The Club would like to extend our condolences to Debbie Sigsworth on the passing of her mother, Doreen Francis Waddell on August 2, 2024.
Obituary of Doreen Frances Waddell
The death occurred peacefully with family be her side at the South Shore Villa, Crapaud, P.E.I. on Friday August 2nd, 2024 of Doreen Frances Waddell (Walsh) of Mount-Tryon, PEI aged 85 years. Doreen was born in Albany, PEI to the late Lloyd and Frances Walsh (Cobb).
Beloved wife of the late Lloyd Waddell and loving mother of Debra (Bill) Sigsworth, Diane (Victor) Martin, Alan Waddell, Doug (Anne) Waddell, Pauline (Henry) Sewuster, Randy Waddell and Wade (Alison) Waddell. Also lovingly remembered by her 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Survived by her brothers and sisters Eileen (Gabe) Keough, Sam (Carol) Walsh, Janet (Charles) McNally, Brian (Debbie), sister in-law Jean Walsh and several nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her brothers and sisters Myrtle (Melvin) Waddell, Alison Walsh, Jack Walsh, Joyce Walsh, Audrey (James) Smith, Beatrice and Douglas (infancy), grandchildren Lisa and Mason and daughter-in-law Nicole Smith.
Resting at the East Prince Funeral Home, 245 Pope Rd., Summerside. No visitation by personal request. A private funeral service will be held at the North Tryon Presbyterian Church. Interment in the church cemetery. Memorial donations in Doreen’s memory can be made directly to the Presbyterian church fund or the Prince County Hospital Foundation.
Kim Nickerson
The Cornwall Curling Club is hosting a Fall Craft Fair on October 12, 2024. All proceeds raised will go toward our Junior Curling Programs.
We hope to see you there!

The club would like to extend our condolences to the family of Club member Brock Spence on the passing of their mother Marilyn Joy Spence.
It is with heavy hearts, the family of Marilyn “Joy” (Sheridan) Spence, loving wife of Donald Spence, announces her passing which occurred on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Born in Halifax, NS, she was the daughter of the late Leroy and Myrtle (Horne) Sheridan. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Joan Cameron, Judy Withrow and Jackie Sheridan, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Victor and Ruth.
Along with her husband of 62 years, Don, she is survived by her children Mitch (Jan), Scott (Brenda Carr), Pam Quilty (Walter) and Brock (Nicole Herbert); grandchildren Tyler Carr (Jenna), Amy Spence, Lauren Quilty and Liam Quilty; brothers-in-law Don Cameron, Lew Withrow and Robert Spence (Phyllis); sister-in-law Linda Jardine (Red); special lifelong neighbors Verna Wood and Jean Kimpinski; many nieces and nephews.
Joy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was an avid bowler and bridge player for over 40 years. She loved to garden, and her gardens were the envy of the neighborhood.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Emergency Department and Unit 3 for their care of Joy, especially Nancy.
Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home, with a visitation on Wednesday, July 10 from 11:30 – 1:30 followed by her funeral service. Donations in memory of Joy may be made to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation.
The club would like to extend our condolences to the family of Catherine Clarey on her recent passing.
Their obituary
His obituary:
The passing of Arthur Joseph Hiscock, aged 96, occurred peacefully on July 4, 2024 at Andrews of Summerside.
Art graduated with his Civil Engineering Degree and served in the Korean War as a Captain with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After he resigned his position as a Major, he obtained his Masters Degree in Pollution Control and Environmental Management and worked as a partner in an engineering consulting firm, government of PEI and retired as PEI Director, Environment Canada. Art is a long-standing member of the PEI Engineers Association; he was a founding member of the PEI Korean Veterans Association, and held various executive positions in both the Royal Canadian Legion and PEI Provincial Command.
Born in Grand Falls, Nfld.to the late Arthur and Emily (Trask) Hiscock. Loving father of Elaine (Daniel) Hughes , Diane Hiscock (Chris Crosby), Ronald (Doreen), Brian (Laurie), David (Sandra), Michael (Joanna), Peter (Stacey), step-daughter Deborah Douglas and sister in-law Margaret Ross. Also lovingly remembered by 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Survived by her sister Gladys Millar and several nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by wives Marie (Auby) and Barbara (Douglas), brothers and sisters Audrey, Clarice (Pat) Callaghan, Jean (Jim) Pond, Oliver (Mickey), William (Norma), brother in-law George Auby and Emery (Vera) Auby. sister-in-law Florence (Henry) Hutchinson, and grand-daughter Kayleigh Hughes Goodfellow.
