President’s Message Next month, my term as Venerables President will end and I will take over from Reg Haney in the position of Past President for the 2010-2011 season. Your executive worked hard throughout this season to represent the interests of ALL Venerables. We had successes and we had some problems. The Toy Mountain toy drive was very successful. The publicity received from the drive was a big plus. Other pluses: another successful Christmas dance; the highly successful six Euchre nights led by Betty and Ron Murphy and the organizing efforts of John Elstone, Carson Klinck and Gary Norris in starting-up the VCC. The VCC was a success and with the changes planned for next year, we hope to overcome our first year, “teething problems.” As a former bonspiel chairman, I want to draw your attention to the dedication and determined effort Gary Norris has made on our behalf in setting up and running our bonspiels. Unfortunately, like a lot of things that run smoothly, they tend to get taken for granted and are under appreciated. Whether it's due to apathy or just too many bonspiels, the participation (sign-ups) for our bonspiels are out of proportion to the efforts being made to organize them. Please, show your support.The last two years, despite the efforts of the Board to circumvent any problems, a few Venerables banged on the glass when the Tam Day Ladies were hosting outside guests. This behaviour was embarrassing to the Day Ladies, Tam Heather and the Venerables organization. I received a letter of complaint from the Day Ladies executive and responded with a formal letter of apology. The effect of the upcoming Harmonized Sales Tax on our membership rates would have been approximately sixteen dollars for a full Venerable member. The Board of Directors elected to absorb half of the increase, leaving you with a rate of $253.00 for next season. Looking back over the year, I believe that your Board of Directors and the volunteers did their utmost to provide a full and enjoyable season of events benefiting all Venerables. I’m pleased to tell you the Venerables are in a healthy state with an extremely solid working relationship with the main club. Last year, Reg requested that you continue to recruit new members throughout the summer and beyond in order to bring new blood to fortify our membership. You must have heeded the message, as our new member numbers were up slightly this year. Please continue your efforts to recruit new members. Also, please remember the Venerables are run exclusively by our volunteer members. Please consider helping in a volunteer role. I look forward to seeing you at our golf day on June 7th and at the AGM in September. In the meantime, have a safe and healthy summer.Thank-you, Dave Abrams

Toronto Senior Men's Curling Association UpdateSubmitted by Carman Chisamore: The Toronto Senior Men's Curling Association has a group of clubs that play once every three weeks in an inter club format. Curlers from the various clubs involved get together at one of the clubs and play a single eight end game. The cost is

somewhere in the $10.00 range per curler and includes snacks and a beer or other drink during a break between the forth and fifth ends. The Clubs involved are Scarboro, East York, Donalda, Unionville and Richmond Hill. Fellowship includes a Christmas Draw in December and a closing banquet in March which are held at our facility. This is a great alternative for those that do not want to commit to our VCC and yet would like something now and then with a little more competitive nature than our tag draws. Interested curlers should contact Carman Chisamore preferably by e-mail at carman7@sympatico.ca or phone 416 497-5196. Guelph team wins Eric Downer Memorial Spiel qualifier sectionSubmitted by Gary Norris:

The Downer Girls and Bill McCowan's team The Eric Downer Memorial Bonspiel which is one of eight provincial qualifier spiels continued to grow in stature. With a full complement of teams the competition was very good this year. We had 4 of the 16 in the qualifying side with teams from Peterborough and Guelph coming in to try to get to the provincials. The team from Guelph skipped by Bruce Folkard won the qualifying section and we wish them good luck at the provincials. The Venerables were delighted again this year to have Vera Downer and her daughters Leslie and Lori join us for theDowner Spiel: continued on page 4

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Wrap up Edition – April 2010Wrap up Edition – April 2010

