or missing info - please email the office at your first convenience. The online version is easy to edit and can be corrected in short order.

Special thanks to Teresa Wilson, for editing and posting the member data to the website ... it is not as simple as you might think!

Not able to access the Member's section? Call, or email, the office for the required User ID and Password.

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 7 IS ...

2011-11-14T09:47:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 7 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

LEO DOYLE!

(and, he was signed in for the Toonie Draw - congrats!)

Leo will be taking a guest to Draw 7 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Friday, December 16, at 12:30pm.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

And, they have just introduced a new, weekend package for $99!!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

7 DRAWS DOWN ... 4 MORE TO GO!!!

Guess who is celebrating a birthday?

2011-11-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

None other than RKCC's unofficial mascot -

SOPHIE!!

Most of you would know George Gratton - one of RKCC's most dedicated volunteers - so, you would most likely know/recognize his dog, Sophie. Sophie often accompanies George on his visits to the club and I am sure we have all stooped for a pet, or two!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sophie!!

If you have an announcement that you would like to share with the membership, please send it to me by email, along with any picture for consideration. I will do my best to post it if possible.

Accessible parking spots reserved for those with valid permits.

2011-11-10T13:19:00.001-05:00

With the season in full swing, and the facility very busy with both curling and non-curling events, it is worth reminding members about our accessible parking spots (pictured above). These spots are reserved for members and/or guests who have a valid Ministry of Transporation Accessible Parking Permit (APP) displayed in their vehicle.

If you do not have an APP, please do not park here.

If the accessible spots are full, and the associated entry ramps are not available, there is another access point for dropoff/pickup. The west end of the sidewalk leading up to the main door, is ramped (pictured above). Please utilize this access point if the curb in front of the building is a hazard.

The Kingston Fire Department dictated that the area in front of the main doors be kept clear at all times, and this is why the City of Kingston required the accessible ramps to located where they are.

The RKCC staff will insure that the entire walkway leading up to the main door, from both east and west directions, remains safe throughout the winter months.

New member, Gord Chapman, taking notice of the wind hazard

And, one final issue - safely managing the front door on windy days.

Given the exposure of our main door, the prevailing wind often plays havoc with the power assist feature. On a day when it is not safe to activate/open both doors, one may be closed (as pictured above) to help prevent a mishap. In the event that this action requires disengaging the power assist feature on a given day, I apologize in advance. A long-term solution is being considered.

Thank you to all members for their attention to these matters.

And, as always, if you see an issue in or around the facility needing attention, please bring it to me in the office. Email notification is best, but written notes may be left with any staff member, or deposited in the mailbox outside of my office rollup.

Good Curling!!

Time to finally put the golf clubs away ... and give curling a try!

2011-11-09T13:54:00.000-05:00

It's time ... put the clubs away!

The Royal Kingston Curling Club has a MUCH better way for you to spend your winter months ... CURLING!!

Whether you are new to the sport, and want to join for the first time, or you stayed on the course a little too long, and weren't sure if we were still taking members ...

RKCC can get you onto the ice, and part of a team, for January 2012!

Half year memberships are available and will provide you with curling privileges starting January 1. At that point, the second half of our curling season begins, with curling opportunities for juniors, women and men ... please contact me in the office for more information.

And, if you still can't commit to a membership, don't forget about our weekly Learn to Curl program!! Attend a couple of these and you might get the bug!!

Give us a chance to help you stay fit, while passing the winter month's away ...

COME CURLING!!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 6 IS ...

2011-11-07T09:50:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 6 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

TOMMY MARTIN
(pictured here with his favorite bartender, Julie Cox)

(and, he was signed in for the Toonie Draw - congrats, Tommy!)

Tommy, will be taking a guest to Draw 6 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Friday, December 16, at 9:00am.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

And, they have just introduced a new, weekend package for $99!!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

6 DRAWS DOWN ... 5 MORE TO GO!

You don't see this on a curling rink everyday ... take a look!

2011-11-03T12:27:00.000-04:00

16 rocks in the house - count them!

Yes, it happened ... all 16 rocks in the house - not in play, but in the house!

It happened last year, but the picture just surfaced - wanted to post it for other curlers to see. With the first rock of the end going deep, and the other team trying to keep rocks in play/muddy it up for extra points, before you know it ... 16 rocks in the house!

How rare is this? I can tell you that I have never seen it before.

Has anyone witnessed a similar end, or another rarity, at their club? Please send me the details ... I would be happy to post it.

Good Curling!

Come on, curlers ... time to buy tickets to the BDO Grand Slam event!

2011-11-02T14:05:00.001-04:00

With the addition of $99 weekend event packages, now is the time to get your best value on tickets to watch the BDO Canadian Open, at the K-Rock in December!

What do you get for $99? All tiebreakers and playoff games, including the Sunday final, are included in this package.

Why buy a package, if you can't attend all the games? Value. The lowest, per draw prices are available with the packages. Why not purchase a multigame option - attend the games you want - gift the remaining draws to family and friends ... you must know someone with a birthday!!! Or, go in on a package with someone who can attend those games you aren't available to watch - both of you would maximize your value!!

Why not wait for single draw tickets to go on sale? Always an option, but your value is in mulitgame packages ... prices for single draw tickets, especially playoff games, will likely be much higher, and the best seats are going now!

Which teams will be playing - who will you see if you attend? As reported by Doug Graham in the Whig , the list of confirmed teams is growing! Olympic Gold Medalists, World Champions, Brier Champs ... this field will have it all!!

The simple fact is ...

If we don't support events like this in Kingston, events like this won't be stopping in Kingston!

See everyone at the K-Rock - Good Curling!!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 5 IS ...

2011-10-31T10:29:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 5 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

JOE MURPHY!!

Joe will be taking a guest to Draw 5 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Thursday, December 15, at 7:30pm.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

And, they have just introduced a new, weekend package for $99!!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

5 DRAWS DOWN ... 6 MORE TO GO!

Limited number of free copies available - EXTRA END curling magazine

2011-10-28T11:19:00.000-04:00

Looking for a good read? While supplies last, you can pick up a free copy of the Extra End from the Proshop (there will be club copies reserved and available for members to read anytime).

Extra End is published by the Canadian Curling Association, and serves as a both a wrap up for the 2010/11 season, and a preview of 2011/12, including television schedules for all major events.

With page after page of articles, pictures and stats, it should keep you busy for a while!

Have a great weekend!!!

NAMETAGS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BAR

2011-10-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

Those members who ordered nametags, may purchase them at the bar next time you are into the club ... they are $8.50, plus tax.

We will be sending in another order soon, so sign up when able.

GOOD CURLING!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

NEW IN THE PROSHOP ... BOOMERANG BROOM FROM ASHAM!!

2011-10-26T14:01:00.001-04:00

You may be asking, "What the ?" ...

New from Asham curling, the Boomerang brush is here!

Here's Arnold Asham's explanation:

"The revolutionary pad allows the sweeper to get closer to the rock and moves the dirt to the sides. The front of the boomerang pad is the same as the back so the broom can actually fit together with the other sweeper."

I have been waiting to see one of these brooms for two seasons, ever since they were first advertised, and I must say ... they are interesting. Whether or not they will allow the average, club curler to get closer to the rock remains to be seen; I think it will. However, I really like two things about it: dimpled pad face (for trapping debris better) and the wings (to help direct debris away from the rock path).

And, it never hurts that the handle is one of Asham's lightest, carbon fibre offerings ... nice broom!

Prediction ... we will sell a bunch ... if Asham can keep the supply coming.

Drop by the proshop and give one a lift ... if the office is closed, check out the Rolling Proshop in the lounge. I have left a new Boomerang brush there for inspection.

To browse what our good friends at Asham Ontario have to offer, please visit their site here.

Thanks to Asham, and all the curling companies, for keeping the equipment technology interesting!!

Want to know more about the Royal Kingston Curling Club's proshop?

Check this previous blog for info and links ...

GOOD CURLING!!

2011-10-24T14:56:00.000-04:00

The Manger's Blog was created to help communicate with the members. In that regard, members are welcome to provide feedback on what is going on at the club , topics for discussion in my blog or, as is the case with Denis Faubert, submissions for print.

Please give Denis a read and, if there is interest, maybe we can convince him to become a regular Guest Blogger!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Juggling and the Sport of Curling

Yogi Berra once quipped that sport is “90% mental and the other half is physical”.

Not to put too fine a point on it and with all due respect to Yogi, curlers need to think about 4 aspects of the game when on the ice, that is:

¨ The Technical

¨ The Tactical

¨ The Physical

¨ The Mental

Trying to implement too many things all at once invariably leads to regression, frustration and generally unsatisfactory results.

With this in mind, I’d like to offer one suggestion in each of these categories that may help you along the path to your “Ideal Performance State”.

The Technical: As your sliding foot is the main balance point in your delivery, keep it in the midline of your body and under your centre of gravity

The Tactical: Play to your team’s abilities whenever possible.

The Physical: Remember to drink water periodically during a game. How much? About 1/3 cup per end particularly if you’re front end.

The Mental: When you’re in the hack, try to minimize distractions (internal and/or external) by narrowing your focus to a single external point ie. hitting the broom.

Remember, unless you can juggle 3 or 4 things at once without “dropping the ball”, try putting new techniques or suggestions into practice one at a time.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but getting up every time we do”

Confucius

From the “Warm Side of the Glass” - Denis Faubert

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 4 IS ...

