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“Foot fair, draw to a hair. Your stone being well directed. You’ll hit your aim and win your game. If you miss, be not dejected.”
October 2018News…from the Hack!
President’s Reception, Wednesday Oct. 3Club President, Michael Stearns, invites you and your guest(s) to a reception from 17h30 – 19h30 to officially kick‐off the start of another great season of curling and social events.
Come see some familiar faces and bring a +1, a guest who might be interested in taking up curling as a winter activity or becoming a social member. RSVP athttps://goo.gl/forms/oEZ75A310U6OZ7AV2 beforeTuesday, October 2, 2018
Open House Saturday, Oct. 13 09h00 – 17h00Volunteers are needed to fulfil many different roles. Please contact Giovina Rogers to help out: [email protected] your availability: morning (9am‐1pm) or afternoon (1pm‐5pm) for the following areas: Food: Preparation and serving of snacksGreeters/Registration:Welcome and shoe instructions at entrance, sign in
Coaches: Teaching and playing on ice, 45 mins per group, one coach per sheet for eight participantsClosers: Chat up participants and encourage them to sign up for Learn 2 Curl or as membersGeneral assistance: Seeing what needs to be done, filling in roles as needed
Target date of “ice‐in is October 5th!
President’s message / Message du Président
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News…from the Hack! October 2018
Michael StearnsPresident/Président
Dear members,Finally, summer seems to be releasing it’s warm hold of us.Some of you may lament cooler weather in September but certainly not our Ice Man, Jamie Sage. He is hard at work building up our ice so we can have it ready for the first week of October.
Your curling club is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming season but we do need some help if you can spare some time.As you saw in your initial sign‐up package, we have several committees, all needing volunteers to lend a hand. Please consider donating some time so that all members can experience a fantastic season.
We have an Open House planned for Saturday Oct. 13. This is your chance to help the club recruit new members by simply talking to people about why you enjoy your club. Please come offer your support.
Wishing you all a pleasant and safe curling season.
Chers membres,Enfin, l’été semble nous libérer de sa chaleur. Certains d'entre vous peuvent déplorer un temps plus frais en septembre, mais certainement pas notre Ice Man, Jamie Sage. Il travaille fort pour construire notre glace afin que nous puissions être prêt pour la première semaine d’octobre.
Votre club de curling déborde de préparatifs pour la saison à venir, mais nous avons besoin de votre aide si vous avez du temps. Comme vous l'avez vu dans votre trousse d'inscription initiale, nous avons plusieurs comités, qui ont tous besoin de bénévoles pour donner un coup de main.S'il vous plaît envisager de donner un peu de temps pour que tous les membres puissent vivre une saison fantastique.
Nous avons une journée portes ouvertes prévue pour le samedi 13 octobre, ceci est votre chance d'aider le club à recruter de nouveaux membres en parlant simplement aux gens de la raison pour laquelle vous aimez votre club. S'il vous plaît venez offrir votre soutien.
Je vous souhaite à tous une saison de curling agréable et sécuritaire.
Michael
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October 2018
an Open House session at the Glenmore Curling Club in September, 2000. Majumdar has been a Glenmore member ever since, participating in most of its club activities and leagues over the past 18 years. He has also represented Glenmore in numerous outside bonspiels over the years, and was a member of a historic Quebec provincial men's team in 2008 ‐ the first majority hearing‐impaired (deaf) team to play in a provincial men's championship in Canada.
At the behest of his hearing‐impaired curling athlete friends, Rahul coached Team Quebec at the 2006 Canadian Deaf Curling Championships (CDCC). It was held at the Town of Mount Royal Curling Club and was an effort that led to a national championship, no less! This was the start of his coaching career, which includes two more CDCC gold medals (2007, 2008), a bronze medal effort at the 2013 Quebec Junior Men's Provincials, and participation in the 2015 Jeux du Québec.
A certified competitive coach, Rahul's first experience at RMCC was as a player in both the 2016 and 2017 Centenary Cup competitions. In November 2017, he joined the club's in‐house coaching staff to assist with the Collège de Montréal file as well as support its burgeoning rental program.In the summer of 2018, the RMCC Board of Directors approved Majumdar's appointment as Club Professional, effective September 1, 2018 for the 2018‐2019 curling season.
