February 23^rd, 2005 CURLING NEWS

Congratulations are in order for local curlers in several divisions. In Little Rocks, Bobby and Christine Robichaud and Connor and Anna Woodmass played in an eighteen-team bonspiel in Prescott recently, and came out on top, winning all three of their games and bringing home the trophy. Last Sunday two local Little Rock teams represented our club in Big Four competition in Metcalfe. Cameron McIntosh, Denzil and Liam Barkley and Mitchell Collins were runners-up in the ‘B’ division, while Bobby Robichaud, Travis McMillan, Connor Woodmass and Luke Whitteker took the ‘A’ trophy in Metcalfe, defeating all comers. Well done, fellows!

Two senior men’s foursomes played for the Sullivan Trophy in Metcalfe last week. Sid Morrell, Don O’Brien, Raymond Benoit and Neil Williams lost their first game but won their second and followed that up with a victory in the final to bring home the ‘B’ championship. Our other team of Jack Dikland, John Wilson, Al Gowanlock and Dwight Gilmer played well, but didn’t make it to the playoffs.

On Saturday, two men’s teams competed in Winchester for the Merkley Trophy. Steve Boucher, Mike Felker, Alan Black and Josh Laurin played well, with the lead seesawing back and forth, but did not make it to the finals. Ian McGillis, Craig Harriman, Robert Houze and Larry Cooper lost their first game but took their second, had a roast beef dinner, and then went out to defeat Russell for the ‘B’ title.

Congratulations are also in order to the Gary Price rink from Winchester. After edging out a Morrisburg mixed foursome for the regional title, they went to the Ontario finals in the Winter Games and came home with bronze medals.

Our two-person bonspiel has had to be postponed until Saturday, March 6^th. Participants may sign up in the lounge or contact Bobby Jack Hart at 535-2225 to register. In addition, there will be a March Saturday free in case someone would like to help organize a wind-up bonspiel for the Club. See President Joe McCooeye if interested.

This Saturday and Sunday the Bantam and Junior Playoffs are being held at the local club. As always, visitors are welcome. For this event, as well as others for the next few weekends, volunteers are still needed. The sign-up sheets are available in the lounge. Members are reminded that these events showcase our club as well as providing revenue to help keep membership fees down.

With CBC instead of TSN now providing coverage for the Canadian Curling Association’s premiere curling events, some of us are not able to get the evening games, which are on ‘Country Canada’ or ‘The Score’. The club has these channels, and welcomes visitors to watch the Tournament of Hearts, the Brier, and other competitions with us. Good curling to all!

February 16^th, 2005 THE WEEK IN CURLING

Barb Rabideau, Kathy Norg, Sandra Beckstead and Betty Locke were in a thirty-two team open women’s bonspiel in Cornwall over the weekend. Friday night they defeated a Metcalfe foursome, and then starred in a karaoke performance afterwards. Saturday morning they were tied after seven ends, but fell to their opponents in the last end. After a sumptuous banquet with their junior champion opponents Saturday night, they went out and gave it their best. The Hawaiian motif in the later dance was enjoyable, with Sandra performing in her lei.

Last Thursday morning, coach Sydney Schnurr delivered the Little Rockers’ new uniforms to the club. Our local Tim Horton’s restaurant purchased them, offered to provide treats for an end of the year party, and will be supplying additional uniforms for next year’s teams. Our thanks to these fine corporate sponsors, whose coffee and treats we enjoy so much. Our thanks also to Jack Dikland, our other coach, who was instrumental in arranging for the sponsorship.

Bobby Jack Hart will be organizing the Two-Person Bonspiel at the club this Saturday, and, with a few openings still available, participants are invited to call him at 535-2225, or sign up in the lounge. You need not be a club member to play.

The Sullivan, the senior men’s four club competition, is on today in Russell, while the Merkley, the younger men’s version, will be held on Saturday in Winchester. We’ll have the results next week.

The competitions for the senior men’s Parnell trophy ended for the year last Friday in Lancaster. Sid Morrell, Don O’Brien, Raymond Benoit and Jack Dikland defeated Pete Zeran, Earl Jeacle, Karl Duncan and Dave Salsman in a playoff, but the local champions lost two tight games to Prescott and to Cornwall, the eventual winners.

Items from the last executive meeting include the cancellation of the Harland Veinotte Mixed Invitational Bonspiel. Several teams had to drop out and it was felt there were insufficient numbers to continue. Secondly, the club is now debt free, and will shortly be purchasing a camera for a second sheet of ice. See the president if you are interested in attending a two-day seminar in Ottawa. Joe is looking for a few people to take on some responsibilities at the club next year. Finally, during the Canadian men’s and women’s championships, the club will be open for those games being carried only on the CBC’s Country Canada. Members and the public are invited to drop in to watch the games.

At the provincial level, while Josh Adams, Spencer Cooper and their teammates will not be advancing to the Brier, they did finish as one of the best men’s teams in the province, and we congratulate them, as well as the Middaugh rink, the new Ontario champions. Good curling to all!

