Skating returns to W-B rink

Blades of white figure skates.

Diamond City Figure Skating Club. Cost: $60 per year

for first member of family

to join; $25 for second family member; $20 for third.

Info: dcfsc@live.com

Every four years, the most talented figure skaters in the world are judged on their ability to do a lutz, double salchow and axel. In future Olympics some of these skaters may have practiced all their skills right in Wilkes-Barre.

Karel Zubris, Heidi Renfer and Valerie Palencar used to skate together in the ’70s at the original Ice-A-Rama in Wilkes-Barre. They were excited to hear about the new ice rink being built, so along with other coaches and parents decided to start the Diamond City Figure Skating Club in early 2009.

The club began skating at the new rink at Coal Street Park in November 2009, and in early December the DCFSC became part of the U.S. Figure Skating Association. Being registered with UFSA means members can take part in testing for the Olympics.

“It’s a big deal,” said Club President Kelly Mariani.

The DCFSC has about 37 members including board members and coaches. Members skate year-round and range in age from five to 63.

With the new rink at Coal Street Park in Wilkes-Barre opening in March and the Winter Olympics underway, “there’s definitely an interest out there,” said Mariani.

If you watched figure skating during the Vancouver Olympics games and felt inspired, current members of the DCFSC explained that they are always looking for new members. The club offers different types of lessons for anybody that already enjoys figure skating or for those who have never ice skated before.

Zubris, board member and publicity director of the club, also teaches Learn to Skate once a week in eight-week intervals. Learn to Skate is for people of any age that are interested in taking up figure skating.

Also, the club has about five coaches that offer private lessons.

Palencar, a figure skating coach, performer and behavioral therapist, teaches ICERSIZE fitness, which is a type of aerobics that can only be done on ice. The program can help people get in shape, lose weight and reduce stress.

In addition to the variety of lessons offered, members of the DCFSC take part in competitions across the country. Recently, some members competed at the Keystone State Games. “We had all of our members medaled,” said Mariani.

Alyssa Termini of Clarks Summit started skating about five years ago when her two best friends were trying it. Her friends no longer skate, but she still enjoys doing it. This past summer, Termini traveled to Colorado to compete.

Most of the skaters’ parents pay for them to travel to competitions, but the club also organizes fundraisers to help raise money for skaters’ traveling expenses.

The DCFSC members like to make it clear that skating isn’t just a woman’s sport. They have male members and a male coach.

“We have a lot to offer the community,” said Renfer, a coach. “We have a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to meet people.”

Mariani’s daughter, Breanna Murphy of Hamlin, spends hours practicing and skating for fun every week.

“When I’m on the ice, all my worries go away,” she said.

Murphy recently earned a bronze medal at the Keystone State Games.

Members of the DCFSC will skate during intermission at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games on March 20 and April 11. They will also be in the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14.

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