By Cindy J. Roth
"It's nice to read about how skating runs in the family, and being a Long Islander and into sports, it's nice to come out and support them," said Greg Packer, 38, of Huntington. Packer arrived at Newbridge four hours before the signing to make sure he got an autograph.
"I am a Skater" is the fourth installment in the Young Dreamers series of picture books photographed by award-winning photographer Jane Feldman. Feldman, who lives in New York City, spent six months with Emily, both on and off the ice, to capture what it is like to be a skater and still maintain what she described as heart, soul and balance.
"I was looking for a really special kid," said Feldman about why she chose Emily for the book. "I was looking for someone who was not only a great skater, but someone who is balanced and has a well-grounded family life."
Several hundred people turned out for the book signing, many of whom were young children with dreams of becoming Olympic figure skaters. Rosalie Reeves of Merrick was at the book signing with her daughter, Melissa, 6, who saw Emily skating at Newbridge last week. Melissa recently started skating lessons at Newbridge and Rosalie said they came out to support a fellow Long Islander.
In speaking with Emily Hughes about her book before the signing, she said it was a fun experience and appeared modest about her accomplishments so far.
John Hughes, Emily's father, said the book was a great experience for Emily because it did not have to do with her winning anything, but rather, it simply portrayed her love for skating.
"It shows how skating can fit into a girl's life and enhance it regardless of whether you win a championship," said John Hughes.
John said Emily's book and Sarah's Olympic gold medal have been amazing experiences for both of his daughters. He jokes that his family is now known as a figure-skating family but said it all started with him and his sons playing ice hockey. The girls really had to fight for the right to figure skate on the family's backyard rink. He anticipates that Emily, while different from Sarah in many ways, will be the next figure skating legacy in the family.
"There's no stopping Emily at this point," said John.
