The Farmington Feed

Caryn: 00:01

This is the Farmington Feed, bringing you information from the city of Farmington. Hi, and welcome back to the Farmington Feed. I'm Caryn Hojnicki, the city's communications specialist, and I'm hungry for another episode of the Feed. Today, we have with us our new skate school director, Molly Burmeister. And we're here to talk about our new learn to skate classes.

Caryn: 00:19

Welcome, Molly.

Molly: 00:20

Thank you for having me.

Caryn: 00:22

So can you remind me when you started with the city? And then what briefly, let our listeners know about your background and your role here.

Molly: 00:28

Yeah. I started last year in August. I took over the first program sessions started in November, and so I had a couple months of just catching up and learning from the previous director how she ran things and starting my own kind of journey. I grew up skating. I grew up coaching, learned to skate, and went to school, came back, started coaching again, and just decided to try out learn to skate as a director and see what this world is like. So rather than being on the ice coaching, I get to see the back end of things and

Caryn: 01:11

yeah that's exciting

Molly: 01:12

teach little ones how to skate but also interact with parents in the community.

Caryn: 01:17

Yeah for sure. So did you grow up in Farmington or near here?

Molly: 01:20

So I grew up in Eagan and I grew up skating in Burnsville. So I've kind of been all over the South Metro.

Caryn: 01:27

So let's get to the topic at hand, learn to skate. Mhmm. It is a US figure skating program. Correct?

Molly: 01:33

Yes.

Caryn: 01:34

I did learn that at my last job working in an ice rink.

Molly: 01:37

So it's actually Learn to Skate USA is US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and USA Speed Skating.

Caryn: 01:44

Oh, they're all together.

Molly: 01:45

So they cover all three aspects of on ice sports, and it's just a great introduction for kids to get on the ice in all disciplines.

Caryn: 01:55

It gives you, like, goals for each level that they must attain to move on. Correct?

Molly: 01:59

Yes.

Caryn: 01:59

And it's not just, you know, for figure skating. So there's hockey and learning how to skate for hockey and

Molly: 02:04

Yes. Correct.

Caryn: 02:05

Yeah. So Yep. So tell us a little more about the levels that that they offer.

Molly: 02:10

Yeah. So Learn to Skate USA starts at the snowplow Sam level, and then there's also our introductory class, which we'll get into in a little bit

Caryn: 02:19

Yeah.

Molly: 02:19

Too. But snowplow sam is the first level that start on the ice. It teaches kids how to really fall down, stand up, move forward, gain their balance, and kind of gain their bearings on the ice, and that's where every skater starts, whether they want to be a professional hockey player, a speed skater, or a figure skater. And from there, they progress through learning how to do, like, forward skating, backward skating, edges, turns. Once you get past snowplow Sam, you go into the next introductory levels that aim more towards the figure skating or hockey. And for our maybe older skaters because snowplow Sam is geared towards that 3 to 6 age range.

Caryn: 03:09

Yeah. The young ones.

Molly: 03:10

Yeah. So if you are a little bit older than that and you're starting, you would start in our basic skills program, which is basic 1. You are learning the same foundational skills of fall down, stand up, and that is for ages 6 and up, and so that can go all ages up until 18, where then you hit that adult level. Mhmm.

Caryn: 03:33

For sure. Yeah. Yeah. I know when I first had to register my kid, I was so confused.

Molly: 03:38

Yeah.

Caryn: 03:38

Like, where do we start? Where are they supposed to be? You know? Yeah. In some places, I know they do parents are on the ice initially with the kids, and some places they aren't. Are we one of those places where the kids are with their parents or without?

Molly: 03:50

So if you are registered for the parent child class, that means that you are also skating with your child and

Caryn: 03:57

Which was not me. I may not have to do it.

Molly: 04:00

Yes. It is totally optional. K. And so for our parent child class, the parent joins the child on the ice, and they get to learn together. So the parent doesn't need to be the strongest skater.

Caryn: 04:14

Okay, well that's good.

Molly: 04:15

To join them. Yeah. But sometimes it gives those kids a little bit more comfort knowing that they have someone with them.

