President’s Newsletter to all Huntley Curling Club Members
Difficult times call for an immediate response and drastic measures. The Huntley Curling Club has closed its doors early on the 2019/20 season.
The Board of Directors at HCC were forced to make a quick decision in light of recent escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic. We debated over this issue for a day, and came to the unanimous decision to suspend all curling activities. We recognize that some of our members might be upset to lose the last few weeks of their curling season, but we all felt strongly that it was the right decision. The health and safety of our members, and that of the general public, overrides all other considerations.
I’m proud to say that HCC’s BoD were extremely proactive in deciding to close their doors. We were the first curling club in the region to do so, just ahead of the cascade of closures all across the province.
On behalf of the BoD, I’d like to say thank-you to so many members for taking the time to send in kind emails of appreciation and positive feedback for our decision. I want our members to know that we’ve not stopped working for you, and have been proactive in trying to reduce our ongoing expenses. You can contact any of the Board members at any time for further information.
Since leagues were not able to complete their season, and there were no Club Championships, individual leagues will determine their champions based on their record from the whole season. League trophies will be updated based on this.
HCC and its members will overcome COVID-19 and we expect to become even stronger as a club for the 2020/21 season. We have a good reputation in the region, due to the strength, commitment and patriotism of our members.
It is not all gloom and doom, and on the positive side of things members will be pleased to know the following:
- HCC’s league schedule and events calendar for the 2020/21 season has primarily been set and will be posted in the very near future.
- On-line registration is due to open soon, and this date will be communicated separately.
- We will be extending the Membership Preference Date for registration, in order that we do not put undue stress on returning members in this time of uncertainty.
- Registration fees will not be increased for next season, and in fact weekend league fees will be slightly reduced.
Board members in conjunction with website designer Andrea Leganchuk are working together to update all relevant information on HCC’s website. Members are encouraged to keep an eye on the website for new information and upcoming events. In addition, we are attempting to create a forum whereby current or prospective members can solicit team membership. Individuals are also encouraged to use the HCC’s Facebook format for this purpose.
Concerning upcoming events, I am asking that all members mark the following dates down in their calendar:
- Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 – 7:00pm: HCC’s Annual General Meeting
- To take place at HCC, depending on the status of Covid-19 concerns at that time.
- Open to all members for a complete review of the club’s current status and future plans.
- Induction of four new Honorary Members: John and Donna Caldwell, Cathy Shane and Ross Valliant. Note – I’m hoping that a great majority of our membership will be attendance to show their gratitude for the major contributions these members have provided to HCC.
- The AGM is also the best time to voice your opinions about any and all club issues.
- Saturday, June 27th, 2020: HCC’s Annual Golf Tournament
*** note the membership email went out with the wrong date ***- To take place at Irish Hills – Carp Rd, pending further updates
- Registration is not yet open on the website.
HCC has a long storybook history and will be celebrating it’s 40th anniversary next year. A committee will be set up to come up with a plan of how we can best celebrate this milestone. Any member who wants to be part of this campaign please reach out to Peter Smith. We are hoping to have a few smaller events throughout the season with the major close out festivity next April.
Our intention is to try and bring the past and present together !!
In closing, I wanted to ask each of you to take care of yourself. Remember, your health and family are the two most important things in life. We will get through this and come out stronger. We are Canadian !!
“ True North, Strong & Free.”
Blake Sinclair
HCC – President