February 2015Vol. 25, No. 1

Late August brings many things: back to school, end of summer and ACE Western Pennsylvania joining up with the Western New York Coaster Club for a fun-filled weekend at two parks in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Saturday August 23 started out at Conneaut Lake Park with noon registration, leaving time for attendees to catch up with one another, then start the day by either taking in the assorted vintage rides this 122 year old park had to offer, or joining the ITOT (Informal Takeover Time) of the park's miniature golf course. The afternoon also included ITOTs of the Flying Scooters and Carousel, and many attendees could be seen throughout the day in line for the Blue Streak roller coaster. A delicious spaghetti dinner was served in the Blue Streak pavilions with the coaster in the background, which ended with a surprise photo tour of the coaster's turnaround area. Park manager Lenny

Flying High with a Blue Streak 2014by Sarah Windisch

Adams III also spoke to us during dinner to let us know the latest details of the status of the park and his dedication to the rides. Night ERT included Blue Streak and Devil's Den; the Bug had been having some issues so the Allan Herschell Little Dipper kiddie coaster was substituted in its place, which was applauded by many seeking a credit, considering that adults are not typically permitted to ride.

For those wanting to stay out a while longer, a small informal party on the porch at Hotel Conneaut went on for awhile until the weather chased everybody inside or to bed. It was a beautiful late summer day at Conneaut with another one to spend in Erie.

Sunday registration at Waldameer started at 10 a.m. with doughnuts served prior to one-hour ERT on Comet which began at 11 a.m. followed by an hour of ERT on Steel Dragon. The park opens many rides at noon and

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One Frightful WeekendPage 4

ACE Western Pennsylvania bids farewell to Jeff Filicko

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Photos by Joel BrewtonPhotos by Joel Brewton

The FUNOFFICIAL Newsletter of ACE Western Pennsylvania

The Fun Times

Maggie Altman Ryan Lucas

2 ACEwesternPA.orgFEBRUARY 2015

Challenged by Jeff Croushore and our friends at Idlewild and SoakZone, ACE Western Pennsylvania accepted the “Ice Bucket Challenge” and filmed a video during Flying High with a Blue Streak at Waldameer. The online viral campaign raises money and awareness for ALS, (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder).

Pictured left to right, David Hahner III, Bill Linkenheimer III, Adam Napotnik and Adam Carlini were doused with buckets of ice-cold water by Waldameer President Steve Gorman and ACE member Erik Frankenstein, after the four took a ride on the park’s Thunder River flume ride and didn’t get quite wet enough. ACE Western Pennylvania then challenged ACE New Jersey, ACE Canada, ACE South Central, DelGrosso's Amusement Park and their Buddy Bear mascot, and Waldameer and their Wally Bear mascot. The video is posted on ACEwesternPA.org.

Ice Bucket Challenge

ACE Western Pennsylvania bids Farewell to Jeff Filicko

Jeff Filicko, Kennywood's public relations manager for five years, said goodbye to western Pennsylvania at the conclusion of this season's Holiday Lights event. More than 30 members made donations that allowed the region to present him with

a plaque thanking him for his relationship with ACE Western Pennsylvania. In addition to helping organize all of ACE's events at Kennywood, Jeff was also a frequent guest at CoasterBash!. ACE members who travel to the San Antonio area will find Jeff at his new position as marketing manager at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

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C o n d o l e n c e s t o R o n G a s t o n , w h o s e s t e p d a u g h t e r p a s s e d a w a y u n e x p e c t e d l y i n e a r l y O c t o b e r . . . c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o s o m e n e w h o m e o w n e r s : C h a s e F i o r e a n d D a n a n d A l e x a J o n e s . . . c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o L i s a C o r b l y , w h o m a r r i e d B r i a n P o n d o r s o ni n N o v e m b e r . . . c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o A d a m N a p o t n i k , t h e k i c k e r f o r t h e P i n e R i c h l a n d R a m s v a r s i t y f o o t b a l l t e a m w h o w e n t undefeated through thei r ent i re regular season a n d m o s t o f t h e p o s t - s e a s o n , m a k i n g i t t o t h e P e n n s y l v a n i a s t a t e c h a m p i o n s h i p g a m e in Her shey . . . condo lences to Brenton As t i , w h o s e g r a n d m o t h e r p a s s e d a w a y i n l a t e D e c e m b e r . . . c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o S t e v e Corbly and Karen Pat t i son , who got engaged i n l a t e D e c e m b e r . . . H a p p y B i r t h d a y t o Tony Colega , who celebrated h i s 60th in late D e c e m b e r w i t h a “ I m a y b e 6 0 , b u t in my mind I’m 25” Birthday Bash at a Strip District n i g h t c l u b , w h e r e o t h e r A C E m e m b e r s w e r e in attendance! . . .

