Greetings!
2011 is barely a month old and already our schedule is filling up with events. Plans are underway for our next 3 on 3 tournament, STARskaters exhibited at the "Skate with an AERO" event at Discovery Green, Hockey Weekend Across America is just around the corner, and our 2011 brochure is hot off the presses.
Thanks to MissionFish, we've added the ability for anyone to hold an eBay auction with the proceeds to benefit STARskaters. See the article below for details, or to bid on any of our current items, click here.
And, if you're attending a Houston AEROS game, look for the STARskaters table just outside section 106 at most weekend AEROS games. There you can get more information on our programs, and take a look at the equipment used for Sled Hockey.
In addition to our special needs skating lessons and Sled Hockey team development we also host STAR skates for groups. If you have a special needs group and would like more information, contact us at skate@STARskaters.org
We'll see you on the ice!
Sincerely,
Jim ONeill
STARskaters.org
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Experience Sled Hockey
Player Recruitment Underway
Thanks to a generous donation from Paul Kropf and Final Touch Roofing, along with proceeds from our used equipment sale, STARskaters has purchased three new sleds for our sled hockey program. If you are interested, or know of anyone who would like to give Sled Hockey a try, contact David Fleming by e-mail to: david@STARskaters.org. And, both the Willowbrook AERODROME and Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center will have sleds available to try during Hockey Weekend Across America (see story in this newsletter). For more information on Sled Hockey, check out the videos in the Video, Audio and Social Links section of this newsletter or visit www.STARskaters.org |
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Ebay Fundraiser for STARskaters
Bid on our items, or hold your own eBay auction!
 Many individuals and companies have generously donated items to help STARskaters raise the money needed to operate our programs. These items are then listed on eBay to allow bidders from Houston and around the USA to bid on the items. Items are generally sports related and are updated regularly online. If you'd like to see what's is currently available for bidding, go to: http://myworld.ebay.com/starskaters
If you'd like to hold your OWN auction on eBay to benefit STARskaters, CLICK HERE to learn more.
And, if you have an item you'd like to donate, contact us at donate@STARskaters.org
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Special Needs Skating Lessons
Saturdays at Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center
 We're pleased to report that our Saturday morning skaters continue to make excellent progress and we will have our first skater receiving the very first program badge quite soon.
BL Wylie and her staff of U.S. Figure Skating trained instructors teach the Basic Skills Therapeutic Curriculum which offers the opportunity to achieve specified skills through a set of 14 carefully constructed levels. In addition to the excitement of learning new things each class, newly designed badges can be earned to signify success at each new skill level.
The program and B.L. Wylie were recently featured in an article in U.S. Figure Skating "Club Spotlight". Click here to read the article. If you know of someone who could benefit from this special needs skating program, or for more information, contact BL@STARskaters.org |
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Hockey Weekend Across America
Several activities planned at area rinks
February 18-20 is USA Hockey's Hockey Weekend Across America and events are planned at Several area rinks:
Sugar Land Ice & Sports will be having a Try Hockey For Free event open to all ages on February 19th from Noon-4pm. There will also be an opportunity to give Sled Hockey a try. For more information or to register, contact shawn@sugarlandice.com.
Willowbrook Aerodrome National Skating Day on February 29th with free lessons at 11:45-12:45. The Aerodrome will also have a Play Hockey for FREE on Feb. 19 at 11:45 am-12:45 am. This will be for all new players ages 4-9. Sled Hockey sleds will also be available for anyone who would like to give sled hockey a try.
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3 on 3 Hockey Tournament
All Ages and Skill Levels - Coming April 2011
 One thing is guaranteed in a 3 on 3 - LOTS of fun for all ages and skill levels. We are now looking for Division Captain who will be responsible for organizing their division in each of the following levels: YOUTH:
- Mite
- Squirt
- Pee Wee
- Bantam
- Midget
ADULT:
- Adult "A/Open"
- Adult B/C
- Adult Rec
- Adult Novice
- Women Open
- Women Rec
Each team is comprised of 4 skaters. Goalies register separately and compete for individual goalie awards.
If you'd like to be involved as a Division Captain or tournament volunteer or sponsor, contact us at 3on3@STARskaters.org
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New STAR Brochure Available
Online PDF available by clicking here
Look for the 2011 STARskaters brochure at area ice rinks, at sponsor locations and the Toyota Center at the STARskaters.org table at most Houston AEROS games.
Inside, you'll read about the history of Sled Hockey and learn more about STARskaters programs:
- Special needs skating lessons.
- Sled Hockey.
- STAR Skate events.
You can also read more about how you can get involved in the STARskaters program as a volunteer, donor or organizing a STAR Skate for groups with special needs.
If you would like a supply of brochures shipped to you, contact jim@STARskaters.org
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About STARskaters.org
STARskaters mission is to provide an on ice skating experience for therapy and recreation for children and adults with any special needs, and to support SLED HOCKEY in Houston. The program is open to anyone five years of age or older who would normally be unable to enjoy an on-ice skating experience due to their disability. STARskaters.org is public charity registered in Texas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Tax ID number 26-1657556. All donations are tax deductible. 
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Sponsor Links
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*YOUR COMPANY HERE*
For more information, contact sponsor@STARskaters.org
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STAR Sponsor
Final Touch Roofing
Ask Final Touch Roofing's owner Paul Kropf his sport of choice, and he'll likely tell you Football. But, that doesn't stop him from supporting a hockey-based charity like STARskaters.
"I support anything that will benefit kids" said Paul, "and STARskaters is doing a fabulous job with their special needs skating lessons and work with Sled Hockey in Houston" he continued.
Paul is a former high school player and coach and started Final Touch Roofing and Remodling in 1993. Paul has been involved in the Texas home improvement industry since 1978 working for Housecraft Service Company where he started at the ground floor and worked his way up to becoming vice president of sales and marketing.
In the past 17 years, Final Touch Roofing has become known as a leading local roofing company due to their quality work and excellent reputation and referrals from satisfied customers.
In addition to supporting STARskaters, Final Touch also sponsors the Houston Astros broadcasts and other local charities.
Thanks to Paul Kropf and everyone at Final Touch Roofing for being a STAR sponsor!
If you'd information on becoming a STARskaters sponsor, contact us at: sponsor@STARskaters.org |
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STAR Volunteer
Barry Price
When the call goes out for volunteers for STARskaters events, one of the first to answer the call is Barry Price. (above, right)
Recently, Barry generously donated his time to help with the STARskaters used equipment sale at the Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center.
Barry's experience as a supply Sargent for the US Army definitely came in helpful as more than a dozen new youth players were suited up from head to toe with hockey equipment.
Barry also participated in STARskaters
inaugural 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament, held at the Willowbrook AERODROME where he won a goalie award (shown above with STARskaters founder Jim O'Neill)
100% of the donations to STARskaters go to benefit our programs, so we rely heavily on the generous donation of time experience from volunteers like Barry.
If you'd like to get involved, contact us at volunteer@STARskaters.org
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