Matches

Scot Zellmer & Nish P, December 8, 2008

Scot was hired with the Mentors Plus Program on September 23rd, 2008. He’s been living in the Coaldale area for nearly 5 years. His experience includes working as a wilderness guide and ski instructor and has also had experience teaching at an alternative high school. There he developed an outdoor program for at-risk teenagers.

In December Nish Pugh and Scot were matched with our program. One month has passed. Things are going well. “We’re having fun doing things together.” If asked, this is what Nish would tell you about his being matched with his mentor Scot. Nish and Scot have many things in common. They have both lived in Hawaii, they both like mayo on their french fries and they both are snowboarders (Nish is quite a bit better than Scot, however!)

They are invested in creating a relationship that will be lasting and strengthening each others social skills. As the mentor, Scot is excited about sharing past experiences with Nish and, just as importantly, learning from Nish how the world looks through his eyes.

As the mentee, Nish is also excited and willing to learn a lot from Scot, as he has much to teach. Nish enjoys spending time with Scot and learning life skills. Watch this space for upcoming news on how Nish has taught Scot how to do an Indy grab and Scot instructs Nish on how to make a health insurance claim for a broken leg.

Erik Sengel & Cody O, Dec 8, 2008

Erik and Cody met in another FYI program, and were very excited to be able to be matched in Mentors Plus. Cody likes to listen to music and play his guitar, he also likes school and snowboarding. Erik and Cody have been matched for about five months and have done some real cool things, we like to shoot pool and we have been to Breckenridge and Colorado Springs where we played all kinds of awesome guitars. Just ask Cody, we were there for two hours!!!

Erik Sengel & Thomas M, Dec 18, 2008

Erik and Thomas met about two years ago, and have been matched for a little while now, Thomas loves to ski and hit jumps in the park. He also likes to play basketball and other team sports. Thomas is a great kid with a big heart. He is always in a good mood and fun to hang around with. We have been lots of places and we always a have a good fun time. We are going the weekend of the 20 for a ski race in Glenwood Springs…. Wish Thomas luck!

Erik has lived in Salida for 13 years and became involved with the mentor program several years ago. He has really enjoyed the volunteer program and says he was just in the right place to step into working with Chaffee County Mentors Plus. For the rest of the time he has been here, he has worked at several restaurants has raft guided on the river. In the winter he work’s for Monarch Mountain doing the snow report and as a volunteer ski host.

Jennifer Walters & Selena F, March 2, 2009

“I could tell right away that we would get along fabulously while we visited and snacked on some tasty Moonlight Pizza,” says Jennifer. Since that evening they have gotten to know each other better while hiking around Tenderfoot, eating dinner out, going indoor rock climbing, doing community service together, and setting goals for the future. A couple of short term goals Selina is working on are getting into shape to run a 10K at this year’s FIBArk and climbing a Colorado Fourteener this summer!

Jennifer finds Selina to be a smart and outgoing teenager. She is also a great conversationalist, extremely determined when given a challenge, and excellent with young children! She has received many compliments from the Nurturing and Parenting group where she babysit’s. Selina says, “Jen is outgoing, thoughtful, and a great listener. We sure are a great duo and look forward to hanging out together every week!

Patty LaTaille & Chris F, March 4, 2009

Chris Freeman and Patty LaTaille were matched in early March and have spent some quality time together experiencing a meal at a local Mexican restaurant, indoor rock climbing, hiking with dogs, and working on homework together.

Patty is enjoying getting to know Chris and finds him to be friendly, approachable, intelligent and a unique individual. She is impressed by his knowledge of auto mechanics and his willingness to show her how to do an oil change at the SHS shop. Chris and Patty share their love of animal companions – especially dogs – and are looking forward to some challenging and fun outdoor activities. Chris has lived in Chaffee County his whole life. He loves to go out horseback riding, fishing, camping, and would really like to go hunting. He’s willing to try different types of food and is always up for a challenge. He also likes to learn new skills or activities.

Patty has lived in and nearby Chaffee County for 11 years and has been a river guide and a ski/snowboard instructor. Most recently, she was the program manager for Youth@Crossroads and has volunteered as a mentor in the past. After taking some time to re-evaluate life plans while working on her writing, she is glad to be spending time with teens again – especially Chris, who is open for mentoring and shared adventures.

Bethany Cooper & Jessica H, March 25, 2008

Jessica and Beth, both from Buena Vista, were matched in early April and have shared a meal together at Mother’s Bistro in Buena Vista, reviewed Civil War homework at the library, walked along the Arkansas River with Beth’s dog, E.J., grocery shopped for a vegetable pasta salad to be assembled by Jessica, and relaxed in the late afternoon sun sitting in the “outdoor living room” along the River at the South Main Project. (See picture)

Beth and Jessica love dogs and small children. Jessica is herself mentoring a 4 year old boy. She enjoys cooking, hanging with friends, playing sports and working with hair. On her “wants to do” list for summer is learning to knitting a blanket. Jessica is a Colorado native. Jessica is curious about foreign languages and signing for the hearing impaired and would like to do more with photography. Beth and Jessica will take a camera with them as they roam the Arkansas Valley this summer.

Philadelphia was home to Beth before she and her husband moved to Buena Vista fifteen months ago. Her interests include reading, hiking, travel, photography and creative computer work as she assists her husband with his real estate business.