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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2002-01-23, Page 7IVES INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. Visit us at: WWWIVES1NSURANCECOM "All Classes of Insurance" DOUG GOUGH, Broker 184 Dinsley St. W., Blyth Tel.: (519) 523-9655 Fax: (519) 523-9793 ON A NAPOLEON FIREPLACE STOVE OR INSERT. LIMITED TIME OFFER WINTER THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2002. PAGE 7. Wingham hosts Out. curling championship By David Blaney Citizen staff The Wingham Golf and Curling Club will be playing host to the 2002 Farmers Provincial Curling Championship from Jan. 24-27. The event began in 1988 when BASF seeds sponsored the first tour- nament at Wallaceburg. Since that time several companies have stepped ,forward to sponsor the event. This year when no primary spon- sor was forthcoming the organizing committee composed of Ron Knight, Keith Elston, and Bruce Pewtress assured the Ontario Curling Associatibn that local businesses could take up the slack. The long list of sponsors that stepped up to the hack would seem to confirm their optimism. or' Sixteen teams from around the province and their numerous friends and fans will enjoy the volunteers' labour when the tournament opens Jan. 24. John Cummings, Zone 14 By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor It's going to be warm in the swim at the BMG Pool this summer, thanks in big part to the local Lions Club. The Brussels Lions at their Jan. 14 meeting, pledged $6,000 to the cost of a new heater for the pool. The total cost is estimated at $10,000 and a fundraising effort spearheaded by parent, Rose Kellington, has helped to raise almost $3,000 of towards it. Lion Paul Mutter hopes that his organization's commitment will encourage others to come forward and pay off the balance. While the Lions donation is condi- tional on the installation of a heater this year, this shouldn't be a problem as, according to Alvin McLellan, chair of the rec board, it has been included in the budget for 2002. "The Lions' assistance however, now gets this back in front of people and has them thinking about it again," said McLellan. Mutter noted that before making their decision, the Lions members had considerable discussion as to the actual need for a heater. "In the end it was decided that this facility must Nine area skaters competed at the Great Lakes Winter Skating Festival representative of the Ontario Curling Association, expressed his apprecia- tion of the local efforts saying, "I have never worked with a better crew than here at Wingham. Everything went as smooth as honey." The event itself has a different feel than many tournaments, according to Jim Luckhardt out of Owen Sound-Bluewater, returning for his third time in four years. "The event is kind of like farming," he said, "We play hard on and off the ice." Dave Tilker of Mount Forest, a former champion, is back for anoth- er try and also enjoys the special atmosphere. He said, "I like curling in this event because we all have something in common besides curl- ing." Both Luckhardt and Cummings commented on the family atmos- phere around the tournament. Curlers often bring their spouses and unlike most tournaments, rinks can be male, female or mixed. have a heater to be competitive with other facilities around and to make it usable to a wider range of people." The hope of course is that the heater will result in increased usage through lessons, special programs for groups such as seniors, aquafit and recreational swims. Kellington said, "Many people worked hard to put that pool in. Now we need to revive it, to bring it up to date so it does remain a vital part of the community." The new gas heating system, Mutter said, is meant to complement the heating of the present solar heat system. "It will keep it at a more con- sistent level, comfortable for learn- ing and recreation, the two purposes of the pool," he said. Dialogue at the Lions' meeting also dealt with operation costs. It was felt that the gas heater should only be used to bring the temperature up during start-up and as a back-up to the solar heat when sunshine is at a premium. "It has been proven in the past that when the weather co- operates the solar panel does its job." The Lions commended Kellington for her initiative saying "it is always nice to -see individuals come forth with ideas and do something about it, held in London on Jan. 11 - 13. The skaters are members from the Blyth, Tilker's rink illustrates the family idea as it is composed of his brother Bob and himself, and another broth- er combination Ron and Rob Harper. Dale Ross of Harriston will also be back with his brother Brett as vice. He wants to see if he can skip the rink to victory as his brother did in 1996. While Cummings, Ross and Tilker all enjoy the special atmosphere they are serious about their curling. They think that last year's returning cham- pion from St. Thomas, John Lyle will get a run-for-his money from several of the competing rinks. They pointed out that no rink has ever won the tournament twice in a row. Ross commented, "The level of competion just keeps getting better. Actually I hope it doesn't get too much better; it's hard enough to get here now." The •opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Thursday but the curling will begin at 11 a.m. and continue in the afternoon. rather than relying solely on others to carry the ideas through." Kellington, however, said she just got things rolling. "I didn't think it was up to the lifeguards to get their heater. And once I sparked things the community has supported it." She said from personal contributions to the various fundraisers that have been held, the community has been helpful. "People just kept calling me with ideas to make money." While acknowledging the work of Kellington, McLellan also paid trib- ute to the Lions expressing the rec board's -appreciation of the many donations from the organization. "They've been very good stewards of the pool. Anything we need they're always there." To support the activities the Lions holds many fundraising projects throughout the year with the biggest being the elimination draw held in late May. "But Without the continued support of th community, funding of projects such as the new pool heater would not be possible," said Mutter. Donations to the heater can he made to the BMG rec board or given to any rec board member. For infor- mation or to suggest a fundraising idea, contact Kellington at 887-9078. Brussels and Wingham Skating Clubs and coached by Michelle Blake. They all skated solo performances consisting of required jumps, spins and skating moves. The results were as follows: Blyth Skating Club — Katie McClinehey, first, Preliminary A Ladies; Cassandra UyI, fourth Preliminary A Ladies; Laura Youngblut, first, Pre-Preliminary A Ladies; Jory Lyn Uyl, second, Pre- Preliminary A Ladies; Brittany Bos, sixth, Pre-Preliminary Ladies. Brussels Skating Club — Laura Bowes, second, Pre-Preliminary A Ladies; Ashley Sholclice, second, Preliminary A Ladies; Bridget Blake, seventh, Preliminary B Ladies. Wingham Skating Club Ashley Warwick, fifth, Senior Bronze B Ladies. People Breaking the Pattern of Poverty call1-800-5656USC to pledge your support IL,: y! 56 Sparks Street, Ottawa ON KIP 581 www.usc-canada.org Testing Earnign medals at a recent competition in London were, from left: Laura Youngblut, Jory-Lynn Uyl, Cassandra UyI, Katie McClinchey, Brittany Bos. (Vicky Bremner photo) Lions give $6,000 to pool heater Skaters pass tests in London Practice makes perfect Skip Dale Ross of Harriston tries out the ice at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club. Ross and his rink are set to compete in the Ontario Provincial Farmer's Curling Championship starting Thursday, Jan. 24. (David Blaney photo) , NAPOLEON) COMFORT C1P:NTRE )519) 357-4300 / 1-888-357-4301 QUALITY FIREPLACES Hwy. 4, just South of Wingham