Happy New Year! We hope that 2012 is filled with friendship, new opportunities, and life-long memories for you and your Little!January is National Mentoring MonthIt takes a community of families, volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters staff and donors to successfully provide long-term, professionally supported one-to-one volunteer mentoring services. Thank you so much for all you do as a Big!
|
|
2012 Bigs of the Year
Each year Big Brothers Big Sisters honors those Bigs that were able to help their Littles accomplish extraordinary things. We are proud of each and every one of our Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples who have committed to making a difference for each child in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. This year we honor these Bigs for their significant impact:
Community Based Big Sister of the Year - Leona Hamrick
Big Sister Leona Hamrick and Little Sister Amanda have been matched since April of 2002. For nearly 10 years, this pair has seen each other through many of life's changes. When they first met, Amanda was in elementary school, but as Amanda entered her early teens, she began associating with the wrong crowd, performing poorly in school, and making bad choices in her personal life. Luckily, her Big Sister Leona was there to help turn her life around. With guidance from Leona, Amanda enrolled in online classes and graduated from high school early. Today she is on her way to earning a college degree, with career goals in mind and a bright future ahead of her.
Over the years, Big Sister Leona helped Amanda with just about everything from school work, finding employment, applying to college, and occasionally driving her to class. Through it all, this match has been there for each other for almost 10 years. Little Sister Amanda and her mother are like family to Big Sister Leona and says she, "feels like there would be an empty place in her heart had she never been matched with her Little Sister."
Community Based Big Brother of the Year - Richard Perry
Big Brother Richard Perry and Little Brother Andrew have been matched since September of 2009. Since being matched, Big Brother Richard has helped Andrew with his difficulties in peer relationships and failing grades in school. Andrew continues to progress; he is learning to be respectful of others, and his class participation and behavior have improved tremendously throughout the years. He recently won an award for his hard work and determination during the 2010-2011 school year.
In 2010, both of Andrew's grandparents passed away within several months of each other. Big Brother Richard has stayed by Andrew's side through the death of his grandparents, transitional living situations, and continues to be part of his life, now in foster care. Richard has undergone all additional background screenings and trainings required by the foster care facility without any objection. He visits Andrew weekly in foster care and they talk on the phone between visits. Richard is determined to be there for Andrew and refuses to give up on him, stating that "he is willing to do whatever is necessary of him to stay his Little Brother's mentor."
Community Based Big Couple of the Year -
Doug Spiker & Christine Battista
Big Brother Doug Spiker, Big Sister Christine Battista, and Little Brother Garion have been matched since October of 2008. When this match was paired, Little Brother Garion was living in Dunedin, but has since moved 6 times within 3 years, and now lives in south St. Petersburg. This Big Couple constantly works with their Little's mother to establish more stability for the family; including their living situation, schools and health care. When the couple noticed that Garion was having health issues, they made him a doctor's appointment and drove both he and his mother to the clinic. This past summer, the Big Couple arranged for both Garion and his brother to attend summer camp so that they would remain active and supervised.
Matched with positive role models, Garion has made remarkable improvements in his reading ability, overall interest in school, grades, and general outlook on his future. This Big Couple is determined to remain in Garion's life no matter where he is, and regard him as a member of their family.
School Based Big Sister of the Year - Demetria Johnson
 Big Sister Demetria Johnson and Little Sister Rosemarie have been matched since March of 2007. Within the first couple of outings, Big Sister Demetria noticed that Rosemarie had difficulties communicating and slurred speech due to sucking her thumb. Others had trouble understanding Rosemarie, but her Big Sister quickly became the only one who could identify with her words. Demetria started helping Rosemarie with her reading skills and using polite manners. Over the years, Rosemarie has improved progressively; now showing her determination to read and finish books completely.
Before being matched with Big Sister Demetria, Rosemarie was headed down a road of frustration. Her Big Sister was able to connect with her, and get her to focus on what was important - school and behavior. After more than 4 years of having a consistent and patient Big Sister, Rosemarie has shown huge improvements in school work, test scores and a positive change in her attitude. Today, Big Sister Demetria continues to visit with Rosemarie at school; currently in 5th grade. Witnessing what a pleasant young lady Rosemarie has become is pure enjoyment for Big Sister Demetria. She has found both a friend and "true Little Sister".
