IE_2001

INSIDE EDGE November / December 2001

SCSF Celebrates the Holidays on Ice!

Skating club of San Francisco (SCSF) members are ringing in the holidays with a number of activities - both on and off the ice.

Kicking off the season was the official lighting of Embarcadero Center on November 16, which featured the annual ice show at the Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink. The Tremors, the club's synchronized skating team, performed; so too did the San Francisco Ice Dance Co., spearheaded by SCSF members and coaches Don Corbiell, Angelo D'Agostino and Louis Vachon along with Paige Scott, general manager of the Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center (YBISC). Billy Kheir also treated the audience with holiday cheer and his trademark high jumps.

On December 3, the SF Ice Dance Co. took to the ice - or rather a plastic version of ice - in a benefit performance for Help is on the Way for the Holidays III, to raise funds for kids and youth with HIV and AIDS.

SCSF members celebrated the club's annual holiday party on December 8, with a free club ice session and the third annual CD exchange. We wish to thank Eva Hui-Chan, Carol Lewis and Sylvia Yuen for donating a wealth of tasty treats for the event.

There's still time to get tickets for Holidaze 2001, the annual YBISC holiday skating show, which will run Sunday, December 16, at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, December 18, at 7 p.m. You'll get to see several SCSF members take to the ice with their special take on holiday cheer. Arian Fay-Gutierrez, Tanaya Macheel, and Ariel Rawson get together for a triple-take on Brittany Spears while Ted Gradman does a debonair turn in bowler hat and cape, and Elizabeth Risberg jazzes it up with "Popsicle Toes." You'll also see the Tremors and SF Ice Dance Co. and much more! Admission is $8 per person.

Come join the SCSF, and skate outdoors by the San Francisco Bay! The SCSF has added two Sunday club ice sessions on December 16 and January 6 at the Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center outdoor ice rink (off the corner of Market and Steuart). The sessions run 8:30-9:30 a.m., weather permitting.

The cost is the same as for Saturday club sessions: $12 for members or $15 for non-SCSF skaters/guests. Skaters can also use their club punch cards.

SCSF Skater Heads to Jr. Nationals

The SCSF is excited to announce that club member Tashe Smith has qualified to participate in the 2002 United States Junior National Championships being held December 12-15 in Bensenville, IL, just outside of Chicago.

To qualify, Tashe finished 4th overall at the USFSA Central Pacific Regional Championships where she represented the SCSF this past October. She also placed first in her Intermediate Ladies short program, complete with a difficult double axel-double toe loop combination.

For Tashe, who began skating just three years ago, the rise in the figure skating ranks has been a rapid one. Many skaters work years just to get their first double jump, hoping to medal in local competitions. Tashe reportedly learned all her doubles in her first year of skating. She's now landing the triple toe loop.

Tashe also has played an active role in the Skating Club of San Francisco, completing all her testing with the Club and volunteering for various club events. Because of this, the board was pleased to recently honor Tashe with our first Spirit Award to help with expenses related to Jr. Nationals. SCSF members Bruce Bell, Sheila Gibson, Joyce Hampton and Maggie Harding also teamed up on December 1, to throw a party in Tashe's honor and raise additional funds for Jr. Nationals.

Tashe and her Mom left for Chicago on December 8. Stay tuned for the results in next month's issue.(Our thanks to Thom Mullins for contributing to this story.)

Skate SF 2001 Achieves Second Year of Success

The results are in on Skate San Francisco 2001. The second open competition hosted by the SCSF and YBISC was a clear success. More than 200 skaters from all over California and the country - including Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and Washington - competed throughout the weekend. With skaters from so many regions, the competitions were diverse and dynamic. Meanwhile, a dedicated team of more than 40 volunteers, including members, friends and family of the SCSF worked with the YBISC staff to make sure that the competition ran smoothly.

SCSF Members Make Strong Showing

Congratulations to SCSF members who made a strong showing participating in competitive and exhibition events at Skate SF 2001. Check out the results.

Volunteers Are Key to Success

We wish to thank all the volunteers - SCSF members, family and friends - who made Skate SF 2001 a success: Sharene Badiola (hospitality, runner), Bruce Bell (ice monitor, registration, facilities), Cora Bieber (club table), Dr. Marion Blumberg (medical, club table), Ellen Byrnes (hospitality), Katie Campagna (hospitality), Kevin Campagna (hospitality), Shirley Chan (runner), Janine Davis (volunteer chair), Tess Maria DeGuzman (registration), Arian Fay-Gutierrez (runner), Alexei Folger (goodie bag chair), Courtney Gibson (hospitality, runner), Sheila Gibson (hospitality co-chair), Ted Gradman (advertising), Joyce Hampton (hospitality, runner), Taylor Hampton (runners chair), Casey Harper (runner), Peanut Harper (club table), Sam Hayek (music chair), Eva Hui-Chan (flower sales/donation), Linda Kress (goodie bag), Christopher LeConte (registration), Resa Lee (club table), Larry Lofberg (club table, greeter), Dennis Macheel (greeter), Tanaya Macheel (runner), Jodie Maier (ice monitor), Christina Mayville (club table), Thom Mullins (club table, name tags), Lori Nelson (ice monitor), Jackie Newman (club table), Matt Newman (runner), Jennifer Novak (publicity), Kathryn Paradise (registration), Elizabeth Risberg (competition program, volunteer support), Michelle Silak (registration), Arlene Wong (hospitality co-chair), Ariel Rawson (runner), Bob Rawson (facilities), JoAnn Rawson (runner), Celine Rose (logo design, artwork) Dr. Stephen Rosenthal (medical, club table), Andy Schell (runner), Diane Stewart (ice monitor), Joe Salinas (greeter, club table), Mackenzie Vaillancourt (club table), Stephanie Victoria Yuen (runner), Sylvia Yuen (goodie bags, hospitality), and Elizabeth Zbytniewski-Briggs (registration).

We also wish to thank the USFSA officials who supported Skate SF 2001: Sam Singer, Jr., chief referee and judge; Lisa Erle, assistant referee and judge; Bill Nelson, assistant referee and judge; Dee Nelson, accountant; Ellen Izuka, assistant accountant; Maggie Harding, registrar and judge; Arthur Bahr, judge; Charlotte Canida, judge; Roy Cofer, judge; Phil Deaver, judge; Jessica Gaynor, judge; Mary Panyan, judge; Rick Perez, judge; Howard Whelan, judge; Marilyn Whelan, judge.

November Birthdays

Happy Birthday, November Kids!

1 - Ariella Mostov

3 - JohnRey Hassan

4 - Joanna Ramberg

7 - Thomas Mullins

11 - Linda Kress

14 - Stephanie Victoria Yuen

14 - Veronica Pheils

17 - Resa Lee

21 - Rhonda Chau

21 - David Stein

24 - Jennifer Nieman-Smith

27 - Matt Newman

27 - Lola Young

28 - Janice Cook (Assoc.)

