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NATIONAL ROLLER DERBY HALL OF FAME
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Celebrating Roller Derby's Greatest Stars
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Welcome to the
NATIONAL
ROLLER DERBY
HALL OF FAME
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Roller Derby's Hall of Fame was created by the 'Roller Derby News' in 1952 with the induction of its first two members, JOHNNY ROSASCO & JOSEPHINE 'Ma' BOGASH. Over the next twenty-one years, a total of twenty-one superb athletes were admitted thru the doors of the illustrious Hall of Fame. After finding a permanent home at New York's Madison Square Garden during the early 70s, the Hall of Fame closed its doors when the original Roller Derby closed on December 8, 1973. After being granted permission by JERRY SELTZER, son of the game's creator, LEO SELTZER, the NATIONAL ROLLER DERBY HALL OF FAME was reopened by Executive Director GARY POWERS at its new Museum home in Brooklyn on September 25, 2004, coinciding with the induction of ten new members into the Hall of Fame. On August 13, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of Derby's first race at the Chicago Coliseum (Aug. 13, 1935) by honoring 'Living Legends,' IVY KING & SAMMY SKOBEL who attended our HOF event, along with two of our newest HOF inductees, JOE NYGRA & TODDY GEFFINGER, families and friends and fans, plus members of the 'Windy City Rollers' all-girl roller derby league. We also inducted LEO SELTZER & son, JERRY SELTZER as the first members of the 'Executive' wing of the HOF. In August, 2006, we celebrated our Hall of Fame Weekend in San Francisco, home of the legendary BAY BOMBERS, by celebrating the career of the late, great ANN CALVELLO, while honoring 'Living Legend,' ANNIS JENSEN, and other great stars of the game including HOF inductees, JAN VALLOW & CAROL 'Peanuts' MEYER, in addition to the family of RUSS MASSRO, along with TONY ROMAN's family. We inducted KEN NEIDL & WALT HARRIS as the first members of our HOF 'Announcers' wing. Once again, some of the greatest stars of the banked track sports mingled with fans from all over the country in a joyous celebration of all things 'Roller Derby.' JOIN US in 2007 as we continue to honor the greatest stars in the history of the banked track sport!!!!
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The National Roller Derby Hall of Fame is made possible by the support of devoted fans everywhere and in particular our long-time friend and confidant, PHIL BERRIER, the suggestions of Roller Derby Hall of Fame members, plus the guidance of other great stars of the banked track whose love for Roller Derby continually direct our efforts. The reopening of the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame in 2004 was a result of the fundraising efforts of the Roller Derby Foundation which provides assistance to former skaters. We are constantly working to bring fans and skaters together thru Roller Derby parties throughout the country. We are committed to preserving the history of the Roller Derby and to honoring the accomplishments of its greatest stars. We make Roller Derby DVDs & videos available to fans around the world and this generosity helps us celebrate the banked track game thru our yearlong efforts. DVD & video listings can be found on the Roller Derby Foundation website. Thanks for your support!
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OCTOBER 15, 2007
Our 2007 NATIONAL ROLLER DERBY HALL OF FAME WEEKEND Celebration in Philadelphia kicks off on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 @ 7 PM at STEAKS ON SOUTH (308 South Street between 3rd & 4th) in South Philly. JOIN US as we embrace the 'City of Brotherly Love' with a cheese steak eating contest (winner receives a VIP pass to the HOF Weekend), music by COURTNEY COLETTI & THE ORLONS, plus appearances by Roller Derby Hall-of-Famer JUDY SOWINSKI, 2007 HOF inductee RICHARD BROWN, JOHN 'Gootch' GAUTIERI, ARNOLD SCHOEN and members of the PENN JERSEY SHE DEVILS all-girl roller derby team!!! ALL ARE WELCOME as we kick-off our 2007 Roller Derby Celebration!!!
