Hellions Night Out - 2012 Season Fundraiser this Friday

This Friday the Hellions are holding a fundraiser to kick off our 2012 season. We'll be having a silent auction with awesome prizes including gift certificates to some rad places in the capital region.  I saw the list .. a few tattoo places, jewelry, tickets to our 2012 bouts, and even a couple gift certificates from our sponsor, Wicked Skatewear!

We'll also have some baked goods for sale. Team Baker Ursula Udders just developed a Hellions flavored cupcake! Lets just say it's pink and green... and super tasty!

We're also having a little photobooth station.  I made some props tonight:

If you are curious about roller derby, this will be a great opportunity to meet the team and ask questions.  Maybe even think about attending an upcoming recruitment night?

Or, maybe you're a long time Hellions fan and wanna see your favorites ladies after a couple months without a bout.

Perhaps most excitingly: On Friday night we'll be announcing our preliminary 2012 season! You'll get the scoop there first!

Details!
Hellions Night Out
Hellions of Troy 2012 Season Fundraiser
Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 8pm
Bogies -- 297 Ontario Street Albany, NY 12208
Come out and party with us! no cover for 21+ but donations appreciated.  $5 donation for 18+.

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/261709507223324/

Light Up the Night

One of our new skaters, Zandy I. Candy, is a Peer Educator at the Russell Sage College, which is sponsoring a "Light Up the Night" even on Thursday October 27th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm on the Troy campus.

Basically it's a sexual assault awareness march through downtown Troy; it's very similar to Take Back the Night and Toronto's "Slut Walk".

The main idea is that one can wear whatever they like, wherever they like and not be afraid of being sexually assaulted. It's a very casual event. Some Hellions will be in attendance, dressing however they want.  Join us looking bold as we march through the streets of Troy. The event starts on the corner of First Street and Division Street in Downtown Troy.
Here's the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203870306347394

Zombie carnival, walk, and prom this Saturday

Did you know that the Hellions are a major partner in planning the zombie events put on by WAMC? We'll be there in force this year and hope to see you there too!

The event kicks off with a Friday night gala with food, film, and the Dead Divas (famous stars of stage and screen), plus a performance of (possibly) the first ever choral presentation of the gay undead as the Capital Pride Singers present a selection of your favorite undead songs.

Pre-Zombie Walk 2010.  Photo by Knockout.

Zombie Carnival
Saturday starts off with the first ever Upstate New York Zombie Carnival all day before the Walk, starting at noon. There will be zombie carnival games: try your luck at the Zombie body part toss, place your bets on the Zombie wheel of death, and cast a line in the Zombie duck pond where every ones a winner. Zombie vendors will be present with the latest in undead fashion and makeup.


Zombie Walk
The walk steps off at 6pm from the Linda (339 Central Avenue). Get there beforehand to get your makeup done, hear the rules of the walk, and for photo ops, of course! This year's course is a loop starting and ending at the Linda. Following the walk will be a brain eating contest, followed by the start of Zombie Prom!


Zombie Prom
Immediately following the walk, join us for a night of dancing, food, and drinks. The cost is $10 and this year's Zombie Prom is 18+. Come in costume - will you be crowned this year's Zombie King or Queen?

More info:
Wamcarts event page: http://www.wamcarts.org/event_details.php?id=140
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154128441347494

Grand opening of Wheels and Gears Skate Shop today

Kyle Austin - aka Collyde - is hosting the grand opening of Wheels and Gears, the new derby and skate shop today in down Troy. Massacre and I stopped by last night during Troy Night Out to say hello and wish him well. Massacre also made the first purchase ever in the new shop!

Collyde actually started his business in January 2011, however the storefront is a new development. Over the past year, he's been a traveling roadshow of derby gear and supplies, tabling at our bouts as well as traveling out to Central New York for Central New York Roller Derby bouts - he's a sponsor for our leagues as well as the Utica Rollergirls and the Green Mountain Derby Dames. He's interested in working with other leagues - both near and far, so definitely reach out to him to find out about sponsorship.

Collyde doesn't just have derby gear, he can also hook you up with skateboarding and bicycle gear.

Besides the business, Collyde has been involved with roller derby for almost as long as the Hellions have existed. While talking with him last night, he told me he got involved with derby about 5 months after the Hellions started, which would be early 2009. Collyde has occasionally officiated our bouts and has been around in other volunteer capacities as well. Now he's here to support our league and others by providing a local place to buy derby gear.