30 - Robert Kerns

December Birthdays

Happy Birthday, December Kids!

9 - Kevin Campagna (Assoc.)

12 - Christopher LeConte

14 - Katie Stein

15 - Darren Lee

15 - Kathryn Neckowitz (Assoc.)

15 - Joseph Yick

16 - Taylor Hampton

19 - Yvonne Gomez

21 - Gilbert Chiang

24 - Clare German

24 - Matt Lofberg

27 - Charlotte Canida (Assoc.)

27 - Mike Dianda

27 - Sasha Gibbs

28 - Bruce Bell

31 - Elizabeth Zbytniewski-Briggs

SCSF Test Updates

Congratulations to all the skaters who passed their USFSA tests on September 29 and November 17!

Good Luck at December Test Session!

Best wishes to all SCSF skaters taking their USFSA tests on Saturday, December 15. Click here for the tentative schedule.

January Test Session

The SCSF will hold its first USFSA test session of 2002 at 7:15-8:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2002. Test submissions are due December 15. Late entries only will be accepted December 16-20 with the $10 late fee.

As always, test spots are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. To secure your test spot - and prevent your test submission from being returned to you - make sure that Sheila Gibson, test chair, receives the following:

* Your completed application, including the tests you plan to take and all required signatures from your coach, parent/guardian (if under 18) and club official.

* A check for the test fees (and late fee if applicable). A summary of the fees appears on the back of the test application form.

Any incomplete application - along with test fees - will be returned to a skater. and the skater will need to resubmit for the test session by the deadline. If you are not accepted because the test session has been filled, the SCSF will return the application and fees to you, and you will need to resubmit for the next test session. There are no "rollovers."

You can pick up an application at the YBISC; from your coach; from Sheila Gibson, SCSF test chair; or from the SCSF Web site at www.scsf.org. Then either place your completed form and payment in the SCSF "mailbox" located near the register in the YBISC office, or mail it to Sheila. You may also contact her with any questions or comments.

Contact information:

Sheila Gibson, Test Chair

1431 Crestwood Drive

South San Francisco, CA, 94080

(650) 794-0127 (please no calls after 8 p.m.)

sheila@scsf.org

Sheila will contact you a week before the test to confirm receipt of your application. If the club needs you to bring anything to the test, she'll let you know at that time.

Upcoming Events

The applications are out for adult competitions - and for the club's next critique. You can copy the applications on the club board at the YBISC or download an electronic copy directly via the Web.

SCSF 2002 Winter Critique, January 26, San Francisco, CA. The entry deadline is January 5. Download the application.

2002 Pacific Coast Adult Championships, February 22-23, Olympicview Ice Arena, Mountlake Terrance, WA. The entry deadline is January 15. Download the application.

2002 United States Adult Figure Skating Championships, April 3-6, A2Ice3 Ann Arbor, MI. The entry deadline is January 15. Enter online at USFSA.

Hints from the Edge

Looking for new costuming or make-up tips? Hints from the Edge spotlights helpful pointers.

Holiday Lips that Last

Does your lipstick fade between your warm-up and the time you skate your program? Try these tips for long-lasting lips that will keep shining through competitions - and the holidays.

* Smooth lips with lip balm or crème, and then lightly brush on powder to help "set" your lip color.

* Line your lips with a pencil; then use the side of your pencil to lightly fill in the rest of your lips. Use a lip brush to even out the tone. Next apply your lipstick or lip gloss on top using a lip brush for the best control.

* Optionally, use one of the available products for fixing lip color, such as Max Factor's Lipfinity.

* Now go out and smile!

SCSF Skaters Take on the Competition

Three cheers to members of the SCSF who participated in a range of competitive events over in California - and around the world. And a special congratulations to Stephana Major, who has been selected to skate in the ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Check out all our members' achievements on the Members Achievements page.

SCSF HealthSkate Update

Ice skating brings a wealth of health benefits. Here are some ways to get in top shape for skating and keep off those holiday pounds.

Ballet Class Keeps Skaters on their Toes

Grace, strength and flexibility - they're just three of the ways that Ice skaters can fine tune their skating technique through ballet. With the YBISC now offering ballet classes, it's more convenient than ever to add dance to your cross training.

Virginia Long - a member of the San Francisco Ballet for nearly ten years, soloist in the Essener Ballet of Germany, and principle guest artist of the Ballet Theater Zinoun - leads the ballet classes.

With each of her classes, Virginia helps skaters achieve precision, artistry and discipline through correct technique and good-humored encouragement.

YBISC ballet classes led by Virginia include:

Ballet 1A (ages 6-10)

· Mondays 4:00-5:00 p.m.

· Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Ballet 1B (ages 11-17)

· Wednesdays 4:15-5:15 p.m.

· Saturdays 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Adults

· Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 p.m.

· Thursdays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Single classes are $15, or skaters can purchase eight classes for $96. Private lessons are also available. For more information, call (415) 948-7688 or e-mail vlong14@hotmail.com.

Skaters are encouraged to wear ballet slippers and leotards-and-tights or similar apparel.

Power Training for the Over-18 Crowd

It may take a little longer to stretch, and muscles may need more time to recover, but adults can bring greater strength, balance and flexibility to their skating through cross training.

Maggie Harding, a member of IDEA for fitness professionals, has developed a comprehensive training program specifically for adult skaters. Others may know Maggie as a USFSA figure skating judge, Adult Gold competitive figure skater, international gold medallist in adult figure skating, a professional skater with Disney on Ice, and an active member of the SCSF.

Maggie is running 45-minute classes every Friday morning, from 6:30-7:15 a.m. and 7:20-8:05 a.m. The sessions are held at the Star Dance Studio at 300 Moraga Street (at Ninth Avenue). Each 45-minute class is $10, or skaters can purchase a prepaid 10-punch card for $80.

Skaters are encouraged to bring an exercise mat and towel, water, and non-marking soled shoes (bare feet are okay). Wear comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion.

For more information, contact Maggie Harding at (415) 713-6901, or e-mail magharding@aol.com.

SCSF Winter Critique

Applications are now being accepted for the third annual critique, SCSF Winter Critique 2002. The event will give local skaters an opportunity to showcase their programs and receive feedback from USFSA judges in a low-stress environment. Winter Critique 2002 will be held Saturday, January 26, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the YBISC. It is open to all skaters, but priority will be given to adults and home club members.

All entry forms must be postmarked no later than January 5, 2002, and we will be accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. Entry forms are now available and at the rink. Last year's popular critique filled up quickly, so submit your application today.

Note to Adult Skaters: Winter Critique 2002 comes at a perfect time to get feedback prior to the upcoming Adult Sectional and National competitions. Don't miss this opportunity to get your programs in top form!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 2001

Skate SF 2001 Attracts More Skaters

Skate San Francisco 2001 promises to top the success of Skate SF 2000. With all entries now in, the competition has more than 230 skaters participating in over 200 starts. Hosted by the SCSF in partnership with the YBISC, Skate SF 2001 is scheduled for October 27 & 28. For the second year in a row, the competition will feature Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano as honorary chairman.

