On behalf of your Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that we have secured a Head Ice Technician for the 2025 / 2026 curling season.

As you may know, the Board advertised province-wide for the position and collaborated with the Nova Scotia Curling Association and Chester Municipal Recreation Department in our efforts. Several of your Board members contacted individual curling clubs looking for leads and possible contacts in our search.

Brittni Fernandes has accepted the position. Brittni comes highly recommended for her passion and enthusiasm for the sport of curling, positive relationships, and her ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and find creative solutions to problems.By all accounts, she is a quick study, a team player, independent worker and multitasker.

Brittni has a Bachelor of Science degree and is a certified Curling Technician, Level 2. Brittni has established a network of fellow ice technicians with which to collaborate. She has had ice making responsibilities, instructed clinics, coached and has served as Match Director at Schooner, Sydney and CFB Halifax Curling Clubs. Recently, she volunteered at the BKT World Women’s Curling Championship in Cape Breton.

To augment the work of the Head Ice Technician, your Board is also in the final stages of finalizing the position of Ice Chair.  Among other responsibilities, the Ice Chair will be the primary link between members and the Board and the ice maker. This approach will improve and streamline communication, ice scheduling and volunteer efforts.

As the 2025 / 26 season approaches, Brittni will be learning about our facility, infrastructure and draw schedules.  You can expect communication regarding assistant ice making training from the Ice Chair and Brittni as we move closer to the season.

I wish to thank the Board members who took time from their busy summer vacations to help interview and meet with Brittni.

Please welcome Brittni to our club!

Scott Milner President, CCC Board of Directors

Hello Chester Curling Club Members,

On May 29, your Chester Curling Club held its Annual General Meeting, where a new Board of Directors was elected for the 2025–2026 season.

Scott Milner, Director, President 

Jeff Lamb, Director, Treasurer 

Carla Rafuse-Stevens, Director, Secretary,

Hannah Zinck, Director 

Laura Bowles, Director, Recording Secretary

Dan Sutherland, Director, Events Chair

First, I want to sincerely thank Andrew Milburn for stepping up two years ago to serve as Club President. Andrew completed his term at the end of last season, leaving a lasting impact on our club. Among other things, he led us through the trial of a new league structure, helped navigate the uncertainties surrounding the roof, and oversaw important furnace repairs and ice-making improvements. Thank you, Andrew, for your dedicated service to CCC members.

I’d also like to express gratitude to Holly Keillor for her detailed and efficient work keeping minutes and meeting notes for the Board.

Finally, a big thank you to Randy Cocks for his four years as Ice Technician. Randy invested countless hours to ensure our ice conditions were top-notch for members, guests, and bonspiels. Randy has retired from this position to spend more time with his family and grandchildren, and we wish him all the best!

Looking ahead, your Board has several initiatives on the horizon: reviewing the new league and fee structure, supporting our Junior program, increasing member volunteer engagement and incentives, and updating key operational policies such as banner acquisition, ice booking procedures, and facility access responsibilities.

My primary reason for reaching out now, well before the 2025–2026 season, is to inform you that our top priority is securing a part-time, paid Ice Technician. We have already met several times to strategize and have reached out to curling contacts across Nova Scotia, recreation leaders, the Nova Scotia Curling Association, and other clubs.

Our next step is to post the Ice Technician job opening widely. I ask for your help in spreading the word. Please review the attached position description and share it with anyone you think might be interested. The broader the reach, the better.

If you yourself might be interested, please reach out with any questions. We recognize that ice technician skills are specialized and trained individuals are rare. We are willing to provide initial training and have mentoring support lined up through other clubs for the successful candidate.

Additionally, a team of about 10 member volunteers will continue to assist with ice-making duties. If you have any questions or ideas to help us secure an Ice Technician, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our goal remains to create a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment for curlers of all ages and skill levels. I will keep you updated as the season approaches and appreciate any support you can provide in this search for a new Ice Technician.

Join the game, find your circle!

Scott Milner President, BOD Chester Curling Club

1. The following statement is effective immediately and will be implemented going forward.

   With the opening of the Curling Club for the 2024-2025 season, we must address the safety and operational guidelines for the Club during and after weather events. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of all members and the integrity of the facility.

   Guidelines for Closure:

   1. Wind Conditions: The Curling Club will be closed if wind speeds reach 70 KPH (kilometers per hour) or higher.
   2. Snow Loads: The Curling Club will be closed if snow accumulates to a depth of 1 foot or more.

   These parameters are being put in place to ensure safety, especially in the case of high winds and heavy snow.

   Notification Process:

   • CMP Park will notify the Club by email when a closure is imminent due to weather conditions.
   • Members: It is vital that your email address is up to date in the Curling Club Manager system.
   • League Chairs: When a closure is announced, the League Chairs will forward the notification to their core groups.

   Important Notice on "No People Inside":

   • When the park indicates “no people inside,” this means that no one is to enter the building, regardless of their role.
     • No Ice Technicians
     • No Keyholders
     • No Teams (practice or scheduled ice sessions)

   Anyone found disobeying this order will have their key privileges suspended, and the key will not be returned.

   Immediate Action:

   Please be aware that weather conditions are expected to change over the next few days, and a closure could be implemented. We encourage all members to monitor their email closely during this period.

   Further updates and more details will be provided as we continue to refine these procedures.

   Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

   Andrew Milburn

   CCC President