Caryn: 04:21

Someone that they know. Yeah, yeah,

Molly: 04:23

but I also, if you're not comfortable skating on the ice, you can send your kid into a snowplow sam or basic one class and they will do just fine our instructors do a great job of getting kids on the ice sometimes it takes a little bit on that first day but once they're on the ice they're usually hooked and then they are excited to play games and excited to learn how to skate.

Caryn: 04:48

Yeah. Because you guys make it fun too.

Molly: 04:49

Yeah.

Caryn: 04:49

It's not just, like, this is how you do it.

Molly: 04:52

Yes. Correct.

Caryn: 04:53

I know I've seen in other places that I've been with, they use the markers on the ice too, and I'm sure you guys do that. And I've seen other little games. What are examples of some of the games they get to play?

Molly: 05:03

So a really popular game that our kids love to play is Mr. Fox. So it's similar to what you would play on a playground, but they love that one. It's more of like a you can march forward 8 steps, or if they're skating backwards, wiggle backwards for 4 seconds, whatever they want to do. And Learn to Skate USA is all about fun, so we have markers. We have toys. We have bubbles.

Caryn: 05:28

Oh, yeah. Bubbles help too. Right?

Molly: 05:29

Yep.

Caryn: 05:30

Because then they chase the bubbles, and they don't realize they're actually kind of skating.

Molly: 05:33

Yes. And that's usually how kids get hooked in is they see all the toys. We have a cart with a bunch of games and toys on it. And, yeah, they love it.

Caryn: 05:43

Okay. Cool. So I know that each year, the skaters need to purchase their learn to skate membership. And how much does that cost, and how does that work? Because people can be confused about that as well.

Molly: 05:53

Yeah. So learn to skate memberships are purchased annually. I believe their year starts July 1st.

Caryn: 05:59

Okay. So it's good from July to June of next year.

Molly: 06:02

Correct. And so if you purchase a learn to skate membership, you just go on their website, and it has a link right to it on learntoskateusa.com , and a membership costs $17 plus a $1.50 tax. So

Caryn: 06:17

Okay.

Molly: 06:18

Really, they just need to say it costs $18.50. Right. But that covers you for a year, and that's good for no matter what learn to skate program you go to.

Caryn: 06:27

Okay.

Molly: 06:28

And so if you're coming from a new learn to skate program into Farmington's and you already purchased a learn to skate

Caryn: 06:34

It's still good.

Molly: 06:34

Membership, yeah, it transfers over.

Caryn: 06:36

Oh, that's perfect. Do they have to supply you with a a number or anything?

Molly: 06:40

Yeah. So when they register, they you would input your Learn to Skate USA membership number. And if you don't have it or if you forgot it for whatever reason, I'm able to look it up in the system.

Caryn: 06:51

Oh, perfect.

Molly: 06:52

And if registration closes and the session's starting and I don't see a learn to skate membership, I just reach out to the parent who's listed on their registration and kinda walk you through the steps on how to obtain one before sessions starts.

Caryn: 07:08

Perfect. So we mentioned this just a minute ago. There are some new classes that came out this past summer. So can you tell me a little bit more about those?

Molly: 07:16

Yeah. We introduced 3 new classes, which I'm super excited about. We introduced our ice explorers, our adaptive skating, and our adult skating. So adult skating is, like it says, it's for anyone ages, I think we have it 16 and up for sure that can join this class. And so you come, you learn how to skate, you can bring friends, they can learn how to skate with you, and it's just more of a community building exercise class, if you want to call it that. So yeah, it's a great way if you've either never learned how to skate before or if you haven't laced up skates in a while Yeah. Or if you just want some more guided instruction. It's a good way to get back on it.

Caryn: 07:59

And it's cheaper than having a private lesson.

Molly: 08:01

Yes. For sure. And you get to build some community and friends in the group too. So that's really cool.

Caryn: 08:07

I'm sure my husband will wanna tell me to take that class because I don't know how to skate.

Molly: 08:10

We'd love to have you.

Caryn: 08:12

I don't know. I'm one I'm one of those people that hugs the walls. So what are the other ones? You said ice explorers?

Molly: 08:17

Yep. We have ice explorers, which is our that's our, like, little, little class. So that's any child 1 and a half to 3 years old.

Caryn: 08:27

That's super young.

Molly: 08:28

Yeah. 1 and a half to 3 years old, and they are brought into the rink. And we don't start on the ice quite yet. It's

Caryn: 08:36

Oh, okay.