Skate SF 2001 is sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) and endorsed by the Ice Skating Institute (ISI). It will feature separate USFSA and ISI categories, along with combined artistic events.

Volunteer Ranks Grow, More Still Needed

Volunteers are the key to a successful competition. We're excited to announce several new volunteers. But with Skate SF 2001 exceeding the size of last year's event, we're still looking for people to help in all areas to make this competition a fun and memorable time for everyone.

If you receive a call from one of our volunteer chairs, think about how you can help during the competition. We're looking for runners, greeters and ice monitors, as well as people to help staff the registration desk, Skate SF flower and club giveaways desk, and hospitality rooms. You can also contact Janine Davis, volunteer chair, or our other activity chairs - please call before 9 p.m.:

· Volunteer chair: Janine Davis, (650) 349-4792, iceenigma@hotmail.com

· Advertising/publicity: Rebecca Hurst, (650) 361-8306, rebeccah@bando.com. Thanks for help from Ted Gradman, Larry Lofberg and Jennifer Novak.

· Competition program: Elizabeth Risberg (415) 332-3436 or (415) 613-5983 elizabeth@scsf.org

· Music/announcing: Sam Hayek, (415) 585-4884, icedancer@aol.com

· Hospitality chairs (provide food for judges): Sheila Gibson, (650) 794-0127, Sheila@scsf.org, & Arlene Wong. Thanks also to Bruce Bell, Ellen Byrnes, Mike Dianda, Sarah Granger, Joyce Hampton, May Lee, and JoAnn Rawson, Tashe Smith-Lawrence.

· Goodie bags: Alexei Folger, (415) 647-0295 or alexei@scsf.org. Thank you Linda Kress and Sylvia Yuen for support.

· Facilities chair: Bonnie Legg, (415) 820-3525, salesybisc@vscsports.com. Thanks to Bruce Bell & Bob Rawson for signing up to help rink staff.

· Medical: Dr. Stephen Rosenthal, (415) 665-2117, rosenth@pacbell.net. Back-up support appreciated.

· Runners chair: Taylor Hampton, (707) 422-4298, PaJoTa1216@aol.com. Thanks to Kevin Campagna, Shirley Chan, Arian Fay-Gutierrez, Courtney Gibson, Matt Lofberg, and Ariel Rawson for helping.

· Flowers/SCSF club table: Thanks to Eva Hui-Chan for volunteering flowers plus Cora Bieber and Larry Lofberg.

· Awards: Thanks to Ron Davis and Thom Mullins.

· Greeters: Thanks to Alexandra Yick and Joseph Yick.

· Registration desk: Thanks to Christopher LeConte and Elizabeth Zbytniewski-Briggs.

· Ice monitors: Thanks to Jodie Maier, Lori Nelson, and Diane Stewart.

We apologize if your name is not listed here. These acknowledgements include everyone who had signed up as of the publishing of this letter. Again, we thank everyone for your help.

SCSF Shopping Special

Skaters who show their blue SCSF membership cards at San Francisco Dancewear will receive a 10% discount off of any purchase. The store is located on Mission Street between Third Street and New Montgomery - just a couple blocks from the YBISC!

October Birthdays

Happy Birthday, October Kids!

3 - JohnRey Hassan

11 - Linda Kress

14 - Stephanie Yuen

14 - Veronica Pheils

21 - Rhonda Chau

26 - Ariel Rawson

30 - Robert Kerns

SCSF Test Updates

Congratulations to all the skaters who passed their USFSA tests on August 25!

November Test Session

The SCSF will hold its next USFSA test session 6:45-8:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2001. Test submissions are due October 20. Late entries only will be accepted October 21-25 with the $10 late fee.

· Your completed application, including the tests you plan to take and all required signatures from your coach, parent/guardian (if under 18) and club official.

· A check for the test fees (and late fee if applicable). A summary of the fees appears on the back of the test application form.

Contact information:

Sheila Gibson, Test Chair

1431 Crestwood Drive

South San Francisco, CA, 94080

(650) 794-0127 (please no calls after 8 p.m.)

sheila@scsf.org

Sheila will contact you a week before the test to confirm receipt of your application. If the club needs you to bring anything to the test, she'll let you know at that time.

New Club Policies

The board of the Skating Club of San Francisco met on September 25, 2001 and enacted new policies, which have gone into effect immediately.

Please feel free to contact any member of the board with questions (see last page of newsletter for contact information). We're here to answer your questions.

Revised Test Policies

Following are new test policies voted into place by board. The goal of these policies is to provide clearer guidelines to all test applicants.

· Any incomplete application - along with test fees - will be returned to a skater, and the skater will be responsible for resubmitting for the test session by the deadline.

· If a skater is not accepted for the current test session because the test session has already been filled, the SCSF will return the application and fees to the skater. The skater then will be responsible for submitting for the next test session. There will be no "rollovers."

· The SCSF will not refund the test fees of a skater who cancels participation in a test session. The skater will have to send in a new application along with all applicable fees to participate in a future test session. The club will only make exceptions for documented instances of injury or severe illness of the skater or a death in the skater's family.

Payment Policies

The SCSF accepts cash, checks and money orders as payment for club membership, activities and merchandise. However, the club reserves the right to refuse checks from anyone who has had two or more checks made payable to the club returned by the bank - either due to lack of funds or because the person placed a "stop payment" on the check. The club does not at any time accept credit or debit card payments.

Best Wishes!

Good luck to SCSF skaters participating in these October competitions and events.

2002 Central Pacific Regional Championships, October 8-13, Oakland, CA.

OktoberDancefest, October 21, Santa Rosa, CA.

Skate San Francisco, October 27-28, San Francisco, CA.

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to members of the SCSF who competed in the Silicon Valley Open held August 16-19 in San Jose, CA.

SCSF HealthSkate Update

Ice skating brings a wealth of health benefits - here are some pointers for achieving optimal performance through mind and body

All Carbs are not the Same

Some people can be satisfied by any carbohydrate-rich foods they eat, but many of us find that some give us more long-lasting energy than others. Refined starchy foods and simple sugars can leave you hungry. So what can you do?

First, choose more whole-grain foods such as brown rice or whole wheat bread over white rice and bread. Another thing you can do is eat fruits and vegetables rather than drinking juices. You'll get less concentrations of sugar, and the fiber will help you feel more full. Try sweet cherry tomatoes or baby carrots for a quick afternoon snack. Along the same lines, minimize your intake of beverages with sugar. Try drinks with sugar substitutes, herbal teas without sweetening or - best of all - water.

The other thing you can do is to add protein to your meals. Try an egg and whole-wheat toast for breakfast or an apple with cheese or peanut butter for a snack.