East york takes Stew Wheler Classic Submitted by Gary Norris: This year’s version of the Stew Wheler Classic proved to be one of how to read the ice and then can you make the shot? Defending champions from the Toronto Police Curling League were back to try and win the bonspiel back to back. The Bill Goodchild team found it a little hard to defend and allowed the team from East York skipped by Ken Uyesugi with Gary Harlow at Vice, Harley Williams at Second and Dan Geary at lead to win the Master’s section of the bonspiel. Helen Wheler, the wife of the late Stew Wheler, made the presentation to the winning team. The Venerables were honoured to host Helen Wheler, Sharon McIlmoyle from Ogden Funeral Home, the main corporate sponsor of the bonspiel along with Jack and Judy Montgomery and Ross Ellis close friends and curling associates of Stew Wheler for lunch. The Grand Master's section was a little short on teams this year. Unfortunately we only had 10 teams but, that did not reduce the intensity of the curling that took place. At the end of the day a Tam Heather Venerable team skipped by Ben Petch with Doug Penziwol at Vice, Dennis O’Leary at Second and Norm Hart at Lead walked off with the coveted trophy. Wheler Winners Once again all participants were treated to another of chef Damiano’s wonderful lunches. Gary Norris thanked the staff at Tam for once again giving us great support in putting on the bonspiel. Special thanks went to Peter Tibando and Jack Grant both providing Gary with great help all day to make things run smoothly.

Venerables Board of Directors confirmed for 2010/11 season A slight change to personnel making up the 2010/11 Venerables Board of Directors necessitates this notice. With the retirement of Bob Abernethy who had stepped in as Acting Vice-President replacing Jim Young, and the conclusion of my own term on the Board, two replacements were needed to assure a full 10 member Board for 2010/11. Ted Lacelle has volunteered to come aboard as our Facilities Chair. Gary Pennington had initially accepted the role of Director at Large, however, family obligations have necessitated his withdrawal and in his place we are happy to report that Larry Lyons has come forward to serve.

Here is your 2010/11 Board of Directors;President Cam CowanVice-President Gary NorrisPast President Dave AbramsTreasurer Tom StephensSecretary Ken HolmeshawMembership Brian SteenCommunications John DavidsonBonspiels Peter TibandoFacilities Ted LacelleDirector at Large Larry Lyons

Auditors for the 2010/11 season:Don Lemaquand and Art Turner

I’m confident that the affairs of the Club and your best interests will be well served and in capable hands.Reg Haney, Past President, 2009/10

Gibson Defends at Granite Submitted by Gary Norris: This year at the Playfair Bonspiel, March 15 and 16 saw the first day of play end with all five Tam Heather entries sitting atop the standings ranked 1 through 5. The five teams were skipped by John Gibson, Carson Klinck, Ray Matsunaga (Jim Tebo's team), Chris Sylvester (John Wilson's team), and Art Leganchuck (Ryk Weber's team). At the start of the second day of play 4 of the 5 Tam rinks were playing against each other in the first event and the 5th teams were atop the standings in the second event. Back to defend the title they won last year, the team of John Gibson – skip, Bernie Snodofsky – vice, Gary Norris – second and Frank Ferris – lead found themselves facing some stiff competition if they hoped to repeat as winners. In the morning game they defeated the Ryk Weber team and prepared themselves to play the Ray Matsunaga team. The afternoon game was a well played game by both teams. With Ray’s final shot he made a beautiful hit and roll to sit shot but the roll was just enough to give John a chance to win. John Gibson with a little help (really a whole lot of help) from his sweepers (Gary and Frank) and good line call by Bernie made the perfect shot to hit and roll into the four foot for the win. It is tough to win the first event one year and to come back and go undefeated with a high enough score from day one, but to get into the first event for the second day again, is even tougher. Needless to say, the Gibson team has been committed by John to return next year to try for a three peat. Congratulations to all the Tam teams at the 2010 Playfair spiel. You all did the Tam Heather Venerables proud.

Up Coming EventsApril 16: Marks our final day of curling for the

2009 -2010 season with the Memorial Bonspiel finals and luncheon.

