CHILLIWACK CURLING CLUB
MINUTES
The Spring General Meeting of the Chilliwack Curling Club was held on May 27, 2010 at the Chilliwack Curling Club. President Chris Godwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. There were 31 members present.
Minutes:
Motion:
Made by Chris Godwin,
seconded by Rod Scoble,
That the Minutes of the
2009 Spring Annual General Meeting be adopted. Carried
President’s Remarks: Larry Legault
It has been an honour to
serve as president of the Chilliwack Curling Club over the last year. There
have been many changes over the year and several significant events occurred,
including the high school and mixed provincials. I hope that the coming year
proves to be as exciting as the last. The Olympics brought a tremendous amount
of enthusiasm towards the sport of curling. We, as a club, have to capitalize
on this interest and increase our membership.
I would like to thank my
fellow board members and all the members who have volunteered the time and labour over the year – the ladies in the kitchen, the Mixed
Provincials committee volunteers (Dick Allen did a great job organizing
everyone), the volunteer bartenders, clinical/junior instructors, 50/50
sellers, and the work parties. I would like to thank the outgoing members of
the Board for their contributions – Al Vanderveen, Dennis Bailey, and Dale
Morgan. I would like to thank the staff, led by Bruce, for their efforts over
the year. The CCC is a strong club, mainly due to these people. Remember, this
is a club. And a club is only as good as the effort that its members put into
that club.
There are still some ongoing
projects to be completed. We have to finish the work on the men’s washrooms and
we have to paint the upstairs ladies washroom. Special thanks go out to the Day
Ladies League for their contribution that made the washroom renovations
possible. Work has continued on the Web site. We now have a means to
communicate via email to over 425 of our members and we are working on online
registration for bonspiels. Other projects over the summer include painting the
walls in the ice area and computerizing the pro shop so income can be entered
electronically instead of using manual receipts.
Liquor regulation laws have
changed with regards to minors, who now have access to curling club lounges.
This change was introduced back in 2008, but the cost associated with changing
our liquor license was deemed to be too prohibitive. Recent changes have
brought this cost down to the point where the Board feels it is feasible to
proceed with the change. However, this does not mean that minors will have
carte blanche upstairs. The Board is developing a policy under which minors
will be granted access to the lounge. Some of the restrictions may include
restricted hours of access; minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian; or
a code of conduct (i.e. no running or yelling).
As you will hear more of
later, fees for the coming year will be increasing. The main part of the increase
is due to something beyond our control – the HST. This 7% increase is not
popular, but it is an increased cost to the Club that we cannot absorb. In
addition, the loss of our Gaming Revenue Grants –more than $60,000 in revenue
over the last three years – will also affect our cash flow. These affects come
at a time when we are faced with the financial difficulties of maintaining an
old building and replacing aging equipment. The chiller replacement last year
had a serious impact on our cash reserves. Future expenditures we will face will
have major impacts. Our dehumidifiers and compressors are rapidly approaching
the end of their lifecycles. We must plan proactively and rebuild our cash
reserves to a point where we can replace this equipment.
In addition, we must be
prepared to build a new curling facility is in the future. Although the City of
Chilliwack will be heavily involved in this endeavour when it happens, it is imperative that the Club has a
significant input in any new facility. That input will be significantly reduced
if we are not prepared to contribute financially. Having significant cash
reserves will allow us to ensure that our needs as a Club are met.
Finally, it is my pleasure to
make a presentation to two long serving members of the Club – Marg Kickbush and
Archie Nicholl. Marg, a member since 1962, and Archie, a member since 1959, are
now recognized as life members of the Club.
Financial Report:
Keith Britz presented the
financial report on behalf of Meyers, Norris & Penny.
Copies were given out to
members for review. Discussion followed regarding the difference is wages as a
result in having a full-time icemaker as opposed to a part-time icemaker the
year before and the effect losing three one-time revenue items – totalling $17,630
– will have on our operating expenses.
Motion:
Made by Archie Nicholl
seconded by Dave Stephenson,
That the financial report
be adopted as reviewed. Carried
Manager’s report: Bruce Renwick
The club had another very successful year with some leagues up and others down but over all staying about the same as last year. We will hopefully capitalize on some of the Olympic interest next season. We hosted a clinic at the end of the season with 31 participants attending with virtually no advertising. We have over 50 people to contact in the fall that expressed interest in the sport so hopefully we can fill all the leagues next season and have to look at new ones the fill the need.