Finding Self-Motivation

Whether you're training for a competition, preparing for a test, or trying to master a new jump, here are some pointers for keeping motivated while you strive for your goals:

· Make your goal specific. Instead of saying, "I want to land my double Salchow," you might say, "I want to achieve the timing and rotation required to land my double Salchow."

· Create a roadmap for achieving your goals, for example: "1) practice my double Salchow every day, 2) work with my coach on exercises to improve my rotation." You can even make a checklist to make sure you're working on the elements required to achieve your goal.

· Celebrate your milestones. For example, "I improved my entry into my double Salchow today."

· Remind yourself of past achievements that took time to achieve. For instance, remember how you struggled to get your Axel before you finally landed it. Tell yourself how you'll learn to land your double Salchow just the way you learned your Axel.

By combining clear goals and milestones with positive reinforcement, you'll be in great shape to reach your goals!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 2001

SCSF Gears Up for Skate SF 2001

Strap on your skates. The Skating Club of San Francisco is gearing up for Skate San Francisco 2001. Hosted by the SCSF in partnership with the YBISC, Skate SF 2001 is an open competition scheduled for October 27 & 28, with an option to extend events into October 26. And for the second year in a row, the competition will feature Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano as honorary chairman.

Entry Deadline is Around the Corner Competitors, there are just a few more days until the entry deadline for Skate SF 2001, so why not send in your application today to:

Maggie Harding, Competition Registrar

2031-10th Ave.

San Francisco, CA, 94116

Submissions must be postmarked or deposited in the SCSF mailbox in the YBISC office no later than September 12. You can print out a copy of the application from the SCSF Web site (www.scsf.org), or pick up a copy at the front desk in the YBISC office.

Late submissions will be accepted at the discretion of the registrar September 13-28, but the late fee is double the regular entry fee. Late submissions must be postmarked or deposited in the SCSF mailbox no later than September 28, or they will be returned to the skater.

Show Your Support

If you're a parent, you may want to put an ad in the program wishing your skater luck. It's always fun to see your name in print! You can also help by checking with your employer or neighborhood businesses to see if they would like to show support by purchasing ad space in the program. Program ad forms appear on the last page of the announcement/application form.

Wanted: Volunteers

There's a lot to putting on a successful competition, and the SCSF is also looking for event volunteers to join its committees. Interested in helping? Here are the contacts:

· Volunteer Chair: Janine Davis, (650) 349-4792, iceenigma@hotmail.com

· Advertising/publicity: Rebecca Hurst, (650) 361-8306, rebeccah@bando.com

· Competition program: Elizabeth Risberg (call before 9:00 p.m.), (415) 332-3436 or (415) 613-5983 elizabeth@scsf.org

· Music/announcing: Sam Hayek, (415) 585-4884, icedancer@aol.com

· Hospitality (provide food for judges: Sheila Gibson, (650) 794-0127, Sheila@scsf.org , & Arlene Wong

· Goodie bags: Alexei Folger, (415) 647-0295 or alexei@scsf.org

· Facilities, volunteers needed*

· Runners, volunteers needed*

· Awards, volunteers needed*

· Registration desk: volunteers needed*

· Ice monitors: volunteers needed*

· Set up/clean up: volunteers needed*

*To volunteer, contact Janine Davis.

SCSF Shopping Special

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday, September Kids!

3 - Carleen Henry

5 - Olivia Young (Assoc.)

7 - Christine Rose Alimbuyuguen

7 - Gary Klingbergs

7 - Nicholas Petkevich

8 - Andrea Macias

14 - Dexter Lee

17 - Jacqueline Ventura

23 - Rebecca Hurst

23 - Carol Lewis

24 - Philiana Ng

27 - Alice Ho (Assoc.)

28 - Louis Vachon (Assoc.)

30 - Sheila Gibson

SCSF Test Updates

Congratulations to all the skaters who passed their USFSA tests on July 28!

November Test Session

· Your completed application, including the tests you plan to take and all required signatures from your coach, parent/guardian (if under 18) and club official.

· A check for the test fees (and late fee if applicable). A summary of the fees appears on the back of the test application form.

Contact information:

Sheila Gibson, Test Chair

1431 Crestwood Drive

South San Francisco, CA, 94080

(650) 794-0127

sheila@scsf.org

Sheila will contact you a week before the test to confirm receipt of your application. If the club needs you to bring anything to the test, she'll let you know at that time.

Upcoming Events

The fall skating competition season is just around the corner. You can find competition applications on the SCSF club board and by the YBISC music box. You can also check the CCIA calendar on the Santa Rosa figure skating club at www.srfsc.org, or ask an SCSF board member.

Skate San Francisco, October 27-28 (tentatively October 26), San Francisco, CA. For information, visit the Web site at www.scsf.org, or contact Rebecca Hurst at 650-361-8306 or rebecca@scsf.org.

2002 Central Pacific Regional Championships, October 8-13, Oakland, CA. Deadlines are August 20 for non-qualifying and September 1 for qualifying. For more information, contact the St. Moritz ISC at www.smisc.org.

OktoberDancefest, October 21, Santa Rosa, CA. For more information, contact the Santa Rosa FSC at www.srfsc.org or 707-546-7147, x867.

Best Wishes!

Good luck to SCSF skaters taking their USFSA tests on September29 and participating in Skate St. Moritz, September 14-16, Oakland, CA.

SCSF HealthSkate Update

Ice skating brings a wealth of health benefits - and occasionally some challenges. With Centrals and Sectionals just around the corner, skaters are ramping both mind and body toward optimal performance.

This month, we go back and review great advice from Katie Peuvrelle, sports health psychology counselor and skating coach-choreographer, on the things you can do to overcome competitive skating jitters. The tips, originally published in May 2000, are based on a workshop sponsored by the SCSF, which ran April 8, 2000.

Shaking the Competition Jitters

You're at a competition, an ice show, or maybe a qualifying test:

A) Do your knees turn to jello?

B) Do you get butterflies in your stomach?

C) Do you wonder where all that confidence you had during practice went?

D) All of the above?

At the SCSF-sponsored workshop, Katie Peuvrelle offered a variety of exercises for putting a skating performance in perspective and gaining confidence through focus.

Tip 1: Put it in perspective. Katie suggests writing down your thoughts about skating in order to understand your motivation. It starts with a mission statement that states why you do what you do, followed by a series of questions: "Why do I skate? Why do I compete? What do I get out of it? What do I give to others? What do others give to me?"

When the workshop group answered some of these questions, one thing quickly became clear, it's about a lot more than being in the spotlight or winning a medal. Answers centered on ideas like "fun, love, challenge, relaxation, achievement, entertainment, support and friendship." By thinking about these things, it showed how a skating performance was not some looming be-all-end-all but instead was just part of a bigger and much richer picture.

Tip 2: Do a mental rehearsal. Selective awareness is a technique that skaters can use to prepare for an event, says Katie. What is selective awareness? Katie explained it by having workshop attendees guess the flavor of a jellybean (tangerine). Then she pointed out how much we needed to be in the present to concentrate on the flavor. There wasn't an opportunity to worry about the past or future.

