What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

GREAT NEWS  – we have been able to fill out our New Recreational D Division!! Please welcome our new members! (they will be playing at 6:40pm tonight)

Tonight:  It’s March 1^st - It is National Peanut Butter Lovers Day!  And in Iceland it is BEER Day!  Pick one or both to celebrate and Enjoy!

Next week:  Just 5 games left until Playoffs for WNL begin! Get your Curl on!!

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 March 8 - the day of the Bonspiel.

Sandra Schmirler Key Chains Fundraiser:  Laurin Chamberlin will be upstairs between 8:30pm and 9:30pm tomorrow for you to pick up your order (between both draw times). She will be set up near the fireplace at one of the small tables and chairs. 

• If you have pre-donated by EMT, thank you. If you selected Donation At Pick Up, please try and have exact change. 
• If you aren't playing tomorrow, please let her know if somebody will be picking up your order for you. 

Thank you all again, you Ladies are truly amazing!

 This is the NEW WNL Logo!!

Thank you Karen & Laurin!

Now, what kind of swag do we want??

Should we start out with Key Chains and see if Laurin will make and sell them to us??

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:

TEAM SILS!

The members on Team Sils have been curling for a range of years - from a brand new curler to 25 years of experience. We are newly rearranged this year into a 5 person team. Here is a fun fact about each of our members:

Cindy Hawley - any position as needed

Cindy is a twin.

Cathy Buttrum - LEAD

Cathy loves to travel and enjoys scuba diving. She has done close to 200 dives.

Joanne MacMaster - SECOND

Joanne was in a drum corp as a young teen and was on the rifle line spinning and tossing a rifle in the air.

Cara Sproat - VICE

Cara met her husband at the Oakville Curling Club.

Sarah Sils – SKIP

Sarah has lived in 5 countries in her life.

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

Another tip from - Curling Steps to Success – Sean M.R. Turriff  

Observational Skills and Concentration  (part of step 6)

Every shot needs to be watched for what line it takes.  Not every shot will be thrown down the line intended and you’ll need to register what actually happens rather than what was intended to happen.  Each shot must be watched in its entirety so you see their full nature of the curl.  If you neglect to watch a shot to completion, you run the risk of missing any potential finish the rock may have.  Finish is the final bit of curl, often a significant amount of movement that can be used later to help hide rocks behind others.  Concentrating on the curl, shot after shot, requires focus and more than a little discipline.

Misstep: You don’t watch the entire shot from the slide to the point where the rock comes to rest.

Correction: Develop the habit of mentally recording each shot. Mentally link the slide path to a final result to help complete the mind map of the sheet.

Again, primarily the skip will be watching for the finish, but all players should watch as many shots as possible to build a bank of information for their sheet.  If all the players on a team are watching shots and building their own store of information, then it relieves some of the pressure on the skip if she is struggling with where to place the brush.  It also help you visualize a shot before you throw it if you know the path your shot is intending to take.  Watching each shot also keeps all players engaged in the game.  Because curling is a turn-based sport, there are times when your team will be simply waiting for the other team to complete their turn.  Getting into position to watch shots keeps your mind on the game when it is not your team’s turn to throw.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

I am making this as I type this – So ask me how it turned out!

Artisan No Knead Bread

LAUREN ALLEN

This quick and easy No Knead Bread has a crisp artisan crust and is extra soft and tender inside. It only requires four ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make.

Nothing beats the smell of homemade bread! It will amaze you how quick and easy it is to make this No Knead Bread and you can make the bread dough without any special tools!!  My other favorite bread recipes include Honey Whole Wheat Bread and Easy Banana Bread.

I have included some variations for making this No Knead Bread.  You can make the bread dough even healthier by using whole wheat flour (see directions below) or add a variety of different flavors to the dough.  You can also choose to bake it on a baking sheet or in a cast iron pan!

It’s hard to believe there is absolutely no kneading required to make this bread, but you have to try it! I’m confidant you’ll “wowed” by how easy this bread is to make!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt *see note
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)

How to make No Knead Bread:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and yeast. Pour in warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl and allow it to rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to 15 hours. 
2. Scoop dough onto a floured work surface and shape into a ball. Sprinkle a tiny bit of flour on top of the dough ball and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover the dough lightly with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place an empty cast iron pot, with the lid on, into the oven and preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 
4. Remove covering from dough ball. Lift the parchment paper and dough ball up, and place inside cast iron pot that’s been preheating in the oven. Cover with lid and return to oven to bake for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, remove lid and bake, uncovered for 12-15 more minutes, until golden on top. Remove from oven and allow bread to cool on a wire cooling rack.
6. Store bread in an open paper bag on the counter for up to 1 week. 
7. Baked (and cooled) loaves of bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

No Cast Iron Pan? Use a Baking Sheet!

• Make the dough as directed, including allowing it to rise. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
• Add three cups boiling water to a 9×13 pan and set it on the lowest rack of your oven. The water will create steam which will help keep the bread crusty on the outside as it bakes. Bake for about 30-35 minutes.

