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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: It’s the last game of this series - we are in the home stretch for playoffs!  Make the most of it!

Next Week: We begin the new series - read below and check the website for your team ranking and ice time.

Other NEWS: 3rd Draw & Playoff Info.  Please refer to the Planner that is posted below (& under our WNW Info tab) to get an idea of how the 3rd draw will run. 

We will be dividing the teams from 4 divisions to 6 divisions of 6 teams, and will play over 6 weeks with each division getting 1 Bye.  

Playoffs will be played over 3 nights, single knock-out format - Wed April 15 - Teams 3-6 will playoff, the winners advancing. Monday April 20 teams 1&2 will play the winners from April 15, the winners advancing to the finals on Wed April 22nd.  

NOTE: We will be playing on March 11.

On the Final's night (April 22) we would love to make it the closing social as we have in the past, but we need some volunteers to step up and run this for us. Running it involves selling tickets and organizing food for the evening. Please let Sheri or Evelyn know if you can help us out. You can step up as a team, or as individuals.

Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 7.15.44 PM.png

Even More NEWS: We are so close to having a new board rep for our league - more information to follow next week.

AND - We are looking for someone to take over as WNW Games Convenor.  Evelyn has decided that after running our wonderful league for 11 years that it is time to step back. She would like to see some interest from someone, and is willing to spend next season passing on nuances of the job. If you would have an interest please let Evelyn or Sheri know.

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

What do you call a frog born on February 29th?  

A Leap Frog! Ha!

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This will be your family's new favorite.

recipe1

This one-pan meal combines chicken thighs, shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts in a delicious hoisin-based sauce for a super-satisfying blend of flavors and textures in each lettuce-wrapped bite.

Ingredients
  • 3 1/2 Tbsp.canola oil, divided
  • 23.5-ounce containers shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 1/4 lb.boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp.grated ginger
  • 1/4 cuphoisin sauce
  • 1 Tbsp.low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp.rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp.sriracha
  • 1/2 tsp.toasted sesame oil
  • 18-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
  • 4scallions, finely chopped, dark green parts reserved for topping
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling
  • 1 small head butter lettuce, leaves separated
Directions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil in large skillet on medium-high. Add mushrooms, season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.
  2. In same skillet, heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil on medium-high. Add chicken in single layer, then season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn, stir in garlic and ginger, and then cook, turning once or twice more and gently breaking up chicken, until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together hoisin, soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil.
  4. Add sauce to pan and stir until coated. Remove from heat, then fold in water chestnuts, scallions (white and light green parts), and mushrooms, scraping up browned bits. Sprinkle with reserved scallion greens and sesame seeds. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve immediately. 

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

Marty Supreme 

Screenshot 2026-02-18 at 9.50.14 AM.png

Marty Supreme is a 2025 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Josh Safdie, who co-wrote it with Ronald Bronstein. Set in the 1950s, it stars Timothée Chalamet as table tennis player Marty Mauser (loosely based on Marty Reisman) and follows his quest to become world champion. Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher appear in supporting roles.

 

 

 


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Only 2 games left in this series - Enjoy!!

Next Week: Will we be able to announce a new Board Rep for our league by next week???

Other NEWS: Oakville Curling Club BOARD REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY: 

Be the next WNW League Board Representative at our club. This is should be my last plea!  

The applications are pouring in!! Not really - please let me know if this is something you could see yourself doing.

Not interested in continuing the Newsletter? I will stay on and keep it going (if you want me to).  You just have to give me the pertinent information! :)

Don't miss this opportunity to make change (if you want to). It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me (or Evelyn) know if you are interested. 

Even More NEWS: Do you or someone you know not receive this newsletter? Email us so we can try and figure it out!

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

Screenshot 2026-02-14 at 11.50.39 AM.png

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

How do you keep your shoulders square to the target?

tip 

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

jerk pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa

Want a quick Caribbean-inspired culinary escape? This easy pork tenderloin is rubbed with jerk seasoning and paired with a fresh pineapple salsa for a taste of the tropics.

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp dry jerk seasoning (see Tip)
  • 4 tsp olive oil, divided 
  • 1 1/4-pound pork tenderloin
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 small pineapple (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped (2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and stems, finely chopped
Directions
  1. Heat grill to medium. In small bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning and 2 tablespoons oil; rub all over pork tenderloin. Grill pork, covered, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear on all sides and internal temperature reaches 145°F, 18 to 22 minutes. Transfer pork to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing
  2. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, combine rice, 1 1/4 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is just tender, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, until ready to serve.  
  3. In medium bowl, stir together lime juice, red onion, jalapeño, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; let sit 5 minutes, then fold in pineapple and cilantro.
  4. Serve jerk pork with rice topped with pineapple salsa and more cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing. 