One selective awareness exercise from Katie is a focused tensing and relaxation of the body. First, you intentionally tense your body while counting from 1 to 10, from the toes up through the legs, torso, arms, neck, and face. Then you begin relaxing those muscles, starting with your face and counting from 10 to 1 until you reach your toes. The focused tightening and relaxing of muscles is a great technique for redirecting and releasing negative tension.

Another exercise that she uses combines breathing with visualization. Start by breathing deeply from the belly. Let the lungs expand fully before breathing outward. Continue breathing and focusing on the breadth. Some people like to keep their eyes open, others prefer to close them. You may notice that you are aware of faint sounds for the first time. Continue breathing, and think about a comfortable place. Hold the thought, and continue breathing.

Then think about a future place where you'd like to be. It may have to do with skating, or it may not. Imagine what that place is like, and what it feels like as you continue breathing. "In visualizing this future place and its associated positive feelings, it's important to bring in and enrich all forms of sensory awareness possible," Katie advises. Take your time, and ask yourself questions like, "What am I wearing? Am I aware of any specific smells? What do I hear? Do any colors or patterns stand out? Who is with me? Are there any specific feelings associated with this experience? If so, where is the feeling concentrated in my body?"

Usually one sense dominates, and that is what you can focus on. When you're ready, store the memory of this image or feeling. Continue breathing, but start bringing yourself back into the present. If you've closed your eyes, open them. When you go out to perform, the image or feeling you've stored can serve as an "anchor" to help you access this experience again, serving as a reminder of how you want to feel in the present moment.

Tip 3: Take action. Katie noted several activities to pursue that can help take the nervous edge off of your performance. First, she says, "Reach out to friends, and remember that competition is about the community that you build around you."

But what do you do about competitors, who have negative attitudes or like to try to psyche you out? Katie suggests some advance role playing. Have a friend or family member ask you the types of tough questions that might make you nervous or upset. Then practice answering them while thinking about why you're at the competition. For example, if someone asks, "Do you think you'll win a medal?" you could respond by saying, "My goal is to skate a really strong program and have fun."

Another way to prepare for a competition or show is to, "Keep it fun, and keep your life balanced," Katie says. "When you're at a competition, plan an activity that has nothing to do with skating."

At all times, Katie advises "erase and replace." That is, erase negative thoughts, like "I won't fall on that jump," from your mind, and replace them with positive ones, like "I will land a clean loop."

And finally, when you're skating, Katie suggests, "Remember that a complete performance starts with what is inside." An audience will forgive a mistake if they see that you are enjoying what you're doing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July/August 2001

SCSF Spirit Award

The Skating Club of San Francisco (SCSF) is proud to announce the creation of the SCSF Spirit Award to help club members reach their skating goals. The SCSF board of directors has established the new award in honor of our recent past president, Maggie Harding, whose passion for skating, hard work, and dedication were instrumental in transforming the SCSF from an inactive club with less than a dozen people into a thriving organization with more than 140 members today.

The SCSF Spirit Award will recognize members who exemplify good sportsmanship, perseverance and service to the club by providing a small stipend to help offset the costs of participating in non-qualifying competitive events. To qualify, applicants must be home club members of the SCSF for at least one full year.

The SCSF Spirit Award complements the club's Bill and Laurie Hickox Memorial Fund, which for 40 years has fostered amateur competitive ice skating by helping members of the SCSF defray the expenses of participating in national and regional USFSA competitions.

A document detailing the award submission guidelines is being finalized in August. Skaters who wish to be considered for the award should contact SCSF Secretary Alexei Folger at (415) 647-0295 or alexei@scsf.org in order to receive a copy of the submission guidelines.

Member Renewal Time

It's time once again to renew your membership in the Skating Club of San Francisco. By now you should have received your renewal information for the 2001-2002 year. We're pleased to have you as a valued member and look forward to your continued participation.

As a home club or associate member, you'll have priority over nonmembers for test sessions and receive The Inside Edge club newsletter. If the SCSF is your home club, your renewal also will ensure your continued membership in the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA).

Please note two important changes for the 2001-2002 season.

First, the USFSA membership this year will run from October 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002 because the USFSA is transitioning to a new fiscal calendar. Since this will be a shorter year, dues will be slightly lower than they were in the 2000-2001 season, which ran a full 12 months. Next year's membership will be a full year, running July 1, 2002-June 30, 2003.

Second, the club is offering a 25-session punch card for 2001-2002 instead of the full-year pass option available for this past season. We believe the 25-session card will offer frequent skaters even greater value and convenience. If you're interested in this card, be sure to purchase it now, since it is only available at the time of renewal. You also have the option of purchasing the club's standard 10-session card either with your renewal or anytime during the season.

To prevent a lapse in your SCSF or USFSA membership, make sure that Yavi Oline, SCSF board member and membership chair, receives your completed application and fee by September 1, 2001. If you have any questions, or if you haven't received your renewal information, you can contact Yavi at (415) 255-8694 or yavi@scsf.org.

Summer Double Issue

Welcome to the summer double issue of The Inside Edge,

the official SCSF newsletter. With many of our members

away for summer vacations - and a big SCSF board push

to prepare for the annual membership renewal and Skate

San Francisco 2001 - we've decided to combine July and

August. Look for us to return to our regular monthly

schedule in September. In the meantime, we hope you

enjoy the mix of news, skating-related tips and health

items in this issue.

Congratulations SCSF Skaters!

Members of the SCSF had strong showings at many recent competitions.

CCIA Junior Competition

CCIA Senior Competition

Red, White and Blue Ice

Hidden Valley Open

Chabot

SCSF Test Updates

Congratulations to all the skaters who passed their USFSA tests on June 16!

September Test Session

The SCSF will hold its next USFSA test session 6:45-8:45 a.m. on September 29, 2001. Test submissions are due September 1. Late entries only will be accepted September 2-6 with the $10 late fee.

· Your completed application, including the tests you plan to take and all required signatures from your coach, parent/guardian (if under 18) and club official.

· A check for the test fees (and late fee if applicable). A summary of the fees appears on the back of the test application form.

Contact information:

Sheila Gibson, Test Chair

1431 Crestwood Drive

South San Francisco, CA, 94080

(650) 794-0127

sheila@scsf.org

Sheila will contact you a week before the test to confirm receipt of your application. If the club needs you to bring anything to the test, she'll let you know at that time.

Hints from the Edge

Looking for new costuming or make-up tips? Need a way to make your boots more comfortable? Hints from the Edge is a column that spotlights helpful pointers on a variety of skating-related topics.

Better Boot Comfort

So you have a new pair of boots. Or maybe your old ones have developed quirky new ways of irritating your feet or ankles. Here's an overview of some common and less familiar ways to get a more comfortable fit.