The result is the same delicious, crusty bread, and I love that you can really shape the dough any way you like when you use this method. I shaped mine into a log and I cut 3 very shallow diagonal slits in the top (optional). I felt like I was eating my own homemade version of a La Brea baguette!

Variations:

• Whole Wheat Flour: For best results, use half whole wheat flour and half white flour. Try stirring in 2 tablespoons of honey to the warm water, for a flavor boost. Make and bake as directed.
• Mix-Ins (add to the flour mixture, before adding water):

• 3 large cloves minced garlic plus 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary,
• 1 cup favorite kind of shredded cheese (try adding a chopped jalapeño!)
• ¾ cup dried cranberries and/or chopped nuts.

Freezing Instructions:

Make the dough and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator, then allow to rise for 30-45 minutes at room temperature before baking. Baked (and cooled) loaves of bread can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Calories: 115kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 341mg
Potassium: 38mg
Calcium: 6mg
Iron: 1.5mg

 

New

Song of the Week:

Each week a new song to either introduce you to – or - for you to remember! 

Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble – by Mac Davis

See the video here:  https://www.youtube.co-m/watch?v=0WTrMuZOZvM

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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

• Checkout www.oakvillecurlingclub.com  for WNL updates on your team’s standing in divisions and when you curl tonight.  
• Then…. Curl, Laugh, Enjoy!!

Next week

• It’s March next week – don’t forget we are curling over Spring Break (March 15^th)

A Fundraiser (of a WNL member):

Curling Keychain Fundraiser in support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

Orders will be ready for pick up between games TONIGHT - Wednesday February 22nd between 8:00pm-9:00pm. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thank you to all the members who have already placed their orders!

 

Laugh of the Week:

Big Thanks to Johanne Bolvin, who shared some jokes for us!!

(She won a curling lanyard ) 

 

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:

Be back next edition!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

The next couple of weeks tips will come from - Curling Steps to Success – Sean M.R. Turriff 

Weight Considerations (part of step 6)

The amount of curl directly depends on the amount of weight on a shot.  In general, shots with less weight curl more than shots with more weight.  At the extreme, a shot with a lot of force on it may not curl at all, whereas a shot with draw weight in the same path may curl several feet.  Reading the ice effectively means understanding how much curl a stone will have down a given path with a particular amount of weight.  It also means understanding how the curl changes as the weight changes.  As games proceed, players and particularly skips and vices will build virtual maps of ice conditions in their minds so they will be able to properly position the initial target on every shot.  The huge number of possible slide paths and weight variations is a vast amount of information to keep straight and reading the ice requires good concentration, very good observational skills, a detailed memory and a critical eye.

NEXT WEEK – Observational Skills & Concentration

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

BOURSIN CHEESE BAKED TIKTOK PASTA

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Modern Honey® - www.modernhoney.com

Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta Freshly cooked pasta tossed with baked Boursin cheese, tomatoes, garlic, spices, and parmesan cheese. This easy-baked pasta recipe will knock your socks off!

PREP TIME: 5 mins
COOK TIME: 35 mins
SERVINGS: 6

INGREDIENTS

• (2) 5.2 ounce pkgs. Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Herb)
• (2) pints Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
• 3 to 4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• Salt and Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 10 to 16 ounces Pasta *
• ½ cup Pasta Water (reserved from pasta)
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil (about 6 leaves)
• 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach, optional (chopped)
• ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the two rounds of Boursin cheese and tomatoes into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, a generous amount of salt and pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
3. While baking, heat water in a large pot to boiling. Generously salt the water. Add your favorite type of pasta and cook according to package instructions. Remove ½ cup of water and set aside to add to sauce. Drain the pasta.
4. Once the tomatoes are done roasting, toss with cooked pasta and reserved ½ cup of pasta water. Sprinkle with fresh basil, spinach (if using), and parmesan cheese.

 

WNL Logo:

We are in the process of tweaking the logo.  We want it to be swag logo ready…

Final image will be posted here soon.

Karen Paget is the designer of our NEW logo! And Laurin Chamberlin worked on tweaking it for our swag.

Thank you Karen & Laurin! (they each won a pair of curling socks) 

 

Special Pin Competition:

We have said “Goodbye” to the Bead competition.  Alas, it was a tough FUN thing to do.  

If anyone has any ideas on what we can do with A LOT of beads going forward – just let me know! Ha!!

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:

• Wear RED – Celebrate your teams with Chocolate and Candies.
• Bead prizes will be given out.

Next week:

• We start a new session.  Check the website for updates on your ranking and when you curl. 
• Evelyn may send out league reminders beforehand if needed as well. 

A Fundraiser (of a WNL member):

Curling Keychain Fundraiser in support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

• In support of raising money for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, I will be offering adorable and fun Curling themed Keychains for a donation for $10.00 per keychain.
• There are five different designs to choose from. They are made with love and all by hand. Get one, get two, get them all in support of a great charity.