June 7: Golf Tournament at Annandale Sept 29: Annual General Meeting

Contributions to the CoffeeBreak can be sent to John Davidson at

jsd20@rogers.com

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60 Euchre Players Play at March EventSubmitted by Reg Haney: It was the best turn-out of the season as a full house of enthusiastic Venerables and guests turned out to enjoy an evening of cards and socializing in Tam’s lower lounge. Ron and Betty Murphy had their hands full as hosts and once again managed to run a smooth and enjoyable event. Jo-Anne Seeley had a top score of 63 to win the first place honours in the ladies category with Pat Harron taking second, scoring 59. Effie Carlin was our most honest lady. In the gent’s section, Norm MacFarlane had a 58 to top the other guys. A three-way tie for second was settled when Norm pulled Alf Connor’s name from the hat leaving Bill MacRae and Dave Wilmot out in the cold. All three had posted a score of 57. Alex Smith, in true Scot's fashion, played well enough to recapture part of his entry fee as the low man of the evening. Cathy Ford had four lone hands topping all others to win the trophy. First timer Richard Thomas took home $62 for his $2 investment in 50/50 when Johanne Frenette drew his ticket. We apologize for the lack of reporting on our February euchre evening, but we can say that Reid Thomas was first among the gentlemen and low man was Bill Harron. Bert Tate had the lone-hand honours and Dave Carson took the $42 50/50 prize.

Giant Bunny adds Flavour to Spiel LuncheonSubmitted by John Davidson: I received this picture a couple of days ago along with a short write up by one of our fellow Venerables. Needless to say, I was shocked by what I saw, but did manage to right myself and exam the picture in detail. I came to the conclusion that the bunny resembled a rather prominent Venerable member, so I assembled an investigative group to see if the bunny was the real deal. The team reported back within 30 minutes and confirmed my suspicions. The bunny was one James Young. Now armed with this information I immediately became concerned about the cost to rent or purchase a garment of this nature that would fit Mr. Young. Again, I dispatched the team to investigate the Venerables financial books to see what the economic cost would be to each member. It appears that Mr. Young's PINK Bunny suit was handled through a generous donor. Once I received this information I became curious to see what such an outfit might cost to rent or purchase. This outfit in this size cannot be rented in North America.To buy, it would have to be a CBBS (custom built bunny suit). The following numbers gathered for me by the investigative group through, “Zack's Cross Dressing Apparel Inc.” are shocking:

Price of Labour 27.5 hours times $15.50 / hr equals $426.25Price of Materials 30 Sq. yards of plush pink fabric $133.45

10 Sq. yards of plush white fabric $63.20 2 - ¼ by 3' rebar (used for ear supports) $7.15

Price of HST $81.91Laughs and good time PRICELESS ! ! !

On behalf of all Venerables, thank you Jim for being such a good sport and providing some great fun.

SKINS FUN DAY BONSPIEL Submitted by Gary Norris: A full complement of curlers took to the ice in the annual Skins Fun Day Bonspiel again this year. Following the completion of three, six end games, the Carson Klinck skipped team with Gord Tonkin at Vice, Bob Spencer at Second and Keith Liddle at Lead, came out victorious with a total of 51

Carson's Crewskins. Finishing in the runner up position was the team skipped by Jim Young with 50 skins, in third place was the team

Big Bunny & The Boysskipped by Gord Haney with 50 skins, and in fourth place was the Tom Carroll skipped team with 41 skins. Following the 3rd game with the teams snacking on party mix and potato chips being washed down with a beer or two, the teams went about dividing up their goodie bags of cash. This year some even listened to instructions and read the little packets of money before dumping them all on the table. A few teams still played, “one for you, and one for you” and trusted that everyone got the proper number of “one for me.” The two undefeated teams this year were the Klinck and Young teams separated by a single skin. For those who have not yet participated, you should talk to some that have and find out what you are missing. Hope to see everyone back next year for the SKINS spiel.

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Downer Spiel: continued from page 1closing ceremonies to present the Eric Downer trophy to this year’s winning team. Bob McCowan’s brother, who curls out of the Annandale Curling Club, came out on top. Vera, Lori, and Leslie made the presentation to Bill McCowan – skip, Larry Pickell – vice, Gerhard Wolfel – second and Doug Laughlin –lead. The Downer family made a donation to the this year’s spiel allowing us to provide all the curlers with cheese, grapes and cracker trays at their tables following the final game during the closing ceremonies.Chef Damiano’s wonderful crepes stuffed with chicken and mushrooms were well received by the curlers at lunch. We try to treat our curlers to different meals than normally found at bonspiels. This one is truly well liked.If you are a curler using a stick, this is one bonspiel you do not want to miss.Gary Norris thanked the Tam staff for the help in putting on the bonspiel with special thanks to Peter Tibando (who filled in on a team) and Jack Grant for the assistance in the smooth running of the day’s events.