Start with the obvious. If you have a new pair of boots, whether they're stock or custom, the first step is having them "punched out" to accommodate the natural bumps and curves of your feet and ankles. This should alleviate the majority of discomfort you feel, though not all of it. Because the work is done from the inside, it is only noticeable to someone looking closely at your boots. A professional skate shop should be able to provide this service or direct you to someone who can.

If you're like most of us, you'll also need some additional padding to prevent blisters caused by your boots rubbing your feet and ankles. The skater's best friends are the Bunga Pad, available in a variety of sizes, and Bunga Sleeve, available at most ice skating shops. These gel-based products are thin and comfortable yet provide effective cushions between you and your boots. The gel pads are typically used for pressure points on the foot or ankle. The "sleeve" easily slips over your foot to provide all-around protection for your ankles. In all cases, it's best to place these gel products directly on your skin beneath your socks or tights to prevent slipping. Note that similar gel-based products under different brand names are now beginning to appear on the market.

Another great gel-based product for your toes comes from Scholl's. The well-known foot care company has small, clear gel-plastic sleeves that fit snugly on your toes. They're designed for protecting corns and calluses, but they also can be used to cushion toes that are getting rubbed by your boots, helping you to avoid blisters.

Neoprene may be the answer for some skaters. The material is best known for its use in wetsuits, but thin layers also are used to make some types of light ankle braces. The Neoprene fabric provides warmth and compression to minimize the stress on stress weak or previously injured tendons, ligaments and muscles. It also tends to stay in place better than available gel-based ankle sleeves and is easier than trying to place multiple gel pads.

If you wish to try Neoprene, here are a couple points to consider. First and foremost, avoid any product that has a built-in plastic or metal brace. It's unnecessary and potentially dangerous to use such a device. All you want is the warmth and prevention of slippage provided by a simple Neoprene ankle sleeve stitched together with elastic fabric reinforcements at the seams.

The second is that you may need to customize Neoprene braces for a better fit, especially if you are a smaller skater. The easiest way to start is to turn the brace upside down and wear the shorter "foot" part of the sleeve on your ankle. In most cases, you'll find that this will be the right height, coming just at or below the top of your boot, which means you'll only have to shorten one edge of the brace instead of two.

Next, you'll want to shorten the longer "top" part of the sleeve (typically where the logo is) to fit your foot. The length is probably most comfortable if it extends just to the middle of your arch. Before cutting, gently remove the stitching in the elastic that holds the two edges of Neoprene together. You'll need to do this for the seam that runs on top of the foot and for the seam that runs on the bottom.

Trim the Neoprene to the right length, and then re-stitch the elastic into place to hold the Neoprene edges together. You can do this either by hand-stitching or machine.

"Surgery" may be in order if these other techniques fail to give you a reasonably comfortable fit - surgery for your boots, that is. Whether through measuring or production issues or due to the natural growth that kids face, sometimes the manufacturer or authorized dealer has to go inside and open up the boot to make it bigger or eliminate pressure points. Needless to say, don't try this at home.

In all cases, if the breaking-in period for new boots is too long (more than two or three weeks), or if common techniques for making boots more comfortable fail, get back to the dealer or manufacturer as quickly as possible to prevent injury.

Brushing up on Beauty

Does your eye shadow glom on too heavy or go where it doesn't belong? Does your blush create two bright streaks across cheeks instead of a nice rosy glow? Don't blame your make-up. It may be in the tools and techniques you use to apply it. Unfortunately the little brush and sponge applicators that come with your make-up probably are not going to give you the best results.

Instead, turn to make-up brushes to quickly and easily get the look you want. A personal favorite are the natural brushes from MAC, but plenty of great options exist at local beauty and department stores. Also some natural-synthetic combination brushes work just as well as all- natural ones. Here are a few quick pointers on matching brushes to the task at hand.

Gentle shadows on the eyelids are created with a soft, slightly rounded brush with bristles that are about ½-inch thick by almost ¾-inch long. Use this brush for both highlighting under the brow and general color on the eyelid. In all cases, gently "dab" eye shadow on for better control. Wiping or brushing it on leaves uneven coverage.

Contour in the eyelid crease with a slightly shorter, thinner, and more squared off brush, still about ½-inch wide. It offers better control, but is soft enough to blend in with the surrounding colors.

Define lash-lines with a very fine, small brush, about ¼-inch long by ¼-inch wide with a squared-off top edge and stiffer bristles. It lets you create a pencil-thin line along the edges of your lids without the heavy look of a pencil or liquid eyeliner.

Glow subtly by applying powder blush using a thick soft, rounded brush, with bristles that are about 2 inches long and an inch in diameter. It will distribute the powder evenly and softly across your cheeks.

Lips get better definition if you line them with a pencil first and then apply lipstick or lip gloss using a lip brush.

Maintain your brushes by cleaning them each week with a gentle shampoo and then letting them dry naturally. They'll serve you beautifully for a long time to come.

Upcoming Events

Skate St. Moritz, September 14-16, Oakland, CA. For information, contact Sandy Leonard at 415-453-4775.

Skate San Francisco, October 27-28 (tentatively October 26), San Francisco, CA. For information, visit the Web site, or contact Rebecca Hurst at 650-274-7533 or rebecca@scsf.org.

OktoberDancefest, October 21, Santa Rosa, CA. For more information, contact the Santa Rosa FSC at www.srfsc.org or 707-546-7147, x867.

July/August Birthdays

Happy Birthday, July Kids!

1 - Kaitlyn Lee

1 - Genevieve Trwst

4 - Ellen Byrnes

6 - Susan King

8 - Marion Blumberg

14 - Jeena Arnold

19 - Brittany Lau

21 - Alexei Folger

21 - Alison Leung

23 - He Ly

25 - Karen Izuka (Assoc.)

28 - William Topham

26 - Edith Clouse

Happy Birthday, August Kids!

15 - Kay Rogers

16 - Yavi Oline

18 - Steve Rosenthal

25 - Natalie Lanning

25 - Judy Zavela

29 - Mary Marchetti

SCSF HealthSkate Update

Ice skating brings a wealth of health benefits. Here are some strategies from Health Magazine for fueling your body for optimal performance.

Timing is Key

Source: Health Magazine, May 2000

In the drive to achieve top skating performance, when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Skate on a full stomach, and you may feel sluggish or even get cramps. Work out on an empty one, and you may not have enough energy to get through your practice. In fact, eating before a workout can help you to maintain or even lose weight, since you'll have the energy to exercise harder and longer. Below are tips for finding the right balance.

Rise and shine with a light breakfast before your morning skating practice. While you sleep, your body uses up most of the carbohydrates stored in your liver and muscles, so it's important to replenish them before you go on the ice. Aim for 100-200 calories. For example, have a small bowl of cereal with milk, a breakfast drink or a fruit smoothie.

Eat less if there's only five minutes between when you eat and when you skate. You might try half a banana, a quarter of a bagel, or four ounces of fruit juice. If you eat more, you may actually begin to tire in the middle of your practice, since the organs digesting your meal are competing with your muscles for the blood and oxygen that they each need.

