COACHES CORNER

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

RAVE ABOUT LITTLES: KAYLEE AND RAYANNA

FAMILIES IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE?

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE

MONEY-WISE KIDS: BORROW OR NOT TO BORROW?

HEALTHY KIDS: 8 CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY FIT

CRAFT ACTIVITIESCRAFT ACTIVITIES

MATCH HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 12THMATCH HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 12TH

DEAR MATCH COACH: WHY DO YOU CALL ME MONTHLY?

MATCH ANNIVERSARIES

WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE: DECEMBER

McDONOUGH COUNTY UPDATE: DECEMBER

CHECK IT OUT: WWW.FINDGRAVY.COM

TEEN PROGRAMS UPCOMING EVENTS

CAREER NAVIGATORS / CAREER CRUISING—DECEMBER

PUTT-A-ROUND 2016– REGISTRATION OPEN!

DECEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 5

INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE:

SHOW YOUR LITTLE HOW TO GIVE—VOLUNTEER TOGETHER! The Christmas season can often be so focused on gifts and receiving, that it may be difficult to show your Little how to see beyond that. Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with the latest video game, fashion or toy. For a child, it can be extremely difficult to not get caught up in the craze of gift-getting! One way to help a child see beyond their own wishes is to find ways to give back to others during this time of year. Get involved with the Salvation Army Kettle Bell Campaign. The campaign provides assistance to over 6 million people during the Christmas season and helps more than 34 million Americans recovering from disasters. Volunteers only need to give two hours of their time ringing a bell at a local shopping area. If you think this might

be a good volunteer opportunity for your match, call the Salvation Army volunteer hotline at 563-271-7933. Perhaps an even easier way to be involved in making someone else’s holiday is to send cards to residents at your local hospital or rehab facility. While many of us are enjoying our holiday season there are individuals spending that time in health care facilities and hospitals. It is important to realize everyone’s holiday season may not be as bright. Create cards with well wishes and words of encouragement for those on the road to recovery.

BBBS hopes you and your Little find the perfect way to give back this holiday season. Feel free to share ideas or pictures with us by emailing kbabers@bbbs-mv.org!

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RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: KAYLEE

If your Little’s family or someone you know is in need of assistance this holiday season, check out some of the local resources below.

COATS FOR KIDS: Slightly used coats are donated by individuals and through various school and business coat drives. Burke Cleaners, a program partner, cleans the coats and delivers them to the distribution center located at Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency's Bettendorf Office. http://www.qcacoatsforkids.org/Coats for Kids 729 21st Street, Bettendorf, IA 52722 563-344-6539

SALVATION ARMY OF THE QUAD CITIES: Clothing

vouchers for those who qualify are available. http://www.salvationarmyqc.org/ Salvation Army of the Quad Cities 301 West Sixth St., Davenport IA 52801 563-324-4808

KINGS HARVEST offers hot meals three times a week and grocery giveaways are provided the second and fourth Saturday each month at 10 a.m. The monthly giveaway is open to the community the 2nd Saturday of the month from 8:30 till 10:00 a.m. King’s Harvest is able to provide toiletry items, jackets, socks and underwear, and bedding for those in need. The community is able to receive toiletry items each month; such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. King’s Harvest gives out diapers and wipes to those whom have their children with them at the time. Winter jackets,

socks, gloves, hats, scarves are available to choose from. Bedding is also available for the community. King’s Harvest is able to provide blankets, sheets, and towels as well.

http://www.kingsharvest.net/

FRIENDLY HOUSE: Food and gift baskets are available for Davenport residents living west of Brady Street, south of Central Park Avenue, east of Lincoln and Elmwood Avenues. Applications are taken the first week of November for December distribution. Gifts are available for children 16 and under as well as senior citizens.

1221 Myrtle Street, Davenport. Phone: (563) 323-1821, ext. 17. Contact Person: Jodi Stock, Family & Senior Services Supervisor. Reservations requested at (563) 323-1821, ext. 17.

For more resources visit, www.unitedwayqc.org/

uploads/2012/08/Community-Resources-at-a-Glance-2015.pdf

LITTLES’ FAMILIES IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE?

