Lefroy Skating Club offering new programs

The community of Lefroy may be small, but it's got a big heart.

And in the centre of it all, you'll find the Lefroy Skating Club. For over 35 years, the club has been servicing the community with top-quality skating lessons and coaching.

The non-profit organization, governed by Skate Canada, is made up of 12 executive members who volunteer their time to make the club what it is today. On Monday and Wednesday evenings, girls and boys can go out and enjoy classes fit to their skill level.

The new Junior StarSkate program runs from 5 to 6:15 p.m., the CanSkate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., and the Intermediate/ Senior StarSkate takes place from 7:25 to 8:50 p.m. The programs, which run between the months of October and March, are all coached by three Skate Canada professional coaches with NCCP certificates.

During the beginner courses, kids learn the fundamentals of skating — using tools such as pylons, toys, balance drills and group exercises. During the intermediate classes, skaters learn more advanced moves, while working on skating routines and tricks out on the ice.

Media relations representative Lisa Brown is no stranger to the amount of hard work necessary to keep the successful skating club afloat.

“I try to keep the community informed on a monthly basses as to what we have going on,” she said. “I also hold the position with the club as mother of three skaters over the span of seven years now, and have been an executive member for five or so. I do anything that I can to help out, like helping parents get their kids skates on properly so that they can be out on the ice on time.”

Brown also mentioned the dedication of other mothers who are currently on the executive board.

“The moms and I have spent many hours preparing props and costumes for carnivals, at the arena and at home,” she said.

“We share in the duty of running the music booth right now, but we need someone to volunteer their time during the junior program as well as the intermediate/senior program.”

The board meets once a month to discuss upcoming events, competition and any general issues that need to be addressed. But aside from all of the skating, the club is involved in numerous other things.

“We sell pizza and drinks for special events. I get flowers wholesale to sell at our events as the parents and grandparents love to buy them up,” said Brown.

This season, parents, skaters and coaches are looking forward to an array of unique events. A Halloween Skate-A-Thon will be held on Monday October 29, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. They will also take part in the Alcona Santa Claus Parade, and urging local residents to come out and enjoy some Christmas fun. From March 1 to 3, the club will co-host March Mania — a competition with over 40 events.

Currently, the club is wrapping up its MacGregor Meats fundraiser, and is reminding those who still have order forms to get them in as soon as possible. Poinsetta order forms will be going out on Nov. 5, and must be returned by the 19th. Lottery ticket books from Skate Canada are also available to purchase, and someone can win a big screen television, a laptop or even a scholarship fund.

Euchre nights at the Grange Hall in Lefroy will continue this season as well. Evenings are planned for Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, Feb. 16, March 23, April 13, and May 11.

For those who wish to sign-up their kids for any of the skate programs at the Lefroy arena, registration is ongoing.

Everyone is welcome to visit to the arena from 5 to 8:30 p.m., and speak with one of the executives to register a child.