Steven Helmer Publications

  After spending 4 years on the Beaver Dam Swan City Ice Skaters Board of Directors (two of them as vice president), I allowed my term to run out so another person could take my place. My last day on the board was yesterday and, as that meeting/banquet came to a close, I was presented with the President Award in recognition of my volunteer efforts. I'm honestly still a bit undecided about no longer being on the board. The time was right (my daughter is graduating and will no longer be skating with the club) but I'm a person who thrives on routine and not being part of the board is a major change to that routine that I'll have to get used to. Plus, after helping navigate the club through a pandemic and leaving it in great financial shape, there is part of me that is apprehensive about letting someone new take the reins. I'm sure, after time, I'll get over it though, especially if I find a hobby or part-time job to take up some of my newly acquired free time.

  My oldest daughter started ice skating a little over 10 years ago and, this weekend, will be participating in her final ice show. It's been a long journey. She started out skating because of a free lesson, eventually started competing as a soloist and is now a junior coach with hopes of continuing to coach when she goes to college next fall. There have been ups and downs with this. She suffered two concussions and likely developed her asthma because of spending so much time in ice rinks. She also lost a few months (and one ice show) thanks to COVID and, for a while, had to learn how to skate while wearing a mask (which, ironically, helped her asthma). However, overall, I think it was an activity/sport that helped shape the person she has become and, while it's not the most affordable sport out there, it is one I would recommend to other parents.

It's going to be a full Easter weekend this year because we will also be having our annual ice show at the local skating rink. This is a relatively big deal because, thanks to COVID, we had to cancel last year's show and, up until about November, we weren't sure if this would happen. Even now, we did have to make some changes to the show to allow for proper social distancing. We normally have about 400-500 people in attendance at each of the shows. This year, we are limiting that number to 200. We are, however, livestreaming the final performance, April 3 at 4 p.m. CST. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here:  2021`Swan City Ice Skaters' Annual Ice Show-Animation Station Tickets | Eventbrite

My oldest daughter and I definitely learned this lesson last night. In the past, whenever her skates needed to be sharpened, we would just take them to whoever was convenient and affordable and really didn't think much about it. Then, after the last time they were sharpened, something just seemed to be a bit "off" when she was skating. Her spins (something that is normally a strength for her) weren't as crisp and, as she described it, something never felt quite right about her right skate. Then, there was the concussion that was caused by her feeling almost as though something grabbed her skate and caused her to fall backwards. Image courtesy of Pixabay Since they were due to be sharpened again anyway and our normal sharpening places were temporarily unavailable, I opted to ask one of her coaches to sharpen them this time. She had a good reputation and wasn't any more expensive than where we normally would take her skates. The only reason I never asked ...

This may or may not end up being our oldest daughter's last one. She's going to try to become a junior coach next year and would likely focus on that if she does. But, I also wouldn't rule a return to the ice, at least for the home competition again. This weekend was the annual competition at our local rink, with her skating in showcase (artistic) and interpretive (a fun one where the skater improvises a program to a random song) events. And, she did a great job. Unfortunately, the turnout for this competition wasn't that great this year and, as a result, she wound up not having anyone to compete against at her level. So, in that regard, we really don't know how she would have matched up against another skater. However, she's been doing this for a few years now and I think this is the best I've ever seen her perform. In fact, one of the coaches/judges told me later that it was one of the best showcase programs she had ever seen performed and she thorou...

In total, I was at the ice rink yesterday for about 5 1/2 hours. I showed up to help with the Skate with Santa Open Skate and skating exhibition (both fundraisers for People Against a Violent Environment). Then, after that, they had ice show auditions so I hung around while my daughter had her tryout and got measured for a costume. By the time we got home, there was enough time to grab a quick dinner and get caught up on Supernatural before going to bed. For her part, my daughter held up pretty well, considering she was on the ice for a good chunk of that. She did a great job during her two exhibition numbers, despite having a music screw up on the first one (forcing her to help a bunch of younger skaters improvise). And, her audition (at least from what I could see of it since they don't allow parents out of the warming room) looked solid. I don't think she'll get a solo but maybe has a shot at a trio or quartet. We'll find out in a couple weeks. She's going ...