February 9^th, 2005 THE WEEK IN CURLING

Congratulations to our two fine Little Rock teams, who competed in Brockville on Saturday. Cameron McIntosh, Mitchell Collins, Nick Goupil and Laura Taunton won their first two games and tied their third, forcing the skips to throw a rock apiece to break the tie. Cameron drew to the button to win the game for his team, propelling them to second place in the huge bonspiel. Bobby Robichaud, Travis McMillan, Luke Whitteker and Connor Woodmass lost their first game but won their second and third to finish fifth overall.

Our Wednesday night women’s league has completed their second draw. The champions this time around are Wendy Casselman, Alice Thompson, Sandra Beckstead and Donna Stephens. Well done, ladies!

The senior men have completed another competition. Finishing first was the foursome of Neil Williams, Gerald Wynands, Martin Schneckenburger and Dave King. With Neil away for the last game, Gerald won the trophy for his team when he broke a tie by drawing to the button for the final win.

Our senior men hosted Winchester last week in friendly competition. The usual morning games followed by a lunch prevailed. For the record, the Morrisburg teams took two of the three ten-end matches. Of added interest this year was the participation of Winchester’s senior mixed champions, resplendent in their colourful matching uniforms. They used the day as a final tune-up before heading off for the Ontario Senior Games championships. This is the Gary Price rink’s second trip to the Provincials.

We’ll report next week on our women’s team, entered in a three-day bonspiel in Cornwall. In addition, our Morrisburg area club hosts the Veinotte Mixed Bonspiel this Saturday.

Entries for our two-person bonspiel are filling up. Glenn Cougler is ailing, and while we wish him a speedy recovery, we will need a new organizer for the event, being held on Saturday, February 19^th.

At the Canadian Junior Championships in Fredericton, Ontario’s Morrisey rink looks to be in tough against the other women’s teams, while Bice is faring somewhat better on the men’s side. Competition winds up this weekend.

Josh Adams, formerly of our local club, has a team in the Ontario finals for the KIA Men’s Brier. Some of his better-known competitors include Wayne Middaugh, Glenn Howard and Bryan Cochrane. Among those eliminated already are Jeff McCrady and Ed Werenich. Our best wishes go with Josh as his foursome vies for the chance to compete later this year for the men’s Canadian championship against the winning teams from their respective provinces or territories.

Finally, our Club’s executive meets this week and matters discussed and decisions reached will be featured next time. Good curling to all!

February 2^nd, 2005 CURLING NEWS

First, congratulations to our bantam team, Calvin and Curtis Collins, Jaron Hess and Andrew Cassell. Coach Sydney Schnurr reports that they competed in a big bonspiel in Cornwall recently and won everything! Well done!

Congratulations also to our champion women’s senior team. They traveled to Prescott for a Robbie Burns bonspiel and took top honours there. Finishing first, in their tartans, were Betty Locke, Alice Thompson, Sandra Beckstead and Dorothy Culkin. Their victims were teams from Ottawa R.A. and Brockville, a quartet that took them to last rock before bowing out.

After six wins, our senior men have finally been beaten for the Parnell Cup. Pete Zeran, Earl Jeacle, Karl Duncan and Dave Salsman, as well as Sid Morell, Don O’Brien, Neil Williams and John Wilson were our latest representatives in the longest run on record. By the way, it was a Cornwall team that finally broke the string.

Last week’s Hughie Hutchison Bonspiel saw the team of Sid Morrell, Tony Toonders, Keith Brannan and Jim Locke earn the right to have their names etched on the venerable trophy. They defeated Pete Zeran, Dave Salsman, Arnold Centen and Al Porter in an exciting final. The other eight foursomes from our regular draw curled well in an enjoyable day at the club.

At Morrisburg’s Senior Mixed Bonspiel last week, Joe Doyle, Sheila Bush, Cliff Wiltshire and Beth Armstrong of Prescott had their names added to the trophy. Winning the other draw were Raymond Benoit, Barb Rabideau and Gerry and Cheryl Thompson. With some cancellations, other local teams agreed to enter, and did well. Our thanks and congratulations to John Wilson, Betty and Jim Locke and Sandra Beckstead, Don O’Brien, Kathy Norg, Jack Dikland and Greta McGann, and Doug Brannan, Alice Thompson, Ken Wilson and Dorothy Culkin. Thanks to the volunteers for preparing and serving a fine meal, as well as performing the other tasks that made the day a success.

Our thanks to Glenn Cougler, who will organize the Two Person Bonspiel for Saturday, February 19^th. The signup sheet is in the lounge.

The volunteer sheet has been posted in the lounge. Members, please add your names to the list to help out. One of our rentals is the Warden’s Bonspiel, a huge event and one we hope will return next year. A full complement of staff will make the event run smoothly.

Finally, felicitations to the Ottawa team of Jenn Hanna, Pascale Letendre, Dawn Askin and Stephanie Hanna. They are the Ontario Tournament of Hearts champions, defeating a fine Scharf team from Thunder Bay at Ottawa’s Rideau Club on Sunday. Jenn will take her team to Newfoundland and Labrador later this month for the national championships, and our best wishes go with her. Good curling to all!

January 26^th, 2005 THE WEEK IN CURLING

The seniors are curling far and wide this time of year. One of the most interesting events involved Pete Zeran, Raymond Benoit, Earl Jeacle and Karl Duncan, who competed in the week-long ‘Footstool Bonspiel’ at Lancaster. They got to the quarter-finals but were knocked off by Montreal West, a team Morrisburg had beaten last year for the championship. Montreal West advanced to the final and won the trophy. The local fellows had a good time, made a little money, and promise to be back in the competition next year.

