One of the best known facilities of our township, and throughout the world in the area of figure skating and ice hockey, is IceWorks, located at 701 West Duttons Mill Road.

   Opening in October 1997 two rinks were available for public use.  One rink is NHL (National Hockey League) size, 200’ x 85’, with a concrete base that is primarily used for hockey events.  The second rink is Olympic size that measures 200’ x 100’ with a sand base.   On this rink one can find figure skaters from all over the globe training for special competitive events, including the Olympics.

   Just months short of celebrating their 4^th anniversary, IceWorks opened two additional rinks, both NHL size.  Business has grown at an amazing rate throughout the years.  On any given Friday night 1,000 to 2,000 visitors pass through their front doors.  

What is the reason for IceWork’s success and impeccable reputation? “It’s not just one person.  It’s about teamwork.  We’re team players and the proof is that we have the same managers as we did 8 years ago,” states Stephane Charbonneau, general manager.

Stephane Charbonneau

Stephane, born and raised in Montreal, Canada left his home at the age of 16 to join a Canadian junior hockey team.  At the age of 20 he signed his first contract with the NHL team, Quebec Nordiques.  Three years later Stephane contracted with the Los Angles Kings and played in their minor league system in Phoenix, Arizona.  After a successful experience with the Los Angeles Kings, he signed with the Washington Capitals.  

   Ten years ago, Stephane met his future wife, Noelle, through a mutual friend.  Two years after their first introduction, Stephane proposed to Noelle while skating for the Bull Dogs, owned by Tony Danza.  The marriage proposal was shown on the big screen at the former Spectrum in front of thousands of fans.

After their marriage, they settled in Voorhees, New Jersey.  “I was not familiar with the Aston area, or any other surrounding area, but when I was contacted by Jimmy Watson, former Flyers Stanley Cup Champion, and part owner of IceWorks, I was offered the opportunity to take on the position as general manager.”  Stephane also explained, “In addition to our location that offers ease of accessibility, our success is due to our commitment in creating a safe and friendly environment to all who come to our facility.  It is a thrill for me to see the amount of people who attend on a regular basis and know that we are here for them to give them the best experience possible.”

  One of the most challenging areas for Stephane and IceWorks staff is the influx of children, 13 years-of-age and under, who regularly frequent the rinks without parental supervision.  “We had no choice but to increase security measures by employing 10-12 security staff members and an Aston Township police officer in an attempt to control the tremendous number of parentally unsupervised minors, especially on Friday evenings.

   “We run a clean, safe, and fun environment.  Every staff member is committed to make sure that everyone who walks through our front door has a great time.  It would be wonderful to see the parents attending with their children.  It would make our jobs much easier and the parents, I guarantee, would really enjoy themselves,” states Stephane.

   IceWorks is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 1:30am and Saturday and Sunday, 5am to 1:30am. 

   For more information, please contact Mr. Stephane Charbonneau, general manager, at 610-497-2200 x127 or visit their website at www.iceworks.net.  

Public Information Updates  

   Once again, we’ve made tremendous strides in upgrading our public access channel.  TVTN was approved, by the Board of Commissioners, to assist in implementing professionally designed township-related commercials and voiceovers, in addition to airing our information through digital format.  All of these new implementations will create clear viewing and sound on our public access channel.  Completion for this project is scheduled for mid-March.   

a membership of over 20 voices!  Rehearsals begin in two weeks and members will be personally notified once rehearsal location, dates and times have been confirmed.  Anyone interested in joining our township’s choir, please contact Bill Mayo at 610-888-1870. 

   CNN NewsMakers will be airing the following interviews during the month of February and early-March:

   Mr. Michael J. Mullen, Director of Student Development, Neumann College

   Mr. Jeffrey M. Pilla, 2^nd Ward Commissioner, Aston Township

   Mr. Joseph P. Possenti, Jr., President, Board of Commissioners, Aston Township

   Mr. Tom Morgan, Fire Marshal, Aston Township

   Mr. Gary C. Robinson, 4^th Ward Commissioner, Aston Township

   Mr. James L. Sagona, Vice President for Student Affairs, Neumann College

   Ms. Jennifer R. Clarke, Community Income Development Specialist, American Cancer Society

   Ms. Tracy Karwoski, “Relay for Life” Advocacy Chair, American Cancer Society

   These interviews are scheduled to air on cable channel 50 at :24 and/or :54 after the hour during the months of February and March. 

   Also in the planning stages is Aston Township’s 1^st Annual Commissioners Softball Outing, sponsored by Commissioner Gary C. Robinson (4^th ward) that is tentatively scheduled for early May.  More information will be provided in April’s newsletter for signups.  

   Victory Cleaners is a new location site for our Township Times newsletter.  Thank you, Michael Gortian and staff! 

Township Times newsletters locations:

Aston Community Center, Aston Township Municipal Building, Eckerd Pharmacy, First Keystone Bank, Giant Food Store, Iron Workers Bank, Victory Cleaners, Village Green Mobile Home Community, & Wawa  

   Changes will continue to be made to Township Times to enhance its presentation of information.  Please contact Ms. Michal Curry at the Aston Township Municipal Building, 610-494-1636, to submit ideas, comments, or suggestions.  Thank you!  

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