*foot notes

The Valley in the summer.

Can you say “hot”?

A good way to keep cool is to think “ice.”

* As in ice rinks, where temperatures rarely get above 55 degrees. Who cares if you skate or not?

Ice Chalet, 8750 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City. (818) 830-9595.

Iceon Ice Skating & Sports Center, 12385 San Fernando Road, Sylmar. (818) 833-8881.

Pickwick Ice Skating, 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank. (818) 846-0035.

Van Nuys Iceland, 14318 Calvert St. (818) 785-2171.

* As in ice and snow. The North Hollywood Ice Co. offers “winter snow scenes” for sale. A ton of fresh machine-made snow--enough to cover 160 square feet with 1 to 2 inches of the cold, wonderful white stuff--for $130. So what that you have to buy a minimum of five tons? (818) 762-2237.

* As in ice cream. The brand-new Pacific Bell Yellow Pages for the West Valley lists more than 40 ice cream shops on page 674. Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, Dairy Queen, Foster’s Freeze, plus a handful of independents. If you really want to get cool, don’t use a spoon. And don’t skimp on the toppings!

* As in water ices. If you’re worried about fat, the American Medical Assn.’s Web site (https://www.ama-assn.org/insight/gen_hlth/gourmet/recipes.htm) offers a Healthy Gourmet Cookbook, including a recipe for Italian Lemon Ice along with many other tasty, healthy, cold desserts.

* As in ice sculpture. Fantasy Ice Sculptures by Sam will take a 3-by-2 1/2-foot, 350-pound block of the cold stuff, carve it into the design of your choice and deliver it to the place of your choice. Prices start at about $250. (818) 902-9704.