My youngest daughter used to skate with her sister but, since she was also taking dance lessons and was on the dance team, was starting to get a bit burned out and has taken an 18-month break from it. Her dance schedule has changed a bit, however, and she is going to go back out on the ice this fall. This is kind of exciting because their ice time together was one of the few times I could watch my daughters not argue with each other and I could tell my youngest missed being in the ice show last spring. The last time she skated, she also competed in some solo competitions (she never finished lower than third). I'm guessing that won't be the case this time around and she'll just take the classes.

My daughter started up again last night (a week later than planned due to some ice issues). And, from what I can tell, had no rust despite having a month off. In total, we were there about two hours last night, giving me plenty of time to read. I think I made more progress in my book in one night than I did in the week leading up to it. The start up of ice season did mean having to plan dinner accordingly. Good thing we have two crock pots. I ended up making pork ribs and potatoes and they were ready to be eaten by the time I got home from work, giving us both a chance to eat before we were at the rink.

Just sharing again for those parents in Beaver Dam and the surrounding communities: The Beaver Dam Swan City Ice Skaters have opened registration for their summer camp and class session, which will be held June 25-August 27 at the Beaver Dam Family Center, 609 Gould Street, Beaver Dam. Children 3 years of age or older are encouraged to take a break from the heat and learn a skill they will continue to use when they are adults. Classes are 30 minutes per week and parents can choose either Monday or Wednesday evenings. Kids can use their own skates or borrow a pair from the Beaver Dam Family Center. The cost is just $60 and includes 30-minutes of class time per week, an hour of practice time per week, a basic skills workshop and an end-of-session pizza party. SCIS is a parent-run volunteer organization and is a member of US Figure Skating. Classes are taught by experienced professional coaches at a fraction of the cost of private skating schools and follow a tiered structure that lets ...

Taking a moment to perform my part-time "job" as a Beaver Dam Swan City Ice Skaters board member and announce registration has opened for new skaters who are interested in taking part in the summer class session (June 25-August 27). Any kid 3 years of age or older and living within driving distance of Beaver Dam, WI can sign up for the 30-minute-per-week class. Cost is just $60, which is pretty reasonable when you consider it is for the entire summer and includes an hour of practice ice each week. You can choose Monday evening or Wednesday evening for classes. You can register by visiting www.swancityiceskaters.org and clicking the registration link. Granted, I'm a little biased. But, if you have kids who are looking for something to do this summer, it's something I do recommend. Here are some of the reasons: 1. The classes are taught by professional coaches. Unlike many other activities that rely on volunteers (who may or may not be qualified), SCIS hires q...

I'm actually a little bit exhausted this morning and am not really looking forward to going into the office as a result of that. However, I do think it was worth it considering it was a fairly successful figure skating weekend for my daughter, Azalea (and for me as well). Saturday was her US Figure Skating Test Session. She took the preliminary moves in the field test and, while a little shaky on a couple of the moves, did pass it. Yesterday, she had a competition in Fond du Lac and took two second place medals. Last night (and this was the big one), she won our club's highest solo skater award, the Tough Blades Award. She was apparently nominated by all the coaches and board members to win it because, even though she doesn't always come in first when competing, she always puts in 100 percent effort and is a great representative for our club. It's something she's wanted to win since she first learned about it and was definitely giddy after getting it, especial...

The one that talks about how exhausting a child's extra curricular activities can be. My oldest daughter had her annual ice show this weekend (four 3-hour long shows in 3 days) and, while fun, it was a lot of work. As I joked with one of the other parents as we put away tables after the last show yesterday, my daughter is the figure skater but I was getting as much exercise as her. The show, Rapunzel's Story, did prove to be a big hit. There were some snags early on, such as the music cutting out at inopportune times (though, to their credit, the skaters kept skating as though it was still playing), a few other minor malfunctions and competition from prom, but we pulled together and made it work. I think the most memorable thing for me had to be my daughter's unintentional comic relief during the Saturday night show. She was supposed to sneak out during a scene change and hide out of sight until she made a surprise appearance a couple scenes later. They forgot to call...