Resting at East Prince Funeral Home, 245 Pope Road, Summerside until Thursday July 11th, 2024 where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:30 p.m. Interment to take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Memorial donations in Art’s memory can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. Visiting hours on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 5, Summerside will hold a service of remembrance on Thursday at 12:30 p.m.
Hello and Welcome,
Now that the curling season has begun and league play is underway, I wanted to take a moment to welcome both returning and new members to the Cornwall Curling Club. I’m looking forward to a busy and successful season!
If you require any support in order to ensure your full participation in your membership or league, please reach out to me, or to Club Manager, Travis Jones at cornwallcurling@eastlink.ca.
Cheers to a great season!
Kim Nickerson
President, Cornwall Curling Club
Hello,
A reminder that there will be a Special General Meeting held on October 16, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Club.
There are two items on the meeting Agenda.
- Election of new members to the Board of Directors
- Board of Director recommendations for updates to Club bylaws
At a Board of Directors meeting on July 5, 2023 a motion was passed to update three of the Club bylaws. The recommended changes included in the motion are as follows.
DELETE: 2.1.8?No Director shall be eligible for election to more than two consecutive three-year terms.
AMEND: 4.1.5?Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be given by posting a notice on the Club web site and by advertising in the Charlottetown daily newspaper(s) at least two (2) weeks before the date of the meeting. The notice shall be advertised a second time one (1) week before the date of the meeting.
AMEND TO: Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be given by posting a notice on the Club web site and social media channel(s) at least two (2) weeks before the date of the meeting. The notice shall be advertised a second time one (1) week before the date of the meeting.
AMEND: 4.2.2?Notice of such a meeting shall be given by posting a notice on the Club web site and by advertising in the Charlottetown daily newspaper(s) at least one (1) week before the date of the meeting.
AMEND TO: Notice of such a meeting shall be given by posting a notice on the Club web site and social media channel(s) at least one (1) week before the date of the meeting.
If you have any questions, please email me at cornwallcurling@eastlink.ca for further information. Thank you.
Kim Nickerson
President
The Board of Directors and Club Manager, Travis Jones are excited to announce that the ice at the Cornwall Curling Club will be ready for play effective October 9, 2023!
For information and confirmation of ice rentals for October 9th to 13th, please contact Travis at cornwallcurling@eastlink.ca as of September 25th.
More information on existing and new membership registration will be announced soon.
Upcoming Important Dates:
October 16th – AGM 6:30pm
October 16th – Learn to Curl sessions start
October 22nd – League play begins
Hello,
On Monday October 16, 2023 the Board of Directors will be hosting an Special General Meeting to review, discuss, and vote on updates to the Club Bylaws. The meeting will start at 6:30pm in the main area of the Club. The Board looks forward to having a large group of members attend the meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Club President Kim Nickerson via email at cornwallcurling@eastlink.ca.
Regards,
Kim Nickerson
Club President
Hello Members,
The Cornwall Curling Club Board of Directors is busy planning for an exciting season of play at the Club this coming season!
We are happy to confirm that effective September 25th Travis Jones will be returning as Club Manager again this season with his infectious enthusiasm and passion for curling. The Board would like to officially welcome back Travis and the operational team of support staff to the Curling Club this season.