While we were in the store last night, Collyde and his daughters were getting busy for their big opening day. (BTW, Collyde says he is accepting applications for employees, although his daughters said they'd be happy to work for gummi worms"). He did have time to show us around the space, and like I said, Massacre made the first purchase at the store.

Like most buildings in downtown Troy, the space has some unique features. The inside has some punk-y exposed brick, and Collyde is also working on bringing out the subtle features of the various moldings. He did some paint work to bring out a molded design on the wall. Check it out -- it's very "Troy".

Collyde's business knowledge of the derby world's needs is growing. I like to shop around, but from my research, I've found that his prices are comparable with places I might order from online. Now that there's a local shop, derby girls (and guys) can get what they need right away.

Collyde and Massacre talking about bearings.

Another cool feature Collyde added to the store: an old fashioned cash register.

Collyde administering his first transaction.

Mmm, Beirut.

Check out the grand opening of Wheels and Gears today, October 1, 2011, in downtown Troy. Tomorrow's store hours are 1:00pm - 8:00pm. By the way, the shop is right next to Beirut Restaurant - yum! Collyde told me proximity to Beirut may have been a contributing factor to picking his location. Sounds and tastes good to me.

WHEELS AND GEARS

186 RIVER ST.

TROY, NY 12180

Hellions out and about this weekend

Tonight we will be rocking Schenectady Art Night.  We'll have tickets to our upcoming bout, merch, and we'll even sign autographs if you ask! Stop by Proctors and say hell!

Saturday night we are holding a special event at the Albany VFW.  We are guest bartending to raise money to support our trip to Empire Skate Showdown in a couple weeks (more on that soon!!!)  Check out the event on Facebook. We're taking a bus down for the all day tournament, and that's gonna cost us a pretty penny (roller derby is pay-to-play, you know...)

We'll be serving drinks, selling merch and raffle tickets, and having all around good times.
Come down and hang out with your favorite roller girls and support our trip to NYS's Roller Derby Tournament: Empire Skate Showdown!

Albany VFW
525 Delaware Avenue
Albany, NY

Troy Night Out tonight

Sheesh - I've been away from this blog a bit, since it's looks like one of my more recent posts was about the last time we were at Troy Night Out.

HoTRD will be at Troy Night Out tonight.  I hear there could be some ticket giveaways for our next home bout on Saturday, August 6!

Troy Night Out tonight

Monument Square
Image via wikipedia,
via ravedelay on flickr

We'll be at Troy Night Out tonight.  Stop over to Monument Square (you know, that area around the giant statute of the women blowing the vuvuzuela) around 6pm.  Last summer we were at 2nd & Broadway.

It's it not rainy/wet, we hope to do some skating demos! You can also pick up some Hellions merch, a season flyer, or/and autographs - if you want! <3 xoxo


See ya tonight, rain or shine!

2010 Zombie Prom

Space Chalky and Taxi: AKA the Zombie Prom King
and Prom Queen!

Not much to say except that it was hoppin'! Zombie Bomb provided a set of musical entertainment and we also had PYX106 there to fill in the rest. The best part of the night was when Space Chalky and his girlfriend Melissa, aka Taxi, were crowned the Zombie King and Zombie Queen!

Awards on display in the Royal Home.

The awards were provided by Carried Away Coffins, who also had a mini gallery at the Linda this past weekend.  In case you missed it there, you can check out the Coffin King 2010 Art Event at the Marketplace Gallery in downtown Albany through Saturday. There's over 200 Coffin Plaques representing 20 area tattoo shops...and you can vote for your favorite Coffin and help name the Coffin King 2010. I heard it's pretty good so I hope to stop by and check it out.

Also, thanks to the Times Union for stopping by before the prom to do a SEEN segment. You can see those pictures here.

Hellions Zombies! Back L-R Storm, Rock Lobster (fresh meat), Hana Solo,
Ursula Udders, Asa Diamonds. Front L-R: Shrimp Scampi, Deadlie Mercury
Photo courtesy of DM

Be Your Own Hero

Interested in roller derby?  Think you want to skate but not sure you have what it takes?  Come to our recruitment night on Monday, July 26 to see what we're all about!  You'll meet the skaters, talk to league members, and you can even strap on a pair of skates!