"Dog Day Afternoon" doesn't have to describe your skating practice if you make sure to eat about 300 calories approximately three hours before your workout. In this case, your best choice is a mix of carbohydrates, which create an early energy spike, and proteins, which are slower to digest and kick in as the carbohydrates run out. Examples include a turkey, egg or cheese sandwich made with whole grain bread accompanied by a piece of fruit or a glass of fruit or tomato juice. Try to minimize your fat intake before a workout, since fat takes about five hours to digest.

Power on with power bars. Just don't do it during your skating practice - unless you plan to work out for more than two hours. Of course, you may find that you're better off with other alternatives altogether. These bars tend to be high in calories - a Power Bar has 230. If you find yourself exhausted and hungry during practice, try eating half a piece of fruit instead.

Follow through is crucial. Once you've finished your skating practice, you need a snack that mixes about 60% carbohydrates and 15 % protein, according to Ellen Coleman, an exercise physiologist at The Sport Clinic in Riverside, CA. Ms. Coleman notes that this combination helps sustain energy and stimulates the release of two hormones that help with muscle building: insulin and testosterone (yes, both women and men have this hormone). A snack might include a baked potato with cheese - or cottage cheese for the calorie conscious.

What about all this snacking? Replacing big meals with small snacks through the day is actually the best diet for people who exercise. Ms. Coleman notes that it evens out blood sugar levels and ensures that you have energy for exercise, whether it's that power stroking class or a bike ride with friends.

Calcium Redux: Naturally Packed Sources

Source: Health Magazine, May 2001

In the June issue of The Inside Edge, we highlighted the importance of getting enough calcium to support the strong bones required for high-impact sports like ice skating - and life in general.

In this issue, we look at foods that contribute to and steal from those important calcium stores in your body. As we mentioned last time, calcium guidelines vary by both age and gender:

· Children 1-10: 800 mg

· Children/young adults 11-24: 1,200-1,500 mg

· Women 25-50/men 25+: 1000 mg

· Women 50+: 1,000-1,500 mg

· Women 65+: 1,500 mg

Calcium boosters are found in a rich variety of foods and beverages. Some of the most common sources are:

Yogurt, low-fat (1 cup) 447 mg

Orange juice, calcium-fortified (1 cup) 350 mg

Sardines, canned (3 ounces) 325 mg

Milk, 1 percent (1 cup) 300 mg

Swiss cheese (1 slice) 272 mg

Spinach, cooked (1 cup) 245 mg

Tofu, firm (1/2 cup) 204 mg

White beans, cooked (1 cup) 161 mg

Figs, dried (5 figs or ½ cup) 143 mg

Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons) 138 mg

Frozen yogurt (½ cup) 103 mg

Breakfast cereal, calcium-fortified (½ cup) 100 mg

English muffin, toasted 98 mg

Broccoli, cooked (1 cup) 72 mg

Almonds (1 ounce or 24 nuts) 70 mg

Green beans, boiled (1 cup) 58 mg

Calcium robbers include both the more obvious and one surprise. Caffeinated drinks (more than two per day) and alcoholic beverages (more than four per day) can cause small losses of calcium. Surprisingly, cottage cheese, which isn't much of a calcium-builder, can force calcium out of bones because of the high levels of salt and protein.

The good news is that consumed in moderation, these foods and beverages will have little or no impact if your calcium stores - and regular daily intake - are normal. Additionally, studies show that bone fracture risk may increase if you eat too little protein, so don't skip this important source of nutrition.

SCSF Shopping Special

Skaters who show their blue SCSF membership

cards at San Francisco Dancewear will receive

a 10% discount off of any purchase. The store is

located on Mission Street between Third Street

and New Montgomery - just a couple blocks

from the YBISC!

Best Wishes!

Good luck to SCSF skaters taking their USFSA tests on July 28 and August 25 and participating in the following competitions.

Far West Competition, August 4-5, Stockton, CA.

Rim of the World, August 9-12, Lake Arrowhead, CA.

Silicon Valley Open, August 16-19, San Jose, CA.

2001 Peach Classic, September 1-2, Duluth, GA.

Moving?

Let us know if you are moving! This will ensure that you will continue receiving "Inside Edge" and "Skating" magazine. Send address changes to:

Yavi Oline, Membership Chair

88 Webster Street

San Francisco, CA, 94117

yavi@scsf.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 2001

2001-2002 SCSF Board

A Message from Elizabeth Risberg, President, and the SCSF Board of Directors

The Skating Club of San Francisco (SCSF) has come a long way in the past few years, and that's a result of the contributions made by each and every one of you. As the oldest USFSA club on the Pacific Coast, the SCSF has a long and proud tradition, but it's how we got to where we are today that makes it especially gratifying to be part of this organization.

We're each proud to be part of the club's new leadership team, and we thank all of you for the support you've shown the club and the board. The SCSF exists, not only because of its members, but for its members, and your new board members will always be working toward that goal.

Here are your new board members for the 2001-2002 year:

Elizabeth Risberg - President

Rebecca Hurst - Vice President

Alexei Folger - Secretary

Bruce Weinberg - Treasurer

Yavi Oline - Board Member

Our contact information is on the Club Officers page.

Signing Applications

One question we've heard from many of you is, "Which board members are now authorized to sign test and competition applications?" Any of the board members plus the test chair, Sheila Gibson, can sign home club members' applications for non-qualifying competitions. However, applications for qualifying competitions and USFSA tests must be signed by one of the SCSF board officers (Elizabeth, Rebecca, Alexei or Bruce). If you need an application signed, please feel free to call any one of us if you don't see us at the rink.

Other Key Club Chairs

In addition to Sheila - the force behind the SCSF's frequent and well-managed USFSA test sessions - other members play a key part in keeping the SCSF running smoothly. Steve Rosenthal, who has also served on the board, is our sanctions chair. Maggie Harding (most of you know who she is!) has graciously agreed to continue her role as Web master. The club Web site is a very important source of information and must be updated frequently, and we tremendously appreciate her time and skills on this effort.

Speaking of which, the SCSF really wouldn't be where it is today without Maggie's efforts over the past three years. It's daunting to think of filling her shoes, but her untiring leadership has paved the way for the new board. Thanks, Maggie!

Your new board looks forward to serving you and the club this year. Please don't hesitate to call us if you ever have any questions, suggestions or concerns.

New USFSA Rules, Policies

Important changes to USFA policies and rules were made at this year's USFSA Governing Council, which took place May 11-12 in Las Vegas. All of the changes will be found in the new 2001-2002 rulebook, available this fall. You may also visit the USFSA Web site at www.usfsa.org. Scroll down on the home page to look for the Governing Council, then click on the link, and look for the link to the Combined Report of Action. A copy of this report also is posted on the SCSF bulletin board at the YBISC. Key changes include the following:

** The USFSA fiscal year will change to July 1-June 30 effective with the 2002-2003 season. That means your renewal for this year's 2001-2002 season will start on October 1, 2001 as usual, but it will end on June 30, 2002. More information will be sent with renewal packets later this summer.