Recipe Tip: If you’re using no-salt-added jerk seasoning, add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt when whisking together the seasoning and oil.

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

Spoons

games.jpgYou'll need a deck of cards and some spare spoons (enough to match the number of players minus one) for this one. Everyone will sit in a circle with the spoons in the middle, then each player is dealt four cards. The dealer picks a card from the deck, keeps it or passes it to the next player, and then discards a card. Players continue passing cards quickly around the circle. When a player collects four of the same cards, they grab a spoon from the center. Once a player grabs a spoon, everyone else must make a mad dash to grab one, too. The player left without a spoon is out of the game. This continues until only one player with one spoon is left standing.


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Valentine’s Day treats? Yes, please! Tonight is hearts and love themed. (However, you want that to look)

Next Week: Will we be able to announce a new Board Rep for our league by next week???

Other NEWS: Oakville Curling Club BOARD REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY: 

Be the next WNW League Board Representative at our club. This is my last plea!  

The applications are pouring in!! Not really - please let me know if this is something you could see yourself doing.

Not interested in continuing the Newsletter? I will stay on and keep it going (if you want me to).  You just have to give me the pertinent information! :)

Don't miss this opportunity to make change (if you want to). It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me (or Evelyn) know if you are interested. 

Even More NEWS: Do you or someone you know not receive this newsletter? Email us so we can try and figure it out!

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day?

Yes, February 14th.

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

Screenshot 2026-01-31 at 1.37.43 PM.png

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

Healthy Date Brownies Bites (Flourless + No Sugar Added)

 
Screenshot 2026-02-04 at 10.56.40 AM.png

These flourless date brownie bites are chewy, chocolatey and made with no added sugar. The sweetness comes from nature's candy, the dates!

  • Servings: 24
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes
  • Cook time: 12 Minutes
  • Total time: 17 Minutes

EQUIPMENT

  • silicone mini muffin tray
  • food processor
INGREDIENTS 
  • 10 medium Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (130 g) all natural peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 5 tbs cacao powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • pinch salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (45 g) mini chocolate chips, (optional)
  • flakey sea salt, (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray mini muffin tray with oil.
  2. In a food processor, pulse together the dates and milk until mostly broken down and incorporated.
  3. Next, add in the peanut butter, cacao powder, baking soda, salt, egg, vanilla extract and pulse together until smooth and combined. The mixture will be very sticky, so I recommend using a mini cookie scooper.
  4. Transfer the batter to the mini muffin slots. You can top each bite with optional mini chocolate chips. Press them down gently with your finger tips.
  5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow to set in the pan for 20 minutes then remove.

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

A House of Dynamite

a house of dynamite

If you knew an intercontinental ballistic missile was heading somewhere in middle America, potentially carrying a nuclear warhead, you'd probably hope that the US government and military would be on top of the situation. At the very least, you'd expect them to know who launched the strike, from where, and how to intercept it. In A House of Dynamite, the most terrifying thing is how much might not be known in such a nightmarish scenario, and how the very systems we think will protect us from nuclear war might not be up to the job. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) and featuring a powerhouse cast including Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Tracy Letts, and Anthony Ramos, this triptych explores the same nightmarish 18 minutes after an unidentified missile is detected from three different perspectives, each chapter likely filling you with mounting existential dread. The film that pissed off the Pentagon, this political thriller is absolutely not for the faint-hearted.


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Only 3 or 4 (depending on your bye) games left in this session - make them great!

Next Week: It’s the Wednesday before Valentine’s day! (An Asham classic card!)

Screenshot 2026-01-31 at 10.22.27 AM.png Screenshot 2026-01-31 at 10.22.58 AM.png

Other NEWS: Oakville Curling Club BOARD REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY: 

Be the next WNW League Board Representative at our club. 

The applications are pouring in!! Not interested in continuing the Newsletter? I will stay on and keep it going (if you want me to).  You just have to give me the pertinent information! :)

Don't miss this opportunity to make change (if you want to). It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me (or Evelyn) know if you are interested. 

Even More NEWS:

Royal Montreal Weekend 1

Royal Montreal Weekend 2

Royal Montreal Weekend 3

Royal Montreal Weekend 4

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

What do you call an old snowman?

