Mentor Duluth January News
January is National Mentoring Month!
2008 "Making A Difference" Award Recipients"
Congratulations to mentor Jodi Voelker and Sarina for receiving the 10th annual Albert and Louise Ordean "Making A Difference" award. This award is given to a match that goes above the expectations of the Mentor Duluth program and will be presented on January 11th at a luncheon hosted by the Ordean Foundation.
Jodi and Sarina have been matched through Mentor Duluth for four years. During this time they have established a strong friendship. They enjoy watching movies, going for walks, eating dinner together, going to the beach, watching sporting events, and enjoying other activities that Duluth has to offer.
Through this great relationship, Jodi encouraged Sarina to become involved with the executive board of the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota. Through this experience, Sarina has learned the importance of mentoring and its effects. Sarina is actively involved in giving back to her community through community service projects, tutoring, and mentoring.
Mentor Duluth would like to extend a BIG thank you to J. Marshall Buehler and the North Shore Scenic Railroad for the generous donation of tickets to the Polar Express.
The matches and families that attended the event had a wonderful time riding the train, listening to Chris Van Allsberg´s classic story and visiting with Santa Claus.
Jodi really enjoys the time she spends with Sarina. She said, "We relate to each other and get along very well." She said the highlight of the match was the road trip to the cities and telling Sarina about her pregnancy.
Sarina always looks forward to seeing Jodi. She said, "Jodi is awesome and we get along great." The best time Sarina had with Jodi was also the trip to the cities and the Timberwolves game. Sarina also enjoys babysitting Jodi´s daughter and eating dinner at Jodi´s home. Having a mentor such as Jodi has taught Sarina to be proud of who she is, and that no one can change that.
"Having a mentor has changed my life, and I hope that everyone gets the chance to kick back and have fun with and adult friend." - Sarina
YMCA/Mentor Duluth Holidayday Party a success!
The 2007 YMCA Holiday Party was a success! Over 250 guests and 30 volunteers atttended the event on December 9th. Guests enjoyed a spaghetti dinner, bingo, crafts, gym games, open swim and magician Dave Pelto. Each child received a gift to take home. Thanks to Phi Sigma Sigma of UMD and YMCA employees for volunteering their time to put on the event.A special thank you to The Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth for again sponsoring the Duluth YMCA Holiday Celebration. Food and gifts were purchased with the money donated by the Kiwanis Club. Also, thank you to Bob and Roberta Hoyt for their continuing support each year.
OMNIUMGATHERUM
"A gathering in celebration of youth!"
Beaner´s Central (324 N. Central Avenue, Duluth)
Beaner´s Central coffee house and Mentor Duluth invite you to join us for a celebration of community giving. On January 18th and 19th, local musicians, magicians, and artists will lend their talents during this two-day community benefit at Beaner´s Central.
This event showcases the true heroes who take the time to build quality relationships with youth through mentoring - YOU! Omniumgatherum is the inspiration of Jason Wussow, musician and owner of Beaner´s Central, and Program Advocate Jen Wussow. Jason is donating all proceeds from the benefit to Mentor Duluth.
Schedule of Events:
- Friday, January 18th 8:00-11:00 p.m.
- Cost: $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door
- Music by the Albrights, Medford and Teague Alexy
- Saturday, January 19th 3:00 - 10:00 p.m.