The Board anticipates the following opening schedule. Further details will follow once confirmed:
- September 25th to October 8th – registration for returning and new members
- October 9th to 15th – ice ready for early season rentals
- October 16th to 21st – Learn to Curl Clinic
- October 22nd – League play begins
The Board has approved an increase in the fees for this season. In addition, there will be an increase in CurlPEI fees applied to the rates listed below at time of registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to me or Club Manager, Travis Jones for additional information.
| Cornwall Curling Club Fees 2023-2024 | |
| Program | Rates |
| 1 Night per Week | $250.00 |
| 2 Days per Week | $250.00 |
| Unlimited Daytime | $330.00 |
| Unlimited Daytime/Night | $390.00 |
| Adult Learn to Curl | TBD |
| U18 Learn to Curl | TBD |
| Junior Practice | $145.00 |
| Unlimited Couple | $340.00 |
| 2 Days/Nights per Week | $360.00 |
| Junior Practice + 1 Night | $255.00 |
| Novice | $145.00 |
| Little Rocks | $100.00 |
| Unlimited Student | $265.00 |
| Social | $50.00 |
Kim Nickerson
Club President
By Bill McGuire
Publicity Chair, Cornwall Curling Club
A member of the Cornwall Curling Club and his dad are the driving forces behind Sport4TV, a tech startup company focused on enhancing major curling broadcasts such as Olympic, Canadian and Grand Slam events, and supporting training and coaching aids for curlers and coaches. Jeremy MacAulay is one of three partners in the company, along with his dad Ian and a third development person in Ottawa.
Ian was born in Souris and spent his career as a curling icemaker at several clubs in Ottawa. He returns every summer for three to four months on vacation, and is in the process of building a retirement home on P.E.I. His son Jeremy was born in Ottawa and attended UPEI. He recently moved to the Island to work in the financial sector and curls out of the Cornwall Curling Club.
Ian won a world senior men’s curling title with a team out of Ottawa and claimed a P.E.I. Tankard title three years ago. This spring he competed in Tankard playdowns in Crapaud on a team with Jeremy, the first time the duo played together in competitive action.
Jeremy joined the Cornwall club last season and is back this coming season.
The company recently secured a $25,000 grant through the spring competition in Innovation P.E.I.’s Ignition Fund. Sport4TV’s technology involves inserting a microchip into the handles of curling rocks. The technology tracks various metrics, such as release, split times, speed, rotation, line of delivery, freeze times, and even the point at which a rock starts to curl. This data is transmitted to a website before being relayed to the broadcasting team. Magnetic strips on the back line and hog line of a curling sheet activate the microchip which relays various information to the company’s website and then to the broadcast booth, iPhone or smart watch.
Jeremy says the concept behind Sport4TV traces back to his father, who brainstormed the idea after a casual conversation with a friend following a curling match. Their idea centered on integrating technology into sports broadcasting, specifically curling, by bringing real-time data to TV screens. “We wanted to bring the sport you’re watching straight to your TV,” Jeremy explained, highlighting the company’s focus on enhancing the viewer’s experience. “We’re focusing primarily on the broadcasting side of things,” said Jeremy, referring to the recent successful integration of their technology during the final two Grand Slam curling events this spring on Sportsnet broadcasts.
Jeremy says the technology is curling-specific, but the Sport4TV team is open to exploring opportunities in different sports in the future.
The technology has garnered interest from top Canadian and international curlers, with Mark Nichols, mate on Brad Gushue’s Olympic and multi-Brier champions team out of St. John’s, among the interested parties.
While there’s considerable interest surrounding the innovation, Jeremy emphasized that they are cautious not to disrupt the integrity of the game. “We don’t want to take away the essence of curling,” Jeremy said. “Sport4TV wants to maintain a balance between tradition and technological advancement.”
With approved patents in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Sport4TV is setting its sights on refining the technology and establishing partnerships with organizations like Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation.
The Innovation P.E.I. grant will support further research and development, while also aiding in incorporation costs and marketing efforts. The company will locate its headquarters on P.E.I.
Meanwhile, Sport4TV is gearing for broadcasts of the opening two Grand Slam events this fall in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
_______________
Following are Q&A excerpts from Bill McGuire’s interview with Jeremy MacAulay.
Bill McGuire: Jeremy, could you tell us about the origin of the name Sport4TV?
Jeremy MacAulay: Certainly. Sport4TV came about through the collaboration of three partners. The idea was initiated by my father almost seven or eight years ago. He and a friend, after a curling match, had a brainstorming session fueled by a few drinks. They envisioned the potential of merging technology with television broadcasting to enhance the sports experience. Their concept centered around bringing the excitement of the sport directly to viewers’ TVs.
