Match Flash Citrus and Hernando March 2012

March 2012 - Hernando & Citrus DONATE

Match Moment

BS Sydney Millet & Becca

Big Sister Sydney Millet & Rebecca

Hernando County

This match continues to get stronger and stronger as they approach their 4 year anniversary. They have enjoyed a variety of outings together such as playing tennis together, going to the park, bowling, going to the movies, going to the YMCA, dancing to music and having girl talks about school and life overall. This Big Sister has been a constant figure in her Little's life even after moving to Tampa. While being counties away, Sydney remains committed to Rebecca and the program in an effort to be the friend Rebecca deserves.

Big Sister Sydney says that she "loves spending time with her and thinks she's a remarkable little girl." When asked by her Match Support Specialist, Vanessa Castrogiovanni, what she feels is the best part about her match, Sydney replied saying its "understanding the influence and impact I have on her." Sydney said she feels she is playing a tremendous role in Rebecca's everyday life even though she is not there all of the time. Sydney said "she always amazes me in different ways and I feel that we were the perfect match. This encourages me to keep making a positive impact on her and to guide Becca as a sister would. We truly have a special bond."

Rebecca's parents have always regarded their match as a solid friendship and have stated "it's just wonderful, we couldn't ask for a better Big Sister than Sydney!" The family has noticed that Rebecca has improved greatly in her studies; she is currently in Middle School and excelling with confidence. As Rebecca continues to mature with every school year and every milestone, the family knows her Big Sister will always be there to support her in every way she can; and such a high caliber role model is not easy to find. Even with challenges due to the physical distance between Rebecca and Sydney, their closeness is unmistakable. Their bond is one that is inspiring to all of us as it truly shows the importance of being persistent and committed to the best interests of a child in need.

Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Sydney and Rebecca.

Agency Information & Events

Save the Date!

The BIG Celebration

Friday, April 27, 2012

6:00pm-9:00pm
Mahaffey Theater

400 1st Street S.

St. Petersburg

Please save the date for our annual BIG Celebration - BBBS's signature event of the year to honor all of our Bigs, donors and corporate sponsors who are committed to changing the lives of children facing adversity in our community.

Please click here to register today!

Thursday March 15, 2012

Park Lane Spring Collection 2012

6:00pm-8:00pm; Doors open at 5:30pm

Tuscany on the Meadows
Citrus Hills Lodge

350 E. Norvell Bryant Hwy.

Hernando, FL 34442

Reserve your space today for the Park Lane Jewelry fundraiser which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters! There will be a 25 cent auction, incredible raffles, surprise jewelry giveaways and many door prizes. Tickets are $15, which includes beverages, appetizers and a paddle for unlimited participation in "Quarter Mania"!

You must have a ticket (reserved seat) to attend. To reserve your space, please contact Sheri Chancey at 352-422-1329 or schancey@gmail.com

Thank you to Tuscany on the Meadows for their dedication to supporting the children in our community with this event!

Click here to view the event flyer.

Saturday March 24, 2012

Teenstock 2012

Gates open at 11:30am; Music starts at noon

Museum Cafe

10466 W. Yulee Drive

Homosassa, FL 34448

Please come out to the 3rd Annual Teenstock, "Kids Helping Kids" event, which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters! Listen to teen bands, including: Haley Schroeder, Sophie Robitaille, Grounded 4 Life, Zero Gravity and more! Please bring chairs; food and drink will be available on site. Dogs and coolers are not permitted. $7 for adults, $3 for teens, children 10 and under FREE. The Shrimpa Palooza parade with Teenstock Kids starts at 10:30am.

Click here for the Teenstock 2012 flyer

Thank you to this years' event sponsors: Nature Coast Friends of the Blues, Inc., The Citrus County Chronicle and Citrus 20/20.

Make BBBS Your Charity of Choice!

