FLYING PUCKS OR FLYING CAMELS — NO NEED TO CHOOSE Figure skating or hockey? Many skaters are
forced to decide between the two soon after their time in learn-to-skate (LTS) classes ends. For some, this decision can be difficult. However, ask Sheryl Franks and there is an easy answer. “Let them do both.” Franks, a 1980 Olympian and three-time U.S.
Having fun is the name of the game at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School.
bronze medalist pairs skater with Michael Botticel- li, teamed up with Laurie Baker, a 1994 Olympic silver medalist and 1998 Olympic gold medalist in women’s hockey, to create a unique LTS program. Based at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Mass., where Baker works as the varsity girls hockey coach and associate director of athletics, the program emphasizes creativity and encourages skaters to try both figure skating and hockey. “Laurie and I are on the same page,” Franks
said. “We both think that a skater can choose one sport or do both because skating will help hockey and hockey will help figure skating.” In addition to encouraging skaters to try fig-
ure skating and hockey, Franks and Baker also use hockey players as LTS instructors, a relatively new concept. As a result, many boys have started in the LTS program as well. Although the LTS program is open to every-
one, the rink hosts public skates for Buckingham Browne & Nichols families, which gives Franks and Baker additional opportunities to promote skating and their LTS program. “We give advice and tips at family skating
sessions to encourage them and show that learn- to-skate is for everyone,” Franks said.
— Kristin Zinsmeister SKATE FOR JOY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
John Zimmerman, three-time U.S. pairs champion and 2002 World bronze medalist, helped the Hershey Figure Skating Club celebrate its annual holi- day show. Club members performed “Journey Around the World,” which also featured Zimmerman. “Our holiday show is special to the skaters because we provide the opportunity to skate un- der the spotlights,” club president Vicki Yingst said. “Also, the show provided a great welcome-back for our skaters Ju- lia Beichler and Alexander Petrov, who returned from the U.S. Junior Champion- ships with a silver medal in intermedi- ate dance.” Zimmerman held a clinic with several skaters the night before the show. Following the show, a recep- tion took place in the historic Ice Palace (original home of the Hershey FSC in 1934), where the skaters mingled with each other and visited with Zimmerman. Hershey Entertainment and Resorts pro- vided guided tours of the historic venue. “I thought the whole weekend was a great way to boost club morale and get skaters excited for the second half of the year,” Yingst said.
No doubt, figure skating brings smiles to many faces, and one group, Skate For Joy, is happy
to keep with tradition, bringing smiles to young children in Providence, R.I. Skate for Joy was created in 2001 by Carolyn Drumm, a former professional figure skater.
The nonprofit organization’s mission is to help children discover the joy of skating and also to en- hance their physical fitness and self-esteem in a fun learning environment. The organization targets inner-city youth from Providence. The children participate in the U.S.
Figure Skating Basic Skills Program, learning the fundamentals of skating. In 2010, Skate for Joy launched its synchronized skating program. Skate for Joy also emphasizes the importance of setting goals and respecting others to its
young skaters. “Skating is a conduit for our youth-development program — the life skills they acquire can put them on the right path in life,” Drumm said. Skate for Joy celebrated its 10th anniversary in a
special way in early December. Mayor Angel Taveras recognized the organization and its contributions to the community during the annual holiday Providence tree lighting festivities. Skate for Joy’s synchronized team also performed at the event. As more children participate in Skate for Joy’s
programs, the costs increase for the nonprofit. To learn more about ways to support Skate for Joy, visit skate-
forjoy.org. The organization is also on Facebook, and
YouTube (SkateForJoyRI). PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL MITCHELL, MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Carolyn Drumm (green coat) and members of Skate for Joy take part in Providence’s annual tree lighting festivities.
— Kama Korvela
Members of the Ice Mountain FSC in Burton, Mich., blended popular children’s Christmas stories into a benefit program titled “Twas the Night Before Christmas with a Pink Twist.” Proceeds from the Dec. 9 event benefitted the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Twenty-two skaters took part in the exhibition, which included a “Glow of Hope” ceremony at the end of the event. The ceremony honored a skater’s loved one who has been affected by cancer. Tea lights were provided to skaters and the names of their loved ones were read out loud.
44 FEBRUARY 2012
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