If you happen to be around the Beaver Dam, WI area this upcoming weekend (April 20-22), Rapunzel's Story is a must-see event. Our area skaters (including my daughter), coaches and parent volunteers (including me) work very hard to put on a great show every year and this will not be an exception. The show will feature music from Justin Timberlake, Meghan Trainor, Garth Brooks, Michael Buble and various other artists and at $8 per ticket ($7 for seniors and $5 for students), is well worth the money. Show times are at 7 p.m. on Friday, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. If you have kids, they can skate with the show's characters after the Saturday afternoon performance for no additional charge (skates will be provided). The show is at the Beaver Dam Family Center, 609 Gould St.

My daughter's ice show ( Rapunzel's Story ) is next weekend and, a week from today, is the full dress rehearsal. That means we are all scrambling to get everything finalized. I've always been involved in some capacity with other ice shows, whether it was working concessions or selling flowers. But, this year, I've been involved even more. In addition to finding raffle table donations (we have 56 prizes in total this year), I've been taking on pretty much any task that has needed me. This includes taking ticket pre-orders, helping with painting the scenery (something that is not my strong suit) and even helping out in the costume room. Heck, I'm even in charge of the afterglow party now. Because of all of this, I'm definitely looking forward to the show. But, I'm also kind of looking forward to it being over so things can get back to being a little closer to normal.

The Beaver Dam Family Center (the ice rink my daughter skates out of) is holding a very slim lead in the race for new LED lighting but voting doesn't end until tomorrow. If you can, please help the volunteer-run rink win this much-needed prize by casting your vote. You can vote once every 24 hours. http://www.lightlikethepros.com/vote/entries/172060059?type=vote

Our local ice rink made it to the final round of voting. Just a couple more weeks to go in the contest with the winner receiving an LED lighting upgrade (something our small, volunteer-run rink is in sincere need of). They finished round 2 in first place but the voting starts over so they need all the votes they can get. If you would like to help, the link is here: http://www.lightlikethepros.com/vote/entries/172060059?type=vote

One of the hazards of having a kid who skates competitively is, on occasion, you get their competition song stuck in your head on a loop. That's the case with me today. The song is going on and on, over and over again in my head since I got up this morning. I haven't even heard it played since Saturday. I might have to get Pandora going so I can get something new playing in there.

We have a full day planned tomorrow. My daughter has a skating competition down in McFarland, WI and we are pretty much planning on spending the whole day there. Her first event is around 10:30, meaning we have to be there at least an hour earlier than that. Her final even isn't until almost 4. There's a pretty big gap in between so I might drive over to Costco for lunch and to do some shopping. This will be her final competition until May. Ice show rehearsals start next week so I'm going to let her concentrate on that. She'll still have one 30-minute session per week with her coach so she can keep her programs memorized and practice for her next US Figure Skating test session. That doesn't mean my wife and I will get a break, however. Our other daughter has two dance competitions coming up, one this month and one next month.

Next week is the start of ice show rehearsals, which basically means my daughter and I can plan on pretty much living at the ice rink for the next month or so. We're pretty much veterans of this now so it shouldn't be too terrible. The hardest part will be making sure she stays on top of her homework, especially on Mondays, when she needs to be there not long after school is over until just before she would normally be going to bed. I guess I should get some books to read since I'm going to be there too. The ice show, if anyone is interested, is Rapunzel's Story and there will be four shows April 20-22. http://www.swancityiceskaters.org/page/show/1287589-swan-city-ice-show

My oldest daughter had her first skating competition of 2018 yesterday at the Pettit Center down in Milwaukee. It was our first visit to this rink, which is where Olympic skaters train. And, overall, I thought it was pretty cool, especially with them having two rinks (side-by-side) and a speed skating track in what was a pretty large building. It was, by far, the largest rink she's ever skated in. For her part, my daughter did pretty well yesterday. It was her first time skating at the pre-preliminary level and she finished second in compulsory and 5th in her program. There's always going to be room for improvement, but she was right in the mix, has a good foundation and two weeks to find ways to improve before her next competition. It was a very exhausting day, however. She was asleep in the backseat before we even made it out of Milwaukee. Considering she's normally very energetic, that was a surprise.