2011-10-24T09:50:00.003-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 4 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

MARION NEATBY!!

Marian will be taking a guest to Draw 4 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Thursday, December 15, at 4pm.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!!!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

And, they have just introduced a new, weekend package for $99!!

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

4 DRAWS DOWN ... 7 MORE TO GO!

RKCC represented at the Dominion Club Championships

2011-10-21T08:02:00.001-04:00

The Dominion Club Championships begin on Saturday, October 22, and the Royal Kingston Curling Club will be represented in both the Women's and Men's competitions.

photo by Brian Collingwood

Our 2010/11 Evening Ladies' Flight winners, Gail Irving - April Welsh - Janet Fowlow - Carole Rivington (Skip), will be starting their run for a provincial birth with their first game at 4pm on Saturday.

photo by Brian Collingwood

Representing the Men's section, our 2010/11 Evening Men's Flight Champions, John MacMillan - Mario Fabbro - Joe Waller - Phil Tomsett (Skip), will play their first game on Saturday at 9am.

All games are being held at the Trenton Curling Club. If you are thinking about taking a road trip this weekend, Trenton is just a short drive west on the 401 ... I am sure both teams would appreciate the support from a few friendly faces in the crowd!

For the women's draw times, click here .

For the men's draw times, click here .

GOOD CURLING!!!

SHAWN SUENAGA CELEBRATES HIS 50TH AT THE ROYAL KINGSTON CURLING CLUB!!

2011-10-18T14:33:00.000-04:00

(click on photo for larger version)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAWN ... 50 YEARS YOUNG AND WITH ALL YOUR ROCKS IN THE HOUSE!

CHEERS FROM ALL THE PROUDS!!!

The above photo was submitted by Shawn's family ... nice work!

Shawn, from all of your friends at RKCC ...

HAPPY 5OTH!!!

If you have would like to have an announcement included on this blog, please forward me the info at admin@royalkingston.com .

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 3 IS ...

2011-10-17T09:27:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 3 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ...

BOB ARMSTRONG!!

Bob will be taking a guest to Draw 3 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Thursday, December 15, at 12:30pm.

As previously reported, the Royal Kingston Curling Club is starting the year off with a Member Appreciation Giveaway, to run in conjunction with our weekly Donation Draw. Each Monday morning, one lucky member will be awarded a pair of draw tickets to the upcoming BDO Canadian Open / Grand Slam of Curling event, being held this December at the K-Rock Center.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

3 DRAWS DOWN ... 8 MORE TO GO!

Do you know the DIMENSIONS OF A CURLING SHEET?

2011-10-16T20:20:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what the actual dimensions of a curling sheet are?

Do you know how far it is from the hack to the back line?

How about from button to button?

Once you take a look at the diagram above - click on it for an enlarged version - the distances will make a cold draw to the button even more impressive.

LEARN TO CURL at the Royal Kingston Curling Club

2011-10-16T20:01:00.001-04:00

Do you wish you understood the game better?

Do you want a 2 hour lesson from a certified curling instructor?

Do you want to see an actual golden snitch?

When: Sundays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Who is welcome: Everyone!

Cost: $12 per person

Needed: A pair of clean indoor shoes

Curling is a wonderful and exciting winter sport. Many of you may have seen it on TV and are now looking to get on the ice and try it for yourself ... GOOD NEWS, we are making it happen! Whether you have never curled before or you are coming back after some years away from the sport, the members and staff of RKCC are very excited about the opportunity to help you catch the curling bug - but not a golden snitch, which, of course, only exists in Hogwart's curling.

Every Sunday evening (except where noted on the club calendar) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the club offers lessons and game play for non-members. The cost is $12 per person. You don't need to have ever been on curling ice before, in fact, these sessions are geared especially for the first time curler!

A team of experienced RKCC'ers will be on hand to instruct on technique, etiquette and rules ... you just need to bring a clean pair of indoor shoes, your enthusiasm and let us do the rest!!

All membership dues should now be paid

2011-10-14T11:01:00.000-04:00

All membership dues were to be paid by October 1.

There is a $25 late payment fee that will be assessed to anyone still not having made arrangements with the office.

If you have not yet remitted payment, please contact me as soon as possible.

On the heels of a RARE 6-ENDER in Stick League ... RKCC has a BONAFIDE 8-ENDER TO REPORT!!!!!

2011-10-11T15:23:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to (left to right): Katy Provan, Martha Forkes, Barb Tureski and skip - Lin Jenkins!

Thrown in Tuesday's, Day Ladies Club, this is the second 8-ender for Lin.

What a start to the season!

Safe Food Handling Certification Seminar at RKCC - all members encouraged to attend

2011-10-11T12:49:00.000-04:00

The KFL&A Public Health Office recommends that at least one kitchen worker, at every function that uses our kitchen for food preparation, holds a valid Food Service Certificate.

To help us meet this requirement, the KFL&A Health Unit is offering a training seminar at RKCC on Saturday, November 12 - main lounge - time tbd - lunch provided by RKCC.

The certificate is recognized throughout Ontario and is valid for five years. Anyone receiving certification at our first seminar in 2006, will need to be re-certified this year.

The fee for this course, if taken as an individual, would normally be $50. The RKCC Board of Directors, recognizing the benefit for this training, has decided the club will subsidize a training session. A small fee of $10 per participant will be charged to cover any additional costs of the seminar, including the food service.

The Health Unit requires a minimum of 20 participants to run the course.

The sign up sheet can be found in the main lobby.

We must have your $10 in advance (when you sign up) - please pay at the bar.

A large pool of qualified personnel will be required to guarantee we can provide certified workers at club events ...

Obtain the certificate - Help RKCC meet this requirement.

100TH POST - I hope you have been paying attention, there will be a test!

2011-10-11T12:47:00.000-04:00

Just kidding about the test ...

But, hopefully, those members who have been reading my blog feel that the material covered has been helpful and informative.

Moving forward, I would love to incorporate more member input. The main goal of the blog is to inform members of what's happening in the club, and how it affects them; Are there issues in the club you have questions about?

If so, please forward them to me in the office. Easiest method would be email: admin@royalkingston.com

Also, the blog is a great way to broadcast special events: member birthdays, anniversaries, birth announcements, etc. If there is an event that you would like to share with other members, please provide me with details (add photos, embarrassing or otherwise, for effect).

I will try to post announcements on Mondays, so please forward them no later than Saturday of the week prior.

Thanks for taking the time to check out the Manager's Blog ... Good Curling!!

THE BDO CANADIAN OPEN TICKET WINNER FOR WEEK 2 IS ...

2011-10-11T10:13:00.001-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEK 2 MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ... GRACE KENNEDY!!

Grace will be taking a guest to Draw 2 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Thursday, December 15, at 9am .

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

read all about the contest here

2 DRAWS DOWN ... 9 MORE TO GO!

Turkeys across Ontario protest ...

2011-10-08T20:48:00.000-04:00

... but, I don't think it is going to help.

The curling club will be closed Sunday and Monday, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Please have a safe long weekend ... see you back on the ice next week, to work off the "Ham"!

When is a SIX ENDER every bit as impressive as an EIGHT ENDER?

2011-10-08T17:45:00.003-04:00

When it happens in the Royal Kingston Curling Club Stick League!!

photo by J.R.(Jim) Rayner

Congratulations to Jan Ray and Carol Knowles ... a rare, SIX ENDER!!

For those not familiar with the RKCC Stick League, played during the day on Wednesdays and Thursdays, it is important to note that this exciting game is played with slightly modified curling rules, developed by Stick Curling Canada (viewed here in their entirety).

In short, teams consist of only 2 players, one at each end, and each player must deliver all rocks with the stick. There is no sweeping between the hoglines, and only 6 rocks are delivered, instead of 8 - thus the rarity of Carol and Jan's feat!

Although Jan actually delivered each of the 6 rocks that scored, she was very gracious in acknowledging Carol's skipping contribution - it took 2 to make it happen.

Once again - Congratulations!

HOW HAS THE DELIVERY STICK CHANGED OUR SPORT?

The delivery stick has made the sport accessible to many more athletes. Regargless of mobility issues, curling is now a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. And, with practice, the art of stick curling can be honed to a very competitive level. Thanks to our 100% accessible facility, RKCC has been fortunate enough to welcome a number of high-profile, wheelchair curling events. In 2009, we hosted the OCA Provincial Wheelchair Championships, and in 2010, the Parasport Winter Games used RKCC as the curling venue. The resulting interest from local wheelchair athletes, facilitated the creation of day-long instructional clinics (pictured above).

When I founded the Stick League at RKCC in 2006, my main goal was to introduce existing curlers to a device that should allow them to lengthen their curling careers: Keep people curling - keep the curling membership healthy.

Let's face it ... at some point, our bodies start to rebel against the wear and tear that getting down and out of the hack inflicts. And, when it does, too many curlers choose to hang it up. With an alternative (the delivery stick) and some practice (a stick-only league), members can happily continue curling for years and years.

5 seasons later, thanks to the effort of a number of very enthusiastic convenors (including Jan Ray, who herself is the 2011-12 Co-Chair, along with Diane Labrie), the Royal Kingston Curling Club Stick League is thriving! In fact, this year the league added a 4-person team option.

