Residents curl for hospice during recent fundraising ‘funspiel’
Residents of Norwood and area have been enjoying the sport of curling for well over a century. Evidence even suggests that the first rocks were likely delivered on an improvised rink created on our renowned Mill Pond.
Today, the Norwood Curling Club can boast with a wellmaintained four-sheet complex equipped with modern icemaking equipment as well as a reception and club area with bar and kitchen facilities.
Over the years they have hosted many bonspiels and leagues in the facility. While a great number of these games were competitive events, there has also been a considerable number of charitable bonspiels, where the objective is not the winning or placing, it is the supporting of a good cause.
The latest fundraising bonspiel was held on March 16 in support of Hospice Norwood. Eight teams played two games each, and in between games everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch of soups and sandwiches. Members of the hospice committee were in attendance to provide a progress update on the facility and the programs that are being offered now. A customary 50/ 50 draw was available to try your luck and a bonspiel just does not seem complete without a raffle table full of prizes.
The first ever Curling for Hospice Funspiel raised the tidy sum of $3,000 to support Hospice Norwood.
As mentioned, winning was not the objective, however winners were still needed to earn the bragging rights. In the top spot was the team of Denton Curry, Pat McGriskin and Don and Shirley Southward. Following
in second place was the team of Audrey DeSousa, Mark Wallbank, Bruce MacAlpine and Andrew DeSousa, and rounding out the top three was a family affair with the team of Jen/Todd Payne, Katie Payne, Jolene Payne and Lucy Payne.
Special thanks are extended to the bonspiel organizer, Lori Sullivan, and to all the participants for supporting an important community project.
Thanks also go to the curling club, which donated the use of the facility for the day. Special appreciation to the volunteers in the kitchen: Heather Reynolds, Wylanne Curry, Janice Wood and Lori Sullivan, the bartender, Ron English, the club’s ice maker, Larry Sullivan, as well as the scorekeepers, ticket sellers and club president Jason Ferguson for filling in wherever needed.
Of course without sponsors the fundraiser would not have been as successful, so the organizers send a “big thank you” to the Highland Park Funeral Centre, Papa’s Pizza Land Norwood, Hair Fashions 4 All, Sullivan Finishing, Maple View Retirement Residence, Walsh Electric — Ed Walsh, Embrdale Farm — Cathy Stockdale, Scents & Suds, Asphodel Sheep Company, Havelock Timbr Mart, Bridgewater Café & Pizza — Hastings, Theo and Marg Van Will, Helen McCauley and Wendy Hale for their generous support.
Plans are already in the works to host another hospice bonspiel next year.
Hospice toonie auction
Hospice Norwood will host the return of its toonie auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 6 in the Millennium Room at the Asphodel Norwood Community Centre.
The hospice committee introduced the event for the first time last year and as it proved to be very popular, they have brought it back this year. The doors open at 12:45 p.m., the auction starts at 1:30 p.m.
There will likely also be a 50/ 50 draw and refreshments available. Auction-goers essentially purchase tickets on a wide variety of items, the more tickets bought on a particular item will increase your chances of getting the item. All funds raised will support the growth of Hospice Norwood. The committee extends a special thank you to all who have graciously donated items for the auction and for their continuing support of their fundraising efforts.
The Norwood hospice site, now known as Stewart House, is in reality still a ways from fulfilling the vision of being able to care for actual patients. The building is, however, being used to host a number of important programs designed to support people with life-limiting illnesses, their caregivers and families as well as those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame
The Peterborough Country Agricultural Wall of Fame committee is seeking nominations for the 2024 induction ceremony to be held in August at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.
Farm and rural leaders in Peterborough County who have made contributions to the agriculture and agri-food industry at the local, regional, provincial or national levels can be nominated by organizations or interested individuals.
The deadline for nominations is May 1.
Nominators must submit a nomination form, found on the committee’s website, which includes the name, address and description of the nominee’s achievements, leadership role and contributions to the industry. The Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame committee will review all nominations. Recipients and nominators will be notified by July 1st. Previous nominations may be resubmitted with additional information.
Nomination forms are available on the website: ptboagwall.com or by contacting one of the following committee members: Carolyn Doris, chair, 705-295-2755; Joan Larmer, secretary, 705-932-5242; Paula Cornish, Francis Crowley, Glenn Darling, Patrick Leahy, Mary Ellen McCamus, Don Richardson or Colleen Terpstra.