PICTURE ATTACHED, from left to right are:John Chapman, Donnie Heaven, GeorgeHagel, Leo Rivera, Joyce Kuzyk, Arvie & Bob Bourgeault, Wanda Casorso, Murray Soder, and Joan Firman (photographed supplied)
The Oliver Curling Club was established in 1969. At that time the Honorary Life Membership Award was established to recognize outstanding members. Past members who received this honor include Eric Bastian, Joe Cheahy, Toots Hunter, Ed Barry, Sam Noel and Helen Bastian. They were the early builders and pioneers of the club. Following in their footsteps were current members Mary Skaros, Murray Soder, Joan Firman, Bob Bourgeault, George Hagel and Joyce Kuzyk.
At this seasons windup dinner honorary life memberships were awarded to five very deserving members:
Arvie Bourgeault was one of the original curlers in the club. She served on the Board for many years, was Ladies’ League President, and was instrumental in spearheading the 25th anniversary of the club in 1994. Arvie has generously shared her artistic talents over the years. She assisted with the painting on the outside wall in 1999, the artwork on the upstairs bar and viewing area windows, many table decorations, basket arrangements, and other things too many to mention. She is always there to lend a hand in so many ways. She has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport as a curler participating in many bonspiels, and for the Oliver club with her friendly, welcoming ways.
Donnie Heaven has been involved in curling in Oliver for some time. She served on the Board many times over the years, has been the Ladies’ League President, our clubs Zone Representative for many years and was the Curl BC Zone Convener for a time. She has helped to promote the club and the sport by participating in many out of town bonspiels and in Zone Playdowns. Donnie has headed the junior program for the past few years and through here leadership, this program has been very successful.
Wanda Casorso has curled here for about 25 years and during that time she served on the Board as secretary for 15 years, shared the job of Ladies’ League President and has always been actively volunteering in some fashion for the club. Wanda is one of the mainstays in our kitchen convening banquets and assisting in the kitchen in every way possible. With the help of her team, she has coordinated the silent auction section of the annual club auction for 18 years. Wanda is also a dedicated curler participating in many leagues and bonspiels throughout the area.
Leo Rivera is a long time active member of our club. He has served on the Board as Vice President and as League Representative, participated in all our major leagues and represented our club in regional bonspiels. He and his wife Penny managed our bar for several years. He was instrumental in starting our annual golf tournament and convened it for the first few years. Leo’s unique contribution has been in the maintenance and welfare of our plant and building. In 2002 he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. In 2003 he supervised a group of volunteers to renovate the upstairs bar and to build additions to the equipment room. His diligence and dedication in maintaining the plant has resulted in large financial savings for the club.
John Chapman was the second president of the club back in 1972. Since then, he has worked in virtually every other position in the club. He has volunteered endless hours with the golf tournaments, the auction fundraisers, and teaching new curlers. He has brought many new people into the club. He has been a key organizer for many of our bonspiels by making up the draws. He is a wonderful ambassador for the sport through his involvement in many house leagues, our bonspiels and spiels throughout the South Okanagan and Boundary Districts.
These five members have contributed to the sport of curling and its’ success in Oliver and throughout the area in many ways. They are people you can count on and deserve our thanks and recognition for their ongoing efforts. Thank you!