More importantly, the number of members using the stick in our club, outside of the Stick League itself, has skyrockted. Women's - Men's ... Day - Evening ... Club - Flight ... many, many curlers are utilizing the device to participate ... I would guess, more than 100 hundred have tried it during a game. Some members use it full-time, while others use it part-time, curling one or two games a week from the hack, and a third, or more, with the stick.

And, it's not just members who have benefited from the wide spread acceptance of stick curling. This method of delivery, given its relative ease to learn (but, not master), has been adopted by many charity bonspiels as a tool to attracting teams. By providing the participating players with the option of using a delivery aid, the organiztion will likely appeal to a larger demographic - more people, regardless of experience, will be making more shots, more quickly. As I have witnessed over the years, non-curlers are more likely to sign up if they don't have to master the skill of sliding to participate.

From wheelchair athletes - to members with mobility and balance challenges - to brand new curlers looking for an easy way to start curling ... the delivery stick helps get everyone out on to the ice!

GOOD CURLING!!!

Why the Royal Kingston Curling Club is the place to buy curling supplies in Ontario ...

2011-10-07T14:18:00.000-04:00

Simply put ...

The sport comes first!

We want curlers to use the best equipment their budget will allow. And with our prices and selection, you may be surprised how far your budget can go!

To help make it easier for members and non-members to shop, we have added the rolling proshop for this season. Pictured above, Joan Doucet, browses items on the rolling proshop, while her team sits for an after-draw drink. Accessing proshop items was never as easy ... now you can shop in the evening, outside of office hours.

Brooms, delivery sticks, crutches, replacement pads, timers, grippers ... almost everything is sampled on the rolling proshop.

Let me know what you think!!

WHAT'S NEW?

Just arrived ... the Stabilizer curling crutch!

Made in Canada, the Stabilizer comes with, and without, a broom head. The broom head allows for easy cleaning of the rock and hack.

Great new shoe from Olson Curling ... the Ole!

Pictured in women's Berry Pink, this shoe is a perfect fit for the curler looking to upgrade their equipment. It has a two-piece, 5/32" perimeter slider - so it is quick, comfortable and stable ... try one on (available in a variety of colours for both women's and men's sizes).

Need the lightest, strongest broom possible? The new Olson Isogrid, may be the tool for you! Just pick one up to see why.

And, for the stick curler, we have a great selection of delivery aids.

Telescopic or one-piece, delivery aids are a growing trend in the sport. Designed to lenghten the career of curlers with mobility issues, these aids are also helping to bring a whole new demographic onto the ice for the first time!

Lightweight and easy to use, there is even a model that comes with a broom head - never get caught with your equipment at the other end.

While we try to stock a wide range of items, there may be something you need that we don't have. Feel free to browse the websites of our suppliers, listed below - if they have it, chances are we can get it for you at the very best price!!

Stop by the Royal Kingston Curling Club proshop and give us a chance to upgrade your game ... for less!

Congratulations to our first BDO Canadian Open - Grand Slam of Curling ticket winner ... MARTHA FORKES

2011-10-04T20:48:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST MEMBER APPRECIATION CONTEST WINNER ... MARTHA FORKES!!

Martha will be taking a guest to Draw 1 of the BDO Canadian Open, scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, at 7pm.

Who will she be taking? Rumor is that her husband Les is in the running for the extra seat, but, with almost 10 weeks until the first rock is delivered, he may have to keep earning bonus points at home to insure his place ... these tickets are going to be a hot item and Martha's friends at the club have already starting campaigning.

And who wouldn't want to go see this event? Without a doubt, those in attendance are going to be treated to some of the BEST CURLING PLAYED IN CANADA THIS YEAR!

5 day packages are still available through the K-Rock Center website.

As for the RKCC Member Appreciation Giveaway ...

WEEK 1 DOWN ... 10 MORE TO GO!!

Slight change to office hours

2011-10-02T18:13:00.001-04:00

With the start of the 2011/12 curling season, I will be implementing a minor change to my office hours.

The posted office hours will be:

Monday noon - 5:30pm

Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm

Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm

Thursday 9am - 5:30pm

Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Weekends as available

The noticeable difference is Monday morning; opening the office at noon, instead of 9am. I wanted to take a moment to explain the change and what I plan to do with this, for lack of a better term, "closed office time".

Monday mornings are one of the busiest times of the week, especially once bonspiel season rolls around: Bank deposits and reconciliations need to be completed, correspondence needs to be answered and staff schedules need to be confirmed for the upcoming week. Delaying the office hours until noon on Mondays will allow me the opportunity to complete these tasks in a timely fashion.

To insure that members have a staff contact during this 2 hour period, I will schedule a bartender to begin at 9am. Therefore, member service should not be interrupted.

It is important to note that I will be in the building to handle any emergencies, or urgent member issues.

As the year progresses, I plan to implement several other initiatives designed to improve and enhance member service: a portable, rolling proshop display that can be placed in the lounge for member viewing - extended holiday proshop hours - tabletop bar menus - the installation of new draught dispensing equipment, allowing for additional brands to be offered. With these enhancements, along with others in the works, I hope to make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

Please feel free to forward any suggestions you may have regarding enhancing the club, or member service. It is best to submit them in writing - email the office or drop a note in the mailbox outside my office rollup.

Good Curling!!

We're giving away tickets to the Grand Slam of Curling - BDO Canadian Open ... and they could be yours!!!

2011-10-02T16:03:00.003-04:00

How would you like to win a pair of tickets to watch a draw at the BDO Canadian Open this December?

Well, here's your chance ... and it couldn't be easier!!

Starting Monday, October 3, and continuing each Monday until December 12, we will be awarding one lucky member with a pair of tickets to attend a draw at the BDO Canadian Open.

That's 11 chances to win tickets to watch some of the best curling played in Canada this year!!!

How are we determining the winner? Simple ... the member who's name is drawn in the weekly Donation Draw promotion, whether they have signed in or not, will be awarded the tickets. No purchase necessary - only members 18 and older are eligible to win.

Not sure what the Donation Draw is? Feel free to drop by the office for an explanation.

And, if you are still looking for full ticket packages to this event, there is more good news!

While packages are still available for sale on the KRock Center website, RKCC will be running a promotion in the very near future to award one lucky member with 2 - 5 day event packages: 2 tickets to every draw, plus tiebreakers, playoffs and the finals - valued at $400!!!

Stay tuned for details on this promotion.

Good Luck on Monday!!

Royal Kingston Curling Club is hosting an Advance Poll to the upcoming, October 6 Provincial Election ... bring your photo ID and VOTE

2011-09-24T09:44:00.001-04:00

Elections Ontario is making it easier to vote in the October 6 General Election, and the Royal Kingston Curling Club is happy to be playing a part!

From September 21 to September 30, RKCC will house an Advance Poll for the upcoming Election. Regardless of your home district, anyone who brings a valid, photo ID will be able to mark a ballot and have their vote counted.

Then, on Election Day, October 6, RKCC will be used as a District Polling Station - 9am to 9pm.

Always looking for ways to showcase our facility to the community, while maximizing the level, and diversity, of service to our members, this partnership with Elections Ontario does both!

By the time Advance and Election Day polls wrap, many member of our community will have visited our club ... perhaps for the first time. With curling beginning on Monday, September 26, every voter will, in effect, be both a spectator and potential member.

To all those visiting the club ... Welcome! Feel free to take a look around - we are here to answer any questions you may have about getting involved in our great sport.

To all RKCC members ... take advantage of the Advance Poll - bring your photo ID and VOTE!

Housekeeping notes ... Pushcar Janitorial returning - Welcome to VanHoutte and Morgan Scott!

2011-09-19T12:58:00.004-04:00

BEFORE ...

AND, AFTER ...

Thanks to Pushcar Janitorial Service, ready for another season!

Ron Pushcar, owner of Pushcar Janitorial Service (and, himself, an extreme curling fan!), will be returning as our cleaning provider for the 2011/12 season. He has asked me to remind the members that they should feel free to comment on the cleanliness of the club throughout the season - report any issues to Graham (me) in the office ...

Since 1946, Pushcar Janitorial has been Kingston's Family in Cleaning and they want to get it right!

A new service/product supplier to our club for the upcoming year has a longstanding tie to the Canadian Curling Community. Morgan Scott, a division of R3 Reliable Redistribution Resource, has come on board to provide paper, plastic and cleaning products to our facility. The curling tie is reference to one of Morgan Scott's suppliers, Kruger, who manufacture Scotties tissue products. With the Scotties coming to town in 2013, and considering the brand's longtime association with our sport, the Royal Kingston Curling Club is proud to be affiliated with Morgan Scott.

As part of their support to RKCC, new tissue, soap and paper towel dispensers have been put in place for the upcoming season, including a much needed (and often asked for), additional dispenser for the ladies changeroom ... hope the ladies will be happy with a new wastepaper basket to boot!

Another change for the 2011/12 season will introduce Van Houtte Coffee Services to RKCC. Looking for a way to improve ready-made, hot drink selection, we have signed up with Van Houtte to provide coin-operated service this season. Along with 2 gourmet coffee blends, hot chocolate, and cafe mocha choices,we will now offer a French Vanilla Cappuccino! Of course, hot water on demand remains for all of our dedicated tea drinkers.

