The atmosphere around the Snow Lake Curling Club (SLCC) was noticeably upbeat this November, compared to last. The eleventh month of 2017 brought home the stark realization that if club members wanted to curl … they’d have to head out of town to do it. The rink sustained near catastrophic water damage in the offseason of 2017 and during the subsequent renovation, more problems arose.
“The urinals in the upstairs men’s washroom overflowed and caused significant damage to the clubroom, the basement, and interior walls,” club president Terry Hornyak stated in a November 2017 interview on the lost season. “Because of this damage, walls had to be taken apart and during that process it was determined there was asbestos within them.” He said that once that was discovered, it was a whole new ballgame and people who were trained and certified had to be brought in to deal with the substance. In spite of the setback, Hornyak said he and other club members remained upbeat and optimistic.
Rightfully so … like a phoenix rising from the ashes of the disastrous 2017 season, members and executive of the Snow Lake Curling Club gathered in the newly renovated clubroom on the evening of Nov. 3, kicking off the curling season and showing off their shiny new digs.
Close to 80 people gathered in the rink’s clubroom to socialize, view the renovations and toast the impending success of the 2018/19 curling season. In a short address before festivities got underway, club president Hornyak introduced the club’s 2018/19 executive: vice-president Jenna Wiwcharuk, treasurer Jodi Brasch, secretary Chrissy Evans, and directors Ross Schellenberg, Jackie Jones, Pam Stoupe, Kelly Wiwcharuk, Janelle Grant and Judy Petersen.
Commenting on the many who brought the renovation to reality, Hornyak stated, “There has been a lot of work and effort put into it … a lot of stuff has gone on, but Judy and Kelly Petersen … I can’t say enough for what you’ve done.”
He also spoke about a work bee that was held to clean things up and put down finishing touches and thanked people too numerous to list here. He also singled out two young gents – Kevin Sloboda and Connor Coulson – for making the ice this year.
“We missed last year, so obviously this year is a big one,” Hornyak continued. “We want to make things happen … and they’re looking pretty good so far.”
Snow Lake’s outgoing Mayor Kim Stephen was recognized for her hard work and undying commitment towards bringing the renovation project to completion. “Without Kim and her support, this stuff couldn’t have happened,” the club president said. “Obviously we had some major issues, and without her work and the town’s help it wouldn’t have been possible. We all know how important curling is to us and our community, and how important the club is as well … so thanks Kim.”
Hornyak also thanked the Winter Whoot Committee for purchasing and donating a set of junior rocks, which will be used to show young folks the finer points of the sport. He called attention to the ice surface and noted that another set of rings had been painted on the number one sheet to facilitate their use. “We are looking at getting our junior program going again with the little guys … ‘cause let’s face it, those are the people who are going to bring this club and this community forward,” he said.
Moving on, Hornyak thanked Laura and Seth Bilcowski for the generous donation of third-row Jets tickets for the March 16 game between them and the Calgary Flames, plus a further $1,000 spending money from the club. Tickets are $20 and on sale. He also thanked club sponsors for their donations towards bonspiels: USW #7106 - $2,000, Snow Lake Motor Inn - $1,200 , Cornerview - $1,000, Hudbay - $750, Northern Esthetics – $500, Koop Geotechnics – $200, and Stittco Energy – propane smoker. Randy Cockle and Keith Scott were also acknowledged for putting in some long hours on several finishing touches in the clubroom.
Both the outgoing Mayor Kim Stephen and mayor-elect Pete Roberts arose and thanked the club for their work in respect to the renovation and commitment to the community. They also spoke of the town’s ongoing work to facilitate repairs on the building’s roof.
The president closed, noting that membership was up dramatically for the season. They will have eight teams curling Monday night as well as eight teams on Wednesday nights, with curling starting on Nov. 7. “It shows that Snow Lake wants to curl and we want to use this facility, so let’s use it,” Hornyak proclaimed.
In other news, a group of concerned citizens organized and came to the rescue of an (apparently) injured Canada goose this past week. After Kim Burton posted a photo of the snowed-in honker on Facebook, a group consisting of Dennis Merber, Kaitlin and Scott Meuse, Ron and Karen Doerksen, Rowena Herana and Marcy Bast captured and cared for the goose, while setting up services for it in the south. Gardewine Transport freighted it free of charge to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where it will spend the winter under their care, before being released into the wild. Nice work, folks!
