Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club
Little Rock">
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club
Little Rock, Arkansas
News
from the Edge
March 2005
Diamond Edge Figure
Skating Club
P.O. Box 23495
Little Rock, AR 72221
http://www.diamondedgefsc.org
Contact Us
Message from the President
Time has a way of running past us at a fast pace. The older we get the
faster it gets. In proof of this point, these last three years serving on
the Board of Directors for Diamond Edge FSC has quickly passed. It seems in
many ways that I just began. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as
one of your directors, your treasurer, various chair positions, and as your
President. I never truly appreciated the members who have served in the
various positions in our club until I served in similar positions. To all
those members, I say “Thank you”. Without these people, DEFSC would cease to
exist. It takes a group of dedicated people for our club to continue moving
forward.
In June, we will see a new board and new officers. I wish them all the
best. Whatever I can do to help this club, this sport, and our members, I
will do. With them, they will bring new ideas and new goals and objectives.
We all need to support the board. There are many routes to take to reach the
same goal – to promote the sport of figure skating.
You have the opportunity at our annual meeting in May to vote in board
members that you feel would best represent you and will have the club’s best
interest in mind. This election is not to be taken lightly. The Board of
Directors dictates the direction of DEFSC. Keep this in mind in making your
decisions. The slate of candidates for election is printed in this
newsletter. This slate comes from the elected members of the Nominating
Committee. I would like to thank Amanda Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle
McDonald, and Linda Thornton for their work on this committee. The slate
brought by the committee is just a recommendation. The floor may be opened
for additional nominations.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the members of
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club for allowing me to represent you. Your
interest and the success of this club have dictated all of my actions. This
club consists of different groups with different needs. One group cannot and
must not overshadow another. I adopted this criteria in my decision making
process and hope my actions mirrored this need. Although I may not be
involved in the running of DEFSC, I will continue my commitment to this club
and to this sport. Thanks for your support!
See you on the ice,
Devon
Candidates for DEFSC Board are Announced
The
nominating committee for the DEFSC Board of Directors, consisting of Amanda
Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle McDonald, and
Linda Thornton, recommend the following candidates:
Amanda Griffin, Shelly Small, Sandy Bowen.
These
candidates would replace the currently retiring board members: Devon Beck, Lisa
Lufkin, and Kay Shuttleworth. The committee also recommended that nominations
for additional candidates be received from the floor during the annual meeting
in May.
The
nominating committee was elected during a general meeting of the DEFSC to
provide a slate of candidates for the DEFSC board.
Please
make a point of reviewing these candidates over the next weeks and making a
determination as to whither you want to accept the recommendation of the
nominating committee or to offer any additional candidates during the annual
meeting.
Youth Corner
By Madeleine
Rickert
Hello everyone! I hope each one of you
had two wonderful months. The last two months were rough for me, but
these months reminded me of something that I had taken for granted. My
ice time was pretty much cut in half. The lack of ice time reminded me
why I love figure skating so much. When I was unable to get to the rink,
the rink was the only place I wanted to be. No matter what is happening
off the ice, as soon as I step on the ice I feel so much better. I am
sure every one of you understand what I am saying.
The time away also reminded me of my
favorite feeling. That feeling is, nothing less than the ice itself.
When I step on the ice, it feels so smooth, so elegant. All my worries
just glide away. I also love the control. Unlike basketball, I don’t
have to rely on someone else in order to make the points. No matter how
a judge rates me or another skater skates, it always ends with me and
only me. This sounds lonely, but I like the feeling of depending on just
myself. I feel the power ice skating gives whether I am jumping,
spinning, or doing field moves. Sometimes I close my eyes (when I am far
from the boards and no one else is on the ice!) and try to focus on only
the feeling of the slender blade’s edge against the smooth ice.
Sometimes I take this joy for granted. Sometimes I wish I could sleep
longer or do something with my friends instead of skate. But after
having my ice time split in half, every opportunity I have to skate I
try to take.
I don’t know about any of you, but I
know that even a day off from skating weakens me. I come back feeling
tired, out of breath, and as if everything is off. I hate that feeling.
My mistake during the time off was that I didn’t do anything physically
demanding that made up for the lack of time on the ice.
I also missed all of you at the rink.
No matter what politics are going on inside or outside the rink, each
one of you greeted me with nothing but smiles. The adults talked to me
about everything that was happening at the rink and the young ones were
as goofy as ever. You people make me smile!
I hope everyone feels the same as I do
about skating. My advice is never take any breaks, never take anything
you love like skating for granted, never doubt the people around you,
and never forget those pesky unwanted off-ice exercises!
See you at the rink! Sk8Gr8!
Madeleine Rickert
If you have any ideas for this article,
please e-mail me at
gr8sk8r@ipa.net.
Adults
Only
By
Anne Eden
What is an “adult skater” anyway? U.S. Figure Skating defines it as
someone who learned to skate after age 25, or tested no higher than Juv.
Free Skate level as a youngster. Skaters 25 or older who have passed the
Int. Free Skate test or higher are classified as “Masters Level
Skaters”.
Some adult competitions are now offering a group called “Young Adults”
for skaters 18-24 who have started skating late, or are no longer
competitive at standard-track competitions.
For those of you that ice dance, please consider attending some ice
dance weekends this year. It will be the most fun you ever have on ice!
You meet wonderful people, learn by partnering with skaters with a wide
variety of skill levels, go to seminars, usually have a dinner dance or
other social activity, and skate until you could drop!
A good one to start with is the Peoria Illinois Ice Dance Weekend, July
15-17, 2005, at the Illinois Valley FSC, Owens Center, Peoria, IL.
Contact Loy & Jeanne Schick (I’ll get a phone # if you’re interested).
You may have seen the article in the latest Skating magazine about
romance on the ice – Jeanne & Loy were featured in the article.
Other “adult-friendly” events coming up:
4/13/05 2005 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Overland Park,
Kansas
7/25 – 7/30/05 ISI World Recreational Team Championships in Southern
California
8/2 – 6/05 Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships
8/5 – 7/05 Queen City Invitational in Cincinnati
Also, to be held sometime in late August or early September will be the
Peach Classic All-Adult Competition.
Meanwhile, back at our rink, DEFSC adult skaters have been busily
rehearsing for the upcoming “Rainbow Connection” show in March. We’re
having a lot of fun working together on our group number. These group
numbers have made many of us wish that we had time to form a precision
team.
Next issue, we’ll publish results from recent competitions and test
results that our adults have been successful in.
Happy Skating!
