Name: Pinky Swears
Posts by Pinky Swears:
Junior Skater of the Month Bomb Voyage
May 4th, 2013
What made you decide to join roller derby?
A friend of mine was a part of the junior league and it always sounded really intriguing to me. I watched Whip It and I was hooked. I came to practice with her and I’ve been here ever since.
How did you feel at your first scrimmage?
I was really nervous. We had never been able to scrimmage among ourselves at practice because we did not have enough players. Once we got on the track, it was smooth sailing. It’s all about thinking on your feet.
What is your favorite position to play?
My favorite position to play is pivot.
How do people react when they hear you play roller derby?
Their facial reactions are usually the most interesting. They are generally taken aback, and I pride myself in that. Its a good feeling to have people excited to hear about what you do for fun.
Do you play any other sports?
No. I take dance classes and running is a hobby of mine.
What is your goal for this season?
This season I really want to work on mastering my turn around toe stops at high speeds.
How do you explain derby to someone who has never seen a bout?
I explain that there are five people from each team on the track. There is a captain of the track called a pivot and the person who scores points is called the jammer. Both wear panties on their head and panties are a helmet covering. The jammer has a star and the pivot has a stripe. Your team scores points when the jammer passes the hips of the players on the opposing team legally. And no, there is NO PUNCHING and generally no bleeding.
How did you feel when you were chosen to be captain of the first scrimmage?
It was an exhilarating feeling. I was honored to be trustworthy enough to represent teammates on and off of the track.
Eat Pancakes, Support Local Roller Derby Fundraiser
April 22nd, 2013
Bring the family, bring your friends to the First Presbyterian Church in Marlboro, NY for a delicious pancake breakfast served up on skates by your favorite local Roller Derby skaters.
Eat Pancakes, Support Roller Derby Fundraiser Details
Date: April 28th, 2013
Time: 11am – 2:30pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 98 West Street, Marlboro, NY 12542
Cost:$9 Adults $4.50 Kids Under 7
Roller Derby Skater of the Month Tera Joules
April 1st, 2013
To fans it’s not always clear why we choose some of our names. What does your name, Tera Joules, mean and why did you choose it?
I knew right off the bat that I wanted a science name. I was really leaning towards the name “entropy” which means disorder and chaos in the universe, but it was taken. Then I thought killa Joules would’ve been funny and fantastic, but when I found out THAT was taken I wanted a name bigger and better (literally) so I went with Tera as a prefix, which means a TRILLION!!! and Joules, which is a unit of energy. I was 100% decided on that once I realized lightning was measured in Tera Joules 
Your number, 7e12, isn’t just a random number. What does it mean?
Before we became a WFTDA league my number was 7×10^12, 7 being my favorite number and 10^12 being a trillion in scientific notation. Once I had to cut it to 4 characters I just changed it to how you would type it in a calculator. Nerd status!
As head of the Jr League you have a lot of girls who aspire to be just like you. How do the Frightmares inspire you?
They inspire me in so many ways! They are young and have so much potential ahead of them. I push to skate harder, play smart, and be tough because I expect no less from them. They inspire me to be the best player I can be and an excellent off track role model. I care about them in all that they do, I’ve even tutored one girl in chemistry! I know that there are some pretty crappy role models out there so I aspire to be the best for them. Every decision I make I think about them. I feel like a mother hen sometimes!
What made you want to play a full contact sport instead of a non-contact sport?
I was actually terrified to play a full contact sport that involved wheels being strapped to my feet. I knew I was aggressive and competitive so I worked my butt off to get my skill to that level. Non-contact sports don’t give you THAT feeling. Its empowering and makes me feel stronger than I ever had both mentally and physically.
Besides being such an awesome skater, do you have any hidden talents?
Well if I told you they wouldn’t be hidden, would they? I drive a standard (because I like control!) and most people don’t know that.
When you get really tired in a game, what helps you to keep pushing and stay motivated to play hard?
I just remember that people are depending on me. I can do anything for two minutes. If I can’t, there’s 13 other people on that bench I’m letting down. That’s unacceptable to me. I push through for my team, because they do the same for me.
