What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight

• It’s your last free Wednesday night before you start curling – Do something until 11pm at night to get you ready for your late games! 

Next week

Please Join Us!

Wednesday Night Ladies League OPENING NIGHT SOCIAL

Wednesday October 11, 2023 7:00-9:00 p.m.

• • Skips (or delegate) Meeting @7:45 p.m.
  • Oakville Curling Club Lounge
  • League Play begins Wednesday October 18, 2023

See you there!  

Note to Everyone:  

We are pleased to announce that we have a full slate of 32 teams.

The schedule is posted along with the teams - If I have made any errors in the order of team members, please let me know. 

The schedule is downloadable to most calendars. To do that go to Game Centre->WNL Teams. click on your team number & it will come up with your team members and schedule. Scroll to the bottom and there is a green tab to Download games.

An outline of our schedule is:

• • We will play Dec 20, and will resume play on Jan 3. Our last regular season game (game 7 of Draw 3) will be March 13 (that's March Break). Play offs will be March 20. 27 and Finals on April 3rd.
  • I have reserved April 10 for a possible closing banquet.  
  • Still looking for a team/individuals to run our closing social event and it will be up to that group to decide if they want to run the event the night of the finals or a separate banquet.

- AND -

We still have to decide if we want to be Wednesday Night Women (WNW) or continue to be Wednesday Night Ladies (WNL)…..  We vote on October 18^th!  Logo tweaks to be included in the next newsletter….

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

Taken from Edmonton’s  

5 Great Curling Stretches to Help You Get Back in the Game.

Now that winter is almost here, we are already getting back into our favourite winter sports. For some of us, curling is our winter sport of choice. As with many seasonal sports, we need to stretch before getting back to curling this season. Stretching is crucial as we use muscle groups not typically used in everyday life unless deep lunges are part of your daily routine!

To make sure that you remain injury-free this curling season, we have highlighted three essential curling stretches and explanatory images to perform before and after curling:

Hip Flexor Stretch

• • Step one foot behind you in a stride stance
  • Put your hands on your hips
  • Push your hips forward

Glute Stretch

Option 1:

• • Lie on your back with both knees bent
  • Bring one foot up and place the outside of the ankle on the thigh of the other leg
  • If you require a more intense stretch, push down on the top knee
  • If you need a more significant stretch, grab the bottom thigh and pull the leg toward the chest

Option 2:

• • Start on your hand and knees
  • Bring your knee forward and place the outside part of the leg on the floor
  • Extend your other leg directly behind you
  • If you need a more intense stretch, come down onto your elbows

Hip Adductor Stretch (Side lunge)

• • Step one foot directly out to the side
  • Lean towards one side
  • Make sure your supporting knee remains in line with your 2nd toe
  • Brace your upper body by placing your hand or elbow on the supporting leg

Low Back Stretch

• • Lie on your back
  • Bring both knees to your chest
  • Wrap your arms around your shins and pull until you feel a gentle stretch in the low back

Quad Stretch

• • Stand on one foot and grab your opposite ankle
  • Stand by a sturdy surface if you require extra support
  • Pull your ankle towards your buttocks, making sure your knees are touching
  • For a more intense stretch, push your hips forward

Doing the stretches before a match and after as a part of your cool-down is best. Hold for about 15-20 seconds for each of these stretches, and repeat 2-3 times each.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Extremely Cheesy (**just like this Newsletter**) Corn Casserole

BY SARAH MCLELLAN

August 18, 2023

The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving is not a classic green bean casserole, nor is it a crock of ultra-creamy mashed potatoes. For me, Thanksgiving’s not Thanksgiving without this cheesy corn casserole recipe. Is it fancy? Nope. Is it comfort food you’ll want to reheat the next day and eat straight from the Pyrex? Absolutely. And it doesn’t require much prep time—or a box of regionally available cornbread mix—to put together.

Dubbed “that creamy, cheesy corn thing” by those in the know, this easy recipe starts with canned corn, making it decidedly simple to put together (you don’t even need a mixing bowl). Avoid cans labeled “creamed corn” or “cream-style corn”—you’re looking for plain canned sweet corn kernels. Heated with cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan (plus diced green chiles and garlic), the kernels add sweetness and pops of texture to the creamy, melty dish. You can assemble the corn casserole a few days ahead; top it with the breadcrumbs and more cheese before popping it in the oven for 15 minutes to warm up—just enough time to carve the turkey. It’s so make-ahead friendly, in fact, you can cook it all the way through and cart it along to a potluck since it’s even great at room temperature.

My “creamy, cheesy corn thing” isn’t the only corn casserole out there. If you’re in it for the version on the back of a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix, which one BA staffer thought was a treasured family secret, we’ve got the deets on that too. (Spoiler alert: Hers has a ton of extra melted butter.) We also have a hominy-bolstered corn pudding enriched with sour cream and laced with poblano chiles and Cotija cheese, and a creamed corn soufflé made with grated ears of fresh corn. All this to say: Options abound. Still, I keep coming back to this, IMHO, perfectly cheesy corn casserole.

Ingredients (10–12 servings)

• • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
  • 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded if desired)
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 15-oz. cans whole-kernel corn, drained
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½  cup breadcrumbs (fresh or dried)
  • ½ cup roughly chopped tender fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, or parsley, plus more
  • Green onions or chives (optional; for garnish)

Preparation

1. 1. Place rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 13x9" baking dish and set aside.
   2. Melt 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded if desired), and 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, and cook until fragrant and just starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add two 15-oz. cans whole-kernel corn, drained, 8 oz. cream cheese, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and corn is well coated, 2–3 minutes, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   3. Pour corn mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with ½ cup breadcrumbs (fresh or dried), ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup roughly chopped tender fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, or parsley. Bake corn casserole until cheese is melted and bubbling and the breadcrumbs are a crispy golden brown, about 15 minutes. Garnish with more roughly chopped tender herbs and green onions or chives, sliced, (if using).

Do ahead: Corn casserole can be assembled without topping up to 3 days ahead of time. Cover casserole dish with a lid or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Editor’s note: This corn casserole recipe was first printed as an article titled “This Insanely Cheesy Corn Casserole Will Get You Through Thanksgiving” in October 2016. 

 

Song of the Week:

The game has changed a bit since this video – but it’s a good song! 

The Weakerthans - "Tournament of Hearts"

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 P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

It’s the 25^th and final edition of the 2022/23 WNL² (in case you missed from the beginning why we call it that – Wednesday Night Ladies/Weekly NewsLetter)  Please feel free to send me things in September for the new Season of WNL². 

