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Painting by Patricia Bourque
Our membership runs from July 1 - June 30th. Our actual skating season
generally runs from late September to early April each year for approximately 20
weeks. Session fees are set at the beginning of each season and are based solely
on the cost of providing our services and programs. These costs include ice
rental, professional fees, insurance, mailings, etc. Refunds are given for
medical reasons only. Fund raising or assessment fees may be instituted as
needed during the season.
New members are always welcome. Fees will be pro-rated for members joining after
the start of the season.
Club History
On March 16, 1979, a group of fifty Glens Falls area residents interested in
forming a figure skating club at the Glens Falls Civic Center met with center
director Ned Harkness. From this group an interim board began work to set up the
organization.
On July 6,1979, the first Open House was held. Sixteen New York State amateur
and professional skaters performed for an enthusiastic audience of 1500 people.
On July 26, 1979, the GFFSC was incorporated under New York State Law.
On October 17, 1979, the first season of figure skating began at the Civic
Center. The membership totaled over 300 skaters from ages five to seventy-five,
skating in beginning, intermediate, advanced and adult programs. Freestyle
skating, ice dancing and school figure sessions were important parts of the
program. Group and private lessons were provided by a qualified professional
staff.
In April, 1980, the Glens Falls Foundation awarded us a grant of $1500. In May,
1980, the GFFSC accepted probationary status in its affiliation with the USFSA.
The affiliation offers nationally recognized guidelines for the development of
figure skating at all levels. Permanent membership was achieved in the spring of
1981.
On April 4. 1982 we held our first ice show, "A Salute to Glens Falls," which
was a great success. We have subsequently held other ice shows and exhibitions,
including "Fantasy On Ice," "Season's Greetings On Ice," and "Skate Into
Spring." We have also held several US Figure Skating Testing Sessions.
These are an integral part of a skater's advancement through the ranks of figure
skating.
In October, 1995, we sponsored the 1996 North Atlantic Figure Skating
Championships, held at the Glens Falls Civic Center. This was our biggest event
to date, but we anticipate sponsoring events such as this in the future.
During the 2008-2009 season, we
participated in the Glens Falls Centennial events, producing "Moments In Time:
Centennial Celebration On Ice," our first theatrical-style ice show in several
years, which was very well-received. We also held a Halloween skating
party and an informal spring exhibition and skating party.
Our plans for our 30th Anniversary Season include a
holiday celebration featuring an informal exhibition and skating party in
December, our first annual Basic Skills competition in January, 2010, and a
large theatrical-style ice show in April, 2010. We are also planning to
hold a series of skating movie nights, a Parents' Guide to Skating seminar, and
a club alumni event. In addition, we have produced a beautiful cookbook
featuring favorite recipes from elite skaters around the world, as well as our
own members, coaches and alumni. It's going to be an exciting season
and we hope you'll be part of it!
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