Change a Life Forever

Most of us can identify an adult who provided the guidance and support necessary to become the person we are today. For many that is a parent or other relative but for others it maybe a teacher, coach, friend, neighbor or some other adult who was there for us when we needed support. To be a mentor to a youth can be the most significant thing you ever do. Male mentors are always in demand and seem to never be available to meet the need for boys looking for a mentor.

I have some suggested ways to mentor. AOK Mentoring works with designated schools to mentor and tutor students that are at risk of falling behind in school. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentor children from all types of homes, many with single parents. VOICES of Howard County is the Court Appointed Special Advocate program for Howard County and these volunteers work with youth in foster care. The Maryland Mentor website and the Volunteer Center for Howard County can connect you with the various mentoring programs. If you happen to work at the Applied Physics Lab or know of a high school student with a scientific interest, APL has a great mentoring program for high school students

P.S.

Bicycling Advocates of Howard County (bikehoco.org) and Cradlerock PTA have teamed up to pilot 'Bike to School Day' on May 20. They have arranged for kids to receive shirts and hats from the county bike to work program as well as some small safety items from MDot Safe Routes to schools. Howard county police have volunteered an officer to help direct kids across the busier streets.

On May 14 from 9AM to 11AM, they will be doing a bike check and helmet fitting at the school. This program is a pilot in the Howard County schools and was inspired by Bike to Work Day. Kids on bikes to school is healthier, reduces traffic around the schools and a really fun way to get to school!

For further information you can email Wendy Newton at wnewton@bikehoco.org or reach her by phone at 301-641-8118. Wendy also wanted me to mention The Cradlerock school is also sponsoring a carnival on June 4^th and the Columbia Youth Triathlon at Clemmons Crossing school on July 10^th.