Water … HA!!

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

Screenshot 2026-01-31 at 10.18.25 AM.png

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These easy peanut butter cookies are made with just 3 ingredients. They're quick to make, and the cookies taste wonderful! It's a great recipe for kids that are just learning to bake.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 cookies

Looking for a quick and easy treat to whip up on a whim? Your search ends with this easy peanut butter cookie recipe. It's made with only three ingredients you likely already have on hand.

It couldn't be simpler to make this easy peanut butter cookie recipe (you can even memorize it and make it without looking at the recipe!). Here are the three ingredients you'll need:

  • Peanut butter: This recipe starts with one cup of peanut butter. For these cookies, commercial peanut butter (like Jif or Peter Pan) works better than natural brands.
  • Sugar: Sweeten things up with one cup of white sugar.
  • Egg: One egg lends moisture and helps bind the cookie dough together.

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these incredibly easy peanut butter cookies:

Mix all the ingredients until smooth. Form the dough into balls and flatten with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are golden brown on the bottoms. They will harden a little as they cool.

How to Store Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Allow the peanut butter cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or cookie jar. Store at room temperature for up to five days.

Can You Freeze Easy Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes! For the most delicious results, freeze the dough balls before baking. When you're ready to enjoy the peanut butter cookies, simply remove the balls from the freezer and bake according to the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    recipe2
  2. Mix peanut butter, white sugar, and egg in a medium bowl until smooth.

    recipe3
  3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet; flatten each with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.

    recipe4
  4. Bake in the preheated oven until cookies are just barely brown on the bottoms, about 6 to 8 minutes. They can become too crumbly if they are overcooked. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

    recipe5
  5. Serve and enjoy!

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

My co-worker just finished this book and was absolutely astounded by how much she loved it!

book

Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime.

Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.

Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Wear a fun hat! Any hat.... or decorate your helmet! Woo Hoo!

Next Week: It's February... Will the groundhog see it's shadow?

Other NEWS: Oakville Curling Club BOARD REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY: 

Be the next WNW League Board Representative at our club. 

The applications are pouring in!! (not really at all - but I am hopeful someone will step up) 

Don't miss this opportunity to make change (if you want to). It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me know if you are interested. 

(Or we could put everyone's name in a hat and choose a lucky winner!)

Even MORE NEWS: We have an opportunity for Oakville Curling Club Members to curl in Edinburgh in late March 2026 at the

  • Edinburgh International Curlers’ Gathering. Bonspiel dates are March 20 – 22, 2026.
  • The Funspiel format is Open Mixed, like Monday Night or Saturday morning curling.
  • The level of competition is moderate, somewhere between Level B and Level H in Weekend Mixed Curling.
  • By email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., please let me know if this is something you are interested in doing.

Rick Brady

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

Screenshot 2026-01-14 at 1.44.04 PM.png

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

Screenshot 2026-01-17 at 3.00.18 PM.png

 

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

chicken pot pie

Our Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie (from Country Living)

The secret to this super-homey dish? Cooking it in cast-iron.

  • Yields: 4 - 6 serving(s)
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins

Ready for a chicken pot pie as good as grandma made? We've got the recipe right here. This weeknight-friendly recipe takes less than an hour, and you end up with a warm, delicious casserole of veggies and chicken that the whole family is sure to love.

What is the sauce made of in chicken pot pie?

Chicken pot pie sauce is made mostly from chicken stock and white wine that has been seasoned with thyme and then thickened with flour. When it's done right it makes an absolutely yummy stew-like sauce that helps hold everything together. 

How do you keep the bottom crust of chicken pot pie from getting soggy?

The best part of a chicken pot pie is this: you don't need to!

You see, a "pot pie" is essentially a stew that has a pie crust, puff pastry, or biscuit crust topping, but that doesn't have any kind of crust on the sides or underneath. This is what makes them different from traditional English style meat pies. (A Shepherd's Pie is similar, but it has mashed potatoes instead of a pastry crust topping.)

You can turn nearly any kind of meat into a pot pie — including pork, lamb, ground beef, or steak — though in America, chicken has become the most popular.

How do you keep chicken pot pie crust from burning?

We might be cheeky and suggest you simply follow our cooking times. However, it's true that every stove is a little different, and it can be difficult, especially when cooking at high heat, to avoid hot spots that might burn a pie. 