Regional members impact ACE nationally

Western Pennsylvania has long been a source of ACE leadership and with the recent restructure of ACE’s Executive Committee (EC), 2014 is no exception. Congratulat ions and thanks to these great folks f o r “ s i g n i n g o n ” t o s e r v e A C E : D a v e A l tma n a s i m m e d i a t e p a s t p r e s i d e n t ( a f t e r s e r v i n g t h e p a s t f o u r y e a r s a s p r e s i d e n t – t h a n k y o u D a v e ! ) ; J i m F u t r e l l r e a p p o i n t e d t o t h e h i s to ry commi t tee ; Dave Hahner reappo in ted a s H i s t o r i a n ( n o l o n g e r a n E C p o s i t i o n ) a n d a s a m e m b e r o f t h e p r e s e r v a t i o n c o m m i t t e e ; B i l l L i n k e n h e i m e r I I I a p p o i n t e d a s s o c i a l m e d i a m a n a g e r ( a n e n t i r e l y n e w p o s i t i o n ) a n d r e a p p o i n t e d a s a m e m b e r o f the events committee; Br ian Peters appointed a s i n f o r m a t i o n t e c h n o l o g y m a n a g e r ( a n e w n o n - E C p o s i t i o n ; B r i a n p r e v i o u s l y s e r v e d A C E f o r m a n y y e a r s a s i n f o r m a t i o n s e r v i c e s d i r e c t o r , a p o s i t i o n t h a t n o l o n g e r e x i s t s ) a n d S a r a h W i n d i s c h a s a m e m b e r o f the p rese rvat ion commi t tee . Two more g reat v o l u n t e e r s t e c h n i c a l l y l i v e o u t s i d e o f o u r r e g i o n , b u t g i v e n t h a t t h e y r a r e l y e v e r m i s s pa r t ic ipat ing in ou r reg ion ’ s act i v i t i e s , we’d b e r e m i s s n o t t o r e p o r t o n t h e i r e f f o r t s t o s e r v e A C E : L e e A n n D r a u d r e a p p o i n t e d a s publ icat ions d i rector ; Steve Smith reappointed a s r e g i s t r a t i o n d i r e c t o r ( n o l o n g e r a n EC pos i t ion) . A l so , Mike Matscherz , o r ig ina l l y f r o m w e s t e r n P e n n s y l v a n i a a n d a f o r m e r assistant regional rep, has been appointed as ACE Membership Benefits manager (a non-EC position).

THE FUN TIMES FEBRUARY 2015

Nominations sought for The Golden Kenny

N o m i n a t i o n s a r e n o w b e i n g a c c e p t e d for the recipient of The Golden Kenny, anannual award presented to celebrate t h e E N T H U S I A S M o f a n A C E m e m b e r w i t h i n A C E Western Pennsy lvania. I f you know of someone deserving of this award, please write a summary explaining why and forward it to Marie Ruby at Kennywood either via email at mruby@Kennywood.com or by conventional mail to: Attn: Marie Ruby, Kennywood, 4 8 0 0 K e n n y w o o d B l v d . West Mifflin, PA 15122. The deadline for nominations is March 4, 2015. The award will be presented at CoasterBash! XXVI on March 14, 2015.

continued from page 1the rest, including the waterpark, an hour later, so attendees could enjoy some rides before getting in line for the catered meal at 1 p.m. Barbecued chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers,

baked beans, potato and macaroni salads, ice cream and drinks were enjoyed in the Lakeview Grove Shelter, which was the original Ravine Flyer station. After the meal, park owner Paul Nelson was presented with an honorary ACE membership.

