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An Online Resource Station for Avid, R&B Skaters |
Lady hip hopper and actress, Eve, is on board to be part of the cast of “Whip It” - the roller derby film being produced by Drew Barrymore. Read more on SOHH.com: “Eve Rolls w/Drew Barrymore in Upcoming Flick.”
In what appears to be a shady, underhanded and ‘cold-blooded’ deal, Elsmere Skating Center in Delaware has been sold and Garry “Geeman” Corporal, who was the rink’s general manager for 30 years, was told to pack his things and get gone by July 28. He had long been told or assured that he would become the rink’s next owner but instead, Elsmere has been sold to another person. According to the new message on the Elsmere phone line, the rink name is now “Adrenaline Skating Center,” a slap in the face to Corporal who was one of the originators of the Adrenaline Awards and Weekend which he hosted annually from Elsmere for the past several years.
Corporal issued this news release today:
Elsmere Skating Center Closed, Then Sold
Peace and Blessings, as some of know, I have been released of my duties, of operating and Managing The Elsmere Skating Center in Wilmington as of July 28, 2008. I leave with mixed emotions because I have made so many good friends over these past 30 plus years. My life has been greatly enriched by the kindness and encouragements so many of you have shown to me. I will always be grateful for the many friends I have made along the way and the wonderful memories I take with me. With a bit of sorrow, I wish to formally announce my departure from The Elsmere Skating Center. I remain grateful, however, for the opportunity to work with everyone at The Elsmere Skating Center. My thanks to all who made Elsmere Skating Center and the skate store flourish as it did. I wish the best of success to everyone who is remaining with the new owner or moving to new ground. Again thank you all for the opportunity to allow me to be a part of your lives, God Bless.
Unconfirmed reports have it that another Black rink manager was involved in this shady deal which, in essence, kicked Geeman to the curb after his many years of working under the belief that Elsmere’s owner would be true to his word and promise to transfer rink ownership.
RST wishes the best to Geeman as he moves forward through the many open doors that are surely ahead of him and will eventually, if it is his desire, lead him into the ranks of the small, but steadily increasing, number of Black rink owners in the country.
Skate legend Bill Butler has been contacted by representatives of the Simmons Lathan Media Group (SLMG) to discuss a role for him in directing a roller skating reality TV series. SLMG is headed by hip hop guru Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan and is dedicated to bringing a positive image of the hip hop generation to music, TV, radio, and other forms of media.
This is from the group’s website:
… Nearly 30 years in the game, two generations strong, billions of dollars in revenue, Hip-Hop is MODERN AMERICA’S culture. Yet turn on a television and, other than music videos, Hip-Hop culture is nearly invisible. Simmons Lathan Media Group is set on changing that. We’re the voice of millions of young people - Black, White, Asian, Latin, poor and rich - who don’t see themselves represented honestly in the media.
Through comedy, poetry, dance, animation and drama, we offer cultural expressions that have been ignored for too long….
Bill is to meet with one of SLMG’s representatives in Atlanta this weekend to find out more about their proposed project.
Stay tuned!
AURORA, CO - After Music Spectrum’s “Grown Folks” Session ended Sunday, July 20, several skaters commented that they had not sweated so much in a long time and, with a crowd of 120 in Skate City, that only increased the heat and contributed to so many getting an extra workout to song after song played by DJ Big Mike. The Old School session was a pleasant change up from what skaters have become used to in the Denver area with sounds from artists like Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Mary J, Keith Sweat, Tupac, Biggie, and RST’s favorite of the night was “The Rain” (1986), by Oran Juice Jones ….. a song we haven’t heard (to our recollection) at any skate event nationwide.
Here are some of the faces from the special night:
Big Mike pleasantly surprised many skaters who came through the doors and rolled to the variety of songs he played from the ‘back in the day’ era.
Most Sundays find Victoria Ayers (l) and Lori Span at the skating rink where they meet up with other adults who share their same passion for skating. “We’re like family,” Span said during a break from her weekly roll. A skater for 35 years, she explained that when she misses a Sunday, her whole week is thrown off. Ayers has been on skates for 38 years and said she is in another world when on the skate floor where all her troubles just fly away.
