On Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30 pm the board will be hosting a TOWN HALL MEETING to share views on the recent survey results, the planning committee status and what the future holds in this very busy club. They’ll be interested in hearing opinions and viewpoints about any subject near and dear to the membership. If you want to remain informed, or if there’s a subject you’d like addressed, plan to attend that evening. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
The following open letter, from Dixie’s Renovation Committee Chair John Carere, was sent to all registered Dixie Curling Club members to provide an update on recent development options being considered.
Hello Fellow Dixie Curlers,
I currently chair Dixie’s Planning and Renovation Committee and just want to bring everyone up to speed on what is happening behind the scenes to modernize Dixie and make it an up-to-date facility we could all be proud to call home.
The first step in this project was completed last year when a telephone survey was conducted by an independent research company. The purpose of the survey was to assess the level of the general public’s knowledge and interest in curling in the Mississauga and Etobicoke areas. It surprised many of us that the level of awareness of curling was very limited, and the majority of the surveyed population was totally unaware of the existence of any curling club in the city of Mississauga. In addition, it was evident that membership costs for curling are on par to a fitness club, where facilities tend to be more modern than what we have to offer at Dixie.
At the start of this curling season, we formed a Planning and Renovation Committee which is comprised of both Dixie Board and our general curling members. The objective of this committee is to determine what we want our club to look like in the near future and for many years to come. To put many rumors to rest there are no immediate plans to increase the amount of curling sheets at Dixie! Unfortunately, the way our property is currently zoned it does not allow us to expand the footprint of the building. In the meantime, the committee is looking at various options on how to renovate and upgrade the facility. We hired an engineering/architect firm which is providing us with various options. Areas under consideration include and are not limited to; the women’s and men’s locker rooms, the lounge area, banquet facilities, etc. The firm is currently preparing quotes for the various options under review. We hope to have these estimates very soon for the committee to review. Once this process is complete we will present the committee’s options to the membership at large.
From our main committee we have various subcommittees established to focus on the following:
Government Relations/Communication
Finance/Grants
Design/Architect/Engineering
If you are interested in participating in any of these committees, please let one of our committee members know, which include:
John Carere, Patrick McConnell, Rhonda Blanch, Karen Clark, Vala Mruck, Ron Hembruff, Glen Dearling, Paul Attard, Bob Garvin
If you have any immediate questions or concerns please let us know.
Thank you,
John Carere
On Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30 pm the board will be hosting a TOWN HALL MEETING to share views on the recent survey results, the planning committee status and what the future holds in this very busy club. They’ll be interested in hearing opinions and viewpoints about any subject near and dear to the membership. If you want to remain informed, or if there’s a subject you’d like addressed, plan to attend that evening. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
PRO SHOP – Many have been asking and yes, it’s time for the annual end-of-season-clearance sale in the pro shop. All in stock items are now 25% off the already low regular prices. We will not be ordering in any more stock this season, so be sure to drop in and get what you’re looking for before we run out. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – As many curling fans are already aware, the final Grand Slam Event of the season is coming to Toronto. The Player’s Championship is being held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) April 16-21. Sportsnet is providing a special incentive to all TCA clubs to help in promoting ticket sales. Full event passes are available online by clicking here. When there, use the promo code Dixie when buying tickets. For every event pass purchased using the promo code Dixie, the club will receive $25. It’s a great way to provide a little support to the club, and to see most of the world’s best curling teams in action.
DIXIE GOES TO THE BALL GAME – Planning is nearly complete for this fun way to wrap up the curling season. On Monday, April 15th there will be buses leaving the club shortly after 5:00 pm to head down to the Rogers Centre. A total of 120 Dixie members and friends will be cheering on the Blue Jays against the Chicago White Sox that evening. And the buses will also bring you back to the club after the game. Many thanks to Kelly Bishop for spearheading this trip. Those that have signed up will hear more details as the date gets closer.