After lunch, attendees were invited to walk across Peninsula Drive for a photo walkback tour. Also in the afternoon were ITOTs on the train, bumper cars, Whacky Shack and Pirates Cove. The evening closed with a fantastic nighttime ERT on Ravine Flyer II. Additionally, a few ACE members filmed an "Ice Bucket Challenge" video, as part of a viral campaign to raise money and awareness for ALS .

As in the past, this was a very fun event and a great opportunity not just to say goodbye to summer but also to spend time with friends and catch up at the end of the season, as well as enjoy some wonderful rides. Whether people came from just down the road or the next state away, we all got together and enjoyed the old, the new, and just about everything in between at two great 100+ year old parks.

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Flying High with a Blue Streak 2014 Waldameer’s Paul Nelson Awarded ACE Honorary Membership

On July 24, 2014, on the second day of the the Flying High with a Blue Streak regional event, ACE proudly welcomed Waldameer’s Paul Nelson as an honorary member. ACE President Dave Altman presented the plaque to him, the text for which was written by ACE Historian Dave Hahner and ACE History Committee member Jim Futrell, and reads as follows:

ACE salutes Paul Nelson, owner and operator of Waldameer Park & Water World, in Erie, Pennsylvania, for his gracious hospitality to ACE and for his enduring determination to build one of the most celebrated wooden coasters in recent history, Ravine Flyer II.

Paul began his career at the park in 1945 at the mere age of 11, working for park owners Alex and L. Ruth Moeller. He worked summers there until he was eventually appointed general manager in 1957 and finally assumed full control of the park in 1965 after Alex Moeller’s death. Throughout his career at Waldameer, Paul continued to modernize and maintain the park as a viable entertainment venue for the region. During his tenure, he grew Waldameer Park into one of the nation’s premier traditional amusement parks. He was also guardian of the wonderful 1951 Comet, designed by Herbert P. Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, which still operates today as an ACE Coaster Classic.

In 1992 Paul announced a ten-year plan for Waldameer that included a new wooden roller coaster to be built on the site of the former John Miller-designed Ravine Flyer that operated from 1922 until 1938. Like its predecessor, Ravine Flyer II would cross over Peninsula Drive, making the coaster a memorable gateway to the beaches of nearby Presque Isle State Park. Unfortunately, the coaster’s construction was delayed owing to legal challenges and environmental issues. However, because of the perseverance and resolve of Paul and his family, the park was able to overcome these obstacles after 15 years of hard work and persistence to create one of the greatest wooden roller coaster experiences in the world. The magnificent design, created by The Gravity Group, LLC, opened to the public on May 17, 2008, to rave reviews and was named the “Best New Amusement Park Attraction” in the 2008 Golden Ticket Awards conducted by Amusement Today.

Today, we thank Paul Nelson and celebrate his nearly 70 years of service and dedication to Waldameer Park, welcoming him as an honorary member of ACE.

The Fun Times

4FEBRUARY 2015 ACEwesternPA.org

One Frightful WeekendIn late October of last year, ACE challenged its members with a trio of Halloween events. Starting on Friday, October 17, attendees were delightfully scared by ACE Ghost Lake at Conneaut Lake Park. The following evening offered ACE Phantom Fright Night at Kennywood which included behind the scenes tours and exclusive access to three of the park's mazes. A select few braved chilly temperatures the next day to attend ACE Hallowboo! at Idlewild and Soak Zone.

Photo by Sarah Windisch

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ACE Ghost LakeBill Linkenheimer III at ACE Ghost Lake

ACE-DAFE Phantom Fright NightACE members on Flying Aces

at ACE HallowBoo!