The new machine is located where the old one stood, and, although it has more buttons, is easier to operate. If you would like, any bartender on duty would be happy to help you through your first test drive ... just ask.

As always, if you ever have a comment, or concern, about an aspect of the club's service, please bring it to me in the office. If I happen to be unavailable, the Manager's Mailbox is a secure method to leave me a signed note.

There are more upgrades planned for the start of the season, and beyond ... I hope each one will contribute positively to your membership at Royal Kingston.

Good Curling!!

Your ice makers have been busy over the weekend ...

2011-09-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

Here is your 2011/12 ice surface ... short a couple of floods.

The question you might have now is ...

"When can I throw rocks?"

The first session of Open House/Curling Clinic is scheduled for tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 20, from 7-9pm. This will be the first scheduled ice use.

Weather permitting (humidity factor), practice ice will be available during the day Wednesday to Friday, from 2-5pm. If this changes, I will note it on the homepage of the website. There may also be ice time available in the morning ... check back for updates.

If you haven't already dug out your curling gear, better get to it!!

You have to take a look at the transformation of our Wall of Recognition!

2011-09-17T15:52:00.005-04:00

It was a long time coming, but, finally, our hand-crafted, Wall of Recognition is complete!

Originally designed and built by Tim Prue, 130 Days Road Project Coordinator and club member, this display was dedicated to honour those individuals and companies who contributed monetarily to the construction of our new facility. With the remodelling, it will now include some of RKCC's most important historical information ... the names of our Past Presidents and Life Members.

The original Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze donor plaques, have been moved to the top of the display, making room for the eight, textured panels you see installed in the photo above.

The names of our Past Presidents, along with their years of service, and our Life Members, designated by decade inducted, have been engraved for all to see.

While many members have commented that this location might be perfect for displaying a collection of RKCC history, it was the Lounge Committee, led by Betty Bush, that spearheaded the initiative of using the Wall of Recognition as a showcase for the record of Past Presidents and Life Members, leading to the finished product pictured above.

Compiling the list, as complete as it is, took several years and involved the work of numerous, dedicated members (apologies in advance to any whose name I miss mentioning).

One person who played a integral role in the project, was Lefty McDonald, who, in addition to being a Life Member, is also one of a very select few curlers who have been awarded a spot on the RKCC Wall of Fame (located in the main lobby, above the west, trophy case, the Wall of Fame is a MUST VIEW for all guests and members). Lefty sat down at his computer one summer and, aided by a set of RKCC club rosters dating back to the early 1900's, proceeded to create an extensive database indicating "date joined" and "years curled" for every name appearing in the rosters ... all of them! This database was, and continues to be, a very valuable source of club history, and was used to help create and validate the lists appearing on the display.

Wade Tousignant, Dave Bracken and , especially, Betty Bush, have each spent long periods of time researching and confirming names for the list of Life Members and Past Presidents. Phone calls and interviews to/with past members and their families, researching old rosters and archived Sweep articles ... these were just two methods that Wade, Dave and Betty have used to help confirm names for inclusion on the Wall of Recognition. Determining order of terms, years of service, accurate timing for induction, proper spelling of names ... you can't imagine the hours this took! Most recently, in order to determine the full names of some past members, Betty had to get creative with her sleuthing - cemetary records and more.

Finally ready to put the lists to hard copy, Betty Bush took on the task of finding a company to complete the work. Specialty Trophies, owned and operated by Tim Wells, won the job. And, after many font sizes and material samples were tried and tested, Betty and Tim were able to deliver the impressive, final product in time for the start of the 2011/12 season.

With plenty of room for future additions, the history of the Royal Kingston Curling Club already preserved on these panels is an impressive pedigree for the second oldest, curling club in North America; a curling club founded, developed and nurtured by the dedicated volunteer work of countless members.

On your next visit to the club, be sure to give yourself a moment to browse the names listed ... a good number of them are still active in the club today! If given an opportunity, I am sure any one of them would be happy to recollect a story, or two, of games and parties gone by ... pull up a chair!

LAST WEEKEND BEFORE CURLING ... THE ICE IS ALMOST READY!!

2011-09-17T12:41:00.000-04:00

Rod and Terry, have been working since the end of August to prep the the ice shed for water. Above, with a base in place, the entire sheet is painted white, then sealed.

Once the white paint is sealed, the house rings can be added. Where we used to use prefab, rubber mesh units, our ice techs have reverted to hand-painted houses ... the look and accuracy of hand-painted rings is more dramatic.

And finally, before the top floods are added to create your curling surface, Rod and Terry (with help this year from Gerry) will add all the lines and advertising.

And that, curlers, is where we stand today!! Between now and Tuesday evening, when the first clinic kicks off at 7pm, many thin floods will be added to reach our playing thickness.

And then ... off we go!

Here's to a great year ... Good Curling!!

Office Hours for August 1-5 ... and, a little something for my wife, Christine!

2011-07-29T11:25:00.000-04:00

The cartoons above are some of my favourites ... although, I don't intend to ever fit the stereotype.

Each day of marriage has felt like warm smiles and tight hugs from my best friend ...

August 5, 2008-2011 ...

HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY, my Love!!

The other reason for this post ...

I will be away from the office for the week of August 1-5, and will return Monday, August 8, at 9am.

During this time, the office hours will be abbreviated to:

Tuesday, August 2: 9am - 1pm
Wednesday, August 3: 9am - 4:30pm
Friday, August 5: 10am - 2pm

Outside of these hours, Gerry Buist will be be available to assist you with any inquiries/requests.

For emergencies, I will be available (my number is posted on the club door, and can be found in the online roster).

2011-07-08T08:12:00.000-04:00

I will be away from the office for the week of July 11-15, and will return Monday, July 18, at 9am.

During this time, the office hours will be abbreviated to:

Tuesday, July 12: 9am - 1pm
Wednesday, July 13: 10am - 2pm
Friday, July 15: 9am - 4pm

Outside of these hours, Gerry Buist will be be available to assist you with any inquiries/requests.

For emergencies, aside from my shellphone, I will be available (my number is posted on the club door, and can be found in the online roster).

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

2011-06-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

The office will be closed on Friday, July 1, for the Canada Day holiday.

Regular office hours will resume on Monday, July 4.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Office hours for the week of June 20-24, 2011

2011-06-17T14:15:00.005-04:00

I will be away from the office for the week of June 20-24, and will return Monday, June 27, at 9am. During that time, the facility will be monitored, but effective office hours will be:

Monday, June 20 9am - 1pm

Tuesday, June 21 noon - 4:30pm

Friday, June 24 9am - 1pm

Outside of these hours, I will be available for emergency contact (my number is posted on the club door, and can be found in the online roster).

Don't let the empty parking lot fool you ...

2011-05-26T11:30:00.003-04:00

During the summer months, the office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm - drop by to view the club, ask questions or shop at the proshop (yes, we keep stock available through the summer!).

If you don't see my car in the lot, don't drive away ... I often walk to work and leave the car at home.

When I do take vacation, I will post an abbreviated office schedule on the website, and display the info on the front door to the facility.

Enjoy the sun ... I have it on good authority, that excellent weather is just around the corner!

Buying tickets to the BDO Grand Slam of Curling event in Kingston?

2011-03-17T14:45:00.007-04:00

Well if you are, GREAT news!!! The event organizers have provided the local clubs with an amazing incentive ... RKCC will earn cash for every person who purchases a ticket package by using our special code - "ROYAL".

For each and every full ticket package sold through our promo code, RKCC will receive $10 in cash!!

Members - past members - their families - friends - friends of friends - ANYONE LOOKING TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT - you can help support RKCC by using the ROYAL code. Whether by phone, online or in person, simply advise the ticket agent of our code before ordering/paying.

And, for those members who may have purchased their packages before this incentive had been advertised ... even MORE great news!!! The organizers have agreed to include your purchase after the fact!

If you purchased tickets without using our promo code, simply send the following info to me in the office:

your seat info (section(s) and number(s))
method of payment (if debit or credit, we don't need any specific card numbers)
name used to purchase the tickets

Best method would be by email - admin@royalkingston.com

Please take advantage of this promo if you, or anyone you know, is planning to purchase tickets.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me in the office.

GOOD CURLING and SEE YOU AT THE K-ROCK!!!!

Reminder about the club's accessible parking spaces.

2011-03-17T14:25:00.004-04:00

With the snow almost gone, our 5 accessible parking spots are more readily visible. For those who may have been parking here without the proper permit, please note the designated spaces pictured above (these are the first 5 stalls to the east of our main entrance).

Stand alone signs have been created and will soon be installed.

Thank you for helping insure that our building is 100% accessible!

Kingston will host the 2011 BDO Canadian Open - a Grand Slam of Curling event!!!

2011-03-03T12:47:00.015-05:00

Hear Ye, Hear Ye ... Hurry HAAAARD!!

I have just returned from the press conference, held this morning at Market Square, officialling announcing that Kingston will play host to the 2011 BDO Canadian Open - a Capital One Grand Slam event ... and I am sure I don't need to tell you, this is REALLY exciting!!!

(the official press release can be viewed here)

Get ready, because tickets go on sale starting Friday, March 11 @ 10am ... and they should go fast!!

With teams like Martin - Howard - Stoughton - Koe - Gushue - Middaugh - McEwen and more ... there will never been a better chance to watch some of the best curlers in the world - live!!