Introducing our new Club ProfessionalRahul Majumdar, Eng., IEEE, began his curling odyssey in 1995, while working as an onsite consultant for Northern Telecom in Montreal (Ville St‐Laurent). Invited by a Nortel employee to try curling in a weekly company league, he spent the next five seasons (four years at Montreal West C.C., one year at Pointe Claire C.C.) learning and enjoying the game with friends, until the league's dissolution in 2000.
Looking to continue with the Roarin' game in some capacity, Rahul attended
You might need coaching if….
Reprinted from the Sarnia Golf & Curling Club Newsletter, January 2018
* SAVE THE DATE *
Catch up with your RMCC friends at our first social event of the year!
Harvest Dinner Thursday October 18, 2018
Cocktails 6:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm
Hosted by Tracy Johnstone & Luc-André Girard Sign up on the bulletin board OR Email [email protected] (Menu to follow soon!)
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October 2018
The complete 2018 – 2019 events calendar
Date Event
3‐Oct‐18 President’s reception; all members and guests, 17h30‐19h30
11‐Oct‐18 Ladies Alumni Lunch: ladies alumni and their guests, 12h00
13‐Oct‐18 Open House: drive for new members, 09h00‐16h00
18‐Oct‐18 Harvest Dinner: all members and guests, 18h00
22‐Nov‐18 Oyster Night: all members and guests, 17h00‐19h00
24‐Nov‐18 Richler Cup Qualifications 1 (Snooker): all members and public, 12h00
25‐Nov‐18 Grey Cup Party: all members and guests, 17h00
01‐Dec‐18 St Andrew’s Day Luncheon: members of The St. Andrew’s Society andtheir guest of honour are our guests. All members and guests, 12h00
7‐Dec‐18 Christmas Dinner and Dance: all members and guests, 18h00
01‐Jan‐19 New Year’s Levee and Brunch ( War Memorial): New Year’s tradition mixing morning curling (10h00) and exceptional food 12h00). All members and guests.
24‐Jan‐19 Founders Day and The Robbie Burns Dinner: Celebration of Scottish bard, Robbie Burns and Club foundations of January 22, 1807. All members and guests, 18h00
03‐Feb‐19 Super Bowl Party: all members and guests, 17h00
13‐Mar‐19 Irish Pub Night: all members and guests, 18h00
23‐Mar‐19 Richler Cup Qualifications 2 (Snooker): all members and public, 12h00
30‐Mar‐19 Kurling 4 Kids: charity event where 12 curing clubs in the Montreal area raise money for The Montreal Children’s Hospital and L’HôpitalSte‐Justine. Members enter teams, fundraise, sell raffle tickets or become a sponsor, 09h00‐17h00
26‐Apr‐19 Closing Night: all members and guests. Competition prizes are presented, 18h00
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October 2018
Opening bonspiel: The Hugh PatonThe Hugh Paton dates have been set for Oct 9, Oct 10, Oct 16 and Oct 17. We still have a limited number of spots available. If you’ve not already done so, or you have a change of heart, submit your registration today.
Teams will be made from all interested members. To register, click here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebTvLM66VisWTFkV9bUctB4d7jwhLrKfGsuaxupqwQ5uUvMA/viewform
The skip stood apart in the crowded roomWhere a babble of talk made a horrid din.In deep thought, he stood, with a look of doomAs he pondered the plight his rink was in.
His lips gave a twitch, as I walked past,And softly I heard him begin to pray:Dear Lord, we need your help as in the pastWhen we take the ice this very day!
Grant your aid, I pray, to my curling band,When soon we step upon the curling ice,And may my rink curl so very grand,They'll be on the broom once or twice.
For my lead, I ask, that he have his weight;For my second, I pray she delivers on broom;May my vice, I beg, a strong house create;May our take‐outs sound like a sonic boom!
