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First Arena Rec Rink
 
Updated 2/08/10  -  Please note:  There are some changes to our program for the 2009-2010 season.   We are pleased to announce our enhanced partnership with the Southern Tier Skating Club and their sponsorship of our skating school program.
 
Winter 2010 Registration forms available via email...
 
Session II Starts Wednesday, February 17th and
Sunday, February 21st..
 
Pre-registration is strongly suggested, as classes fill up fast, and space is limited.  If you missed our on-site registration, please contact skating director via email, and registration forms will be emailed to you.  Registration forms can be dropped off at the Rec Rink Desk, and students placed according to availability.
 
Whether your goal is to become a competitive figure skater or hockey player, or just learn to skate or upgrade your skills for fun, We have a class for you....
 
Quality Professional Instruction with FREE Practice Time Included.
 
Come Join the area's only year-round skating program!
 
Pre-Registration Required.  Class size is limited. 
 
Registrations must be paid prior to starting classes and are accepted at open registration, or can be placed in the designated box at the Rec Rink or Pro Shop (subject to rec rink desk hours). 
The skating school program at the First Arena is sponsored by the Southern Tier Skating Club, a 501c3, not-for-profit organization. 
 
For more information, call Robyn Bentley, Skating Director at 607-271-2212, or email:  robyn@icehotconcepts.net
 
MORE SKATING SCHOOL GROUP CLASS INFORMATION:
 

6 Week Sessions

20 or 30 Minute Group Classes*

FREE Practice Session on Lesson Day**

Professional Instruction
 
Classes run in 6 week blocks, year-round, and cost is $75 for the 1st 6 week session, plus $15 ISI Registration (Annual).  Re-enroll for an additional session, before the discount deadline, and pay only $65 for 6 weeks.   No refunds or make-ups.  ISI Year runs from 9/1-8/31/10.  Returning skaters will have to provide proof of annual membership to skating director, or the additional $15 fee will be charged.  Skaters can go directly to the ISI website to register for the 2009-2010 season, www.skateisi.org
 
FREE Skate Rentals for New Enrollees and Discounted Rental Punch available for purchase for returning students for use during lesson program only.  Discount card skate rental card = $10 (per day, per session).  Regular skate rental charge is $3 per visit.  We are not responsible for lost, forgotten, or stolen cards. 
Skating School Participants enjoy at 10% discount in the pro shop everyday, and please ask about other skating school packages available.
 
***Super Skater/Super Learner Winter Special*** -  Skate 2 days per week, both sessions, and you're covered from Jan. to March for only $250.  This is further discounted from the re-enrollment rate.  This discount is offered only to those who pre-pay before the re-enrollment discount deadline (Sun., dec. 20th).  ISI membership and skate rental fees additional.
 
Skate 2 days per week and pre-pay before the deadline for only $130 ($65 re-enroll Sun.+ $65 re-enroll Wed.).  Session I or Session II.
 
Class days and times are listed below.  Please scroll down to view class curriculum and other important information.  Students are grouped by age and ability level.  There have been a few changes for the 09-10 season.  Fall times are listed first.  Slight adjustments will be made for the Winter Session.
 
Wednesdays:
Times for Winter:  Group classes 5:30-5:50pm (Pre-Alpha thru Delta),  Power Freestyle/stroking group class 5:50-6:10pm
*Pre-requisite for power freestyle/stroking group class (Delta & above, exceptions may be made, att the Skating Directors Discretion)
.
Winter Session I - January 6 - February 10, 2010
1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10    
 
Winter Session II - February 17 - March 24, 2010
2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24  
   
 
Re-enrollment Discount Deadline for Session II Winter 2010:
Sunday, February 14th. 
Current Sunday students were given re-enrollment forms on 2/7 and via email, Wednesday students will receive on 2/10...
 
 
Sundays:
4:15-5:15pm  Group Lessons* (see below)**
Advanced Figure Skating & Advanced Group Lessons/Clinics are held following basic group lessons, please see seperate brochure for details or figure skating site.  Adults, please see below.
 
* No Class 12/27 & 12/3 (Holiday Break)  
 
Winter Session I - January 10- February 14, 2010
1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14    
***Update - Classes cancelled for 2/14 - Make up offer was handed out on 2/7 and via email to current students**
 
Winter Session II - February 21 - March 28, 2010
2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28  
 
                                                 
* Tots & Pre-Alpha thru Delta classes include a 20 min. group lesson, the remainder of the time is available for those enrolled to use as uninstructed practice time.  Advanced classes are 20-30 min. long.  Skaters above the Gamma level are encouraged to attend freestyle time for additional practice time.  Public sessions are also a great time to practice. 
 