• All of the material has all been graciously donated, meaning 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these items will be donated to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation on Sunday February 26th 2023 during Sandra Schmirler Day at the Scotties. 
• Click HERE to order yours online.
• Orders will be ready for pick up between games NEXT WEEK - Wednesday February 22nd between 8:00pm-9:00pm. 

If you have any questions or can’t order online, please feel free to contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LET’S RAISE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY! 

Thank you to all the members who have already placed their orders!

 

Laugh of the Week:

Big Thanks to Johanne Bolvin, who shared some jokes for us!!

(She wins a curling lanyard and the next one is from her too!  ) 

 

Get to Know your WNL teams:

TEAM BYRNE – THE FUN SPA TEAM!

Skip: Marg Byrne

I started curling in 1995 when I moved to Oakville.  I was looking for a way to meet people.  My grandfather (in his 80s at the time) was still curling and other family members had curled over the years, so I figured I would give it a try.  Over the years I have been on the WNL (or BW as we used to be known) executive in various capacities; I spent many years volunteering with the youth program at the club – most recently as convenor and programmer; for the last 4 years I was on the Board of Directors as Youth Director; and I have been an instructor since the program’s inception.  I also play weekend mixed and spare on Monday nights.

Vice: Laura Pratt

I moved to Oakville in 1999.  My parents curled and encouraged me to try the sport as a way to meet people.  So the following October, never having touched a broom or watched a game …having no knowledge whatsoever of the sport, I registered and showed up for the opening wine and cheese.  As soon as I walked in the door looking confused and uncertain, Marg and Sheila approached me and said something like…”you’re brand new? Come join our team!”. I’ve been curling with them ever since.  When we discovered we all had birthdays in November, our November spa weekend tradition was born.  We wish we had kept a log of everything we did on those weekends over the last 20 years…it would save a lot of time trying to remember, but that’s half the fun.  I also curled mixed on Monday nights that first year – one of the male members of the first team I curled with ‘had a friend’ he set me up with and Rod and I have been married since 2003.  So this team and the curling club are responsible for my marriage and the spa weekends to escape my marriage!  

Second: Sheila Wiebe

Most of my extended family curled— my grandpa was an ice tech in Tillsonburg and my aunt and uncle still curl competitively out of the Barrie club.  So curling is definitely in my blood.  I started curling in high school after one of those “recreation leisure” classes and then took a break during university. I resumed my curling career in 1991 and have curled pretty much every year since (except one during the pandemic). Started in Oakville in 1995. Found my jam in the second position as I really enjoy sweeping.  I took the coaching course a few years back when my daughter’s university team needed a coach.  I look forward to my weekly night out but I don’t get too hung up on the outcome of each game.

Lead: Paula Somers

I started curling as a new curler in 2012 when the team was looking for a lead. Thankfully my team doesn’t take the outcome too seriously and everyone is out for an enjoyable evening. I’ve picked up many good tips over the years but, like golf, it’s tough to put it all together!  I never thought of myself as a spa person until I joined this team - it’s definitely an annual highlight!

Fifth: Carolyn Melia

My husband and I were looking for an activity that we could do together.  Friends of ours suggested we try curling and join the weekend mixed league.  We started in 2015 and while we still play in mix, our friends divorced and quit curling haha.  Marg Byrne was my neighbor at the time and she asked if I was interested in being a 5th on her woman's team.  The deal was sealed after she mentioned a spa weekend was compulsory!  This is the most supportive team ever...on and off the ice.  There is no pressure, and we are truly there for the love of the game and spending time together as a team! 

What would you like the other WNL members to know about your team?  Tell us a story about your team…..

We are fun!  We are Team SPA – you can only join our team if you are willing to go on a Spa weekend in November – this is mandatory!  We have been doing this since 2001!  I believe we have only missed one weekend away since then - thanks to COVID.

Marg & Sheila met in the mid 1990’s back when the WNL was still the social Business Women (BW).  Laura joined us when we had switched to WNL ladder league in 1999.  Paula came on board in 2012 and Carolyn rounded out the team in 2016.  Over the years we have rotated positions – sometimes using the “skip until you lose” lineup. The lineup above has been our current iteration for several years now!

Best game? Your worst game?  

We don’t dwell on these… we win some, we lose some.  We are here for the social aspects, exercise and laughs.

Your best memory together….

All those Spa weekends!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

The next couple of weeks tips will come from - Curling Steps to Success – Sean M.R. Turriff 

Reading the Ice (step 6)

As you developed your curling delivery, you focused on aligning yourself toward a specific target, even though that target was not the intended destination for the shot because of the curling stone’s curved path.  So the natural question is, where should the target be place in order for your to make the shot you want?  To correctly position the target , you and your team require knowledge of how much the stone is going to curl ion any given path.  Until you see stones sliding on the sheet, however, you have no way of knowing what degree of curl to expect.  You must watch how the ice behaves and build a mental map of the sheet in order to correctly place the target.  All players must develop ice reading skills, even though the final placement of the target is up to the skip.