As the Ice Freezes…By
Todd Wages
Wow, has it really been 8 years? This season marks my 8th
anniversary of employment at this facility. Over the course of these
years, I have acquired many lasting memories: the disastrous props for
the “Frosty and Friends” Christmas show, my broken leg and surgery, Lech
selling the rink in 2000, and a year long hiatus as I worked for a
European pastry chef in the Heights, and more. In and through it all,
what has meant the most has been the honor of meeting and developing
relationships with so many skaters and their families. Is it any wonder
that we become family, spending so much time (and money) together? With
the passing time, it thrills me to have the opportunity to do what I
love and enjoy and to be around those people who inspire, encourage, and
give my life a purpose. My sincerest thanks go out to those who are
patient and flexible with the Management and Staff of the Skatium. It
can be very overwhelming and over the top trying to juggle the
responsibilities of this type of business as all of you well know. My
best wishes for an incredible year and lots and lots of fun on the ice!
Lech Matuszewski and
Carol Worley Wed
Lech Matuszewski, previous owner of the Skatium and longtime figure
skating coach for members of the DEFSC has married Carol Worley, a
lawyer with a local law firm and mother of figure skater Claire Worley.
Lech is a member of PSA, USFSA, and ISI. He was a 1979, 1980, 1981
Polish National Pairs Champion, an international competitor and coach of
national competitors, as well as an ISI Certified Gold Judge.
When asked if she wanted to say anything for the DEFSC newsletter, Carol
said “You can say that I love him very, very much.”
They were married on January 15, 2005 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lech
and Carol live in Maumelle along with Jessica, Claire, and Tanner.
Carol’s daughter Claire is a very active figure skater and enjoys
demonstrating her talent at the Skatium and many other rinks throughout
the year.
Please join in congratulating and
welcoming this recently joined family into our extended figure skating
family! We wish you much happiness and smooth skating!
Coaches Corner
By
Amanda Griffin
U.S. Nationals 2005—Portland
Oregon
U.S. Nationals is always an
exciting competition, and one of the best, because there is so much team
spirit throughout the audience. There was a damper on the events,
though, because this competition included somber moments, mourning the
tragic death of Senior Ladies skater, Angela Nikodinov’s, mother midway
through the competition.
At the beginning of the Senior
Women’s competition, there was a moment of silence in respect of Ms.
Nikodinov and a song was performed. The audience was very responsive.
That night was unusual in that the skater’s seemed to be skating for
Angela and her teammate, Timothy Goebel, showed much emotion during his
performance.
In support of the skaters needs,
backstage services provided seamstresses, hair and makeup artists, and
boot/blade experts.
Jay Lilly from Little Rock, now
training in Dallas, performed wonderfully with his partner Stephanie
Segian. They placed 12th
overall in the Junior Dance division.
Angels on Ice
Our sincerest thanks go to Sarah Holloway
and Madeleine Rickert for helping out the local Lion's World group on
Saturday, January 22, 2005. Todd Wages sent out an e-mail before this
Saturday in regards to some visually impaired individuals who wished to
come ice skating. Because of the generosity and kindness of Sarah and
Madeleine, this wish was granted! We are sure that Angels in Heaven are
smiling down on these two.
DEFSC Members Excel in Dallas
A team of figure skaters from the Arkansas Skatium competed in the ISI
Winter Classic in Dallas February 18-20 and came away with high marks.
In the competitions our skaters scored several first place wins and
numerous 2nd and 3rd places against some very good skaters. Overall the
team from the Arkansas Skatium ranked 14th out of approximately 30 teams
from all over North America. In the ISI skating magazine, you will
notice a picture of DEFSC club member Astrid MacGarry in the spread of
pictures from the Winter Classic.
Please join in congratulating all of the individuals in the
Arkansas Skatium team.
Jay and
Stephanie in Nationals
Newcomers to the national scene, former DEFSC member, Jay Lilly and
partner, Stephanie Segien took 12th place overall. Compulsory dances
chosen this year were the Cha Cha Congelado and the Starlight Waltz.
Each dance is worth 10% of the final result.
During warm up for the Starlight Waltz, Augie Hill, a fellow training
member with Jay in Dallas, collided with Jay and Stephanie sending Jay
to the ice with a thud. Fortunately, Jay jumped back up without any
apparent injury. They skipped the draw for skating order to allow Jay to
be examined by a physician, returning to skate both dances.
Art Work
donated for Ice Show
In the last 9 years Carole
Katchen’s paintings and sculptures have been featured in exhibits and
private collections throughout Arkansas. She came to Arkansas already
recognized internationally; her work is now sold in 32 countries. Her
art is exhibited regularly at Alpha Gallery, Little Rock; Legacy
Gallery, Hot Springs, AR; Gore Creek Gallery, Vail, CO, and Telluride
Gallery of Fine Art, Telluride, CO. She lives in Hot Springs, AR, where
she is Chairperson for the city’s Arts Advisory Committee.
Carole generously donated an
original picture drawn especially for our ice show. This picture was
featured in the ice show program and was also made available for
purchase during the ice show with all proceeds going to the DEFSC. Our
thanks go out to Carole Katchen for her generous donation.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Mar
Devon Beck—3-Mar
Linda Thornton—4-Mar
Joie McCarty—23-Mar
Gabrielle Lilly—31-Mar
Apr
Will McVoy—2-Apr
Meghan McCarty—3-Apr
Lynne Patterson—10 Apr
Laura Kutsch—22 Apr
May
Kay Shuttleworth—5-May
Tonya Breeding—9-May
Jun
Lisa Lufkin—1-Jun
Jenny Floyd—5-Jun
Courtney Small—7-Jun
Lindsay Marvin—14-Jun
Upcoming Ice Events
April 2004
01
Fort
Collins Classic 2005/Skatefest 2005
in Edora Pool Ice Center, 1801 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado
80525
03
16th
Annual Spring Fling Basic Skills Competition
in Motto McLean Ice Arena, Omaha, Nebraska
07
Skate Kansas City in Pepsi Ice
Midwest, 12140 W. 135th, Overland Park, Kansas 66221
09
Thoroughbred Figure Skating and Basic Skills Competition
in Lexington Ice Center, 560 Eureka Springs Drive, Lexington, Kentucky
40517
10
Skate Kansas City Basic Skills 2005
in Pepsi Ice Midwest, Kansas City, Missouri
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
16
Spring Funtastics and Colorado Showcase
in Apex Ice Arena, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Aurora, Colorado 80005
20
Phoenix Fiesta Skate in Phoenix,
Arizona
22
Skate Dallas 2005 in Dr. Pepper
Star Center - Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas
76051
23
2005
Colorado College Challenge Cup Basic Skills Competition
in Honnen Ice Arena, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
28
Skate Nashville in Southern Ice
Arena, 215 Gothic Court, Franklin, Tennessee 37221
May 2005
14
Spring Fling 2005 in Tulsa Ice
Arena, Tulsa, Oklahoma
16
2005
North American RINK Conference & Expo (NARCE)
in Chicago, Illinois
June 2005
2
Skate Austin Bluebonnet Open in
Chaparral Ice, 14200 N. IH 35, Austin, Texas 78728
3
2005
Mountain Cup Adult International Competition
in Villard-de-Lans, France
9-10
Wichita Mid-Continent Invitational
in Ice Sports - Wichita, 505 W. Maple, Wichita, Kansas 67213
10
2005
International Adult Figure Skating Competition
in Oberstdorf, Germany
March
04
2005
Midwestern Adult Sectional Championships
in Mark 'Pa'
Sertich Ice Center, 1701 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs,
Colorado
14
2005
World Figure Skating Championships
in Moscow, Russia
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice
Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! WE APPRECIATE YOU.
