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Nugget Column #25 – Tuesday March 24th, 2015
The first annual Curl for a Cure went Saturday at the North Bay Granite Club and featured ten teams participating a fun-focused mini-game tournament lasting the afternoon.
A one-hour orientation to curling was provided for newcomers as part of registration, as was a light afternoon snack prepared by the Cornerstone Café, and live entertainment donated by Brian Risk and Erik Faucon.
At the conclusion of five rounds of play the team self-titled “Sam Special” finished on top, having defeating a team skipped by Bob Budreau in the final. Gaston, Samuel, Braden, Luc and Kailey Laforge (of the winning team) took home prizes donated by Farquhar’s Orchards, Burrow’s Garden Centre, Brian Risk Music, and Adoro Olive Oils and Vinegars.
Other winners included Lorraine Stewart who earned a top fundraising prize while The North Bay Granite Club donated a new membership to the event’s Top Novice: Lise-Anne Devost.
Many thanks to Michele Girash and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario for organizing what is sure to be an annual event. Look for the return of Curl for a Cure during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2015.
Opening ceremonies for the Canadian Police Curling Championships were held Sunday at the Sudbury Curling Club and as this column is submitted three of eleven round robin draws have been completed.
Team Northern Ontario skipped by Granite Club member Steven Mitchell and supported by friends of ours Jim Szarka, David Lawes, and Tyeler Commanda are 2-1 having defeated Quebec and Ontario but falling in their opening game against Team Canada.
Round Robin play continues until late Thursday afternoon at the Sudbury Curling Club while tiebreakers, page playoff games, and the championship final are scheduled for Friday and Saturday of this week.
Curlers – please be reminded of a few important dates:
Thursday April 9th will be our Annual General Meeting of members and we will be electing a new Board of Directors to lead us through the 2015-2016 curling season. Your attendance is vital.
April 10th – 12th will be our closing event – the Jamaica Open Bonspiel. This time-honoured event is now open to teams with any combination of male or female curlers and your entry fee goes a long way with food, entertainment, curling, and prizes included in the weekend.
July 10th – 12th will be our fourth annual Summerspiel. This year’s theme is Sleepover Summerspiel and so we’ll be having a pajama party at the Granite Club that you will not want to miss. The event’s website is updated and can be viewed at www.summerspiel.com
Please be sure to support these very important events and enjoy the remaining 2-3 weeks of curling season; spring is just around the corner – can’t you tell?
Bobby Ray General Manager North Bay Granite Club