“Ice Skating Is Nice Skating” is a fun kids song, and there sure will be lots of fun this winter at the new ice skating rink at the Urschel Pavilion, the newest addition to Valparaiso’s downtown Central Park Plaza.
The neatest part of this new adventure is all the “specials” — a covered pavilion so the sun can be enjoyed without melting the ice, a refrigeration unit to keep the 11/2 inches of ice frozen so skaters can twirl around even when the temperature is 50-plus degrees and a shelter so that when the weather outside is frightful, skating will still be delightful. And the pavilion can be used for various events all through the year.
The rink will be open for skating this weekend with a grand opening on Saturday, compliments of the Valparaiso Event Staff, which will include live entertainment and skating demonstrations by Olympic skaters. The rink will be open until spring break in March. That’s four months on ice!
Day passes will be $5, so skaters can come and go as they please from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, including hours when school is closed and for holidays. Skates can be rented for $3. Wow! This will be the perfect place to spend a few fun hours and enjoy the fresh winter air.
A big thank you to the Urschel family for their generous contribution, along with the city and other private donors, for helping to keep us healthy and happy, and away from the winter blahs. If you would like to know more about the rink, go on Facebook to Central Park Plaza.
Porter County Career and Technical Center principal Jon Groth has reason to keep that big smile on his face again.
Joe Nugent, a Career and Technical Center and Wheeler High School graduate in 2013, proved again how important the extras mean. Joe is now a student at Ohio Northern University. Recently, a fellow student had a heart attack during class. Joe immediately began CPR, sent someone for an automated external defibrillator, or AED, and attached it to the victim until an ambulance arrived. He was commended for saving the student’s life.
Another lifesaver hero for principal Groth to be thrilled about, knowing that Career and Technical Center students are retaining and using what they learn. High fives to you, Joe. I’m sure your fellow student and his family have you on a pedestal. You are my pet person of the week.
A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to all of you and those you love. As you enjoy the food-laden table, the hugs and chatter, the laughter and love, please take time to thank God for his continued blessings upon our country. And as you begin rushing here and there for gifts for everyone on your list, maybe grab a name off an angel tree at the store, your church, or Opportunity Enterprises to help make someone else’s holiday joyous too.
Most of us have more than enough, and sometimes we forget that there are families in our community who are not so fortunate. There are neighbors who are thankful to have one special meal, and just one wished-for gift. Just the thought of doing something for someone else should warm our hearts. And then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.