My Mentor Blog .Com

Swampscott Cub Scouts attend Patriot Muster weekend
Cub Scout Pack 55, chartered to the First Church in Swampscott, recently attended the Patriot Muster Camporee ….

Read more on Swampscott Reporter

Boy Scouts Adventurous: In Reading
Boy Scouts of America is also celebrating an anniversary. As a part of their centennial celebration, the Boy Scouts held “Adventures in Reading.”

Read more on WHIZ News Zanesville

Leader for life: Dick Hall becomes region’s longest-running Cub Scout leader | By Magdalena Wegrzyn © …
HYGIENE – After nearly 40 years as Cubmaster of Hygiene’s Cub Scout Pack 281, Richard Dick Hall still hasn’t lost his passion for mentoring young boys.

Read more on The Longmont Times-Call

 

(Alexandra Rose Rieger center by literacy promotion)

LOS ANGELES, CA: Actress/singer and Youth  Ambassador  Alexandra Rose Rieger at the A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival Sponsored by Disney benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation at the Wadsworth Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

 

What would things look like in a perfect world?  If you don’t know the answer to this question, 150 tween girls from Southern California will have answers for you on Saturday March 13, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at UCLA’s Hall of Fame. Participants are sure to be emboldened by various teen celebrities, politicians and youth leaders who will be listening while these tween girls are gathering for the annual Tween Summit (www.tweensummit.com) and participating in Jermaine Crawford’s Code Blue team (campaign to help combat tween-teen homelessness)

 

RED CARPET AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Celebrities walk the red carpt at 1 p.m. and Interview from 3:30 -4:30

 

WELCOMED PRESS

Any Press outlet with a prime interest to highlight the achievement and the empowerment of youths should write or call for more information or to register to attend the AllyKatzz Tween Town Hall Meeting.  Please contact Kerry Gillick Goldberg of KGG Enterprises, LLC at 1.516.455.3179 or kerry.gillick.goldberg@gmail.com.     

CONFIRMED PRESS INCLUDE

Confirmed Press will be diverse as adult and teen celebrities, and include Popstar! to local television and radio stations which will attend event.

 

ABOUT ‘IN A PERFECT WORLD’

Alexandra Rose Rieger is one of 3 teens around U.S. who is receiving an award for contributions within the affiliated organization. Rieger is a Youth Ambassador for ‘In A Perfect World’ an international charity that seeks to empower youths to become compassionate, socially conscious and responsible leaders. Indeed, Founder and Creator of ‘In A Perfect World.’ Manuela Testolini is also the owner Gamillah, Inc., which is a company with lifestyle brands linked to social causes.  A visionary company headed by a visionary leader.  Where Testolini goes, people take notice, and its not just because she is has a beautiful face or she is the former spouse of the famed Prince.  Testolini is a woman who recognizes the value and power of changing the world for the better and she has a way of doing it; hence, her ambassadors, such as Alexandra Rose Rieger.  Rieger is also a honorary U.N. Youth Ambassador, and was invited on a multi-city tour to Africa and Europe, by UN` Ambassadors working to promote International Literacy.  “No wonder Alexandra is known as a teen celebrity who is giving Hollywood a better name!” says Los Angeles Journalist, Melissa Chataigne.

 

ALEXANDRA ROSE RIEGER MEDIA INFO

Rieger is an award winning actress, appeared in films such as “Akeelah and the Bee” with Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. Recently named “Rising Musician of the Year,” and receiving Grammy interest in her work, Rieger is a singer and musician who just released her single “Harmony” that accompanies her book (which she also illustrated) by the same name. ‘Harmony’ explores the passion of peace and the hope of harmony. As an attendee of Oprah’s Legend Ball Premiere, Rieger recognizes that she stands on the shoulders of those who have come before her. Thus in turn she is driven to use her gifts, talents and influence to make a difference and inspire others to do the same. Subsequent to winning a Scriptwriters Network Fellowship, she was mentored by Don Payne (“Fantastic Four“) and will debut in her screenplay short “Finding Hope,” as well as appear in the upcoming documentary on Global Literacy. This bilingual multi-ethnic renaissance teen is an editor and writer of a recurring column of a S.A.G. Youth Newspaper entitled “Arts In Altruism“, mentored by Peter Debruge, editor from Variety Magazine.

