Penobscot Figure Skaters sharpening up for new season

BANGOR – Penobscot Figure Skaters are sharpening their blades and getting ready to jump and spin into the 2006-2007 season.

The club takes the ice at 4:40 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, with its newly expanded Basic Skills Program and three hours of ice time at the Sawyer Arena.

“The city of Bangor and the Sawyer Arena staff have been wonderful to us. Our members will make good use of the added ice time,” said regional chairwoman Fran Cantor. “We have a new program director, Tanya Quigley, who brings 14 years of coaching experience, as well as her skating and organizational talents, to our program. We are lucky to have her.”

Quigley was a competitive skater as well as a show skater with Ice Capades. She currently runs the Atoms hockey program at Kennebec Ice Arena.

The United States Figure Skating Basic Skills Program is for skaters age 4 and up. Upon enrollment, each skater will receive a skill book and patches earned through testing.

This year the club will offer one Basic Skills scholarship, valued at $150-$250, that will allow a skater to skate for 18 weeks. In addition, Gunn’s Skate Shop of Brewer has donated a $25 gift certificate to be used towards skates, sharpening or accessories.

Penobscot Figure Skaters offers classes and private coaching for children and adults of all levels.

The season will wrap up with the annual show on Saturday, April 7, at the University of Maine. Last year’s show was attended by an estimated 600 spectators.

As of last year, Penobscot Figure Skaters became a region of the Skating Club of Maine, the goal being to expand figure skating in Maine. There is a place for every type of skater, from recreational skaters to those who aspire to local or regional competition.

For information about the club, call Fran at 262-9687, or Jody at 989-7322.