The Journal
www.journalpress.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
13
Stan’s Skateland is still rocking & rolling in Montross Westmoreland County businessman Stan Schoppe spends much of each week working to preserve a part of Americana. Schoppe owns Stan’s Skateland roller skating rink in Montross, one of just 20 roller skating rinks still open in Virginia. Indoor roller skating has been on a roller coaster ride in America since it was first introduced in the 1930s. It was especially popular in the 70s with the advent of disco music and then again in the 80s and 90s with the introduction of in-line skates. But there have been lows as well, in the 40s and 50s, and recently, as economic woes have plagued the country. “We opened in 1980, and through the 90s, things were going great,” Schoppe said. “We would have 250 to 300 people a night. But over the last seven years, there has been a decrease. Now, 75 a night is about the best we do.” But despite the ups and downs of the roller rink business, Schoppe remains undaunted. “The kids have a great time. We do a lot of birthday
parties. And I have a 67-year-old man who drives from West Point every Friday and Saturday to skate.” “We get school kids from King George, Richmond County, Lancaster County and from Cople and Washington District Schools in Westmoreland County,” Schoppe said. “Right now is one of our busiest times of the year.” Schoppe ended up in Montross 45 years ago, almost by accident. “I was 21 years old, living in Richmond, and I came over to repair some kitchen equipment at the Dairy Freeze next door. The owner, Clarence Osborne, told me he was trying to sell the restaurant.” “I said, ‘Well, I’d like to buy it, but I don’t have enough money.’ He went with me to the bank and helped me arrange financing and even took a second mortgage himself. That’s how I got started,” Schoppe said. Schoppe’s Dairy Freeze, with mouth-watering cheeseburgers, ice cream and many other fast food items, has become a legendary Montross eating place over the years.
Its success led him to build Stan’s Skateland next door, 34 years ago. “I was advised against it,” he said. “But it boomed.” With manager Dottie Lewis, the occasional help of his two grown children and two young employees, Schoppe keeps the roller rink rolling. January through April, which are the rink’s most active months, they feature TGIFJam Nights, Rock’in Oldies Nights and Country Nights. Skateland is located at 17408 Kings Highway in Montross, right next door to the Dairy Freeze on Route 3. It is open Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The phone number is 804-393-9890. The rink has rooms for birthday parties and other events. There is a snack bar featuring pizza and other snacks and drinks, as well as a game area and a pool table. “Winter’s our best time of the year,” said Lewis. “When the weather warms up, we have to compete with Little League, T-Ball and the outdoor sports.”
Stan Schoppe, left, and employee, Ricky Gilkerson, are among those working to keep Stan’s Skateland in Montross rolling. The roller skating rink is one of just 20 remaining rinks left in Virginia.
—Richard Leggitt
Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School hosts science symposium Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School hosted its Eleventh Annual Science Symposium at Virginia Commonwealth University Saturday, March 15. During the morning sessions, 87 seniors presented their independent research projects, which were judged by visiting members of the scientific community from Virginia Commonwealth University, The College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the EPA, and the Office of Naval Research. The afternoon session was a panel discussion on the use of animal subjects in scientific research with Dr. Daniel McGarvey, Center for Environmental Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Dr. Ruth Williams, Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck. Ribbons were awarded to those seniors whose presentations were judged to be exemplary. — Sherry Pettyjohn
Local Winners: Front Row (left to right): Nicholas Hipple (CB), Paige Augst (N), Chiquita DeJesus (W), Alexandra Pitman (N), Laura Ellis (E), Hannah Richardson (L), Jennifer Radcliffe (N); Back Row (left to right): Katherine French (E), Callie Morgan (W), Paul Smith (W), Ronnie Cutler (L), John DeGaetani (L), John Hemenway (W), India Equiguren (N), Kaitlin Saunders (W). Not Pictured: Benjamin Nickerson (L) (N = Northumberland; CB = Colonial Beach; W = Westmoreland; E =r Essex; L = Lancaster
Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute offers scholarships The Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) program was established to provide an opportunity for students who attend a Virginia college or university to pursue an educational curriculum in the criminal justice field. An application process has been established to assist students in
their educational endeavors. The application and checklist can be obtained from the VSI website, www.vasheriffsinstitute.org or the Westmoreland County Sheriff ’s Office. The application is to be submitted to the VSI office. The deadline is May 1. Any applications received after this
deadline will not be considered. Submitting information is located on the application. “Having had the experience to award VSI scholarships to county students who have majored in the criminal justice field is exciting and extremely beneficial. It is rewarding to know that the
scholarships are an avenue to financially assist those individuals in obtaining a higher education. It is my hope that those who are interested will take full advantage of this most important program and opportunity”, stated Westmoreland County Sheriff C.O. Balderson.
WM Girl Scouts are Prepared
Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors of Girl Scout Troops 159 and 3212 in Westmoreland County met with Valerie Prince, the Three Rivers Health District Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator. Ms. Prince instructed the girls on Disaster Preparedness and gave each girl a starter kit backpack. Troop 159 Leader, Pat Mayhew (far right) introduced Ms. Prince.
VSBA “Showcases for Success” The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has released its 18th annual VSBA Showcases for Success directory, highlighting successful K-12 programs in Virginia’s public schools. From school safety and community outreach, to classroom programs and after-school clubs, a wide range of programs are included. As shown in the directory, the emphasis on leadership, advocacy, and support is found at every level of
the educational process. “In addition to highlighting some of the best practices taking place in Virginia’s schools, the Showcases for Success directory can serve as a starting point to develop similar programs in other school divisions,” said Gina G. Patterson, VSBA executive director. The directory is available on the VSBA web site at www.vsba.org/ showcases.
Vision With A Purpose FOODIES FRIDAYS “FREE” COOKING PROGRAM Includes: Nutrition, Cooking, Home Food Preservation & Shopping Tour Classes
Dr. James Wm. Donahue, D.D.S. Welcomes
Ramona Pandher, D.D.S.
St. Peters Episcopal Church, Port Royal, VA Class size is limited. Pre-registration required. Call Pegi 540-775-3062
Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Tech • Virginia State University
Virginia Center for Learning and Achievement LLC
Tutoring K-12 Study Skills K-12 Writing Workshops
(540) 663-2221 5212 Kings Wood Lane., King George, VA 22485
TABERNACLE BAPTIST PRESCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM SUMMER FUN AND LEARNING • SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES EACH DAY • STORY TIME
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• WATER GAMES
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• GYMNASIUM
• ARTS AND CRAFTS
MILL RACE COMMONS
• FIELD TRIPS
• BIBLE STORY AND SONG TIME
• LEARNING TIME TO REFRESH, REINFORCE
ART FIRST GALLERY
Vision With A Purpose and Eye Care of Virginia’s Dr. Miles Press held vision screenings on Feb. 19 and March 26. Approximately 45 students were screened from the five King George County Schools. The screenings were held at Potomac Elementary School. All students who needed eyeglasses received glasses. These screenings were made possible through Vision With a Purpose and Dr. Miles Press. Also, a very special thanks to Peoples Community Bank with helping to support these screenings.
Eye Care of Virginia IN WALMART SUPER CENTER
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Most insurances accepted including All Tricare, MEDICARE, United Health Care, Davis Vision Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
(540) 663-3937 (EYES) Summer care dates: June 2 – August 29, 2014 Summer care costs:
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16375 Merchant Lane King George, VA 22485 Go to our website:
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