SKATING – The annual skate-off will be scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 21st. Skating will begin at 1:00 pm, and light snacks and beverages will be provided during the afternoon. All members and their guests are welcome. Come on down for one final day at the club and skate the ice out.
TRY CURLING – On Saturday, March 30th we will be holding our annual Try Curling day for friends and family who have always wanted to try curling but never had the chance. Kevin Scott is the chief instructor this year, and if anyone is available to help that day please let me know. It’s only $5 for people to try it. As in past years, we will be scheduling families – 7 years and older to go on the ice – from 10:00 am to noon, and adults only – 19 and older – from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. And yes, we do need registration in advance, which can be done by sending an email to dixiecurlingclub@rogers.com, indicating the number of people attending and their ages (if for the morning session).
CURLING ON GRASS – For a summer extension to curling, why not join the PORT CREDIT LAWN BOWLING CLUB that is located nearby on Cawthra Road south of the QEW adjacent to the senior facility. The lawn bowling season runs from May to the end of September and operates on most days of the week. There are some morning, afternoon and evening schedules that allow participants to find a day and time that works for the individual. One of the nice features of lawn bowling is that you bowl when you want to and the tag system used at the club allows you to participate when you attend.
There is a comfortable social environment with a competitive flavour that allows everyone to find the level they prefer. The club hosts many special social events and a friendly atmosphere for all. There is plenty of opportunity to those more competitive to participate in many of the in-club and out-of-club tournaments held throughout the season. Presently there is a significant number of Dixie ladies and men curlers that belong to the Port Credit L.B. Club. We have members of all ages from as young as in their thirties to seniors in their late 80s, so there is a place for everyone. If you need to find out more, you can contact Dorothea Phair or Terry Green at the Dixie C.C or visit the website at www.pclbc.ca.
Another local club sends along this invitation to all Dixie curlers: The ETOBICOKE LAWN BOWLING CLUB would like to invite curlers to try our sport on May 25th at 6:00 PM. ELBC is located in Tom Riley Park. The entrance to parking is on the east side of Islington, one block south of Dundas. Walk north in the parking lot and across the bridge to our location. Wear loose fitting clothes appropriate for the weather, along with flat soled shoes to protect our greens. Coaching, bowls and beverages will be provided. See www.etobicokelawnbowling.net or www.trybowls.ca for more information about the game.
Come and find out what you’ve been missing. We have 4 evening draws along with weekend and day time draws. You can bowl around your daytime activities! We would like to know that you are attending so we can prepare for your visit. RSVP to: elbc2008@hotmail.com and/or contact Jane Worth at jane9worth@gmail.com.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE – The final Season of Champions event of the year Is the Ford World men’s Championship. Brad Jacobs will lead the Northern Ontario team that just won their first Brier as Team Canada at the Ford Worlds, which will be in Victoria beginning this Saturday, March 30th. TSN will again be showing all of Canada’s games. The host committee has listed the official draw for Team Canada on their site, and it’s also on the TSN website here.
To end the season we’ll get to see the top 15 men’s and women’s teams in the Players’ Championship in Toronto, April 16-21. Sportsnet will be providing full coverage of that one. And many of those curlers will be at the same ball game as the Dixie group of 120 on the 15th.