Luckily our recipe has a couple built-in ideas to help keep that from happening. First-off, the interior ingredients are all cooked through before baking, so you don't have to worry about a pie coming out burnt on the outside and raw in the middle. If your home oven tends to cook a little hot or fast, you can lower the suggested temperature, or shorten the time, and simply keep an eye on things. When the crust appears brown and toasty, it's done!

If, for any reason, you want the interior to cook a little longer, but are worried about the outside of the pie burning, you can always make a loose tent over the pie with aluminum foil. This should keep some of the heat off the top, and avoid the pastry singeing while the rest cooks. 

Is there a way to shorten the recipe time on Chicken Pot Pie?

While we highly recommend following this recipe through to get the best flavor, sometimes you just want to save some steps — and we get it! If you use rotisserie chicken or already-cooked chicken, you can skip the first step and save yourself about 15 minutes of work as well as an extra pan to wash. 

While it's not quite as delicious, we think you'll still love the end result.

What's the best cookware for Chicken Pot Pie?

As country cooks know, the secret to a really great chicken pot pie is the same as the secret to a really great anything: Cook it in cast iron! 

The stove-to-oven versatility and meat-searing qualities of cast iron make it the ideal vessel for this dish. Though we don't recommend storing leftovers in cast iron!  

Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 (14-ounce) package all-butter puff pastry
  • 1 large egg, beaten
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook, skin sides down, until golden brown and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip chicken and transfer skillet to the oven. Cook, until the internal temperature of the thickest thigh registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. Discard skins and bones, and chop chicken. 
  2. Place skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Slowly stir in stock and wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in chicken, peas, and parsley. 
  3. Cut puff pastry into a circle 1 inch larger than the outside rim of a cast-iron pie plate. (You may need to roll the dough on a lightly floured work surface to get it to size.) Place pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet. Transfer filling to pie plate and top with puff pastry; crimp edges. Brush puff pastry with egg. Bake, until golden brown, puffed, and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

This week is a show from Netflix.  Do you like serious Jason Bateman? Jude Law? 

Black Rabbit. An intense drama focusing on two estranged brothers, whose reunion leads to a dangerous spiral of debt and crippling in New York City!

Intense is a great word to describe this limited series.


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: It's National Hug Day! Get ready for some HUGS (if you are okay with that sort of thing!) 

Next Week: Wear a fun hat! Any hat.... or decorate your helmet! Woo Hoo!

Other News: Oakville Curling Club BOARD REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY: 

Be the next WNW League Board Representative at our club. 

The applications are pouring in!! (not really at all - but I am hopeful someone will step up) 

Don't miss this opportunity to make change (if you want to). It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me know if you are interested. 

(Or we could put everyone's name in a hat and choose a lucky winner!)

Even MORE NEWS: We have an opportunity for Oakville Curling Club Members to curl in Edinburgh in late March 2026 at the

Edinburgh International Curlers’ Gathering. Bonspiel dates are March 20 – 22, 2026.

The Funspiel format is Open Mixed, like Monday Night or Saturday morning curling.

The level of competition is moderate, somewhere between Level B and Level H in Weekend Mixed Curling.

By email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., please let me know if this is something you are interested in doing.

Rick Brady

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

joke

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER: 

Just for FUN! For those of you that haven't seen a foam broom sweep before!

Tip

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

recipe.jpgNo Bake Energy Bites | Gimme Some Oven

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 20-25 energy bites

This No-Bake Energy Bites recipe is easy to make, full of feel-good ingredients, and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2/3 cup toasted shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Stir everything together. Stir all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Chill. Cover the mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled. (This will help the mixture stick together more easily.)
  3. Roll into balls. Roll into mixture into 1-inch balls.
  4. Serve. Then enjoy immediately! Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

Mary Anne Carson did some reading over the holidays - here is one of her suggestions:

The Widow by John Grisham

book

If you are a murder mystery lover, this book takes the story to an interesting level when a lawyer is charged with murdering a rich widow client. It kept my interest right through to the end.


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: B & D Divisions play at 6:40pm; A & C Divisions play at 9pm.

Next Week: It's National Hug Day!  Great ready for some HUGS (if you are okay with that sort of thing!)

Other NEWS: We have an opportunity for Oakville Curling Club Members to curl in Edinburgh in late March 2026 at the

  • Edinburgh International Curlers’ Gathering. Bonspiel dates are March 20 – 22, 2026.
  • The Funspiel format is Open Mixed, like Monday Night or Saturday morning curling.
  • The level of competition is moderate, somewhere between Level B and Level H in Weekend Mixed Curling.
  • By email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., please let me know if this is something you are interested in doing.

