Now is the time for ice skaters in the Town of Oyster Bay to get their skate blades sharpened so they can skate during the 1998-99 ice skating season, according to Town Councilman Joseph D. Muscarella.

"The skating season at the town's three ice rinks located in the Bethpage, Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa) and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, began on Friday, Nov. 27 and continues through Feb. 28, 1999, weather permitting. Muscarella said, "Town residents will be able to enjoy this popular winter sport at no increase over last year's rates."

General admission for two-hour public skating sessions at all rinks will be $2 for ages 4 through 17, $3 for ages 18 and over, and $1 for senior citizens, volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police with identification. Children under 4 will be admitted free. Special discount books consisting of 10 tickets will also be available. A book of 10 tickets for adults ages 18 and older is only $15 and for children ages 17 and under, a discount book is $10. In addition, the rinks may be rented to groups for $150 for the first hour and $75 for each half hour thereafter. Charters will be available when public sessions are not scheduled. Requests for group charters must be made in writing to the Parks Department.

Councilman Muscarella noted, that as in past years, skating lessons will be available. For further information about lessons or the general ice skating program, contact the Deparmtent of Parks, located at Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa at 797-4128.