Mentor Duluth July 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:
- July:
- Mentor Social at Jitters Coffee Shop – Saturday, July 12 from 9:00–10:00 p.m.
- August:
- Dealing with families and mentees in crisis. Date to be determined.
- September:
- Mentor Social at Beaner´s Central – Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 a.m.
If you would like more information, please call Callie (ext. 142) or Paula (ext. 129) at the YMCA Mentor Duluth office at 727–4745.
Match of The Month
Randy and Karleo
Randy and Karleo were matched up this last February and from what they both say, the two of them are having a great time getting to know each other. When asked how he feels about this match, Randy said "Karleo is a great kid who smiles easily and we´ve grown very comfortable with each other. We have good fun as a match." Amy, Karleo´s mom said that when she asked Karleo how he felt about having a mentor, he said that he "really likes going with Randy to do fun stuff. Plus, Randy knows a lot about things I like, like drawing and basketball." The two of them have spent time doing a lot of fun stuff. Randy stated that "so far, we´ve gone to the aquarium, zoo, a movie, dog sledding with a friend, and most recently, lots of geocaching together, among other things.
Ahead is a fishing outing and maybe some conoeing." In addition, Amy is very happy with the match and said "I really think that match you set up between these guys is GREAT!" Randy echoes that sentiment and goes on to say that "what´s nice about it, also; is the geat relationship with Karleo´s mom Amy. I highly recommend mentoring to anyone who is young at heart."
Congratulations on Randy and Karleo for being July´s Match of the Month!
Thank you...
Duluth Charter Fishing Guides Association
On Sunday, June 8, 12 matches from Mentor Duluth ventured out on Lake Superior under the expertise of the Duluth Charter Fishing Guides Association. Our voyage out on five different charter boats was a fun and exciting adventure! A special thank you to Captain Peter Dahl of Happy Hooker Charters, Captain Tom Cheetham of Sunrise Charter Fishing, Captain Barry LeBlanc of Whitewater Charters, Captain Don Nelson of Lake and River Charters, and Captain Jon Dahl of Adventure Sportfishing Charters, for their generous support of Mentor Duluth. Thank you to all the captains who donated their time, boats, and expertise to ensure this annual event continutes to provide program youth an opportunity to try fishing on the big lake.
Muskies Inc.
On Saturday, June 21, 13 waiting list kids, along with staff and volunteers, joined the local Muskies, Inc. fishermen for a day filled with fun and fishing on Caribou Lake. Everyone enjoyed a tasty BBQ lunch and an educational presentation by Matt Ward of the MN DNR. Afterwards, we loaded up the boats, went out on the lake, and a number of kids returned with fish to take home for dinner! A very big thank you to Muskies, Inc. for providing each of our kids with a fishing pole, tackle and tackle box, magnets, and posters that they took home with them. A very special thank you to Mark Warner and Bob Busche for helping coordinate a spectacular day of fishing!
Meet Our New Staff
Megan Fochs
Hi! My name is Megan Fochs, and I am a new program advocate for Mentor Duluth. I grew up in Duluth and just recently moved back following my graduation from the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. I graduated from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the U of M this past spring and am now assuming the role of both program advocate and public relations for Mentor Duluth. I am very excited to be back in Duluth as I really love the area and community. In my free time I enjoy reading, running, cross country and alpine skiing, biking and spending time with friends and family. I am very excited to be a part of this great program and can´t wait to get to know everyone involved!
Mike Schmidt
Hello, my name is Mike Schmidt and I am the new program advocate for Mentor Duluth and Five Points. I am originally from Park Falls, Wisconsin, located in the middle of the Chequamegon National Forest. The Twin Ports has been my home for the past eight years. From 2000 to 2005 I attended the University of Wisconsin–Superior and received a BA in Social Work. For the last three years, I have worked for Duluth Public Schools as a paraprofessional at Laura MacArthur Elementary. My other past experiences working with youth, include being a personal care assistant for Duluth Regional Care Center and coaching a 5th grade basketball team. In my free time I love being outdoors, fishing, camping, gardening, and playing softball. Bass fishing and the Green Bay Packers have stolen my heart and we will be together forever. I am looking forward to being a productive member of such an esteemed and progressive organization.
Mentor Duluth Activities
Call 722–4745 Ext. 120 to sign up for activities!
For Everyone
Mentor Duluth Summer BBQ
- Leif Erickson Park
- Thursday, July 24
- 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
All Mentor Duluth youth, mentors and their families are invited to this annual event! Our staff looks forward to this event each year because it gives us a chance to connect with matches, families and the children. Come grab a bite to eat. There is free food, fun games, activities, and the Zoo mobile will join us along with team members from the Duluth–Superior Shoremen!
Help us make sure we have enough food by calling 722–4745, ext. 120 to make your reservations.
Movies in the Park Featuring "Back To The Future"
- DATE:
- Friday, July 11
- TIME:
- 9:15 p.m.
- PLACE:
- Leif Erikson Park
- COST:
- Free
- NOTES:
- Mentor Duluth will once again be featured at a Movies in the Park night 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. The classic ´80´s sci–fi adventure flick "Back to the Future" with Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd will be the featured movie of the night. Folks from Mentor Duluth will have a booth set up and would love to see people come out for this fun evening. Don´t forget your blankets or folding chairs! Food is available for purchase at the event.
Thank you to the Optimist Club and AmeriCorps volunteers that helped with the Huskies game tailgate party and event! They did a wonderful job hanging out with the kids and grilling. We would also like to say thanks to the Duluth Huskies organization for being so accommodating.
Pal Activity
Golfing at Proctor Golf Course
- DATE:
- Sunday, July 13
- TIME:
- 4:00–6:30 p.m.
- PLACE:
- Proctor Golf Course
- COST:
- Free
- NOTES:
- Come and enjoy a night out on the greens at the Proctor Golf Course! Ten youth will get to learn the rules of the golf course and play 9 holes. This activity is opened to experienced and non–experienced golfers. Bring your golfing equipment if you have it. Dress for the weather – and we will re–schedule if it rains. A little snack will be provided. Call the Mentor Duluth office at 722–4745, ext. 120 to sign up.
Mentor Appreciation Garden
Mentor Duluth would like to extend their thanks to Engwalls Florist for donating flowers for our Mentor Appreciation Garden. Without their donation this year, our garden would have been pretty sparse. Thanks to them, it can now be enjoyed by all who visit Leif Erickson Park!!
Thank You Engwalls!!
Mentor Duluth Match Discounts
Show your match Cards at these businesses and get:
- Duluth YMCA:
- Free Admission
- Great Lakes Aquarium:
- Free Admission
- Renegade Theater:
- Buy an adult ticket, get kid´s ticket free. Good for kids shows only. Check www.renegadecomedy.org for listing of shows and schedules.
- Beaner´s Central Coffee House:
- Buy 1 drink, get 1 drink half–off the regular price. Free tickets for most concerts. Go to www.beanerscentral.com or call Jen at 723–3523 to reserve tickets.Tickets (must be signed out by calling 727–4745, ext. 120):
- The Duluth Children's Museum:
- Free Admission