Are you involved with an organization who is planning an event or fundraiser? Do you have, or know of a business who would like to give back to the community? Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Pinellas, Hernando and Citrus Counties is looking for local organizations to participate in our Charity of Choice program!

A couple of ideas on how to become a Charity of Choice partner would be to have a special day at your place of business where a % of the proceeds benefit our agency, or to hold a special event for a group, where part of the the entry fees or food and beverage sales benefit our local children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

To participate, all event planning would be the sole responsibility of the organization that chooses us as their Charity of Choice. Due to a very limited staff, our agency cannot participate in actual event planning, but could potentially send a representative on the day of the event. To help promote the event, our agency would be happy to communicate details of your event to our constituents through email newsletters and social media, as appropriate.

If you have a Charity of Choice idea or suggestion, please contact Christine Battista, Marketing & Communications Coordinator: 727-518-8860 ext 231, or ChristineB@bbbspc.org

BIG Thanks

Bright House Networks

Thanks to a very generous in-kind donation from our friends at Bright House Networks, our David Price PSA is now airing on several TV stations! The spot will air through March 4th between 6:00am and midnight each day, on 29 networks! Exposure of this magnitude will help us reach countless potential Bigs and donors, ultimately helping us to serve more of the children who need us. We are truly fortunate to have such wonderful corporate partners that support our mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it so important to stay in contact with my Match Support Specialist?

Match Support Contacts are required to be done with all parties, Parent/Guardian, Little, and Big on either a monthly or quarterly basis depending on the length of your match. This policy was put into place to enhance the match relationship but also to ensure child safety. Often there are times during match relationships, just like any relationships, when there are bumps in the road and your Match Support Specialist will be there to guide and support you. These circumstances are often difficult so rely on BBBS staff to guide you through this difficult time. They will give you ideas, encouragement, and assistance to help your relationship with your Little and their family to grow. Also, Match Support Specialists are a great resource for outings and activity idea.

Activities in Our Community

In an effort to streamline Match Flash, many recurring events have been moved to our website. Be sure to visit the "Bigs Only" section of our website to view recurring community events that you and your Little can take part in. Please click on the links below to view the information most helpful to your match:

Match Activity Ideas - organized by age group

Big Perks - coupons and deals for local activities

Community Events - recurring events organized by day of the week

Community Events by Date

March 2

Weeki Wachee Swamp Festival: Carnival Night

4:00pm

Linda Pedersen Park at Jenkins Creek

6300 Shoal Line Blvd. (CR 597), Hernando Beach

Swamp monsters roam the grounds at this event with entertainment by local performers, craft booths, a swamp monster costume contest for cash prizes, a Lil' Critter Corner for kids and swamp-themed food. The event features a carnival from noon to 10 p.m.

Price: $3 adults, 12 and younger free. For more information please contact (352) 596-3757

March 3

Read Across America: 'Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss'

10:00am-5:00pm

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee

Celebrate the world of Dr. Seuss with a parade, children's games vendors and promotions to encourage elementary-age students to read. Hosted by the Hernando Classroom Teachers Association and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, this two-day event is part of the National Education Association's "Read Across America" reading motivation and awareness program. Regular park admission applies: $13 adults, $8 for ages 6 to 12, free for ages 5 and younger. For more information contact (352) 592-5656 or visit weekiwachee.com.

Hernando Reading Festival

10:00am-1:00pm

Nature Coast Technical High School

4057 California Street, Brooksville

Attend for the chance to meet local children's authors and entertainers, Bay News 9 meteorologist Brian McClure and Tony the Balloon Guy. This annual event also offers food, games, door prizes, goody bags for the first 300 children and a children's book sale. Free admission. For more information call 352-797-7018

March 3 & 4

The Weeki Wachee Swampfest

Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm

Linda Pederson Park

6400 Shoal Line Blvd., Weekie Wachee

This statewide annual event offers visitors more than 140 arts and crafts vendors, a variety of food to enjoy and an entertainment bill that features dancers as well as folk, country and instrumental musicians. A 'Lil Critter Corner' provides games and prizes for kids and the 'Swamp Monster Contest' invites attendees to dress up in costume for cash prizes.

