A GREAT HAIR DAY

JCPenney selects the Y to receive national stylist prize

The local Penney store took part in a national competition in which the Matrix company -- a hair care product division of L'Oreal -- would award the top five stores in the nation with prize money to distribute to a local charity of their choice.

Final result: stylists Gina Roozen and Beth Baily-Kewatt's work on a Mankato woman's makeover was selected as one of the five national winners. And the store chose the Y to receive its $5,000 prize money.

On Tuesday, Aug. 30 representatives of Matrix and JCPenney presented YMCA Executive Director John Kind with the check for $5,000. Kind noted that the money would be put toward helping low-income families afford the Y's After School Adventures program.

JCPenney has over the past several years contributed to the Y through its "Round Up" campaigns, the latest of which finished up in late August.

Young swimmers: Join the Marlins 

Got a young swimmer in the house who would love to compete? The  Mankato Marlins are offering a series of sessions for those who want to learn more about the Y's swim team. 

Open to Members and non-members at no cost, these trial sessions are 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 5 p.m. Thursday, September 15 and 3:30 p.m. Friday, September 16. Participants should attend each day.

Then, join parents and swimmers at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 17 in the Y's red gym for an informational meeting about what's involved in being on the Marlins.

Here, you'll find out what to expect for the season, get sized for their team suit, establish practice groups and meet new and returning swimmers. 

Since 1995, the Marlins have offered kids of all ages and swimming abilities the opportunity to compete against other Y teams across the state. Over the years, the Marlins have brought home several championships and many different categories.  

The Fair Trade movement enables our everyday purchasing to improve the lives of farmers and artisans in the developing world.

But how exactly does it work?

Please join us on September 15 for a colorful and engaging talk with members of the Mankato Area Fair Trade Town Initiative (MAFTTI).

Fair trade products such as coffee, chocolate, jewelry and household gifts will be on display.

Admission is free and open to the public.

News & notes 

Youth Sports has some important dates coming up: Registration deadline for youth/teen handball lessons is Sept. 7; Registration for youth racquetball lessons is Sept. 14; Volleyball registration is Sept. 23.  Preschool sports classes are also starting up in September.  

After months of planning and coordinating with the Mankato school district and the United Way, the Y this fall will launch School-Based Mentoring this fall at Franklin Elementary school in Mankato.   

In the program, adult volunteers meet for an hour a week with a child for lunch at the child's school (although arrangements can be made for meeting before or after school as well).  

The idea is that for an hour, the two get to know each other and establish a connection -- another step toward a positive influence in a child's life.

Coordinator Cheryl Hamond says the program will be launched around the third week of September.  

Hamond said the Y is well on its way to reaching the goal of 30 volunteers -- thus far 23 have signed on with a few weeks left before start.

Once the program takes hold at Franklin, the hope is to expand it to other elementary schools throughout the Mankato School District.

Hamond also coordinates the Y's Brother/Sister program, which she says has 80 children waiting for mentors.

"Both programs have the same goal -- giving kids one more adult in their life who can bring a positive influence," Hamond said. "Their chances at a successful future, a successful school career and a successful family life all become much better."