Steve and Alice Thompson, Al Gowanlock and Sandra Beckstead were locked in battle in Richmond last Friday. They played two tough teams from Huntley and Maxville, with a chance to win on last rocks each time. Unfortunately, the local entry ended up fifth in the competition. Nevertheless, they were able to make modest selections at the prize table.

On Monday of this week, the senior men held their annual Hughie Hutchinson Bonspiel at Morrisburg. Ten teams competed and the results will be available next week.

The Robbie Burns event also entailed a lunch (sans haggis) and the presentation of the trophy at day’s end.

Today the club plays host to senior mixed teams from the region, with results of this event also unavailable by press time. The curling begins at eight thirty, and should be finished by four p.m.

This Friday, two men’s senior teams will be in Prescott to try to maintain possession of the Parnell Cup. As winners in the last match, Pete Zeran, Earl Jeacle, Karl Duncan and Dave Salsman will be there. The other entry was decided in a playoff, with Sid Morrell, Don O’Brien, Neil Williams and John Wilson emerging victorious over the second entry last time, Raymond Benoit, John Lyon, Gerry Thompson and Jack Dikland.

The club’s executive is still looking for someone willing to help organize a two-person bonspiel this season. Just let an executive member know if you could help. In addition, there are still a few volunteers needed for future events. The sign-up sheets are in the lounge.

Finally, for those interested in top level curling, there are regional and provincial playdowns going on at several levels and locations at this time of year. Highly recommended are the Ontario Women’s Provincial Tournament of Hearts finals being held this week in Ottawa at the Rideau Curling Club. The winning team goes to Newfoundland for the national final, but you could possibly see the eventual Canadian and World Champion team by driving one hour north. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the club has a fine kitchen. Good curling to all!

January 19^th, 2005 CURLING NEWS

The Morrisburg women were in Russell over the weekend, competing for the Broder Cup. Anita Cooper, Wendy Johnston, and Carolyn and Sandra Beckstead lost a tight first match against Russell and then bowed to a Winchester foursome. Amy McCooeye, Nancy Barkley, Kathy Norg and Leanne Coady made up our second team. They won their first game in a playoff against Metcalfe, but then lost to a Russell quartet. After a fine supper, Russell was back on the ice and emerged with the Broder Cup in their hands. Next year’s renewal will played in Winchester on the third Saturday in January.

Our club hosted the Bernie Brunt Senior Men’s Invitational last Wednesday. Teams from Prescott, Brockville, Kingston, Winchester, Cornwall and Buckingham vied for the impressive trophy. Locally, Raymond Benoit, formerly of Buckingham, brought eleven of his friends over for the competition. He rejoined some of his fellow Quebec senior men’s champions, J.J. Lafontaine, Manny Kennedy and Jean Seguin, and helped them to a third place finish. In the first draw, Garry Stover, well known locally, brought his Cornwall team to the competition and won the first draw. Unfortunately for Garry, his totals were not high enough to win on the day and get the Cornwall foursome’s names on Bernie’s trophy. Bob Moore, of the Kingston Club, has that honour, and hopes to be back next year to defend. Doug Brannan organized the competition, and thanks a hard-working group of volunteers for making the day a success.

On Wednesday, a local team competed in a bonspiel in Russell. Steve and Alice Thompson, Ken Wilson and Susan McIntosh lost their first match and won their second to emerge as the high one-game winner. Unfortunately, Susan fell during the first game, put out her arm to break her fall, and broke her left wrist. Our sympathies for the ‘tough break’. Hopefully she’ll borrow a stick and get back on the ice later this season.

The club’s executive met last week. They are looking for someone to organize the popular two-person spiel, perhaps next month. A ‘sewer backup’ clause will be added to the insurance policy at no additional charge. Placemats with sponsors’ ads around the edges, and to include a club picture and history will be printed. Some additional sign sponsors will be coming on board this year and the club thanks them for their support. The Granite Club’s approach to cutting costs was discussed. We already limit clubhouse heating to ‘in use’ times, and will examine this additional option. Members seem happy with clubhouse cleaning and with the ice surface since the flooding over the holiday. Gord will be approached to arrange an in-service for those wanting to learn how to pebble the ice. League members will be canvassed in the near future with a view to having groups be responsible for organizing bonspiels during particular months. Hopefully this will spread the load more evenly among members and avoid burnout in our small club. There are currently 11 weekend events scheduled for the remainder of this season.

Finally, members are invited to look over the ‘Help Wanted’ request in the clubhouse and add their names for one of the upcoming events: the Senior Mixed Invitational on Wednesday, January 26^th or the Saturday, January 29^th rental. Good curling to all!

January 12^th, 2005 CURLING NEWS

Gerry and Cheryl Thompson, with Jim and Betty Locke, competed in Prescott’s big mixed bonspiel last weekend. They enjoyed a fine meal Friday night in spite of a loss to a stacked Prescott team. On Saturday they lost a close match, enjoyed lunch, and then defeated a Winchester team in their final game. The victors finished off the day with Prescott’s famous roast beef dinner and the awards ceremony before heading home.

