FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2018 21 In 1953, local curlers bought some used rocks from the Barrie Curling Club. For $800, they received 25 rocks rated ‘good’ and 15 rocks rated ‘fair.’ In comparison, one stone costs $750 today. In June of 1958, nine men borrowed $1,000 each to finance an arena to be built at the corner of Bay and Old Simcoe St. on Robert Avery Kennedy’s old mink farm property. The first President was Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Bathie, a local chiropractor. The founding builders were Oscar Stanley Beare, John Theodore Hayes, Gordon Holdershaw, Grant MacDonald, Herbert Roy Scott and David Thompson. The concrete block foundation was built on Labour Day weekend and the first rocks were thrown in November of that year. It was an exciting time! What started out as a sport for men, curling evolved over the years into a popular activity for women as well. The Ladies Division was established in 1954. They rented three sheets for 18 Wednesdays for $40 per sheet. The first president was Marg Burnett, and the current president is Joanne Fowler. In 1967, president of the Ladies Division Marg McCoy encouraged the establish- ment of the Business Women league on Tuesday nights. The first president was Norma Cornish and Carol Hicks is the president today. Clive Powell, who wrote a history book about the club, reported, “Even though women had been active partici- pants since its inception, they were never considered to be members of the Port Perry Community Curling Club. This did not happen until the fall of 2000 when the club was faced with major fundraising to replace the ice-mak- ing system. President Steve Carnegie requested financial assistance and funds were received from both the Ladies and Business Women Divisions. In return, amalgama- tion into the membership was put forth. In May 2002, President Al Knight convened a General Meeting where a motion was passed to amalgamate the clubs under one administration. The 2004-05 season marked the initial amalgamated club.” Check out the website for all of the programs offered, including the new Doubles Curling and four free Learn to Curl opportunities. Drop into the open houses on September 18 & 19, or view the PPCC Facebook page. Registration for the 2018/2019 season is now open! By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog Reasonable taxes, responsible spending for better roads, sidewalks and enhanced recreation for ALL ages..... THIS is My Vision for Scugog. JENNIFER BACK Councillor Ward 5 RE-ELECT 3 Worked diligently on budgets to keep taxes at or below rate of inflation, while getting more road and sidewalk repair projects completed. 3 Championed reinstatement of crossing guard at S.A. Cawker and two new crossing guard locations in WARD 5 for 2018-2019 school year. 3 Heard and responded to multiple environmental and development concerns from residents. 3 Supported rescinding by-laws that charged charities and families to use public parks. Proud to have worked for You! VOTE FOR JENNIFER BACK. KEEP HER WORKING FOR YOU! jback4ward5@gmail.com Back4YOU I 905-985-8905