What do you think is most important for a newer skater to learn?
Edges!!! I cannot emphasize it enough!! Edges are everything; they are balance, agility, control, and the key to staying on your feet. Ask any Frightmare or fresh meat- they would be millionaires if they got a $1 for every time I preached about edges when coaching.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in derby?
Winning the first WFTDA sanctioned game EVER vs Harrisburg at ECDX last year. At the end of the game we all cried and hugged in a circle for about 5 minutes. It was the epitome of everything we had worked for and to see all that hard work pay off was PRICELESS. I will never forget that moment
Queen of Hurts: Horrors Red vs Black February 17th, 2013
February 8th, 2013
LET THE 2013 SEASON BEGIN!
Come out and Bring your Valentine’s Love when you meet your 2013 Hudson Valley Horrors Home Teams in their first ever bout! The Queen of Hurts will be bringing the pain and announcing the official names of Team Black & Team Red. You won’t want to miss this announcement. Our fans made the suggestions and now we will announce which names were chosen!
As usual Doors open at 6 PM and beatings commence at 7PM. We will have Merch, Raffles and ROLLER GIRLS GALLORE! Don’t forget Roller Magic’s Concession Stand will be open for snacks as usual.
VIP Tickets $20 (while supplies last) Suicide Seats are $10
Tickets can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets or can be purchased from any of the Horrors.
Queen of Hurts Roller Derby Bout Details
Event: Queens Of Hurts- Home team Introductory
Bout Date: February 17th 2013
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM Beatings Start at 7:00 PM
Place: Hyde Park Roller Magic 4178 Albany Post Road Hyde Park NY 12538 Press Contact: promotions@horrorsrollerderby.com
It’s A Bout Time Roller Derby Bout September 9th, 2012
August 19th, 2012
What time is it? It’s BOUT time! The Hudson Valley Horrors zomBsquad are taking on Suburbia Backyard Bullies after a short Summer hiatus. Come on out and make Sunday into Funday.
As a special treat, we’ll also be grinding some meat. Come meet the newest meat of the Hudson Valley Horrors. Watch them in action while they play a mini bout and pick your favorites early… these girls are sure to be Horrorifying.
As usual Doors open at 6 PM and beatings commence at 7PM. We will have Merch, Raffles and ROLLER GIRLS GALLORE! Don’t forget Roller Magic’s Concession Stand will be open for snacks.
VIP Tickets $20 (while supplies last) Suicide Seats are $10 in advance $15 at the Door.
Tickets can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets or can be purchased from any of the Horrors.
Roller Derby Bout Recap
Event: zomBs VS. Suburbia Backyard Bullie and Meat Grinder
Date: Sept. 9th 2012
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM Beatings Start at 7:00 PM
Place: Hyde Park Roller Magic 4178 Albany Post Road Hyde Park NY 12538
Press Contact: Bonnie Black Block promotions@horrorsrollerderby.com
Come on, Try Out for Roller Derby
August 10th, 2012
Tera Joules Center Back Row in 2009 with the zomBsquad
Tryouts are fast approaching and veteran skater Tera Joules takes a look back at her beginnings…
With a Little Help from a Friend…
If you told me 5 years ago that I would be knee deep in a revolution, I would raise my eyebrows. If you told me that revolution was a roller derby revolution, I would probably laugh so hard, I would pass out. Yet, here I am, so involved that there are few things involving the sport that I DO NOT know about! Most people who join, recall their experience as something they knew they were going to do the minute they saw it being played. My story went a little differently…
I started playing roller derby because my best friend, Spazzy Smackahoe, made me. She begged me to go to tryouts with her. When the time came, I blew her off. I thought the idea was ludicrous, and lended her my support instead. When she finally came around to bouting, I came to her game and watched in horror (no pun intended). One of the players on the team ended up with a broken nose, and many of the skaters took crazy falls. I wasn’t surprised my best friend was involved in this, she was a free spirit and was THAT friend; the friend that always did the crazy things. I spent a lot of my early 20’s vicariously living through her. I was too much of a chicken to ever do any of those things.
