Press Release.

Animal Human Society Volunteers

1411 Main St. N.W.

Coon Rapids, Minn 55448

Release Date: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010

CONTACT: Megan Norenberg

Office Phone: (763)-862-4030

Cell Phone: (763)-827-0184

Email: Megan.Norenberg@anokaramsey.edu

The Animal Human Society is looking for volunteers for many different positions. Some of the positions that are open include adoption support, behavior and training, foster care, veterinary services, and many more.

Due to working with animals, the Animal Humane Society has requirements that need to be met. Some of the basic requirements include being over the age of 16 and a minimum of one year of volunteering service.

Becoming a volunteer for the Animal Human Society only takes you five easy steps.

Step 1: Do you meet the requirements

Step 2: Fill out an online application and pay the $20 application fee

Step 3: Self schedule an information session at the location for which you submitted the application.

Step 4: Interview with a Volunteer Service staff member.

Step 5: If you are a good match, there will be an orientation into the volunteer program and training for your volunteer assignment.

If you would like to volunteer, you can find the application as well as a map of Animal Humane Societies near you on www.animalhumansociety.org

story 7

November 18, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Teen Dad Wilson

  

                                 Move Over Teen Mom, Teen Dad is Coming Through

Being a parent at any age is a struggle. Now, imagine being a single parent. There is only one set of hands and one income. To make things even more difficult, imagine being a single teenage parent.

   The hit MTV show Teen Mom has shown the world the struggles of teenage parents. The show, which is a spin-off of the other hit MTV show 16 and Pregnant, documents the lives of four teen parents. Each mother in the show represents a different kind of hardship. Whether it is fighting between the parents, missing the daughter they gave up for adoption, or mourning the loss of one of the fathers, the show has all the necessary drama needed. One thing the show does not highlight on, being a teen dad.

   If MTV were to create a show called Teen Dad, Brandon Wilson would make an exceptional candidate. Wilson, now 20-years-old, is a single father of a year-and-a-half old daughter, Delilah. The father has all the right credential s for a Teen Dad show.  He goes to work and school as well as takes care of his daughter.

   “Being a single father makes me work harder to meet my goals”, Wilson tells. With only four credits left in school Wilson is “powering through it” so he can go on to college and get a full time job to further support his daughter. Even though he is highly motivated to reach these goals it is still hard for him to do by himself.

   His daily routine consists of waking up at 7 a.m. and getting Delilah ready then gets himself ready. Once they are both up and dressed for the day he makes breakfast for the both of them then their day starts. Delilah is dropped off at daycare and Wilson goes to either school or work depending on his schedule. Around 4 p.m. he picks up Delilah and has dinner done by 5 p.m. “By bedtime I am exhausted,” Wilson says, “but I still have to clean, do laundry, and sometimes just take time for myself.”

   “Sure it is hectic, and tiring, and sometimes I feel insane but it is the best thing that has happened to me”, Wilson admitted. He remembered the day his daughter was born.”I cried, cried, and then I couldn’t stop smiling. It started to hurt after awhile”, Wilson joked.

    One of the biggest struggles Wilson faces is doing all of this alone. “I cannot afford to miss a day of work or school”, Wilson said while sighing, “rent is $700, daycare is $260 a week, plus groceries and gas.”  Without having an extra hand on the weekends, Wilson’s parents take Delilah while he is working. “It is nice having a free babysitter on the side”, Wilson said with a laugh.

   With teen pregnancy becoming more popular in the United States, Wilson stresses the use of contraceptives. Wilson shared that at the time that Delilah’s mother got pregnant they were using both birth control and condoms. “It proves that teenagers really need to be careful when they are having sex”, Wilson stressed.

   “I didn’t think it would be this hard”, Wilson tells,” I really wasn’t ready for this challenge.” When asked if he had any advice on being a teen parent, Wilson said, “Don’t let it [pregnancy] get you down. Being a parent is a beautiful thing even with all of the stress, so don’t slack off! You need to be all you can be not only for yourself but for your child as well.”

Story 6.

 Nov, 11, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Director Kathleen Mortensen

  What would make someone want to stay in high school forever? Is it the sports, the education, or even the food? According to Paladin Academy Director Kathleen Mortensen, “it’s the kids.”

   With over 4 decades in school, Mortensen admitted at one point in her life she hated school. “After graduation, I never wanted to step foot in another school again,” Mortensen said with a grin. The following fall, Mortensen was the first child in her family to attend college.

   While in school, Mortensen was studying to become a veterinarian. As an animal lover and a fan of science, teaching wasn’t in the picture. Then “something hit me”, Mortensen recalled, “I no longer wanted to be a veterinarian, I wanted to be a teacher.”

   Instantly, she changed her major and received a Masters degree in special education. Mortensen’s schooling didn’t stop then. She later went on to receive another Masters degree in school administration. With both Masters degrees under her belt, Mortensen was appointed Director of Paladin Academy, a non-traditional high school based out of Blaine, Minn.

   As a director of a non-traditional school, Mortensen has the chance to connect with her students on a more personal level. Mortensen knows every student by name and knows their strengths and their weaknesses. Students confide in her with their secrets, their dreams, and their fears. “It is the hardest part of my job; hearing the struggles of these students,” Mortensen shares, “but watching them grow as young adults is the most rewarding.”

   After getting to know these students individually, it is hard for Mortensen to say good-bye. During each year’s commencements, she has to fight back the tears as she shakes each students hand and delivers their diplomas. “I have to think about something else in my mind whether it be items on my grocery list or counting to 10”, Mortensen says, “or the tears will take over.”

   One day it will be Mortensen’s turn to leave her students. “Retiring will be one of the hardest things I will have to do in my life”, Mortensen says, “I will miss the kids.” Don’t think that will stop her from teaching though. When she retires, Mortensen plans on teaching at a college part time and says there is a possibility she will become a substitute teacher but “there are no promises,” Mortensen jokes.

   Alongside teaching, Mortensen would like to continue traveling around the world. She also has hopes of finishing writing a half dozen children’s books she starting with her daughter as well as publish them. Mortensen said she dedicates her children’s books to her newly born grandson, Noah.

   Other than teaching on the side, traveling, and finishing her children’s books during her retirement, Mortensen plans on spending time with the other love of her life, her family. Mortensen is a dedicated wife, mother of two, and recent grandmother.

      Even when she retires, Mortensen hopes students of past, present, and of the future remember “anything is possible if you keep your head strait and stay on focus.”