1.22.10
Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder what it takes to film a :30 TV spot?  A lot of hard work, that’s for sure!

Tom Guilmette is a Cinematographer, Director of Photography, Editor, and Nature Lover that Cox invited down to our rink a few weeks back to film some of our friends enjoying ice time.  He did a great job bringing out the essence of what the rink is about - friends, family, hot chocolate, and enjoying the winter season in beautiful downtown Newport.

Check out his creative process here and stick around to see what he sees as a sports cameraman for Boston - Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, you name it!  Enjoy!

And thanks to Tom for making the rink look as special on TV as it is to experience!

1.20.10
Just because it’s warmed up a bit…

…Doesn’t mean you should forget about those in our community who could still use a warm coat.  The Amica Coat Drive is well under way through the month of January, and we’ve already got bags stacked by our doorway filled with generous donations.  But have you done your part yet?  With the donation of a new or gently-used coat, skaters will receive 2-for-1 skating admission!

The coats will be donated to St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen, located on Broadway in downtown Newport. Doors are open each Monday from 11:30am until 1:00pm to those in need of a hot, nourishing meal or warm clothing.  A cozy coat can go a long way in helping those who are suffering during these difficult times.

So get your gear down to the rink, and drop off your gently used (or even brand new!) coat.  There’s more than one way to keep warm this winter, and we’re pretty sure helping this great cause will make you feel nice and toasty!

1.13.10
The Ice is FREE-zing!

New Year’s resolution to get in shape?  Spend more time with the family?  Save money?  No matter your decision, we’ve got the perfect activity to help you stick to it!  Never before has it been easier to pick a night to glove up and glide with a friend at the Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center. On Monday nights, enjoy free entry to figure eight all you like courtesy of Sovereign Bank. On Tuesday nights, show your Stop & Shop card and skate on through the lines with 2-for-1 admissions. You’re also welcome on Wednesday nights, when a skating session is free courtesy of Cox. Thursday bring the kids and enjoy Amica Family Fun Night, including $2 discounted admission, free hot chocolate, and goodies for the family. Friday and Saturday nights are perfect for date night, as adults only are allowed on the ice between 9:30–11 PM for some late night skating and snuggling on the snow-covered waterfront. And finally, Sunday night is Rhody night, when locals can show their Rhode Island ID for discounted admission.

…With so many reasons to visit the rink, maybe you’ll get as good as the pro-speed skater in the video below.  Watch how he skates circles around everyone!

1.8.10
Learn to Skate

This week officially kicked off our Learn to Skate program at the Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center.  People of all ages and abilities are welcome to test their skills on the ice and learn a few new tricks.  Bundled-up babies as young as 4 years old will learn to superbly slide across, whereas adults are also welcomed to glove up and glide with our trained professional instructors.  The six-week classes began this week, but  all sessions are still available for sign-up.  Check out skatenewport.com for full schedule information!

1.7.10
Ringing in the New Year!

The first E411 of 2010 is finally here - so you know it has got to be good! And oh it is - 6! (1 2 3 4 5 6!) headlines, with instructions on how to enter to win skate surprises and a boat giveaway.  Yes, I said a boat.  Could it get any bigger than that?

We look forward to bringing you larger-than-life events throughout the coming year, as soon as, well, today!  The Providence Boat Show opens today at 4 PM and runs through Sunday.  And there’s always the boat giveaway…so I would stop by if I were you!  No better way to beat dreary winter weather than to daydream about warmer water sports and springtime fun.

Until next time!

1.6.10
Warm Hearts on the Ice

So you knew the rink was a great place to hang out, even a great way to work off those extra holiday calories, but did you know it was a great place to help others too?  Skate Newport has teamed up with some dedicated local businesses to support worthy causes - because the spirit of giving shouldn’t end with the holiday season, of course!  Check out the upcoming schedule below, and next time you’re cruising America’s Cup, make sure you stop by to lend a hand (or an arm) or drop off a warm coat.  At the very least, you’ll score some free skate passes.  But we’re pretty sure you’ll leave feeling fantastic about yourself and about our town as well!

This Saturday, January 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Family Skating Center will host the Rhode Island Blood Center’s Annual Blood Drive.  The organization’s Bloodmobile will be parked by the rink and all are asked to make a donation to this vital cause.  Donors will receive a free skate pass, good for one free skate session, or one free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.  Please visit RIBC.org for more information.

For the entire month of January, the Family Skating Center will be teaming up with Amica Insurance once again to host the Amica Coat Drive benefiting the St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen located on Broadway in downtown Newport.  In order to take part, skaters are asked to donate one new or gently used coat at a drop off station at the Family Skating Center.  Your donation not only will warm those in need but will earn you a two-for-one skating admission.  Since 1983, St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen has served approximately 8,000 meals per year.  Doors are open each Monday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. to those in need of a hot nourishing meal or warm clothing.