To purchase tickets, visit K-RockCentre.com, charge by phone at 1-877-554-8399, or visit the venue box office at 1 Barrack St.

The Whig Standard Bonspiel is looking for a few, new teams - here's your chance!!!

2011-01-05T11:42:00.009-05:00

For those of you who have been waiting for a chance to gain an entry to RKCC's famous, Whig Standard Bonspiel ... here's your chance!!

Inaugural winners of the Whig trophy, played at RKCC in 1933.

Although it is short notice, the convenors do have a limited number of spaces for this year's event. The 78th edition of this bonspiel is set to run January 27,28 and 29, and there are a couple of starting schedules to choose from (see flyer/entry here). But, they will go quickly - if you are interested, don't delay!

Cutoff for entries is 9am, Wednesday, January 12.

Contact Gord Abson - email: gabson@cogeco.ca phone: 613-389-0834, or myself, Graham Weatherby - email: admin@royalkingston.com phone: 613-546-2243, for more info.

Players wait years to get into the Whig ... don't miss this chance to become part of one of the longest running, competitive, men's bonspiels in Ontario!!

Good Curling - See you on the ice!

Welcome to our new sheet sponsor - Chiropractic Matters - Dr.Deborah Berry and Dr.Jacki White

2011-01-03T13:22:00.003-05:00

When you arrive at the club for your first game of 2011, please take notice that sheet 5 has once again found a sponsor - Chiropractic Matters. Located in Kingston at 1343 Princess Street, the practice is owned and operated by Dr. Deborah Berry and Dr. Jacki White, and is presently welcoming new clients - click this link to visit their website.

Dr. Deborah Berry is the daughter of longtime RKCC members Anne & John Berry, who I am sure had a hand in convincing Chiropractic Matters to invest in advertising at our club. Let's show them that we appreciate the support by considering their practice for your chiropractic needs. When you do visit or consult their clinic, be sure to mention that you are a member of RKCC - help convince them that their advertising dollar has been well spent!

If you are a company that would like to advertise at our club, please contact me in the office. We are always looking for additions to our family of sponsors.

Happy New Year and Good Curling for 2011!!

Christmas and Holiday hours of operation at RKCC

2010-12-23T12:01:00.003-05:00

With the conclusion of Men's Club curling on Thursday night, the club will be closed until Monday, January 3, 2011. Major ice maintenance is scheduled during that time, so there will be no open ice opportunities this holiday season. Next year, a proposed Family Day is being considered, along with the possible return of Battle of the Sexes (if a convenor can be found!!).

The proshop will be open today, Thursday, until 9pm for all your last minute gift needs - see previous posts for some great ideas!!!

From the staff at RKCC, a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

See you on the ice in 2011!!

ICE HALOS ARE BACK IN THE ROYAL KINGSTON CURLING CLUB PROSHOP, JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

2010-12-14T10:57:00.006-05:00

A new order of Ice Halos has arrived and are now available for purchase in the Royal Kingston Curling Club proshop.

If you have never seen or heard of the Ice Halo before, click here for a previous post on the item.

And, if you are still looking for Christmas ideas for that curler in your family, here is a list of items on sale now:

brooms
broomheads
Asham Ultra Lite Competitor - Men's and Women's Rotator shoes
Grippers
Arrow delivery crutches
Extender Scope delivery sticks
Women of Curling 2011 Calendar

Questions about these, or any other proshop merchandise? Contact me in the office, I would be glad to give you answers.

Happy Holidays!!

New card tables for a growing RKCC section ... Social Members!

2010-11-29T14:01:00.007-05:00

The Royal Kingston Curling Club has more to offer than just curling ... how about a warm lunch and good game of cards?

(pictured here at one of our new tables, purchased from our friends at St.Lawrence Pools, are, clockwise from bottom left: Gloria Morrill, Rita Kuhnke, Carol Knowles and Norma Burns)

Recently, RKCC invested in 6 new card tables, specifically for use by one of our fastest growing sections ... Social Members! For several years now, Diane Labrie, along with help from a number of other RKCC members, has been organizing a Monday afternoon card league, where any interested member (Social and/or Active Curlers) can play Bridge or Euchre. Players arrive by 1pm, and move between tables until 3:30 or 4pm.

The only prerequisite is that you be an RKCC member. For those not interested in curling (info on this type of membership is available on our website), a Social membership at RKCC entitles you to all the facility privileges except for ice access, and is only $54 for the season. Interested in joining now? Then let us prorate the fee and you can start right away. Dues for the second half of 2010/11, would amount to only $32.40.

Hot lunches are served daily, and cost no more than $5.50 ... come early, enjoy some good food with friends and settle in for an afternoon of cards!

And, as of Thursday, January 13, there will be a second day of cards at the club!!! The same format will apply - euchre or bridge will be played and tables will be assigned on a first come-first served basis. Start time will remain 1pm. All existing players are welcome to add the Thursday timeslot to their agendas.

Hope to see you and your friends at the club - Shuffle up and deal!!

GREY CUP PARTY UPDATE ...

2010-11-26T14:27:00.004-05:00

Slight change of plans ...

The Royal Kingston Curling Club is still going to be welcoming members and guests out for the Grey Cup this Sunday, November 28th, but there will be no charge!!

Chili will be served for $4/bowl.

Get out to the club and watch the game with friends!!

Also, the Learn to Curl program is running from 7-9pm ... great way to get started in the sport!

See you at the club

Remember the old Wall of Fame? It can be yours ...

2010-11-26T12:23:00.004-05:00

A number of deals to reuse/sell the old Wall of Fame structure have fallen through, and now it is up for sale to anyone who may be interested.

Here is the link to the kijiji site that hosts the ad ... please contact the office if you are interested.

But, remember, first come - first serve ... don't wait!

Christmas presents for curlers in Kingston, Ontario ...

2010-11-25T10:25:00.008-05:00

Members and non-members alike, the RKCC proshop has a number of great items for that curler in your family.

Everyone can use a new broom head! And, there are a limited number of Support our Troops and Breast Cancer Awareness performance pads available now. Great stocking stuffers!!

Or, perhaps you are looking for more than a replacement head? There is no better time to be shopping for a new broom! The RKCC proshop has a wide variety of styles and colours to suit any curler's game.

For the beginner, a basic Fibreglass broom with Performance head, can be purchased in a variety of colours for only $64.95+tax. For the competitive sweeper, someone who demands a lighter and stronger shaft, we offer several Carbonfibre options, which range in price from $99.95 - $169.95. Included in the Carbonfibre choices, are the two brooms displayed in the picture above - Team Canada Olympic brooms from Vancouver 2010. RKCC member Emil Lindt, is pictured holding the retail version of the brooms that Team Bernard and Team Martin used to sweep their way to medals. And, the Team Martin broom is individually numbered out of 300 to commemorate their Gold Medal - only 300 were made for distribution in the world, and we have two left!

If brooms and broom heads are not exactly what you had in mind, we always have a range of other curling necessities in stock, ready to purchase. Shoes, stopwatches, gloves, curling bags, mitts, club pins ... drop by for a look!!

Gift certificates are available.

And, for club members, don't forget about Bar Bucks!!

With lunches served Monday thru Thursday, Bar Bucks come in handy for not only drinks, but food as well!! Another GREAT stocking stuffer idea.

When you are ready to shop, come on down to the Proshop at RKCC and let us help you put a gift under the tree that will put a big smile on the face of the curler in your family!!!

Happy Holidays!

Just in time for Christmas ... The Women of Curling 2011 Calendar!

2010-11-24T16:19:00.002-05:00

Available now in the Proshop, this year's Women of Curling calendar features very tasteful photos of some of the sport's best women curlers, lending their support to a very worthwhile charity - Shoot for a Cure / Spinal Cure Research.

Suggested retail is $29.95+hst, but a limited number are available for just $24.95+hst ... don't wait, there are only 15 copies for sale!

TEAMS NEEDED for 3rd Annual Curl for a Cure Bonspiel - 100% of funds raised going to Camp Trillium!!

2010-11-17T12:28:00.004-05:00

To all Kingston area curlers ... the 3rd Annual Curl for a Cure Bonspiel is scheduled for November 27 at RKCC, and the convenor, Ken Cross, is looking for additional teams.

The bonspiel is made up of 3 - 6 end games,with 2 draws starting at 8am and 9:30am.

Breakfast will be donated by Tim Horton's and lunch is being donated by Findlay Foods (salads and fresh chicken breast for the BBQ), and Mino's Village (rice).

The bonspiel is Open, meaning the teams may consist of any combination of Women, Men or Students - all are welcome. Never curled before? No problem, delivery sticks will be available to make participating easier - you can participate without having to get down into the hacks ... much friendlier on the body!

Each curler will receive a prize with a value of $25-$30, and there are many silent auction items to bid on.

The cost of entry is $75/person.

Please come out and support this event. 100% of the proceeds will be given to Camp Trillium - the Childhood Cancer Camp. This year, the camp will not receive funding from the Canadian Cancer Society, which totalled $350,000 last year, so this year's curling event is ever more important - please help keep this camp funded.

To register, you may contact Ken Cross directly at kcross8@slh.ca , or leave your information with me in the office and I will forward it for you.

See you on the ice!!

For the first time at RKCC ... sponsor hosted Beer Dinner!