A number of factors determine the amount of curl on any given shot.  Some of these factors are out of your control, such as the ice surface and the stone’s running surface.  These playing conditions of the game; as in most sports, you cannot affect these conditions directly.  However, the delivery also affects the curl within the parameters determined by the ice and stone conditions; that is something you can control.

…. Let us examine what happens to a curling rock as it travels down a sheet of ice.  Stones are delivered with a rotation on them and will take a curved path, the arc of which will be in the direction of applied rotation. This is true for every shot on every sheet of curling ice.  The degree to which the stone curls varies from facility to facility, from sheet to sheet and often from one path on a sheet to another path on the same sheet.  However, the amount of curl is not determined only by the playing conditions.

NEXT WEEK – Weight Considerations

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

RECIPE COURTESY OF REE DRUMMOND

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Level: Easy
Total: 20 min
Active: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
 

Ingredients

• Baking spray, for spraying custard cups
• 1 stick butter 
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate 
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate 
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar 
• 2 whole eggs 
• 3 egg yolks 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray four custard cups with baking spray and place on a baking sheet.
• Microwave the butter, bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate in a large bowl on high until the butter is melted, about 1 minute. Whisk until the chocolate is also melted. Stir in the sugar until well blended. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks, then add the vanilla. Stir in the flour. Divide the mixture among the custard cups.
• Bake until the sides are firm and the centers are soft, about 13 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Invert on individual plates while warm and serve with vanilla ice cream.
   

WNL Logo:

We are in the process of tweaking the logo.  We want it to be swag logo ready…

Final image will be posted here soon.

 

Karen Paget is the designer of our NEW logo! And Laurin Chamberlin worked on tweaking it for our swag.

Thank you Karen & Laurin! (they each won a pair of curling socks) 

 

Special Pin Competition:

It’s PRIZE WEEK!  MAKE SURE I HAVE YOUR INDIVIDUAL NUMBERS BY TODAY!

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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:

New General Manager: 

• Please welcome our new OCC Curling General manager – Ian Tetley!
• Husband to our very own Erica Brown.

Tonight: 

• Curl, laugh and have fun!

Next Week:

• Wear RED – Celebrate your teams with Chocolate and Candies.
• Bead prizes will be given out.

A Fundraiser (of a WNL member):

Curling Keychain Fundraiser in support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

• In support of raising money for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, I will be offering adorable and fun Curling themed Keychains for a donation for $10.00 per keychain.
• There are five different designs to choose from. They are made with love and all by hand. Get one, get two, get them all in support of a great charity.

• All of the material has all been graciously donated, meaning 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these items will be donated to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation on Sunday February 26th 2023 during Sandra Schmirler Day at the Scotties. 

Click HERE to order yours online. 

Orders will be ready for pick up between games on Wednesday February 22nd between 8:00pm-9:00pm. 

If you have any questions or can’t order online, please feel free to contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LET’S RAISE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY! 

Thank you all in advance for your support for the fundraising initiative.

 

Laugh of the Week:

Big Thanks to Johanne Bolvin, who shared some jokes for us!!

(She wins a curling lanyard and the next 3 weeks are from her!)

 

 

Get to Know our NEW GENERAL MANAGER:

Oops – I forgot to take a picture last week!

So I sent interview questions to Ian Tetley – Here is what he had to say!

Fun Questions:

1. What are you hoping to do for the WNL now that you are General Manager?
2. What was your best curling shot to date?
3. What is it like to be married to our very own Erika Brown?
4. What is your favourite food?
5. What do you want the WNL to know about you?

Fun Questions answers:

1. WNL is an important part of the OCC. It has been and will continue to be a vital area for women to have fun, show their curling skills and socialize. I am looking for ideas to extend the fun. Whether it is live music entertainment so your teams enjoy their time off the ice OR food. I would love to get a food component going at this club. Wings and beer, hamburger and fries, salads, you name it. I think there is always an appetite for this type of thing if it is done right. 
2. My best curling shot was drawing to the back 8' to win the men's club championships here in 2011.
3. I am married to an absolute rock star. I couldn't be happier. She absolutely completes me. She could use some help on the cooking duties though. So please help. 
4. My favourite food is a good steak, baked potato, asparagus and a nice bottle of wine. Preferably served with company or just my wife.
5. I want the WNL to know that their league is equally important as any other league in this club. My mandate is to make sure we are completely full for the 2023-24 season. So I will strive to work with WNL to ensure their league stays fun and full. 

I've heard that some members are concerned that my only interest is with high performance and elite teams. That couldn't be further from the truth. From a coaching aspect I am interested in those teams. But from a GM point. I want to work with all the members to ensure the leagues stay full and the culture of the club continues to grow. 

Cheers, Ian

Thank you to everyone that responded to my desperate cry for a team to insert here. 
We will feature Team Byrne next week! 

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better (or in this case – things to know about curling history):

You may have seen / or heard about this when the Strathcona Cup (Scottish teams) were here:

“BROOMSTACKING”:

As you know curling is a gentlemen and ladies sport for gracious but serious competitors, as “curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents”. Another well practiced tradition is called Broomstacking!