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Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club
Little Rock">
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club
Little Rock, Arkansas
News
from the Edge
March 2005
Diamond Edge Figure
Skating Club
P.O. Box 23495
Little Rock, AR 72221
http://www.diamondedgefsc.org
Contact Us
Message from the President
Time has a way of running past us at a fast pace. The older we get the
faster it gets. In proof of this point, these last three years serving on
the Board of Directors for Diamond Edge FSC has quickly passed. It seems in
many ways that I just began. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as
one of your directors, your treasurer, various chair positions, and as your
President. I never truly appreciated the members who have served in the
various positions in our club until I served in similar positions. To all
those members, I say “Thank you”. Without these people, DEFSC would cease to
exist. It takes a group of dedicated people for our club to continue moving
forward.
In June, we will see a new board and new officers. I wish them all the
best. Whatever I can do to help this club, this sport, and our members, I
will do. With them, they will bring new ideas and new goals and objectives.
We all need to support the board. There are many routes to take to reach the
same goal – to promote the sport of figure skating.
You have the opportunity at our annual meeting in May to vote in board
members that you feel would best represent you and will have the club’s best
interest in mind. This election is not to be taken lightly. The Board of
Directors dictates the direction of DEFSC. Keep this in mind in making your
decisions. The slate of candidates for election is printed in this
newsletter. This slate comes from the elected members of the Nominating
Committee. I would like to thank Amanda Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle
McDonald, and Linda Thornton for their work on this committee. The slate
brought by the committee is just a recommendation. The floor may be opened
for additional nominations.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the members of
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club for allowing me to represent you. Your
interest and the success of this club have dictated all of my actions. This
club consists of different groups with different needs. One group cannot and
must not overshadow another. I adopted this criteria in my decision making
process and hope my actions mirrored this need. Although I may not be
involved in the running of DEFSC, I will continue my commitment to this club
and to this sport. Thanks for your support!
See you on the ice,
Devon
Candidates for DEFSC Board are Announced
The
nominating committee for the DEFSC Board of Directors, consisting of Amanda
Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle McDonald, and
Linda Thornton, recommend the following candidates:
Amanda Griffin, Shelly Small, Sandy Bowen.
These
candidates would replace the currently retiring board members: Devon Beck, Lisa
Lufkin, and Kay Shuttleworth. The committee also recommended that nominations
for additional candidates be received from the floor during the annual meeting
in May.
The
nominating committee was elected during a general meeting of the DEFSC to
provide a slate of candidates for the DEFSC board.
Please
make a point of reviewing these candidates over the next weeks and making a
determination as to whither you want to accept the recommendation of the
nominating committee or to offer any additional candidates during the annual
meeting.
Youth Corner
By Madeleine
Rickert
Hello everyone! I hope each one of you
had two wonderful months. The last two months were rough for me, but
these months reminded me of something that I had taken for granted. My
ice time was pretty much cut in half. The lack of ice time reminded me
why I love figure skating so much. When I was unable to get to the rink,
the rink was the only place I wanted to be. No matter what is happening
off the ice, as soon as I step on the ice I feel so much better. I am
sure every one of you understand what I am saying.
The time away also reminded me of my
favorite feeling. That feeling is, nothing less than the ice itself.
When I step on the ice, it feels so smooth, so elegant. All my worries
just glide away. I also love the control. Unlike basketball, I don’t
have to rely on someone else in order to make the points. No matter how
a judge rates me or another skater skates, it always ends with me and
only me. This sounds lonely, but I like the feeling of depending on just
myself. I feel the power ice skating gives whether I am jumping,
spinning, or doing field moves. Sometimes I close my eyes (when I am far
from the boards and no one else is on the ice!) and try to focus on only
the feeling of the slender blade’s edge against the smooth ice.
Sometimes I take this joy for granted. Sometimes I wish I could sleep
longer or do something with my friends instead of skate. But after
having my ice time split in half, every opportunity I have to skate I
try to take.
I don’t know about any of you, but I
know that even a day off from skating weakens me. I come back feeling
tired, out of breath, and as if everything is off. I hate that feeling.
My mistake during the time off was that I didn’t do anything physically
demanding that made up for the lack of time on the ice.
I also missed all of you at the rink.
No matter what politics are going on inside or outside the rink, each
one of you greeted me with nothing but smiles. The adults talked to me
about everything that was happening at the rink and the young ones were
as goofy as ever. You people make me smile!
I hope everyone feels the same as I do
about skating. My advice is never take any breaks, never take anything
you love like skating for granted, never doubt the people around you,
and never forget those pesky unwanted off-ice exercises!
See you at the rink! Sk8Gr8!
Madeleine Rickert
If you have any ideas for this article,
please e-mail me at
gr8sk8r@ipa.net.
Adults
Only
By
Anne Eden
What is an “adult skater” anyway? U.S. Figure Skating defines it as
someone who learned to skate after age 25, or tested no higher than Juv.
Free Skate level as a youngster. Skaters 25 or older who have passed the
Int. Free Skate test or higher are classified as “Masters Level
Skaters”.
Some adult competitions are now offering a group called “Young Adults”
for skaters 18-24 who have started skating late, or are no longer
competitive at standard-track competitions.
For those of you that ice dance, please consider attending some ice
dance weekends this year. It will be the most fun you ever have on ice!
You meet wonderful people, learn by partnering with skaters with a wide
variety of skill levels, go to seminars, usually have a dinner dance or
other social activity, and skate until you could drop!
A good one to start with is the Peoria Illinois Ice Dance Weekend, July
15-17, 2005, at the Illinois Valley FSC, Owens Center, Peoria, IL.
Contact Loy & Jeanne Schick (I’ll get a phone # if you’re interested).
You may have seen the article in the latest Skating magazine about
romance on the ice – Jeanne & Loy were featured in the article.
Other “adult-friendly” events coming up:
4/13/05 2005 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Overland Park,
Kansas
7/25 – 7/30/05 ISI World Recreational Team Championships in Southern
California
8/2 – 6/05 Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships
8/5 – 7/05 Queen City Invitational in Cincinnati
Also, to be held sometime in late August or early September will be the
Peach Classic All-Adult Competition.
Meanwhile, back at our rink, DEFSC adult skaters have been busily
rehearsing for the upcoming “Rainbow Connection” show in March. We’re
having a lot of fun working together on our group number. These group
numbers have made many of us wish that we had time to form a precision
team.
Next issue, we’ll publish results from recent competitions and test
results that our adults have been successful in.
Happy Skating!