For the sixth time in a row, the Morrisburg senior men won the coveted Parnell Cup, defeating all comers. Peter Zeran, Earl Jeacle, Karl Duncan and Dave Salsman brought the big trophy back to the club from their wins in Cornwall on Friday. Our other team at the competition was composed of John Lyon, Jack Dikland, Raymond Benoit and Gerry Thompson. Morrisburg was only allowed two entries, and before competing, a challenge for the right to represent the club had to be accepted. Falling by the wayside in the elimination round were Sid Morrell, Don O’Brien, Neil Williams and John Wilson. Congratulations to all!

Some of these same curlers were at another bonspiel the next day, as Morrisburg played host to the annual Dundas County Heart and Stroke Bonspiel. Members of the H. and S. Council and other volunteers organized and ran the successful event.

Champions in the first draw were Tony, Ron and John Toonders and Nancy LeMaire. Raymond Benoit, Kathy Norg, Dave Salsman and Greta McGann finished second, while Jack Dikland, Don O’Brien, Bobby Robichaud and Travis McMillan finished a close third. The only women’s team in the bonspiel, Nancy Skakum, Alice Thompson, Joanne Baker and Dorothy Culkin came fourth.

In the second draw, Pete Zeran, Karl Duncan, Al Porter and Earl Jeacle took top honours, followed by two teams tied for second. Doug and Derek Brannan, Gary Parkins and Tim Markou survived the technical tiebreaker, while Wally McDonald, Sandra Beckstead, Dave King and Donna Stephens had to follow the Brannan team to the prize table.

It was a good day for the club, for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and for the forty curlers who participated. Special thanks to the Iroquois/Matilda Lions, who made a substantial donation and entered a team in the bonspiel, and to Len Bellamy, the individual who raised the most sponsor money, and who also donated his 50/50 win to the Dundas County Chapter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. All in all, an outstanding day.

The senior men’s Bernie Brunt Invitational is being held today at the club, with teams from Eastern Ontario and Quebec doing battle for their newest trophy. Results of this bonspiel will be in the next column.

Highlights from the local club’s board of directors meeting will be available here next week as well. Good curling to all!

January 5, 2005 THE WEEK IN CURLING

With the dawn of a new year, all leagues at the Morrisburg Curling Club are seeing action again this week. Rentals over the holidays, senior men’s curling, and the flooding of the ice meant the club was seldom really dark. January will be busy. On Saturday, the Heart and Stroke bonspiel will be played here again, the Bernie Brunt Senior Men’s Invitational will take place on the 12^th, and the Senior Mixed Invitational is on January 26^th.

Looking at senior curling, the men finished competition for the Walter Bowman Trophy over the holiday, with Bob Bedingfield, Gerry Thompson, Al Gowanlock and Wayne Pulfer emerging victorious. On Friday of this week, the next defence of the senior men’s Parnell Trophy is on, with Morrisburg the current champion.

Just before the holiday, the Club held its annual Turkey Bonspiel. With twelve full teams and numerous spouses and friends, the crowd saw the festively-decorated curling club at its best. In the early draw, Bob Fortin, Dave McIntosh, Joanne Baker and Cathy Marston were first to the prize table, followed by Amy McCooeye, Earl Jeacle, Sam Locke and Peter Swank. Coming in third was the foursome of Wally McDonald, Paula Locke, Matt McCooeye and Chris Larmour.

In the second draw, Mahlon Locke’s team won, tied with Bob’s from the first draw. Mahlon, Tony Toonders, Doug Brannan and Dorothy Culkin will have their names inscribed on the Turkey Trophy, along with the first draw champions. Finishing second were John Toonders, Wendy Casselman, Wayne Pulfer and Dave King, while Cliff Leroy, Greta McGann, Wally Baker and Keith Brannen finished third.

Draws to the button for turkeys are always a favourite skill competition at these events. Turkeys were won by Paula Locke in the first draw and Keith Brannen in the second. The chicken wings, washed down with various beverages, and the veggie plates, etc., added to the evening. Prizes for the more successful teams, as well as numerous door prizes finished off a fine funspiel at the Club. Special thanks to Amy McCooeye of The Village Stylist, who sponsored the evening and provided most of the prizes, and to those who helped organize the evening.

For the more serious curlers out there, we have some zone playdown gleanings from the Ontario Curling Association website. Morrisburg hosts the Bantam and Junior Mixed competitions Feb. 26-28^th, with the entry deadline Feb. 4^th. The Colts playdowns are at Alexandria Feb. 5-7, with a Jan. 14 deadline. And the Intermediate men and women’s competitions are at Winchester from Feb. 11-13, entry deadline of Jan. 21^st. It would be nice to see local entries in these competitions.

We welcome a few new members this term, and invite other interested individuals to

join for the last half of the season. Most leagues have openings, or if you wish, you may have your name put on a spare list, and pay $10 for a game. Good curling to all!

December 15^th, 2004 CURLING NEWS

Morrisburg’s senior men hosted their Prescott counterparts last Wednesday, with this version of the curling meltdown involved six local teams. Three played five ends against the visitors before lunch, shared a few beverages and several stories, and then three more took to the ice for the final five ends. In spite of the extra work the visitors had, they prevailed, winning two of the 10-end games. Skipping the locals were Jack Dikland, Bob Bedingfield, Raymond Benoit, John Lyon, John Wilson and Mac Currie.

