Iceworks Works in This Heat

Linda Tannenbaum took her time brushing through daughter Erin's hair before the child hit the ice Tuesday afternoon.

"I've never been so happy at a skating rink," the mother said. 

Nobody seemed to be rushing at Syosset's Iceworks, one of the few respites in the middle of a brutal summer day. While the heat advisory suggested limiting outdoor physical activity, on the ice there were no issues knocking out toe loops and spins–while wearing gloves, no less. 

For a parent it was the perfect destination, whether her child skated or not. Wendy Lou regularly brings daughter Amanda Yao for lessons: "She's here even if there's three feet of snow on the ground, but on a day like this it's good for me, at least."

It was also comfy for son Benjamin, who cozied up near the top of the bleachers with a copy of Akiko the Training Master. 

Elizabeth Coschignano brought daughter Isabella and son Angelo for a semi-private lesson. Isabella, despite being only 6, is no fool.

"My favorite part is the coldness," she squealed, while also mentioning the thrill of getting the Zamboni driver to wave at her. She even has a backup plan to stay cool: "When I'm done here I'm getting in the pool."

Iceworks doesn't hold public skates–people have to purchase either private or semi-private lessons. But Tannenbaum said this might be a good opportunity to get the kids involved while taking advantage of the elements.

"Normally the rink is packed this time of day," she said. "But a lot of kids are gone to either skate camps at Lake Placid or other sleep-away camps or family vacations. It's good timing to get started."

For more information, log on to www.iceworksli.com.