One of the greatest traditions in curling is broomstacking. The term refers to the social get-together after each game. Originally, curlers, after completing a curling game on the pond, would stack their brooms in front of the fire and enjoy beverages with the opponent. This tradition is still alive today and it is expected that you partake in broomstacking after every game. The custom dictates that the winners buy the losers the first round of drinks with each winner teammate member buying their counterpart the round.

Broomstacking and the Competitive Spirit –

There is also broomstacking at all competitive levels such as, national, and world championships. Although the focus of these competitive curling events is on determining a champion, the social expectation is still there. Even at the most competitive levels, teams will get together after the game for friendly discussion.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

These are the are as great as the REAL ones at the restaurant in NYC!

Rosa Mexicano's Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients

• 2 ounces white tequila
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh pomegranate juice
• 6 to 8 ounces ice cubes
• Lime slice

For pitcher (serves 6):

• 12 ounces white tequila
• 3 ounces Triple Sec
• 6 ounces fresh lime juice
• 6 tablespoons fresh pomegranate juice
• 36 to 40 ice cubes
• Lime slices

Instructions

1. Add tequila, Triple Sec and juices to blender and process until smooth.
2. Pour into margarita glasses and garnish with lime slices.

Recipe courtesy of Rosa Mexicano restaurants.

 

WNL Logo:

And the WINNER IS ….. (something like this)

Karen Paget is the designer of our NEW logo! And Laurin Chamberlin worked on tweaking it for our swag.

Thank you Karen & Laurin! (they each win a pair of curling socks) 

We are still working on the final tweaks and will confirm it very soon.

 

Special Pin Competition:

Keep working on getting those beads – ON PURPOSE!

Next week is prize week!  Get your numbers to me by Monday night (Feb 13^th)

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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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Here are the WNL Logos.  The poll is at the bottom of the page,

1 vote per WNL league member. Voting closes at 7 tonight.

If you have already voted, you will see a red error message at the top of the page, and there will be no way to vote again.

Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
Option 4	Option 5	Option 6
Option 7	Option 8	Option 9

 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Glad everyone is safe:

• It was a tough call to cancel last week – but it kept everyone safe.  We will pretend like last week didn’t even happen when it comes to games and points! Keep it easy…

It’s February! 

• Only 3 months left of curling.  Let’s make the most of it. 
• February is known for Valentine’s day!  Let’s celebrate!  On Feb 15^th (in 2 weeks) Wear RED! And maybe bring some chocolates / candies for your fellow curlers??!!

 

A Fundraiser (of a WNL member):

Curling Keychain Fundraiser in support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

• In support of raising money for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, I will be offering adorable and fun Curling themed Keychains for a donation for $10.00 per keychain.
• There are five different designs to choose from. They are made with love and all by hand. Get one, get two, get them all in support of a great charity.

All of the material has all been graciously donated, meaning 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these items will be donated to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation on Sunday February 26th 2023 during Sandra Schmirler Day at the Scotties. 

Click HERE to order yours online. 

• Orders will be ready for pick up between games on Wednesday February 22nd between 8:00pm-9:00pm. 
• If you have any questions or can’t order online, please feel free to contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  

Laugh of the Week:

 

 

Get to Know our WNL Teams:

With our games cancelled last week – I don’t have a team to profile this week.

Here is a Canadian Team you might be familiar with:

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

How do I get more power in curling?

Take your hips farther back – Think of a curler's hips like a spring – the further they get pulled back behind the hack, the more energy they have when released. A quick observation of most curlers from beside the hack shows that their hips get elevated and taken back to a position directly above the hack.

Got a weight problem? - Team USA

Mielke

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

There are lots of ingredients in this recipe and only 3 directions.  It is worth every spice!  So, so, so tasty.

If your guests insist they don’t like lamb, you can make it with chicken – but this recipe will make them consider lamb going forward!!

RECIPE COURTESY OF INA GARTEN

Lamb and Chickpea Curry

• Level: Intermediate
• Total: 2 hr 40 min (includes marinating time)
• Active: 40 min
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder (not tied), gristle and fat removed, and 1-inch diced
• 1/4 cup Madras curry powder 
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 
• 1 teaspoon roughly minced fresh rosemary leaves 
• 1 teaspoon roughly minced fresh thyme leaves 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• 1/2 cup good olive oil 
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion 
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger 
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves) 
• 2 cups chicken stock, or vegetable stock, both preferably homemade 
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk 
• 1/2 cup dry white wine 
• 1/2 cup tomato paste (6 ounces) 
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed 
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 
• 2 tablespoons harissa 
• 1 cup (3/4-inch-diced) carrots (4 carrots) 
• 1 cup (3/4-inch-diced) celery (2 large stalks) 
• 1/2 cup golden raisins 
• 4 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained (45 ounces) (I use ½ the chick peas – this is A LOT)

Directions

1. Place the cubed lamb in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the curry powder, paprika, cumin, rosemary, thyme, fennel, 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the seasonings to the lamb, toss well to coat, and set aside for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large (11-inch) Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and saute for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Raise the heat to medium high, add the lamb and all the seasonings in the bowl, and saute for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is evenly browned. Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, wine, tomato paste, brown sugar, maple syrup, and harissa. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the carrots, celery, raisins, chickpeas, and 2 teaspoons salt, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, partially covered, for another 30 minutes. Serve hot in shallow bowls with the rice, a dollop of yogurt, and a sprinkling of parsley.