Admission $3. Kids until 12 enter for free. Free parking and free shuttle.

For more information call 352-596-3757 or visit www.swampfestweekiwachee.org

Floral City Strawberry Festival

March 3rd 9:00am-5:00pm; March 4th 9:00am- 4:00pm

Floral Park

9530 S. Parkside Avenue, Floral City

This festival offers activities for all ages including live entertainment, more than 150 craft vendors, contests, rock-climbing wall, pony rides, a display of antique cars and continuous children's activities. Don't forget to visit the numerous food vendors and the strawberry shortcake tent.

For more information call (352) 795-3149 or visit www.citruscountychamber.com

Weekends March 8 to 18, 2012

The Music Man

Thursday, Fridays, & Saturdays at 8:00pm; Sundays at 2:00pm

Stage West Community Theater

8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill

Experience live musical theatre with Stage West and their production of The Music Man. The plot follows con artist Harold Hill, who attempts to scam a Midwestern town by posing as the organizer of a boy's marching band. Watch as Hill's plans go off-course when a local librarian sees through his schemes. Adults: $15, Students: $8

For more information call 352-683-5113 or visit www.stagewest.net

March 10

Children's Wildilfe Jeopardy Program: Bats

12:00pm-12:30pm

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa

Learn all about bats at this question and answer Jeopardy-style program for all ages, presented in the Children's Education Center in the Wildlife Park. Regular park admission applies. For more information, please call 352-628-5343

March 10 & 11

Art in the Park 2012

March 10, from 10:00am-5:00pm

March 11th, from 10:00am-4:00pm

Tom Varn Park

306 Darby Lane

Brooksville, FL 34601

Enjoy a day at the park for the 28th Annual 'Art in the Park' presented by the Hernando Fine Arts Council. Under the shade of the trees, kids can paint, design Mother's Day cards and have their faces painted. This event also features a county-wide selection of student art, fine arts and crafts displays, vendors and live entertainment. Free admission. $1 donation requested for parking. For more information, call 352-754-4788 or visitwww.hernandoarts.org

March 17

Market on Main Street

9:00am

Downtown Brooksville

Main Street, Brooksville

This downtown outdoor event offers plants and fresh produce, plus a craft and antique fair. Free admission. For more information contact (352) 848-0090

Puss in Boots

1:00pm

East Hernando Branch Library

6457 Windemere Road

Brooksville, FL 34602

Visit the local library for a free showing of Puss in Boots. Watch as the legendary Puss in Boots embarks on a heroic journey, teaming up with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty Softpaws before he ever meets Shrek. The event includes free popcorn and beverages in addition to a round of fun movie trivia. Free admission. For more information call (352) 540-6391

March 17 & 18

Fort Cooper Days

9:00am-4:00pm

Fort Cooper State Park

3100 S Old Floral City Road Inverness

Come and experience Florida history at Fort Cooper State Park during Fort Cooper Days. The event will feature living history demonstrations, Second Seminole battle reenactments, period arts & crafts, exhibits, entertainment, great food and refreshments. Reenactments are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and you should arrive an hour prior to the above reenactment times to ensure full viewing.

Admission: Adult $6.00 donation. 12 years old and under free.

For more information please contact 352-726-0315

March 31

Homosassa Springs Heritage Day

10:00am

Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

4150 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa

Heritage Day exhibits and programs in the Florida Room on the history of the park and the Homosassa area. Free admission. For more information, call (352) 628-5343

Match Anniversaries

1 Year

Stephen Woodbury & Hunter; Samantha Neilson & Liani

4 Years

Sydney Millet & Rebecca

6 Years

James Yant & Julius

Quick Links

Match Moment

The Big Celebration

BBBS Events

Charity of Choice

Big Thanks

FAQ

Activities

Anniversaries

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