(coming…)

(coming…)

AND here we are. Broomball. Around this very time last year, I was asked by Lorka Munoz-Daughtery if I would be a commentator when FiveRivers MetroPark’s RiverScape began hosting Monday Night Broomball.

“Sure,” I told Lorka. “But… uh… just what is… uh… Broomball.” (Okay. That’s not a TRANSCRIPT of the conversation we had; rather, it’s kind of the transcript of what was going on in my HEAD.) In essence?

I had no clue what Broomball was… and I certainly had no idea I would fall in love with this exciting, light-speed fast sport played on ice.  And no, Broomball is NOT ice hockey. Hmmm… Best to say that Broomball is not exactly ice hockey. That, I guess, would be a much more accurate description of the sport.

In fact, to get your head around Broomball and to understand how incredibly addictive the sport is, try and imagine a version of soccer played on ice… with a round ball being hit towards this goal with one hand and with that other hand using…

Yep: BROOMS.

Yep: you hit a BALL with your BROOM

And better – Broomball is being played by an equal number of women AND men, many of whom are wearing jeans, sweatshirts and running shoes. Oh, yeah. And they are having the time of their lives, sweating in their sweatshirts and running the soles of their running shoes off.

But all this understanding came to me slowly early this year, when I arrived at my first Broomball gig at RiverScape, to that brand new and beautiful ice rink. There I found… ta da!… Broomball teams with Broomball players eager to get out on that ice and play their matches.

Me, I’m a kind of a curious person, so I started talking to the closest player I could find; I’ll protect his anonymity because I believe in that, and I don’t think I ever got his real name… just his Broomball game – which, when the game was going well, was “CheeseHead” (I think the Green Bay Packers may have had something to do with that) and his Broomball nick name when things had gone awry was – BlockHead.

What he told me that night stunned me… and made me pretty happy about getting to be the commentator to… well, let’s just admit that over the course of the season from January (first week) to March (maybe the second or third week), my “commentator” job was to talk to the two or three folks who maybe roamed up from Monument to see what was going on in the rink.

So here’s what CheeseHead/BlockHead told me: most Broomball players in the U.S. of A. come from places like Wisconsin and Minnesota where it snows in August (well… maybe) on until like June or early July. (I am — I hope — exaggerating. For effect.)  ”But,” he went on to say, “Broomball is a HUGE SPORT on college campuses. Like at Miami University down SOUTH in Oxford of Ohio”. There, he told me, a couple of THOUSAND students play intramural Broomball.

Right there in Oxford, Ohio. Right under our Dayton, Ohio noses.

But HOORAY and HALLELUJAH! because watching Broomball (bad knees… ice rinks would have me crawling the instant my left knee joined my right knee on the ice) is about as wonderful an experience in the bitter cold weather of Midwest winters as a person can have.

It’s FAST: ice does that, and the players go like the wind. The “soccer” part of it is like a thousand times more exciting than soccer on dirt and grass… and soccer played on those summer grounds is fast and exciting in itself. (I’ve already fessed up on these electronic pages to being from St. Louis, where there used to be only two sports: soccer and baseball. Football? What’s that? Basketball??? That’s for the Protestants who don’t know any better… Keeping in mind that even those “”proper and pious” followers of Methodism or the folks who go to the Temple every Saturday will identify their neighbors as being in, like Holy Innocents or Our Lady of the Pillar of… Well, the PARISH where their homes are located… because, well, Saint/St. Louis has a LOT of Catholics. And all those Catholic kids are usually playing… soccer of baseball.

(These days, probably even in St. Louis, Methodists and atheists probably are playing soccer.)

Oh and by the way – way to go St. Louis Cardinals. You guys had fun the whole baseball season (driving fans NUTS), and then you went to work in time to win the World Series. Sorry Reds fans. Whether a person lives in Dayton or Hong Kong… always a Cardinal fan. You go, Stan Musial.

Broomball, though. Ah… Broomball is a sport that must be enjoyed from close up. As close up as you can get, to appreciate the speed, athleticisim and the great manners with which the game is played.