We hosted two provincial
events this season and as a participant in one of them I can assure you all
that Chilliwack is second to none hosting these kinds of events. All of the
participants had nothing but good things to say about the club. Thank you all
those that volunteered. This brings us to another new concept introduced this
season. Club Bucks were introduced to thank those that spend extra time
volunteering around the club and at the events we host. We gave out over
$3000.00 club bucks and they were very well received. It is a way to reward
those that do a little extra for the club and will be continued next season.
Those that worked at the BC mixed and in March will be issued their bucks at
the start of this season.
The Pro Shop had a good year
and we will be carrying Goldline products next season including some knickknacks
and gifts for Christmas and Birthdays for that curler on your list. The bar
also had a good year with the curlers having fun as well as a couple of nights
of darters. Even though we raised our prices a little last season we increased
more in sales than the increase so it shows we are very reasonably priced.
The club did a lot of work over
the last couple of years and our reserves are a little on the low side. The
positive is that we did do some energy conserving fixes so as the rates rise we
will be able to combat them as the best we can. The equipment in the building
is in good shape so the next couple of years there will be just cosmetic
maintenance and we can build those reserves back up.
I would like to thank a few
people that have done things that may not go recognized. First Glen Ford for
opening up on Sundays when he could be watching Football and for bringing his
wife along to brighten the place up. Peter Lui for helping build a strong
Junior Program, which is the foundation for our future and for helping any club
member with their game. And last Larry Legault for all the many, many hours he
puts in around here doing the website, Bonspiel, maintenance, etc…
We have hired a young man
from Ontario named David Ellis to make our ice next season. He is a level two
ice technician who eats, lives and breathes curling as well as curling on the
Ontario cash circuit. All of the people I have talked to at his previous clubs
had nothing but extremely good things to say about Dave’s work ethic and
attitude. I am really looking forward to working with him and I am sure that you
will all welcome him to the club. He is going to get an apartment close by so
you will all see lots of him next season. The staff on this side of the glass
will remain the same.
Discussion followed regarding
icemakers, that credit/debit cards cost too much to the Club to allow usage in
the Pro Shop, and about the possibility of a new curling facility.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Building/Facility
Enhancement: Al Vanderveen
In the past year the
Chilliwack Curling Club has undergone many changes with the help of so many of
its volunteer members. During the summer we will be continuing the renovations
with the completion of the bathrooms and a new coat of paint on the walls of
the ice area, as well as some minor wall repairs around the club.
The
maintenance of this club is a large task and could not be done without the
support of its members. It is this kind of support that we find in our club,
which makes our club so successful.
Membership Recruitment
and Retention: Chris Godwin
The Recruitment and Retention
Committee was a newly established committee of the Board of Directors of the
Chilliwack Curling Club in the 2009/2010 curling season. The committee was
recommended in the recently developed Strategic Plan. The goals for the
activities of the committee are outlined in the Strategic Plan, which is
available for review on the Club’s website.
Many of the activities of
this committee are conducted in the curling off-season, as it is part of the
committee’s mandate to identify needs within the club for recruitment of new
members to encourage participation in the Club among all levels of age and
curling experience. When those needs for the coming curling season are
identified, the committee will assist in activities to fill any available
spaces within the various leagues and encourage new curling related activities
that may attract new members.
Once new members are
attracted and join the club, the committee will endeavour to assist with their
orientation early on, and will follow up with them to ensure that their
experience in the Club is a positive one. Any problems or issues that may be
identified by the new members will be considered and resolved to the extent
possible. The committee will be conducting these interviews and follow-ups in
the early part of the coming curling season.
Lastly, it is important for
the ongoing health of any organization that current members continue to feel
that they receive value for their participation and membership fees. Part of
the committee’s role is to speak with members who decide not to come back to
curl so that any deficiencies in our programs or services can be identified and
corrected. Once the roster of members and curling participants for the coming
year is finalized, the committee will be interviewing any members who have
decided not to return. We will be seeking the reasons for their departure and
obtain any suggestions for ways in which the departing members feel that the
Club could have improved its services and retained their participation.
Any suggestions from the
membership about potential activities to encourage new members and any changes,
which would assist in retaining our existing members, would be gratefully
received by the committee.
Ice Conditions: Darryle Leavesley
The Ice committee met 3 times
over the 2009/2010 curling season; Thursday October 1, 2009, with Dale Morgan,
Darryle Leavesley, Jason Gill and Peter Lui present, Friday November 20, 2009
with Dale Morgan, Darryle Leavesley and Jason Gill present and Friday February
26, 2010 with Dale Morgan, Darryle Leavesley and Jason Gill present.