One last thing I'll add to this earnest plea,And I ask from my heart with pious lip,If you can't help our rink to victory,Please Lord, don't help the other skip!
*Author: Ed White. Note that The Hack exercised her power of the pen and changed a “he” to a “she” in one instance.
A Skip's Prayer*
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October 2018
Wednesday guest speaker luncheons* 11h30 – bar/ 12h15 ‐ lunch
Date Speaker/Subject
17‐Oct‐18 Suzanne Fortier, Principal & VC of McGill University
31‐Oct‐18 Jon Eakes, The CJAD Fix‐It Man
14‐Nov‐18 Adam Daifallah, U.S. Mid‐Term Elections
12‐Dec‐18 Matthew Zoern, Drones
16‐Jan‐19 Michel Langelier, Innovation Consortium, Artificial Intelligence/QC Innovation Plan
23‐Jan‐19 Sam Allison, Scottish heritage topic for Robbie Burns week
*Please note that a light lunch will be offered on Wednesdays when no speaker scheduled.
Highland Games promotionThe RMCC had a booth at the Montreal Highland Games on Saturday, July 28. According to Giovina Rogers, a volunteer at the booth, about 60 people expressed an interest in curling or attending the Open House October 13th. A huge thank you to the other volunteers who staffed the booth including: Michael Stearns, Ralph Faraggi, Greg Brown, Suzanne Pitre, Barbara Macleod‐Rey, Jim Mathewson, Andy and Grace Shatilla and Ian Swain.
Municipal tax exemption applicationThe RMCC pays approximately $70,000 annual in municipal property taxes. Following the lead of other clubs such as Glenmore, the RMCC has recently filed an application to Commission municipal du Quebec (CMQ) to allow the RMCC to be exempt from municipal taxes. Our application was submitted on August 31st, 2018 and is being processed by the CMQ. The RMCC could be called to a hearing within the next 90 days. Board Secretary Ralph Faraggi would represent the RMCC at such a hearing. Many thanks to Tony Kalhok, Michael Taub, Ralph Faraggi, Susan Yuen (Glenmore Curling Club), Michael Stearns, Brian Casey, Adam Dafaillah, Louis Bédard, Frits Beran, Bruce Allan (Jane's husband), Chris Foote, John Morris, Andy Shatilla, Pat Forbes, Jim Mathewson, Rahul Majumdar and Jenny Jasper for working so diligently on the application over the summer and successfully submitting it.
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October 2018
Triples curling: teams of three, six stones, six ends
The RMCC has created a Triples League beginning mid‐ October on Sunday afternoons at 2pm.
This new league is the hottest curling format sweeping Canada. Each person on the three‐person team throws two rocks for a total of six rocks per end, per team. Players play two ends at each position in rotation. Each game should only take 1 ‐ 1 1/4 hours to complete. There are already quite a few members signed up. Members can sign up on the online registration form. For more information, contact Chris Foote.
This new format was test piloted by the University of Alberta two years ago and introduced across Canada last year with great success.
Non‐members are eligible to play subject to availability for a $40 fee per game. This game is family friendly and open to everyone 14 years of age and over.
Monitors for public curling sessions neededThe RMCC is actively seeking coaches/monitors to lead individuals or groups wanting to try their hand at curling. This is an opportunity to share your passion and knowledge of curling. They say that teaching is one of the best ways to improve one’s own understanding of the game. For each session (2.5 hours) you are involved with, you will receive a $50 credit towards membership fee or as bar/dining credit.
To give you a sense of when you might be needed, prime times slots to befilled include: 15h00 ‐‐ 17h00 on all weekdays except Tuesdays 18h00 – 20h00 or 20h00 ‐ 22h00 Thursdays 20h00 – 22h00 Wednesday and Friday 12h00 – 20h00 on Saturdays and Sundays
If you’re interested, you will participate in a training session led by our new Club Professional, Rahul Majumdar.
Please contact Andrew Wood, your new Chair of Coaching and Curling Development, at [email protected] for more information.