Bill McGuire: So, is this technology exclusively for curling, or do you have plans to expand it to other sports?
Jeremy MacAulay: Currently, our technology is tailored specifically for curling. We’ve developed a model that can be attached to any curling rock handle worldwide. This model includes a microchip and a battery. Curling clubs can easily adopt this technology and attach it to their curling rocks for use.
Bill McGuire: How does your technology differ from existing solutions like hogline violations?
Jeremy MacAulay: While there are some similarities with hogline violation technology, our system offers more diverse data extraction capabilities. In addition to monitoring hogline violations, our model incorporates touch sensitivity, time measurement, and rotation analysis. We’re also working on developing features that help identify the point where a curling rock begins to curve on the ice, along with the impact of rotations. This data is then transmitted to the TV and can also be accessed through our website.
Bill McGuire: So, this data can be sent to the skip or even to a smartphone for real-time analysis?
Jeremy MacAulay: Exactly. The data is first collected on our website, and then it can be shared with various recipients. At the moment, our primary focus is on enhancing the broadcasting experience.
Bill McGuire: Have you tested this technology at any events or curling clubs?
Jeremy MacAulay: Yes, indeed. We’ve recently used our technology at the last two Grand Slam curling events. The data collected was directly sent to the broadcast truck for analysis. Going forward, we aim to provide this data to competitive teams for practice and performance improvement.
Bill McGuire: That sounds promising. Are you planning to collaborate with curling organizations like Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation?
Jeremy MacAulay: We’re very interested in working with Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation to integrate our technology into official events. However, at this stage, our focus is primarily on refining our product for broadcasting purposes.
Bill McGuire: How do you address concerns about the potential impact of technology on the integrity of the game?
Jeremy MacAulay: We’re mindful of not compromising the essence of the game. While our technology offers valuable insights, we believe there should still be room for human judgment and skill. As a skipper, for instance, it’s important to retain the strategic aspect of decision-making and the ability to judge a situation. Our aim is to enhance the experience without fundamentally altering the game.
Bill McGuire: It’s great to hear that you’re considering the balance between technology and the spirit of the sport. What’s next for Sport4TV?
Jeremy MacAulay: Our next steps involve participating in the upcoming Grand Slam curling events. We hope to create a successful impact and continue collaborating with broadcasting networks and curling associations. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the viewer experience and contribute to the growth of curling.
Bill McGuire: It’s been fascinating learning about Sport4TV and your journey. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
Jeremy MacAulay: Thank you, Bill. It’s been a pleasure discussing our vision and progress with you. We’re excited about the potential our technology holds for the future of curling and sports broadcasting.
Last season, the Cornwall Curling Club applied for and received grant funding from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (“CPRA”) under a program titled Reaching Each and Every One: A Community Sport Intervention. The overarching goal of CPRA’s program was to support the prompt initiation of community level interventions on programs, events, and/or policy changes that remove barriers and increase sport access, participation and retention rates for equity deserving groups, in particular Black, Indigenous, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQQIA+, low-income and newcomer populations, as well as people living with disabilities.
Club Program Development Chair, Bill McGuire and Program Coordinator, Landon Warder were instrumental in ensuring the grant money funding supported both the ParaSport and Learn to Curl programs – allowing for additional participants to play, access better equipment, and
enjoy more ice time.
Read the full story by clicking the link below.
https://cpra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/REEO-Cornwall-PEI.pdf
Kim Nickerson has been elected president of the Cornwall Curling Club for the 2023-2024 season, replacing Shauna McGill, who served in that position the previous two years. Nickerson was elected during a meeting of the board of directors June 5, 2023. This is Nickerson’s second year on the executive and had served as secretary this past season. Kim and her husband Lee are both avid curlers in Cornwall.
“After two years as president, I think my term has come to an end,” McGill said prior to the election of officers. “It’s time for fresh blood and new ideas. I will be there to work closely with the board but I think the president should be someone new.”
McGill’s first term saw major Covid disruptions affect curling although the club saw membership hit a record number approaching more than 420. This past season saw things running smoothly during another very busy season.
The board will have other changes in 2023-2024. Retiring after five years of service is former president Chris MacDougall while Sharon Campbell also stepped down after three years on the board.