It’s been so much fun!

Our Winners:

D - Joyce Fraser, Leah Barker, Katie Lonsdale

C - Janice Fendley, Nancy Trainor, Diane MacLeod, Heather MacTavish

 

B - Sarah Sils, Cara Sproat, Cindy Hawley, Cathy Bruttrum, Joanne MacMaster

 

A Champions - Janet Murphy, Sarah Reid, Jacquie Ramier, Victoria Swystun.

 

Honourary Prizes – not announced last week:

• Team Lambert: Most Improved!  They win curling lanyards  (I will be sending them in the mail)

(So excited they feel this way – we needed to honour their excitement. Our very brand new team in C Division)

• Cathy Buttrum: Best Take-Out! Cathy won a curling note book.

(The story- courtesy of Cara Sprout:  On Sarah Sils' team we have a new member, our lead, Cathy Buttrum.  Cathy is a good friend of mine who expressed an interest in taking up curling just over a year ago.  She tried out the "Come try Curling Day" that the club hosted in the spring, and she also came out to a fun day that I arranged where I had several friends come out and curl (half were experienced curlers, the other half were new to the game).  So in the fall when a former member of our team had to step away from curling, I asked Cathy if she wanted to join our team.  Lucky for us she said yes.

Given her limited curling experience, Cathy has had to 'learn on the job' throughout the season.  She always takes advice well, and even had Rebecca Shorr give her a mini lesson after a game.  Each week I have seen improvements, especially in throwing the right weight for a shot.

By playing lead, Cathy continues to develop the skill of setting up guards and making draws.  There has been the odd time when she has thrown a shot too heavy, and some of those times she had backing and took an opponent's rock out, but for most of the season, she has not been called upon to do a take out.  

Then comes the semi-final game.  I was filling in as skip because Sarah was away.  Our team was doing well and we were up in points.  That's when I decided to call a take out for Cathy.  I figured, why not?  If she missed it was early enough in the end to deal with it.  I called the ice tight (I had noticed her tendency to be outside of the broom), and told her to just push out harder (while hoping that she wasn't going to push the rock with her hand).  She was a bit outside as expected, but had the right weight and it curled perfectly and made the take out.  Cathy and the team did some cheering and celebrating....although Cathy apologized to the other team because she didn't want them to think we were rubbing it in or something!

I'm glad Cathy was able to experience the excitement of making a shot she hasn't really had the opportunity to practice.

Thank you:

Evelyn Gowan – our wonderful convenor!

Cheryl Maloney – our forever treasurer!

My Team – for putting up with me!

 

Summer League Sign Up:

• Check the Oakville Curling Club website for Summer League Curling – There is something for everyone!

Next Season:

• Evelyn needs to know if you plan on returning next year. So email her as soon as you can if you are continuing with WNL in the 2023/24 season. Her email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Stuff that will help us GOLF better:  Ha!!

Exercise that will keep you ready to curl again next season – Curl up with Jamie Sinclair – Off – Ice Fitness Tips

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

For your summer enjoyment: Easy Red Sangria

Easy Red Sangria

• Prep Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 6

Here’s how to make the best red wine sangria…the Spanish way! Just a handful of ingredients and fruit make a bold and refreshing drink.

Ingredients

• 1 orange
• 1 green apple
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 bottle dry red wine, chilled
• ¼ cup brandy
• ¼ cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• Sparkling water, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop the orange (leaving the peel on) and apple into bite-sized chunks, then add them to the bottom of a pitcher. Sprinkle them with sugar and stir. Let them stand for 20 minutes at room temperature.
2. After 20 minutes, pour in the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon rounds. Stir and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours. (Don’t go beyond 4 hours or the fruit texture starts to degrade.)
3. Pour the sangria into ice filled glasses and top with a splash of sparkling water (if desired). Add fruit to each glass, preferably on long skewers for easy snacking.

More summer drinks

Sangria is perfect for summer…as are all of these tasty summer cocktails! Try some of these to beat the heat:

• Classic Mojito Perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is just sweet enough.
• Aperol Spritz The classic Aperol spritz is worth the hype! It’s light and bubbly, with hints of citrus and herbs
• Piña Colada 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to incredible flavor. Drink umbrella required!
• Rosé Spritzer Add bubbles to your favorite rosé wine to make the perfect summer drink.
• Best Frose (Frozen Rosé) Tastes just like rosé wine! It’s all natural, featuring wine and strawberries.

 

Song of the Week:

Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams

And another shameless plug for my musical family:

Newly released this week!

Any Better Than This – Tim Wasik & Lauren Torey

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: THE FINALS!! (& Prizes!)

• We really want to encourage everyone to come out on the finals tonight to watch some good curling, cheer on the finalists, enjoy some food and drink and some social time and applaud our winners upon the trophy presentations.

Next week:

• One more Newsletter – but no more curling ☹

Next YEAR:

• Sometimes this can be a tough time of the season in the lives of team curlers. Do we stay together? Do we find a new team? Who wants to be on a team? Will they get mad at me if I want to find another team? Just remember….. Be honest with yourself; be as honest as you can be with your team; know that curling is supposed to be not only a competitive but a fun sport too - not all teams were meant to last (just ask Darren Moulding!!). Sometimes it can be rough and sad to break up a team. Move on, move forward and enjoy the life learning.
• Evelyn is here to help if you are looking for a team to be part of, or looking for a new member - give her your name and she will help out the process by putting members in touch with each other. She won’t help you break up with a team though!!
• Evelyn also needs to know if you plan on returning next year. So email her as soon as you can if you are continuing with WNL in the 2023/24 season. Her email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Laugh of the Week:

Just re-watched Benjamin Button, again.

Never gets old.

 

Get to know your Bartenders (& TIP well):

Who is who with the following answers??!!

Who are you and what do you want us to know about you?

Bartender #1:

• My name is Stephanie. I was born and raised in Oakville. I have played soccer all my life. I'm a social butterfly who loves music and being around good company. I love to keep busy.

Bartender #2:

• My name is Kyleigh and I am originally from Ottawa! I have been curling for 10 years and been competing for 7. I am a 3rd year student at Sheridan College in their bachelor of film and television program

What is your favourite drink to drink? What is your favourite drink to make?

#1:

• My favourite drink to drink would be anything sweet. For example a white freeze ( banana liquor, raspberry sourpuss and 7-up)
• My favourite drink to make depends on who I am serving. I adapt to the likings of my customers which enables me to be creative.

#2

• I am always excited to make Vodka Crans & Gin and Tonics… Perhaps because those are my favourite!

