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Volume 4 - Issue 4 - Oct 22, 2025

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Have fun!

Next Week: 2 days before Halloween!? You know what that means... actually it doesn't mean anything, however, in the spirit of Halloween - feel free to wear a costume or just a fun hat or scarf! 

Last week: A new bell rule was implemented by the club - at the last minute.  This notice is at the end of each sheet.  Any questions - ask around (or ask Evelyn or myself)

Oakville Curling Club – Bell Rule Reminder

To keep our games running smoothly and ensure everyone enjoys their time on the ice, please note the following Bell Rules:

Early Games (6:40 p.m. Start)

  • The Bell (Horn) will sound 1 hour and 35 minutes after the game begins.
  • When the Horn sounds:
    • Finish the end you are currently playing.
    • Then play one more end.
  • There is NO second Bell. 

Late Games (9:05 p.m. Start)

  • The Bell (Horn) will sound 1 hour and 35 minutes after the last game has started.
  • The usual start time for late games is 9:05 p.m., but please note this may vary if there’s a delay due to ice preparation.
  • A Horn will sound once the late game begins to indicate that the game clock is running.

Definition of the Next End

  • Your next end (for example, the 7th end) is considered to have started once the last stone of the previous end (the 6th end) is in motion.

Let’s all help keep games on pace and ensure everyone enjoys a full and fair curling experience — Good curling to all!! 

Other NEWS:  Team Breard will be participating in the TORONTO HOPE BONSPIEL in Leaside on NOV 8th. They have been asked to do some fundraising of $150 each.  For more information on the bonspiel https://torontohope.ca/ 

The link to make a donation is here
 

Even MORE NEWS:  Club championship. Our WNW Team Brown made a good run, however, just fell short.  Monday Morning Women's League, Team Murphy made it, as did the Men's League's, Team Wilson. Therefore, both teams move on to the provincials in Kingston.

Here's the Link: 

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LAUGH OF THE WEEK:

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STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

On Ice Reminders:

For players to help maintain a curling ice sheet, it's crucial to keep it free of dirt, debris, and body heat. The quality of the ice can change from end to end, so players should pay close attention to conditions. 

General etiquette for protecting the ice

  • Keep your shoes clean. Before stepping onto the ice, always wipe your curling shoes on the provided mat and regularly clean your broom during play. Never wear outdoor shoes on the ice.
  • Respect the ice surface. Avoid resting your hands and knees on the ice, as body heat can melt the surface and leave flat spots that affect the stones' path. If you fall, get up quickly to minimize contact.
  • Move gently. Move stones with your broom or feet, not your hands, and place them gently at the end of the sheet. Never lift or drop a stone. Do not bang your broom on the ice, as this can cause cracking.
  • Stay in designated areas. When you are not delivering or sweeping a stone, stand still at the side of the sheet between the hog lines.
  • Walk on the sides. Avoid walking down the middle of the sheet, as this helps keep the playing path clean. 

Before and during the game

  • Watch the ice. Pay attention to how the rocks are curling throughout the game, as the ice's characteristics can change. Watch both your team's and your opponents' throws.
  • Notice the pebble. The texture of the ice, known as the "pebble," can vary across the sheet. Paying attention to its feel can help you anticipate how the stones will travel.
  • Consider conditions. Be aware that things like temperature and humidity can affect how the ice plays. 

Equipment care

  • Clean your equipment. Dirty shoes, worn grippers, or shedding brooms can all leave debris on the ice that can cause a "pick" and alter a stone's path.
  • Keep grippers in good shape. A disintegrating gripper is a major source of debris. Replace old or worn-out grippers to avoid leaving residue on the ice

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:


Roasted butternut squash and pear soup in a bowl

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Soup

SERVINGS: 8 SERVINGS
PREP TIME: 15MINUTES 
COOK TIME: 45MINUTES 
ADDITIONAL TIME: 0MINUTES 
TOTAL TIME: 1HOUR 

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Soup is velvety smooth soup with caramelized butternut squash, pears and a spicy sweet ginger kick!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 3 lb. butternut squash peeled, seeds removed and cut into 1" cubes; roughly 4 cups of cubed squash
  • 2 large Bartlett pears peeled, cored, and quartered; sub with Bosch pears
  • 1 medium onion peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups low sodium vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup optional; sub with your favorite sweetener if desired
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Garnish with coconut milk or cream and freshly chopped parsley, if desired

Instructions 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the butternut squash with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet, and roast 20 minutes. Toss the pear gently to coat with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the butternut squash from the oven and place the pear on the baking sheet. Roast for an additional 20 minutes or until softened and caramelized. Remove from heat.
    3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,3 lb. butternut squash,2 large Bartlett pears
  2. In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds longer.
    1 medium onion,3 cloves garlic
  3. Place the squash, pear, onion mixture, broth, maple syrup, grated ginger, salt and pepper, to taste in a blender, and process until smooth, processing in two batches if necessary. Add more liquid as necessary and adjust the seasoning as needed.
    4 cups low sodium vegetable stock,1 tablespoon pure maple syrup,1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger,Salt and freshly ground pepper
  4. Place the soup in the large pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve with the optional garnishes as desired and enjoy!
    Garnish with coconut milk or cream and freshly chopped parsley, if desired

Notes

  • Pro tip: Prep the butternut squash up to a few days in advance to make this recipe go even faster. Be sure to see my tips on how to peel and cut butternut squash.
  • Fresh ginger adds a sweet and spicy kick of flavor that pairs beautifully with the butternut squash and pears. I store fresh ginger root in the freezer and grate it peel and all with microplane zester.
  • Garnish the soup with a drizzle of coconut milk or cream, a dollop of creme fraiche, or chopped fresh parsley.
  • Store roasted butternut squash pear soup in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

calories: 165kcal, carbohydrates: 27g, protein: 2g, fat: 5g, saturated fat: 1g, sodium: 5mg, potassium: 369mg, fiber: 5g, sugar: 14g, vitamin a: 7465IU, vitamin c: 19mg, calcium: 50mg, iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES AND SHOWS:

LET’S SHARE SOME IDEAS FOR GOOD GAMES OR BOOKS OR MOVIES OR SHOWS!  SEND ME A LITTLE BLURB AS TO WHAT IT IS AND WHY YOU LIKE IT! 

A must watch! very enjoyable and if you have ever wondered about the north and how wonderful it can be - this is a beautifully filmed series; full of laughs and northern scenery.

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A comedy series co-commissioned by CBC and Netflix in association with APTN, NORTH OF NORTH follows Siaja (Anna Lambe, True Detective: Night Country, Trickster), a young Inuk mother who dreams of reinventing herself in her tiny Arctic community of Ice Cove, a town where everybody knows your business. After a spontaneous — and extremely public — exit from her marriage, Siaja finds herself navigating the unpredictable, and often hilarious, highs and lows that come with relationships, motherhood, a new job, and finding your way. 

The first season also stars Maika Harper, Braeden Clarke, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jay Ryan, Zorga Qaunaq, Bailey Poching, Kelly William, Keira Belle Cooper and Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds.

NORTH OF NORTH is created, executive produced and written by Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Qanurli, The Grizzlies) and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Angry Inuk, The Grizzlies) of Red Marrow Media and executive produced by Miranda de Pencier (Anne with an E, Beginners, The Grizzlies) of Northwood Entertainment.

APTN, CBC and Netflix renewed NORTH OF NORTH for a second season, which was announced on April 29, 2025.