![\"\"](\"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Candy-Gutierrez-R-Tianna-Lane-L.jpg\")
<\/a>\nPhoto: Candy Gutierrez (L) Tianna Lane (R) <\/p>\n
\u201cCandy is an extraordinary volunteer,\u201d said Lindsey Titus, Youth Development Programs Coordinator for the Calaveras County Office of Education. \u201cShe goes above and beyond, dedicating not only her time as a mentor, but also her creativity as an artist, to the program.\u201d <\/p>\n
Over the past year, Candy has come to truly admire her mentee Tianna. \u201cTianna is a remarkable thirteen-year-old,\u201d said Candy. \u201cShe is polite, mature, and confident in any group. Working with Tianna keeps me young mentally and physically. She is such a joy to spend time with.\u201d<\/p>\n
During their time together, Candy and Tianna enjoy cooking, sewing, knitting, and hiking. \u201cOne of our favorite memories was when we hiked around Lake Alpine,\u201d said Candy. \u201cTianna wasn\u2019t a fan of the bugs, but it didn\u2019t matter because we were both in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tianna is very fond of Candy. \u201cCandy is thoughtful, kind, creative, understanding, and fun,\u201d said Tianna. \u201cBefore meeting Candy, I didn\u2019t know I was creative. Candy has opened me up to a world of cooking, sewing, and art. She is always there to offer support with school and to talk. I am lucky to have her as a friend.\u201d <\/p>\n
Candy retired as a school teacher after 31 years. In her spare time, she is a member of Independence Hall Quilters and a docent at Big Trees State Park. Candy wrote and received a grant from the Calaveras Community foundation for the \u201cSew Young\u201d program that now offers free sewing lessons in an after school program in Calaveras County. \u201cThe best moment is when you see the light bulb go off in a kid\u2019s head and they finally get it,\u201d said Candy. \u201cI\u2019m just an additional person in their life to help smooth out the bumps.\u201d <\/p>\n
Candy is an avid supporter of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. She also creates a scrapbook every couple of years that staff use to describe the Mentoring Program to new participants. \u201cThe best part of the Mentoring Program is that the whole community can benefit from it,\u201d said Candy. \u201cAs a mentor, I get to listen, understand, and adjust as needed. I now have a lasting friendship with an amazing young person. I have gotten more out of being a mentor than I could have ever known.\u201d <\/p>\n