october 2024 skater of the month - chase sk8s

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Chase fell in love with roller skating the very first time we took him to the rink and 4 years later that fire still burns in him. Skating is his true passion! 

Chase started skating regularly in 2020 shortly after he turned 6 years old. So, we bought him his first pair of skates and have spent almost every weekend at a rink since then. At first, Chase stumbled and fell more times than we could count, his knees would be bruised, but his determination and spirit never wavered. He practiced and slowly improved his balance and with the encouragement of other experienced skaters and his own hard work he has learned new moves and developed into quite an extraordinary little shuffle skater. 

God has blessed him and he uses every opportunity he can to humbly share his knowledge and time with others who want to learn to skate. Chase really enjoys being able to travel skate and visit different skating rinks in the US, which gives him the chance to meet and interact with those that follow and support him locally and from afar. 

For us, one of our greatest blessings and surprises has been our Skate Family. Our Skate Family is a large tight-knit community, bounded not by blood but by our shared love for skating. Young skaters like Chase are welcomed with open arms, and the older skaters take it upon themselves to offer support and encouragement. We cheer each other on during events, celebrate victories together, and are there for each other during tough falls or rough days. Skate family means more than just skating—it is about having a place to belong, a group of people who push you to be better and lift you up when you need it most. No matter what happens, we know that the friendships Chase builds at the rink will last long after the skates are put away. 

Thank you all for taking Chase in with open arms and for loving and supporting him the way you do! We are forever grateful! 

~ Matt & Kim Jones

It seems as though it's been a few months in the making as Ray has been at the top of the voting list every month and for good reason!  Looks like September was his month as the skating community made their voices clear again.

Although Ray has become an invaluable asset to skate culture as a promoter and influencer, it is probably his lesser known contributions that matter the most. 

For those of us who know Ray personally, we see & experience the everyday acts that make him the kind of sk8fam that everyone needs.  Ray is the guy that calls to check in with someone that hasn’t been around.  He is the one that will always extend an invite to anyone that needs a ride. Ray is the guy that will be late to a session just to ensure you get there too. If you want to be involved, he is going to go out of his way to ensure you are.

Ray's reach within skating is felt by many others from all over as a social media figure too.  He is very plain about what he enjoys as a content creator because he will tell anyone, "I'm not looking to promote only amazing skaters.  I want record & share people that love skating!"  In addition to this, Ray works tirelessly with Tri-State Rinks to host 2 annual events such as the Tri-Rink and Philly Fall Sk8 Bash.

So congratulations to BG Daddy Ray for this much deserved recognition! 

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