The Lancaster Ice Rink, 371 Carerra Drive, Lancaster, is holding skating classes for those interested in beginning ice skating or honing their skills. Classes run weekly for six weeks; Monday sessions began on Aug. 1 and Friday sessions started on Aug. 5. The courses have a rolling registration, and a bonus make-up class is available for the seventh week; a new session will begin after the eighth week. A registration cost is set per person and includes the skate rental and additional equipment for borrowing. "The overall goal for the program is to teach the basic fundamentals of skating in a fun environment," said Melissa Spittler, Learn to Skate director. "We will teach any level of skater we have, anyone from children with special needs to advanced adult skaters."

The courses offer a wide range of insight on ice skating, applicable to many different skating related pursuits. Lessons are made to be relevant for those who are looking to enjoy skating recreationally, pursue figure skating or hone their ice hockey skills. Learn to Skate also offers free classes year-round and plans to post additional courses to keep the schedule flexible for families and allow participants to bring a friend who is interested in trying skating. "We really try to make skating fun," Spittler said. "The adult group is held at the same time as the kids' group so they can focus on more advanced lessons. It's never too late to learn, and skating is really a unique skill to have."

Spittler has been teaching ice skating for 15 years and was brought to the Lancaster Ice Rink in June to enhance the program. "We want to change the perception that skating is very strict and drilled," she said. "We're trying to change it into a fun environment with so many different avenues you can take; classes don't just lead to one path, and there are several opportunities based on your interests and goals."

The ice rink was built in 1994 by the Lancaster County Youth Amateur Hockey League (LCYAHL) and remains one of the few ice rinks in the United States that is both owned and operated by a nonprofit youth hockey organization. Previously, LCYAHL was hosted at the Franklin & Marshall College ice rink; during that time, programs such as public skating, youth hockey, free clinics and college league hockey were developed.

The Lancaster Ice Rink also has several items on the calendar for the upcoming winter season, including a holiday event around Christmastime and free classes in January for National Skate Month. For more information or to register for classes, visit http://www.lancastericerink.org or contact LIRSkatingDirector@gmail.com.