2010-09-17T11:24:00.007-04:00

In an effort to enhance the social calendar at our club, I have worked out the details for the first ever RKCC Beer Dinner!

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 27th, from 7 to 9pm, and will feature a menu prepared by one of our club sponsors, The Loyal Oarsman. A 4 course meal will be served, each course accompanied by a different sampling of Labatt's beer, chosen specifically for the characteristics of the beverage. The professionals from Labatt's will be on hand to talk shop - explaining the nuances of beer brewing ... why certain foods and beers compliment each other.

Everyone one is invited to attend, tickets are available in the office and at the bar - $40 a person.

If well received, similar events will be considered for later in the season. Questions? Contact me in the office.

Cheers and Good Curling!!

Still time to join our Swing and Sweep ... or, come on down to the club for just the Fish Fry!!!

2010-09-16T08:26:00.006-04:00

The best of both sports ... Golf and Curling - Swing and Sweep!

It is not too late to sign up for the Royal Kingston Curling Club's 2nd Annual Swing and Sweep Spiel. It's scheduled for Saturday, September 25: 9 holes of golf at the Landings and 1, 4-end curling game. The entry form can be accessed here. Simply forward it to the club by Monday, September 20th - that leaves you this weekend to convince your teammates and register your foursome.

Overheard excuses for not being able to participate:

"I can't find an entire foursome" - No problem, we have plenty of participants looking for teams - let us pair you up.

"I don't golf" - This is a trick quote - no person has ever uttered these words, so it's a non issue :o)

"I don't golf well" - No problem, it is a team event - let your skip carry you on the course, as you do for her/him all season on the ice!!

"I am busy that day" - Given that this might be the only legitimate reason for not having signed up, the organizing committee has a compromise to offer ...

Skip the sports and go right to the

Tickets for just the Fish Fry are available!!!

All participants will be treated to our own George Gratton's World Renowned Fish Fry, but you can get a belly full for just $10. The Fish Fry is open to anyone - that means family, friends, neighbours: anyone you want to show the club off to!

For tickets to just the Fish Fry, please notify the office, preferably by email, before Wednesday, September 22.

Confirm your tickets to the fish fry now ...

we need to know how many to catch!!!

RKCC at the City Of Kingston Fall & Leisure Show

2010-09-14T09:17:00.009-04:00

The Portsmouth Olympic Harbour hosted this year's Fall & Leisure Showcase, and we were there with ... curling rock hats on?! Teresa Gibson was kind enough to donate her morning to meeting and greeting prospective members, of which there were a very healthy number. Our booth offered membership information, a photo slideshow of the club and a "Win this broom" contest (more on that below). The curling inquiries came from couples looking to find a weekly, social activity together, school students who had previously visited the facility with their class and wanted to take lessons, new arrivals to Kingston who were looking to get back into the sport and from seniors who had heard about stick curling and wanted to investigate it further. All in all, a wonderful day of conversation - I am certain we will see some new faces at our club this year!

In case you were wondering what that thing on my head was, worn correctly, it's a curling rock hat. I imagined it would be a nice prop, so I wore it at the show. Problem with wearing any hat ... hat head! This condition prevented me from removing my rock hat later in the day when I walked up the Timmy's at Mowat and King St. West. Standing in line for coffee, the guy in the curling rock hat was approached by several people, including the store's assistant manager, who had inquiries about the sport and our facility. In fact, the women in line behind me decided she had to have one for her relatives in Ottawa!

... I always enjoy talking about the sport :o)

As mentioned, we had a raffle for a new broom. From the 60 or so ballots entered, a winning ticket was selected at the conclusion of the show (it was not required to be present for the draw).

Congratulations to ... DEANNA KNIGHT!!!

Thanks to the team of city employees who helped organize this showcase. The Royal Kingston Curling Club will happily return next year.

ICE IS IN ...

2010-09-14T08:07:00.005-04:00

While some of you are still on the golf course, those of us at the club have been bundling up for work in the ice shed. After creating a base, the painters take over and apply a coating of white to the entire surface ... had you ever even thought that the colour of the rink was painted?

After the ice has been painted white, the houses are scribed and painted by hand. Finally, the hogs and dividing lines are added and the entire surface sealed. Then, as Terry demonstrates above, thin layers of water are applied to protect the seal.

The final result is what you expect to see each year ... sharp, accurate RKCC curling ice!

Thanks to our painters for a job well done, and special thanks to Rod Leeder, Terry Barker and Mickey Smith, for the hours and hours spent installing this season's surface. With additional floods, scrapes and time to set, the rink will be ready for the free curling clinics on September 21 and 22, scheduled for 7-9pm.

Will there be practice time? Weather permitting, there may be practice time during the day starting on September 21 - please check the website for updates. And remember, league play begins on Monday, September 27.

Good Curling for 2010/11!!

Membership applications are up, mail outs are on the way!

2010-08-16T14:59:00.003-04:00

And the 2010/11 season is off and running ...

The membership applications for curling this season at the Royal Kingston Curling Club, are now up and available for download. In fact, 4 members have already completed their applications ... and one has paid in full (thanks, Barry)!!

Those who rely on paper copies in the mail, should receive them later this week - pass the word.

If you have already taken a look at this year's forms, you should have discovered how easy it is to enter your data. Our web helper, Teresa Wilson, created a template to allow typed info to be printed from your printer - no more handwritting to decipher in the office - and submitted to the office. And, as 5 members have now discovered (while typing this, Mike Parks' application just arrived by this method) ... emailing them to the office also works.

At this time, there is no plan to take payments online, so you still have to submit payment by one of the following methods:

cheque

debit

cash

While credit cards are accepted for Bar, Proshop and Rental transactions, they are not accepted for club dues. Since the revenue generated from yearly dues is budgeted so tightly, giving the banks a cut off the top to process the transactions (1.5-2%) adds up too quickly ... we hope the members will continue to understand and appreciate this policy.

Much more to come ... keep checking back to the blog for updates.

Good Curling!!!

Don't get mad at me, given that it is still so sunny and warm, but ...

2010-08-12T14:30:00.006-04:00

WAKE UP, CURLERS ... the 2010 Cards of Intent will be available beginning Monday, August 16 ... time to start thinking about getting back on the ice!!!

Yes, I know it seems like just last night that Ron Cameron and his team were capping off a impressive, late end comeback to win the Men's Club Championship. And, I am sure that it was only a day or two ago that Betty Bush and her Evening Ladies team, beat Betty Bush and her Day Ladies team, for the Carrie Cole Trophy(for those of you who are not members of RKCC, and have never seen a skip play against themselves, you are really missing out!!!).

But, the calendar doesn't lie ... the 2010/11 season is about to start gearing up.

Starting Monday, August 16, membership applications/card of intents will be available to all returning members, as well as to any new applicants looking to join the Royal Kingston Curling Club. The process is simple ... visit the RKCC website (here) and click on the link provided, to access, complete and download for printing, this year's membership application.

Once completed, mail them, or drop them off at the club ... which ever works for you. Also, you may scan and email the completed paperwork if that is easier. No matter how they arrive, each will be date stamped in the office and directed to the appropriate section.

REMEMBER - there are a few leagues where the timing of your return is important (i.e. Men's Flight). To help insure that you team is considered in a timely manner, complete your application early and get it into the club.

For those returning members who have not supplied the club with an active email address, we will mail their packages to them.

Copies of the member application will also be available in the office - please drop by the club if the above options somehow do not work for you. Office hours remain Monday to Friday, 9am - 4:30pm.

As I mentioned at the beginning, don't be mad at me for starting the ball rolling in this weather ... I, myself, plan on spending many more nights enjoying the summer, walking the paths at Lemoine's Point with my wife. But, soon enough, the curling bug will again bite us all, and we'll each scratch that pleasant, familiar itch, well into April ...

GOOD CURLING!!

Updated hours of operation for the office - July and August.

2010-06-25T11:47:00.005-04:00

The summer has been flying by - I hope everyone is enjoying the off-season!

There are so many interesting tidbits to discuss, most involving the very busy, summer calendar at the club. However, this entry is going to be short and sweet - the facility updates will soon follow.

I will be out of the office for a number of vacation periods this summer and, while some of the days will have abbreviated hours, there will be some dates when the office is closed.

CLOSED entirely:

Thursday, July 1
Friday, July 2
Wednesday, July 7
Monday, July 12
Monday, July 19
Wednesday, July 21
Friday, July 23
Monday, August 2
Wednesday, August 4
Friday, August 6

ABBREVIATED HOURS:

Tuesday, July 20 - open from 8:30am to 12:30pm
Friday, July 23 - open from noon - midnight
Tuesday, August 3 - open from 8:30am to 12:30pm
Thursday, August 5 - open from 9am - 1pm

Check back in the near future for updates to the summer operations.

Enjoy the summer break!

JUST ADDED ... 1 more Learn to Curl session - Sunday, April 18

2010-04-06T15:38:00.002-04:00

Thanks to some RKCC calendar changes, we are VERY excited to be offering 1 additional Learn to Curl session this year ... Sunday, April 18, from 7-9pm!!!!

Therefore, anyone interested in Learning to Curl this season has 2 opportunities left:

Sunday, April 11
Sunday, April 18

For more info about our Learn to Curl, please see this previous post.

If you have any questions, please contact the office ... Good Curling!!

2010-04-01T15:33:00.005-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Please note, the club will be closed Friday and Sunday.