A senior mixed team represented the Morrisburg Curling Club at a Manotick bonspiel last week. Wally McDonald, Susan McIntosh and Steve and Alice Thompson dropped a close 5-4 decision to a strong Perth foursome in the morning, but came back to defeat a Manotick team in the afternoon. Our seniors drove home through a swirling snowstorm, prizes safely in hand.

Recently the regional finals for the Ontario Senior Games Provincial final were held in Morrisburg. Winchester, who finished fifth in the mixed curling provincial final last time, edged out the local entry, and will represent eastern Ontario again. Consoled with the silver medals were Jack Dikland, Elsie Guindon, Steve Thompson and the ageless Dorothy Culkin. Well done, folks!

The women’s league closes out their first draw tonight with a party, and is looking for some additional curlers to flesh out their draw after Christmas. No winner was declared for this term, as the women drew teams each night for their games.

Thursday morning curlers will complete their first draw tomorrow, and plan a catered turkey dinner after their last game. It doesn’t look as though anyone will be able to catch the team of Doug Brannan, Paul Dobry, Dave Salsman and Kathy Johnston for the Bradford Trophy.

The Friday night mixed league has completed its first draw, with the team of Gerry and Cheryl Thompson, Rolf Lehman and Eleanor Allison scheduled to have their names inscribed on their trophy.

At last week’s executive meeting, President Joe McCooeye read a letter from Sydney Schnurr asking for a replacement for the Little Rocks portion of her coaching next season. She will continue with the bantams/juniors. Sydney also indicated that the young curlers’ account is only about $800 shy of sufficient funds for a second set of the full size youngsters’ rocks that are becoming so popular. The executive will explore ways to have these rocks purchased for next fall.

Treasurer Kathy Johnston reported that the books have been audited and found to be in order. Revenues were in good shape with the exception of memberships, which are down about $4000 from last year. Curling Association dues, insurance and hydro expenses are up, and it was recommended that doors to the ice surface be kept closed to help keep the heating bills down.

Amy McCooeye and her new hair salon will sponsor the Turkey Bonspiel being held on Friday night. At time of writing, there were still a few openings for curlers. The sign-up sheet is in the lounge, and membership is not required for this bonspiel. The next executive meeting will be on Monday January 10^th at 7:00 p.m.

There are still a few openings for the Heart and Stroke Bonspiel on Saturday, January 8^th, and the Two-person Bonspiel will be held early in the new year. Curling at the Morrisburg Club concludes this week, except for the senior men, while league play for everyone begins again on the week of January 3^rd, 2005. Good curling to all!

December 8^th, 2004 THE WEEK IN CURLING

At Cornwall’s recent Heart and Stroke Curling Bonspiel, Anita Cooper, Mahlon Locke, Carolyn Beckstead and Paula Locke from our club entered a team. They won both their games, but finished out of the prizes in the huge bonspiel. Well done, for a good cause. Don’t forget the one in Morrisburg on Saturday, January 8^th.

Our senior men were off to Prescott last week for a big bonspiel featuring top teams, lunch, and a delicious supper. Bob Bedingfield, Karl Duncan, Earl Jeacle and Dwight Gilmer dropped both of their games, while Don O’Brien, John Lyon, Gerry Thompson and Neil Williams split their pair. The men assure that on balance it was a great day.

Barb Rabideau, Cheryl Thompson, Susan McIntosh and Betty Locke entered the Lancaster bonspiel last week, winning both of their games, including an overpowering victory over a Hudson, Quebec team. The local champions came home with attractive baskets of gifts as prizes, finishing second overall. Our women’s teams are becoming well-known at area bonspiels.

Wally McDonald took a men’s senior team to Metcalfe on Wednesday, including Steve Thompson, Ken Wilson and Dave King. They defeated a Navan foursome in the morning, had a fine lunch, and then tied a powerful R.A. team, unfortunately finishing just out of the prizes.

The sign-up sheet for the Friday, December 17^th Turkey Bonspiel is filling up. Organizers tell us they can handle forty-eight players or twelve teams. Details are on the sign-up sheet in the lounge, and prizes will likely include the trophy and turkeys for the winning team and the six top draws to the button. Hope to see you there!

That bonspiel will conclude regular curling here until January, except for special events, rentals, and the Two-Person Bonspiel, likely on Dec. 26^th. The exception is the senior men, who have a large number of teams and are having to curl on that last week before Christmas to finish the current draw. Teams will note there has been a change in the schedule to allow our iceman to flood the ice on Dec. 23 and 24^th. See the sheet on the seniors board for the revisions.

The Executive met on Monday night and we’ll have highlights next week; minutes will be placed in the book in the lounge.

At the national level, the final TSN Skins competition was held last weekend, with Alberta’s Kevin Martin defeating Glenn Howard’s Ontario foursome in a thrilling final, concluding with an unbelievable takeout of a frozen stone for $48 000. In total, Martin’s team won over $100 000 for the weekend’s work. In addition, the classy Alberta curlers made an appropriate presentation to “Moose”, Linda, and their colour commentating friend who have done so much to promote curling over the years. If the CBC is wise, it will find a way to use these ambassadors of the game in some way as the Mother Network takes over coverage. Good curling to all!