 

RIEGER AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Alexandra’s passion to promote Poverty Alleviation and Educational Development was supported by ‘In A Perfect World’ organization and highlighted when she facilitated a book writing project with children at various organizations (including hospitals, orphanages and schools) in United States and delivering them to the children she visited in Africa and Europe. A short documentary will be made, capturing highlights of the tour and its preparation. Rieger visited various schools, organizations and met with governmental officials.

 

Rieger promoted Education and Literacy through facilitated book projects, speaking engagements and fund raising events. Other highlights included: concerts, donations as well as group projects with various children’s organizations, orphanages and charitable groups.  In addition, Rieger created an original brand entitled “A Star In You,” which is an empowerment platform promoting education, literacy and the arts for disadvantaged youth. See You Tube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXsmR_g0s0A

 

ABOUT TWEEN SUMMIT

There will be 150 tween girls, ages 8-14, from across California and the US to UCLA’s Hall of Fame. Scheduled to begin at 11:15am and end at 7pm, the day will encompass a keynote address that emphasizes the importance of tweens speaking up, taking action, and making a difference in their world, a hands-on “meet & greet” with the A.L.L.Y. Award winners- inspiring tween/teen girls and boys who are committed to changing the world by having formed their own non-profits, a chance to get active with some of UCLA’s most awe inducing female athletes, an opportunity to spread goodwill through Denim Messaging TM- (they’ll bring in jeans to donate to the homeless and after turning them inside out the tweens will decorate them with words of hope and inspiring phrases), and a chance to “Speak Up & Share” with the “Listening Panel”- a group of accomplished adults from entertainment, fashion, sports, etc. that want to know what tweens want. Throughout the day they’ll also interact with some of the hottest tween celebrities and singers! This groundbreaking day will be moderated by tween expert, AK Tweens and AllyKatzz.com founder Denise Restauri along with author, Seventeen Magazine columnist and self-esteem expert Jess Weiner (www.jessweiner.com).

 

ABOUT AK TWEENS

AK Tweens is the premier tween-teen girl resource for everything girls

Are! AK Tweens is built around the country’s largest COPPA compliant tween

networking site, AllyKatzz.com. 100,000 tweenage girl members come share uncensored information about what’s going on in their worlds: opinions, people, places, products and trends. Constantly evolving to address the 2009/2010 AK Tweens added Tween Summits and Tween Town Hall Meetings outreach opportunities.  For general information on the AllyKatzz Tween Town Hall Meeting, please visit http://www.allykatzz.com, www.tweentownhallmeeting.com or email townhallmeeting@allykatzz.com.

 

 

 

ABOUT DENISE RESTAURI, FOUNDER & CEO

Denise Restauri is the country’s foremost tween girl expert. As Founder and AllyKatzz.com, she translates tweenage chatter into valuable feedback companies as they develop new products and services, marketing and and brands geared for girls. Clients include Electronic Arts Inc., AOL’s MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group, Disney Records, Dove go fresh Body Mist, Universal Music, MGA Entertainment, and Girl Scouts of the frequent commentator on the subject of tween-teen girls on national magazines and radio programs including CBS Early Show, The Today Show, NPR, E!Online, USA TODAY, People Magazine and many others.

 

TWEENS TO RECEIVE AWARDS

AK Tweens is pleased to announce the inaugural group of A.L.L.Y Award Winners-tweens/teens that founded their own non-profits- who will be present for “Meet & Greets” at the AllyKatzz Tween Town Hall Meeting: Code Blue Foundation of Mitchellville, MD, Cupcakes for Cancer of Solvang, CA, Green Youth Movement of Beverly Hills, CA, Kids Helping Kids of Brentwood, CA, Kids Who Care Foundation of Tustin, CA, and One Is Greater Than None of Merrick, NY. The National Awards for CertifiK.A.T.’s of Appreciation will also be presented that day to Megan Kilroy of Team Marine, CA, Alexandra Rose Rieger of In a Perfect World, MN and Emerald Angel-Young of Tea Party Angels, NY for their extraordinary contributions within larger organizations.

