Hi everyone, I hope you have all had a great summer and are looking forward to another fun season of curling!

For those new to the club, my name is Don Kinzinger and I am the President of the club. I try to send out monthly notes aside from our newsletter to keep you updated on the operations of the club. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back our previous members and extend a warm welcome to our new members!

When time permits I encourage everyone to log into their account and poke around in the Members Home section. Lots of great information there as well as videos on our main site under "Curling/Videos". A lot has gone on at the club over the summer and I encourage you all to virtually attend our AGM in November to hear about it. The most exciting news for this year is that the Orillia Curling Club is celebrating 150 Years! More details to come but we want to mark this occasion in a BIG way!

As we commence the season, there are a few things for all of you to note:

• Please check your emails over the next few days for messages from the convenors. They are busy making teams and schedules for the upcoming draws.
• For new and rusty curlers who would like a refresher lesson, register for 1 of 4 Learn to Curl sessionsthis weekend. You can do this on our website once you log into your account. Simply scroll down the right side.
• Practice ice is available this Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5:00pm. Monday is a holiday and league play starts on Tuesday.
• If you practice on the weekend please try and share the ice if someone else wants to throw some rocks.
• Don't forget to sign up as a spare! Log into your account, go to Members Home/My Sparing Availability. You can sign up for as many as you like!
• Practice ice booking is now available! Log into your account, go to Members Home/Practice Ice/Book Ice Time. Select Catagory=Practice Ice. Use the arrows to scroll each day or use the calendar to the day you would like. Click the Green Box to select a time and choose Next. Confirm your information. You will see your bookings in your account on the main Members Home page.
• Bonspiels will be gearing up starting with our traditional Newbie Bonspiel in November. This will be posted shortly and is a fun way for our newer curlers to experience a Bonspiel. 
• Sticky mats will be placed at sheets 1 and 6. Please use these mats after using the boot cleaners.
• Please be patient and understanding with our newer curlers. They are trying and may be nervous. Perhaps you could offer some constructive pointers.
• Safety. I cannot stress this enough. Especially the first few weeks but certainly all year long. Wear a helmet if you are at all unsteady or nervous on the ice.

As a reminder, the Bayside Restaurant is its own independent business not related to the curling club. The restaurant has allowed us the use of 6 large round tables. Please only use the table aligned with your sheet. In some cases, the restaurant may not have a bartender. This is solely their choice and is based on a few factors such as limited staff, limited attendance in a league, and days closed. 

I hope everyone enjoys a great season and encourage you to seek me out and say hi! In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please send them to the club's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..