**  A family member may skate with (supervise) their skating school participant (tots only) during the practice ice, but must be pre-registered prior to the start of the season, and a current ISI member (for insurance reasons).  Sorry, we cannot make exceptions to this.  All participants on the ice must be wearing skates and have a current participation card.
 
Skating Director reserves the right to adjust class times and offerings based on enrollment.
 
Registration forms are available at the Rec Rink Information Desk, in the literature rack in front of the Pro Shop or by emailing:  robyn@icehotconcepts.net
     
Proper Skating Attire:
Remember, it can be very cold on the ice!  We strongly recommend that skaters wear long pants that are not too baggy at the ankles, sweater or sweatshirt, and gloves or mittens.  We also suggest that skaters wear elbow pads, knee pads, and a helmet.  Please note that skate sizing runs differently than shoe sizing.  If using the rental skates, we will assist you in getting the proper size.  Skaters should wear one pair of light socks.  Skate sizing will be checked by instructors the first day of class, and adjustments, if needed, will be suggested.   If you are using your own skates, please be sure that they are properly sharpened.  Skaters will progress much faster, and have a more enjoyable time if their skates fit properly, offer correct support, and are sharpened.
 
If you are interested in purchasing skates, please consult the advice of a professional (we can help with that, please ask). 
Ice Hot Concepts currently operates a pro shop within the Rec Rink of the First Arena.  With over 20 years experience, and as authorized dealers for all major brands, they can work with you to meet your needs.  To schedule an appointment for skate fitting, please email us at robyn@icehotconcepts.net or call 271-2212. 
 
 
Skating School Class Curriculum
We at the First Arena are proud to be a member of the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) and use their WeSkate Program for teaching skaters the best basics, with quality instructors. 
 
Tots:     For the young ones!  Children will learn how to march, stand, fall down and get up corectly and safely.  Games will be used with emphasis on fun!  Ages 5 and under.
 
Pre-Alpha:     For the beginner skater.  One of the first levels of the ISI skating program.  Emphasis will be on gliding, forward and backward skating, and stopping.
 
Alpha 1 & 2:     Students will learn forward stroking and crossovers.
 
Beta 1 & 2:     Emphasis on backward stroking and crossovers and T-stops.
 
Gamma 1 & 2:     Students will learn turns, mohawk, and hockey stops.
 
Delta 1 & 2:     Students will learn advanced turns, edges, and beginning freestyle moves.
 
Adult:     For our adult skaters.  Participants will follow the same curriculum as younger skaters, but will advance into Adult Clinic, which will introduce Ice Dancing and/or Freestyle.  Adult groups may be combined depending on enrollment.
 
Freestyle:     Students will learn inside pivots, forward arabesques and beginning jumps and spins.  Levels 1 -10.
 
Hockey:    Learn the fundamentals:  Balance, agility, and skating skills.  Levels 1-6
 
Freestyle skaters are encouraged to join our clinics - please see figure skating section for more details or ask skating director for more details.
 
JACKALS MARCH TOWARDS PLAYOFFS WITH NINE GAMES
The Elmira Jackals are inching closer to the ECHL East Division title and you do not want to miss any of the action. The Jackals close out the season with nine big contests in the month of March.
SHRINERS PRESENTS HANNAFORD CIRCUS on May 4th
First Arena is proud to announce that the circus will be coming back on Tuesday, May 4th as Shriners Presents HANNAFORD CIRCUS with one show at 7:00 pm. Tickets run $20, $15 & $13 and are on sale now at the First Arena Box Office or can be charged online at www.ticketmaster.com
ELMIRA JACKALS ALUMNI GAME SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 27TH!
In celebration of Ten Years in the Twin Tiers, First Arena and the Elmira Jackals will have their Alumni Game on Saturday, March 27th, 2010 with a 7:35 puck drop. Come see some of your all time favorite Jackals as they hit the ice in Jackals sweaters one more time! Trevor Burgess, Geoff O'Leary, Eddy Lowe, Tom Clayton and Dan Veenema are some of the players that will be appearing.
THREE DAYS GRACE TOUR COMING TO FIRST ARENA
On Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., Three Days Grace will bring its tour to First Arena in Elmira, N.Y. The tour, which begins on March 26 and ends on April 16, will promote the band's most recent release, Life Starts Now. Joining Three Days Grace on Tour will be special guests Chevelle as well as Adelitas Way. Tickets for the concert go on sale on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices are set at $39.00 for both Floor and Regular seating.To order tickets, fans can visit the First Arena Box Office, call (607) 734-7825, or log onto Ticketmaster.com.
JACKALS, MDA TEAM UP FOR ANNUAL SPAGHETTI ON ICE EVENT
The Elmira Jackals will hang up their skates to become waiters on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 6:05 p.m. at First Arena as they once again team up with Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for the Fourth Annual Spaghetti on Ice event.