Valley residents take to skates at the Chevy

By Denise Dick

YOUNGSTOWN — It was 2-year-old Phillip Bowser Jr.’s and big sister Alana’s first time on ice skates.

Phillip Jr. skated with his dad, Phillip Sr., keeping a tight grip on his son. Alana, 7, skated alongside her father.

Mom, Rhonda, watched from the sides.

“My sister was coming with her two girls” and invited them along, Rhonda Bowser said.

It was Holiday Skating Time at the Chevrolet Centre on Sunday evening. The event was sponsored by Kidskate and the Skating Club of Greater Youngstown.

Alana said she enjoyed getting out on the ice, but she’s undecided about taking lessons.

Maria Koman, club skating director, estimated that between 200 and 300 people came in from the freezing weather outside to skate on the ice inside. The event also offered free lessons for beginning skaters.

“All of our rental skates are gone,” Koman said, adding that the club had 200 pairs available.

Attendees could also bring their own skates to hit the ice.

“This is a great turnout,” Koman said.

Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on Vindy.com.