Molly: 08:36

We follow learn to skate USA curriculum. So they start by coming into the rink. We get to know the rink, get them comfortable with the Zamboni and the Yeah.

Caryn: 08:47

That could be scary.

Molly: 08:48

Yeah. Yep. And so rather than putting them on the ice

Caryn: 08:52

Mhmm.

Molly: 08:53

They get familiarized, and then they also learn a couple of the skills that they'll do on the ice. We teach them off the ice first. So we teach them how to fall down and stand up safely without getting hurt. We teach them about how to march forward using big steps so that when they have clunky skates on, they can continue those big steps.

Caryn: 09:15

So do they have the skates on with skate guards doing that on dry land?

Molly: 09:18

So for some of it, they do.

Caryn: 09:20

Okay.

Molly: 09:20

Yep. So they start with just in tennis shoes, and it's very low risk.

Caryn: 09:26

Right.

Molly: 09:27

Not scary for them. Yeah. And then

Caryn: 09:28

So you're just building them up.

Molly: 09:30

Yeah. And then we talk about skates. We talk about how to put skates on.

Caryn: 09:34

Mhmm.

Molly: 09:34

And then they have skates on. They do some stuff off the ice, and then we transition them onto the ice where they get to play games and

Caryn: 09:43

Yeah. Have fun.

Molly: 09:43

Do all the stuff that all the other kids are doing.

Caryn: 09:46

Okay. Cool. Yeah. And then your final new class was adaptive skating. Right?

Molly: 09:51

Yes. Yep. So adaptive skating is for any individual who needs some more specialized equipment or if they have more developmental needs that aren't met in a normal

Caryn: 10:07

big class

Molly: 10:07

big class, and so they get individualized or more specialized attention that, can help them. So it can be anything from, intellectual disability, a physical disability. It can be someone who's just struggling to deal with all the noise and everything that's going on in the environment. Yeah. And so we really just adapt that class to fit their needs and make sure that they're having fun and enjoying skating like everyone deserves the chance to do.

Caryn: 10:40

For sure. Okay. That's awesome. So sessions available this fall. When do they start, and how does that work?

Molly: 10:46

So our next session is gonna be 4 weeks long, and it's October 5th through October 26th. And it is from 8:15 to 11:15 in the morning. So you'll get a 30 minute practice and a 30 minute lesson

Caryn: 11:01

Depending what level you're doing.

Molly: 11:02

On what level. Yep. So when you register, it'll give you some options for times if there's multiple classes offered in that level. Yep. Our deadline for registration is on October 3rd.

Caryn: 11:15

Okay.

Molly: 11:16

And if you have any questions registering, they can reach out to me. I'm happy to answer any and all questions.

Caryn: 11:23

And for sure, if they get it put in if they put themselves in the wrong level or put their child on the wrong level, like, we could always adjust that.

Molly: 11:30

Yes. Yep. So the instructors and I, on the 1st day of classes, are always watching

Caryn: 11:36

For sure.

Molly: 11:36

The kids to see if they would be better suited in a different group. And if they are, it's usually within that same 30 minute time frame.

Caryn: 11:44

Yeah.

Molly: 11:44

So we just move them to a different class that's gonna be more appropriate for their skill set.

Caryn: 11:49

Perfect. And then there's another session that happens after that. Correct?

Molly: 11:52

Yes. 2nd session this fall starts November 9th and runs through December 21st, and it's a 6 week session. We do skip the week of Thanksgiving.

Caryn: 12:03

Perfect.

Molly: 12:03

But it's the same times in

Caryn: 12:05

On Saturdays.

Molly: 12:06

On Saturdays. Yep. So 8:15 to 11:15. And after the 4 week session, if you're signed up for that one and you get to the end of it, there's a couple days break between the end of the 1st fall session and the beginning of the second one, where you will receive a report card that tells you what level you should register for for the next session. Session, so you don't need to guess or figure out if your child or you have progressed past certain levels. We give you a report card that says this is what you should register for, And, again, if you get to that next session and you find out you've been put in the wrong class, we can always make adjustments and Yep. Get you where you need to be.