We're looking for more than just girls to skate.  Male or female, we always need volunteers, non-skating officials (NSOs), and referees.

I'd been going to roller derby bouts for over a year before I got the courage to show up at a recruitment night.  I'd see ads here and there for it, and thought -- I'll go... next time.  I was scared - what if I didn't fit in?  What if I don't have the time?  I barely knew how to skate!

I've been skating with the Hellions for over 10 months now.  This is one of the funnest things I have ever been involved with in my life.
I totally fit in.  The team is so welcoming.
I made the time.  In fact, roller skating is all I can think about usually!
The team taught me how to skate.  They taught me how to fall down safely.  They taught me how to hit...even though I was shy about it.  Now you better look out because I'm coming for you.

You have what it takes.  Roller derby is amazing and we'd love to have you as part of our league!!

Schenectady Art Night

Last Friday the Hellions were skating around downtown Schenectady for Schenectady Art Night.  We got hooked up by the editor of Quintessential 'Zine.  'Zines and derby definitely go hand-in-hand together.  Quintessential is definitely very DIY - and they've been successful, too:  Quintessential celebrated it's one year anniversary this month!

Art Night is the third Friday of every month.  We were set up inside of Proctor's Theatre, where they had a live band playing.  We were near the Muddy Cup, too, so it was a nice atmosphere.

Lots of people were out enjoying the nice weather! This was a fun event because all the Schenectady people were thrilled when we told them we play at Rollarama. "WOW!  I used to skate there a little kid!  Haven't been in ages!"  Which was the perfect segue into telling them they should come check out our bout this weekend. ;)

4'11" vs. The Amazon

At one point, Deadlie Mercury and I headed out to the streets to hand out flyers.  I didn't have my skates with me, so I hoofed it on foot while she rolled on.  I think this picture is hilarious!  I might be in denial, but it only LOOKS like there is a foot and a half difference.  I swear.

Ah well, they don't call me Short Temper for nothing.

July Trivia Night @ Badass Burrito

Deadlie Mercury being amazing as usual.

We've pretty much made trivia and guest bartending at Badass Burrito a monthly thing.  Deadlie Mercury had some great questions so we're making inviting her to host again!

Check out this amazing flyer I made.  Doesn't Deadlie look like a good time?  Doesn't DRINKS look sound like a good time?

Join the team on Tuesday, July 27 at Badass Burrito in Troy from 6pm - 9pm for trivia, food, and drinks.  Meet the skaters, regale tales from out bout, and win fabulous prizes!

For the record, I personally recommend the roasted vegetable burrito.  They serve their namesake well!

Getting Involved

I'm the type of person who loves being in the middle of things.  I was in student government in high school.  I was in yearbook club in college (SUNY Albany has a yearbook?  Yes!)  I like to know what's going on.

I remember when I first joined the Hellions it seemed like there were a million opportunities to hang out with the league outside of practice.  It was September, so it was just after their summer season ended.  Whip It was coming up, we had our birthday party, zombie prom.  A whirlwind of activity.  Who planned all this stuff, I wondered?  I'm the person that plans things.  Who made all this happen?

One thing I love so much about this league, and derby in general, is that it's full of movers and shakers.  Roller derby is skater-owned-and-operated.  The girls and our supporters make things happen.

Hellions at the Spectrum Theater for the premier of
Whip It in October 2009.  One of my first "public
appearances" as a Hellion.

When I first joined, I was hesitant to volunteer to head things up because I was new to the game.  I knew I didn't know the whole inner-workings of the league.  But I wanted to help.  So I showed up for the Whip It event (so much fun!) and started going to league meetings.  More and more I got involved.

Fast forward to today.  We had a Creative Services meeting, where I just presented showed off the recruitment flyer I created and also the advertisement for our next trivia night.  Some other big news: I'm the league's new interim Public Relations Manager (and possibly full time - just giving it a trial run for now).

I really feel like I'm in now.  I'm not over my head, though, thanks to help from people who have been in my position before.  I even wrote my first press release today!  Sure it probably needs some work, but I think it's going in the right direction.  Making "derby" happen is a lot of work, but I am so happy to have so many others on the league who are also interested in getting things done.