As the Ice Freezes…By
Todd Wages
Wow, has it really been 8 years? This season marks my 8th
anniversary of employment at this facility. Over the course of these
years, I have acquired many lasting memories: the disastrous props for
the “Frosty and Friends” Christmas show, my broken leg and surgery, Lech
selling the rink in 2000, and a year long hiatus as I worked for a
European pastry chef in the Heights, and more. In and through it all,
what has meant the most has been the honor of meeting and developing
relationships with so many skaters and their families. Is it any wonder
that we become family, spending so much time (and money) together? With
the passing time, it thrills me to have the opportunity to do what I
love and enjoy and to be around those people who inspire, encourage, and
give my life a purpose. My sincerest thanks go out to those who are
patient and flexible with the Management and Staff of the Skatium. It
can be very overwhelming and over the top trying to juggle the
responsibilities of this type of business as all of you well know. My
best wishes for an incredible year and lots and lots of fun on the ice!
Lech Matuszewski and
Carol Worley Wed
Lech Matuszewski, previous owner of the Skatium and longtime figure
skating coach for members of the DEFSC has married Carol Worley, a
lawyer with a local law firm and mother of figure skater Claire Worley.
Lech is a member of PSA, USFSA, and ISI. He was a 1979, 1980, 1981
Polish National Pairs Champion, an international competitor and coach of
national competitors, as well as an ISI Certified Gold Judge.
When asked if she wanted to say anything for the DEFSC newsletter, Carol
said “You can say that I love him very, very much.”
They were married on January 15, 2005 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lech
and Carol live in Maumelle along with Jessica, Claire, and Tanner.
Carol’s daughter Claire is a very active figure skater and enjoys
demonstrating her talent at the Skatium and many other rinks throughout
the year.
Please join in congratulating and
welcoming this recently joined family into our extended figure skating
family! We wish you much happiness and smooth skating!
Coaches Corner
By
Amanda Griffin
U.S. Nationals 2005—Portland
Oregon
U.S. Nationals is always an
exciting competition, and one of the best, because there is so much team
spirit throughout the audience. There was a damper on the events,
though, because this competition included somber moments, mourning the
tragic death of Senior Ladies skater, Angela Nikodinov’s, mother midway
through the competition.
At the beginning of the Senior
Women’s competition, there was a moment of silence in respect of Ms.
Nikodinov and a song was performed. The audience was very responsive.
That night was unusual in that the skater’s seemed to be skating for
Angela and her teammate, Timothy Goebel, showed much emotion during his
performance.
In support of the skaters needs,
backstage services provided seamstresses, hair and makeup artists, and
boot/blade experts.
Jay Lilly from Little Rock, now
training in Dallas, performed wonderfully with his partner Stephanie
Segian. They placed 12th
overall in the Junior Dance division.
Angels on Ice
Our sincerest thanks go to Sarah Holloway
and Madeleine Rickert for helping out the local Lion's World group on
Saturday, January 22, 2005. Todd Wages sent out an e-mail before this
Saturday in regards to some visually impaired individuals who wished to
come ice skating. Because of the generosity and kindness of Sarah and
Madeleine, this wish was granted! We are sure that Angels in Heaven are
smiling down on these two.
DEFSC Members Excel in Dallas
A team of figure skaters from the Arkansas Skatium competed in the ISI
Winter Classic in Dallas February 18-20 and came away with high marks.
In the competitions our skaters scored several first place wins and
numerous 2nd and 3rd places against some very good skaters. Overall the
team from the Arkansas Skatium ranked 14th out of approximately 30 teams
from all over North America. In the ISI skating magazine, you will
notice a picture of DEFSC club member Astrid MacGarry in the spread of
pictures from the Winter Classic.
Please join in congratulating all of the individuals in the
Arkansas Skatium team.
Jay and
Stephanie in Nationals
Newcomers to the national scene, former DEFSC member, Jay Lilly and
partner, Stephanie Segien took 12th place overall. Compulsory dances
chosen this year were the Cha Cha Congelado and the Starlight Waltz.
Each dance is worth 10% of the final result.
During warm up for the Starlight Waltz, Augie Hill, a fellow training
member with Jay in Dallas, collided with Jay and Stephanie sending Jay
to the ice with a thud. Fortunately, Jay jumped back up without any
apparent injury. They skipped the draw for skating order to allow Jay to
be examined by a physician, returning to skate both dances.
Art Work
donated for Ice Show
In the last 9 years Carole
Katchen’s paintings and sculptures have been featured in exhibits and
private collections throughout Arkansas. She came to Arkansas already
recognized internationally; her work is now sold in 32 countries. Her
art is exhibited regularly at Alpha Gallery, Little Rock; Legacy
Gallery, Hot Springs, AR; Gore Creek Gallery, Vail, CO, and Telluride
Gallery of Fine Art, Telluride, CO. She lives in Hot Springs, AR, where
she is Chairperson for the city’s Arts Advisory Committee.
Carole generously donated an
original picture drawn especially for our ice show. This picture was
featured in the ice show program and was also made available for
purchase during the ice show with all proceeds going to the DEFSC. Our
thanks go out to Carole Katchen for her generous donation.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Mar
Devon Beck—3-Mar
Linda Thornton—4-Mar
Joie McCarty—23-Mar
Gabrielle Lilly—31-Mar
Apr
Will McVoy—2-Apr
Meghan McCarty—3-Apr
Lynne Patterson—10 Apr
Laura Kutsch—22 Apr
May
Kay Shuttleworth—5-May
Tonya Breeding—9-May
Jun
Lisa Lufkin—1-Jun
Jenny Floyd—5-Jun
Courtney Small—7-Jun
Lindsay Marvin—14-Jun
Upcoming Ice Events
April 2004
01
Fort
Collins Classic 2005/Skatefest 2005
in Edora Pool Ice Center, 1801 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado
80525
03
16th
Annual Spring Fling Basic Skills Competition
in Motto McLean Ice Arena, Omaha, Nebraska
07
Skate Kansas City in Pepsi Ice
Midwest, 12140 W. 135th, Overland Park, Kansas 66221
09
Thoroughbred Figure Skating and Basic Skills Competition
in Lexington Ice Center, 560 Eureka Springs Drive, Lexington, Kentucky
40517
10
Skate Kansas City Basic Skills 2005
in Pepsi Ice Midwest, Kansas City, Missouri
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
16
Spring Funtastics and Colorado Showcase
in Apex Ice Arena, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Aurora, Colorado 80005
20
Phoenix Fiesta Skate in Phoenix,
Arizona
22
Skate Dallas 2005 in Dr. Pepper
Star Center - Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas
76051
23
2005
Colorado College Challenge Cup Basic Skills Competition
in Honnen Ice Arena, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
28
Skate Nashville in Southern Ice
Arena, 215 Gothic Court, Franklin, Tennessee 37221
May 2005
14
Spring Fling 2005 in Tulsa Ice
Arena, Tulsa, Oklahoma
16
2005
North American RINK Conference & Expo (NARCE)
in Chicago, Illinois
June 2005
2
Skate Austin Bluebonnet Open in
Chaparral Ice, 14200 N. IH 35, Austin, Texas 78728
3
2005
Mountain Cup Adult International Competition
in Villard-de-Lans, France
9-10
Wichita Mid-Continent Invitational
in Ice Sports - Wichita, 505 W. Maple, Wichita, Kansas 67213
10
2005
International Adult Figure Skating Competition
in Oberstdorf, Germany
March
04
2005
Midwestern Adult Sectional Championships
in Mark 'Pa'
Sertich Ice Center, 1701 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs,
Colorado
14
2005
World Figure Skating Championships
in Moscow, Russia
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice
Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! WE APPRECIATE YOU.
