Northfield Skating School

Melanie Ritz, Skating Instructor for the Northfield Skating School and Junior Club Coach for the Tri-County Club in Farmington, and Carey Tinkelenberg, Founder/Director of the Northfield Skating School, were recognized in the September/October issue of the Professional Skater Magazine for their recent coaching accomplishments. Both Ritz and Tinkelenberg traveled to the Professional Skaters Association national headquarters in Rochester, MN in July to take ratings exams. Both coaches passed their exams, enabling their certification at a higher professional level. Ritz passed the Basic Accreditation exam, a 100 question multiple choice test, and Tinkelenberg passed her Registered Freestyle and Registered Moves-in-the Field tests, both oral exams in front of a panel of Master Rated examiners. Congrats, coaches!

The following appeared on Northfield.org on 9/27:

On Sunday, Carey Tinkelenberg, Founder & Executive Director of the Northfield Skating School, will give a presentation on behalf of US Figure Skating at the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) national seminar in Bloomington, MN. Tinkelenberg was selected as one of ten skating directors nationwide to represent figure skating’s governing body. Others presenting include B. L. Wylie, mother of 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie, and Jill Hare, US Figure Skating Basic Skills Program Manager.

Tinkelenberg’s presentation, entitled “Growing Skating,” will address the strengths and concerns facing the sport as well as marketing and collaboration tips for directors nationwide. Her experiences in Northfield will guide much of the content.

If you missed the article about us in Diversions last Saturday, you can view it here on our In The News page.

Join us for our second annual Open House!

Where: Northfield Armory, 519 Division St. S

When: Tuesday 9/23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

This is a great chance to browse new information and chat with staff members about this season’s events. The Open House features a photo slide show, skating DVDs, and many handouts including a calendar of events and new info about our new 2008-09 staff and classes. If you haven’t yet had a chance to register, you can also save a stamp and register on Tuesday.

Join us as we kick of our season! Feel free to bring friends and neighbors. We hope to see you there.

Last Saturday morning, skaters from the Northfield Skating School and dancers from the Northfield Dance Academy teamed up to dance in the Defeat of Jesse James Days Kiddie Parade that travelled down Division Street. Led by Kristin Lauenstein, Owner/Director of Northfield Dance Academy, the group, which ranged in age from 2 - adult, danced to “Cotton Eyed Joe” for the crowd. Thanks, Kristin and NDA, for collaborating! We look forward to next year’s parade.

We are pleased to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for 2008-09 classes!

There are 3 ways to reserve your spot:

1) Register online
2) At our Open House, Tues 9/23, 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Northfield Armory (519 Division St)
3) By mail. Find registration brochures along Division St. and at the Community Action Center, or click here to download a brochure and paper registration form

The Session 1 registration deadline is OCTOBER 1, 2008. Classes begin Sunday, Oct 19. Register soon! Skaters will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

We have developed new classes and collaborated with community organizations to offer expanded programming. Click here for descriptions of 2008-09 classes and events!

This year we will be participating in the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration for the first time! We will be teaming up with Northfield Dance Acadmy (NDA) with a float and routine for the Kiddie Parade.

WHEN/WHERE:
Rehearsal: Fri 9/5, 4:00-6:00pm behind NDA’s studio on Water St (please wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothes).
Parade: Sat 9/6, 10am - 11am. Line-up starts at 9am at 6th St. & Division St.

WHO:
Skaters 6+ may dance in the routine and must attend the rehearsal. There is no upper age limit. NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Your skating skills will prepare you just fine.
Skaters 5 and under may be seated in the float.
Parents and other family members are encouraged to walk with us, carry signs, hand out brochures, etc. Skaters age 6+ who are unable to attend the rehearsal may still join us to march.

Attire: Jean shorts, NSS t-shirt, cowboy hat and bandana. Purchase of an NSS t-shirt will be required to participate.

If you would like to participate, please contact us by SUNDAY, AUGUST 10th with number of participants (including parents), ages of the skaters, and t-shirt sizes for all participants (youth S/M/L, adult S/M/L/XL). If you are unable to participate but would like to order a t-shirt, feel free! The cost of t-shirts is $15.

The following appeared in the Healthy Community Initiative’s July newsletter:

Carey Tinkelenberg receives “Making a Difference Award”

Carey Tinkelenberg is the June recipient of HCI’s “Making a Difference Award.” The honor celebrates those groups and individuals in the community who have a positive influence on Northfield youth. Tinkelenberg is the founder, executive director, and head coach of the Northfield Skating School. A Carleton College alumna, Tinkelenberg saw the need for a skating program in Northfield and opened the skating school in 2005. Participants range in age from 4 years old to adult. Along with her commitment to the skating school, Tinkelenberg collaborates with the Girls Scouts, Northfield Dance Academy, and Shattuck St. Mary’s Skating Academy to offer additional youth programming. She is a board member of Northfield IceNow and a member of the Northfield Youth Sports Collaborative. “Carey has the unique talent of building the children’s self-esteem and getting the most out of them,” said a parent who nominated Carey. “Her love of the sport truly shows through her patience and dedication to help each student learn. We are lucky to have people like Carey to work with our youth!” The Healthy Community Initiative and the Northfield News present the Making a Difference Award cooperatively. If you know an individual or group that you would like to nominate for this award, click here for nomination guidelines and the easy-to-complete application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are selected by a review team of HCI board members and local youth. Click here for HCI’s newsletter