The ice sheets have been prepared, and practice has begun as Norfolk Curling Club members get ready for their next season of competition. The Norfolk club will host five bonspiels this winter.
“We just finished the ice last weekend and we had two practice sessions,” club member Jon Barbagallo reported. “All the leagues will be starting later this week, and we will have an official opening Saturday with a dinner and social gathering.” The Curling Club will host a Fall Bingo and Taco Night Saturday from 5:00 to 6:45 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:15 p.m.
Those interested in learning to play will have many opportunities. The popular Learn to Curl sessions begin Sunday, October 25, and interested persons can sign up by visiting the club’s website. Those who simply want to watch are always welcome, Barbagallo added.
Membership numbers are increasing, especially since curling became an Olympic sport. “We took big advantage of last year’s Olympics and held a number of events, which translated to an increase in numbers,” Barbagallo said. “When Team USA does well, so do curling clubs.”
The exaggerated posture of the curler who casts the stone—a deeply bent leg with the other leg extended behind—suggests a sport for younger players, but Barbagallo said anyone, even those in wheelchairs, can use a stick to deliver the stone.
“It certainly helps to be flexible, but we have a robust older membership,” said Barbagallo. “Steve Emt, the best wheelchair curler we had, has now moved west, but he competed in two or three Paralympic Games for Team USA.”
The Norfolk club had its origins back when Ted and Elizabeth Childs started to play on open ice on Tobey and Tamarack ponds in 1953. Within three years, the sport had become so popular a rustic shed was erected to protect the ice, and the club was formally organized.
Seven decades later, the club has grown to 132 members and is now housed in its second clubhouse at 70 Golf Drive with a warm viewing room for visitors, a lounge and two sheets of ice.
Full membership costs $570 and includes unlimited curling, equipment, instruction, GNCC membership, social events and voting rights. There is a discounted first-year membership of $470, with young adult membership at $280. Junior League membership is $130.