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Little Skaters Dream Big at Mennen Sports Arena – Kristi Yamaguchi’s Visit Inspires Local Families to Take to the Ice

By irene Maslowski
Kristi Yamaguchi has been making the rounds in the New York area. The 1992 Olympic and 2008 Dancing with the Stars Champion appeared at Mennen Sports Arena and brought the house down in usual fashion, with crowds—including hundreds of young skaters—filling the arena and lobby areas to get her latest children’s book, It’s a Big World, Little Pig!, autographed. Participants were treated to free public session admission, which was a big draw for families. Some even came from out of the area for the event.
The majority of Yamaguchi’s book signings are at venues other than ice arenas. "It feels great to be in a skating rink," Yamaguchi said and added, "It brings back memories of learning how to skate and all those years training." In fact, as a child Yamaguchi started skating in a group lesson program similar to what Mennen Sports Arena offers to all ages. Her younger daughter recently completed a learn-to-skate program at their rink in California.
Yamaguchi is a big proponent of group lessons as a way to try out the sport. "After that, it’s all about finding a coach that your child connects with," she said. Also an advocate of family fitness, Yamaguchi sees skating as recreation. "You’re never too old to learn, and it’s a fun activity the whole family can do together." While Yamaguchi is not skating these days, she still enjoys being on the ice with her two daughters and her husband, Brett Hedican, a professional hockey player.
Big name appearances have become a regular thing at Mennen Sports Arena thanks to skating director Jacqueline Kulik Palawasta who masterminds these events. Prior skating celebrities have included local superstar JoJo Starbuck, reigning world champion Patrick Chan, and US pairs champions Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman. The arena boasts Olympic staff coaches Susie Kelly and Andy Stroukoff as well as Olympic Bronze Medalist Colleen O’Connor.
"Give group lessons a try and see what you think," Palawasta said. "It’s an economical way to experience the sport, and you don’t have to go to the Olympics to be a skater." She noted the three-rink facility offers programs for all ages and is open year round. In addition to standard lessons, Palawasta is constantly bringing in special clinics and holding different types of events to keep the overall program fresh and interesting. The Yamaguchi book signing is the latest one and was an overwhelming success. "I couldn’t be happier with people’s reactions. It was just great to see all of the energy around the event," Palawasta said.
The facility has a long history with the locals. "Mennen kept me from quitting the sport," said Jack Lipkin, an event volunteer. "My arena closed back in the late ’80s so I tried a small rink close to home, which didn’t measure up. I made the move to Mennen to follow my coach, Beverly Kubick, and I’m proud to say I’m still skating today." And a little encouragement from Yamaguchi did not hurt. "I contacted Kristi after she won Dancing with the Stars and told her I thought I was done." Yamaguchi’s advice? "Please continue to skate." So Lipkin did and urges others to get out there and try it at Mennen Sports Arena.
More about the group lesson program
The Learn-to-Skate program is offered all year and typically consists of 8-week sessions which include practice time. Ages range from pre-school through adult for figure skating and hockey. Levels range from beginner to advanced. A special camp program is offered in the summer with on- and off-ice clinics. Staff professionals are available to provide private lessons. Complete details appear on www.morrisparks.net.