I do not vote for the Skater of the Month for the simple fact that I always want it to be the voice of the skate world. It is clear that many have been reminded in the last month of the significant impact that Lacey has had & continues to have on many lives!
As many of you stated in the voting process, you listened or viewed Lacey's podcast episode & shared many personal experiences of your own with Lacey that have made a difference in your lives as well.
Some of you mentioned that her social media presence influenced you to skate again. Others spoke of specific times that Lacey has been there for you in times of need. Many shared they have just been impacted by Lacey's genuine kindness & enthusiasm when meeting for the first time. No matter the story, the main theme among them all is that Lacey somehow impacts more people than she probably even realizes herself!
This will be the only time that I choose to contribute the written dedication for the Skater of the Month. Since I cannot share all of your stories, I feel it appropriate to be the one that says, "Thank you!" to Lacey on your behalf.
As mentioned above, although I do not vote, I couldn't agree more with your collective voice!
I feel very privileged to be a part of something so phenomenal like Roller Skating. The amazing individuals that we meet along the way, like Angie, are the blessings we receive.
Angie Burkholder Blatz has a truly remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel seen and heard. Her kindness, empathy, and compassion are qualities that shine so brightly, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life. The way she approaches challenges with grace and determination is genuinely inspiring, and her infectious positivity has a way of lifting those around her. She is an incredible person, and I’m constantly in awe of her beauty, both inside and out.
Angie’s confidence and self-assurance are qualities that draw people to her. She has a remarkable ability to lead and motivate others, and her presence is always felt. Her sense of humor and ability to find joy in life’s moments are gifts. She has a way of making everyone around her feel more alive and happier.
I’m grateful for her friendship. I’m blessed by the day she rolled into my life! We skate together at least twice a week. I call her my Friday girl because on Friday nights you can find us at the Rink!
“In a world full of trends, be a classic. Elegance is the only beauty that never fades. “
Happy 50th birthday to my Skate Sister, Angie!
-Kim Barrieau
"Brian is the most humble guy you could ever meet. He would never brag on himself, and will probably hate this- but no one is more deserving.
Outside the rink he’s a firefighter who’s been serving 30 years…and he thinks it’s no big deal. Just his job to help others. Doesn’t want attention or recognition for it- but that’s an incredible sacrifice.
At the rink: he’s one of the best people you could ever meet. Always looking out for others to help, teaching them to skate, encouraging the ones who are trying to keep up. And he goes out of his way to make sure our memories are documented. He takes tons of pictures and video, then spends time editing them…all because he loves the satisfaction others get from it.
He gets no benefits or payment from the rink- all on his time, for free.
He cares for others more than himself, which is a rare quality these days that should be celebrated!
And even though he says Carolina Shuffle Crew is “my” group- we created it because it was his idea to have a place for people to feel included, and for those in the area to post where they were going to be skating at, so people wouldn’t feel alone when they showed up somewhere new.
He truly has a heart of gold, and we are all blessed to have him around!" -Melissa
"Michelle has been skating since she was 5yrs old. So that’s 39 years of skating, even her first job was at a rink. Needless to say she still loves skating to this day. She competed for twenty years and still holds records for Outdoor National Inline Speed. Today when she steps on the floor it’s just a release of all her fears and emotions that trap us all in fear everyday. Her goal now is to own a rink and spread the love she has always had in her heart for skating to others. As she says, “Its a Vibe”. She strives to be approachable for everyone to share in her joy of this awesome sport we all call Rollin on 8’s. She also started her merchandising business to spread love across all aspects of skating all over. Merchandise for skaters by skaters. Honestly she means so much to everyone that knows her, she’s so loved. She’s so genuine, if you meet her once, you know her. She’s exactly how she seems. Michelle always says, “ I just want everyone to know that they can do whatever they put their mind to”. Going through cancer for the past year and a half has also brought into reality how special and precious this life has to be for all of us and for her the joy is spread the easiest through skating . She a Bont sponsored, Pink lovin, skating bad ass that is as humble as anyone you’ll ever meet. Also the love of my life." -Jay Garmon
Like many roller skaters, Ed Emmet aka OG Smooth, took a long hiatus from skating. We’re talking years. Also like many skaters, OGS returned to skating which immediately reignited his passion. With a little convincing from friend & promoter @bgdaddyray he jumped back in & attended an event in Atlanta, GA. Little did anyone know that this would result in one of the most viral skating videos ever! During the event @bgdaddyray shot a video of OG Smooth doing his thing. Not only did this video captivate skaters in attendance, but it captivated the internet too. Whether you knew OG Smooth from his earlier skating years or not, the technical display he put on was remarkable. Watching him skate is awesome enough, but knowing that he was skating like this immediately after years of not skating was amazing. An interesting side note to this story is that @bgdaddyray is open about the fact that the original video that made OG Smooth famous in the skating world was actually not even shared immediately. He says, “I take hundreds of videos. Many never get posted. I came back across this one months later & decided to share it. I never expected it go crazy the way it did.” When Ray first told me this I was shocked but I get it now. Especially as someone who has since shot so many videos. Sometimes the footage you think will be the biggest just isn’t. And then some that you don’t really think will resonate are the ones that hit big! Since returning to skating, OG Smooth has not stopped at all. He has formed the OG Skate Crew based out of Philadelphia, PA. Needless to say, myself @magoovachon & @bgdaddyray are both members. Additionally, one of the best aspects of the OG Skate Crew is its inclusiveness. The founding principle was that members don’t have to be the best skaters. They just have to love it! -Mark 'Magoo' Vachon
Drop us a line & let us know who you think should be the next Skater of the Month. Remember, we don't select candidates by their ability alone. We are highlighting skaters based on their continued contribution to the skate community & culture. Who do you think should be recognized?
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