School Based Big Brother of the Year - Bill Walsh
Big Brother Bill Walsh and Little Brother Jeremie have been matched since November of 2008. Jeremie was in desperate need of a male role model in his life and quickly grew close to his Big Brother, Bill. Jeremie looks forward to his weekly visits and several of his teachers have stated that his behavior is always better on the days that Bill visits him. Jeremie's third grade teacher even stated that he would start talking about his Big Brother's Thursday visits on Monday. Bill stays in close contact with Jeremie's teachers and helps with any behavioral problems that arise.
Besides serving as a great role model to Jeremie, Bill is a strong advocate for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Bill works for the Tampa Bay Rays and within his workplace; he has recruited several other BIGS by speaking of his experiences with Jeremie. For over 2 years, Bill has made a real difference in the life of a child, and by telling others about his experiences, he has made this possible for several other children as well.
High School Big of the Year - Caitlin Bryant
Big Sister Caitlin Bryant and Little Brother Dylan have been matched since October of 2009. Dylan's mother wanted him to have a mentor at school that would encourage him to do his best and to improve on his behavior in class. His teachers needed him to work on developing peer relationships, staying focused, and having better behavior in the classroom.
Matched with a positive Big Sister, Dylan has made tremendous improvements in his grades, behavior, and social skills. Because of his Big Sister, he now enjoys school and is making new friends. The relationship has not only helped Dylan, but it has also helped Big Sister Caitlin, who struggles with a disability. She now realizes that she can do anything she sets her mind to and will be attending college after she graduates from high school this year. Big Sister Caitlin has not only been a role model to Dylan, but to her peers as well. In her school, she speaks about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program often, in hopes of recruiting more High School BIGS. By serving as a role model to a younger child, Caitlin has made a real difference for a boy who needed guidance and improved her own outlook on life at the same time.
|
|
Mike Alstott Sports Day
Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank everyone that participated in Mike Alstott's Sports Day on Saturday December 17th at St. Petersburg  Catholic. BIGS and Littles from Pinellas, Hernando, & Citrus Counties enjoyed a fun-filled day of football clinics, cheerleading lessons, games, face paintings, music, autograph sessions and photos with Mike Alstott.
You are invited to view the Alstott Family Foundation picture album by clicking on the picture to the right.
|
| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
How much money should I spend on an outing?
Your relationship with your Little should be more about the time you spend together than the money you spend. We encourage Bigs to do inexpensive activities rather than doing activities that cost money, especially in the beginning. Going bowling is fun once in a while but if you are doing events like this all of the time, your Little may come to expect it. With any child, if you set a standard of buying things for them, that can set your Little up with high expectations that may be difficult for you to honor later in the relationship, which may also create disappointment in your Little. It's often the simple things that matter the most. We also encourage you to use your outings to teach the value of money to your Little, by setting a maximum amount that you will spend and allowing them help decide how that money will be spent.
The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities- like those listed in Match Flash, or be creative and think of your own. Shoot hoops at a local park, play a game together, have a picnic or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Sometimes we offer group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. You will also receive notices for opportunities for free tickets for your match to attend a variety of cultural and sports activities. Remember to discuss major gifts with your Match Manager and the parent before you give the gift to your Little.
|
Movies for $3.00
Spring Hill 8 - Touchstar Cinemas
2955 Commercial Way, Spring Hill Located on US 19, behind the Outlet Mall and Pizza Hut Movies that have just left the big screen can still be seen at Touchstar Cinemas for a low price! You not only won't miss out on seeing the next big flick, you will save big and have a selection of pictures you wouldn't see at most any theater. Regular prices are as follows: $3.00 matinees (before 6pm)
$3.00 children, seniors, students, military
$4.00 adults (after 6pm)
3D films are an additional $3.50
Foreign films are priced differently.