VCC's Inaugural Season a Great Success Submitted by John Davidson & John Elstone: The Tam Heather Venerables Competitive Curling League was to say the least, an overwhelming success. However, this success, in it's first year, has not been without it's growing pains. On March 9th an information meeting was held in the downstairs lounge and was well attended. Several of last year's curlers presented questions and concerns and Gary Norris was receptive to all. There were a number of members that took part in the Friday afternoon tag draws and over the season voiced their objection to losing that time slot to the VCC. Your board of directors and the VCC were able to come to an agreement whereby the VCC will use only four sheets of ice in the Friday afternoon slot and move the “B” division into the noon hour slot, using only four sheets again. By doing this, the Venerables wishing to play tag draws will have their traditional times available on Friday's. It is important that all members realize that the VCC was set in place as a way of filling more Friday ice time. The reason to increase ice usage on Friday was to minimize the concerns of the Tam Heather Curling Club and to help increase the sale of food for Damiano and his staff. Thanks to Carson Klinck, John Elstone and Gary Norris for their efforts in making this new endeavour such a success.Now for what really matters to the VCC members, the winners and the less fortunate. Division “A” Final Standings from top to bottom; D. Hampton, T. Baker, T

Paradis, J.R. Wilson, C.Klinck, A. Boyle, R. Weber and W. Crossley.Division “A” Trophy Winning Team; Tony Baker, Bill Goodchild, Mike

Campolieto, Jim Shaw and Steve DankoDivision “B” Final Standings from top to bottom; B. Slater, B. Abernethy, C.

Cowan, G. Haney, A. Smith, D. Abrams, B. Rabbior and D. BateDivision “B” Trohpy Winning Team: Brian Slater , Larry Lyons, Patrick Lyons Ted

Ramsay and Dan Boucher

Say it isn't so - Boyle curling with a stick?Submitted by Jack Grant:(Picture snapped by Ron Cowper)

Armstrong Tournament Wrap-Up 2010 Submitted by Jim Young: Wow! What a finish to this year’s tournament as the winner was decided on a draw to the button. John Elstone’s draw to cover the centre hole was the deciding shot narrowly beating Ryk Weber’s effort for the X group. Congratulations to Z group as the winners of the tournament this year. Members of the Z teams are: John Elstone, Alex Smith, Ron Pinkowski, Mark O’Hearn, Mike Campolieto, Peter Cant, Art Palmateer and Dennis Campbell. “X” group finished second, “W” group was third and last year's winner “Y” group finished in fourth place. I would like to thank all the curlers who took part in the tournament this year. I must extend my apologies to Chris Armstrong for my oversight in forgetting to invite him to the wrap-up luncheon and to present the trophy. A special thanks to John Elstone and Gary Norris for their assistance and looking after things while I vacationed in Florida.

April Euchre Evening Winds it up for the 2009-2010 seasonSubmitted by Reg Haney: The lower lounge at the club was again filled with the sounds of 48 euchre enthusiasts having a great time playing in the final game of the season. A tie for high score in the ladies resulted in a draw to decide first and second place with Mary Mc Kay's card being drawn for firstleaving Mary Munro at second. Both had 57 points. Most honest lady was Marcia Peck. Gent's high with 65 was Alf Conner beating Bill MacRae's 64 which gave him second place.George Gillard held the card that earned him most honest man. Ellen Harzenetter had four lone hands for that price. Winner of the 50/50 of $46 was Larry Lyons, Ross Ellis drew his ticket. Marg Daw stood to call for a thank-you to Ron and Betty Murphy for six fun -filled evening and all present stood to applaud in appreciation. Thankfully, Ron and his good wife are taking it on next year.

That's a wrap for this year. We'll see you all in the Fall. Have a great summer and the best of health and happiness to you and your loved ones. J.D.

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