Pictured at Skate City, and preparing to roll, are: Henry Kirby (l) and DJ Lemon (r) who make the 45 minute drive from Colorado Springs regularly for adult skating in the Metro area. Kirby has been skating for more than 10 years and most enjoys the fact that he receives a beneficial workout while skating. DJ Lemon is originally from Brooklyn, NY and has been skating since he was a young boy. Skating, he said, takes his mind away from everyday trials and concerns and allows him to relax.
Even community activist, organizer and businessman Brother Jeff takes a break from his busy schedule to “get his roll on” from time to time at the local adult skating session.
Photos by Lens of Ansar
© 2008 - All Rights Reserved
RST supports the Old School Skate, i.e., Grown Folks Skate, held every 3rd Sunday in the Denver area and hosted by Music Spectum. This night is specially for Music Spectrum members, many of whom have, for years now, been dissatisfied with the music selection provided by the DJs who have been playing for more than a decade.
After a small group of members resorted to a petition for change, the decision was made to begin bringing in a guest DJ who has been hired to provide the musical format and skate atmosphere the member’s night was originally set up for….. skatable old school primarily, but also skatable music free of the derogatory language which many “grown folks” find offensive and unnecessary.
Music Spectrum founder Archie Jones is also President of the Black Transplants Action Committee (BTAC), a non-profit organization which promotes increased awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation in the Black community. Both organizations highly recommend roller skating as a physical activity which will contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle.
The Grown Folks skate is dedicated to Music Spectrum members, true skaters and those who love R&B Old School served up with a twist of classic soul, jazz, gospel, reggae and a little taste of hip hop.
Every 3rd Sunday 2008 skate dates:
July 20
Aug 17
Sep 21
Oct 19
Nov 16
Dec 21
Stay tuned for info on Music Spectrum’s skate contest for couples, trios and skate teams. First prize $300. Second price $100. Preliminaries to be held Sep 21, finals on Dec 21. (Details subject to change.)
Please visit the BTAC website to find out more and click the below thumbnail for more info on the member’s skate which will feature guest DJ Big Mike:
This is a different world than what most of us are used to but actress Drew Barrymore is producing a new film about roller derby and movie extras are needed for filming set to take place in Michigan in July and August. Read more about “Whip It”, being produced by Flower Films, in this Ann Arbor News article. Or read this report from Detroit TV news station WDIV.
A reader is seeking to find a former rink owner in the Ypsilanti, Michigan area. If you have any helpful information, please contact him. Here is the message RST received:
I’m trying to contact James Edwards, owner of a skating rink in Ypsilanti, MI that burned down in Jan, 2007. Do you have any information on how to reach him. I have an opportunity for him to get involved in another rink in Ypsilanti. Thanks for your help.
Jack Parr
2 Corporate Drive, Suite 300
Southfield, MI 48076
Direct 248 226 1638
Fax 248 226 1639
jack.parr@colliers.com
Last month a member of the Boston Celtics proudly let it be known that he loves to roller skate and believes he’s the best skater in the NBA. Rajon Rondo also shared that he picked up a lot of his skills skating trios in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more in this Black Voices feature entitled: ”Celtics Rajon Rondo is Serious About Roller Skating.”
Those who suffer from diabetes are encouraged to regularly engage in aerobic exercise and keep their blood sugar levels low. Roller skating is a good way to accomplish both. Read more about that in Diabetes Globe.
This article speaks of the benefits of skating for children but it follows the benefits extend to teens and adults as well.
….Skating … when mastered works such muscle groups as quads, thighs, buns and calfs. Serious skaters who twist and make tight turns are strengthening their backs while also working their abdominal muscles. Moreover, crouching while skating benefits the arms and chest while toning muscles.
Roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout, and involves all of the body’s muscles, especially the heart.
Read more in Skating for Life, (East Texas Review).
