What's Happ Story1

Nothing is more rewarding than helping a child or watching him or her learn and grow. Unfortunately, not all children have the same advantages in life, whether socially or academically. Garrett Mentors, Inc. is looking to change that one child at a time.

The Second Annual Barn Dance benefitting the Garrett Mentors will be held at Ridge View Valley on Saturday, September 18. The event includes a barbecue chicken dinner dinner plate from Jearbyro’s Restaurant, music by DJ Jonny Rock, and a silent auction. Dinner will include lemonade or iced tea. There will be a wine and beer tent.

New for 2010 will be a Dessert table stocked with delicious homemade treats from local Garrett County eateries. The real appeal, however, lies in the fact that by paying a $25 admission, ($30 at the door) you are helping an organization that is making a difference in the lives of a rising number of Garrett County children.

Garrett Mentors is comprised completely of volunteers, including its Board of Directors. The organization is currently funded solely by donations.

Pairs are matched based on personal interests, and mentors are given preliminary information about the child they are getting to know and the strengths and weaknesses that they should be focusing on, whether academically (Math or English) or personally (social skills and politeness). All mentors undergo a national background check and interview process before they are approved to work with a child.

While the focus is on academics during the time mentor and child spend together, the children are also taken on social outings from time to time. Past trips include Funland, a rehearsal for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (through the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival), snowtubing at Wisp, and a special Christmas party for the kids and their mentors. Tricia Cheesman, director, hopes that with the success of the upcoming Barn Dance Fundraiser, even more trips can be taken. Dream trips include the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., Gettysburg and The Pittsburgh Zoo.

Eighty seven Garrett County school children are currently working with eighty adult mentors of varying ages who visit the elementary schools to spend one hour per week with a child. They eat lunch together, talk about the child’s personal life, and work on things that may be academically challenging for the child. The idea is to start a mentor with a child in the first grade and continue the relationship throughout elementary school. The children are referred by school counselors, teachers and principals.

The Garrett Mentors program is currently available to nine elementary schools. And although the program has been met with nothing but positive reviews from parents, mentors, and teachers since its inception, there is still a shortage of mentors with over 20 children still on the waiting list.

By volunteering for this cause, a mentor can have a huge impact in a child’s life. If you don’t have the time or freedom to devote to a child, please consider a donation to this worthwhile cause or check out the fun barn dance to meet these wonderful people firsthand. The Barn Dance will run from 5:00 until 9:00 PM.

In addition to great dining and dancing, this year’s Silent Auction will include several beautiful items donated by local merchants and residents. A raffle is being held for beautiful hand made double wedding ring quilt, currently on display in the Littman Building window in downtown Oakland. Raffle tickets are currently being sold for $1 a piece or 6 for $5. Raffle winner need not be present to win. All proceeds will go to help this fledgling group and directly benefit the life of a Garrett County child.

For more information or to purchase event or raffle tickets, contact Tricia Cheesman at 301-334-1783. Donations may be sent to 21339 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550. Tickets are also available at Marvins Mens Wear in downtown Oakland.

You can also visit their website at www.garrettmentors.org for further information and see how this wonderful organization “inspires by example.”