Mentor Duluth August News
Mentor Trainings and Socials
We are working towards improving our training and support for our mentors. One way to do this is to provide opportunities for mentors to share and learn from each other with mentor socials. The socials will give mentors an opportunity to share stories, resources, ideas, or concerns about their matches.The socials will take place every other month at various times and locations. Mentor Duluth will provide refreshments and staff to help facilitate discussions. Additionally, watch for more formal and specific training sessions in the monthly newsletters.
Here is what we have coming up:
- August:
- Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence. Speaker will be Ed Heisler from Safe Haven Shelter - Thursday, August 28 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the YMCA in the upstairs meeting room.
- September:
- Mentor Social at Beaner's Central - Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 a.m.
Match of the Month
Congratulations to Denise and Kahlie for being August's Match of the Month!
Celebrating their three year match anniversary last month, Denise and Kahlie have a great mentoring relationship. When asked what the best thing they've done together is, Denise responded with "It's not necessarily the destination or the activity we are going to, but the conversations we have on the way there". Despite their enjoying conversation so much, they sure have done some neat activities together; Tai Chi classes, dance lessons, visiting the Depot, and piano lessons just to name a few.
Denise has involved herself with the whole family; including Kahlie's brother in occasional activities because he is currently waiting for a mentor. Kahlie's mom says "Denise has made an incredible and intense impact on our family".
Thank you Denise and Kahlie for your wonderful friendship and commitment to each other!
Meet Our New Staff
Greetings!
My name is Kris Simonson and I am the new YWCA Mentor Duluth program advocate. I am originally from Rochester in southeastern Minnesota, but have lived in Duluth for nearly 7 years. I graduated from UMD with a BA in Women's Studies and Sociology and have worked primarily in the fields of domestic violence and mental health. I chose to make Duluth my home because I fell in love with the lake and our vibrant community. Some activities I enjoy outside of work are gardening, running, camping, and yoga. I am delighted to be embarking on this new adventure of working with families and mentors and am honored to have the opportunity to play a role in the Mentor Duluth team!
Cooking With Kids
Banana Dippers
- bananas - cut in chunks
- colored sugars
- cinnamon sugar
- peanut butter
- chopped nuts
- coconut
- ice cream sprinkles
- crushed cookies
- 8-ounces chocolate chips
1. Peel the bananas and slice into several pieces.
2. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and cook on high until melted - about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
3. Dip the banana slices in the chocolate, then roll in other ingredients as desired.
A Big Thank you!
To the following for providing our youth with activities this past summer and the volunteers that made it happen:
- The Optimist Club
- AmeriCorps volunteers
- Charter Fishing Guide Association
- Duluth Huskies
- Muskies Inc.
- Proctor Golf Course
- Hermantown Community Church
Mentor Duluth Activities
Call 722-4745 Ext. 120 to sign up for activities!
Match Activity
Sailing on Lake Superior
- DATE:
- Thursday, August 7
- TIME:
- 5:45 - 7:15 p.m. (arrive at least 15 minutes early)
- COST:
- FREE and open to 12 youth ages 8 and older - kids must have the ability to follow boat safety rules and sit calmly for an extended period of time. Children must have closed-toe shoes to participate, sandals are not acceptable.
- NOTES:
- Join us for a sailing adventure on Lake Superior. An opportunity to relax out on the lake and learn the basics about sailing. Kids take a turn at steering the boat!!
There is limited space. Call the Mentor Duluth office at 722-4745 ext, 120 to sign up.
Huskies Baseball Tickets
- DATE:
- Tickets can be used for any home game!
- Upcoming dates:
- July 27th, 30th, 31st, or August 1st & 2nd
- TIME:
- All games start at 7:05 p.m.
- LOCATION:
- Wade Stadium
- COST:
- FREE
- NOTES:
- Enjoy a night of baseball at Wade Stadium. Cheer on our team for the last games of the season. We have free tickets for matches and families. Call the mentor office at 722-4745 ext. 120 to request tickets.
Waiting List Activities
Sailing on Lake Superior
- DATE:
- Friday, August 22
- TIME:
- 4:45-6:15 p.m. (arrive at least 15 minutes early)
- COST:
- FREE and open to 12 youth ages 8 and older - kids must have the ability to follow boat safety rules and sit calmly for an extended period of time. Children must have closed-toe shoes to participate, sandals are not acceptable.
- NOTES:
- Join us for a sailing adventure on Lake Superior. An opportunity to relax out on the lake and learn the basics about sailing. Kids take a turn at steering the boat!!
There is limited space. Transportation is provided. Call the Mentor Duluth office at 722-4745 ext, 120 to sign up.
For Everyone
Mentor Night at the Movies in the
Park:
Harry Potter - Chamber Of Secrets
- DATE:
- Friday, August 22
- TIME:
- Movie starts at 8:20 p.m.
- LOCATION:
- Leif Erikson Park
- COST:
- FREE
- NOTES:
- Unfortunately, Mentor Duluth's night at Movies in the Park in July with "Back to the Future" was cancelled due to stormy weather. However, we are excited that, by a stroke of luck - and touch of magic - Mentor Duluth is rescheduled to appear at the "Harry Potter - Chamber of Secrets" showing on August 22nd in Leif Erikson Park! This is a great opportunity for both matches and waiting list kids to get outside and enjoy a movie beside our big lake. Folks from Mentor Duluth will have a booth set up and would love to see people come out this fun evening. Don't forget your blankets or folding chairs - and maybe a camera if you want to pose with our huge Harry Potter and Dumbledore cutout! Food is available for purchase at the event.
Reminder: Proctor Speedway Tickets!
The Proctor Speedway is offering tickets for matches at $2.00 each - just show your match cards at the gate. For more info call the Mentor Duluth office at 722-4745 ext. 120