Vermilion Advantage Releases Weekly Update / Schedule

If you grew up in Vermilion County, chances are you have a story or experience that involves Illini Skateland. Illini Skateland has been a staple in our community and has provided a safe, fun place for people of all ages to enjoy. This week’s I am, You are, We are nominees are Lisa Dunham and Amy Bohlen. They are being recognized for their work in bringing skating to the area schools. The nomination states, “Skating is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a skill that takes practice and not all students have the opportunity to go to the rink or have skates at home. I love that Lisa and Amy go into schools in our community and teach thousands of students skating each year! Students love when they get to skate and, speaking as a PE teacher, teachers love that students get that opportunity! It wouldn’t be able to be done without them just for the fact that we wouldn’t be able to provide skates! I have also found these ladies very accommodating! They work well with our students with special needs. They also are VERY flexible with scheduling. My school’s skating is in January and we always have snow days during skating. They make sure all of our students get all of our skating days in by either doubling classes, coming an extra day, or hosting our students at the rink! They are awesome!”

I was able to meet Lisa and Amy at the skating rink for our interview and was immediately overwhelmed with childhood memories. I could picture our school skating parties, all the friend birthday parties, and all the good times flying around the rink without a care in the world. These experiences and stories are what motivates Lisa. Being the daughter of Jim and Sharon McMahon and now part owner of Illini Skateland, her entire life has been skating. Lisa’s parents have been such amazing “roll” models to her in both life and business and she is so grateful for them!  She also loves being able to go into the schools and share her passion with the students. Not all kids have the opportunity to learn how to skate so being able to provide this service is something really special. Lisa is also on the American Roller Sports board to help promote skating and make people aware of its many health benefits skating has to offer. It is her goal to share skating with the world!

Skating also holds a special place in Amy’s heart. Amy grew up in Urbana and began skating at age 6. At age 7 her dad started bringing her to Illini Skateland to join the speed skate team. Skating was something special for Amy and her dad to enjoy together. Eventually, Amy’s dad joined the team too! Once Amy turned 16, she began working as a floor guard at Illini Skateland. Amy is now an adult and has moved to Vermilion County and is the current Manager at Illini Skateland! Amy loves her job and has a great time teaching the children how to skate and watching their faces light up!

Thank you, Lisa and Amy, for bringing the gift of skating to our students. Thank you for working with the schools to provide an amazing opportunity for kids to enjoy. Thank you to Illini Skateland for being a staple in our community and providing years of fun for people of all ages!

If you are looking for something fun to do, please go check out Illini Skateland, kids 13 and under skate for free!

By Jodie Ingram

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