Steamed basmati rice, for serving 

Plain whole milk Greek yogurt, for serving 

Whole fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, for serving 

"Cook Like a Pro" by Ina Garten © Clarkson Potter 2018. Provided courtesy of Ina Garten. All rights reserved.

 

WNL Logo:

Voting is open until 7:00 tonight. Please take a look and vote

 

Special Pin Competition:

Keep working on getting those beads – ON PURPOSE!

Next prize date, Wednesday February 15^th.

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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:

March Curling:  you have spoken – we will be curling on Wednesday March 15^th and be done our season April 26^th!

CURLING PODCASTS  to listen to:

• 2 Girls and a Game - Curling Podcast
• From The Hack - Curling Podcast
• Inside Curling with Kevin Martin & Warren Hansen Sportsnet

A Fundraiser (of a WNL member):

Curling Keychain Fundraiser in support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

• In support of raising money for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, I will be offering adorable and fun Curling themed Keychains for a donation for $10.00 per keychain.
• There are five different designs to choose from. They are made with love and all by hand. Get one, get two, get them all in support of a great charity.

• All of the material has all been graciously donated, meaning 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these items will be donated to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation on Sunday February 26th 2023 during Sandra Schmirler Day at the Scotties. 

Click HERE to order yours online. 

Orders will be ready for pick up between games on Wednesday February 22nd between 8:00pm-9:00pm. 

If you have any questions or can’t order online, please feel free to contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LET’S RAISE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY! 

Thank you all in advance for your support for the fundraising initiative.

A (reminder) PUZZLE – to learn the code for the locker room door:

• The number that comes at the end of this year.
• If you win you are #
• Most people have this many toes on their left foot.

 

Laugh of the Week:

 

Get to Know our WNL Teams:

Some pictures from our successful Pot Luck!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

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:

 

 

WNL Logo:

All options will be posted in the next WNL²

Hoping to do an online vote – if we can figure out how to do it!

Voting POSTPONED – date TBD….

 

Special Pin Competition:

Keep working on getting those beads – ON PURPOSE!

Next prize date, Wednesday February 15^th.

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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:

START Talking - We have a choice…. To curl or not to curl – that is the question!

• Curl during March break – Wednesday March 15th and end our season at the end of April.

OR

• Not curl March break and end the season the first week in May. Do you want to vote? Or send me emails? Have an opportunity to discuss one night?

Pot Luck TONIGHT:

• Play your regular 8 end game and then have a mini pot luck right at your table. That means each team brings enough food for 8 and shares after their game.
• Bring your own – plates, cutlery, napkins, serving dishes and spoons ….etc. (Please clean up your table when you are ready to leave the club)
• If you believe your dish is too good to be true – please feel free to share with teams/players at other tables.
• IF YOU ARE LATE DRAW – you might choose to have your potluck BEFORE your game…… It’s up to you. You are welcome to wing it – or coordinate savory and sweet with your opposing teams beforehand (emails for teams can be found on our website in the member login)
• Please remember – all this is just for extra fun…. If you choose not to participate, that is okay, just let your other team know (maybe they can join some other teams)

A PUZZLE – to learn the code for the locker room door:

• The number that comes at the end of this year.
• If you win you are # ___
• Most people have this many toes on their left foot.

 Curling Etiquette Reminder:

• When the winners of the game buy drinks –
• 2nd place teams – please reciprocate by offering and buying drinks for the second round

 

Laugh of the Week:

I got my daughter a fridge for her birthday.

I can’t wait to see her face light up when she opens it.

 

Get to Know our WNL Teams:

Team Murphy

Introducing Team Murphy:

Skip - Janet Murphy

Vice Skip - Sarah Reid

Second - Jacquie Ramier

Lead - Victoria Swystun

Janet, Sarah and Victoria started curling together at Oakville in 2009, with Jacquie joining the team in 2015. However, our team’s history extends well before then. Janet and Jacquie are sisters who grew up curling in Nova Scotia. Sarah and Victoria met in kindergarten in Sault Ste. Marie and have played together since they started curling. 

Each member of our team started curling in either grade 6 or 7 and collectively our team has curled for 130 years. Now you can guess how old each of us are!

Team Murphy enjoys any flavour of Miss Vickie’s chips after a curling game and can be found dinning out at Spoon and Fork for all you can eat sushi.

