Good Morning to All,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend our heart felt sympathies to all those who have been devastated by the floods on the Sumas Prairie. Our loss of a few curling games is pretty insignificant compared to the challenges those people are facing. We also want to thank the first responders and the many volunteers who rushed to help as they always do.
Now to our curling club dilemma. As you are aware, last Sunday the pump room flooded from a storm sewer back-up destroying three pump motors. The ice started to melt. The brine pump was replaced fairly quickly but the compressor pumps were another matter. Despite the best efforts of the repair men they could not get the new compressor motor to work properly and the ice is no longer salvageable. At the present time it seems two replacement motors will not be available until next week. This means that Kent will have to remove the present ice, clean the logos and re-install the ice when the plant is running again. The rink will be closed for at least another week or two. Kent expects to have the rink ready to go in time for the Senior Mixed Bonspiel on Dec 3.
This is an accident that no one could have predicted or prevented, just like the tragedy unfolding around us. Though the damage is covered by insurance, we won’t get the curling time back. I want to recognize the efforts of Kent who has worked tirelessly during this time to try and get us back up and running ASAP only to have to start over. It must be very frustrating but he pushes on. Kent may reach out to individuals for assistance as needed. Kim Turnbull and Dennis Palmer have spent many hours every day in that pump room trying to make things work, adjusting, improvising, moving 700 pound motors. Our thanks to Chris Lamb for loaning us some much needed equipment. The manager of the Golden Ears Curling club has also offered his assistance and ice time if needed.
We did not need this, especially this year. But to quote Kelly Clarkson “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” !
We will keep you informed. We will go on !
Gord Wallington – president