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October 2018
Historical Notes A CLUB WITHOUT A PRESIDENT
Alex Allison was the first Secretary of the newly founded Montreal Curling Club. He drew up the Rules & Regulations at the founding and a second in 1820. He was never named President during his tenure (1807‐1821). Thomas Blackwood, whose portrait is in our hall, replaced Allison as Secretary and resigned in 1838 without being named President. Blackwood was named an honorary member and died in 1842. Robert Paterson replaced him as Secretary. John Boston Q.C. was the first President in 1841.
Submitted by Pat ForbesClub Historian
Honouring two special “Pats”Two competitions this year have been named after past Presidents of the Ladies’ Branch.
On Monday mornings, the Pat Ackman Competition will be played. Pat is a long‐standing member, joining in 1972. She is a past Ladies’ President, 1996 ‐ 1998, a long serving member ( match chair ), always with a helping hand, and a smile.
On Thursday mornings, the Pat McLean Trophy will be played. Pat
Submitted by Beverley Hutchison,with assistance from Myrna Southam.
RMCC gets PayPal accountThe RMCC will now be able to receive payment for public curling events or rentals via PayPal. All payments involve a 3% service charge so members are encouraged to pay their membership fees and bar/dining expenses using e‐transfer or personal cheque.
Voting Day – October 1All is in order for the RMCC to be a polling station for the provincial election. To ensure the security of our club, an RMCC rep should be at the club at all times, until the votes are counted. Volunteers are needed to “babysit” the club for two‐hour shifts between 18h00 and 24h00 on voting day. Contact [email protected] if you’re available to do so. Bring a good book.
joined the club in 1975, and was Ladies’ President in 1983 ‐ 1984. She was an honorary member, until her death in 2015.
We invite curlers to join these friendly competitions, and then to stay for a light lunch afterwards. Keep on sweeping!
Pat Ackman
Pat McLean
October 2018News…from the Hack!
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Do you know your curling etiquette? To keep the game moving, I should clean my rock:A. After the skip has placed the broom and indicated the desired weightB. As soon as the hack is free, with my opponent’s rock making its way
down the ice.C. Never. The grit on the running surface gives my rock character!
A. Get into position and ready to deliver your stone as soon as the hack is free.
Ice report Relative to Comments from the Membership Survey, the following is being done for 2018/19: One hack to remain Points decals to be installed on Sheets 2 and 3 Courtesy lines outside the hog lines to remain – a developing trend in the industryMixed Doubles markers are being put in on all three sheets
Ice Cleanliness – this was perceived by many as a problem last year and the cause of ‘picks’.Steps taken to correct the situation as follows:
New carpeting being put down at entrance to ice shed ‘Sticky sheets’ to continue New brush pads put on all rental and members’ brooms that were in the ice shed On September 29th we shall have an ice shed clean‐up day per previous e‐mail. We have six
members signed up, the more the merrier New team being formed to check ongoing ice and rock cleanliness and to interact with League
Chairs.We are getting quotes for cleaning of the air duct from the ice furnace that extends the full
length of the ice shed beside Sheet 1. It has not been cleaned in 10 years and we expect it to be dirty and perhaps the cause of ‘lint etc.’ being blown out over the ice and settling on the ice
Board will consider the desirability of grippers (perhaps two) being mandatory for all rentals and schools.
Members will be encouraged to change their grippers at least once every two years.
Taken together, we hope these measures will improve ice cleanlinessGlenn Rourke
Chair, Ice Committee
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Member profiles
Joseph St. MichaelMember 2012
Paul AdamsonMember 2016
The Hackasked these folks to complete the following phrases:
I joined the RMCC because:
I joined at the behest of Doug Brown and John Rolland who insisted that I try the sport; I had never curled before.
When asked
what I do for a
living, I reply:
I am a retired Crown prosecutor;
Other than
curling, I am
very good at:
Golf ‐‐ I golf at Kanawaki GC
A piece of adviceto my youngerself:
Having just arrived in Montreal I wanted to try something new, and Canadian. I also wanted to meet Montrealersand avoid being just an ‘expat’.
Be guided by your instincts and passions
Civil Servant
Good at having a go at anything, even though I’m usually not very good. I like skiing, sailing and riding my motorcycle.
