Good Curling!

Several years ago, our neighbor organized an outing for a Learn-to-Curl event at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club (KMCC). The club consists of approximately 250 members ranging in age from 10 to 90.

Curling is a sport where you slide granite stones down a sheet of ice and score points by placing the stones into a bullseye at the other end of the ice. Most curling consists of two teams of four players that each throw two stones. The object is to score the most points in a game which usually consists of eight ends.

Curling can be broken down into three tasks. Delivering the stone down the sheet of ice, sweeping in front of the stone to carry it further down the ice or to help keep it on line, and developing the strategy for each end. The strategy is developed by the Skip (team captain) as they call the type of shots desired for each stone. In the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, each game begins and ends by shaking hands with your teammates and opponents wishing them “Good Curling.”

Of the neighbors who participated that night, Amy and I were the only couple that decided to give it a try for the entire season. We fell in love with the sport and our fellow curlers. Although we both enjoyed the actual sport, the real love for curling comes after the games where each team socializes with the other team over drinks and food. It is not unusual for teams to cook entire meals together.

Curling has given me an outlet to stay engaged with people during the winter months. Whether it is participating in the various leagues, participating in bonspiels (tournaments), or volunteering at Club events, I have enjoyed being a member of this community. Having grown up with ice sports in Minnesota, I am very comfortable navigating the ice. My favorite volunteer activity is being an instructor in the Learn-to-Curl events for prospective new curlers.

Claire has taken up the sport as well and now curls with me in the club’s Friday night mixed league. Over the past couple of years, KMCC members have supported me like I am a member of their family. They listen patiently to my many stories about Amy and my love for her.

The Kettle Moraine Curling Club is like a large family to me. There is a constant influx of new members of all ages, but there is also a consistent turnover as members age.

Recently, I had a conversation with one of our dear friends at the club. I wanted to share some of Amy’s jewelry with her as they have very similar tastes. She graciously accepted and it brought me joy to share a small part of Amy with her.

As the holidays approach, KMCC has several Learn-to-Curl events. They are fun either to explore and learn more about the sport or just as a family or friend outing to try something different. To get more information or sign up for a session, please click this link: Learn-to-Curl

Good Curling!