Skating club still strong
after three decades on the ice
By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Little did Terry Huff know at the time, but the skating club she help to found 30 years ago in Presque Isle, then called the Aroostook Ice Skating School, is still going strong.
Huff, a professional ice dancer, moved to the Star City, with her husband,Mark, who got a job at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
According to Jim Tompkins of Presque Isle, a longtime member of the Northern Maine Figure Skating Club, Huff saw a need and gathered the necessary parts to form the organization.
“For the past 30 years the club has had 80 to 110 members,” said Tompkins. “It really filled a need and we actually were the club that donated the first rental skates to the Forum, because there is no sense in having the ice, without skates for people to rent.”
Huff, as quoted in The Bangor Daily News on March 16, 1992, said, “It’s an opportunity for people to get into an organization where if they want to take it (their skating) some place, they can.”
“Our club allows individuals from age 3 to 70-plus to be physically active and to participate in the fun and excitement of figure skating, said Mindy Aube, current club president. “Whether a skater is simply learning to stand up on blades for the very first time or they have skated for many years, the Northern Maine Figure Skating Club offers an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow in the wonderful sport.”
Sarah Caron, who is now the club director, has been active in the organization for 25 of its 30 years.
“It has certainly filled a need in the community,” she said. “It gives the kids something to do and stay active.”
Katie Smith has been with the club since she was 7 and now serves as a coach.
“It has always been a fun atmosphere,” the 17-year club member said. “We have always highlighted the skating talent in Aroostook County.”
Some club members have taken their skating on to the next level. Kevin O’Keefe of Limestone and Hillary Tompkins, Jim’s daughter, of Presque Isle were successful ice dancers. O’Keefe on the national and international stage and Tompkins nationally. Haley (McCrum) Kelley, also a coach now, and Caron have also competed in the regional and national events. Lynn Pelli and Jim Tompkins participated in the adult nationals.
For a club to thrive for 30 years there are many people to recognize, including parents, grandparents, coaches, volunteers and the NMFSC officers.
“The continued success of the club is due to the tireless dedication and time that they put in through the year,” said Aube.