Tell us something unique about you.

#1:

• Although I bartend at a curling club I have never curled before. ( Please teach me ☺️)

#2:

• I have qualified for 3 curling provincials in Total! U18, U21 and OFSAA school curling!

What is your favourite food?

#1:

• NACHOs!!

#2:

• My favourite food is definitely sushi!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

Work as a team to win! 😊

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

I got this recipe from my “recipe wedding shower” 29 yrs ago. It is still the best Banana Bread in our house!

Banana Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white sugar
• ½ cup of butter
• 2 eggs
• 4 mashed ripe bananas
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup of chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

• Cream butter and sugar together.
• Add eggs, beating until smooth.
• Blend in bananas.
• In second bowl, stir flour with baking powder, salt and baking soda.
• Add to banana mixture – stirring only to moisten (add pecans if using)
• Transfer to 9x5x3 loaf pan.
• Bake at 375o for 1 hour and 15 mins or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
• Let stand 10 mins, remove from pan and place on baking rack to continue cooling.
• Enjoy!

 

Song of the Week:

For the Finals….

We Are The Champions – Queen

 

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website. Look under CLUB in the drop down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

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Got something you want in the newsletter? Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL2. Submissions are helpful. Please send by Monday evening. I need stuff! 😊

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight:  

• All games will begin at 6:40pm. 
• Check the standings to see who is playing tonight? Are you? If not – show up and cheer!

 Next week:  

• We really want to encourage everyone to come out on the finals night to watch some good curling, cheer on the finalists, enjoy some food and drink and some social time and applaud our winners upon the trophy presentations.

The Finals!!

• Come out and join your fellow Wednesday Night Friends
  • Enjoy some Sweet & Savoury Light Fare and Cheer on this year’s Finalists
  • Wednesday April 26th
  • 6:30 – 10:00 pm
  • All games start at 6:40 pm
  • Prizes and Trophy Presentations at 9:30 pm
  • Tickets - $10.00
  • available from the Nell Van Ymeren Team and Norma Discenza

Prizes:  It has come to my attention that there are some WNL curlers who are excited about what they achieved this season.  Let me know who and what they did to deserve a prize.  Tell me a story about your team/an individual who should get a prize for something!

I love giving out prizes!!

Things you should know for Playoffs: 

• Playoffs – Wed April 19^th and Wed April 26^th, 2023 (From Evelyn Gowan – our Games Convenor)
• Tonight – Semi-Finals (April 19^th)  and finals (April 26^th) will have no bell rule. 
• These games will be at 6:40.
  
  
• Format is a single knock out.  A reminder to the vices of the winning teams – Enter your win or loss in the playoff section of WNL section of the website.

Ties 

• To break a tie during semi-finals & finals; teams will play a full extra end for all divisions.
• Full details are listed on the rules sheet downstairs, but if you have any questions, please find me and I will assist.  
• Hope everyone has refreshed themselves with the sparing rules for playoffs (found on the OCC website).

Good luck and good curling.

(the above is also posted on the board downstairs) 

  

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

The Strategy Process (http://www.curlingschool.com/curlingStrategy.html)

EVERY GAME, teams must go through a decision and planning process. The process looks the same for every game at every level. Let's break it down into four steps.

• Step 1:   Assess your opponent.
• Step 2:   Decide on a strategy (conservative, aggressive or opportunity based).
• Step 3:   Structure your game (beginning, middle and end).
• Step 4:   Execute (shot calling and tactics).
• Step 4a:  Know when to switch.

Step 1 Assess Your Opponent
Before every game, assess your opponent relative to your team and team skills. It is important to know if the opponent is weaker, the same or better than you. Think in terms of overall team percentages. Use the following chart as a guideline.

Recreational Teams	Team Percentages
Novice, first year players	35%
Five-year club team	45%
Experienced club team	55%
League champions	65%
Championship Teams
National/Provincial playdown teams	75%
National/Provincial medal teams	80%
National/Provincial winners	85%
World/Olympic medalists	87%
World winners	88-90%

Step one is very simple and there are only three choices. In Advanced Strategy, later in this section, there is more detail on how to assess your opponent.

Step 2 Decide on the Strategy
Once you've assessed your opponent, decide on a strategy. An opponent that is weaker than you leads you to a more conservative game (open, less risky shots). An opponent that is clearly stronger than you will lead you to a more aggressive strategy (more guards, more rocks in play).An equal opponent will lead you to a more opportunity-based strategy. This is also called a "blended" approach or a "standard" approach. The next section covers this concept in more detail and the Strategy Flow Chart in the Advanced Strategy section will help guide you through this process.

Step 3 Structuring a Game
Remember, there are only four possible outcomes to every end; the steal, force, conversion and blank.

For the non-hammer team:

• Steal.
• Force your opponent to just one.
• Allow your opponent to blank.

For the hammer team:

• Convert by taking two or more.
• Allowing your opponent to steal.
• Blank.

Start thinking about the game in three parts, the beginning, middle and end. The parts can also be called:

1. Beginning - Warm-up, sparring
2. Active Scoring
3. Closing

Beginning - Warm-up (0-2 ends)
A warm-up period during the game may not always be necessary. League games differ from championship games because of the scheduled warm-up (practice) before the championship game. Think about how many ends you'll play as a warm-up. You may want to use the first end or two to size-up the ice conditions, opponent, or your own teammates. Many league games are played with an end or two as warm-up since most leagues provide no practice before the game. Competitive games such as regional or national championships have a warm-up or practice period before the game. In this case you may choose no warm-up ends to be played. In a championship game, where the last rock is determined on the ice before the game in LSD (last shot draw), there is a ten-minute practice and LSD shot. This should give your team a good sense of ice conditions so you don't necessarily have to warm-up.

During a warm-up period, don't take unnecessary risks. Keep the rocks in the house and avoid difficult shots. A "wide-open" game will allow you to warm-up a bit and get used to the ice conditions. Remember, taking one in the first end with the hammer is not a bad thing.

Middle - Active Scoring (0-6 ends)
Active scoring is just that. This is the part of the game where the goal is to score more than one point with the hammer and either steal or hold your opponent to just one (called a "press") without the hammer. Normally three to five ends are played in this mode.

End of the Game - Closing Ends 8-10 (6-8 in an 8-end game)
Think of the last three ends as closing ends.  Ends six through eight in a club game and ends eight through ten in a championship game are known as the closing ends. Depending on the score, the sixth and eighth should be used to post points. This gives the opponent the hammer in the seventh and ninth. Forcing them to take a point gives you hammer in the last end.