Cody Whynot was welcomed as the 9th member on the board after being elected during the club’s annual meeting in May. Debbie Rhodenizer agreed to return for a 4th term as director.
Committee chairs for the new season were discussed and major roles were assigned June 5.
Kim Nickerson — president, human resources;
Shauna McGill — past president, secretary, bonspiels/social, representative on Curl PEI;
Bryan Sutherland — vice president, daytime representative, bylaws;
Lisa Idris — treasurer, bonspiels/social;
Debbie Rhodenizer — facilities, bonspiels/social, representative on Curl PEI;
Nelson Doughy — fundraising;
Cody Whynot — fundraising;
Sue Pollard — volunteers, bonspiels/social;
Bill McGuire — publicity, membership
TBD – development programs
If any members of the Club are interested in volunteering for the Board in a short or long term capacity during the season, please contact Kim Nickerson at cornwallcurling@eastlink.ca.
Cornwall curlers pick up major awards at 2023 Curl PEI ADL Awards ceremony
The 2023 Curl PEI ADL Awards Celebration held earlier this year was truly was a celebration, and the Cornwall Curling Club picked up a number of major wins during the event.
After nearly 10 years without an awards night. the Lone Oak Brewery & Taproom was filled with people ready to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Island curlers and volunteers.
With a redesign of the Curl PEI awards, there were a few new awards presented this year including the Junior True Sport Award. This Award was created in memory of a past Island curler and Curl PEI Board member, Craig MacKie. Craig was introduced to the sport of curling as a child and spent parts of the next six decades competing locally, regionally, and nationally. Craig believed in Giving Back and Including Everyone and he showed this through his actions of bringing new people onto his team at the Charlottetown Curling Curling Club and working with Clubs to create new programs to welcome new groups to the ice.
The first Junior True Sport Award recipients were Makiya Noonan, of Summerside, a member of Ella Lenentine’s Cornwall Curling Club junior champs, & Chase MacMillan from the Cornwall Curling Club.
Makiya consistently embodies all seven True Sports Principles both within and beyond the sport of curling, demonstrating exceptional leadership, inclusivity, and dedication to giving back. Despite a demanding season marked by multiple provincial titles and participation in national events, Makiya actively volunteered her time to support new curlers, assisting with a 9-week Learn to Curl program and providing valuable assistance in teaching curling in her Physical Education classes. Her sportsmanship and support for her teammates and opponents was recognized with the presentation of the Sportsmanship award during the U18 Provincials Championships. Makiya’s inspiring story and curling success, featured in a recent Curling Canada article, have been shared with others, celebrating resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Chase’s passion for curling is evident to anyone who knows him, as he wholeheartedly embraces all aspects of the sport, from playing to volunteering. His commitment to the game was especially evident during the Canada Winter Games, where he selflessly contributed over 175 hours as a dedicated volunteer, taking on various roles and going above and beyond to ensure the success of the events. Chase’s meticulous work, tireless efforts, and exceptional dedication were recognized and appreciated by athletes, officials, and fellow volunteers. With the conclusion of his junior curling career, Chase’s commitment to the sport remains unwavering, and he is truly deserving of this award as his dedication to curling knows no bounds.
Ella Lenentine from the Cornwall Curling Club and Tyler Smith from the Crapaud Community Curling Club were named Outstanding Athletes of Year.
Ella Lenentine’s exceptional achievements in curling during the past season are definitely ones to be proud of. She displayed unmatched talent as she led her Junior team through the Provincial Junior Championships, skipped the victorious U18 girls championship squad, emerged triumphant in the 2023 Canada Winter Games elimination bonspiel, and secured victory in the Canada Games Mixed Doubles playdown alongside Cornwall clubmate Mitchell Schut. Ella’s success on the provincial stage, combined with her respectful demeanor, leadership qualities, involvement in the junior program, and well-rounded academic and athletic abilities, make her a highly respected and deserving Outstanding Athlete for 2023.