Rick Brady

Even MORE NEWS: BOARD REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY: I (Sheri) am coming to the end of my role as your WNW League Board Representative at our club. It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me know if you are interested.

LAUGH OF THE WEEK:

What is a snowman's favourite seasoning?
Chilly flakes.

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER:

tip

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

One-Pan Salmon and Orzo

 
one pan salmon and orzo

Yields: 4 serving(s)
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cal/Serv: 561

Not all great dinners need to be complicated to make. This one-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze, but it's real victory is how simple everything is from start to finish. Simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful salmon dinner in less than an hour. A squeeze of lemon brightens the whole thing while the tangy feta keeps you going back in for more.

  • 4 (4-oz.) salmon fillets
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz. orzo
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes 
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped herbs, such as basil, dill, and parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
  1. Season salmon with salt and pepper. 
  2. In a large, deep sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add salmon, skin side down and cook until salmon flakes easily with a fork or internal temperature reaches 140°, about 6 minutes per side. Remove salmon from skillet.
  3. Add shallot and cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add orzo and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add vinegar and stir until evaporated. Add broth and scrape any brown bits from bottom of pan. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, covered, until orzo is tender 6 to 8 minutes. Lift lid and stir occasionally to ensure orzo isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  4. Stir in spinach, tomatoes, feta, and herbs. Return salmon to skillet.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Welcome back! It's 2026! Happy New Year! A & C Divisions play at 6:40pm; B & D Divisions play at 9pm.

Next Week: B & D Divisions @ 6:40pm; A & C @ 9pm.

Other NEWS: We have an opportunity for Oakville Curling Club Members to curl in Edinburgh in late March 2026 at the

  • Edinburgh International Curlers’ Gathering. Bonspiel dates are March 20 – 22, 2026.
  • The Funspiel format is Open Mixed, like Monday Night or Saturday morning curling.
  • The level of competition is moderate, somewhere between Level B and Level H in Weekend Mixed Curling.
  • By email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., please let me know if this is something you are interested in doing.

Rick Brady

Even MORE NEWS: I (Sheri) am coming to the end of my role as your Oakville Curling Club Board Representative. It's a great and easy role to play. You go to OCC board meetings and I have taken it upon myself to second all motions that I agree with. It's that easy! Let me know if you are interested.

LAUGH OF THE WEEK:

What do you call a snapshot from the North Pole?
A polaroid.

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER:

We’re back and talking about releases 🙃 using my favourite souvenir from a bonspiel in 2018 🌪️🥌. With Joanne Courtney

tip

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

Tomato Basil Soup

tomato basil soup 282x282

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Serves 6 to 8

Fresh tomatoes and basil fill this tomato basil soup recipe with rich, savory flavor. I love this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or lots of crusty bread.

Ingredients
  • 2½ pounds roma tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • ⅓ cup chopped carrots
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 loosely packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the tomatoes cut side up on the baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 1 hour, or until the edges just start to shrivel and the insides are still juicy.
  2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt and cook until soft, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, vegetable broth, vinegar, and thyme leaves and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Let cool slightly and pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary. Blend until smooth. Add the basil and pulse until combined.
  4. Season to taste, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS:

Details:

  • Contains hundreds of zany lists to test your memory but first you have to find your lost keys
  • It's the perfect gift for that 40, 50, 60th birthday party
  • For 2-8 players
  • A family holiday tradition
  • The perfect gift for the parents and grandparents

Senior Moments Board Game

 

senior moments

Test Your Memory

Comes with hundreds of zany memory lists, 46 senior moments, 8 lost key cards, 2 game booklets, a game board, colored markers and a die.

senior moments board

For Any Age

You're never too young to have a senior moment. A great game for people of all ages.

senior moments

Great Gift

Perfect gift for someone of any age! Includes some real moments from real people.

senior moments

Party Game

A memory game for anyone who might need the practice. For 2-8 players.


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Happy Christmas Eve! 

Next Week:  Happy New Year's EVE!  

Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 9.54.29 AM.png

Other NEWS: It's going to be the year 2026 when you step back on the ice!! 

Even MORE NEWS:  Volunteer to be the new WNW league board representative! 

LAUGH OF THE WEEK:

Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 9.56.26 AM.png

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER:

A curler's New Year's resolution often involves improving skills (better draws, hitting guards), fitness (core strength, flexibility), equipment (new shoes, broom), sportsmanship (more positive attitude), or simply enjoying the game more, maybe even trying new strategies like "the hack attack" or focusing on fun over wins, but always with an eye on that perfect "Broomstack" photo. 

