Please take a moment to read the email below from the Ontario Tennis Association and consider signing the petition(s) provided in support of reopening outdoor activities (tennis, golf, camping, etc.) There is an abundance of evidence that a strong immune system is the best defence against COVID, or any other sickness for that matter. Exercise is a critical contibutor to a healthy immune system. So, where better to get that exercise than outside.

Cheers,
Doug

P.S. And once the outdoor facilities are reopened, hopefully the indoor ones won't be too far behind.

April 19, 2021   Hello OTA Member Club Executives;   Followup/Reminder from note sent April 18    In light of the announcement from the Province of Ontario on Friday, April 16 in which the government decided to force the closure of tennis facilities across the province, the OTA issuesd the following statement to the Province of Ontario.   While the Ontario Tennis Association supports the Province of Ontario in it’s fight to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus, we respectfully ask that it reconsiders its decision with regard to the closing of the province’s tennis facilities. In light of overwhelming evidence from the medical community that pursuing outdoor activities while practicing safe physical distancing is safer than remaining indoors when it comes to the spread of the virus; and given that the province’s tennis clubs and academies have excelled in enforcing Covid-19 protocol in the past 12 months, the Association feels that the Province of Ontario should reverse its decision to force the closure of the province’s tennis facilities ASAP.   To that end, one of our member club Presidents, Mr. David Harris from Club de tennis Orléans Tennis Club, has started an on-line petition also requesting that the Province reverses its decision with respect to tennis facilities. The OTA endorses the petition and would like to ask you to consider e-signing the on-line petition here and also send the link to your club's players for their consideration. Thanks to those clubs and facilities that have already done so.   I would like to thank Mr. Harris on behalf of the OTA, for his efforts in spearheading this important initiative.   In addition, the OTA has been made aware of two additional petitions with similar sports and health messaging that you might also want to sign and forward to your membership, here and here.   The OTA feels that the most effective way to encourage the Province to reverse its decision is to show a united voice from the province’s tennis community.   Thank you in advance for your support with this matter.   Sincerely,   James Boyce President and CEO Ontario Tennis Association 1 Shoreham Dr., Suite 200 Toronto, ON M3N 3A7

So, what would you like first ... the good news or the bad news?

The BAD news is that the winner of the $72,790 jackpot in the first CurlON 50-50 lottery was not from Tam Heather. It was won by a couple from the Guelph Curling Club. Here is a link to the results from the CurlOn website http://curl-on.ca/5050-winners/

The GOOD news is that, Tam members spent a total of $5,200 on losing tickets (the 4 highest of all the Clubs in Ontario), meaning $2,080 was raised for Tam youth programming.

The next piece of GOOD news is that, as soon as the first lottery ended, another one began and the jackpot is already up to $11,770 after just one week. This next jackpot will be awarded on April 15 with prizes of $500 each week leading up to the final draw. So, don't miss out on your chance at this jackpot while continuing to support youth curling. You didn't win the last one, so you are sure to do better this time. And again, don't forget who told you about this when you do win.

Here's that link to the Tam specific sales site.

Tam Heather SALES LINK: https://curlonraffle.5050central.com/?olc=TAM

Thanks to everyone who has already purchased and GOOD LUCK.

The Tam Heather Board and management met on Wed Nov 25 to discuss the current COVID-19 situation. As result of those discussions the decision was made to close down Curling for the remainder of the season.

Back in October, reaching the required number of registered (and paid) members gave us confidence that enough members were committed to curling this season, so we went ahead with installing the ice in preparation for the start of the season. However, since then, things have not gone according to plan. Our original start date for league play was November 2. Provincial restrictions announced October 30 for Toronto, Peel and Ottawa delayed that start for a week until November 9th. Then the November 9 start was moved back to November 16 as Toronto was held back in a modified version of Stage 2 for an extra week. The next blow to our plans was the announcement that Toronto was moving to the red zone of Ontario's COVID-19 tiered shutdown system, and then the lockdown was announced for 28 days.

The variable nature of the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding future restrictions and lockdowns makes it evident that any attempt to predict a reopening date with any confidence is impossible. It has reached the point where the implications of opening for a shortened season with a significantly reduced number of members and little or no bar or food offerings would be too financially detrimental. The time has come to abandon the 2020-2021 curling season and take steps necessary to protect the club’s financial viability.

Since the beginning, we have promised full refunds in the event we were unable to open. This promise will be honoured. How you will receive your refunds will be communicated shortly.

In closing, we would once again like to thank the members for your continued patience and support. We are as devastated as everyone about closing for the remainder of the season, but we know that the Tam curling community will thrive again as we look forward to reopening our doors for the 2021/2022 season.

The Tam Heather club is available for private rentals. Both the upper and lower lounges may be booked for special events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, meetings or dances.

The first step in becoming a Member is to sign up for an account. 

Thinking of trying the sport of curling?

Curling is a unique sport that requires both skill and strategy. It is often referred to as chess on ice. It is a lifelong sport that can be learned at any age. Whether playing in a fun league or in a competitive ladder the emphasis is always on sportsmanship and fair play. Being a social sport by nature, it is not uncommon for teams to socialize off the ice where lasting friendships are often made.