by Susan Martin
On Saturday Nov 5, 2016, over 150 people gathered to celebrate 60 years of curling in Elmira.
In his opening, Club President, Paul Fusari, took a walk down memory lane: “the year was 1956 … and brooms were flying off the shelves in Elmira.”
The first curling in Elmira was held in the arena where, while one day a week hockey players rested, curlers took over. In attendance at Saturday’s open house were arena members Wally Martin, Norm Clement, Lois Brubacher, Eugene Read, Charlotte Read, Bob Davis and Ed Ratcliffe.
Former curler, Jack Tabbert who was a member of the first 8-ender in Elmira (1971) brought memorabilia of this occasion. An 8-ender is a rare event and just last year a team skipped by Bill Cronin scored Elmira’s second ever.
Saturday began with exhibition curling games featuring members ranging in age from 7 to 88. The curlers were piped onto the ice which according to Committee chairperson, Melody Martin, was definitely a highlight for the juniors.
The program included greetings from the Township of Woolwich by Councillor Larry Shantz, acknowledgements of past club and lady presidents, outstanding volunteers, and life members.
Long-time members, Jim and Pat Brandon did the official cake cutting.
Boards outlining the history of the club, trophies, photos, and clothing were set up throughout the Club and attendees enjoyed reminiscing about the past and looking forward to its future.
Elmira continues to celebrate this tremendous milestone as host of the weeklong Home Hardware Bonspiel beginning Nov. 14. Championship games are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 and the general public is invited.