** Men's Novice Free Skate time will change to 3-1/2 minutes for:

Tests, effective September 2, 2001 Competition, effective September 2, 2002

** Adult Moves in the Field will be required effective September 2, 2002. This means an adult skater must pass the MIF test before taking the corresponding Adult Free Skate test. For example, a Silver-level skater who wants to compete at the Gold level will need to pass the Gold MIF test before taking the Gold Free Skate test.

Adults who have already passed an Adult Free Skate test will be grandfathered in at their current level. So, for example, a Silver-level skater will maintain his or her Silver status - without taking any MIF tests.

The new Adult MIF tests will not be offered until September 2, 2002, the date the rule goes into effect. You can find a list of the new MIF tests on the USFSA Web site (www.usfsa.org), or ask Elizabeth Risberg for a copy. The standard MIF tests will not be credited toward the Adult MIF tests, but of course, they continue to be great milestones for building one's skating skills.

** The Well-Balanced Program Requirements have changed slightly, especially regarding spins. In addition, no triple jumps will be permitted at the Juvenile level.

If you have any questions regarding these and other changes made at Governing Council, please feel free to contact a member of the board.

Congrats SCSF Skaters!

Members of the SCSF made strong showings at recent competitions.

2001 Adult Nationals

2001 Showcase Jubilee

SCSF Shopping Special

SCSF Summer Ice

Club ice sessions will be shortened to one hour during the summer to account for the lower attendance that comes with vacations and a host of skating competitions. Starting June 23, a combined high/low session will run 7:45-8:45 a.m. each Saturday. We will return to our normal split-level club sessions starting September 15. Also note that there will be no club session on June 30 due to the YBISC synchronized skating workshop that day.

Please check the SCSF Web site or club board for updated information regarding summer scheduling.

June Birthdays

Happy Birthday, June Kids!

2 - Iris An

17 - Andrew Petkevich

20 - Alexandra Yick

21 - Cathryn Young-Won

22 - Kelsey Eisen

24 - Sabina Aliev

25 - Clarice Hassan

26 - Sharene Badiola

26 - Lucy Tan

SCSF May 5, Test Updates

July Test Session

The SCSF will hold its next USFSA test session 5:30-8:00 p.m. on July 28, 2001. Test submissions are due June 30. Late entries only will be accepted July 1-5 with the $10 late fee.

Note that the deadline for tests and applications for non-qualifying events for Central Pacific Regionals is August 15. The deadline for qualifying events remains September 1.

As always, test spots are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. To secure your test spot, make sure that Sheila Gibson, test chair, receives the following:

· Your completed application, including the tests you plan to take and all required signatures from your coach, parent/guardian (if under 18) and club official.

· A check for the test fees (and late fee if applicable). A summary of the fees appears on the back of the test application form.

Contact information:

Sheila Gibson, Test Chair

1431 Crestwood Drive

South San Francisco, CA, 94080

(650) 794-0127

sheila@scsf.org

Sheila will contact you a week before the test to confirm receipt of your application. If the club needs you to bring anything to the test, she'll let you know at that time.

Best Wishes!

Good luck to SCSF skaters taking their USFSA tests on June 16 and participating in the following June competitions.

CCIA Junior Competition, June 2-3, San Jose, CA.

CCIA Senior Competition, June 22-24, Fresno, CA.

Upcoming Events

The summer skating competition and exhibition season is upon us.

You can find competition applications on the SCSF club board as well as on the wall by the music box at YBISC - the board isn't big enough to hold them all!

If you are looking for a specific application and can't find it, check the CCIA calendar on the Santa Rosa Figure Skating Club's Web site (www.srfsc.org), or ask a board member.

Red, White and Blue, July 9, Vacaville, CA. See the SCSF club board for an application.

Hidden Valley Open Championships, July 12-15, Escondido, CA. For information, contact Craig Horton, Escondido FSC, at EFSC@PriceCutters.com or 760-746-7927.

2001 Chabot Skate, July 21-22, Redwood City, CA. For information, contact Geoff Provo of the Palomares FSC at 650-324-2090.

Summer Championships 2001, July 21-22, Sun Valley, ID. For information, contact the Sun Valley FSC at www.sunvalleyfsc.com, svfsc@sunvalley.net, or 208-622-8020.

Far West Competition, August 4-5, Stockton, CA. For information, contact Sheri Barrett of the Stockton FSC at 209-744-8739.

Rim of the World Open, August 9-12, Lake Arrowhead, CA. For information, contact Jeanie Edgecomb at the Rim of the World FSC at edgecomb@js-net.com or www.rowfsc.com.

Silicon Valley Open, August 16-19, San Jose, CA. For information, contact Katie Campagna of the Peninsula Skating Club at 408-238-7565 or twoskaters@aol.com.

2001 Peach Classic Competition, September 1-2, Duluth, GA. For information, contact the Georgia Figure Skating Club at www.gafsc.com.

Skate St. Moritz, September 14-16, Oakland, CA. For information, contact Sandy Leonard at 415-453-4775.

SCSF HealthSkate Update

Ice skating brings a wealth of health benefits. Here is one more important way to get the most you can out of the sport.

Calcium is Key to Strong Bones, Athleticism

Ice skating puts a lot of demands on the body - especially the jumps that require both strong muscles and strong bones. Calcium is critical to building and maintaining bone density, and the lack of it has been linked to osteoporosis - thinning of the bones - in people who are only in their 20s. Here are some calcium guidelines from noted nutrition expert Jean Carper.

Most buildup of bone mass happens during adolescence, but even if you didn't get enough calcium when you were young, it's not too late to start! Guidelines are:

· Children 1-10: 800 mg

· Children/young adults 11-24: 1,200-1,500 mg

· Women 25-50/men 25+: 1000 mg

· Women 50+: 1,000-1,500 mg

· Women 65+: 1,500 mg

The best sources of calcium are yogurt, milk, kale, broccoli, tofu, canned sardines and canned salmon with bones, and calcium-fortified foods such as juice and bread. For example, skim milk has 300-415 mg, one-half to one-third of the calcium needed by most people. However, veggies and tofu are an excellent sources for people who can't drink milk.

Still, many people find they need supplements to meet their daily calcium requirements. The best choices are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Avoid ones made of dolomite or bone meal, as they contain lead. Since you need Vitamin D to absorb calcium, you may wish to take a calcium supplement packaged with this vitamin. Be careful because too much Vitamin D can be toxic: 200 IU a day is enough if you get a lot of sun.

Moving?

Let us know if you are moving! This will ensure that you will continue receiving "Inside Edge" and "Skating" magazine. Send address changes to:

Yavi Oline, Membership Chair

88 Webster Street

San Francisco, CA, 94117

yavi@scsf.o

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------