Good teams have predetermined plans for closing the game.

Step 4 Execute
Now is the time to execute your plan. Call shots that support your strategy. The following section gets more detailed on shot-calling.

Step 4a Know when to Switch
This step is particularly important because teams don't always execute according to plan. It's ok to switch your game plan based on the situation. The switch can be either during or between ends. Many times, we've seen weaker teams choose an aggressive strategy in order to beat a better team. We've also seen teams that did not switch back to a conservative game only to lose the game in two ends. Here are a few reasons to switch your strategy during a game.

• Your aggressive strategy was too risky and you gave up a big end.
• You're playing conservatively and you're down several points.
• You're up several points and want to keep the lead.

Knowing when to switch is difficult but it may save the game, get you back in the game or win the game. If you've chosen an aggressive strategy and your riskier shots are not working, switch immediately to a conservative strategy to get things under control.

Aggressive vs. Conservative Game Strategy
The term aggressive refers to calling and executing shots that, when executed properly, have the highest potential for forcing the opponent's mistake (or inability to score).In curling, as in other sports, this strategy has a high degree of risk and a high potential pay-off. Aggressive shots usually include different types of draw shots like "come-arounds," freezes, tap backs, etc. For example, a perfect freeze almost eliminates the opponent's ability to remove the rock, increasing the chances to score more than one. On the other hand, poorly executed freeze may leave a rock wide open for a hit and roll, resulting in the opposition counting or scoring two.

A conservative strategy is used by teams who want to keep the game free of clutter. The shots most likely played in a conservative game would be mostly take-outs or shots thrown into the rings without cover. 

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Grilled Leg of Lamb with Rosemary, Garlic, and Mustard

BY SISI CARROLL AND WIL CARROLL

Grilled Leg of Lamb with Rosemary, Garlic, and Mustard. Susana Howe

What makes this entrée so flavorful? Tucking garlic slices into the lamb and covering the meat with a puree made of garlic, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and lemon.

Ingredients

Makes 10 to 12 servings

• 1 well-trimmed 6-pound boneless leg of lamb, butterflied to even 2-inch thickness
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled, divided
• 1/2 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• Fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh Italian parsley sprigs

Directions

1. Open lamb like book on work surface. Using tip of small knife, make 1/2-inch-deep slits all over lamb. Thinly slice 4 garlic cloves. Insert garlic slices into slits in lamb. Combine remaining 4 garlic cloves, mustard, olive oil, white wine, rosemary, and lemon juice in processor. Blend until coarse puree forms. Spread underside of lamb with half of puree. Place lamb, seasoned side down, in 15 x 10 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread remaining puree over top of lamb. Cover lamb with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
2. Let lamb stand at room temperature 2 hours. Coat grill rack with nonstick spray and prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle lamb generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill lamb to desired doneness, about 17 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer lamb to cutting board; let rest 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Thinly slice lamb against grain. Overlap slices on platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs.

What to drink:

• Syrah would be delicious with the grilled lamb. Mix things up by skipping California and Australian Syrahs and going with an Italian Syrah instead. One to try: the velvety, full-bodied 2006 Villa Pillo Syrah Toscana ($16, Italy).

Ingredient tip:

Start with a boneless 7-pound leg of lamb. When all fat and sinew are trimmed, it will weigh about 6 pounds.

 

Song of the Week:

A great sing-a-long!!

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

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 P.S – You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight:  

• PLAYOFFS BEGIN TONIGHT!! It is week #1 of our single knockout playoffs! 

Next week:  

• Come to the club to curl and/or watch week 2 of our playoffs.

Prizes:  

• It has come to my attention that there are some WNL curlers who are excited about what they achieved this season.  Let me know who and what they did to deserve a prize.  Tell me a story about your team/an individual who should get a prize for something!

I love giving out prizes!!

The Finals!!

Come out and join your fellow Wednesday Night Friends

 

Things you should know for Playoffs: 

Playoffs – Wed April 12^th to Wed April 26^th, 2023 (From Evelyn Gowan – our Games Convenor)

• Teams will be re-seeded based on the Total Points Standing at the end of series 3. 
• For our D Division, I have been tracking points by individual, and will make up teams based on these points. I will try to keep those who wish to play together, together, but I may need to break these up. It looks like you will have 4 teams of 3 players.
• The 1^st night (TONIGHT): 1 will play 8, 2 will play 7, etc. Winners advance.
• Bell rule in effect for B, C & D Divisions for round 1, no bell rule for Division A. 
• All 2^nd games (April 19^th)  and finals (April 26^th) will have no bell rule. 
• B & D teams will play the 1^st night at 6:40 and A & C will be at 9. All subsequent nights all games will be at 6:40.

Format is a single knock out.  A reminder to the vices of the winning teams – I believe we will have a playoff section in our game schedule for the recording of wins and losses….. Look for it online.

 

Ties will be broken for Divisions B, C & D by a single draw to the button with sweepers for the 1^st game. For the single draw, to decide who throws 1^st, flip a coin and the winner of the coin flip will decide if they throw 1^st or 2^nd. Any member of the team can throw the draw. 

• Division A will play a full extra end for all games. 
• For the 2^nd game & finals a full extra end will be played for all divisions.
• Full details are listed on the rules sheet downstairs, but if you have any questions, please find me and I will assist.  

Hope everyone has refreshed themselves with the sparing rules for playoffs (found on the OCC website).

Good luck and good curling.

(the above is also posted on the board downstairs)

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

The Player’s Code of Ethics

• I will demonstrate good sportsmanship
• I will act honorably both on and off the ice
• I will never willfully violate a rule of play, but if ever I do, I will declare my mistake
• I will never act in such a way as to intimidate or diminish my opponents, my teammates or the officials
• I will interpret the rules of play in an impartial manner and will never forget that they exist to make sure the game is played in an orderly and fair fashion
• If I violate the Ethics Code or the Rules of Play, I will humbly accept any punishment deemed appropriate by a governing body, regardless of the curling level.

