Welcome Back!
The Deep River Curling and Squash Club (DRCSC) is off to a great start for the upcoming season following the installation of new LED lighting throughout the club as well as the completion of the refrigeration plant upgrades. Thanks to the hard work and coordination of Bill Shorter and Andrew White, we are set to start the season post-thanksgiving.
Last season saw the approval of a $108,000 grant from trillium as well as the New Horizons Seniors grant that allowed for upgrading the lights and a new dishwasher. We welcome the return to glass glasses in the lounge now.
Last season was successful in terms of our operations with curling and squash participation up and a very successful Bonspiel. We did have some unexpected expenses with our brine system post-shutdown but we are ready to move forward..
We will be having our traditional Wine and Cheese/sign up night/Fall General Meeting on Thursday October 2rd at 7 PM. We also have an open house planned for potential curlers and squashers on Friday Oct 24 and Saturday Oct 25 – times to be announced. With many new people in town over the last few years we are hoping to widely publicise this event and attract interest in our club. With Junior Curling and Squash programs and our Adult Learn-to-play both Curling and Squash we ask our members to invite friends and neighbours to try our sports out on those dates.
As far as registration is concerned you can either email and e-transfer your membership, use snail mail or come to the wine and cheese Fall Meeting on Oct 2nd. We plan to start the ice making on Oct 7th and with a little luck it should take about 2 weeks to have playable ice!
Chris Knight
Facility
Work on the ice plant upgrade, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, continued during the off-season. The new ammonia condenser and receiver were placed in position after removal of the existing components. Final connections and commissioning will occur in September, completing the work covered by the grant.
Thanks to the New Horizons grant funding, further club improvements were made during the off-season. A high temperature sanitizing dishwasher was purchased and installed. This allows our bar once again to easily use glasses as well as simplifying the washing of dishes when events are held. Modern LED lighting was installed in the curling rink and squash courts as well in a few other areas in the clubhouse. The funding also supported an increase in club supplied curling delivery aids. All work covered by this grant is complete.
An important upgrade to our ice making capability is being made by the installation of a water purification system. The system will be in place prior to the start of ice installation. With this change, overall improved ice conditions are expected and the slipperiness often observed on new ice will be reduced.
Ice plant startup is planned for early October with ice expected to be ready for regular curling near the end of October.
Bill Shorter.
Club Finances
Good news, the executive has approved membership fees with no increase for 2025/2026. Our financial position is in great shape again this year. Although we budgeted for a balanced budget last year we ended the year with a significant surplus. The many grants, included a Deep River Community Grant, a Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant and a New Horizons for Seniors Program Grant as well as a renewed advertising campaign all contributed to a positive bottom line. Many thanks to Richard Berube and Tom Vella who revived the advertising sign program with great success.
Payment of Fees
Fees can be paid by cheque or e-transfer. For e-transfer, send payment to the Treasurer, chris.moore4245@gmail.com. Members who pay by e-transfer should send their completed Membership Form in a separate email along with the answer to the security question to chris.moore4245@gmail.com. The Waivers that were completed previous years will remain in force. For new and returning members who have not joined since we introduced waivers, please include a completed copy of the Waiver with your registration forms.
The parent/guardian of all juniors and any member under the age of 26 years are required to review concussion awareness resources on an annual basis. Links to the age appropriate resources and forms are available on our website under the “Rowan’s Law” tab.
We ask that registrations be completed and sent by October 14th to allow time for processing (5 days sooner if sent via Canada Post).
Chris Moore
Bar Operations
Due to a change in regulations, SmartServe now has a 5 year expiry. As the bar relies on volunteer bartenders with a valid SmartServe certification, if insufficient members re-certify this will have a significant impact on our ability to operate. As such, the club continues to encourage members to obtain SmartServe training and recertification. To assist with scheduling while members obtain SmartServe training, the membership form will have a field to identify whether you have a valid SmartServe certification.
Curling
Another September is upon us, and soon it will be time to dust off your curling gear for the upcoming 2025/26 season! This year offers many opportunities for curlers of all skill levels to participate and have fun!