Have older amusement park collectibles you want to get rid of?A C E W e s t e r n P e n n s y l v a n i a m a i n t a i n s t h e A C E P r e s e r v a t i o n F u n d S a l e s T a b l e , a t w h i c h d o n a t e d a m u s e m e n t p a r k col lect ibles of al l sorts – T-shi rts , hats, patches, g l a s s e s , c o f f e e m u g s , b r o c h u r e s , b u t t o n s a n d m o r e – a r e s o l d w i t h 1 0 0 % o f t h e p r o c e e d s b e n e f i t i n g t h e A C E P r e s e r v a t i o n F u n d . T h a t p a r t i c u l a r f u n d w a s i n s t r u m e n t a l in the restorat ion of Leap the Dips , the world’s o l d e s t r o l l e r c o a s t e r , l o c a t e d i n A l t o o n a ; a s w e l l a s B l u e S t r e a k a t C o n n e a u t L a k e Park . The sa les tab le i s se t up each year a t C o a s t e r B a s h ! ( t h i s y e a r ’ s e v e n t i s o n M a r c h 1 4 ) a n d o c c a s i o n a l l y a t o t h e r e v e n t s .I f y o u ’ v e b e e n c l e a n i n g a n y c l o s e t s a s p a r t o f y o u r N e w Y e a r ’ s r e s o l u t i o n a n d

h a v e a n y i t e m s t h a t y o u ’ d l i k e t o d o n a t e – putt ing them in the hands of other enthus iasts w h o m a y c h e r i s h t h e m a n d s i m u l t a n e o u s l y h e l p i n g t o f u n d r a i s e t o p r e s e r v e r o l l e r c o a s t e r s , w e w e l c o m e y o u t o d o s o . O l d i s s u e s o f A C E N e w s a n d R o l l e r C o a s t e r !magaz ine may be donated as we l l . I f you’ re a t t e n d i n g C o a s t e r B a s h ! , y o u c a n b r i n g i t with you and i f you’ re not , ar rangements can b e m a d e t o g e t i t f r o m y o u i n a d v a n c e o f the event. I f you have merchandise to donate, p l e a s e c o n t a c t A C E P r e s e r v a t i o n F u n d S a l e s T a b l e C o o r d i n a t o r S a r a h W i n d i s c h a t s m i l e y w i n d @ h o t m a i l . c o m o r a t 412.979.0585.

FEBRUARY 2015THE FUN TIMES 5

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Mary Ann Jaram Nikki Blake

Joel Brewton(right)

One Magical EveningOn November 28, 77 members and their guests came out to Kennywood on one of the warmest days of the season to enjoy ACE Holiday Magic. Kennywood kindly offered reduced price tickets as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gingerbread Express train ride. Amongst the scenery the group enjoyed a group photo with Santa Claus and the park’s other holiday characters.

The Fun Times

FEBRUARY 2015 ACEwesternPA.org6

Visit ACEwesternPA.org for updated information on all regional events.

Saturday, March 14, 2015CoasterBash! XXVI

Salvatore’sSouth Hills of Pittsburgh

Sunday, March 15, 2015ACE Day at Wisp

presented by ACE Mid-AtlanticWisp Mountain Resort

McHenry, MD

Sunday, July 12, 2015KennyKon XXIV

KennywoodWest Mifflin, PA

Calendar ofRegional Events

P O Box 15353Pittsburgh PA 15237-0553USA

A full-color version of The Fun Times is

available online for download

on the region’s website.

FIRST CLASS MAIL

THE FUN TIMES 2015 is published every so often by and for the members of American Coaster Enthusiasts inhabiting the Western Pennsylvania region. Material may be used with or without permission -- we really don't care.Subscriptions are free to all ACE members residing in the Western Pennsylvania region and are $4.00 per year for ACE members elsewhere in the United States. Direct all correspondence to: THE FUN TIMES; PO Box 15353; Pittsburgh, PA 15237-0553, USA.

THE FUN TEAMMatt Adler

Editor / Asst. Regional Representative

Bill Linkenheimer IIISenior Editor / Regional Representative

Dave Altman, Dave Hahner, Ryan Lucas, Stephen Gray

Asst. Regional Representatives / Contributors

Tim MichalakWebmaster/ Asst. Regional Representative

Brett WeissbartThe Fun TImes Managing Editor

Mike MatscherzGraphic Design Coordinator