Top 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPEED OF PLAY:

1. ARRIVE ON TIME / START ON TIME. You should be on the ice, waiting at your assigned hack, minutes before your scheduled start time to flip a coin and shake hands.
2. Pay attention to the order of play. Known when your turn to throw is coming up!
3. When it is your turn to throw, get ready (put on your slider, pull out your rock, grab a stabilizer) while the person in front you is throwing their rock. As soon as the rock in front you has left the hack, you can get yourself situated and ready to throw. Aim to be ready to throw your rock before the rock in front of you has stopped moving.
4. Keep track of your slider! If you are using a slip-on slider, wear it on your arm or carry it in a pocket when not in use, rather than setting it on the ice.
5. The leads and seconds especially should play fairly quickly. Usually their shots are straightforward and don’t require a lot of strategy consideration. This leaves a bit more time to think about the potentially more difficult shots being called in the second half of the end.
6. Watch the clock. You should be playing one end approximately every 15 minutes.
7. SKIPS: think about and plan your next shot while the opposing skip has control of the house. When you take control of the house, pick a shot and call it decisively.
8. Resetting the rocks between ends takes a lot of time. It is not critical that they be lined up neatly in numerical order! If you are a team that likes to play this way, the leads should NOT HELP organize rocks. They should be getting ready to throw! There is much time wasted between ends on this activity and it really adds up.
9. SKIPS: make sure you call a mix of draws and takeouts, as appropriate to the strategic development of the end. If you call all draws all the time, your game will run slower than normal since draws take longer to travel down the ice than takeouts. This may not seem like it could make a big enough difference, but believe me it can!
10. Keep in mind that it is the Skip’s job to call the game. It is not necessary (and often considered bad etiquette) for all four players to congregate in the house to discuss every shot. Most Skips will engage their Thirds in strategy discussion at key points in the game, and every team should develop a communication style that works for them. Teams that fall into the habit of “strategy by full team consensus” are often known as slow playing teams since it takes a long time for all four players to be in agreement!

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

 

 

Song of the Week:

When I’m up I Can’t Get Down – Great Big Sea

Watch Video

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

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Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 😊

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight: 

• It’s the last regular season game of the 2022/23 Season!!  Make it count! And enjoy every minute of it!
• It is also the 95^th day of the year – leaving 270 more days in 2023.
• Believe it or not ‘google says’ it is National Walking Day & National Caramel Day!  Do with that information what you will!

Next week:  

• We really want to encourage everyone to come out on the finals night to watch some good curling, cheer on the finalists, enjoy some food and drink and some social time and applaud our winners upon the trophy presentations.

The Finals!!
Come out and join your fellow Wednesday Night Friends

 

Things you should know for Playoffs:

• Playoffs – Wed April 12^th to Wed April 26^th, 2023 (From Evelyn Gowan – our Games Convenor)
• Teams will be re-seeded based on the Total Points Standing at the end of series 3. 
• For our D Division, I have been tracking points by individual, and will make up teams based on these points. I will try to keep those who wish to play together, together, but I may need to break these up. It looks like you will have 4 teams of 3 players.
• The 1^st night (April 12^th): 1 will play 8, 2 will play 7, etc. Winners advance.
• Bell rule in effect for B, C & D Divisions for round 1, no bell rule for Division A. 
• All 2^nd games (April 19^th)  and finals (April 26^th) will have no bell rule. 
• B & D teams will play the 1^st night at 6:40 and A & C will be at 9. All subsequent nights all games will be at 6:40.

Format is a single knock out.  A reminder to the vices of the winning teams – I believe we will have a playoff section in our game schedule for the recording of wins and losses….. Look for it online.

Ties will be broken for Divisions B, C & D by a single draw to the button with sweepers for the 1^st game. For the single draw, to decide who throws 1^st, flip a coin and the winner of the coin flip will decide if they throw 1^st or 2^nd. Any member of the team can throw the draw. 

• Division A will play a full extra end for all games. 
• For the 2^nd game & finals a full extra end will be played for all divisions.

Full details are listed on the rules sheet downstairs, but if you have any questions, please find me and I will assist.  

Hope everyone has refreshed themselves with the sparing rules for playoffs (found on the OCC website).

Good luck and good curling.

(the above is also posted on the board downstairs)

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Team Pictures: (sorry I didn’t get a team picture for “Get To Know Your Teams”)

 This is Team Findley – Did you know Janice made these sweaters herself!!?? Her knitting skills are superb! It takes her about 2 weeks to make one.

These pics mean Nancy is officially part of the team with her new matching sweater!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:  

From Curlingschool.com  – Curl Tech

The skip calls the shots and provides an aiming point. As a new skip always consider Strategy Rule #1 - Call shots your team can make.

Throwing first (without the hammer):

• In general, play the center of the sheet.
• Draw to the center of the house - a conservative approach.
• Put up a center guard in the Free Guard Zone - a more aggressive approach.

Throwing second (with the hammer):

• Respond to your opponent's play.
• Draw to the side of the house - a conservative approach.
• Draw behind the center guard - a more aggressive approach.
• Throw the "tick" shot - advanced.
• Possibly clear center guards after five rocks - Free Guard Zone Rule.

Once these opening plays are complete, there are many, many options. Base the remainder of your calls on your overall strategy.

In addition, with practice:

• Learn to judge line - knowing when to call sweeping for takeouts.
• Learn strategies on how to "steal" and how to "convert"

Strategy Principles 

Someone once said that curling is chess on ice. This is true to some degree because, in addition to throwing and making shots, the skip must determine the course of action to be taken before and during the game. During the game there are several options to each possible situation. The skip must decide what shots to call and when to call them.

Most curlers use the term strategy to describe the process of calling the individual shots. This is not entirely true. CurlTech believes the game has two separate components:

1. Game strategy - overall game approach.
2. Calling the Game - shot-by-shot tactics that support the game strategy.

The term "strategy" is often used to describe both of these components, but we want to concentrate on the differences between them. These principles will work using any of the curling formats (four vs. four, mixed doubles, etc.)

Most strategy clinics talk about the how you call shots "in the moment". This is a difficult way to learn strategy since there are an infinite number of possible situations. Of course, there are some key factors in choosing the shot and those will be reviewed later. CurlTech suggests you view strategy as an overall plan. Shot calling becomes much easier if there's a plan in place.

Only Four Outcomes 

There are only four possible outcomes to every end. It doesn't matter how many shots were made or missed or how brilliant the strategy was, there are only four outcomes:

1. Conversion: Taking two or more with the hammer.
2. Steal: Taking one or more without the hammer.
3. Force: Forcing the hammer team to take only one.
4. Blank: Neither team scores - hammer team retains last rock.

Conversion	"To convert" means to convert your last rock advantage into multiple points. Teams should want this almost every time they have hammer. In some cases a force is acceptable in the even ends such as 6 and 8.
Steal	Taking one or points without the hammer is a desirable goal for the non-hammer team. It is, in most cases something the hammer team wants to avoid. There are cases where giving up a steal is acceptable (up on the score board playing the ninth - allow a steal to have hammer in the tenth).
Force	To force your hammer team opponent to just one is beneficial unless the game is tied playing the last end.
Blank	Blanking an end is beneficial to retain the hammer. This can be intentional or unintentional.