Skill-Based Resolutions

  • Master the Draw: Consistently hit the button or the four-foot.
  • Improve Sweeping: Sweep harder, sweep smarter, and learn to read the ice better.
  • Better Takeouts: Nail those difficult corner guards and runbacks.
  • Learn New Shots: Master the freeze, the runback, or a tricky triple takeout. 

Fitness & Equipment Resolutions

  • Get Fitter: Focus on core strength for balance and stamina for those long games.
  • Stretch More: Improve flexibility to get low in the hack and stay balanced.
  • Upgrade Gear: Invest in better curling shoes, a lighter broom, or new gloves. 

Mindset & Social Resolutions

  • Stay Positive: Be a better teammate, cheer louder, and don't get discouraged by misses.
  • Have More Fun: Focus on the camaraderie and the social aspect, not just winning.
  • Try New Things: Join a new league, play mixed doubles, or learn a new position. 

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Looking for a fun and sophisticated way to get a little tipsy? Whip up a batch of Champagne Jell-O shots for your next New Year's Eve party. These elegant treats are a classy twist on the traditional Jell-O shot, and are perfect for any festive occasion—not just college parties. Made with Champagne, lemonade, vodka, and powdered gelatin, they offer a delightful high-low pairing, much like serving caviar with potato chips. Grab your favorite bottle of bubbly, and let’s get jiggly with it!

recipe1

Top tips:

  • Taste the Champagne mixture before pouring it into the mold. If the Champagne you’re using is on the drier side, you may want to whisk in more sugar. If you have a sweeter Champagne, leave the sugar out until the end and taste before adding it back.
  • If vodka isn’t your spirit of choice, swap it with gin or light rum. If you don't want to add vodka, simply skip it and substitute with more lemonade or Champagne.
  • If you're having a hard time unmolding the shots, fill a large pan with warm water and dip the pan into the water for about 15 seconds. This should help loosen the Jell-O, making it easier to flip out.
  • Don’t feel like going through the hassle of unmolding? Make individual servings using mini Champagne flutes or plastic shot glasses instead.

Storage:

These are the perfect bites to make ahead, but you can also store them if you happen to have any leftovers (though we doubt it). The shots can be made 5 days ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Ingredients
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups lemonade
  • 1/4 cup (50 g.) granulated sugar
  • 4 1/4 oz. packets unflavored powdered gelatin
  • 2 cups Champagne
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • Festive sprinkles or sanding sugar, for topping
Directions
  • Grease an 8" x 8" baking pan with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk lemonade and sugar until mostly dissolved, then let cool. Sprinkle gelatin over, making sure to disperse evenly over the surface. Let sit until gelatin blooms and hydrates, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is liquidy, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Champagne and vodka.
  • Pour mixture into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
  • Run a knife along edges of pan, then place a parchment-lined cutting board over pan. Invert pan to release Jell-O. Cut into squares and top with sprinkles. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

recipe2

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS:

For your New Year's Eve fun!

Name that Celebrity

Supplies: Index cards with names of celebrities who were in the news a lot

How to Play: 

Write down a list of celebrities who were in the news a lot during the year. If you’re stuck, check out these New Year’s Eve trivia games and just grab the names from each of the games.

Player must put that celebrity’s name on their forehead like the game Heads Up and their team must give them clues (no names) to get them to guess the celebrity on their forehead. Once they’ve guessed the celebrity, they can move on.

Player must guess five celebrities correctly in the minute or whoever can get the most correct in a minute.

 


WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Check out the website to see when you curl and what sheet you are on.  Pick up a Fun Christmas sheet/game at the bar - play with your table mates after your game! 

Next Week:  It's CHRISTMAS!! 

Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 8.59.23 AM.png

Other NEWS: We really will need a new board representative for our league next year.  Is it you?

Even MORE NEWS:  Apologies for the mistake last week.  While they did win the Ontario Senior’s Curling Championship… Melissa Foster and Team Middaugh won the Canadian Senior Women’s Championship and are off to the WORLDS! CONGRATULATIONS!

LAUGH OF THE WEEK:

Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 9.02.20 AM.png

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER:

Curl better

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

While we may not have Trader Joe's - I'm sure we can find similar ingredients here in Canada!  Enjoy!  Merry Christmas!
Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 8.53.16 AM.png

GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS: 

A set of fun Christmas minute to win it games.

Screenshot 2025-12-15 at 8.54.36 AM.png