Yep. Good manners. “Foul” somebody and you get sent off the ice for a minute or two (LONG MINUTES, it must be noted) and on the way off the ice, shake hands.  The intent of Broomball is not to hurt the other players: it’s to have fun.

To have fun. Not to “kill ‘em” like in football or to “wing ‘em” like in baseball and not to like those phony fouls in basketball… and my GOD… not even close to the “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out” mentality of… Well, you get the comparisons.

Broomball will be played again, beginning right away in January on Monday and Wednesday nights. Wrap yourself up with every layer of clothing and outer wear you own (and borrow some more of that stuff just to be careful) and come down for Broomball. Really. You will be freezing and loving every frozen minute… Loving it all, in fact.

Really. Would I lie about freezing in January in Dayton?

Photo by Leah Stahl

(from Five Rivers MetroParks)

The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink was a hit when it debuted in 2010, and this year, MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark (229 E. Monument Ave., Dayton) is set to open Friday, November 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is only $5, which includes the cost of skate rentals.

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open every day of the week—even special holiday hours—through Sunday, March 11, 2012. Patrons can take advantage of concessions at Café Vélo, which will be open during skating hours, serving snacks, such as hot pretzels and also featuring healthy options, such as chicken snack wraps. Visitors can warm up with seasonal favorites like hot chocolate and cappuccino.

Work off Thanksgiving indulgence calories on the ice and enjoy holiday music during the grand-opening weekend:

• Friday, Nov. 25, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 26, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 27, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Patrons who bring their own skates can skate for free Mondays through Thursdays when there is no admission to the rink. Rentals are available for $3 on these days. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays cost a $5 admission fee, which includes the cost of skate rentals.

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as well as several more holidays and special events throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/IceRink to find the complete schedule. Lessons and other skating programs also will be hosted at the rink throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/Skating or read the winter issue of ParkWays to learn more.

Season passes are available for purchase: $60 family passes cover admission and rentals for up to five people, and $25 individual passes cover the same costs. Visit the RiverScape MetroPark Facebook page for a chance to win a family pass!

Slots are still available for businesses, church groups, youth clubs and anyone else interested in renting the rink for a private function. Private rentals include 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate for $200. Call (937) 274-0126 for more information and a list of available dates.

To learn more, visit the website or call the skating office at (937) 278-2607.

Photo by Leah Stahl

Did you remember to pre-order your holiday feast?

Tomorrow, November 24, is Stock-Up Wednesday at the PNC 2^nd Street Market. The Market is opening a special day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who are hip to this trendy downtown facility have already put in their pre-orders to their favorite vendors that will make their Thanksgiving entertaining a breeze. I’m picking up a few farm-fresh ingredients (plus some of my own backyard herbs) to create a delicious, locally grown feast for my family. Not sure about how to prepare the bird or your designated side dish? Ask a vendor; they’re more than happy to share the secrets to unlocking the flavor of their home-grown produce, meats, cheeses and more. And since I’ll be preparing the meal at my parents, I’m looking forward to a delicious lunch on Stock-Up Wednesday that someone else will cook for me!

Give your out-of-town guests a unique Dayton experience!

I love bringing my out-of-town guests to this venue for Saturday brunch, and I can’t think of a better way to wake up from your tryptophan-induced coma than lunch at the Market on Black Friday. Forget fighting crowds at department stores—I’ll use the free Wifi at the Market to scoop up deals while relaxing with a cup of organic, fair-trade coffee. If you’re not ready for turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey gravy, turkey hash, turkey a la king, or gallons of turkey soup quite yet, stop by the Market the day after your buffet bonanza for a light, healthy lunch and get ready to work off those calories—on ICE!

That’s right, after its construction hiatus, the MetroParks Ice Rink is ready to open! Stop by RiverScape MetroPark this Friday, November 26, for the grand opening festivities. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday and lasts all weekend long. Skate 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday. There will be ice sculpture carving, concessions by Skyline, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday music and, of course, ice skating. This rink is about 50 percent larger than its Festival Plaza predecessor and you’ll enjoy a longer skating season, extending to March 13, 2011. If you’re no stranger to this summer’s cultural festivals like Cityfolk or Dayton Celtic festivals, you already know where the hotspot will be this winter—right under the covered pavilion.