After Spazzy’s game, she urged me to try out in the winter; there was another round of tryouts and I could redeem myself in her eyes by not blowing off tryouts. I told her that since I had seen a game, it sort of became a concrete decision that I would not EVER play roller derby. “Come on!! you’re so athletic! you’ll love it!” I rolled my eyes and we carried on.
All it Takes is a Little Convincing on Skates…
Months had gone by and I had evaded the topic of roller derby. I was able to live my carefully planned out life in peace. As soon as February rolled around, we went to open skate. I had always been a blader-I could skate fast on blades, very fast, but I had never mastered the stopping aspect, I used to just wear elbow and knee pads, and throw myself into the ground in order to stop. My first experience on quads was eventful, I was very unbalanced and scared, but I caught on rather quickly, everything but that whole “stopping” thing.
Reluctantly I went to tryouts. I don’t have one of those “I heard about it and knew I had to be on the team” stories that everyone else seems to have. I did NOT want to be on the team. I went to tryouts with one purpose in mind: skate, try hard, and then decide it wasn’t for me. I could appease Spazzy, she couldn’t be mad at me for trying, and I knew if I didn’t go, I’d be letting her down.
After hearing all about the sport and the commitment, I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it. I wanted to be a doctor! I had to study! I was taking my first round of intense science classes that semester, how was I supposed to have the time to skate and learn about the body, chemistry, immunology, etc.? When it was finally time to put skates on, I was terrified. We did some simple things. Toe stops (aka, me crashing into the wall), falls (I sure could fall, but I couldn’t get up again), and some basic skating. I was given a chance to watch practice for a few minutes, and the team was doing sprawls. I felt nervous that someday that could be me. I left feeling invigorated. I wanted to make it. I didn’t know if I would accept the invitation if I made it, but I wanted to.
I didn’t think it was a big deal. I continued my everyday life. After a week had gone by, I started to compulsively check my email. Maybe I didn’t make it after all. I knew one girl, another friend of Spazzys and she had not heard anything either. After a week and a half, a message was in my inbox. I had made the team.
On My Way to Learning the Skating Ropes…
I used a pair of crappy hand-me-down skates from a veteran skater, and some borrowed gear. After 2 practices, I was hooked. I had finally admitted to myself that I wanted this-even though it was scary and seemed dangerous. I went through my fresh meat program skipping practices only when I had to study for a test. I had some weird fire ignited in my heart-I wanted to be good at this! I had no expectations of the sport as a whole, I just wanted to try it! I wanted to be a jammer and I wanted to be respected by my team, something I knew I had to earn.
I Can’t Quit You Roller Derby
I never imagined I would become as passionate about roller derby as I have become. The impression of roller derby as a whole in society is far different than the roller derby I put in… blood, sweat, and tears into 3 nights a week, sometimes more. I love this sport. There’s no other way I could see myself living life. There are so many perks to being on a sports team; there is camaraderie, strategy, friendships, exercise, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. The truth is, roller derby is not as dangerous as it looks. Those falls that create the “ooo!” or “ahhhh” are actually painless! They look horrible, but it’s just another day of endurance and stamina. I was terrified to join. I tried it anyway, and I learned so much more about the sport than I thought was possible. Every time someone is afraid, I tell them to try it. You have protective gear, and you learn how to use it. Roller Derby is slowly taking over the world, one skater at a time, are you ready to be part of the revolution?
Tryouts are August 20th & 23rd. Contact join@horrorsrollerderby.com for more information.
Skater of the Month: Dodge ChargeHer
June 1st, 2012
What is your favorite derby position?
My favorite position is jamming because i love speed skating.
What is your best derby moment?
My best derby moment has to be when i won the MVP award at the end of last season in a game against Troy. It was totally unexpected and was so awesome!!
Worse derby moment?
My worse derby moment was this past game against Roc City. I managed to get in the box, I believe, three times in the first half…so annoying!!
Do you have any fears?
My biggest fear, and yes it’s crazy, is the dark. I don’t know why but i hate it!