December 1^st, 2004 THE WEEK IN CURLING

The first draw of the senior men’s season has been completed and we congratulate the winners of the Kinkaid Trophy: Eric Orgee, John Wilson, Art Carkner, and Jim Locke. Our seniors are now competing for the Walter Bowman Trophy.

Bob Bedingfield, Raymond Benoit and Clare Dunbar took their teams to Winchester for a friendly bonspiel last week, with Bob, Gerry Thompson, Al Gowanlock and Wayne Pulfer emerging victorious. Raymond also won, with Dave Salsman, Bob Burgess and Jack Cole. Clare was a little more charitable with his opponents. Other team members are John Wilson, Jim Locke and Al Porter.

On Tuesday, the local women hosted the Ladies’ Invitational, with teams from Brockville, Prescott, Lancaster, and Cornwall coming. The Brockville quartet, led by Cris Campbell won, with Marie Moore from the same club a close second. In 3^rd and 4^th places in their draw were locals Barb Rabideau, Cheryl Thompson, Susan McIntosh and Sandra Beckstead, followed by our other team, Betty Locke, Kathy Norg, Kathy Marsden and Dorothy Culkin. The teams had words of praise for the hard-working volunteers, the delicious hot lunch, and the prizes that they all shared.

On Friday, Morrisburg senior men hosted the first Parnell competition of the year, with the local foursome winning both their games and finishing first. Jack Dikland, Raymond Benoit, Gerald Thompson and John Lyon won the trophy. Congratulations!

Saturday saw this year’s Founders Bonspiel underway again, with teams from Prescott, Brockville, Carleton Heights, Russell, Cornwall and Vankleek Hill vying for the heavy old trophy. Warner Bischof’s Brockville foursome was the class of the day, winning the right to have their names inscribed on it. Sponsor Dave Cassell, owner of Strader’s Motor Sales, entered a team that finished in 2^nd place, while Mano of Cornwall, and Gilson, Moulton and Laushway of Prescott took the remaining four turns at the prize table. Jeff hopes that the person who hid his prize will confess soon. It was a great day, followed by a delicious roast beef dinner, with the teams promising to return next year.

Thanks to Wally and Ann McDonald, who have the Club’s Christmas tree up and decorated. Now if any else feels inclined, there are more decorations. We always like to have the club looking festive for our seasonal rentals, as well as our own wind-up parties. Speaking of the season, keep your eyes open for a signup sheet for the turkey bonspiel. It’s on the evening of Friday, December 17^th.

TSN’s coverage of the Continental Cup has been welcomed in curlers’ homes, as top North American men’s and women’s teams compete with the best in Europe. It’s early in the season, but we are seeing some good shots and better strategy.

Nancy Skakum just got back from her daughter’s home club and was bubbling over the festivities there, and of playing vice for Guy Hemmings, who was at the Club to promote the game and work with her daughter’s young curlers. Good curling to all!

November 24^th, 2004 CURLING NEWS

Our senior men have been active: Bob Bedingfield, Peter Zeran, Earl Jeacle and Karl Duncan competed in a senior men’s bonspiel in the curling center in Cornwall last Monday. They represented us well, but prize money is hard to come by in a twenty-four-team event, and they returned empty-handed. Undaunted, on Wednesday, Bob took his team to a Winchester ‘spiel. They split their two games there, but came home with prizes. Another seniors’ team, Don O’Brien, Jack Dikland, Raymond Benoit and Wally McDonald did the same, Jack picking up team entries for the January senior men’s bonspiel here.

The first defense of the senior men’s Parnell Trophy for our champions will be held in Morrisburg on Friday. As hosts, we are allowed only one team, so a playoff was held last week between the two vying for the honour. In a close match, Jack Dikland, Raymond Benoit, Bob Burgess and John Lyon defeated Bob Bedingfield, Peter Zeran, Earl Jeacle and Karl Duncan.

Our Little Rockers competed in a Manotick bonspiel last Saturday, winning their first two games handily. Coach Jack Dikland reports that Bobby Robichaud, Travis McMillan, Cameron McIntosh and Connor Woodmass played well, but came up just short in the playoff in the eighteen-team event. Well done, boys!

Saturday was busy, with the local club hosting the Gamble Mixed competition. Our curlers did well, Joe McCooeye’s team just missing a trip to the final. Other members were Leanne Coady and Ian and Cathy Wilson. After a fine roast beef dinner prepared by Sam Laurin, the finals were played. Craig Harriman’s foursome made it to the ‘B’ final and lost a very tight match to a strong Metcalfe quartet. Craig’s team included Carolyn Beckstead, Mahlon Locke and Kathy Norg. The ‘A’ final was won by Russell, who defeated the other Russell team for the Gamble Trophy, donated by the ancestor of one of the members. All four finalists received engraved pins commemorating their achievement. As always, thanks are due to the volunteers who handled the arrangements.

On Tuesday, the local women host a bonspiel, and this Saturday the men’s Founders Bonspiel, sponsored by Strader Motors, is on, with teams from various Eastern Ontario rinks participating. A sign-up sheet is posted in the clubhouse for the latter event, as a few more volunteers are needed.