Tyler Smith’s remarkable achievements in the sport of curling, including first place in the Men’s Monctonian Challenge, second place in the Summerside Open Cash spiel, and emerging as the winner of both the PEI Provincial Tankard and PEI Provincial Mixed Championship, highlight his unwavering commitment to his craft. He demonstrates this commitment through his dedication to a weekly practice schedule, effectively balancing his work commitments with his practice and tournament schedules, and showcasing confidence in his ability to compete against more experienced teams. Tyler’s accomplishments are a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and determination in the pursuit of excellence in curling.
The 2023 Coach of the Year went to Robbie Lenentine, coach of the Ella Lenentine rink out of the Cornwall Curling Club.
Robbie Lenentine’s dedication to the development of both his team and his own curling knowledge is evident in his pursuit of coaching certifications, including Competition Development programs focused on managing a program, health and wellness, and rules evaluation. He actively participates in coaching-related events and webinars, continually expanding his coaching expertise. Robbie is highly respected among junior curling coaches in the Maritime region, known for his approachability, commitment to developing young curlers through hosting events, good humor, adherence to rules, and respectful demeanor. He has achieved remarkable success as a coach, leading his daughter Ella’s team to three provincial titles, the U18 and U21 PEI Provincial Women’s championships, and the CWG women’s trials. Additionally, Robbie co-chaired and organized the renowned O’Connor Glass Cornwall Classic Atlantic junior bonspiel and provided coaching and assistance to other Cornwall junior teams throughout the season.
The Lenentine Team from the Cornwall Curling Club received the Team of the Year award.
The Team Lenentine, consisting of Ella Lenentine, Makiya Noonan, Kacey Gauthier, Erika Pater and coach, Robbie Lenentine, showcased exceptional dedication, teamwork, and skill in their curling achievements. They emerged as champions in multiple competitions, representing PEI at the Canadian U18 and Junior championships as well as the Canada Winter Games. Their commitment to practicing, volunteering, maintaining high grades, and displaying positive attitudes both on and off the ice highlights their remarkable achievements in the past season.
This year’s Volunteer of the Year went to Tracy MacLean from the Montague Curling Club.
Tracy MacLean’s exceptional dedication and commitment to the curling club is truly remarkable. As a relatively new curler, she consistently volunteers her time and energy to various tasks, including preparing and maintaining the ice, selling tickets, providing treats, and supporting the club in any way possible. Tracy’s outstanding leadership skills were particularly evident when she took charge of the mixed doubles event for the 2023 Canada Games, investing countless hours into training and ensuring the event’s success. Her selfless contributions and genuine love for curling have made a significant impact on the club’s success and reputation, making her a highly valued and respected member of the community.
Our first ever Mentor of the Year award winner is Tim Hockin from the Summerside Curling Club
Tim Hockin’s dedication and leadership in rebuilding and revitalizing the Junior Curling and Adult Learn-to-Curl programs at the Summerside Curling Club have had a profound impact. His commitment to proper training, inclusive environment, and providing the right direction has led to significant growth in membership and active participation. Tim’s tireless efforts extend beyond these programs, as he also served as the club president, played a pivotal role in organizing the 2023 Canada Games, excelled as a competitive curler, and actively contributed to the betterment of the club as a whole. His passion for teaching and guiding others, combined with his willingness to volunteer in various capacities, make him a deserving recipient for recognition.
Another new award was the Contributor of Year and it was presented to the Crapaud Community Curling Club’s Board of Directors – Mike Forrest, Jamie Stride, Susan Hubley, Crystal Wood, Nadine Walsh, Jamie Newson, Miranda Ellis, Pam Owen and Brenda Graves.
The Crapaud Community Curling Club Board of Directors deserves recognition for their exceptional efforts in saving and revitalizing the club. Their dedication and volunteer work turned the club from the brink of closure to a vibrant and welcoming community facility. Their achievements include fully opening the club for the curling season, hosting major events such as the largest Cashspiel on PEI, the PEI Scotties and PEI Men’s Provincial, and a variety of other provincial competitions. Their leadership and commitment have played a crucial role in ensuring the club’s success and preventing the loss of another valuable curling facility on the Island.
The Crapaud Community Curling Club Board of Directors showed such leadership and excitement within the curling community this past season they were also presented with the President’s Award.
