USWCA NEWS
USWCA 2016: An illustrious history creates a powerful future
By Donna Pearson, USWCA President
considers in 2016 how best to act on our mis- sion to support and grow women’s curling in the United States. As the oldest curling organization in America, we possess both a notable heritage and a responsibility to the future. With more than 60 clubs and 2,700 members, our growth is noted both in organizational change and in our membership. It is not enough to have a mission; vision re-
W
quires considering our heritage and acting in ac- cordance with the organization’s purposes – to further the sport of curling. Te leadership of the USWCA takes this call to action seriously. Glancing back
Past USWCA Presidents Jeannie Borland and
Shelley Dropkin believe that engagement in the USWCA creates similar benefits and relation- ships as membership in a family. Borland notes that while her biological family drew her into curling she has come to love and dedicate her energies toward this much larger “curlogical” family. I suggest we use this term “curlogical” to mean those dedicated to the ‘study of or learning about curling.’ Indeed this is quite a large fam- ily with international roots and an ever-growing population. Dropkin highlights the many joys of actively
participating in an organization that furthers opportunities to grow in the sport and to meet
ith our New Year's resolutions in place, the United States Women’s Curling Association (USWCA)
new people both at home and abroad. Tese women recognize and highlight the importance of collective energy. Past President Bridget Matzke’s contributions
are easily recognized, both in the winner’s circle and in the world of the creative arts, as evidenced in the pins and other artwork she has designed for the USWCA. Past Presidents Maureen Guay, Jennifer Stannard, Margie Knitter, Star Piffner, and Nancy Seitz have drawn on synergy and wis- dom to contribute significantly to the structural governance of the organization. While there are many more notable contribu-
tions by past presidents and other organizational members, in its 68th
year the USWCA has a man-
date not only to uphold, but to perpetuate our tradition of excellence. While the USWCA may be the “Heart of Curling,” it is time that we as an organizational body sweep into the future with a focus on making a difference for youth and women in curling. Looking ahead
As USWCA president I have had the opportu-
nity to travel to various clubs this year, meeting many people committed to growing the sport of curling. In this effort, we all face similar success- es and challenges: space, time, youth, renovation, membership, finances, and leadership. We must consider how we can collaboratively
direct our energies to unite in this common mis- sion. Each individual club is a part that contrib- utes to the whole. And, as the whole, the USWCA organization collectively contributes to and ad- vances the mission of the clubs.
Te USWCA continues to:
t Develop and advance our communications efforts through the utilization of print, digi- tal, and social media;
t
Energy is dedicated to more electronic com- munication;
t Collaborate and connect in furthering our common goal of promoting curling with other organizations;
t
Liaison work with the USCA benefits both organizations;
t Transition to benefit the organization as a whole;
t Realignment creates a more informed deci- sion making and problem solving process;
t
Explore opportunities for organizational sustainability;
t Tinking of tomorrow in terms of today’s actions.
Too oſten it is easier to only reflect on the
past, but that does not embolden us to grow for the future. We must take action. Let the encour- agement and motivation of others inspire you to serve on a USWCA committee, volunteer in an area where you have a specific skill or talent, or participate in the decision-making process at the local or national level. In consideration of Mahatma Gandhi’s
thought, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” let me encourage you to remember that the first action begins with you. In looking forward, look inward with actions that emerge outward as we promote and further the sport of curling. Q
Cool ducks and hot rocks: Five and under bonspiels By Millie Buege, USWCA
the season on Nov. 6. Te three-sheet club pro- vided three full days of fun both on and off the ice for 24 teams of new curlers from 13 different clubs. Tis Five and Under Open Challenge, a.k.a the “Cool Duck” Bonspiel, had a rubber ducky theme reflected in the decorations, giveaways, and costumes. For the first time in Ardsley’s his- tory, three games of the final draw went into the
E 16 ))
usacurl.org
ast region’s Ardsley Curling Club, Ar- dsley-on-Hudson, N.Y., hosted the first USWCA Five and Under bonspiel of
ninth end. Congratulations to the First Event Winners, Nutmeg 1—Craig Doucette, Mike Mc- Carthy, Larry Bocchiere, and Andrew Hancock; and the First Event runners-up, Ardsley 1—Nick Beaton, Cory Fischer, Steve Agostinho, and Vi- nay Goenka. Replays are available on the Ardsley YouTube page. Pictures are on the USWCA 5 & Under website. Tis season Five Year & Under Bonspiels are
again scheduled in all five geographical areas. In West I, the Four Seasons Curling Club hosted the Five and Under Open Challenge on Dec. 12-13.
Te Racine Curling Club hosted the 5 & Under in the Wisconsin Area on Jan. 15-17. Look for the results from these two bonspiels in the next is- sue of the Curling News and on the USWCA 5 & Under Bonspiel website. In Central, the 5 & Under Open Challenge was
hosted by the Midland Curling Club on Jan. 23- 24 and the 5 & Under Women’s Challenge will be hosted by the Cleveland Skating Club on March 18-20. In West II, the Denver Curling Club will
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