- Family Activities from 3:00-5:00 p.m. -- FREE
- Comedy featuring Renegade Theater at 7:00 p.m. -- $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door
Mentor Duluth raffle prizes - Tickets are $5.00 and available at the YMCA and Beaner´s Central
- Two Allegian Air Tickets to Las Vegas from Duluth
- Year Membership for The Center For Personal Fitness
- LOLL Designs Adirondack Chair
- Room Rental and $50 tab at Duhblinn´s
- One Hour Cirrus Flight for Three
- "A Night On the Town" featuring: A night´s stay at the Radisson, two comedy tickets at Dubhlinn´s and a $50 gift card for Grandma´s
- $50 gift certificate from Bellisio´s
- $45 at Outback Steakhouse Tapestry from Global Village Two wristbands from Carnival Thrills A night´s stay at the Holiday Inn
- $25 Olive Garden gift certificate
- A Freestyle of Duluth skateboard deck
- $25 Pizza Luce´ gift card 4 passes to Great Lakes Aquarium
- Two cutting boards from Epicurean Fudge from Rocky Mountain Chocolate
- $50 gift certificate for Deep Peace
- Two $25 Duluth Pack gift cards
- $25 Sunset Bar and Grill gift certificate Reiki
- $25 J Skylark gift certificate
- 1/2 hour massage from Tadasana
- A night´s stay at South Pier Inn
- Body Shop gift basket
- Dinner Cruise on The Vista Fleet
- Session at Healing Point of Duluth
- Sampler certificate from Meal Time
- Snow tubing pass at Wild Mountain
- 6-month YMCA membership
- $25 Nokomis gift certificate
- 1/2 hour massage at Willow Tree Massage
- Mr. Movies Super Saver Card
- A pizza-a-month from Papa Murphy´s for 1-year
- One night´s stay at the Sheraton
- Free class at Peachies Stained Glass
- Tickets to the Duluth Playhouse
- Pint-A-Month from Thirsty Pagan Brewery for 1-year
Mentor Duluth would like to thank all of the local businesses listed above whom so generously donated.
Mentor Duluth Activities
Call 722-4745 Ext. 120 to sign up for activities
Waiting List Activity
Hip Hop Dance Class
- DATE:
- Thursday, January 10, 2008
- TIME:
- 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- COST:
- Free
- LOCATION:
- Over the Top Studio
- NOTES:
- Waiting list kids and youth are invited to join us for a hip-hop dance class with a professional instructor at Over the Top Studio. Come and learn some new moves and have lots of fun! Please be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Call the Mentor Duluth office at 722-4745 ext. 120 to sign up.
Mat Match Activity
Hip Hop Dance Class
´Over the Top´ Studio (132 E. Superior Street, corner of 2nd Avenue East and Superior Street, upstairs) is offering a special deal for kids and mentors to enjoy. A mentee will participate in the class for absolutely no charge when they participate in a class with their mentors. Try a fun activity and get excercise together! Different types of dances that are offered are bellydance, ballroom, salsa, hiphop, ballet yoga, and Tai Chi. The cost is just $7.00 per class, or $42.00 for a session of 8 classes. For questions or more information, contact Juliana at (218) 591-0748.
Pal Activity
Tour The Tweed Museum
- DATE:
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008
- TIME:
- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- COST:
- FREE
- LOCATION:
- Tweed Museum
- NOTES:
- 10 waiting list kids can spend a fun evening at the Tweed Museum partaking in fun activities designed around the exhibits. Transportation will be provided. Call the Mentor Duluth office at 722-4745 ext. 120 to sign up.
Mont Du Lacac Ski passes availableavailableavailable for matchesmatchesmatches!
Mentors can call the Mentor Duluth office to check out a pass for you and your mentee to ski at Mont du Lac Ski Area for the day.
Call Mentor Duluth at 722-4745, ext. 120 to reserve your date to use a pass!
Mentor Training and Orientation
- Thursday, January 24th
- YMCA Upstairs Meeting Room
- Training 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Orientation 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
All new mentors must attend one training/orientation session within the first six months of being matched. This will also be a wonderful opportunity for experienced mentors to share their knowledge with new mentors. Please join us for great information, conversation and food! Call the Mentor Duluth office at 722-4745, ext. 120 to sign-up.
Spirit Mountain Ski Passes Available for Matches!!
Mentor Duluth has available two sets of free lift tickets for skiing or snowboarding at Spirit Mountain. These passes can be used on Thursday nights only from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Rental for skis is $10.00 per person and $15.00 per person for snowboards. Call 722-4745, ext. 120 to reserve a date to use the passes.