Fifty years ago this week, the Carlisle arena opened to the community - a milestone worth marking, noted Carlisle Optimist Rob O'Brien.
"The anniversary of the game to mark the installation of the artificial ice is Jan. 14," said O'Brien, who coordinates the Optimists' popular Learn to Skate Program at the Centre Road Arena. "There is a lot of history. Our Optimist Club bought the property and paid for the cost of the artificial ice."
The community is welcome to stop by the Learn to Skate session on Monday or Wednesday to help commemorate the occasion. Learn to Skate runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Club volunteers will be on hand, and visitors can check out a special display created by new Optimist member Ella Nielsen, showing the timeline for the arena project, including the installation of the ice in 1975 and the opening of the facility's roof and community building in 1977. The festivities will also include cupcakes.
Find out more about the Carlisle Optimists by visiting the club's website.
