The security clearance from Arctic Winter Games 2006 arrived the other day for me, so I hope to finish the signup process to be a volunteer for the curling events here in Homer March 5-11. There has been an effort to have curlers from the Fairbanks and Anchorage curling clubs visit us to put on some public demonstrations of curling. There are also trained teachers of curling who may consider joining us to be available to the public to allow us all to try curling the best way: in our hometown.

In the meantime, we suggest the movie “Men With Brooms” to see a humorous take on curling life. It is a “bonspiel,” or party, most of the time at curling clubs across the world when ice lovers gather around the stones and brushes.

Competitive curling, however, will be on display here during the AWG 2006 and we invite you to calendar the time to see these special events at our new ice rink. Come out, support the secret curlers living in Homer, and see if you may be interested in joining with them to form a club. Come out and support the kids at the rink.

You may also want to check to see if the ice hockey sledges are still available (they should be for a couple weeks more) at the rink for use by anyone who is young, young at heart or anyone who has range of motion limits when they try to stand up on skates. I did it, and it was great fun. The ILC (Independent Living Center) T.R.A.I.L.S. program continues to sponsor special events and weekly groups that are all inclusive. Contact them at 235-7911 and ask for Hillary for more information.

Scot L. Wheat