| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 12:39 pm |
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Local News 
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Skate-rink job memories linger In Steve Peck's younger day at the Everett Skate Deck, kids did the hokey-pokey and conga dance.Def Leppard was huge. Remember at roller skating rinks, when skaters cruised around and around to "Beer Barrel Polka" on the organ? Peck helped move Everett kids into the world of new wave, heavy metal, rap and techno pop. "I was the D.J. at the Everett Skate Deck for years," said Peck, 43. "I worked at the rink from 1979 until 1991." As Peck hung out at Skate Deck, he got acquainted with all the gang. A regular rink rat, he answered phones and helped where he could. One day, he was tossed in the record room and his first career was born. "I was really shy," he said. "But I knew how to run all the stuff." At 15 years old, he made $2.10 per hour playing music for skaters. And he had responsibilities. While tunes spun, he could see the rink and watched for roughhousing. "I guarded the door and cleaned the floors," Peck said. "I made sure no one skated too fast." Nicole Warnock, 30, helps run Everett Skate Deck with her family. Her grandfather, Eric Englund, 76, built the rink in 1976 and still drops by. "We can't keep him away," Warnock said. "He still drives the bus." They use a bus to pick up guests and groups to use the rink. "Steve was a good D.J.," Warnock said. "Everybody liked him." When I met Peck at the rink, he was accompanied by his godchildren, Martin D.L. Gorman, 8, and sister, Shian Gorman, 10, of Lake Stevens. "I love these kids," the bachelor said, helping them lace their skates. "They are my life." When Peck moved on to a job at the Boeing Co., he gave up the rink and did some weekend work as a D.J. He offered music for private parties, weddings and back-to-school parties. He has an extensive collection of compact discs and records at his Lynnwood home. "I still have the license plates that say MRDJS on my Geo Tracker. I got those plates when I was working at the rink almost 20 years ago." He constantly runs into folks around town who remember him from the rink. Peck still promotes the virtues of the Skate Deck. It's a family place, he said, where kids stay out of trouble and get through the rough years. "It was where you met your friends," Peck said. "You can even meet your life mate here. I've seen it happen." Kids grow up and move away from the rink, he said. And a younger crowd takes their place. Columnist Kristi O'Harran: 425-339-3451 oharran@heraldnet.com |
- A revolutionary 747
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- Everett rethinks boutique wineries
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last
- Boeing's 747-8 takes off after weather delay
- Plan for I-5 closures this week
- A new bowling alley for Monroe?
- Lake Stevens man homeless after fire
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
(10) - Vote on school levies by Tuesday (9)
- Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shooting death (5)
- 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington (4)
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged (4)
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries (4)
- Three politicians who want Gregoire's job in 2012 (3)
- Toyota has powerful D.C. friends (3)
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last (3)
- Life story: Man fought depression courageously, family says (3)
- Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
- Mill Creek to appeal ruling on annexation
- Through the air, with the greatest of ease
- E-W thriving under new coach
- The path to citizenship
- EUUC puts on ‘Pants & Shoes’
- Wolfpack wins the ‘Battle'
- Lynnwood’s annexation plans OK’d
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
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