In national curling, Sherry Middaugh’s team is rated as the one to beat, with Anne Merklinger and Jean Hanna in the top ten. Also in the Ontario Curling Report, the top twenty money winners in men’s and women’s curling are listed. Finally, a thought from Sweep! The Trojan sponsorship, which got curling headlines across the country, may soon be followed by Hooters, and an on-line casino outfit. Is this a sign of aggressive marketing by our sport to raise awareness, or an indication that companies are seeing an advantage in being identified with curling, or both? Good curling to all!

Nov. 17^th, 2004 CURLING NEWS

The first Saturday of competition at the local curling club is upon us, with Morrisburg hosting the Gamble Bonspiel. Two mixed foursomes from each of Metcalfe, Russell and Winchester clubs will be here to try to take away trophies in the “A” and “B” divisions. For the first time in memory, three teams signed up to try for the two spots we are allowed. They played off on Saturday, and Raymond Benoit’s foursome was eliminated. Our representatives, then, will be Craig Harriman’s and Joe McCooeye’s teams. Competition starts at 9:00 a.m., with the finals after the evening meal, so come out and cheer on our local champions.

Last Monday Barb Rabideau, Cheryl Thompson, Susan McIntosh and Sandra Beckstead entered a big twenty-four team bonspiel in Cornwall and won both of their games. While a strong foursome from Brockville outpointed them on their two victories and took first place overall, our local quartet was impressive, and will try to come out on top this week at another twenty-four team competition, this time in Brockville.

On Friday, two Morrisburg senior mixed teams played in a Prescott Invitational Bonspiel. Wally McDonald, Susan McIntosh, Steve Thompson and Elsie Guindon split their games but finished in the prizes. Don O’Brien, Barb Rabideau, Jack Dikland and Cheryl Thompson also made it to the prize table and received a special award in addition. Why not ask one of them for details?

Upcoming Events at the local club include the Women’s Invitational on Tuesday, November 23^rd, the senior men’s Parnell Cup on November 26^th, and the Men’s Founders (filled) on Saturday, November 27^th. Later in the season, the club hosts the Dundas County Heart and Stroke Bonspiel on Saturday, January 8^th, the senior men’s Bernie Brunt Invitational on Wednesday, January 12^th, and the Senior Mixed Invitational on Wednesday, January 26^th. Posters detailing these events and others have been posted in the clubhouse.

Club copies of The Ontario Curling Report and Sweep are now in the lounge. There are several interesting articles in each. In the former, one notes the switch from TSN coverage to the CBC, KIA taking over the Ontario Men’s Championship, and the Brier being sponsored by Tim Hortons. There is also a provocative little cartoon concerning Glenn Howard’s new sponsor, Trojan. The curling world certainly is changing; in the old days, such advertising was by word of mouth only, with the product hidden under the druggist’s counter. Sweep has early ratings for men’s and women’s teams, with features on many curlers, opinion columns, etc. You’ll find some good reading in both of these periodicals.

Paid memberships locally are finally inching up towards last year’s totals, which provides more competition for those looking for a House of Gold win on Friday nights.

By the way, Kevin Martin was down 5-0 to Jeff Stoughton after the first end a week ago in his Grand Slam final, and came back to defeat him. Good curling to all!

Nov. 10^th, 2004 THE WEEK IN CURLING

It’s the third week of curling here, and the bonspiel season is underway. A local women’s team competed at the new 6-sheet rink in Cornwall this week. The results were too late for inclusion, but a full report will follow next time, as will be the case with the senior mixed foursomes competing in the Prescott bonspiel.

Major television bonspiels have begun again, and Kevin Martin and Jeff Stoughton made it to the final in a Grand Slam event on the Sportsnet Sunday night. Guess who won.

Thanks to those who have volunteered to assist with the Gamble and Founders Bonspiels here November 20^th and 27^th respectively. More help is needed, though, and members will be contacted this week for their assistance.

Why not check out our own website or OCA’s for information and competition details? Some gleanings from OCA: The Bantam and Junior Mixed Zone competitions are at the Morrisburg club next February. -hope to see local teams entered. Some other entries members might consider are the Men’s and Women’s Zone Playdowns at RCMP

–deadline Nov. 19^th, and the Sr. Men’s and Women’s Playdowns at Maxville –deadline Nov. 12. It’s a good way to meet and measure your skills against top players in your age group from other clubs. Information on entry fees, etc. is available on the website or from former president Ian McGillis, our Zone Representative.

At the executive meeting last Tuesday, a number of matters were discussed. It was decided the vacuum cleaner was satisfactory, two of the members will check into insurance (Do we need flood insurance? etc.), and A C Mechanical has corrected the PH balance in our water for the ice. The bills for sign rentals will be sent out shortly. Our club account is down slightly, as are paid memberships, and the signs provide a healthy boost to our coffers. The executive’s thanks go out to Dwight Gilmer, who has replaced the downspout to keep runoff rain from the roof from draining into the basement. (The long metal one kept slipping under curlers’ tires.) Dale Tupper has been hired as the new cleaner. A canopy at the front entrance was suggested as a possible summer project. League updates were presented, with Wednesday night numbers down. The meeting closed with a decision to gather on Monday nights in future, with the first one on Dec. 7^th.

Former president Jack Dikland, who coaches Little Rockers, has an interesting teaching tool he’s been using for several years. It’s a laser that shoots a red light beam along the ice to give the young curlers a line for their rocks to follow. The way this curler has been shooting lately, a trial run of the device might be in order.

