Ear: Jameson

A celebration of the Astoria Armory upgrades is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Join in on the fun by bringing a nonperishable food item to the free skate night and pre-party for the Astoria Fire Department’s annual Holiday Food Parade.

A little background: Every year, Jameson Parker chooses a cause to support. In 2023, he selected the Astoria Armory.

“I grew up skating there,” his mother, Laura Parker, explained, “and now am fortunate to be able to skate there with my son! Jameson loves to skate, and wants every kid to be able to enjoy this activity, as well.”

Jameson’s birthday party raised over $500 for the Armory. “A truly inspiring young man,” Mike Davies, president of the Astoria Armory’s board, declared.

This year, Jameson again asked for donations to the Astoria Armory instead of gifts. “My friends and I love skating at the Armory,” Jameson explained. “We go all the time, and it is a blast.” This time he raised $800.

“When I read the story about Jameson Parker … I decided to do the same on my birthday,” Astoria entrepreneur Jeff Daly said. “When I was his age, all the kids had skating birthday parties at the Armory.

“You can’t skate without skates, so for my 73rd birthday, I bought 150 pairs to keep the party rolling.” He donated much-needed upgrades for the Armory, as well.

“To witness the happiness and joy of families and groups enjoying the Armory,” he added, “is the best gift I could ever receive.” So get your wheels on! (Photo: Jeff Daly)