 

States Restauri, “These tweens and teens highlight the very best of what youth today stands for. They had the insight, the compassion, the courage, the willingness, and ultimately the commitment to stand up, speak out, and lead others by spearheading their own charities or making an impact on a larger non-profit. I am so thrilled to honor them and look forward to expanding the reach of the A.L.L.Y. Awards as well as the CetifiK.A.T.’s of Appreciation at future AK Tweens events. We are forming a Network of philanthropic youth.”

 

SPONSORS

Sponspors include: Bath and Body Works, MacMillan, Daisy Rock Girl Guitars, Dove, Subway, Chronicle Books and more. For more information on sponsorship packages, full day passes and other opportunities, contact Diane Light Waight, 1.770.316.0941 or diane@allykatzz.com

 

# # #

PHOTO GALLERY: Celebrating 100 years of Boy Scouting
Colten Burns, Cub Scout Pack 83, Burlington. KEYSER – In honor of the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouting, and with Sunday, Feb. 14, being Boy Scout Sunday, we asked you to submit photos of some of your favorite Boy Scout moments.

Read more on Mineral Daily News-Tribune

Boy Scout Winter Event: Cold, Snow and Ice
For most people, the comfort and warmth of home is crucial during a cold winter night.

Read more on WSAW Wausau

Boy Scout council seeks National Hall of Leadership nominations
One person from the Boy Scouts of America Overland Trails Council will be inducted into the National Hall of Leadership.

Read more on Grand Island Independent

This is the Best Man’s Speech I actually used so it’s full of errors for a reason. It’s short and simple. Each paragraph below was written on a cue card. These can be purchased in places like Staples (though they’re not called cue cards, usually know as archive cards). On some of the cards I titled what I was meant to be doing. I also made sure EACH CARD WAS NUMBERED!!  An example of the first card is included below:

Note that there is a start, a middle, and a close.

 

The start opens the speech. Nice and easy. It sets the tone of how I was going to approach the rest of the delivery.

 

The middle links various aspects of the grooms traits to each other (mainly camping) and then rounds off with a made up story using these traits. This got quite a laugh when people got it. I can see why people want to be comedians as it felt great having a hundred people laughing with me. The irony is this bit was added at 5am on the day of the wedding. It’s amazing what pressure can lead you to achieve.

 

The end is standard. Always try and end like this.

 

It’s worth noting that during pre-wedding drinks the Groom (or bridesmaids) may question you about the speech (especially after a few drinks). Do not give anything away. Nothing. Not a jot or theme as they may well use it. Remember the groom is on before you, and telling the same joke he just has will not sound better the second time!

 

Would I do it differently? Of course I would, but that’s half the fun of it all.

 

1. Hello ladies and gentlemen, I’m Ben the Best Man and this is the part of the day where I am supposed to make a speech that insults and embarrses Gareth. Well I did first prepare such a speech and here it is [hold up red envelope]. BUT Gareth is the one who writes the cheques so I’ve recently written this other speech which is much kinder [holder up blue envelope]… ah what the hell [tear up blue envelope]

2. Before I begin proper for those of you at the back, if you can’t see me properly, I’m tall, dark and very much look like Pierce Bronson. For those of you at the front PLEASE don’t tell the one’s at the back.

 

3. I would like to thanks and apologize to the photographer. You may not know this but he specializes in taking pictures of horses – so sorry for the lack of false starts and long faces. Though I do believe there is a disk jockey tonight.

 

4. Respond on behalf of the bridesmaids – On behalf of the bridesmaids I’d like to thank Gareth sincerely for those generous words. Yes, the bridesmaids did a great job in pushing… sorry helping Kate up the aisle today but apparently she came to the hotel of her own free will.

 

5. Now I’ve known the groom since we were kids. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him and I know there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for me. Infact we both spend a lot of time doing nothing for each other!

