Get Ready! by Rick Lomore

Hello to all curlers and fans of the sport. It hasn’t been the best summer but I think I can guarantee cold weather this winter, (whether or not you believe Al Gore), so it’s time to start thinking of dusting off your equipment and start stretching.

Speaking of stretching, having returned recently from a week-long curling camp at New Brunswick’s Beausejour Curling Club run by top class coaches, modern thinking seems to be focusing on dynamic stretching to start a curling session, as opposed to the static types of exercises we are used to. The latter are reserved for later, after coming off the ice. The pros have probably already started their workouts, since the Shorty Jenkins Classic takes place in Brockville September 18th to 21st.

Things have been perking at the Club over the summer. We have a new executive, as follows:

President:........... Jerry Sloan

Vice President:........... Vacant

Past President:........... Carl Zieroth

Secretary:........... Harley McDowell

Treasurer (interim):........... Bill Wilson

Games:........... Jeff Faught

Ways & Means:........... Barb McDowell

Membership:........... Rick Lomore

Property:........... Doug McConeghy

Juniors:........... Debbie Knechtel

Seniors:........... Doug McConeghy

We also have a new bar manager, Michelle King, who hails from P.E.I.

Several events have been held successfully over the summer, with more coming in September and October.

Registration has started well for both regulars and seniors, and will continue with another meet and greet on Friday September 19th from 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. for all members. As well, seniors can come to register on the Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00. Don’t forget that payment of your fees before the end of these times will entitle you to a $10.00 discount. You can also reduce your fees by having a new curler join the Club- $10.00 each to a maximum of 5.

Our annual Swing & Sweep will be held Saturday October 18th. It is open to all- you do not have to be a Club member. For more information, contact either Harley McDowell (613-735-3730; hmcdowell@nrtco.net) or Jerry Sloan (613-638-5717; sloan5717@nrtco.net) or look at the Club’s website (http://pembroke.ovca.com).

The regular season will begin on October 19th, with free clinics for beginners and anyone who wants to brush up their skills being held October 14, 15 16 and 17. Each night starts at 7:00 p.m. The Clinic will consist of instruction sessions given over the course of the first three evenings. The fourth night will be for a review and a four end game will be organized. Each session will build on instruction given the previous evening. Equipment: CLEAN flat soled sport shoes, e.g. badminton, squash or basketball. Slip-on sliders (left foot slider for right handed curlers, right foot slider for left handed curlers), and brooms. Note: loaners are available at the Club.  Clothing - comfortable winter sportswear (sweeping will keep you warm.) Gloves and hat are optional. Contact:  Steve O’Donnell at (613) 732-7299.

So, ‘nuff said. See you at the Club.

Still slippin’ along...