UPDATED Oct.1 – Marathon Curling Club Hopeful After Meeting With Council (incl.Interview w/Mayor)
MARATHON, ON – The Marathon Curling Club, like many others in Northwestern Ontario, has been struggling financially. Declining registration, volunteer burnout, there are many issues which contribute to club’s struggles however all these relate in one way or another to the financial status of a club and so this remains the resounding issue that, if not addressed, could result in the club folding and, in Northern Ontario most people are aware that it is much better to find ways to save a program or service while it is still operating than to attempt to restore it once lost.
The Marathon Curling Club executive had set a goal of having 16 registered teams for the 2012-13 season prior to their planned meeting with council of September 24th and were very encouraged by the community’s commitment to the club when this goal was reached.
Speaking with club President Ashley Kettles she explained why council’s support was important and what the club was hoping for, “We have a very short window to work with and have asked council to consider assisting us by waiving some fees, specifically water & property tax” explained Kettles.
The club was pleased with council’s response and appreciative of suggestions offered by Mayor and Council “Council wants to see this club move ahead as much as we do” said Kettles adding “But this is a costly club to run”. Suggestions and discussion among council members resulted in a promise to the club that their decision in regards to possible financial support at their next regular meeting October 9th, in the interim the curling club will be moving ahead with their tentatvie schedule of registration and & general meeting Ocotober 15th as well as working towards building on their junior program which was one of council’s main suggestions.
Mayor Rick Dumas explained the need for youth programming to be included in the clubs plans and why council felt it important to find solutions to helping the curling club;
“We’re very pleased with the curling club coming forward, it looks like we have a good group of people interested in keeping the facility open” said Dumas, “We encouraged the curling club to try to get thoseyouth numbers back up and we would look, with administration, at how we can assist them. We talked about how we already subsidize most other recreational facilities in our municipality; we subsidize the ice users, the Figure Skaters, the ball diamonds, the golf course, all our recreational facilities, all the youth clubs who rent facilities off the town are subsidized at a certain level so can we work with the curling club to providing more programming for our youth in the community, as well as assisting activities for the adults, and utilizing some sort of subsidized system, as we do with other facilitie,s so we are working with them we want to continue having the quality of life in our community for all ages to enjoy the recreational activities, it’s a long cold winter, and if we can have the Curling Club open that’d be great for the community” explained Dumas assuring that council was working with the club and town administration to come up with ideas and return to the table at council’s regular meeting of October 9th with an answers for the club.
The Curling Club executive, President Ashley Kettles, Vice President Willy Searson, Bar Manager Mike Caruk, Treasurer Don Gilbert, and Ken Stewart is doing their part, They continue efforts to fulfill requests and suggestions made by council, they meet this Sunday, September 30th.If you would like to become part of the solution to keeping Marathon’s Curling Club open and thriving or if you are an adult or youth interested in registering, contact Ashley Kettles at 229-1927.
UPDATE – OCTOBER 1st
2012 – 13 Divisions
- Mens
- Ladies
- Senior Drop In
- Junior Program
YOUTH
Youth League, for ages 12 & up, will be held Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30pm there will be skills, games, and of course learning the sport. Cost is $75 for the season, curlers must bring their indoor shoes only as brooms & sliders are provided.
The Club is still encouraging people to come and register a team. Since this article was originally published the registered team total has increased to 17 and the club is still welcoming new registrants.
Another registration night, for adults and youth programs, is being held Monday October 15th at 7pm, cost to register is $300 per person for adults and $75 for youth 12 & up.
- The club has confirmed that there will be curling between the mens & ladies teams 3 nights a week (Tues, Wed, Thurs).
- The executive also plans to have regular Drop In Fun Nights this season, for anyone who wants to come down and play without the need to be a regular season player to join.