Early in the year it was
discovered that the alarm connected to the chiller to alert a power outage was not
hooked up upon installation by the company contracted to the job. In the event
of a power failure, we would not have been notified and risked losing our ice.
This problem was corrected and should no longer be a concern other than that
our new chillier seems to be working very well.
One dehumidifier is not
working perfectly, and the committee suggests it be looked at, however; it is
not an urgent matter, because the humidity in the rink seemed to remain at a
proper level despite the one malfunctioning dehumidifier.
The committee would also like
to suggest that the blades for the ice nipper and Ice King be sent for
sharpening, before the season starts, and when one gets dull to have it sent
out right away due to it taking a couple of months to get them back. The Ice
King itself is in need of repair.
The plant is being brought up
to date for the risk assessment, but the exhaust fans and ammonia sensor need
to be tested.
In all, we have had a good
season with the ice, there was lots of curl and it was keen, the ice area has
all been redone with rubber matting on the home side, new brooms and dust pans,
and the rocks were just recently conditioned so they should be good for next
year. I look forward to next year I hope it is as good as this past year.
Programs &
Services: Larry Legault
The Program and Services
Committee has many responsibilities that encompass many aspects of the Club. It
is this committee that provides the opportunities for members to enjoy curling
socially and athletically in an atmosphere that promotes the Club as a club.
Its efforts are focussed in three broad areas – draws & bonspiels, clinics
& the junior program, and social activities.
Draws & Bonspiels: Dennis Bailey
As a Committee Member I have
noticed a drop of interest with our local Bonspiels. The Fall Mixed only had 12
teams last year. This year we could only get 5 teams interested. The New Novice
Bonspiel, which we thought would have lots of interest, only had 3 teams sigh
up. The Skins Spiel, which should have been over whelming with interest, only
had 10 teams and 3 of those were from out of town. With our Competitive League
and other strong Leagues we should have had at least 20-24 local teams. The
Men’s Bonspiel had 34 teams, up 4 from last year. The Bonspiel also profited
over $1,500.00, plus the Bar, for the Club. It shows that when we sponsor a
Bonspiel there is profit in it for our Club. The Spring Mixed only had 24 teams
down 8 from last year. The Chilli Spiel was a success as usual.
If it were not for the hard
work of a couple members selling 50/50 and Bottle Draws, the profits would be
way down. I’m sure everybody knows whom I’m talking about.
Also the hard work of the
Committee Members purchasing prizes, organizing the draws and making sure
everybody enjoyed the Spiels as much as possible. Remember you can’t always
win, but it is sure fun trying.
I want to see our Club Member
support the spiels better next year.
If you have any suggestions
or comments please feel free to speak to a Committee Member about them.
Social:
Kim McLandress
This year the social committee met on an ad hoc basis to plan the
following events: 'Tap the Keg' which was part of the annual Top Dog contest in
September, a Halloween celebration, a dance on November 27, a New Year's Eve
celebration, our annual Drain the Keg night in March, and Aquadel Golf
Tournament in May.
All events were well attended and a lot of positive response was
received.
A big thank you to everyone who assisted with these events especially
Bruce, Larry and a number of non-curlers!
Juniors: Peter Lui
Most Dedicated went to Julia Kilbrai
Most Improved (Male) went to Dylan Leavesley
Most Improved (Female) went to Karissa Foord,
Ashley Holder had perfect attendance.
Chilliwack hosted the Provincial High School
playdown. 2 teams from the Program competed at this tournament. Boy’s team
skipped by Gavin Woodfine, with Third Andrew Graham, Second Aaron Simpson and
Lead Hayden Cooke, Coach Rick Jones. The Girl’s team was skipped by Stephanie
Prinse, with Third Emma Graham, Second Ali Renwick and Lead Kirsten Zucchet,
Coach Bruce Renwick. Both finished at the middle of the pack. Another team
participated at this Provincial Playdown was team skipped by Steven Love, with
Third Derek Krahn, Second Brandon Scyner and Lead Eric Clarke, Coach Lisa
Deputan.
