The makings of a great curling club...

Maybe it's the Christmas season...maybe the chill in the air, whatever it may be, its got me thinking about our curling club.
Recently, after the final night of our regular league curling night, all of the members, fresh with rosy cheeks from the the last draw, gathered around the table at our local apres curling venue for the much celebrated and earned beverages. With all of the rula bula (fun bar noises for those rusty in Latin) in full swing, I had a chance to sit back and just observe all of your members and got to thinking.
What makes a good curling club? For those who have curled before, you can attest to this, for those who haven't, be on the look for it when you go curling.
In our club, we have men and woman, some young, some...more seasoned. We have those who save and save so they can curl, and others who can do so without blinking an eye. But what is phenomenal, is that out on the ice...or back in the warm room, they are just curlers. Race, political ties, and religion is a non factor. The only global warming trend you can see is your beer glass getting warm due to great conversation! Being on the broom is more important than social status. The rich guy from down the road can hog a rock just like the guy who got there by bus! And everyone does it with a smile and a gracious hand! In a world of immediacy, disposable dreams, and disappointment, curling remains an oasis of good sportsmanship and honor. There have been no curlers suspended for failing drug tests, betting scandals, referee tampering, or violent body checks that can kill someone. Maybe curling is considered boring by todays standards. Heck...why play something that requires little training, no real equipment investment, the people are polite, and there are no referees to make sure you play by the rules. Yeah, what a silly game. Is it my turn on the X box?
No matter where you go to curl, Canada, Europe, or the US, tell them you curl in WHEREVER city, and you will be greeted with open arms and warm smiles. It's this quality, the uniqueness of curling clubs to attract quality people - that helps make curling even more special. It is no surprise that no matter where you go, every club is like this. I know what food I can expect at any McDonald's...I also know what I can expect at any curling club. And its great! Not to knock any other sport or organization as I have been apart of many, but honestly, curling clubs and those who are members, are some of the greatest people I have ever met. If I can lose myself in the all of the off ice fun, be apart of something I can be proud of, and enjoy the game, sign me up please!
So for those couch Skips out there who see curling on television and think, “What the heck is so special...”, or “what's the point...”, visit your local curling club. Invest a couple of hours of your time to learn the mechanics of the game. Once that is done, go ahead and without hesitation, go have a drink after the game with your team mates and others from the club. Among the clinking glasses, the laughter, and the spirit of curling, you'll find some really special moments that you will come to cherish and appreciate.
Here's a little toast to celebrate all the great clubs and curlers around the world...

In my curling club, we like to laugh...
After curlin my drink is never alf...
Its great to see you my curling friends...
I can't wait...to do it again.
So raise your glass's my mates...
I'm sure this'll help you get yer weight!