How long have you been skating and what attracted you to derby?
I’ve only been on quads since 2010 but I started out on roller blades about 15 years ago. I was attracted to roller derby because it’s a full contact sport.The point of the game is to knock people down !
Who or what influenced your derby name?
My sister who is also on the team, Hitz & Glamour, came up with my name. After many nights of thinking of countless numbers of names she said “What about Dodge Charge-Her, you know like the car?” Due to my love of cars, Dodge Chargers especially, it just stuck.
How did you hear about the Horrors?
I work at Hyde Park Roller Magic where all the home bouts are played, so I had seen a couple of games and was determined when I was old enough I was joining the team. Also after hearing my sister and co-worker talk about how much they loved playing, I really couldn’t not tryout.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to become a racecar driver for reasons similar to jamming, I have a need for speed!
Announcer Tryouts for Hudson Valley Horrors Roller Derby
May 28th, 2012
Photo Courtesy of Greg Paret
The Hudson Valley Horrors WANT YOU to announce for us.
We are holding try-outs for Roller Derby Bout announcers. If you are fun, energetic and quick to pick up the nuances of the game then you are what we seek. You will need to provide commentary, know the WFTDA rules and engage the audience. Make the audience love you, understand what is happening and talk up our sponsors. It’s that simple.
Please arrive promptly at 7:30.Be prepared to announce during actual derby play. You will be announcing during scrimmage time.
Roller Derby Announcer Tryouts Details
Where: Hyde Park Roller Magic 4176 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY
When: August 21st
Time: 7:30 pm
Skater of the Month: Whiskey Lullabye
May 1st, 2012
What is your day job?
I am the Logistics Director for an online retailer – basically, I get stuff from one place to another – like on the track when I get my Jammer from the back of the pack to the front – it’s all Logistics.
How long have you been skating and what attracted you to roller derby?
I am in my 3rd Season of Derby (no small feat at 43 years old!) and HVH is my 2nd League – I started with the Long Island Roller Rebels in the 2010 Season when a friend I knew outside of derby started skating and harassed me until I came to a bout – when I saw the sheer athleticism and passion that those ladies had for this sport I was totally hooked!
Besides skating, what are your other hobbies?
I have been a life long athlete – played Div I Soccer, Women’s Professional Football and have a passion for Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA – I am also a singer-songwriter – semi-retired, but I did some regional touring back in the day and have released 1 CD and have another that remains unfinished – Derby took over my life 3 years ago and I have a bit of unfinished business out there.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
No piercings besides my ears – but I have multiple tattoos – including my newest, a super jacked up and fierce derby girl designed and tattooed on my right thigh by HVHRD’s own Speed and Endurance Coach and all around famous (and infamous) dude – Tony Marchese
What is your best derby memory?
My first season with Long Island – we played a bout against Wilkes-Barre – at the last minute several skaters had to drop out, so only 7 of us made the trek from LI to PA and skated against WB who had a full roster of 14 – it was on a Sunday, we had all played in a full bout the night before – I skated in 90% of the jams in that bout, including every single jam in the 2nd half and we just rotated jammers and came out with the win – it was the most incredible feeling I have ever had in derby and was a test of not just physical, but mental endurance for all of us who skated – and whenever I hear a skater say she has to rest or just cant push any harder, I think of that bout and I know that we all have that in us – we just give up on ourselves too easily.
Do you have any fears?
I am most afraid of life getting in the way of my passions – There is a place for work and responsibilities – but a life without passions isn’t really a life at all…
How has derby impacted your life both positively and negatively?
Derby has renewed my faith in the power of physicality as a natural mood altering chemical – Derby makes me feel good! Period! But, derby also has it’s heartbreak because it is filled with PEOPLE – and people can disappoint you and hurt you – but they can also lift you up and they can certainly surprise you. I try to stay away from the drama and the people that seem to thrive on drama – STFU and SKATE!!
What/who influenced your derby name?
