Members of the Fountain Lake Sportsmen&8217;s Club shared their enthusiasm for ice fishing with mentors and mentees of STARS and Community Mentor Connection recently. The group met at the warming house on Lakeview Avenue where the Sportsmen talked about ice safety before everyone headed across the street to try their luck with new poles given to them by the club.

&8220;Most of the kids and even some of their mentors had never been ice fishing and we all enjoyed it even though no one caught any fish,&8221; said Carolyn Smith, program coordinator. &8220;It was very generous of the sportsmen to give up their Saturday to do this for us and to give our kids an experience every Minnesotan should have. The weather even cooperated.&8221;

STARS and Community Mentor Connection provide mentors to youth in need of guidance and support. Community Mentor Connection serves youth in Freeborn County and STARS in eastern Faribault County. Mentors are always needed. For more information on either program, contact Smith at 877-232-8399 or e-mail starsforkids@yahoo.com.