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PHOTOS: White Marsh Rec Roller Skating Turns 30

Generations of roller skaters gathered for a program on Saturday at Honeygo Run Regional Park.

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The White Marsh Recreation Council held its 30th roller skating spring recital at Honeygo Run Regional Park on April 29.
Photos (36)

Photos

Since 1982, thousands of roller skaters have glided through the White Marsh Recreation Council. The program held its 30th spring recital at Honeygo Run Regional Park on April 29.

"It's touched generations," said volunteer chairperson Angel Breedan. "It brings young people, families and communities together in a lost sport."

During the 2012 season, about 160 children and 20 adults participated, said Breedan, who has been involved in the program for the past six years.

Backstage, 10-year-olds dressed as roller skating pirates explained why they choose to skate.

Skating makes Tommy Emich feel "faster and agile," he said. "It gives you a little more balance."

Sarah Frager said she enjoys wearing the costumes during recitals. "It makes me feel like all the work is worth something," she said.

Jade Phillips said the sport gives her more confidence.

"I've learned about getting out there ... if you have confidence, you can get out there and do something," she said.

The program includes two teachers—Katelyn Brawn and Rachel Meritis.

Katelyn Brawn's mother, Jackie Brawn, was one of the first parents involved in the program.

"We performed at Chapel Hill Elementary, then Joppa View, now here," she said. "It's been enhanced at each location."

Are you currently or have you ever been involved in the program? Tell us about your experience in the comments. Add your photos from roller skating recitals past and present to the media gallery. 

Related Topics: Kids skating, Roller skating sport, White Marsh Recreation Council, and White Marsh roller skating

barbara

3:40 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

It is awesome to watch these talented children and adults skate !!!!

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Stephanie Pullara Vancura

4:56 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My girls have skated here for the past two years, and we couldn't be happier! The teacher and helpers are wonderful and each year they put on an amazing show!!

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The Mom

5:29 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

These performances were awesome. Thank you to all for such wonderful entertainment, and making great memories for everyone. Bravo to those in charge of bringing this show to fruition.
And thank you to WM Recreation and Parks for providing the skating program; a wholesome, and educational activity for our kids (and parents as well :)

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Debbie Hopp

10:14 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My daughter has been involved with the White Marsh Skating program for 12 years! We are blessed to have such dedicated people to give their time and talent to mentor all of the participants. My 2 grandchildren also attend this awesome program. This is truly a family affair.

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Anna Paterniti

10:19 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

This years show was absolutely incredible. My daughters 4th season and best one yet! I feel the performance from the alumni was breath taking and my girls will learn even more from watching the video we took. Katelyn is a fabulous teacher. She has inspired my girls more than I can even express. Our family looks forward to more years with WMRec skating.

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Rita Weber

10:24 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

It is amazing all the dedicated and hard work that the instructors and children put into the program. The end result is an amazing show each and every year. My children have been skating in the program for 7 years and love it.

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Jules

10:47 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My daughter has been in the program for several years now, and the teachers are just wonderful...my only complaint (which has nothing to do with the WMRC skating program) is that there is nowhere else for my daughter to skate in this area! Took her to Skateland on Bel Air Road a couple of times and the crowd was so unruly, she was nearly knocked down a few times! The signs outside of the place forbidding the wearing of "gang colors" doesn't make me feel better about the place. Anyone know of any decent skating rinks in the area???

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Katelyn Brawn

11:00 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

This was my first year in charge of the program, I have had the honor of being in the program for fifteen years, and watched as my mother taught for many years before that. I have never been prouder of my skaters and I can't wait for all that is to come. Congratulations White Marsh Skating and here's to 30 more years of working with you!

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Jules

11:21 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Katelyn, you put on a spectacular show! The choreography was great, and your hard work was apparent in all of the great performances! Thank you so much for all of your efforts!

Jamie

8:03 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

This is my daughters third year enrolled here and we will keep enrolling her, it's a wonderful program with caring staff. It's a wonderful way to keep kids busy and active. More places should still have roller skating around. I only wish we had more time available throughout the year for the children to keep busy with it.

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Annette Wiggins

8:43 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

This was my daughters first year in the skating program. She had a great time learning how to skate. She enjoyed skating to the music from "Shrek."
Thank you to Ms. Katelyn and Ms. Rachel for an excellent program for the children.

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Shelley Drasal

9:08 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

My daughter pictured above has been involved in the program for the past six years and when the recital is over, she cannot wait for the next year to begin. It is a wonderful program. I just wish we could find a bigger location so that the students could really show their stuff!

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Annie

9:46 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

I chaired this program for about 12 years when my boys were young. This was the best program offered in the area. I sure do miss those days when we had custom made costumes and a waiting list to get in the classes.....I noticed on the pictures that the floor lights we used back 'in the day' were still being used....How wonderful that the show still goes on!

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Katelyn Brawn

10:02 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

well we are back to a big long waiting list! but i remember picked up the handmade costumes with my mother, good times!

Annie

9:48 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

By the way, my real name is not Annie....for those of you scratching your head to try to remember....D'Adamo was the name.

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Bonnie

11:25 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

I was in the program for 7 yrs! it was the greatest thing i was involved in as a kid

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Kathryn

5:26 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

This is my 10th year skating and my fourth at WMRC. I absoltely adore it and to be apart of a program with such dedicated and inspiring teachers and staff is an honor. So much time is put into making this program as extraordinary as it is and I feel blessed to be apart of it! Go WMRC! Here's to many years to come!

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Rita Weber

7:03 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

My kids are rolling around the house now in their skates, they miss it.They can't wait to skate again. One is practicing cartwheels, get ready for her Katelyn.

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Jenny Gee

10:15 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012

I had a great time being part of the show. Ms.Katelyn and Ms. Rachael are awesome teachers:)

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