Well, no feel good, funny, risque, sexual innuendo names for me!! As most of my league-mates and friends know, I am recovering alcoholic – and Whiskey Lullabye is a song by Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley about a heartbroken couple who drink themselves to death – and that’s the place I go when I drink – it’s like putting a loaded gun in my mouth – so my derby name resonates with me why I play sports and stay healthy and on the right path.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
I would be a Phoenix as I rose from the ashes of my old life and into the kick-ass amazing life I have today!
American Heart Association “Heart Skate”
April 15th, 2012
The Hudson Valley Horrors are proud to support Surviving Sisters’ Boutique fundraiser event for the American Heart Association. Come out to Hyde Park Roller Magic and help us help the cause. Lace up some skates and rock the rink. Meet some Roller Derby Girls! Buffalo Bob Corsino of Fox Oldies 98.9 is making a special appearance too! All proceeds from admission with go to the AHA… It will be a heart pumping good time!
American Heart Association Heart Skate Details
When: Saturday, April 21st, 2012
Where: Hyde Park Roller Magic
Time: 5-7pm
Cost: $6 goes to the AHA
Skate Rental: $2 for Inlines or $4 for Quads
Raffles: 50/50 , Roller Derby merch basket, Heart Healthy basket
Skater of the Month: Honey Punches ‘nd Gloats
April 2nd, 2012
Photo courtesty of Jolene
Q:How did you come up with your derby name? Any chances you like the cereal?
A: Kaptain Punch actually helped me come up with my derby name (funnily enough)…but I do LOVE cereal. Probably my favorite food!
Q: What are your hobbies, besides roller derby?
A: You know, baking, eating, playing outside…that sort of thing
Q: Any tattoos or piercings?
A: I have three tattoos, and my nose and ears are pierced.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job would probably be getting paid for doing derby actually…getting paid to skate and do all the extra work in maintaining the league I love. I’d be so in.
Q: What would you consider your best derby moment so far?
A: Hmmm I guess my best derby moment has been scoring points in my first jam of my first bout ever.
Q: Have you had any serious injuries?
A: Nothing broken yet, knock on wood. I guess besides a sprain here or there and bumps and bruises, it would have to be the haematoma I had recently.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Currently re-reading the first Harry Potter (because I’m a nerd and I love every minute of it). But the last one completed was Mighty be our Powers by Leymah Gbowee (with Carol Mithers).
Q: Name your top three favorite bands.
A: That’s a toughy!! I’m going to have to go with the all-time big standouts just for the sake of narrowing it down…Foo Fighters, Say Anything, and Big D and the Kids Table
Roller Derby 2012 Season Opener at the Brown Derby
April 1st, 2012
The Hudson Valley Horrors cordially invite you to come out and help us celebrate the start of the 2012 season. Join us at the Brown Derby in Poughkeepsie for drinks, music and a rockin’ and rollin’ good time. Try our special shots for only $2, served up by one of your favorite roller derby girls and catch some live music. Measured in Grey will be playing with additional acts to be announced soon! Of course season passes and Horrors merch will be available so you can get geared and ready for 2012!
We are super excited for our 2012 season with double header Horror and zomBsquad bouts!
Season Opener Party Details
Where: The Brown Derby in Poughkeepsie
When: Saturday, April 7th, 2012
Time: 8pm-12am
Cost: $5 to support your local roller derby league
Bring a Fool to Brunch With the Horrors on Skates
March 22nd, 2012
Join the Hudson Valley Horrors as we serve up brunch on roller skates…
Menu Includes
1 Bloody Mary or Mimosa
Coffee/tea/juice
Waffle with sauteed apples, cinnamon, ice cream, caramel & fresh whip cream
Fresh bratwurst with oven roasted home fries
Eggs bavarian with black forrest ham,
rosti (thin potato pancakes) and mornay sauce
Western quiche, home made and filled with roasted red potatoes, pepper jack cheese, bell peppers and onions. Served with mesclun salad
Vegetarian strudel with mesclun salad.
Bring a Fool to Brunch Details
When: Sunday, April 1st, 2012
Where: Gunk House 387 South Street Highland, NY 12528
Time: 12 – 2pm
Cost: $20