Game strategy and shot calling is about deciding what you want and executing against that plan.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Kelly’s neighbour’s Chicken Shawarma

Scott Chicken

Prep time: 20mins.  Cooking time: 30 mins. BBQ

Ingredients:

• 10 – 20 Chicken thighs – cut or left as is
• 8 – 10 peeled cloves of garlic
• 2 medium red onions
• 1 – 1.5 cups chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp pepper
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp tumeric
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 tbsp salt
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup olive oil
• Skewers for marinated chicken
• Optional – chopped cilantro for serving

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients (except for Chicken) into a food processor – process until a paste.
2. Cut chicken thighs into pieces or leave as is.
3. Marinate Chicken in paste for as little or as long as you like. Weave chicken onto skewers (you may want to wear plastic gloves for this – turmeric is staining)
4. Preheat BBQ
5. Place skewers on BBQ  - cook until done (aprox 3 mins per side depending on size of pieces)
6. Serve with these options:

• • rice (I make my rice with some of the paste cooked with it – and add black beans)
  • naan
  • hummus
  • Greek salad
  • Tzatziki
  • Or last week’s green dip!

 

Song of the Week:

It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere – Alan Jackson

Watch Video

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

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Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by  Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight

• Our curling season will be over in ….. 32 DAYS! ACK!
• Make every moment with your team count!

A Plea to our Members

• We are looking for a couple of teams, or some individuals to volunteer:
  1. to run our closing event on the night of our playoff finals on April 26^th
  2. And for next season – to run our opening Dips & Drinks hopefully on Oct 4^th
• Evelyn has some outlines of what is required for both of these.
• We can’t do these without you, so please let me know if your team can help us out.

Next week

• Is the last week before we go into our playoffs!

Things you should know for Playoffs:

• Playoffs – Wed April 12^th to Wed April 26^th, 2023 (From Evelyn Gowan – our Games Convenor)
• Teams will be re-seeded based on the Total Points Standing at the end of series 3.
• For our D Division, I have been tracking points by individual, and will make up teams based on these points. I will try to keep those who wish to play together, together, but I may need to break these up. It looks like you will have 4 teams of 3 players.
• The 1^st night (April 12^th): 1 will play 8, 2 will play 7, etc. Winners advance.
• Bell rule in effect for B, C & D Divisions for round 1, no bell rule for Division A.
• All 2^nd games (April 19^th)  and finals (April 26^th) will have no bell rule.
• B & D teams will play the 1^st night at 6:40 and A & C will be at 9. All subsequent nights all games will be at 6:40.
• Format is a single knock out.  A reminder to the vices of the winning teams – please mark up the Playoff schedule on the board downstairs, so we know who is advancing. I plan to keep the on line copy of the Schedule up to date, so everyone can see who is advancing.
• Ties
  • will be broken for Divisions B, C & D by a single draw to the button with sweepers for the 1^st game. For the single draw, to decide who throws 1^st, flip a coin and the winner of the coin flip will decide if they throw 1^st or 2^nd. Any member of the team can throw the draw. 
  • Division A will play a full extra end for all games.
  • For the 2^nd game & finals a full extra end will be played for all divisions.

Full details are listed on the rules sheet downstairs, but if you have any questions, please find me and I will assist. 

Hope everyone has refreshed themselves with the sparing rules for playoffs (found on the OCC website).

Good luck and good curling.

(the above is also posted on the board downstairs)

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:

Team Smyth

Who are the members of your team and how long have you played together?

Skip:  Alison Smyth

Vice: Kathy Gray

Second: Diane Ruygrok

Lead: Kamla Sim

Alison and Kathy have been curling together in the WNL for approximately 20 years. 

Diane started as our fifth player several years ago and then with some players moving away became a regular.  Kamla spared for us over the past couple of seasons and joined the team full time this year.

What would you like WNL members to know about your team?

We have been fortunate to have had a lot of players on our team throughout the years including:

• Deanna Quintieri
• Sue Fairs
• Norma Ingaldson
• Heather MacTavish
• Deene Phaneuf

Despite not curling together any more with these people – our friendships remain strong both on and off the ice.

Over the years, Team Smyth has won the B Division (a few times!); C Division; D Division and even played in the A Division!

OurTeam Mottois: “We peak for playoffs”. So watch out - we are gearing up for the upcoming playoffs!

This will be Alison’s last WNL season at the Oakville Curling Club as she is moving upnorth to the Markdale area and plans to curl at the Markdale Curling Club next year. To all the WNL players/teams/games convenor/board director/office staff/ice crew/bar staff – Team Smyth says thank you for making our Wednesday nights so special! We wish you all the very best and of course - good curling!

Cheers!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

From Curl Tech – The Delivery:

How Many Rotations?
For consistency and predictability, the rock should rotate approximately 3 - 4 times during the length of a draw shot. This is very important since the number of rotations directing impacts the speed AND curl of the shot. For example, a rock that rotates 1-2 times will stop shorter and curl more than a rock rotated 5 times. In some cases, a lot more. For league play, try to target 3-4 rotations. For competitive team play, each team must agree on the rotations so that the ice measurement and sweeping tools can be consistently applied.

Consider the following:

Split Time	Rotations	Distance	Curl
3.85	3-4 Rotations	Tee Line	4.0 Feet
3.85	2 Rotations	Top Twelve	4.5 Feet
3.85	5 Rotations	Back Twelve	3.5 Feet

As you can see, the same spilt time can produce three different shots. The Hog to Hog time will also change with different rotations.

There are times when more or less rotations are necessary. Aggressive (or bald) running surfaces, ice that curls over five feet or ice that runs straight. These are advanced concepts and should discussed with your team.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

GREEN GODDESS DIP

BYAUBREY· PUBLISHED:MARCH 20, 2023· LAST UPDATED: MARCH 20, 2023

GREEN GOODNESS

If I could bottle all of the delicious herby smells from my garden to enjoy all year round, I would be the happiest person on the planet. In the summer, though, I can surround myself with this scent and eat it by making batch after batch of Green Goddess Dip! No vegetable, chip, or piece of chicken is safe around me. When I make this incredible dip, I eat it with everything. This dip is a refreshing snack and a huge party hit, so take my advice and make plenty!Can’t get enough of creamy, vegetable, and herb-filled dips? Then Dill Pickle Dip and Skinny Veggie Dip are two must-make dips for you!