AS THE SEASON WINDS DOWN – The weather the past couple of weeks has made it seem like winter won’t ever leave. Truth be told, summer is not far off. As we get close to the end of another curling season, check out the following schedule of events for members to take note of:
April 3: Wednesday Regular Men Finals
April 9: Tuesday OCYOR Finals
April 9: Business Women Finals
April 10: Country Gentlemen Final Day
April 10: Wednesday Mixed CYOR Finals
April 11: Thursday OCYOR Finals
April 12-13: Closing Mixed Bonspiel
April 14: Junior/Bantam/Little Rock Finals
April 15: Day Men Closing – last 50/50 draw
April 15: Monday Men CYOR Finals
April 15: Dixie Goes to the Ball Game
April 16: Tuesday Aft OCYOR Finals
April 16: Business Women Closing Banquet
April 17: Wednesday Aft OCYOR Finals
April 18: Day Women Pot Luck Closing Dinner
April 19: Friday Afternoon Mixed Finals
April 19-21: Dominion Women’s Club Championship – entry deadline is Friday April 5
April 21: Closing BBQ and Skating Party
PRO SHOP – Many have been asking and yes, it’s time for the annual end-of-season-clearance sale in the pro shop. All in stock items are now 25% off the already low regular prices. We will not be ordering in any more stock this season, so be sure to drop in and get what you’re looking for before we run out. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – As many curling fans are already aware, the final Grand Slam Event of the season is coming to Toronto. The Player’s Championship is being held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) April 16-21. Sportsnet is providing a special incentive to all TCA clubs to help in promoting ticket sales. Full event passes are available online by clicking here. When there, use the promo code Dixie when buying tickets. For every event pass purchased using the promo code Dixie, the club will receive $25. It’s a great way to provide a little support to the club, and to see most of the world’s best curling teams in action.
DIXIE GOES TO THE BALL GAME – This event seems to get bigger and bigger each week. We have now sold out the original 100 tickets, but we are adding more so everyone who wishes to join in the fun can still do so. Just be sure to sign up and pay by this Friday. March 22 so we can get a final count confirmed with the Blue Jays. Buses will be leaving Dixie at approximately 5:15 pm to attend the game that night – Monday, April 15th – between the Blue Jays and the Chicago White Sox. And they’ll bring you back to the club afterwards. Everyone who attends will also receive a specially designed t-shirt, and may also get a chance to rub shoulders with some of the Slam participants, who will be in attendance at the Jays Game that night. Look for Nolan Thiessen to toss out the first pitch, which was decided by the Grand Slam curlers themselves. Read about it on the Team Koe Blog, and look for the mention of Dixie in there as well.
For further information please contact Kelly Bishop ASAP – Email: klbishop@hotmail.com, Phone: 647-502-8977
SKATING – The annual skate-off will be scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 21st. Skating will begin at 1:00 pm, and light snacks and beverages will be provided during the afternoon. All members and their guests are welcome. Come on down for one final day at the club and skate the ice out.
TRY CURLING – On Saturday, March 30th we will be holding our annual Try Curling day for friends and family who have always wanted to try curling but never had the chance. Kevin Scott is the chief instructor this year, and if anyone is available to help that day please let me know. It’s only $5 for people to try it. As in past years, we will be scheduling families – 7 years and older to go on the ice – from 10:00 am to noon, and adults only – 19 and older – from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. And yes, we do need registration in advance, which can be done by sending an email to dixiecurlingclub@rogers.com, indicating the number of people attending and their ages (if for the morning session).
CURLING ON GRASS – For a summer extension to curling, why not join the PORT CREDIT LAWN BOWLING CLUB that is located nearby on Cawthra Road south of the QEW adjacent to the senior facility. The lawn bowling season runs from May to the end of September and operates on most days of the week. There are some morning, afternoon and evening schedules that allow participants to find a day and time that works for the individual. One of the nice features of lawn bowling is that you bowl when you want to and the tag system used at the club allows you to participate when you attend.
There is a comfortable social environment with a competitive flavour that allows everyone to find the level they prefer. The club hosts many special social events and a friendly atmosphere for all. There is plenty of opportunity to those more competitive to participate in many of the in-club and out-of-club tournaments held throughout the season. Presently there is a significant number of Dixie ladies and men curlers that belong to the Port Credit L.B. Club. We have members of all ages from as young as in their thirties to seniors in their late 80s, so there is a place for everyone. If you need to find out more, you can contact Dorothea Phair or Terry Green at the Dixie C.C or visit the website at www.pclbc.ca.