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

(from NBCOlympics.com)

The strategy of curling mainly involves shot selection. There are several different types of shots:

• Draw: A shot designed to stop inside or in front of the house (the concentric circles at the end of the rink). This is the basic scoring shot.
• Freeze: A form of a draw that stops in front of another rock.
• Guard: A shot that stops in front of the house and is intended to prevent the opponent from hitting a stone in the house.
• Hit-and-roll: Generally, a shot designed to take out an opponent’s rock and then roll the shot rock to a designated spot. It is also possible to play a hit-and-roll off the team’s own rock.
• Peel: A shot designed to remove another stone, as well as the shot rock.
• Raise: A type of draw designed to bump a rock to another position.
• Takeout: A shot that removes an opponent’s stone from play. A takeout that is designed to remove a guard is called a peel.

It’s important to realize that these are just the basic shots. At higher-level competition, a shot might be a combination of several of the above. For instance a “raise-takeout” would be hitting a stone in play and bumping that stone into another stone, which is taken out of play.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

From Cooking Light – Aug 2000

My friend makes this all the time and I just made 4 of them: 1 to eat and 3 to freeze!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp provolone cheese
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground round
• Cooking spray
• 1/3 cup ketchup

Directions:

1. Combine boiling water and tomatoes in a bowl; let stand 30 minutes or until soft. Drain tomatoes; finely chop.
2. Preheat oven to 350°.
3. Combine 1/2 cup ketchup, breadcrumbs, and the next 6 ingredients (breadcrumbs through beef) in a large bowl. Add tomatoes to meat mixture. Shape meat mixture into a 9 x 5-inch loaf on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Spread 1/3 cup ketchup over meat loaf. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a thermometer registers 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Cut into 12 slices.

 

WNL Logo:

I have to be honest with all of you – I don’t know what I am doing with determining a logo. 

Is there someone who can help make this happen?

Voting POSTPONED – date TBD….

 

Special Pin Competition:

Keep working on getting those beads – ON PURPOSE!

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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:

Pot Luck NEXT week -   After some great suggestions from teams (Team Findley & others) we have a plan for our WNL Pot Luck. 

• This month we will enjoy potluck with our opposing team at our own table.  Play your game and then have a mini pot luck right at your table.  That means each team brings enough food for 8 and shares after their game. 
• Bring your own – plates, cutlery, napkins, serving dishes and spoons ….etc.  (Please clean up your table when you are ready to leave the club)
• If you believe your dish is too good to be true – please feel free to share with teams/players at other tables. 
• You are welcome to wing it – or coordinate savory and sweet with your opposing teams beforehand (emails for teams can be found on our website in the member login)

To find D-Division on Oakville Curling Club Website:

• Go to Games Centre and look for this -

Crokicurl is back at STACKT in Toronto.  Booking times are available now if you are interested.  Last year they SOLD out quickly! Visit:  https://stacktmarket.com/event/crokicurl-2

 

Laugh of the Week:

If your guy doesn't appreciate fresh fruit puns,

let that mango!

 

Get to Know our WNL Teams

Team Twindle (From our NEW D Division )

 

Lead - Leah Barker 

A few of my friends had talked about potentially taking up curling over the last few years, but never really looked into it. This year as golf season came to an end, Katie had mentioned how she was interested in taking L2C and had been looking into it at OCC. She asked if I was interested and I said "I'm IN!". I didn't really know what to expect when I signed up because I had never really watched curling or played before. I've only been playing for a short period of time but I already love it and can feel myself improving each time. I have also met some great people and made new friends along the way! 

Favourite restaurant: My favourite restaurant would be Japanese Prince or Queens Pasta, and I like too many foods to pick a favourite. 

Second - Katie Lonsdale 

I tried curling a few times in University and really enjoyed it, however due to other commitments I was unable to stick with it. Leah and I took up golf in the summer and decided we needed a winter activity to keep us busy and active. I saw L2C and thought this would be a great opportunity to learn the sport. I am really enjoying myself so far and everyone at OCC has been very welcoming.

Favourite restaurant or food: I don't have a favourite restaurant but my favourite food is sushi.

Vice - Norma Discenza 

I grew up knowing a best friend's parents were curlers and I admired how active they were because of it.  Now that my husband and I are empty nesters I thought perhaps curling would be something to try together just as my friend’s parents did.  Now that I have finished the beginner course and played a few games, the challenge to continuously learn but have fun too, is fantastic!

Favorite restaurant or food:   Cucci restaurant and chocolate cake is my favorite food

Skip - Jane Twidle

I have watched curling on TV for many years and always wanted to play. My parents used to curl and I hung around the curling club as a kid(many, many years ago!), but never played. Finally, I saw a L2C at OCC and decided in 2021 to try it out. Love it! I have met so many wonderful new people.

Favourite restaurant or food: No fav restaurant or food that stands out

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

From the link last week.

https://curlingdescollines.ca/index.php/en/41-curling-info/300-different-shots-signals

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.