Monday and Tuesday League
The Monday and Tuesday League will consist of balanced teams. A single 8-end draw is planned for both nights, pending interest from the membership. When registering, please indicate your preferred evening(s) on your form. The season will feature four draws, providing a chance to meet new members and reconnect with former teammates. Monday and Tuesday – 7:00 pm
Morning Social Curling
For those interested in curling during the day, games are played every Tuesday and Thursday at
9:30 am. This league operates on a drop-in basis, so there is no team commitment. Teams are made up from those present by random draw. Tuesday and Thursday – 9:30 am
Wednesday Women’s League
New this year! Come join us for an afternoon of curling and fun! Balanced teams will play a single 6-end draw! Teams will have the opportunity to participate in the Autumn Leaves League and represent Deep River. Wednesdays – 1:30 pm
Wednesday Doubles League
The doubles league will return on Wednesday evenings. In doubles curling, each team throws five rocks per end, and games are shorter than conventional matches. The schedule will be based on the number of players/teams sign up. Doubles curling offers a terrific way to build skills, whether you are new to the sport or an experienced player. This season offers four draws.
Wednesdays – 6:00 pm
Learn to Curl Program – Wednesdays
Ideal for those who wish to learn the game of curling! This ten-week course features in-class and on ice lessons taught by experienced Club members. Classes start in early November.
Wednesdays – 7:00 pm
On Thursdays, members can enter a complete or partial team at the start of the season by listing team members on the membership form. Entries after the season starts will be accepted only if they do not disrupt league play. Individual members may also register and will be placed on a team when a spot becomes available. We will be returning to a non-divisional format this year. Thursdays – 6:30 and 8:30 pm
Club Championship
Get your team ready and plan your strategy! The Club Championship will take place on Friday, January 16th to Sunday, January 18th. Club members will compete for the bragging rights of being the 2025-26 Club Champions!
Practice Ice
For those members and guests (out of towners included), if you are interested in practice ice for yourself or your team, please contact our Head Ice Tech, Terry Vandenberghe at ubique042@gmail.com or at 780/267-0199 and he will help you out.
Friday and Weekend Curling Events
This year will see a change in the drop in Friday night curling. We will host some Friday nights (watch Facebook for details), as well as themed funspiels on a monthly basis running on weekends. The hunt will be on for organizers and fun ideas. We all need a night out here and the social aspect that is missing from our little town. Follow the group and/or page on Facebook for more information.
Little Rocks and Junior Program
Our junior program this year will take place on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 PM. We will be offering the
Little Rocks (7-10 years old) and Junior Curling (11 and older) programs together at 4:00 pm.
If you are interested in assisting us throughout the season please let us know. You
need not be an experienced coach or curler to be of great help in running the program.
Please contact Mike Moore (michael.christopher.moore@gmail.com).
Squash
Last season Squash saw a rise in overall participation including an increase in court usage over the summer.
For returning members this coming season we will offer a Squash Ladder, Social Squash events and opportunities to improve your game including rules clinic and drills sessions. Adult Learn to Squash courses will be offered again this season.
Teen programming will be offered this season offering a combination of instruction and reserved court time. Teens are invited to join the Squash ladder.
Youth members will have the opportunity to join us for a combination of instructional sessions and fun game days. Details are to be decided in the coming weeks based on registration and interest.
To get involved in Squash please contact Mike Moore (michael.christopher.moore@gmail.com).
1 Granite Lane, Box 385 K0J 1P0 www.drcsc.ca Club: 613-584-2882 ; Enquiries: 613-584-4571
Club Executive
| President OVCA Rep, Learn to Curl | Chris Knight | 613-716-0846 | knightcurler@hotmail.com knightcurler@hotmail.com |
| Vice President Bar | Toban Verdun | 613-584-9792 | toban.verdun@hotmail.com toban.verdun@hotmail.com |
| Secretary Facility Rental | Charlene Brennan | 613-584-4619 | charlenebrennan@gmail.com charlenebrennan@gmail.com |
| Treasurer Registrations | Chris Moore | 613-584-4245 | chris.moore4245@gmail.com |
| Director Ice & Property | Bill Shorter | 613-584-2898 | tbshorter@sympatico.ca tbshorter@sympatico.ca |
| Director League Curling | Colleen McKeigan-Berube | 613-570-4993 | berubemc@gmail.com |
| Director Squash, Junior Curling | Mike Moore | 705-665-8885 | michael.christopher.moore@gmail.com |
| Director Communication | Terry Vandenberghe | 780-267-0199 | Ubique041@icloud.com |
1 Granite Lane, Box 385 K0J 1P0 www.drcsc.ca Club: 613-584-2882 ; Enquiries: 613-584-4571