Silver Sponsors
TBaptist
Health
TSave•A•Lot
Food Stores
You Are Visitor Number
This Page was Last Updated on
04/10/06
This site is maintained by
webmaster@DiamondEdgeFSC.org
Graphics By:
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club
Little Rock, Arkansas
News
from the Edge
March 2005
Diamond Edge Figure
Skating Club
P.O. Box 23495
Little Rock, AR 72221
http://www.diamondedgefsc.org
Contact Us
Message from the President
Time has a way of running past us at a fast pace. The older we get the
faster it gets. In proof of this point, these last three years serving on
the Board of Directors for Diamond Edge FSC has quickly passed. It seems in
many ways that I just began. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as
one of your directors, your treasurer, various chair positions, and as your
President. I never truly appreciated the members who have served in the
various positions in our club until I served in similar positions. To all
those members, I say “Thank you”. Without these people, DEFSC would cease to
exist. It takes a group of dedicated people for our club to continue moving
forward.
In June, we will see a new board and new officers. I wish them all the
best. Whatever I can do to help this club, this sport, and our members, I
will do. With them, they will bring new ideas and new goals and objectives.
We all need to support the board. There are many routes to take to reach the
same goal – to promote the sport of figure skating.
You have the opportunity at our annual meeting in May to vote in board
members that you feel would best represent you and will have the club’s best
interest in mind. This election is not to be taken lightly. The Board of
Directors dictates the direction of DEFSC. Keep this in mind in making your
decisions. The slate of candidates for election is printed in this
newsletter. This slate comes from the elected members of the Nominating
Committee. I would like to thank Amanda Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle
McDonald, and Linda Thornton for their work on this committee. The slate
brought by the committee is just a recommendation. The floor may be opened
for additional nominations.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the members of
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club for allowing me to represent you. Your
interest and the success of this club have dictated all of my actions. This
club consists of different groups with different needs. One group cannot and
must not overshadow another. I adopted this criteria in my decision making
process and hope my actions mirrored this need. Although I may not be
involved in the running of DEFSC, I will continue my commitment to this club
and to this sport. Thanks for your support!
See you on the ice,
Devon
Candidates for DEFSC Board are Announced
The
nominating committee for the DEFSC Board of Directors, consisting of Amanda
Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle McDonald, and
Linda Thornton, recommend the following candidates:
Amanda Griffin, Shelly Small, Sandy Bowen.
These
candidates would replace the currently retiring board members: Devon Beck, Lisa
Lufkin, and Kay Shuttleworth. The committee also recommended that nominations
for additional candidates be received from the floor during the annual meeting
in May.
The
nominating committee was elected during a general meeting of the DEFSC to
provide a slate of candidates for the DEFSC board.
Please
make a point of reviewing these candidates over the next weeks and making a
determination as to whither you want to accept the recommendation of the
nominating committee or to offer any additional candidates during the annual
meeting.
Youth Corner
By Madeleine
Rickert
Hello everyone! I hope each one of you
had two wonderful months. The last two months were rough for me, but
these months reminded me of something that I had taken for granted. My
ice time was pretty much cut in half. The lack of ice time reminded me
why I love figure skating so much. When I was unable to get to the rink,
the rink was the only place I wanted to be. No matter what is happening
off the ice, as soon as I step on the ice I feel so much better. I am
sure every one of you understand what I am saying.
The time away also reminded me of my
favorite feeling. That feeling is, nothing less than the ice itself.
When I step on the ice, it feels so smooth, so elegant. All my worries
just glide away. I also love the control. Unlike basketball, I don’t
have to rely on someone else in order to make the points. No matter how
a judge rates me or another skater skates, it always ends with me and
only me. This sounds lonely, but I like the feeling of depending on just
myself. I feel the power ice skating gives whether I am jumping,
spinning, or doing field moves. Sometimes I close my eyes (when I am far
from the boards and no one else is on the ice!) and try to focus on only
the feeling of the slender blade’s edge against the smooth ice.
Sometimes I take this joy for granted. Sometimes I wish I could sleep
longer or do something with my friends instead of skate. But after
having my ice time split in half, every opportunity I have to skate I
try to take.
I don’t know about any of you, but I
know that even a day off from skating weakens me. I come back feeling
tired, out of breath, and as if everything is off. I hate that feeling.
My mistake during the time off was that I didn’t do anything physically
demanding that made up for the lack of time on the ice.
I also missed all of you at the rink.
No matter what politics are going on inside or outside the rink, each
one of you greeted me with nothing but smiles. The adults talked to me
about everything that was happening at the rink and the young ones were
as goofy as ever. You people make me smile!
I hope everyone feels the same as I do
about skating. My advice is never take any breaks, never take anything
you love like skating for granted, never doubt the people around you,
and never forget those pesky unwanted off-ice exercises!
See you at the rink! Sk8Gr8!
Madeleine Rickert
If you have any ideas for this article,
please e-mail me at
gr8sk8r@ipa.net.
Adults
Only
By
Anne Eden
What is an “adult skater” anyway? U.S. Figure Skating defines it as
someone who learned to skate after age 25, or tested no higher than Juv.
Free Skate level as a youngster. Skaters 25 or older who have passed the
Int. Free Skate test or higher are classified as “Masters Level
Skaters”.
Some adult competitions are now offering a group called “Young Adults”
for skaters 18-24 who have started skating late, or are no longer
competitive at standard-track competitions.
For those of you that ice dance, please consider attending some ice
dance weekends this year. It will be the most fun you ever have on ice!
You meet wonderful people, learn by partnering with skaters with a wide
variety of skill levels, go to seminars, usually have a dinner dance or
other social activity, and skate until you could drop!
A good one to start with is the Peoria Illinois Ice Dance Weekend, July
15-17, 2005, at the Illinois Valley FSC, Owens Center, Peoria, IL.
Contact Loy & Jeanne Schick (I’ll get a phone # if you’re interested).
You may have seen the article in the latest Skating magazine about
romance on the ice – Jeanne & Loy were featured in the article.