This too shall pass
I am a fantastic tennis player. Just ask me.
I am a retired teacher. I babysit, play tennis and have a good time.
Andy and Grace Shatilla insisted and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Come to Canada sooner.
Esther Wearing*Member 2014
October 2018
*Esther looks so much like Heidi Klum in this photo. They have the same noses!
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October 2018
RMCC curlers get chance‐of‐a‐lifetimeA major international bonspiel and associated social events is taking place over the weekend of Thursday 27th September to Sunday 30th September to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Kinross Curling Club in Kinross, Scotland. As the oldest curling club in the world, Kinross CC has invited the oldest curling clubs from a number of countries. Six such clubs have accepted the invitation to play. These are Royal Montreal (Canada), Milwaukee (USA), St Moritz(Switzerland), Dusseldorf (Germany), Rungsted (Denmark) and Preston (England). Representing the RMCC are Ian Swain, John Morris, Sandy Chisholm and Chris Foote. In all, 20 teams will compete over the three days for a trophy specially commissioned for the event, and all participating players will receive unique mementoes of the occasion.
Board of DirectorsOFFICERS:PRESIDENT: Michael StearnsVICE PRESIDENT: Andy ShatillaHONORARY TREASURER: Brian CaseyHONORARY SECRETARY: Ralph Faraggi
DIRECTORSDeanna Allen ‐ CommunicationsLouis Bedard ‐ BuildingChris Foote ‐MatchAddie Hare – Ladies MatchRose‐Marie Martin – Ladies Branch AlumniGiovina Rogers ‐MembershipGlenn Rourke ‐ IceEsther Wearing – House & EntertainmentAndrew Wood – Coaching & Public Curling Instruction (PCI)
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTIan Swain
Seniors’ facebookHere’s a little ditty a member sent in which deserves wider circulation so you too may have a chuckle:
“I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers‐by what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog and of me gardening, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch and doing what everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations, give them “thumbs up” and tell them I “like” them.
And it works just like Facebook. I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist. “
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News…from the Hack! October 2018
Latest member survey results (based on 65 responses)Here is a summary of select results from the last member survey May 2018. Members are generally satisfied (83%) with the RMCC, with approximately 90% willing to recommend the RMCC to a friend or colleague. Members are also generally satisfied with the ice and ice shed conditions throughout the season, with consistency of speed and curl, and cleanliness being the categories with the most dissatisfaction. Member services such as darts, snooker, Wednesday luncheons and the wellness program appear to appeal to a select few with many members opting for the “not applicable” vote when asked about satisfaction.
The survey also tested potential participation rates for some new program ideas such as a mentorship program for new members (42% very likely or somewhat likely to participate), weekend curling leagues (35%), summer social activities (35%), movie or board game nights (36%), member‐guest open house (65%), members coaching rentals (33%), doubles league (47%).
Sixty nine percent of members find the value for money of their membership to be excellent or above‐average. And 85% say the location of the RMCC is important or somewhat important to becoming and remaining a member of the club.
Finally, members were asked what they liked and disliked about the club. Select comments are below:
Likes Social atmosphere, friendly competition Good people, friendly and easy to know History of the club, dress regulations The atmosphere and tradition of curling Ambiance, camaraderie, history, location Beautiful, historic facility Curling ice is excellent I feel like it’s my club; proud to take guests Our amazing chef, new office team Easy to get to by metroMost attractive clubhouse in the area At age 80, it keeps me young(er) Three sheets, good food and drinksMartin Cavanagh’s trainingMorning curling and Saturday spoons Not far to go, great ice, wonderful building Tradition, physical plant, professional
instructors The quality of coaching
Dislikes Limited parking and additional cost Not having time to play eight ends PoliticsMembership fees are way too high The cliques within the club no one will answer questions Rather expensive for once or twice/week Nothing! Too much secrecy The price per use No dedicated seating for players after a
match Bickering at board and management level Can’t get gluten‐free meals Entrance way needs to give better
impression Club first impression – shabbyMotto needs updating The acoustics upstairs