 

6. Now for a bit of history. The roll of the best man originally came from the need for the groom to raid an opposing village and carry off a woman. The best man being his backup. His raiding companions (usually a bunch of bachelors with nothing better to do) became known as groomsmen.

 

7. It is traditional for the best man to speak on behalf of the bridesmaids who for some unexplained reason are unable to speak for themselves. However from what Dave was saying last night I know Kym’s got a healthy pair of lungs and can talk the tip off a pool cue. Only joking Kym.

 

8. So what can I tell you about Gareth? Well it’s a tale of bread, coffee, fish fingers… What? Sorry ladies and gentlemen I appear to have picked up my shopping list by mistake.

 

9. Moving swiftly on to Gareth’s character assassination.

 

10. As I said before Gareth and I have been mates since we were ten and went to cubs. Ever since then he’s been mad about the great out doors. Infact he fancies himself as a bit of a Ray Mears character.

 

11. He can make a shower out of a pair of trousers, a tent out of a parachute and he knows how to stun a grizzly bear with a Frisbee…. But ask him to make a simple cup of tea…

 

12. In his school years he did all the usual suburban things. Played football, wore sandals, got teased, was a cub scout then a full scout. This is where he learnt the important things in life. Such as not wearing sandals, setting fire to his parents workroom and playing with his woggle a lot.

 

13. Indeed the resourceful spirit hasn’t left Gareth. And when we went camping not so many years ago his resourcefulness came into full force.

 

14. The irony being of course that it wasn’t field craft or medics badge which came in handy it was his painting and mechanics badge. You see it was on this little trip that Gareth had a serious and lost.

 

15. The argument was between the car we were in and a range rover coming the other way.

 

16. What made it worse was the car he was driving wasn’t Gareth’s at all, it was his dad’s shiny new vectra.

 

17. So if you need any paint or body repairs Gareth’s your man! He did a really top job on the wing I can tell you.

 

18. On a positive note though Gareth’s skills did come into full effect when we locked ourselves out of my Dad’s old Beetle in Betws-y-coed. Soaked through to the skin in our hiking gear with night falling and a bemused group of onlookers Gareth has an idea. He walks up to the car and rubs his bum on the door. Magically it unlocks.

 

19. I’m standing there mouth open “How did you do that”. He smiled and said, “Kahrki Pants”. [wait for audience to get it]

 

20. I regret to say that Gareth has been suffering from PMS this week. Pre-Marital Stress.

 

21. Between flapping I asked Gareth what he was looking for in this marriage. He thought carefully for a few moments and said “Love, happiness and eventually a family”. When I asked Kate the question, without hesitation replied “A coffee perculator”. Well actually she said a “Perky copulator”… but I knew what she meant.

 

22. Kate I have spent the last five minutes talking about your husband Gareth. It has been clear to me for a long time that you are meant for each other. Provided one thing… IF Gareth EVER says anything to you that can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry – Gareth meant the other one.

 

23. What can I say about Gareth? We’ll he’s handsome, witty, intelligent, charming… per! Per! Sorry Gareth I’m having trouble reading your writing.

 

24. Before I draw to a close it’s time for me to read you a few messages from people who could not be here today. Read normal letter from Bob and Pat.

 

25. Dear Gareth and Kate Congratulations on your marriage. Please can you come into the shop to settle your remaining bill as your credit limit has been reached. Lots of love for the future signed Anne Summers. Not too sure who she is.

 

26. And finally… success is getting what you want and happiness is wanting what you get. I know you both want what you’ve got. Thank you for listening to me, I have one more duty, no honour to perform on behalf of the bridesmaids and myself ladies and gentlemen & Athers please be upstanding. The toast is to Gareth and Kate.

 

Conclusion

The Best Man’s speech is usually the bit all the guests are looking forward to. While the bride and groom are all wrapped up in their special day, every one else wants the Best Man’s Speech to enlighten them and make them laugh. This is usually quite easy if the guests have been drinking wine and being bored senseless by the other sentimental speeches. Keep the speech positive, clean and clever and you should be onto a winner. Remember practice is the key to doing it right.