Other “adult-friendly” events coming up:
4/13/05 2005 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Overland Park,
Kansas
7/25 – 7/30/05 ISI World Recreational Team Championships in Southern
California
8/2 – 6/05 Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships
8/5 – 7/05 Queen City Invitational in Cincinnati
Also, to be held sometime in late August or early September will be the
Peach Classic All-Adult Competition.
Meanwhile, back at our rink, DEFSC adult skaters have been busily
rehearsing for the upcoming “Rainbow Connection” show in March. We’re
having a lot of fun working together on our group number. These group
numbers have made many of us wish that we had time to form a precision
team.
Next issue, we’ll publish results from recent competitions and test
results that our adults have been successful in.
Happy Skating!
As the Ice Freezes…By
Todd Wages
Wow, has it really been 8 years? This season marks my 8th
anniversary of employment at this facility. Over the course of these
years, I have acquired many lasting memories: the disastrous props for
the “Frosty and Friends” Christmas show, my broken leg and surgery, Lech
selling the rink in 2000, and a year long hiatus as I worked for a
European pastry chef in the Heights, and more. In and through it all,
what has meant the most has been the honor of meeting and developing
relationships with so many skaters and their families. Is it any wonder
that we become family, spending so much time (and money) together? With
the passing time, it thrills me to have the opportunity to do what I
love and enjoy and to be around those people who inspire, encourage, and
give my life a purpose. My sincerest thanks go out to those who are
patient and flexible with the Management and Staff of the Skatium. It
can be very overwhelming and over the top trying to juggle the
responsibilities of this type of business as all of you well know. My
best wishes for an incredible year and lots and lots of fun on the ice!
Lech Matuszewski and
Carol Worley Wed
Lech Matuszewski, previous owner of the Skatium and longtime figure
skating coach for members of the DEFSC has married Carol Worley, a
lawyer with a local law firm and mother of figure skater Claire Worley.
Lech is a member of PSA, USFSA, and ISI. He was a 1979, 1980, 1981
Polish National Pairs Champion, an international competitor and coach of
national competitors, as well as an ISI Certified Gold Judge.
When asked if she wanted to say anything for the DEFSC newsletter, Carol
said “You can say that I love him very, very much.”
They were married on January 15, 2005 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lech
and Carol live in Maumelle along with Jessica, Claire, and Tanner.
Carol’s daughter Claire is a very active figure skater and enjoys
demonstrating her talent at the Skatium and many other rinks throughout
the year.
Please join in congratulating and
welcoming this recently joined family into our extended figure skating
family! We wish you much happiness and smooth skating!
Coaches Corner
By
Amanda Griffin
U.S. Nationals 2005—Portland
Oregon
U.S. Nationals is always an
exciting competition, and one of the best, because there is so much team
spirit throughout the audience. There was a damper on the events,
though, because this competition included somber moments, mourning the
tragic death of Senior Ladies skater, Angela Nikodinov’s, mother midway
through the competition.
At the beginning of the Senior
Women’s competition, there was a moment of silence in respect of Ms.
Nikodinov and a song was performed. The audience was very responsive.
That night was unusual in that the skater’s seemed to be skating for
Angela and her teammate, Timothy Goebel, showed much emotion during his
performance.
In support of the skaters needs,
backstage services provided seamstresses, hair and makeup artists, and
boot/blade experts.
Jay Lilly from Little Rock, now
training in Dallas, performed wonderfully with his partner Stephanie
Segian. They placed 12th
overall in the Junior Dance division.
Angels on Ice
Our sincerest thanks go to Sarah Holloway
and Madeleine Rickert for helping out the local Lion's World group on
Saturday, January 22, 2005. Todd Wages sent out an e-mail before this
Saturday in regards to some visually impaired individuals who wished to
come ice skating. Because of the generosity and kindness of Sarah and
Madeleine, this wish was granted! We are sure that Angels in Heaven are
smiling down on these two.
DEFSC Members Excel in Dallas
A team of figure skaters from the Arkansas Skatium competed in the ISI
Winter Classic in Dallas February 18-20 and came away with high marks.
In the competitions our skaters scored several first place wins and
numerous 2nd and 3rd places against some very good skaters. Overall the
team from the Arkansas Skatium ranked 14th out of approximately 30 teams
from all over North America. In the ISI skating magazine, you will
notice a picture of DEFSC club member Astrid MacGarry in the spread of
pictures from the Winter Classic.
Please join in congratulating all of the individuals in the
Arkansas Skatium team.
Jay and
Stephanie in Nationals
Newcomers to the national scene, former DEFSC member, Jay Lilly and
partner, Stephanie Segien took 12th place overall. Compulsory dances
chosen this year were the Cha Cha Congelado and the Starlight Waltz.
Each dance is worth 10% of the final result.
During warm up for the Starlight Waltz, Augie Hill, a fellow training
member with Jay in Dallas, collided with Jay and Stephanie sending Jay
to the ice with a thud. Fortunately, Jay jumped back up without any
apparent injury. They skipped the draw for skating order to allow Jay to
be examined by a physician, returning to skate both dances.
Art Work
donated for Ice Show
In the last 9 years Carole
Katchen’s paintings and sculptures have been featured in exhibits and
private collections throughout Arkansas. She came to Arkansas already
recognized internationally; her work is now sold in 32 countries. Her
art is exhibited regularly at Alpha Gallery, Little Rock; Legacy
Gallery, Hot Springs, AR; Gore Creek Gallery, Vail, CO, and Telluride
Gallery of Fine Art, Telluride, CO. She lives in Hot Springs, AR, where
she is Chairperson for the city’s Arts Advisory Committee.
Carole generously donated an
original picture drawn especially for our ice show. This picture was
featured in the ice show program and was also made available for
purchase during the ice show with all proceeds going to the DEFSC. Our
thanks go out to Carole Katchen for her generous donation.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Mar
Devon Beck—3-Mar
Linda Thornton—4-Mar
Joie McCarty—23-Mar
Gabrielle Lilly—31-Mar
Apr
Will McVoy—2-Apr
Meghan McCarty—3-Apr
Lynne Patterson—10 Apr
Laura Kutsch—22 Apr
May
Kay Shuttleworth—5-May
Tonya Breeding—9-May
Jun
Lisa Lufkin—1-Jun
Jenny Floyd—5-Jun
Courtney Small—7-Jun
Lindsay Marvin—14-Jun
Upcoming Ice Events
April 2004
01
Fort
Collins Classic 2005/Skatefest 2005
in Edora Pool Ice Center, 1801 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado
80525
03
16th
Annual Spring Fling Basic Skills Competition
in Motto McLean Ice Arena, Omaha, Nebraska
07
Skate Kansas City in Pepsi Ice
Midwest, 12140 W. 135th, Overland Park, Kansas 66221
09
Thoroughbred Figure Skating and Basic Skills Competition
in Lexington Ice Center, 560 Eureka Springs Drive, Lexington, Kentucky
40517
10
Skate Kansas City Basic Skills 2005
in Pepsi Ice Midwest, Kansas City, Missouri
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
16
Spring Funtastics and Colorado Showcase
in Apex Ice Arena, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Aurora, Colorado 80005
20
Phoenix Fiesta Skate in Phoenix,
Arizona
22
Skate Dallas 2005 in Dr. Pepper
Star Center - Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas
76051
23
2005
Colorado College Challenge Cup Basic Skills Competition
in Honnen Ice Arena, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
28
Skate Nashville in Southern Ice
Arena, 215 Gothic Court, Franklin, Tennessee 37221
May 2005
14
Spring Fling 2005 in Tulsa Ice
Arena, Tulsa, Oklahoma
16
2005
North American RINK Conference & Expo (NARCE)
in Chicago, Illinois
June 2005
2
Skate Austin Bluebonnet Open in
Chaparral Ice, 14200 N. IH 35, Austin, Texas 78728
3
2005
Mountain Cup Adult International Competition
in Villard-de-Lans, France
9-10
Wichita Mid-Continent Invitational
in Ice Sports - Wichita, 505 W. Maple, Wichita, Kansas 67213
10
2005
International Adult Figure Skating Competition
in Oberstdorf, Germany
March
04
2005
Midwestern Adult Sectional Championships
in Mark 'Pa'
Sertich Ice Center, 1701 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs,
Colorado
14
2005
World Figure Skating Championships
in Moscow, Russia
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice
Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! WE APPRECIATE YOU.