Another local club sends along this invitation to all Dixie curlers: The ETOBICOKE LAWN BOWLING CLUB would like to invite curlers to try our sport on May 25th at 6:00 PM. ELBC is located in Tom Riley Park. The entrance to parking is on the east side of Islington, one block south of Dundas. Walk north in the parking lot and across the bridge to our location. Wear loose fitting clothes appropriate for the weather, along with flat soled shoes to protect our greens. Coaching, bowls and beverages will be provided. See www.etobicokelawnbowling.net or www.trybowls.ca for more information about the game.
Come and find out what you’ve been missing. We have 4 evening draws along with weekend and day time draws. You can bowl around your daytime activities! We would like to know that you are attending so we can prepare for your visit. RSVP to: elbc2008@hotmail.com and/or contact Jane Worth at jane9worth@gmail.com.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE – This week we are watching Rachel Homan lead Team Canada at the Women’s World Championships from Latvia. The final is scheduled fort Sunday afternoon. Then Brad Jacobs will lead the Northern Ontario team that just won their first Brier as Team Canada at the Ford Worlds, which will be in Victoria beginning March 30. TSN will again be showing all of Canada’s games. The host committee has listed the official draw for Team Canada on their site, and it’s also on the TSN website here.
To end the season we’ll get to see the top 15 men’s and women’s teams in the Players’ Championship in Toronto, April 16-21. Sportsnet will be providing full coverage of that one.
AS THE SEASON WINDS DOWN – The weather the past couple of weeks has made it seem like winter won’t ever leave. Truth be told, summer is not far off. As we get close to the end of another curling season, check out the following schedule of events for members to take note of:
April 3: Wednesday Regular Men Finals
April 9: Tuesday OCYOR Finals
April 9: Business Women Finals
April 10: Country Gentlemen Final Day
April 10: Wednesday Mixed CYOR Finals
April 11: Thursday OCYOR Finals
April 12-13: Closing Mixed Bonspiel
April 14: Junior/Bantam/Little Rock Finals
April 15: Day Men Closing – last 50/50 draw
April 15: Monday Men CYOR Finals
April 15: Dixie Goes to the Ball Game
April 16: Tuesday Aft OCYOR Finals
April 16: Business Women Closing Banquet
April 17: Wednesday Aft OCYOR Finals
April 18: Day Women Pot Luck Closing Dinner
April 19: Friday Afternoon Mixed Finals
April 19-21: Dominion Women’s Club Championship – entry deadline is Friday April 5
April 21: Closing BBQ and Skating Party
PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – As many curling fans are already aware, the final Grand Slam Event of the season is coming to Toronto. The Player’s Championship is being held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) April 16-21. Sportsnet is providing a special incentive to all TCA clubs to help in promoting ticket sales. Full event passes are available online by clicking here. When there, use the promo code Dixie when buying tickets. For every event pass purchased using the promo code Dixie, the club will receive $25. It’s a great way to provide a little support to the club, and to see most of the world’s best curling teams in action.
DIXIE GOES TO THE BALL GAME – This event seems to get bigger and bigger each week. We have now sold out the original 100 tickets, but we are adding more so everyone who wishes to join in the fun can still do so. Just be sure to sign up by March 22 so we can get a final count confirmed with the Blue Jays. Buses will be leaving Dixie at approximately 5:15 pm to attend the game that night – Monday, April 15th – between the Blue Jays and the Chicago White Sox. And they’ll bring you back to the club afterwards. Everyone who attends will also receive a specially designed t-shirt, and may also get a chance to rub shoulders with some of the Slam participants, who will be in attendance at the Jays Game that night. Look for Nolan Thiessen to toss out the first pitch, which was decided by the Grand Slam curlers themselves. Read about it on the Team Koe Blog, and look for the mention of Dixie in there as well.
