originally posted on 3/3/2023
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As many parks across the country remain closed for the duration of the winter months, there are still opportunities to meet and discuss all things roller coasters with other ACE members. Really, all things roller coasters, beginning with some pretty basic subjects, like terminology. Only in ACE can you experience a group of adults excitedly listening to a book geared toward children — when that book has a roller coaster theme!
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Over a dozen ACE members tuned in for the digital event on February 11: the author reading of R is for Roller Coaster: An ABC Guide for Future Thrill Seekers, available on Barnes and Noble online and Amazon. Author Aimee Carver took attendees through the process of what inspired her to write the book and introduced everyone to her son, Mason, a six year old already writing his own roller coaster-inspired book. Both families and kids viewed the reading, along with many ACE members who are young at heart.
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This book was a great introduction to many of the terms that any coaster enthusiast with a child in their life would need to begin teaching them about the world of theme parks. Each set of pages includes a letter and all the major terms that begin with that letter (“A” being for American Coaster Enthusiasts and “E” for exclusive ride time), plus a photo of a coaster from parks both inside the United States and abroad.
Photo: T.J. Carver. View full-sized image.
Those on the Zoom call listened and commented on their memories related to the photo that was shared. Members shared their thoughts on the rides being illustrated and learned words related to the engineering of rides that ranged from simple to complicated.
— Jes Niemiec, Digital Events Coordinator
ACE members and discussions about roller coasters are always an excellent combination, and on January 19, 2023, a group of 60 ACE members met virtually for an engineering question-and-answer session with some roller coaster engineers. James Haley and Hunter Lawrence, both ACE members and engineers for wooden roller coaster manufacturer The Gravity Group, gave an informal look into their respective roles at the company.
James Haley.
Photo: Hunter Lawrence. View full-sized image.
Hunter Lawrence.
Photo: Rebecca Ripperger. View full-sized image.
Haley and Lawrence walked attendees through topics such as the day-to-day life of an engineer working on the production and manufacturing side of the job during peak season, the path they took professionally to get to their current job and an explanation of some of the things that The Gravity Group is currently working on. The pair discussed working in the small company and what that means for them as engineers. Innovations within the manufacture of wooden coasters such as precut track were also points of discussion. Following the structured portion of the meeting, Hunter and James answered a variety of questions from attendees. The ACE digital events team was grateful and appreciated Haley and Lawrence for joining us for the evening.
Check out some future ACE digital events on the ACE Events Calendar, including the March event for Woman’s History Month, a Q&A with some female past presidents and a female roller coaster historian on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. EST.
— Madi Partington, Digital Events Committee
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