Landon Warder is the winner of the inaugural “Founders Award” for volunteer of the year at the Cornwall Curling Club. The selection was announced at the club’s recent annual meeting. The Founders Award was created this spring by the board of directors as a salute to the original organizers of the club over 40 years ago.
The award was officially unveiled during the club’s closing Red and Blue bonspiel and 40th anniversary celebrations in late March. The original founders had cited the enormous work from volunteers to launch the club and keep it operating, and the current board believed the award is a fitting tribute to both founders and volunteers who have served the club so well.
The board made a public request for nominations and set up a committee of volunteer chair Sue Pollard, club manager Travis Jones and founder Roy Coffin to select the winner. Warder’s nomination was put forward by board of directors Chris MacDougall and Bill McGuire. “I can’t think of someone more deserving. He’s not there because he has kids in the programs or was a board member and definitely not for recognition or control,” said MacDougall, a former club president. “ It will be a big loss for the club when he goes back to Ontario this fall for work.”
Warder is a PhD candidate in epidemiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown. The Ontario native graduated from the University of Guelph with a BSc in biomedical sciences and is expected to graduate from the AVC in September before returning home to work for the federal government. “I am quite humbled to receive this award,“ said Warder, adding that he was honoured to be even nominated. He said that volunteers are the reason for the success of any curling club and he applauded the Cornwall board for creating an award to recognize their contributions.
McGuire said he echoes MacDougall’s comments and noted that he had agreed to return as development chair for a second season on the board of directors, largely because Warder had agreed to again help out with various development programs. “He was a major help the season before in my first year on the board.”
Warder has been a member of the club the past four seasons.
Following are excerpts from information contained in Warder’s nomination written by development chair Bill McGuire:
“Once again this past season, Landon volunteered with me every Sunday at noon, beginning in late October until late March, to help run the ParaSport program for blind and wheelchair athletes, those with restricted mobility issues from stroke, and children with autism. Landon came out each Sunday to help our ParaSport athletes. Without Landon’s help, the ParaSport program would not have operated, and the club would have missed out on a $2,500 government grant to help with ParaSport programs.
It’s not well known that Landon bought and built with own money, a wheelchair support form so our ParaSport curlers could safely anchor their wheelchair in front of the hack when delivering a rock.
Landon also came out to help coach during our learn to curl clinics in late October, that ran over three consecutive nights. It was Landon who convinced me that the club should offer a full Adult Learn To Curl program this season. He said the club should offer this Curl Canada project every year to sustain its membership base. I took the idea to the board in the fall where it was eagerly supported. We started the program in mid-January and it ran for eight weeks, ending in mid-March. It was a huge success with 39 people registering.
Landon developed the weekly work-plan for each clinic, coordinated with curlers before we went on the ice, coached for the hour or more on the ice, and held wrap-up sessions afterwards. He was the reason why the program ran so smoothly. Landon’s work plan and some general comments for our adult learn to curlers were emailed each week on Thursdays to keep them informed of what to expect that Sunday at 2 p.m. That same update was also provided to our coaches.
In addition, Landon would occasionally help with the Little Rockers and Novice programs at 1 p.m. on Sundays with our junior co-ordinator Sarah Doak, if she was shorthanded that day, so it made for a long commitment each Sunday for Landon.
As Development Chair, I helped co-ordinate several special bonspiels: IRSA (Immigrant and Refugees Support), Under 13 Funspiel, our annual ParaSport funspiel, and others. Each time, Landon was there to help and coach and offer his curling expertise.
Not only is he a good coach and organizer, but also a very good curler. He curled among the top juniors in Ontario, and curled competitively in Cornwall each Tuesday and Thursday night this season. (Our team won the final Thursday night round with Landon skipping.)
Again, all this was done while carrying a full workload with his busy PhD program at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Despite being very busy with his schoolwork, he always found the time to volunteer and help out at the curling club.
He also skipped the men’s finalist team in the club championship event this season which he felt he should support, and skipped a team in the Red and Blue 40th anniversary wrap-up event.
Landon’s dedication to volunteerism and curling reflects exactly what the founders displayed more than 40 years ago when they started the Cornwall Curling Club, and why this award was created. The club thrives because of volunteers like Landon.
He epitomizes the reason why this award was created, and I can’t think of a more worthy first recipient.”