OTHER RECIPES TO SERVE WITH GREEN GODDESS DIP

• Every summer party needs yummy Cucumber Sandwiches,and your garden might even be making enough cucumbers to feed an army!
• Kick back at the patio party with your delicious dip and a tall drink of Moscato Strawberry and Lemon Mojito– life doesn’t get any better.

INGREDIENTS

Veggies: To make this dip, you will need a few green onions, fresh basil, and parsley.

Dairy: Pick up your favorite non-fat greek yogurt as well as mayonnaise.

Seasoning: For this dip, you will need both salt and pepper.

Pantry Item: A little white vinegar will also be used in this recipe.

HOW TO MAKE GREEN GODDESS DIP

STEP ONE: Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor.

STEP TWO: Pulse the ingredients until combined and smooth.

STEP THREE: Serve immediately or refrigerate the dip to give the flavors more time to develop.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• To keep this dip light, non-fat greek yogurt is suggested, but regular Greek yogurt can also be used, and the dip will be a little creamier.
• If you’re growing various herbs at home, toss in your favorites, along with the basil and parsley! Herbs like chives, dill, and tarragon are wonderful additions.
• This dip will last for 5 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.

HOW DO I MAKE THIS DIP DAIRY-FREE?

More dairy-free alternatives are available at local stores, making substituting ingredients much easier. Vegan yogurt and cream cheese are widely available and can be used instead of traditional Greek yogurt. You may need to use a little more vegan yogurt to achieve a thicker consistency, but this depends on the brand of yogurt you purchase. When subbing vegan cream cheese, you may need to add a little water to thin the consistency or leave it as-is for a beautifully thick dip.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS DIP?

The creamy, herby flavors in this Green Goddess Dip are wonderful with veggies, crackers, chicken, bread, and as a spread. Surround the dip with carrot sticks, celery, sweet peppers, and tomato wedges or slices. Pita crackers, potato chips, and pretzels are delicious scoopers; everything is great on a baguette. Elevate your favorite sandwiches with this dip as a sandwich spread, or boost your chicken dinner by topping it with Green Goddess Dip. Include the dip in any snack or meal for a huge flavor boost you’ll love!

Green Goddess Dip

Green Goddess Dip is a bright, fresh dip packed with flavorful herbs that's oh-so-creamy. It's perfect for veggies, crackers & even chicken!

Prep Time:2 minutes
Total Time:2 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: green goddess dip
Servings: 4
Calories: 152kcal
Author: Aubrey Cota

Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

• 2 cups parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 4 green onions chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Cover and pulse until the herbs are small and a thick paste has formed.
2. Serve with veggies or crackers for dipping or spoon over grilled chicken.

Notes

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 723mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2819IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg

 

Song of the Week:

Get By With A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles

P.S – You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website. Look under CLUB in the drop down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter? Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.  I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight:  

• It’s national “Goof Off Day!” – who knew?!?  I suggest you don’t “goof off” with your game tonight; we are getting too close to the finals!

Did you know:  

• There is a fantastic 30-minute documentary on our OCC member Pat Ryan.  A terrific watch on Netflix that the WNL would really enjoy. Documentary is called Losers, Episode 4

WATCH HERE

Suggested by our own - Wendy Tite

Last week: 

• It was a sea of GREEN – thank you to everyone who wore green – it was great to see!
• Next time send some pictures – like this team did!

 

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:  

TEAM Wright/Carney

Skip: Kim Wright;

Vice: Anna Carney;

Second: Carolyn Montgomery;

Lead: Amy Diamond

As new curlers, we really enjoy learning the game of curling and appreciate the tips and insights we learn from everyone.

Our goal is to learn, get better and our philosophy is “try that shot,  the scoreboard doesn't matter.” 

We also have a lot of fun off the ice socializing and getting to know some great women!

As for our favourite foods, what don’t we like? We are fortunate to enjoy some great restaurants in Oakville and would like to give a shout out to some of favourites: Celadon House, IL Fornello, Mye 2,  Ritorno, and Piazza Bistro. Support local!!

See you at the rink!

They are new to our league – D division.

Introduce yourselves to them and find out more!!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

Curl up with Jamie – Jamie Sinclair tips:  Balance

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Simple Spring deliciousness….

Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes 6 servings

We love all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the summer. This salad is one of our favorite because it packs in so much great produce, plus it's quick and easy on a warm summer day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup prepared poppy seed salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 8 cups fresh baby spinach
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries or fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine asparagus and water. Microwave, covered, on high until crisp-tender, 2-4 minutes; drain. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, whisk dressing, orange juice, honey, orange zest and mustard until blended.
3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, chicken, strawberries, almonds, sesame seeds and asparagus. Add dressing and toss to coat.

Test Kitchen tips

• If spinach isn't your favorite, try this salad with spring mix or a baby kale blend.
• If you don't have almonds or sesame seeds on hand, try toasted pecans or walnuts, sunflower seeds, or even wonton strips to add some crunch.

Nutrition Facts

2 cups: 267 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. 
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.

 

Song of the Week:

Suggested by a WNL member…

Salt n’ Pepa – Push it (when you are sweeping?? Ha!)

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P.S You can find all our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL². Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight:       

• YES – We curl tonight AND
• It is pre St. Patrick’s Day! WEAR GREEN!!  

Next week:  

• It’s officially SPRING!

Thank you: From the Jerry Sproat Food4Kids - As a result of our league’s participation they had the best collection of donations ever!

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:  

Team Lindsay

Who are the members of your team and how long have you been curling and maybe how you started curling together?? 

Skip: Cynthia Lindsay 6+years

Vice: Wendy Tite 4 years

Second: Linda McGuigan 4 years

Lead:  Jessica Bekar 1 year

Tell us a story about your team…..

Best game? Your worst game? Your best memory together….

We are a newly formed team for this season.  Three of us completed Learn to Curl in the past 5 years and we were able to snag our skip Cynthia Lindsay under threat that one of us would otherwise be skipping! Being a new team, we are just starting to create our own memories but we are thriving as a learning team and improving every game.  As far as best game and worst game, this is a conundrum.  We seem to have our best game, which is followed by our worst game (repeat), and can only surmise this as the universal mystery of curling.  

What would you like the other WNL members to know about your team? 

We are fun first, improvement second, and foremost love the game. We are always willing to share whatever knowledge we have and always willing to help new teams, because we all started in the same place.

 What is your team’s favourite food? Or favourite place to eat?

