SCC Members,

As you recall, we delayed the normal start of our 2020-2021 season by about a month - based on the results of the member survey we did in September.  This decision was made to , first, allow our members to show their level of interest and commitment to having a season by paying dues, and second, to assess a possible “2^nd wave” of the corona virus.

As of now, an increase in positive cases is upon us with record numbers of cases being reported in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.     As of our Board of Directors meeting Thursday night, 59 members had paid their dues (out of over 200 members). With the commitment level this far below our goal,  the projected financial deficit would have been significantly higher (roughly $9,000) than if we remain closed.

Therefore, the Board made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020-2021 season.  We had considered reexamining our decision and possibly delaying the start by another month, but in the end decided it would be better to make a decision instead of pushing it back another couple months only to come to the same conclusion - certainty for our members was an important factor.

To those who have paid your dues, you have several options including making it a donation (tax-deductible), applying to next year’s dues, or requesting a refund.  Please watch for a separate email regarding your options.

To those who have not yet paid your dues, please consider making a tax deductible donation to help offset the fixed expenses we will still incur this winter.

This was a difficult decision, and the Board greatly appreciates all of the input we received from the membership.  Please stay safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing all of you at our spring Annual Meeting and on the ice again next fall. 

Regards,

Dave Podratz

President, Superior Curling Club

For those of you who have not yet signed into their members account on the website,please do so.  The members area in the website will be used to occasionally post specific member information that may not be posted on the main page.  Instructions to sign in were sent out via email October 13th. If you did not receive the email, lost or deleted it, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that we will be moving away from sending mass e-mails using the Housecalls email mailing list, so please keep your email  updated via the members area in the website.  

The Fall Member Meeting was held last Thursday.  We had good attendance and  a good discussion on the upcoming season.  I would like to thank outgoing Board members Karen Flesvig and Mick Stein for their 4+ years of service to the SCC.  New Board members Trent Wickman and Doug Runnoe were elected and Brian Crawford was elected to a second two year term.  Minutes of the Member Meeting can be found in the members section of the website.

Also available on the website are our COVID-19 Safety Rules for the upcoming season as well as a Q&A on how we will handle possible positive test results of members (whether we suspect infection occurred at the SCC or elsewhere).

As a reminder, we are planning to begin league play on November 30 assuming that we have 100 members with their dues paid by November 1.  If you have not yet filled out a membership application and sent in your dues, please do so right away.  The membership form can be found in the members area.  Remember that you don’t have to play in a league to enjoy membership benefits (throwing rocks, practice, pickup games, etc).  We are considering ways to make leagues more flexible so additional teams can join later in the season if you pay your dues and aren’t ready to start league play right away. If we don’t reach 100 paid members and don’t open for the season, dues will be refunded or applied to next year, your choice.

Thanks for your support and understanding during these challenging times as we make plans to safely curl this season.

Our fall member meeting is scheduled for October 15 at 6:00 PM at the Club.

Please plan to attend (masked and socially distanced) to voice your opinions, and have your questions answered.

Items we need to discuss and finalize at the meeting include: 

 Board Elections

We would normally elect new Board members at our spring meeting, but we didn’t meet because of the COVID emergency.  The Board members who’s terms are expiring agreed to serve throughout the summer and have provide wise counsel.  We need to elect 3 Board members to replace Karen Flesvig, Mick Stein, and Brian Crawford (Brian has agreed to stand for election for another term).  The nominating committee has recommended:

Brian Crawford (willing to serve again)

Steve Farnham

Trent Wickman

Doug Runnoe

Trevor Sundquist

Members may nominate others from the floor at the meeting.  Members voting will vote for three Board members to serve a two year term.  Please come to the meeting with any additional nominees and be ready to cast your ballot.

The  SCC Board of Directors met Thursday to finalize plans for the coming season.  We felt it our obligation to provide the curling opportunities that we are organized for as long as we can do it safely, and enough members want to play to make it financially viable.

Because of the financial issues surrounding the season, opening is contingent on having at least one hundred dues paying members by November 1.  Based on our recent survey results, we believe this should be achievable.  We would encourage all members to pay their dues even if you are undecided about curling in a league.  This gives you the opportunity to utilize the ice for practice and pick-up games with other members.

We voted to begin the season just a little later than normal (to see how things go with earlier opening clubs and to see where the recent spike in COVID cases in our region is headed).  Some clubs have been operating already with COVID protocols in place.  We are not aware of any issues.  The first night of league play is scheduled for Monday November 30.

A set of COVID-19 rules to be followed by EVERYONE AT ALL TIMES when in the Club can be found here.  Please read and understand these rules before committing to playing this season!