However, there will be open ice for members on Saturday, from 11 - 4. There is a 2-sheet rental scheduled, but the remaining 4 sheets are available for members to get a headstart on working off the delicious, chocolate bunnies that we are all going to treat on!!!!!

The club will be open for regular hours, starting Monday morning.

On a related note ... to my wife, Christine ... Honey, all I want for Easter are some of THIS bunny's chocolate eggs!!!!

You tell me ... did the Evening Ladies have fun at their year-end spiel?!?

2010-03-30T16:16:00.006-04:00

Upon arriving for the Evening Ladies Closing Bonspiel, held March 27, curlers were treated to a tasty morning buffet. Pictured fueling up for her balloon animal act, Linda Lott wants other spiel convenors to know that she is for hire!

Great prizes ... everyone left with something!

And, our very own ice maker, Rod Leeder, got in on the fun!

Ah, the dreaded "blow the peanut across the floor" contest ... followed by some sort of 2-person, balloon passing/breaking endeavour - the pictures of which, I could not post :o)

Here, Lynda Therien and Leanne Baker (dressed as leopards) threaten the camera person for taking photographic evidence of what Betty Bush was coordinating ... I am still not certain of all the details?

... so, do you think they had fun?

From the looks on the faces of convenors Joanne Miller, Betty Bush and Linda Lott,

... I'd say so!

Have a great summer and we hope to see everyone back next year!!!

Thanks to Robert J. Reid & Sons for their generous support of the Super Senior Bonspiel!!

2010-03-30T14:44:00.006-04:00

Held on March 26, the annual RKCC Super Senior Bonspiel was another smashing success! Drawing teams from all over Eastern Ontario, the 24 rink event has grown over the years to where it now has a very healthy waiting list. Convenor, RKCC member Steve Quinn, attributes the success of the bonspiel to three, important ingredients:

an amazing volunteer team, captained by RKCC members Bill Duffe and Jim Lesley

a very generous title sponsor - Robert J. Reid and Sons Funeral Home

the ever popular prize table of fresh meat product, supplied by Quinn's Meats of Yarker, ON

These ingredients combine to help insure that all those in attendance go home happy, and full of food!!

Pictured above, at the sponsorship presentation ceremony (l-r): Gord Smith (Robert J. Reid employee and RKCC member), Warren Powell (Funeral Pre-Planning Director for Robert J. Reid) and Steve Quinn (convenor and RKCC member).

Congratulations to this year's winning team ... the Day rink, playing out of the Perth Curling Club. Above, Warren Powell presents the Robert J. Reid & Sons trophy to team members (not necessarily in photo order) John Hewitt (lead), Dave Crook (second), Brian Brose (vice) and Bob Day (skip).

Interested in acquiring an entry to this, or any other of RKCC's annual bonspiels? Please contact me in the office and I will be sure to pass your name on to the appropriate convenor! For a list of yearly events at our club, visit our website and click on the Bonspiels tab.

Until we see you on the ice again at RKCC ... Good Curling!

Former RKCC members win CIS/CCA University Curling Championships!

2010-03-25T15:26:00.005-04:00

front l-r: Jon Beuk (skip), Andrew Inouye (vice), Chadd Vandermade (second) and Scott Chadwick (lead)

back: Dick Henderson (coach)

The Queen's men's curling team, former members of RKCC, have been crowned Canadian Champions. They defeated the PEI rink 7-6 in the finals, and have earned the right to represent Canada at the Winter Universiade in 2011 ... which will take place in Erzurum, Turkey!!

Two issues:

... they curl in Turkey?

Knowing Jon, and his challenge to wake up and get somewhere on time ... how bad is it going to be losing 7 time zones on the trip there?

Congratulations to the Queen's Men ... Good Curling next year!!

You can check out the full story on the OCA website here.

RKCC Mixed teams playing at Regionals this weekend ... Tosh and Parafianowicz rinks!

2010-03-25T12:05:00.006-04:00

The Mixed and Senior Mixed Regionals are being played this weekend in Smith Falls, and RKCC has two teams in the hunt!

In the Mixed competition, a new member to RKCC this year will be skipping a TEAM of new members ... all 4 players are enjoying their first season with RKCC!!

Lucas Parafianowicz came to our club this season from Nova Scotia, and has wasted no time in finding teammates for a possible Provincial Championship run. Interesting fact is, his entire team is made up of new RKCC members: Lucas (skip), Heather McMillan (vice), Rick Lyman (second) and Cathy Lyman (lead). Looks like our membership drives are working!!

In Senior Mixed competition, the "opposite of a new member" has once again qualified a team for Regional competition.

Alex Tosh (with a competitive curling resume as long as any in the area) captured the Senior Mixed zone title with his team of 3 other longtime, RKCC members: Alex (skip), Carole Rivington (vice), Randy Neal (second) and Nancy Tosh (lead). While the Parafianowicz team has less than 4 years of RKCC experience under their belts, the Tosh rink has a combined total of 75+ years of membership at RKCC!!

What a great weekend for RKCC ... you couldn't think up a better scenario for demonstrating the diversified membership of our club.

It all takes place this weekend at the Smith Falls Curling Club, which isn't so far away that you couldn't head up for the day to spectate. The Tosh rink will go on the ice for their first game Saturday at 9am, and the Parafianowicz rink slides off Saturday at 1pm. Follow along with updates from the OCA website.

Good Curling to both of these fine teams!!

The Grandmother's and Great Aunt Spiel ... not your average black-tie affair!

2010-03-24T15:04:00.005-04:00

And you thought Team Norway was flashy?

Try sliding out of the hack in one of these team uniforms!!!

This year's annual Grandmother's and Great Aunt Bonspiel featured a very elegant fashion show, where the models were chosen from the crowd at random. Much thanks to the good sports pictured above for their participation ... it was one of the highlights of the day!!

To the convenors, Claire Dominik and Marilyn Bellringer, and their vast team of volunteers, a BIG thanks for a job well done! I won't dare try to add individual names, since I would definitely not be able to record accurately all of those who contributed to the smooth operation of the bonspiel.

To the curlers, I hope that you enjoyed yourselves and that you find the time in your schedule to return next year!

And, to those ladies who shopped in the proshop ... tell your friends :o)

Updates will be posted on the winners of the spiel, once the draws are finished.

Good Curling!

Date set for this year's CITY CURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS ... and RKCC will play host!!

2010-03-24T09:24:00.002-04:00

Have you spent a good deal of time these past few months at home, in your favourite chair, watching curling on TV? Olympics, Scotties, Brier, Worlds ... it has been non-stop. But, soon the season will be over and we will all have to wait until next year to watch a good, competitive game ... unless, you get out of that chair and get on over to the Royal Kingston Curling Club on April 18th, for the 2010 City Curling Championships!

At the end of each curling season, the 3 Kingston curling clubs, Garrison G&CC, Cataraqui G&CC and the Royal Kingston CC, send represenatitves to compete in the City Championships. Each club will send their Junior, Men's (club and flight), Women's (club and flight) and Mixed champions to play off for the City title. The draws are generally scheduled for 9am, 11:30am and 2pm, but this year's draw is not yet confirmed ... check back to our club website sometime this week for an update.

Spectators are welcome and the general public is encouraged to attend!

There is no admission charge, and soup and sandwiches will be available for purchase.

So, please, mark the 18th on your calendar, round up all of the curling fans you know, and come let the Royal Kingston Curling Club treat you to a day of excellent curling.

See you at the club!

We'll find time if you, your family or guests, still want to curl ...

2010-03-22T10:24:00.003-04:00

With the season winding down, it becomes harder to get all interested parties on the ice. Our best, and most popular, option, Learn to Curl, has only 1 session left ... April 11, from 7-9pm. For those who can't schedule that evening to attend, we still have some options ... if you have some flexibility.

As was the case this past weekend, Sunday mornings can afford an extra draw of ice time. I was on hand to open the building up from 9-11am to accomodate a number of groups that wanted to try the sport. One sheet had a Mom and Dad out with the kids - the family had watched the Olympics on TV and decided that it looked like fun! Another sheet, had some curlers from Napanee who, because of their ice being lost for the season, needed to reschedule a friendly "Family Grudge Match" before everyone headed back to their homes in various cities. And the other two sheets ... non-member requests I had taken during the week and was able to steer to the Sunday morning. Not only did the club make 30 people very happy (especially the group from Napanee), but, with a bit of extra effort and a couple hours of my time, we were able to produce 6.5 hours of ice rental revenue.

It has always been my philosophy to say "yes" when asked, "Is there any ice time available to try curling?" If you are flexible, I can find some time that will work!

Good Curling!

GIRL'S NIGHT OUT A BIG SUCCESS ...

2010-03-18T16:33:00.003-04:00

The Girl's Night Out curling social was a BIG success ... thank you to all who participated!

We hosted a whopping 30 new curlers!!! Hopefully, enough of them caught the bug and will return to the ice next year. If you did attend and would like to be notified when the 2010/11 membership packages are available, please email the office with your contact info ... I will look after the rest.

A very special Thank You to the organizers and volunteer instructors that made the night a huge success ... RKCC women certainly know how to welcome newbies to the sport!

Interested in a bit more ice time before the end of this season? Check out the Learn to Curl program here ... there is one session left!