Silver Sponsors
TBaptist
Health
TSave•A•Lot
Food Stores
You Are Visitor Number
This Page was Last Updated on
04/10/06
This site is maintained by
webmaster@DiamondEdgeFSC.org
Graphics By:
Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club
Little Rock, Arkansas
News
from the Edge
March 2005
P.O. Box 23495
Little Rock, AR 72221
http://www.diamondedgefsc.org
Contact Us
Candidates for DEFSC Board are Announced
The
nominating committee for the DEFSC Board of Directors, consisting of Amanda
Griffin, Lech Matuszewski, Michelle McDonald, and
Linda Thornton, recommend the following candidates:
Amanda Griffin, Shelly Small, Sandy Bowen.
These candidates would replace the currently retiring board members: Devon Beck, Lisa Lufkin, and Kay Shuttleworth. The committee also recommended that nominations for additional candidates be received from the floor during the annual meeting in May.
The nominating committee was elected during a general meeting of the DEFSC to provide a slate of candidates for the DEFSC board.
Please make a point of reviewing these candidates over the next weeks and making a determination as to whither you want to accept the recommendation of the nominating committee or to offer any additional candidates during the annual meeting.
Youth Corner
By Madeleine Rickert
Hello everyone! I hope each one of you had two wonderful months. The last two months were rough for me, but these months reminded me of something that I had taken for granted. My ice time was pretty much cut in half. The lack of ice time reminded me why I love figure skating so much. When I was unable to get to the rink, the rink was the only place I wanted to be. No matter what is happening off the ice, as soon as I step on the ice I feel so much better. I am sure every one of you understand what I am saying.
The time away also reminded me of my favorite feeling. That feeling is, nothing less than the ice itself. When I step on the ice, it feels so smooth, so elegant. All my worries just glide away. I also love the control. Unlike basketball, I don’t have to rely on someone else in order to make the points. No matter how a judge rates me or another skater skates, it always ends with me and only me. This sounds lonely, but I like the feeling of depending on just myself. I feel the power ice skating gives whether I am jumping, spinning, or doing field moves. Sometimes I close my eyes (when I am far from the boards and no one else is on the ice!) and try to focus on only the feeling of the slender blade’s edge against the smooth ice. Sometimes I take this joy for granted. Sometimes I wish I could sleep longer or do something with my friends instead of skate. But after having my ice time split in half, every opportunity I have to skate I try to take.
I don’t know about any of you, but I know that even a day off from skating weakens me. I come back feeling tired, out of breath, and as if everything is off. I hate that feeling. My mistake during the time off was that I didn’t do anything physically demanding that made up for the lack of time on the ice.
I also missed all of you at the rink. No matter what politics are going on inside or outside the rink, each one of you greeted me with nothing but smiles. The adults talked to me about everything that was happening at the rink and the young ones were as goofy as ever. You people make me smile!
I hope everyone feels the same as I do about skating. My advice is never take any breaks, never take anything you love like skating for granted, never doubt the people around you, and never forget those pesky unwanted off-ice exercises!
See you at the rink! Sk8Gr8!
Madeleine Rickert
If you have any ideas for this article, please e-mail me at gr8sk8r@ipa.net.
Adults Only
By Anne Eden
What is an “adult skater” anyway? U.S. Figure Skating defines it as someone who learned to skate after age 25, or tested no higher than Juv. Free Skate level as a youngster. Skaters 25 or older who have passed the Int. Free Skate test or higher are classified as “Masters Level Skaters”.
Some adult competitions are now offering a group called “Young Adults” for skaters 18-24 who have started skating late, or are no longer competitive at standard-track competitions.
For those of you that ice dance, please consider attending some ice dance weekends this year. It will be the most fun you ever have on ice! You meet wonderful people, learn by partnering with skaters with a wide variety of skill levels, go to seminars, usually have a dinner dance or other social activity, and skate until you could drop!
A good one to start with is the Peoria Illinois Ice Dance Weekend, July 15-17, 2005, at the Illinois Valley FSC, Owens Center, Peoria, IL. Contact Loy & Jeanne Schick (I’ll get a phone # if you’re interested). You may have seen the article in the latest Skating magazine about romance on the ice – Jeanne & Loy were featured in the article.
Other “adult-friendly” events coming up:
4/13/05 2005 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Overland Park, Kansas
7/25 – 7/30/05 ISI World Recreational Team Championships in Southern California
8/2 – 6/05 Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships
8/5 – 7/05 Queen City Invitational in Cincinnati
Also, to be held sometime in late August or early September will be the Peach Classic All-Adult Competition.
Meanwhile, back at our rink, DEFSC adult skaters have been busily rehearsing for the upcoming “Rainbow Connection” show in March. We’re having a lot of fun working together on our group number. These group numbers have made many of us wish that we had time to form a precision team.
Next issue, we’ll publish results from recent competitions and test results that our adults have been successful in.
Happy Skating!
As the Ice Freezes…By Todd Wages
Wow, has it really been 8 years? This season marks my 8th anniversary of employment at this facility. Over the course of these years, I have acquired many lasting memories: the disastrous props for the “Frosty and Friends” Christmas show, my broken leg and surgery, Lech selling the rink in 2000, and a year long hiatus as I worked for a European pastry chef in the Heights, and more. In and through it all, what has meant the most has been the honor of meeting and developing relationships with so many skaters and their families. Is it any wonder that we become family, spending so much time (and money) together? With the passing time, it thrills me to have the opportunity to do what I love and enjoy and to be around those people who inspire, encourage, and give my life a purpose. My sincerest thanks go out to those who are patient and flexible with the Management and Staff of the Skatium. It can be very overwhelming and over the top trying to juggle the responsibilities of this type of business as all of you well know. My best wishes for an incredible year and lots and lots of fun on the ice!