Burn off your Thanksgiving feast at the new MetroParks Ice Rink! Learn more at http://www.metroparks.org/Skating

Love to skate? Hit the ice all week long. If you’ve got your own skates, bring them to the rink Monday through Thursday; there’s no admission fee, so you can carve those figure-eights for free. Rentals are still just $3 on these weekdays. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will be action-packed with music and lights. Your $5 admission on these days gets you into the rink and covers the cost of skate rentals. Bring the kids—skate sizes range from preschool size 8 to women’s 11 and men’s 15. Lessons, programs and special events will take place at MetroParks Ice Rink all season long. Grab the current issue of the MetroParks’ quarterly publication, ParkWays, or check the website for details.

Make plans to host not just a local feast but a truly Dayton experience this Thanksgiving!

NOTE – this was for the 2009/2010 winter season and the program is not available for the 2010/2011 winter season.

Have you ever tried snowshoeing? Do you burn with cabin fever in the winter months? Why not get out, enjoy winter and Try Snowshowing with Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation Department? Snowshoes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Reservations requested, walk-ins welcome. This activity is dependent on snowfall; call (937) 277-4374 to confirm activity. We’re located at 224 N. St. Clair St. in Downtown.

Having grown up in Ohio, the idea of experiencing the thrill of carving off-piste on powder only came to fruition in Warren Miller films and magazines.

Whether you are a seasoned ski-bum or bunny hill groupie, there are actually a few decent options (for the Midwest that is) right here in Southwestern Ohio.

Mad River Mountain Resort

Mad River Mountain (MRM) is located in Zanesfield, OH (between Marysville and Bellefontaine on US 33), Mad River Mountain was opened in 1962 and will starts it’s 48th year in operation this season.

The season typically runs from December to March and offers fun for all levels, abilities, and desires.  This family friendly resort has an instruction program, restaurant, ski/snowboard pro shop, and best of all, a bar.

Lift tickets are reasonable (compared to $100 a day in Vail, CO) and are approximately $30 during the week and $42 on the weekend.  MRM also offers discounts for multi-day purchases, military discounts and more.

• Mad River Mountain Resort has 23 trails ranging in skill level and difficulty
• 144 Ski-able/Ride-able acres
• 1,460-foot mountain elevation
• 300-foot vertical drop
• 2 Lodges, The Mad River Lodge and The Timberline Lodge, with kitchens and restrooms
• Indoor/outdoor picnic areas
• Learning Center
• National Ski Patrol
• The Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition
• Welcome Area & Customer Care Center
• 6 Chair Lifts, 3 Hand Tows, 2 Rope Tows & 3 Carpet Lifts
• Ski/Snowboard accessory shop
• CAPITOL PARK terrian park featuring upwards of 22 features and jumps throughout the year
• AVALANCHE TUBING PARK with 10 lanes that are 900 feet long and a carpet lift
• Over 8 acres of beginner learning area
• 7,000 gallons of water is pumped up the hill per minute, bringing you the best quality machine made snow available

Check out www.skimadriver.com for more information about Mad River Mountain Resort

Perfect North Slopes

Perfect North Slopes (PNS) is located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. From I-275 take the US 50 Exit 16, follow ski area signs north on Indiana Route 1 to ski area entrance.

Address: 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, IN  47025

PNS is similar in respect to MRM in that it offers something for everyone. If you are a skier/boarder looking for a little more challenge, PNS does provide a pseudo-black diamond experience on a few of their trails, which drop off 400 ft., run through trees and occasionally have some manky moguls.

Passes at PNS are a flat $45 a day (8 hour session). Along with your lift ticket, PNS provides rentals, lessons, multi-day purchases, and military discounts.