For further information please contact Kelly Bishop ASAP – Email: klbishop@hotmail.com, Phone: 647-502-8977
DIXIE EVENTS
REPLACING EQUIPMENT
The most common pieces of equipment that are replaced most frequently are grippers and broom heads. And the most common question asked is how do I know when they need to be replaced? Well, it depends on what position you play as to how long your equipment will remain effective and safe. Skips will not wear out their equipment nearly as frequently as front end players (don’t worry sweepers, skips get lots of other headaches to worry about). And how you manoeuvre your feet down the ice while sweeping will have a lot to do with how your grippers wear out. So there is no definitive time line that works for everybody. However, a general rule of thumb can be applied for most people. If you curl one game per week, then you probably need new grippers and broom heads once per season. If you play twice a week, then it’s twice per season. Three times – three times. And so on.
Here’s another rule of thumb about equipment. If you look at your gripper, or broom head, and wonder if it needs replacing, it probably does. Most people hold on too long. Not replacing a gripper can cause debris to be left on the ice, and we all know what that means. Also, a worn gripper will lose its grip and is not as safe as it should be. In some extreme cases, they actually have holes in them. Similarly, a worn broom head will both lose its effectiveness and be dirty. In some extreme cases, those pads that used to be yellow, orange, red, etc. simply end up looking black.
So remember, using clean and safe equipment will make your curling experience more enjoyable. And your fellow curlers will appreciate it as well.
For a summer extension to curling, why not join the PORT CREDIT LAWN BOWLING CLUB that is located nearby on Cawthra Road south of the QEW adjacent to the senior facility. The lawn bowling season runs from May to the end of September and operates on most days of the week. There are some morning, afternoon and evening schedules that allow participants to find a day and time that works for the individual. One of the nice features of lawn bowling is that you bowl when you want to and the tag system used at the club allows you to participate when you attend.
There is a comfortable social environment with a competitive flavour that allows everyone to find the level they prefer. The club hosts many special social events and a friendly atmosphere for all. There is plenty of opportunity to those more competitive to participate in many of the in-club and out-of-club tournaments held throughout the season. Presently there is a significant number of Dixie ladies and men curlers that belong to the Port Credit L.B. Club. We have members of all ages from as young as in their thirties to seniors in their late 80s, so there is a place for everyone. If you need to find out more, you can contact Dorothea Phair or Terry Green at the Dixie C.C or visit the website at www.pclbc.ca.
Another local club sends along this invitation to all Dixie curlers: The ETOBICOKE LAWN BOWLING CLUB would like to invite curlers to try our sport on May 25th at 6:00 PM. ELBC is located in Tom Riley Park. The entrance to parking is on the east side of Islington, one block south of Dundas. Walk north in the parking lot and across the bridge to our location. Wear loose fitting clothes appropriate for the weather, along with flat soled shoes to protect our greens. Coaching, bowls and beverages will be provided. See www.etobicokelawnbowling.net or www.trybowls.ca for more information about the game.
Come and find out what you’ve been missing. We have 4 evening draws along with weekend and day time draws. You can bowl around your daytime activities! We would like to know that you are attending so we can prepare for your visit. RSVP to: elbc2008@hotmail.com and/or contact Jane Worth at jane9worth@gmail.com.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Beginning this Saturday, TSN is showing the Women’s World Championship, featuring Rachel Homan as Team Canada. They are in Latvia from March 16-24, and TSN has announced plans to televise all of Canada’s games. Of course, if you want to see them live you might lose a little sleep, with 3 of their games beginning at 2:30 am. The rest aren’t so bad, with start times varying from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. You can see the full schedule here.
Then Brad Jacobs will lead the Northern Ontario team that just won their first Brier as Team Canada at the Ford Worlds, which will be in Victoria beginning March 30. TSN will again be showing all of Canada’s games. The host committee has listed the official draw for Team Canada on their site, and it’s also on the TSN website here.
To end the season we’ll get to see the top 15 men’s and women’s teams in the Players’ Championship in Toronto, April 16-21. Sportsnet will be providing full coverage of that one.
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