Hope to see everyone back next year ... Good Curling!!!

Now is the time to book our lounge for your summer event!

2010-03-17T13:07:00.004-04:00

Do you need a hall to host one of the following?

Wedding reception
Jack and Jill
Anniversary party
Reunion
Graduation
Sports banquet
Fundraiser

If so, contact us at your first opportunity ... summer dates are going FAST!

The Royal Kingston Curling Club has one of the most welcoming and well amenitied rental halls in the Kingston area - please see here for specific information, hall photos and price list.

While we open to members and non-members alike, there is a rental discount for RKCC curlers. As a member, we want you to feel that your club appreciates your contribution year after year. Along with a price break, your membership also entitles you to several other conveniences when booking ... please contact the office to help sort out the details of your event!!

For anyone with questions about the RKCC facility, please contact the office. I would be happy to arrange a guided tour.

See you at the club!

Mixed Closing Bonspiel is cancelled ...

2010-03-17T11:53:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, due to insufficient interest, the Mixed Closing Bonspiel planned for this Saturday, has been cancelled.

Thank you to the teams and individuals that signed up, but the Social Committee needed a minimum number to make the event work, and entries fell considerably short.

For the future, the committee is already considering ways to revive the event ... reschedule the date to not conflict with the March Break, new format/theme options ... look for updates in the future.

Meanwhile, if you have any ideas about how to enhance this once very prestigious event, please contact the office with your thoughts:

Manager's mailbox
admin@royalkingston.com

Good Curling!

Learn to Curl program thriving ... only 1 opportunity left for this season!

2010-03-15T11:16:00.012-04:00

What do curling clubs do when someone phones their facility and says, " I was watching curling on television the other day and thought that it might be fun to try ... do you give lessons? ". Some clubs may not have the resources to offer an option, but at the Royal Kingston Curling club, we have Learn to Curl - more info here!

Throughout my years with RKCC (since February of 1990) I have been more than happy to tackle the above question! Because, even before Learn to Curl, it was obvious that non-curlers needed/wanted instruction at different times through the year - not being members, many had no idea that we were such a busy facility, with so many curlers. So, I have worked hard to make sure that RKCC always answered with a "let's put your party on ice!" It wasn't always easy, finding holes in our busy schedule was sometimes a bit of a challenge, but, more often than not, there was time. I can remember personally teaching a group lesson on Boxing Day at the old club because that worked for the family involved. It was impossible to know when the opportunity to introduce non-curlers to our great sport would present itself, you just needed to say yes when it did! However, after a while, it became too difficult to improvise all the time ... there needed to be a regularly scheduled opportunity to more conveniently educate and instruct people, whenever the urge struck. That was when Learn to Curl was born.

Originally scheduled for Thursday nights, Learn to Curl found a more permanent time slot two years ago, when it moved to Sundays at 7pm. Designed to educate first time curlers, our provincially trained instructors are always happy to assist any level of curler fine tune their game. For RKCC members, the session is free. For guests, the 2 hour lesson costs $12.

With such a well designed, regularly scheduled program now in place, I have made it unofficial policy to ask all groups who are interested in renting ice at our club, to attend at least one Learn to Curl session prior to their rental. Even if only a few individuals from the group manage to take the lesson, it should help to insure that guests curl safely, while showing respect for our ice and equipment. In the second half of this season, the policy has proven to be quite successful, with larger groups booking Sunday visits. In the last two weeks alone, our instructors have taught almost 110 people!! These are much higher than normal numbers, increased interest generated from the Olympics has inflated attendance, but our volunteers made due. And now, thanks to their efforts, we have another 110 potential new members, who are also sufficiently trained to rent ice time at RKCC!

Very special thanks to Kevan Welch (coordinator, coach and OCA Junior Rep) ... Judy Russell and John MacMillan (long time, volunteer instructors, who have given countless hours of their time to this program) ... Kaitlyn Welch and Dennis Faubert (volunteer instructors) ... Dwight Farrell and Steve Lloyd (on call, volunteer instructors). Without these individuals, the Learn to Curl would not be possible ...

Thank you for donating your valuable time, to the club!

Now, the bad news is ... there is only 1 session left! April 11, is the last date for Learn to Curl this season. After this, your next opportunity for instruction will be in September, just prior to the start of our 2010/11 season (check back to our website later in the summer for more info).

So, if you watched the Olympics and thought "I think I'd like to try that sport", now is the time - grab your friends and family, get over to the Royal Kingston Curling Club ... and let's put your party on the ice!

Good Curling!

One day belated, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ...

2010-03-13T09:48:00.009-05:00

To our Ice Maker ...

ROD LEEDER!!

Thanks for the great year, Rod!

Anyone wishing to calculate out how old Rod is, here's the trivia: In December of the the year Rod was born, John Diefenbaker was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.

* if you have a birthday, anniversary, baby, or important announcement you would like to see posted, simply send the publishable information to the office. You can deposit it into the Manager's mailbox, or email it to admin@royalkingston.com .

Mark your calendars - RKCC AGM on April 11

2010-03-12T16:16:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder to all members ... the 198th Annual General Meeting for the Royal Kingston Curling Club, is scheduled for April 11, beginning at 3pm in the lounge.

All members are encouraged to attend ... there is absolutely no better way to find out what is going on with your club!

It has been a wonderful year! We have been treated to, what I believe, is the best curling ice in this part of Ontario. And, the bar staff have worked hard to provide a high level of consistent service, every day and night. All in all ... I feel that we have really hit our stride at RKCC ... but, we can still improve! That is why it is so important for members to be a part of the AGM.

Your Board has developed some solid concepts for the future of your club and now is your chance to contribute. By taking the time to attend the meeting, you can have:

your voice heard
your ideas considered
your questions answered

Turnout for the AGM has never been as high as we would like it to be. This year, please try to find the time to take part. The best chance we have at improving the club for all members, is to have representation/input from more members ...

Hope to see you at the club on April 11!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ...

2010-03-11T15:16:00.005-05:00

... TONY BUSH !!!

Best Wishes from the "one who let it slip", and all the staff at RKCC.

*if you have a birthday wish you would like posted, simply send the publishable details to the office: Manager's mailbox or mail it to admin@royalkingston.com

If you see issues around the building, items that need repair or attention ...

2010-03-11T13:32:00.002-05:00

... please take the time to report the particulars to any staff member.

Although most issues are obvious to staff members, or myself, sometimes they can go undetected for a period of time. To avoid accumulating eyesores, take a moment to notify a staff member:

in person (bar, ice or office)
in writing (Manager's mailbox outside of the office roll-up)
by email (in case you remember after you have left for the night - admin@royalkingston.com)

This facility is one of the best of it's kind in Ontario ... feel free to point out any area(s) where improvement or attention is needed. Afterall, the real objective is to continually provide members and guests with the best possible conditions, ice and building, day in and day out!

Thanks as always for your input ... see you on the ice!!

Saturdays at your club ... what goes on?

2010-03-03T13:44:00.004-05:00

One aspect of our facility operation that many members may have never witnessed first hand, is the incredibly diverse range of events that are held every Saturday at our club. Breaking the day down into a.m. and p.m. event slots, the club is often busy from 9am, to midnight or later - depending on how well we can blend the transition. From members renting ice and/or the hall for a family/office event, to one of the many bonspiels that we host for charitable organizations each year, such as this past weekend - The Annual Marv Valensky/Kidney Foundation of Kingston Stick Spiel, the Royal Kingston Curling Club is offering services, both curling and non-curling, 7 days a week ... every week ... to members and non-members.

While the primary function of our club, especially during the very busy winter season, is most definitely curling, we have worked hard to develop other avenues of business that insure we remain busy and profitable throughout the year. By working with charitable groups and the local community, the Royal Kingston Curling Club has quickly developed an excellent reputation for our Days Road facility, a reputation that attracts groups and individuals to the amenities that we have to offer - 6 of the best curling sheets in Ontario ... a clean, well furnished lounge and bar for up to 238 people ... a kitchen that most caterers only dream about ... a central city location, with plenty of parking for any event. This reputation as a friendly and professional rental facility not only serves our members, as it recently did for newlyweds Michele and Barry Miller (son of members Linda and Gene Miller), who were married in the Hall of Fame lobby, but it attracts distinguished, charitable groups such as the Cancer Society, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and Epilepsy Kingston, all of which have held successful fundraisers at our club in the last year.

In addition to the above listed organizations, other community groups/associations/educational institutions that have held functions at our club in the past year include the ParaSport Winter Games, Community Living Kingston, PCL contractors, Kingston Construction Association (KCA), Bell employees, the City of Kingston, Open Text, Quill, Queen's University, St.Lawrence College, Limestone District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. By utilizing and filling holes in our curling calendar, we are able to entertain a very diverse range of citizens from the Kingston area and beyond. And, each and every time a group visits RKCC we, while generating revenue that adds considerably to the health of our club, are afforded an opportunity to market our sport to potential curlers and future members ... a real win/win situation.

With each successive season, our curling schedule evolves to suit the needs of our members, as it always has and always will. For my part, I will continue to work at fully utilizing the available time on weekends, and through the week, in order to help contribute to the very healthy condition of our club.

Thanks to all the members for what is turning out to be a very enjoyable and successful year. With practice, and patience, I know that we will find the ideal mix of facility usage to best serve all the members of RKCC.

Good Curling!