Our favourite place to eat is “Community Restaurant” on Kerr street.  We have two Vegans on our team and two potential converts.  Absolutely delicious food, and where we had our first team get together.

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

Curl up with Jamie – Jamie Sinclair tips:  Weight Judgement

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Easy Honey-Ginger Seared Salmon Pieces Over Coconut Rice

by TAMARA GREEN AND SARAH GROSSMAN

PREP TIME: 20 min
COOK TIME: 20 min
YIELDS: 2 servings

When you’re in need of an easy weeknight dinner that’s simple to put together, can be prepared quickly, and is incredibly flavourful – this is the recipe for you. Cutting salmon into smaller bite-sized pieces, coating them in a savoury-sweet soy-honey marinade and then frying them up until caramelized creates the most appetizingly crisp texture and taste. Serve over seared bok choy and fluffy coconut rice to elevate every single bite.

INGREDIENTS

Coconut Rice

• 14 oz full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed

Honey Ginger Salmon

• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 3 tsp grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pinch red chili flakes (optional)
• 26 oz skinless salmon filets, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

Seared Bok Choy

• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 baby bok choy
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

DIRECTIONS

Step 1

Make the rice: In a medium-sized pot, pour in the coconut milk, water, salt and rice. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until fluffy.

Step 2

Meanwhile, to make the salmon, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, ginger, garlic and red chili flakes in a large bowl. Toss in the salmon pieces and mix to coat. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Step 3

Place a wide skillet over medium-high heat, add in the oil, and place in the salmon pieces. Leave the extra marinade in the bowl for now. Don’t overcrowd the pan, to allow the salmon to crisp up and work in batches, if needed. Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, set salmon aside.

Step 4

If the pan is too burnt, clean it out or use a new pan. Turn the heat to medium-high, drizzle oil and when hot add the bok choy. Season with sea salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes per side, tossing occasionally until softened and bright green. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5

Place the marinade back into the pan, turn up the heat until it starts bubbling, add the salmon pieces back in and toss to coat.

Step 6

To assemble, divide the coconut rice into bowls, layer the salmon and bok choy on top. ­Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

 

Song of the Week:

Shameless plug of talent….

Work In Progress – by Lauren Torey

You can watch the making of this song at this link - https://youtu.be/IUZQsO84w3M

 (Yes, that’s my daughter!! )

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 P.S  You can find all of our Newsletters from this year on our club website.  Look under CLUB in the drop-down section and choose NEWSLETTERS.

Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL2. Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Tonight

• It is International Women’s Day today!  Celebrate us ALL DAY!

Next week

• We curl – it’s spring break for our Elementary and High School Students - -but we get to Curl and have extra fun!  Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2 days early.  WEAR GREEN!!
• Please Help Out: This year's Jerry Sproat Senior Men's Bonspiel are running a food drive for Food 4 Kids of Halton. They are asking that we help with donating the following items into the boxes that will be out along the East Wall of the Lounge.

They are asking for the following  specific items:

• • Soup - 248ml cans - Chicken Noodle, Vegetable or Tomato
  • Canned Chicken/Turkey/Salmon
  • Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
  • Annie's or Kraft Mac & Cheese -  any type
  • Canned Pasta - like Chef Boy R Dee, Heinz Aloha-Getti, 
• The boxes for contributions will be out until TODAY - the day of the Bonspiel.

Thank you

• I would like to thank all of the WNL members who ordered a Curling Keychain to support the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
• Together we were able to donate $450 to the Foundation which is truly amazing! Thank you for supporting my fundraising initiative this year, hopefully we can make this a yearly event. 
• If you have a cause you'd like to support next year, I'd love to hear from you. - Laurin Chamberlin 

Reminder

• We all love curling – just a gentle reminder that if you are sick please stay home or wear a mask to protect others. 

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:  

Team Wylie

 

Who are the members of your team and how long have you been curling and maybe how you started curling together?? 

Skip:  Kerra Wylie

Vice:  Johanne Boivin

Second: Sharon Bishop

Lead:  Sandra Olmsted

Kerra and Jo took the Learn To Curl in fall 2018 with our husbands and caught the bug!  Sharon and Sandra, friends from Queen's university just a few short years ago  took the Learn to Curl not long before that.  We are a new team this year, with Kerra and Jo trying on the skip and vice roles for the first time.  

Best curling memory together….We do mostly enjoy every game, but C Division where we started is more of a confidence booster than B Division where we had the fortune/misfortune to hang out for the mid season! However, we treat each game as a learning and growing experience and an opportunity to meet other women curlers while having our drinks paid for generously by the winning teams!!

What would you like the other WNL members to know about your team? 

We are happy to come out, play our best, have a ton of fun, and meet all other WNL members who are out doing the same...even when we are half asleep every other week at 9 p.m.!

What is your team’s favourite food? Or favourite place to eat?  Any curling talent deficits on the part of our team are more than made up for by our enjoyment of courtesy drinks and a potluck buffet! Sharon's savoury shortbreads and Sandra's cheese & salami cups were a hit with our table, the bar staff and the ice maintenance staff in January!  And if you've ever had Jo's sucre a la creme (maple fudge) you would think you'd died and gone to heaven!!  Can't wait for the end of season buffet!!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

Jamie Sinclair – Learn to Curl – Tip #21 – Drag Effect

Watch this for a great tip about hits and striking bands.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

This recipe is not good for you – it is delicious!!!

Better Than Sex Cake by Allrecipes

A better than sex cake made with rich chocolate cake, caramel, toffee, and whipped topping... Need I say more?

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
• 1 ¼ cups water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• ½ (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 8 ounces caramel ice cream topping, divided
• 3 ¼ (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered toffee, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass pan.
2. Mix cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until well combined. Pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut shallow slits across top of cake; make sure not to touch the bottom of the dish.
4. Meanwhile, combine sweetened condensed milk and 6 ounces caramel topping in a saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Slowly pour mixture over top of warm cake, letting it soak in. Set aside 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped chocolate toffee for decorating; sprinkle remaining toffee liberally across entire cake.
5. Cool cake completely, then top with whipped topping. Decorate top of cake with the reserved toffee and drizzle with remaining caramel topping.
6. Refrigerate until chilled through and serve right from the pan.

Tips:

• Crush the toffee candy bars into small chunks as opposed to crumbs — then you have pieces you can chew on!

Song of the Week:

To honour International Women’s Day! 

Girls Just want to have Fun – by Cyndi Lauper

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Got something you want in the newsletter?  Please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our next edition of WNL2. Submissions are helpful.  Please send by Monday evening.   I need stuff! 

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