Caryn: 12:52

Perfect. And then, again, this will continue in the winter as well. Those dates haven't been set yet,

Molly: 12:57

but we'll

Caryn: 12:57

that will be in the forthcoming, issue of the Currents. Yes. Our winter edition. So we kinda talked about a little bit of everything. If they don't know what class to start with, they can contact you. If they're in the wrong session, they can get transferred. What's the most important thing you wanna tell those people that are interested in skating classes and either don't know where to start or afraid or whatever? What would what would your advice be?

Molly: 13:20

Yes. Everyone starts somewhere.

Caryn: 13:23

Yep.

Molly: 13:23

And skating is for everyone. So you are not too old, too young, too anything Right. To be able to skate. It's for everyone, and I am I've been in the skating world a really long time, so I am happy to answer any questions you have. Whether you want to go the figure skating route or hockey route or speed skating, will get you set where you need to go. And again, I'm always available for questions, so whether you send me an email or call me, I'm always happy to chat and kind of go through any questions or concerns that you might have about skating.

Caryn: 13:59

Great. And, you know, I think it's important to talk about the fact that, you know, well, last year's ice rinks didn't last very long because of the weather. But when we do have a real winter and you wanna go out skating on those outdoor rinks, like, it's great to take a class just so you know what you're doing. Right?

Molly: 14:14

Yes.

Caryn: 14:14

Yes. Then you then you're safer on the ice. Right? Because you know how to fall. You know how to get up, and you know how to do all those things with with your family and friends.

Molly: 14:22

And learning how to fall is the first step that every skater learns how to do. You can't start

Caryn: 14:28

skater to fall. Right? You're gonna fall, so you have to learn how to do it gracefully. Right?

Molly: 14:32

Correct. Falling is inevitable. Yep. Even I've been skating for how many years, and I still will fall. Yep.

Molly: 14:39

And so it's learning how to fall and then how to get back up and try again. Because if you can do that, you're gonna learn a lot, and you're gonna have a lot of fun.

Caryn: 14:48

Oh, the one thing I just thought about for those littles, do you guys require helmets be worn for the littles?

Molly: 14:54

Yeah. Great question. So helmets are required for all of our snowplow Sam classes as well as our basic one, which is our 6

Caryn: 15:02

the beginners. Yeah.

Molly: 15:03

Yep. 6 and up beginner. And we also have our hockey 1 class, which is our beginner hockey players. And so hockey 1 also requires helmets as well as all the hockey classes. Yeah.

Caryn: 15:16

I mean, hockey players have to wear a helmet all the time. So

Molly: 15:18

Yeah. And some people think that if they're that little, they might not need it, but they definitely need it.

Caryn: 15:25

For sure. You never know.

Molly: 15:26

And then from there, anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a helmet, we're not gonna tell you no.

Caryn: 15:31

Right.

Molly: 15:32

We encourage everyone to wear a helmet if they're gonna feel safer.

Caryn: 15:35

For sure.

Molly: 15:36

But, yeah, for those beginner classes, that is a requirement.

Caryn: 15:39

Alright. Well, thank you for your wealth of knowledge and information. Like, super exciting to have these new classes.

Molly: 15:45

Yeah. And, hopefully, a lot

Caryn: 15:45

of people get signed up this, fall. But I do wanna talk about other, skating opportunities. There's gonna be no school open skate and open hockey, in October on the Thursday, October 17th, and Friday, October 18th. So open skate will be from 3:15 to 4:45 PM, and that costs only $6 a person, and there will be skate rental available. Correct?

Molly: 16:05

Yes.

Caryn: 16:05

Open hockey will be broken down by levels and cost $11 per skater. Session time start at 10 for pee wee & u 12, 11:45 for squirts & u 10, and 1:30 for mites & u 8. Skaters must skate with their age group and wear all their equipment to stay safe. Remember, fall learn to skate has 2 sessions. The 4 week session starts on Saturday, October 5th, and the 6 week session starts Saturday, November 9th. Registration is available at Webtrac.FarmingtonMN.gov, and then look for our winter information in the Currents coming up.

Caryn: 16:34

Well, that concludes this month's episode of the Farmington Feed. Thank you for listening. We look forward to connecting with residents with this podcast. If you have any feedback, guest requests, or ideas, email me at Communications@FarmingtonMN.gov. Don't forget to subscribe to the Farmington feed wherever you like to get your podcasts.