Friday, February 29, 2008

End of a great season

Last night was our final night of speed skating for this season. It seems quite silly to finish skating on the coldest night we've had this year, but that's just the way it is. I called the City several weeks ago to ask if they could extend it, to no avail.

MasterCard donated the money to allow the City to open the rinks in December. Since Mayor Miller says he slayed the budget problems at City Hall, I think we should lobby MasterCard to support keeping the outdoor rinks open through the kid's March school break in 2009!

At any rate, the ice was hard and fast last night. Ken gave us an inspiring lesson on how to get more speed while sprinting - get low, so we're below the boards. We'll have to get Ken to demonstrate this again for us at the beginning of next season!

After we came off the ice, the hot cider and treats helped everyone to warm up. Eva and Neil took a few photos of the group, which I will post. A few of us went out for an apres of spicy Korean food at Cho Dang Soon Tofu, which was perfect on such a cold night.

See you in December!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

End of season soirée

The last night of skating is this Thursday, February 28th. After we come off the ice, we are going to celebrate another great season. Ken and Eva have graciously offered to provide pizza. Others are bringing treats and cider.

All are welcome to join us on the ice and afterwards - including our Tuesday-only members. For the Tuesday folks, we get on the ice at 7:15 on Thursday, fifteen minutes earlier than you’re used to.

If you have club rental skates at home, please return them either tonight or on Thursday. Thanks!

Jay and Taisa

Lakefield Long Track Oval is Open!

Neil told me that the long track oval is now open in Lakefield. Is anyone interested in a road trip this weekend to check it out?

Let me know, and I'll put you in touch with him.

Grenadier Pond update

David Ross skated Grenadier Pond last Thursday. Here's his report:
"I was out last night - the north end was very good, not quite perfect, the south end not so good. I put my skates on where we were last time and went north - a great skate. I took our dog, and he chased a fox across the ice at the end of our skate!"

Neil Connelly joined David on Saturday morning. Here's how Neil described it:
"David and I were there (Grenadier Pond) today, and it was a beautiful morning. The ice was not quite as good as last time, but worth skating. I saw two foxes enjoying the sunny weather."

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Speed Skating Finishes Feb 28th

Many of you have been asking me how long our speed skating season will last. The last night of skating will be next Thursday, February 28th.

If you have club rental skates at home, please return them by next Thursday. Thanks!

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

Please see the link below for information on this Tax Credit.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fitness/

If you have children who qualify (born in 1992 or more recently) & wish to make a claim please let me know.

Maximum claim is $500 per child under 16 per year. The membership fees will qualify for the tax credit. CCRA has advised me that the equipment rental fee does not qualify for the credit, since it is a separate cost item.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Grenadier Pond Photos

Neil has passed along the photos he took on Jan 26th at Grenadier Pond. Here's a couple:
Neil, Taisa and David

Jay and David chasing Jody around the west corner of our oval



Want to see all of the photos? Click here.