• 100 Ski-able/Ride-able acres
• Perfect North Slopes offers 23 Trails ranging in easy to Double Black Diamond
• 800-foot mountain elevation
• 400-foot vertical drop
• Lodge with Cafeteria and restrooms
• Indoor/outdoor picnic areas
• National Ski Patrol
• PNS Adaptive Snow Sports School
• Welcome Area & Customer Care Center
• 5 Chair Lifts, 6 Carpet/Hand Tows
• Ski/Snowboard Pro shop
• 2 Terrain Parks
• TUBING PARK with 23 lanes
• Over 25 acres of beginner trails
• Longest run over 1 mile

Check out www.perfectnorth.com for more information about Perfect North Slopes

Bottom-Line: You are trying to ski in Ohio, where it snows on average 18-25 inches a year, don’t get upset when your skis scrape across the ice inducing flashbacks of elementary teachers scraping their nails across a chalk board.  However, ice aside, you have 2 good options that are fairly inexpensive (compared to most resorts) and are only an hour and a half from Dayton.  If you want longer runs, steeper descents (if you think 400 ft. is steep) then head to Perfect North.  When your kids start building jumps in the yard and you need a drink and warm fire, bring them to Mad River Mountain’s great terrain park. You know you are too old for the rail slides, don’t kid yourself.

As the first weather reports of snow appear in the holiday forecast our routines shift from a fall to winter mind set.  One of my favorite attributes of the Miami Valley is the ability to truly experience all four seasons, and winter is surely one of them.  When the temperature drops below freezing, Miami Valley residents have a tendency to lock themselves in their homes, crank up the heat and pull out the snuggies.  Why stay inside all winter when this region has numerous opportunities to enjoy the serenity, spirit, and color of the winter season.

Before you begin to scan local calendars, festivals, maps, and resorts, it is vital to understand how to properly dress during the winter in the great outdoors.  The easiest way to state it is to, “Think Like an Onion.”  Yes, an onion, not the onion that makes your eyes water or gives you bad breath but the onion that is layered.  Layering is the key to regulating your body temperature in the winter.

Understanding how your body loses heat is the key to choosing the right layers.  There are four ways you body looses heat, each with a scientific label that I will leave out as not to bore you.  Body heat is lost by heat escaping due to lack of insulation, wind drawing heat off exposed skin, direct contact with cold surfaces, and evaporation from sweating.

Numerous dangers, which include hypothermia and frost-bite are possible, even in mild temperatures, when the body is not properly protected.  In order to protect yourself from cold ailments and dangers you need to be properly insulated for the activity you will be participating in.

Sedentary: like fishing or hunting require thick insulation around your core area and where your body might come in contact with cold surfaces

Active: such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing require not as much insulation around your core and should focus on protecting your extremities with fabrics that wick sweat and breathe well.

Mixed: Alpine Skiing is an example of a mixed activity where you may experience a balance between heart-pounding effort and rest.  Layering and venting become more important to easily transition between bundling up and cooling down.

Thinking like an Onion is the principle concept in protecting your body during outdoor activities in the winter.  The layering process consists of 3 main layers.

Base Layer: consists of a thermal layer, sometimes referred to as long underwear. Base Layer fabrics should consist of non-cotton material such as silk, polyester, and poly blends that are excellent in wicking moisture off your skin.

Mid Layer: the functionality of the mid layer is to provide some insulation and style when the outer garments are removed.  Wool and Fleece make a great insulating mid layer. If possible, stay away from cotton at all costs.

Outer Layer: provides protection from the elements, such as wind and rain, or snow.  Outer layers can also have additional insulating capabilities.  Effective outer layer materials include breathable, waterproof fabrics.  Many companies have different names for outer layer fabrics which may include Gore-Tex, Conduit, etc.

Experiencing the outdoors during the Miami Valley winter is a great way to beat the cabin fever and get out of the house.  To ensure a safe and enjoyable winter outing, be sure to have little skin exposed to the outside, adequate insulation, regulate your body temperature through layering to avoid sweating, and have a great time.

A few key outdoor retailers in the area are experts in winter recreation and outdoor endeavors.  Visit these two locally owned shops for more expert tips on effective layering and to purchase some of the best gear available.  Great Miami Outfitters, www.greatmiamioutfitters.com and Valleywood Ski Shop, www.valleywoodskishop.goodbarry.com