Club Spotlight: Canandaigua Skating Program Hopes Holiday Show Will Benefit Many

On Dec. 15 Santa, Frosty the Snowman and a bevy of snow angels will lace up their skates for A Holiday Show: An Evening on Ice at the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center, Canandaigua, N.Y. The show is presented by the Center's Basic Skills skating program skaters, and in true holiday spirit, a portion of the proceeds will go to The Partnership for Ontario County and to form a first time figure skating club at the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center.

The show will begin at 5 p.m. and will feature approximately 40 skaters from age 3 to adult, and will also feature guest skaters Hailey Blodgett, Shannon Creedon and Jenelle Mucher from Hilton, Pittsford, Morrisville and Whitesboro, N.Y. areas.

Music for the show will include drumming by percussionist Dave Mancini and the poignant vocals of Patricia and Naiobi Smith.

"A large number of skaters will put on a terrific Christmas show," said Pamela Warren, director of the Civic Center's Basic Skills Program. "It's perfect for the entire family and you'll laugh, tear up and have a warm glow inside as you get to sing along and watch these skaters."

Warren is also pleased be lending a helping hand to the Partnership for Ontario County.

"The Partnership acts as an umbrella organization for youth based programs including Ontario County Youth Court, the Child Advocacy Center, Drug Free communities and Family Support Centers," Warren said.

Warren, who holds a PSA Master Rating in figures and freestyle, also hopes to introduce figure skating to the public in a joyous and festive way and ultimately reach the Center's goal of becoming a U.S. Figure Skating Club.

"A club will allow the skaters to learn from one another and encourage safe skating, good sportsmanship friendship and leadership for all ages and abilities," Warren said. "It will also create a social connection for the skaters by linking them together as a team and will promote figure skating within our community with shows and competitions."

A Holiday Show will also include a silent auction, raffles and T-shirt sales. Themed decorated skates are currently displayed in the greater Canandaigua area and will be auctioned at the show.

"The show will provide a special holiday and cultural event to be enjoyed by the entire family," Warren said. "It will further familiarize the community with the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center as well and all that the center offers."

Warren is joined on the ice at GCCC by instructors Gail Arnold and Rhonda S. Jones. Arnold holds a certificate in Therapeutic Ice Skating and Jones, originally of Ithaca N.Y., where she developed a childhood passion for skating, was a member of the Cornell Figure Skating Club for several years.

Tickets for A Holiday Show are $5 and can be purchased at the Canandaigua National Bank, the Victor Parks and Recreation Office, Flowers by Stella, the Finger Lakes Family Care, As We Grow and the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door. "This is a great opportunity for all of us to join in helping raise money for the Partnership of Ontario County," Warren said. "With everyone's help we can make a significant difference in the life of a child."

Click here for a flyer of the event.

Photo 1: Two show volunteers take a break from painting props for upcoming show
(Photo Courtesy Noralee Bailey)

Photo 2: Two skaters from the Basic Skills program at Canandaigua Civic Center skate during a recent Open House