Gleichen honours their past and present during skate carnival

Posted on: Staff Writer

Manny Everett
Times Contributor
 
“That was then … this is now”, was the theme of Gleichen Skate Club’s Ice Carnival held this past Saturday.
The theme meant more than just music from past and present, as the Arena and Curling Club underwent over $600,000 in major upgrades and improvements including new boards, glass, walkways, concrete and also some outside improvements.
The stands were full for the carnival, which kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony sponsored by Encana. Community members were recognized for their contributions of volunteer time, money and support to make the Club something to be proud of.
President Cindy Bolinger said, “It (the club) got started late due to the renovations but the short season has been great, the kids are enthusiastic and we are looking forward to an amazing 2011-2012 season.”
The skaters put on an amazing performance with the routines and dances they had prepared with their coach, Carrie Lassiter from Bassano. Lassiter has coached at Gleichen for just over eleven years and is very proud of how far her students have come this season. Both the Juniors and Seniors performed solos during the evening.
After weeks of practice with their particular groups, Program Assistants Stephanie Bolinger, Kayla Pietrobono, Taylor Lassiter, Rebekah Schalin, Taylor and Korrie Stewart, Jourdyn Sammons and Sierra Many Heads led their skaters on the ice through the routines.