Principal Rules of Conduct to Follow

• Leads on each team draw lots (by turning the wheel provided for that purpose) to determine which team starts the game.
• Players shall be ready to deliver their rock when it is their turn and/or sweep when a teammate is delivering a rock.
• When a member of the opposing team is getting ready to deliver a rock, players on the opposing team shall position themselves on the side of the sheet, between the hog lines, while being quiet and still.
• A delivered or moving stone cannot be touched by any player, equipment or personal belongings.
• When you touch a stone, whether it is moving or not, report it (just say touched stone)!
• Behind the T line, only one player from each team has the right to sweep. It can be any player on the delivering team and either the skip or vice-skip on the opposing team.
• When finished sweeping, players shall return to the other end while walking on the side of the sheet.
• Only vice-skips and skips can be in the house. When the opposing team delivers a rock, they should be still behind the back line and hold their broom so as not to hinder or distract the player getting ready to deliver a rock.
• As long as the vice-skips have not determined the score, the other players cannot enter the house or move the rocks. When there is measuring, the players shall stay at the hog line. The vice-skip on the scoring team puts up the score.
• The team having won the end delivers the first rock of the following end.
• Players should be reminded to be cautious when moving rocks towards the corners of the sheet in preparation of the next end. Also make sure everyone is aware of rocks being moved towards them.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

(a Pot Luck classic – to get you ready for next week)

Buffalo Chicken Dip:

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese salad dressing
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• French bread baguette slices, celery ribs or tortilla chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spread cream cheese into an ungreased shallow 1-qt. baking dish. Layer with chicken, wing sauce and salad dressing. Sprinkle with cheese.
2. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 20-25 minutes. Serve with baguette slices.

 

WNL Logo:

I have returned logo submissions with some member feedback – let’s see what they look like next.

Another round of print outs will go out soon – we may need to postpone the vote?

Thank you to all that have shared your Logo ideas – We cannot wait to have one for our League!

 

Special Pin Competition:

New session – new beads!  Start collecting them again – for all of your great shots ON PURPOSE.

D Division – I have set up a challenge for you and your teammates to get beads too!  See me (Sheri) to get your packages and the rules for your earning beads.

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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 to be received by Monday night.   I need stuff! 

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What’s happenin’ in the HOUSE:

Happy New Year!! It’s 2023! Session 2 starts TONIGHT

• We have a D Division – Please welcome them! Keep a close look at the schedule for your game times as there have been some changes to accommodate our extra smaller league.
• Don’t forget we are having our Pot Luck on Jan 18th (along with our logo vote). Are you up for a 6 end game to give some time for eats and visiting? Let me know.

 

Laugh of the Week:

What is worse than raining cats and dogs?

 

Hailing taxis!

 

Get to Know our WNL Teams:

TEAM VAN YMEREN

In our last edition I missed an update from Team Van Ymeren –

Here is our sweet and wonderful Julianna’s submission….

Lead - Julianna Matthews

Well, I had actually forgotten what year I started curling so I had to dig up my purchase receipt for my first pair of curling shoes bought on Nov.9/ 2013 a week after joining.

Anyway it was towards the 2nd week into curling season for 2013/2014 when I saw an “open house” sign for curling at the corner of Upper Middle & 6th Line that got me excited.

Then of course our family went away so I completely missed the open house.

I joined my in-laws on a couple of occasions to watch some curling games but I never really understood how it worked & if the players wore rollers on their shoes or what for speed.

I knew Nell & her late husband Brian curled, so as we are neighbours I asked them in the driveway if it was too late for me to register after missing the open house.

They were excited of course & said no, it wasn’t late so they drove me to the curling club, introduced me to Casey & I signed up for the trial session. I enjoyed learning to curl & meeting new ladies & having assigned a big sister, Joanne Courchesne felt so welcoming.

I was so eager to learn & Brian suggested I sign up for other leagues as well so I signed up for the Tue/Thurs Day Ladies & Monday nights as well as private lessons.

That is where I met Sharon Hay-Pole, Janice & Linda.

Then 2018/2019 Linda suggested to Nell if they could try me as they needed another player so here I am, still trying my best to earn more beads playing for our team. LOL!!

I only learned about curling when I moved to Oakville & honestly I’m still petrified of falling on the ice. There are no real dull moments for me curling whether we win or lose, it’s being with great teammates & friends that makes me happy. Welcome to our 2 new cool teammates Rachelle & Evelyn. Honestly, having a 5th lady on our team helps us play well & relaxed, not having to look for spares.

As for team food favourites, maybe we will slowly step into it soon to discover where our taste buds lead us.

Looking forward to enjoying more curling & sharing good times with my teammates.

 

New Team pictures starting next week!

 

Stuff that will help us Curl better:

I found a good reference for tips – see link below:

(our next couple of articles will be snippets from this link)

https://curlingdescollines.ca/index.php/en/41-curling-info/300-different-shots-signals

Weight at Delivery
The weight of the desired take-out may be communicated in different ways:

1. Verbally
2. For light take-outs, by pointing to certain areas of play with the broom: back line, hack, bumper, etc.
3. By tapping a part of the body with your hand. The higher the body part, the higher is the weight required. Examples: the ankle for hack weight, the chest for normal weight and the head for heavy weight.

 

Recipes Around The Rings:

Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole

 

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