The Olds Curling Club (OCC) is undertaking $7,500 worth of renovations to its kitchen to meet the latest health and safety requirements.
Club president Henry Czarnota made that announcement during the OCC's semi-annual general meeting late this past week, adding that the changes were the result of recommendations by Merry Ann Bell, who has been contracted to look after food service for the club.
He said in order to cover the cost of those renovations, the club plans to transfer $7,500 from its savings. He said some of OCC's GICs worth about $140,000 come due in October
Czarnota said as part of the renovations, a $2,500 two-door cooler will be bought to ensure food is kept cool enough to meet the health standards.
“Merry Ann's in the process of exploring that, similar to what she has in the golf course,” he said.
Czarnota said the counters will be rearranged and the till brought to the front, along with the cooler. The location of the previous cooler will become shelving.
Also, some of the wooden counters in the back will be replaced with steel counters – again to meet health standards.
“The kitchen committee thought that those (recommendations) were very reasonable and we should get that done so that they can perform their tasks and we won't have any difficulties with the health department,” Czarnota said.
He said under the contract, two people will be hired to run the kitchen and they'll be paid a total of $3,000 a month.
Bell and co. will pay $400 for use of the kitchen and keep all the revenue made from food service. On the other hand, they'll serve liquor, but all the revenue from liquor sales goes to the club.
The budget also allows for 100 hours of extra labour at $12 an hour so that enough help will be available during really busy times; for example, when bonspiels are held.
“If we need more than that – and I don't know if we would or not – I told her I would be going to the membership, and some of us might volunteer here or there – put an hour or two in if we need extra help,” Czarnota said. “It would be up to you then to decide whether you have the time.”
Czarnota said the kitchen staff will not only provide the food club members might expect, like burgers, but also possibly provide a lunch menu.
“Although we're not dictating the menu, she assures me that there'll be quite a variety,” Czarnota said.
He said members can likely expect much the same food at the curling club as they may have seen at the golf course.
