Mentoring: A Running Start 2008

Welcome mentor teams!

Program Description

Mentoring: A Running Start provides an opportunity for youth to train for a 5K race to learn lessons in teamwork, goal setting and accomplishment. Participants in the running program will train for the noncompetitive 5K that is a part of the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon festivities in October.

The program aims to instill a life-long love for running and physical fitness in Michigan youth and adults. Knowledge and motivation are provided to reach the goal of running a 5K. After completion of the program, participants are encouraged to continue running and setting new physical activity goals.

Mentor Teams in Detroit October 18-19

Governor's Residence Day August 19

Monday, August 4, 2008

Fresh Food Feature, never expires always inspires

Congratulations Sarah VanPamel and Kianna Brugnone for your prize-winning recipe! Sarah and Kianna took on Dr. Anne Murphy’s healthy challenge and submitted a recipe of their favorite berry treat.

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

1 15-oz. can blueberries

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

16 oz. frozen or fresh blueberries

juice of one lemon

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

3/4 cup cup firmly-packed light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1-1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 cup non-hydrogenated butter or margarine (such as Earth Balance)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.


Drain canned blueberries over a medium bowl, reserving blueberry liquid in the bowl. Whisk cornstarch into blueberry liquid until smooth. Place canned blueberries, blueberry liquid, frozen blueberries and fresh lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.


In a large bowl, combine the flours, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt and baking powder. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes. Spread blueberry mixture over top of crust. Top with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 to 20 minutes before serving.


Makes 36 bars.

Per bar: 120 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 14 mg cholesterol, 17 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein, 3% vitamin A, 2% vitamin C, 2% calcium, 4% iron

Meet Team Foster/McClurg


Sarah Foster, mentor from Portage, and Kendra McClurg, mentee from Kalamazoo

Sarah is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she studied human resources. She is now a Logistics Coordinator for Roadway Express Inc. Sarah enjoys camping, fishing, reading, traveling and volleyball. She also has a love for animals. Sarah and Kendra have been matched for one year through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kendra will be in seventh grade at Maple Street School this fall and she likes to swim, read and listen to music. Together they like to visit the library and the zoo, take walks, talk, and go to country music concerts. Some of their favorite memories together include playing the game Hilarium and off-roading in a Jeep. Kendra appreciates that Sarah gets her to try new things and is looking forward to proving they can accomplish the 5K goal. Sarah admires Kendra’s drive and ability to make the best of every situation.

Meet Team Richard/Henderson


Edward Richard, mentor from Saginaw, and Lance Henderson, mentee from Saginaw

Edward works at the VA Medical Center in Saginaw and also volunteers at his church for outings. He loves to help people and enjoys good friends, going to the gym and relaxing. Edward believes in living life to the fullest by spending time with people he cares about. He has only been matched with Lance for a short time, but has been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters for six years. Lance attends Kempton School and is involved in soccer, basketball and football. Together, Lance and Edward play sports, talk and go to movies. Lance has a love for sports and his favorite memory with Edward is going to a football game together. They look forward to working as a team and getting to know each other better.