The Wilno Rink celebrated its Grand Opening with a community party on January 26. Wilno Recreation Committee members and volunteers were on hand to ensure the new building was in perfect condition to be admired, the ice was ready, the canteen well-stocked and the party balloons blown up. Many of the contractors who worked on the building attended the party to see the finished result of their labours. Local business owners mingled with minor hockey parents and members of MV Council in the early evening while kids playing hockey dominated the ice. The band, dubbed the “Wilno Rec-ing Crew,” warmed up for the moccasin dance. Band members included Rob Bersan, Anne Burns, John Yaskolski, Buggy Summers and Raymond Kutchkoskie. The Current caught some earlybird partygoers. (See photos below)
From left: Sigrid Geddes (Sigrids Naturals), Anna and Jan Sagatowska (Wilno Craft Gallery)
From left: Anne Burns and Rob Bersan warm up; Audry Bromwich and MV Councillor Carl Bromwich
From left: partygoers at the Grand Opening; Councillors David Shulist and Mark Willmer with Janet Adams
Councillor David Shulist, proudly sporting a Wilno Rink toque, said the community efforts to rebuild the rink echoed the theme of the children’s story The Little Engine That Could. Referring to optimism and hard work, Shulist said,
Wilno is the little town that could … and did.
Councillor Carl Bromwich said it was a great night that illustrates what can be achieved when people work together.
What’s next for Wilno Rink? This week’s schedule:
- Wed. Jan. 30 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. MV league juniors/teens broomball (Wilno vs. Combermere)
- Thurs. Jan. 31 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. OPP Elementary School Broomball tournament
- Sat. Feb. 2 all day Wilno Winter Classic Broomball tournament
All other times rink is open for use to the public. Rink dues can be paid on site. The canteen will be open most week nights.
Wilno Recreation Committee representative Con Bersan said the fundraising will continue until the community contribution goal is achieved. January isn’t over yet so there’s still time to get a Wilno Rink 2019 Calendar. Likewise winter isn’t over yet, so Wilno Rink toques are still available. To purchase these items, buy a usage pass or make a donation, please email wilnorink@gmail.com
Featured photo at top: Wilno Rink on Facebook
Broomball photo: Beingmerry – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65755341