Finally, for those who hate to see the week at work finish without a party, why not consider some Friday evening at our Club? The ice is available until 7:00 p.m., the bar is well stocked, and ample food can be ordered in for a meal after your game. At $10.00 a curler, two hours of healthy exercise can be yours for the asking, with brooms, sliders and coaching available. Give Steve Thompson, Rentals Chair, a call at 543-3134 for information. Good curling to all!

Nov. 3^rd, 2004

THE WEEK IN CURLING

Morrisburg is hosting the Gamble Mixed Bonspiel this year, on Saturday, November 20^th Two teams from each of Metcalfe, Russell and Winchester will join our representatives in competition for the “A” and “B” championships. Another bonspiel, the men’s Founders, to be held on Saturday, November 27^th, has been filled and a list for volunteers for the both events has been posted. By the way, our sponsor, David Cassell, of Strader’s Motors is entered again, and competed in the recent Shorty Jenkins Classic in Brockville against some of the best teams in the world. Though they fell to Guy Hemmings’ Quebec foursome, Dave managed to defeat former World champion Ed Werenick. Could be an interesting bonspiel here on the 27^th.

Incidentally, Shorty Jenkins, one of the world’s premiere icemakers, was featured in the Brockville Bonspiel program notes. He came into the job late in life, almost by accident, and learned on the job. Shorty is credited with many of the innovations that we take for granted now, including the use of the stopwatch to check on ice speed. He is also respected for his insistence on sharing his knowledge and ideas with other icemakers. Quite a fellow.

The Club’s Board of Directors met last night, and highlights of the meeting will be included in the next newsletter. In addition, copies of the minutes of these meetings are available in the lounge. Last time, our treasurer noted that paid memberships were down slightly at that time, and the ice chair reported that a dehumidifier was repaired. Our bar chair indicated that the bar fridge was not working properly and the executive decided to increase the price of coolers and bottled mixed drinks. Also, Ian McGillis alerted the executive to a large increase in fees by one of our parent organizations and discussion followed. Finally, repair or replacement was considered for our vacuum cleaner.

Sydney Schnurr is again coaching Little Rocks and Juniors at the club, and reports twenty-four Little Rockers and twenty Juniors currently learning and preparing for future bonspiels. Our former president is one of those who kept our curling club going in the last decade, and she continues to do so.

Finally, the Women’s Invitational bonspiel will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 23^rd, and local teams are welcome. By the way, members: have you persuaded someone else to join the club this year? It isn’t too late to encourage a friend or neighbour to join. More members means more fun and variety, better competition, and, naturally, more money for the club. Good curling to all!

Oct. 27, 2004

CURLING NEWS

While curling is underway again at the Morrisburg and District Curling Club, some leagues may still have openings if people wish to register. Prices are reasonable too. Check with President Joe McCooeye, an executive member, or one of the league organizers for details. Rentals at the club are proving popular as well. Reserve soon if you are planning an event, since there are only a few weekends free. With no league play on Monday nights, perhaps you would like to put a team together for the 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. time slot. Who knows, we might be able to begin another mixed or a competitive league! It’s good to see the ice in use, not to mention hearing the cash register ring after games.

The executive thanks those who assisted in various ways this summer. Once again, the Club earned $2000 with large print phone book deliveries. As well, Mahlon and Paula Locke and Kathy Norg assisted in refurbishing the women’s change room after the damage from our three-foot flood. Our thanks to those who bailed and squeegeed to dry out the basement. Ice Chair Bill Magee reports that Gord Wood has done a fine job again in getting the ice ready for us, and Bar Chair Jack Dikland has ample refreshments stocked for post game celebrations.

Under cloudy but dry skies and our leak proof roof at the rink, our annual Swing and Sweep event on Saturday was a success again, thanks to the organization and hard work of Paula and Mahlon Locke and their core of volunteers. With fourteen teams, many from out of town, in three draws of six-end games and nine holes of golf, competition for the prizes was keen. The top foursome consisted of Gord Dillabough, Carol Dawley, Ron Hunt and Kent Dawley. The best golfers were Bob Bergland, Maryanne Robertson, and Sam and Josh Laurin, while the leader in the curling point total was the quartet of Don O’Brien, Jack Dikland, Rob Robichaud and Cor Dikland. A number of players also won prizes in the draws that followed. It was an excellent prize table, with a wide variety of selections.

Participants enjoyed the lunch and raved about the catered dinner at the rink. Next year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we’ll have our meals at the golf club. Plan to come out in the sunny weather to enjoy fast ice, firm greens and good food.

Our best wishes to those curlers ill or recovering from operations, and we are glad to hear of those returning to the sport after regaining their health.

Thanks to Ian McGillis, the first of our sponsors for the camera/monitor combination on the ice. Spectators in the lounge, as well as those delivering rocks from the near end, can now confirm the wisdom of the skip’s calls. Two other cameras to go! Any takers?

By the way, don’t forget the bonspiels. Posters are displayed on the boards in the lounge, and these competitions are a great way to get to know other curlers, other clubs, and have a good time in the process. As always, we welcome visitors to observe play from our comfortable lounge, watch a little television, and perhaps sip a drink or two. Good curling to all!