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Speeding kids flew by at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center roller skating party -- and everyone was having a ball, especially the parents. I havent skated since I was a kid, and this is their first time, too, said Aimee Byrne, who brought her children Avery and Aubrey to the makeshift roller rink in the gymnasium Wednesday afternoon. I love that the town puts these on because were always looking for something to do during winter break to get them out and see other kids.
The Kids at the Department of Parks and Recreations Roller Skating Party ranged from first-timers to skaters who looked like pros. Karen Hirsch, who was watching her children Ryan and Avery participate in a game, said she was pleased to have something local and fun for the kids. Its a chance for them to try out something new, get together with their friends and get in some physical activity, which is important during the cold winter months.
The event was an offshoot of the monthly roller-skating parties at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, which run from September through June. For nearly 40 years, Greenwich resident John Yeager held roller-skating parties for teenagers. Last summer, Yeager hung up his skates for the last time, but Frank Kline and his wife, Sherry, decided to continue his legacy.
My wife Sherry remembers him hosting when she was young, and we took our kids when they were younger, said Frank Kline, who helped coordinate the event. The appeal is a combination of the kids wanting to try something different, and for the parents, it brings back good memories.
With a packed house Wednesday, it was clear the Kline family was continuing to bring Yeagers love of roller-skating to the kids of Greenwich. Its fun because its almost harder than ice skating, said Caitlin Curtis, who met up with her friend Olivia Fakundiny. Weve been to the other parties at Old Greenwich and its just a great way to see your friends and have a good time, said Fakundiny.
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