Lech Matuszewski and
Carol Worley Wed
Lech Matuszewski, previous owner of the Skatium and longtime figure skating coach for members of the DEFSC has married Carol Worley, a lawyer with a local law firm and mother of figure skater Claire Worley. Lech is a member of PSA, USFSA, and ISI. He was a 1979, 1980, 1981 Polish National Pairs Champion, an international competitor and coach of national competitors, as well as an ISI Certified Gold Judge.
When asked if she wanted to say anything for the DEFSC newsletter, Carol said “You can say that I love him very, very much.”
They were married on January 15, 2005 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lech and Carol live in Maumelle along with Jessica, Claire, and Tanner. Carol’s daughter Claire is a very active figure skater and enjoys demonstrating her talent at the Skatium and many other rinks throughout the year.
Please join in congratulating and welcoming this recently joined family into our extended figure skating family! We wish you much happiness and smooth skating!
Coaches Corner
By Amanda Griffin
U.S. Nationals 2005—Portland Oregon
U.S. Nationals is always an exciting competition, and one of the best, because there is so much team spirit throughout the audience. There was a damper on the events, though, because this competition included somber moments, mourning the tragic death of Senior Ladies skater, Angela Nikodinov’s, mother midway through the competition.
At the beginning of the Senior Women’s competition, there was a moment of silence in respect of Ms. Nikodinov and a song was performed. The audience was very responsive. That night was unusual in that the skater’s seemed to be skating for Angela and her teammate, Timothy Goebel, showed much emotion during his performance.
In support of the skaters needs, backstage services provided seamstresses, hair and makeup artists, and boot/blade experts.
Jay Lilly from Little Rock, now training in Dallas, performed wonderfully with his partner Stephanie Segian. They placed 12th overall in the Junior Dance division.
Angels on Ice
Our sincerest thanks go to Sarah Holloway and Madeleine Rickert for helping out the local Lion's World group on Saturday, January 22, 2005. Todd Wages sent out an e-mail before this Saturday in regards to some visually impaired individuals who wished to come ice skating. Because of the generosity and kindness of Sarah and Madeleine, this wish was granted! We are sure that Angels in Heaven are smiling down on these two.
DEFSC Members Excel in Dallas
A team of figure skaters from the Arkansas Skatium competed in the ISI Winter Classic in Dallas February 18-20 and came away with high marks. In the competitions our skaters scored several first place wins and numerous 2nd and 3rd places against some very good skaters. Overall the team from the Arkansas Skatium ranked 14th out of approximately 30 teams from all over North America. In the ISI skating magazine, you will notice a picture of DEFSC club member Astrid MacGarry in the spread of pictures from the Winter Classic. Please join in congratulating all of the individuals in the Arkansas Skatium team.
Jay and Stephanie in Nationals
Newcomers to the national scene, former DEFSC member, Jay Lilly and partner, Stephanie Segien took 12th place overall. Compulsory dances chosen this year were the Cha Cha Congelado and the Starlight Waltz. Each dance is worth 10% of the final result.
During warm up for the Starlight Waltz, Augie Hill, a fellow training member with Jay in Dallas, collided with Jay and Stephanie sending Jay to the ice with a thud. Fortunately, Jay jumped back up without any apparent injury. They skipped the draw for skating order to allow Jay to be examined by a physician, returning to skate both dances.
Art Work donated for Ice Show
In the last 9 years Carole Katchen’s paintings and sculptures have been featured in exhibits and private collections throughout Arkansas. She came to Arkansas already recognized internationally; her work is now sold in 32 countries. Her art is exhibited regularly at Alpha Gallery, Little Rock; Legacy Gallery, Hot Springs, AR; Gore Creek Gallery, Vail, CO, and Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, Telluride, CO. She lives in Hot Springs, AR, where she is Chairperson for the city’s Arts Advisory Committee.
Carole generously donated an original picture drawn especially for our ice show. This picture was featured in the ice show program and was also made available for purchase during the ice show with all proceeds going to the DEFSC. Our thanks go out to Carole Katchen for her generous donation.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Mar
Devon Beck—3-Mar
Linda Thornton—4-Mar
Joie McCarty—23-Mar
Gabrielle Lilly—31-Mar
Apr
Will McVoy—2-Apr
Meghan McCarty—3-Apr
Lynne Patterson—10 Apr
Laura Kutsch—22 Apr
May
Kay Shuttleworth—5-May
Tonya Breeding—9-May
Jun
Lisa Lufkin—1-Jun
Jenny Floyd—5-Jun
Courtney Small—7-Jun
Lindsay Marvin—14-Jun
Upcoming Ice Events
April 2004
01
Fort
Collins Classic 2005/Skatefest 2005
in Edora Pool Ice Center, 1801 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado
80525
03
16th
Annual Spring Fling Basic Skills Competition
in Motto McLean Ice Arena, Omaha, Nebraska
07
Skate Kansas City in Pepsi Ice
Midwest, 12140 W. 135th, Overland Park, Kansas 66221
09
Thoroughbred Figure Skating and Basic Skills Competition
in Lexington Ice Center, 560 Eureka Springs Drive, Lexington, Kentucky
40517
10
Skate Kansas City Basic Skills 2005
in Pepsi Ice Midwest, Kansas City, Missouri
13
2005
U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships
in Pepsi Ice Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
16
Spring Funtastics and Colorado Showcase
in Apex Ice Arena, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Aurora, Colorado 80005
20
Phoenix Fiesta Skate in Phoenix,
Arizona
22
Skate Dallas 2005 in Dr. Pepper
Star Center - Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas
76051
23
2005
Colorado College Challenge Cup Basic Skills Competition
in Honnen Ice Arena, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
28
Skate Nashville in Southern Ice
Arena, 215 Gothic Court, Franklin, Tennessee 37221
May 2005
14
Spring Fling 2005 in Tulsa Ice
Arena, Tulsa, Oklahoma
16
2005
North American RINK Conference & Expo (NARCE)
in Chicago, Illinois
June 2005
2
Skate Austin Bluebonnet Open in
Chaparral Ice, 14200 N. IH 35, Austin, Texas 78728
3
2005
Mountain Cup Adult International Competition
in Villard-de-Lans, France
9-10
Wichita Mid-Continent Invitational
in Ice Sports - Wichita, 505 W. Maple, Wichita, Kansas 67213
10
2005
International Adult Figure Skating Competition
in Oberstdorf, Germany
March
04 2005 Midwestern Adult Sectional Championships in Mark 'Pa' Sertich Ice Center, 1701 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado
14 2005 World Figure Skating Championships in Moscow, Russia
13 2005 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Pepsi Ice Midwest Arena, Overland Park, Kansas
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