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Amelia Park plans celebration of founder's life on May 6

Date: 4/25/2012

April 25, 2012



By Katelyn Gendron

katelyn@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — Most people have a personal story associated with Albert Ferst; for some, it was their receipt of the dollar coins he carried around with him everywhere or a fun-filled day at Amelia Park Complex, which he founded in honor of his wife, Amelia.

For Carole Appleton, executive director of Amelia Park Ice Arena, her story revolved around Ferst urging her to run the arena during her tenure with the Springfield Falcons and the sled hockey teams. Her story, and many associated with Ferst, who passed in December 2011, will be shared at "A Celebration of Albert (Al) Ferst" on May 6 from 1 to 6 p.m.

"Mr. Ferst used to ask Bruce Landon [owner and general manager of the Falcons], 'Where can I get a Carole to run my rink?' He had a plan," Appleton recalled, noting that the arena's board later offered her the position as executive director.

She called the celebration on May 6 as one that represents everything that represents everything that he loved and dedicated his philanthropic efforts to build and maintain: Amelia Park Garden, Amelia Park Children's Museum, Amelia Park Ice Arena and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.

"It was all about the kids for him," Appleton said, noting Ferst's desire to provide a complex for children and families to enjoy and prosper together.

"Al was a great philanthropist to our community and a friend to our children. The Amelia Park Complex organizations felt it was important to bring the community together to celebrate his lifetime of good works and service," Douglas LaPlante, board president, Amelia Park Ice Arena, said.

The day will begin at 1 p.m. with open houses at the arena, the children's museum and the Boys & Girls Club. The first 250 children at the Boys & Girls Club will receive free seedlings as a representation of the growth of Amelia Park Complex from an idea to a full-scale reality, according to Appleton.

There will also be free food, refreshments, face painting and music throughout the complex.

Corey and the Knightsman will take the stage at Amelia's Garden at 2 p.m., followed by performances by Katherine Kalill and Ashley Gearing at 3 p.m. and Dan Kane and Friends at 3:30 p.m. "Those were his [Ferst's] favorites of all time," Appleton said of the musical acts selected to perform at the celebration.

The Saratoga Stars of Saratoga, N.Y., will have a synchronized skating exhibition at the arena at 4:30 p.m. and free skating and rentals for all participants will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m.

A special memento will be distributed at the arena — while supplies last — a hockey puck with the center cut out and replaced with a dollar coins in memory of Ferst.

"A Celebration of Albert (Al) Ferst" will take place rain or shine on May 6. For additional information, visit www.ameliaparkice.org.





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