Art Pictures are priced as follows:
$4.00 matinees (before 6pm)
$4.00 children, seniors, students & military $5.00 adults (after 6pm) For more information call 352-666-6566
|
| Activities in Our Community |
|
EVERY SATURDAY
Farmer's Market
8:00am-2:00pm
Throughout Downtown Brooksville
The weekly Farmer's Market includes veggies and fruit,"direct from the farms", plants, herbs, soaps, jams, candy and other goodies. Local eateries open for your refreshments. For more information, call 352-848-0090.
FIRST SATURDAY MONTHLY
Home Depot "How to Workshops"
Home Depot Stores
9:00am-12:00pm
Kids' "How to Workshops" are free and are designed for kids of the ages 5-12. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills as well as tool safety. At the same time, this workshop helps to instill a sense of personal accomplishment. This time of fun allows for quality time between adults and children.
In addition to the new project kit that will be given, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons and an achievement pin.
For more information, visit www.homedepot.com
SECOND SATURDAY MONTHLY Market Days at Heritage Village 9:00am-3:00pm
The Shoppes of Heritage Village
657 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, FL 34428 Market Day with Art is on the Grounds of Heritage Village on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Plants, produce and Local Artistic Talent & Craftmanship are invited to participate. Don't forget to visit the specialty shoppes & eateries in the Historic Downtown District, Citrus Avenue, Crystal River. For more information, call 352-564-1400 or visit: http://www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/
SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic 10:00am-11:00am Lowe's Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring your Little into Lowe's to build their project of the week. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Go to Lowesbuildandgrow.com to sign up at the store nearest you.
|
Starting Thursday, January 12
Tennesse Wiliams - A Streetcar Named Desire
Weekends January 12-22, 2012
Opening Night Thursday, Fridays, & Saturdays 8pm
Sundays 2pm
Stage West Community Playhouse
8390 Forest Oaks Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34606
The play reveals the character of Blanche du Bois, a woman whose life has been undermined by her romantic illusions, which lead her to reject-so far as possible-the realities of life with which she is faced and which she consistently ignores. The pressure brought to bear upon her by her sister, with whom she goes to live in New Orleans, intensified by the earthy and extremely "normal" young husband of the latter, leads to a revelation of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness. Price: Adults $15 - Students $8.
Saturday, January 14
The Bronx Wanderers
7:00pm
Hernando High School Performing Arts Center
700 Bell Ave
Brooksville, FL 34601
This group performs everything from songs of the 50's and Doo Wop to Disco. The amazing talent of this group does not stop with their talented vocals or their precise musical ability; their energy abounds from the stage to the audience! This is a show you don't want to miss. Price: $25. Reserved seating only. For information, call (352) 799-5577 or visit www.hpag.org.
Children's Wildlife Jeopardy Program "Amphibians"
12:00pm-12:30pm
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, FL 34448
A program on amphibians at the Children's Education Center at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Price: Regular park admission For information, call Susan Strawbridge (352) 628-5343 ext. 1002.
Saturday, January 28
Monthly Bird Walk on Pepper Creek Trail
8:00am-10:00am4150 S. Suncoast Blvd
Homosassa, FL 34448
Experienced birders from Citrus County Audubon Society, will lead the walk on this trail, one of 19 birding trails in Citrus County that are part of the West Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Participants should meet at 7:45 a.m. at the entrance to the park's Visitor Center and the bird walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. Binoculars and a field guide are recommended. Please call the park office in advance to sign up for the bird walk by calling (352) 628-5445 ext. 1002 or Susan Strawbridge at (352) 628-5343 ext 100. A minimum number of participants is required. Price: Free.
|
1 Year
Andrew Venta Loro Jr. & Aaron ● Dawn Fish & Ezekial
5 Years
Lisa Little & Gia
8 Years
Chester Jones & Jeremiah
|
|
BBBS Communications Survey
We would like for all of our Bigs to complete the following survey to help us improve our agency communications. By taking a few minutes of your time, we will gain insightful information on how to make the best use of our resources, be able to recruit more Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples and ultimately serve more of the children who need us.
|
Support BBBS through Matching GiftsPlease visit our online database to see if your employer has a matching program. If they do not, please reach out to your Human Resources department or business owner to inquire about starting one. Big Brothers Big Sisters can work with your organization to set up a matching program, or direct payroll deductions.
|
New Home or Phone?Please help us keep our records up to date.
|
|
