Sentry Curling Center – Key Milestones Reached
By Steve Wykle, Vice President
We reached a major milestone in construction of the Sentry Curling Center last week. There are many variables to manage in a major construction project, primary among them is project cost, schedule and funding. Prior to this point we have been using a very crude estimate for our facility cost. Construction projects are notorious for poor estimates, cost overruns, etc. This week our design/build contractor, Keller, completed a detailed cost estimate including securing preliminary bids from subcontractors. This provides us a firm facility cost pending any changes we may make to our design. Changes should be very few at this point if we have done our design work properly. The good news is our expected cost is fully supported through our fundraising target of $3.2 million. Our fundraising target includes an allowance for furnishing the facility, including such items as curling stones, furniture, cameras, security systems, bar, kitchen appliances, lockers, building signage, etc. There is some uncertainty in the adequacy of that allowance, but we should not be far off either high or low.
Along with this step, we have now executed a construction contract with Keller. Not only does this give us some cost certainty, but we are now able to lock in some elements of our timeline. We have now secured an April date for state approval of our plans. This keeps us on track to break ground with a target date of April 10! Of course, the weather may well have a say in our start date.
Our third major variable, funding continues to be a work in progress. The support from club members and Sentry’s commitment among a few others have moved us well along our path towards $3.2 million. But, we remain about $750,000 short of our target to fully fund the project. Kris Henning, our Capital Campaign chairman is working hard to close that gap. Several more potentially significant donors have been engaged and we are optimistic about receiving their support. We will continue to work through potential donors in the community. All members can certainly help in this process:
- If you have any relationship with or know potential donors, let us know.
- If you have not yet made a personal pledge or can see a path to increase your current commitment, please consider that.
- Finally, as we are starting construction in just a few months, we will need cash to make construction progress payments. Please be sure you are current with payment of your pledge or even consider accelerating payment so we can fund this project.
Still, lots or work a head of us. We are forming subcommittees to work on furnishings, ice house, and new club operations. We need volunteers to support these efforts along with fundraising. Please consider volunteering to be a part of bringing this exciting project to fruition!
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Boys & Girls Club Curling
By Nick Bandow
One way our club gives back to our community is through the curling program with the Boys and Girls Club. This will be our fourth season. The program runs February thru March, once a week from 4:00-5:30 p.m. We are expanding to include both the Stevens Point and Plover facilities. Our focus is on junior high school kids. This helps fill the gap between Little Rocks and High School programs.
Transportation is provided by the B&G Club. Kids get instruction each week, exposing them to the teamwork, communication, strategy and good sportsmanship that makes curling unique. We have great support from B&G Club leadership, and they have noted that while they are with us the kids are off their phones and getting valuable exercise. This is in stark contrast to what they are usually doing at the club. We provide a snack after they come off the ice which allows them to socialize before heading back. They get the full curling experience!
Anyone interested in helping out should contact either Nick Bandow (262-227-1079 nickbandow@gmail.com) or Sandra Kawleski (715-572-7558 sandcurls2@gmail.com)
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Kids Curl 2020 ready to slide
By Art Rebischke
The 2020 Kids Curl Program consists of four, one-hour sessions that will include a variety of on-ice activities and instruction. The program is geared to those between ages of 6-10 (experience does not matter, we’ll have some children who have been on the ice for years and for some it’ll be the first time on the ice). Our goal is to help children understand the basics of curling; we’ll learn how to slide, sweep basic curling terminology as well as safety instruction. Cost is $20, which covers all the instruction and equipment. We’ll also have a snack/social time at the end of our sessions.
Where: Stevens Point Curling Club
When:
- Sunday, Feb. 16: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 23: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 1: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
What to wear/bring: Layered, comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement is ideal and children are welcome to wear hats and mittens while curling. The air temperature on the ice is usually around 35-40 degrees. Please bring clean athletic shoes/sneakers to change into to help us keep the ice clean.
Parents/legal guardians will need to sign a minor release liability waiver prior to their children participating in the program.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay. If you have never been to the curling club, we have a clubhouse area complete with viewing area, locker rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge with TV. It is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the club. If some else is bringing your child, please make the instructor aware prior to the start of the session.
If you have any questions regarding Kids Curl, you are welcome to reach out to Arthur Rebischke at Arthur.Rebischke@gmail.com or 715-697-9760 (call or text is fine).
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Club members compete
at Junior National Championships
Stevens Point club members Rachel Kawleski (above, right), Anna Armstrong (above, left) and Hans Nielsen competed in the 2020 USA Curling Junior National Championships last month in Eau Claire, Wis. Armstrong, an Appleton native attending UW-Stevens Point, won bronze as lead for Team Jones. Kawleski, a longtime club member now a student at North Dakota State University, finished sixth as a member of Team Normandeau. Nielsen, a member of the Stevens Point Boys High School curling team, was the alternate for Team Thurston.
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Hoppe Fest Wrap-up
A successful Hoppe Fest took place Jan. 17-19 with a record number of participants, great food, lots of fun and a record amount of money raised.
A big thank you to Matt and Emily Weiss, who co-chaired the event this year. In addition, we'd like to give a special thanks to Dave Pias and Bill Rudahl for the raffle prizes. Featured below are the winners of all four events. Congratulations to all!
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The first event winners of Hoppe Fest were (clockwise) the Jim Wroblewski rink. The James Gilbertson rink came out on top in the second event. Matt Weiss led his team to the third event title while Amanda Yenter's team captured the fourth event.
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The Stevens Point High School Curling Team continues to have a solid season with the state championship approaching fast. Thanks to all who are supporting their efforts!
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Are you craving more nights of curling than what you are getting? The Friday Night Open League is seeking more curlers to finish out the season. We will be playing both mixed doubles and traditional curling each Friday night to wrap up the season (one sheet per discipline). If you are interested in playing and can't commit to every Friday, no worries. Just reach out to Terry Davis with the dates you can play.
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A reminder to Monday night curlers that there will not be league play on Feb. 10 due to a corporate event. If you want to help out at the event, please reach out to Sandra Kawleski to learn more.
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The Women's Bonspiel is coming up this weekend. We would love help in the kitchen and there are still items that we are hoping our wonderful volunteers can drop off this week. Please see the information hanging on the refrigerator doors at the club to find out how you can help out!
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