OCTOBER 4, 2007
Skaters scheduled to appear at our 2007 NATIONAL ROLLER DERBY HALL OF FAME WEEKEND in Philadelphia are Hall-of-Famers JUDY ARNOLD (former captain of the Warriors), BUDDY ATKINSON, Jr. (former coach of the Warriors), JUDY SOWINSKI (former captain of the NY Bombers), (2007 HOF inductees)'Little RICHARD' BROWN (former Warriors & Baltimore-Washington Cat) & BOB WOODBERRY (former Red Devils & Jolter coach), along with fan favorites like VINNIE GANDOLFO (former Warrior & Cat coach), CINDY OGBIN (Warrior speedster), ARNOLD SCHOEN (Warrior jammer), JOHN 'Gootch' GAUTIERI (former Kangaroo & NY Bomber manager), PETE BOYD (former Warrior & Bay Bomber star), JEFF HART (former Warrior & NY Bomber speedster), plus MANY MANY MORE STARS of the BANKED TRACK SPORT!!! DON'T MISS THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT!!!
SEPTEMBER 15, 2007
On the thirty-fifth anniversary (Sept. 15, 1972) of Roller Derby's record-breaking attendance mark, over 52,000 who saw an interleague game between the IRDL Midwest PIONEERS & National Skating Derby's LOS ANGELES THUNDERBIRDS at Chicago's Comiskey Park, the NATIONAL ROLLER DERBY HALL OF FAME is pleased to announce its 2007 inductees:
RICHARD BROWN
JUDI McGUIRE
JEAN PORTER
MARY LOU PALERMO
MARION 'Red' SMARTT
BOB WOODBERRY
WILLIAM MORRISSEY (Referee Wing)
GERARD T. ('Jerry') HILL (Executive Wing)
JOIN US in PHILADELPHIA at the end of October as we celebrate the careers & accomplishments of these worthy individuals. CONTINUE to CHECK HERE for UPDATES and to read about the former great stars of the banked track who will be joining us at out annual HOF celebration.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2007
We're pleased to announce plans for our annual HALL OF FAME WEEKEND in Philadelphia celebrating Roller Derby & the 40th anniversary of the legendary Warriors franchise move East. Many former skaters and fans will come together for the first reunion celebration in the Delaware Valley.
The HOF Weekend kickoff event featuring former Warrior skaters will take place at 7 PM on Friday, October 26 at a location to be announced.
On Saturday, October 27, a PHILADELPHIA WARRIORS CELEBRATION will take place at the Crowne Plaze Hotel (2349 West Marlton Pike) in Cherry Hill, New Jersey from 1-4 PM. A historical perspective celebrating the Warriors' place in Derby's history will be presented, along with a question & answer session between former skaters and fans. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door starting at 12:30 PM Saturday.
On Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, THE CALL OF DUTY ROLLER DERBY GAME featuring the PENN JERSEY SHE DEVILS (USA) versus HAMMER CITY (Canada) will take place at the International Skate Center (1 Hovtech Blvd., Mt. Laurel, NJ). Tickets for this international battle are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets and more details are available on the SHE DEVILS website at www.shedevilsrollerderby.com.
And on Sunday, October 28, the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame's annual awards presentation & reunion dinner will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill. Join us as we induct the newest members into the Roller Derby Hall of Fame. Cocktail reception from 5-6 PM, then buffet dinner (four entrees) starting at 6 PM. Event will go till 11 PM and will include music and dancing. Tickets for the dinner are $45 and must be purchased in advance. ALL ARE INVITED, but NO tickets will be available at the door.
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND VIP packages are available for $100 and includes tickets to all events, a National Roller Derby Hall of Fame souvenir program yearbook, plus a Warrior Hat & t-shirt (please specify size when making reservation).
Checks or money orders, payable to Gary Powers, can be mailed to 630 E. 24th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210 or payment can be made with a credit card by sending money thru PayPal (www.paypal.com) to rollerderbyhof@aol.com.
For Crowne Plaza Hotel reservations, call 800-971-4654.
Please help us spread the word so that everyone can attend this once-in-a-lifetime event honoring Derby's greatest skaters and one of its most legendary teams!
Hope you can all join us at the end of October in Philadelphia & Cherry Hill as we celebrate ROLLER DERBY & the WARRIORS!!!!
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