The Cornwall Curling Club held its annual general meeting on May 19th. Here, unofficially, are some of the highlights (the minutes from the meeting will be approved at next year’s AGM).
President’s Report: President Shauna McGill said that the Club enjoyed a very successful season, with over 400 members participating, and, despite some COVID challenges, the season finished successfully. She mentioned that she will be staying on the Board in another capacity, and wished the future president good luck.
Jennifer Lenentine delivered the financial report, which showed membership revenues up, but bar sales down, due to nights missed because of the pandemic restrictions. Advertising revenues were up due to the large advertisements on the near-end plastic houses (circles). A $7500 PEI Government COVID relief grant helped, too. $8100 after expenses was netted in the fundraiser for new rocks, and will be put into a GIC. Total revenue was up 5% over the previous season, to $224,773, while expenses were up about 4%, providing a net income of approximately $27,200, up slightly from the previous season. She recommended that, for due diligence, a financial audit be done over the summer as none had been done recently, and that the Club adopt electronic banking and a Point of Sale system.
Robbie Doherty delivered the Membership and Draws report, reporting a very busy season, with the ice in high use, despite some shutdowns due to COVID.
Debbie Rhodenhizer delivered the Facilities Report, noting that the Club is in good physical shape, and the long-standing issues with the women’s washrooms have finally been resolved. The Ice King broke, but they were able to borrow one from the Charlottetown Curling Club, and ordered a new one, delivered in mid-January. In the meantime, the old one was repaired, so the Board will now have to decide what to do with it.
Sharon Campbell presented the Bonspiels and Socials report, noting that the single-entry Ice Queens women’s funspiel, sponsored by Murphy’s Pharmacy, was again a success. The Kenmac Energy spiel was unable to be held, so Kenmac agreed to sponsor the closing finale instead. The closing spiel had fewer registrations than hoped for, so some of the sponsorship money was held back for next season’s Kenmac spiel.
Debbie Rhodenhizer, in the Volunteers Report, noted that the 40th Anniversary celebrations never happened, due to the busy season and COVID restrictions, and the Club is looking for volunteers to help celebrate it next year instead. She also highlighted the presentations by Lieut. Governor Antoinette Perry of certificates and “COVID Warrier” coins to members of the Return to Play committee for outstanding acts of service during the pandemic. Committee member Chris MacDougall was unavoidably absent during the presentation ceremony, so Debbie presented Chris with his certificate and coin at the AGM.
Chris MacDougall and Debbie Rhodenhizer
Bill McGuire reported on Development Programs, including a curling event for Little Rocker and Novice curlers on October 17, and mentioned the great job that new Junior Facilitator Sarah Doak, a UPEI student from New Brunswick did, mentioning that the Little Rock and Novice programs each increased between 30 and 40 percent. He also mentioned the “major boost” to the Club when 4-time World Champion and current Czech Republic coach Craig Savill, along with his son Aiden, joined the Club, and even got Cornwall mentioned on TSN at the Men’s World’s in Las Vegas!
Bill also highlighted successful Open Houses and Learn to Curl events in October, and suggested a multi-week adult learn to curl next season. He also mentioned that the Saturday cash-mini-league went over week, as did the U16 developmental league, chaired by Robbie Lenentine, as did the Parasport and Recreation PEI sessions helped out by Landon Warder. Other events included Curl for Cancer, run by the Charlottetown Curling Club, with ice time donated by Cornwall. He outlined the large number of championships won by Cornwall curlers in the past season, along with the huge success of the O’Connor Glass U13 funspiel, and the success of the Coaching Super Series, too, along with help provided to curlers at the club by Peter Gallant.
Bylaws (Amanda MacIntosh)
Bylaw revisions were approved to (1) permit the extension of a Board Member’s 3-year term a maximum of one year to “fulfill a specific requirement of the Board”, (2) to protect Board Members from liability arising from their position, and (3) to allow Virtual and/or Hybrid (combination of in-person and virtual) meetings.
Other business: Ron Matters was the successful candidate the Club’s Icemaker position.
Election of officers (Chris MacDougall)
Leaving the Board are Jennifer Lenentine, Amanda MacIntosh, and Chris MacDougall, as their terms have expired, as well as Robbie Doherty, who has other commitments. The following new members were voted in: Sue Pollard, Lisa I, Kim Nickerson, and Susan McInnis.