Two Juvenile teams from the Program competed in
Provincial Zone Play down. Boy’s team skipped by Gavin Woodfine, Third Andrew
Graham, Second Ryan Britz and Lead Spencer Woodfine, Coach Peter Lui. The
girl’s team was skipped by Emma Graham, Third Ali Renwick, Second Casey Freeman
and Lead Kirsten Zucchet, Coach Bruce Renwick. Both team lost in semi-finals.
Junior Boys were not in the Program but represented Chilliwack was team skipped
by Chase Martyn, Third Ryan Bogle, Second Kevin Jones and Lead Mathew Prinse,
Coach Karen Watson. Junior Girls were skipped by Stephanie Prinse, Third
Kayleigh Alendal, Second Paige Cote and Lead Ali Renwick with Emma Graham as
fifth, coach Doreen Jones.
Thank you I would like to thank Wendi Prinse for her excellent work as Treasurer
and Secretary. Wendi and Doreen Jones headed up Fund Raising Program and money
raised was spent in helping the young curlers for part of their entry fee into
Bonspiels and traveling. And thank you, Tina Vanderveen for your donation of
eggs to this Program.
I also like to thank the following individuals for
their help in coaching: Rick Jones, Doreen Jones, Lisa Deputan, Bruce Renwick,
Darryle Leavesley, Bob Pisatcky, Terry Bodman, Fred Snooks, Dean Crutch, Donna
Allan, Joyce Trimble, Maria Mailloux, Laura Watson, Tana Mussell, Barb Long,
Neil Long and all the volunteer parents. Another big thank you goes to the
kitchen helpers for their hot chocolates every Monday.
The last thank you goes to all members and guests
who put money in the “tip” jar by the Bar. The “tip” had helped us to provide
Pizza Days and some equipment purchases.
Next season Looking forward to next season; we
are moving the Junior Program from Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays. The Little
Rockers will curl Thursdays between 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Juniors will curl between 4:30
to 5:30pm on Thursday and again on Sundays between 2:00 to 4:00pm. Little
Rockers will receive instructions and play game during the hour. Junior curlers
will work on their skills on Thursdays and play game on Sundays. Teams for
Sundays’ game will be drawn and rotated throughout the season.
In order for the young curlers to gain more actual
game experience, we are going to start an inter club league formed with
Abottsford, Mission, Golden Ears and possibly Hope. We are also exploring the
possibility to include this inter club league into the Optimist Curling.
We
encourage all junior curlers to come out on both Thursdays and Sundays to
maximize the benefit the Program has to offer.
In closing, I hope more members
will come out and help, even better get certified as Coach. These young curlers
are our future and they need your guidance.
Frank Jamieson Curling
Bursary: Rod Scoble
Following the death of Frank
March 9th of this year your president Larry Legault was approached
by myself to pursue the potential for a curling bursary ($300 annually to
start) in the honour of Frank Jamieson. I am pleased to report that the fund
has raised in excess of $3,500 to date. Jim Narraway has set up under the
umbrella of the “Envision Charitable Foundation” which not only guarantees a
high rate of 3.5% but also allows all donators to receive a tax receipt. If you
are interested in donating make cheques payable to the “Envision Charitable
Foundation” with a note in the memo section “For the Frank Jamieson Curling Bursary”.
They can be sent to Rod Scoble, 47565 Hope River Road, Chilliwack, V4Z 0B7. We
have raised enough to cover the next 12 years of the bursary to date. In order
to be self sustainable we need to raise just over $8,000 with the present
interest rates.
Presently I am promoting a
dinner that is upcoming July 10th courtesy of John Toussant at
“Friendly Mike’s”. Tickets are $10.00 each for a dinner and also enter you in
the draws that will be done that evening. The Bursary receives $5.00 back on
each ticket allowing this event to add in the neighbourhood of $500.00 to the
fund! If you are interested please see me after the meeting.
Elections: Chris
Godwin
A call for nominations to fill
the four vacancies was made. Three members allowed their names stand for
election.
Directors elected by acclimation:
André Anlgehart
Larry Legault
Gary Roberts
Directors returning: Jane Arden Kara
Biersteker
Lenneke
Bowles Chris Godwin
Darryle
Leavesley Peter Lui
Kim
McLandress Neil Sulkers
The Board will endeavour to
fill the remaining vacancy as per its by-laws.
Appointment of
Accountants:
Motion:
Made by Archie Nicholl,
seconded by Marg Kickbush,
That the Club continue
with Myers, Norris & Penny as accountants for the upcoming year, 2010-2011.
Carried.
Larry Legault adjourned the
meeting at 8:45 pm.
dl/ll