Big Sister Sonja Gillen tells us that this September her Little, Kaylee was awarded “Student of the Month” in Mrs. Waller’s

fourth grade class. Kaylee is nine years old and her favorite subjects are math and

reading. She really enjoys being active and doing gymnastics.

Great job Kaylee and keep up the great work!

Rayanna is in the 7th grade and has recently been placed in both

advanced math and literature classes. She is also quite the seasoned

musician in her 5th year of playing the viola. Rayanna and her Big Sister,

Melissa Pajunen have been matched for six years and love to go to Niabi

Zoo and interact with all the animals. BBBS would like to congratulate

Rayanna on her academic achievements.

RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: RAYANNA

Money Means Time Money Means Time Your financial support is needed! Every hour

spent with a Little can make a BIG impact!

Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers serve more than 650 children a year.

Each BBBS Match is professionally supported by staff and AmeriCorps

workers who recruit, interview, enroll, train and coach volunteers,

guardians and Littles.

Make a pledge to support mentoring go to

www.bbbsmv.org click on DONATE.

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Numerous online shopping sites are available for individuals to use to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Most sites are basic search shopping sites that provide users with discounts at many of the well-known national merchandise companies. Simply browsing through these sites may provide cash back to BBBS. Shopping sites also provide cash back to the organization on purchases. Below are a few examples of sites with brief descriptions of their programs. In most cases, simply selecting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley as your charity of choice provides us dollars to continue our important mission! AmazonSmile is a simple/automatic way for you to support BBBS every time you shop. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to BBBS. How do I shop at AmazonSmile? Go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser. You may also want to add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to make it even easier to return whenever you shop. Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile? Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. How do I select BBBS to support when shopping on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select a charitable organization before you begin shopping. The site will remember your selection, every eligible purchase you make going forward on AmazonSmile will result in a donation to BBBS. Our official name is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley.

iGive really is as simple as it sounds. With iGive.com, you register yourself and your cause on the iGive.com website. You then shop any of the 1,400+ stores connected to the site. iGive.com tracks your purchases and provides you with information on both your purchase and matching donation. The site also has great user friendly tools on the site to allow you to save store sites and favorites. BBBSMV donations are usually sent within 45 days of the purchase.

Join the movement!

Goodsearch started as an idea…and now it has turned into a movement. More than 15 million people used Goodsearch last year to support more than 100,000 non-profits and schools. Since 2006, Goodsearch users have raised more than $9 million, participated in over 1.1 billion charitable actions, and have truly made a difference.

So, how can i simply do good? It’s easy. Just pick Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, then, as you go about your daily activities, you’ll be raising money for our mentoring cause – at no cost to you! You can watch the dollars add up on the GoodSearch site. And, as you share your actions with your friends, you can inspire them to also make a difference every single day.

The three primary ways you can earn money are through searching the Internet and shopping online. Here’s a quick explanation of each of them:

Goodsearch: Search the Internet with our patent-protected, Yahoo!-powered search engine and we’ll donate about a penny for nearly all searches to your selected cause.

Goodshop: Shop at participating stores and a percentage of what you spend will be donated to your cause at no cost to you. Oh, and by the way, there’s a big added bonus here too. Goodshop lists more than 100,000 coupons and deals so you could save money while doing good!

Good-to-go add-ons: The GoodShop To-Go Button and Goodsearch Plug-in install in less than 30 seconds and help you to earn donations for your favorite cause when you shop and search even when you don’t visit Goodsearch first!

Earn money for your cause with everyday spending. Simply JOIN, CHOOSE YOUR CAUSE, and SHOP. When you "click" on a merchant or a money-saving coupon on Buy4, you will be sent to that merchant's site. When you make an eligible purchase on the merchant's site, a percentage of each sale will be credited to your cause's account in 2-3 days. As a member, you can view these donations online and even support multiple causes. Buy4 never sees your credit card information or performs any of the transactions. Shopping through Buy4 does not cost any more than shopping directly on our partners' sites, and can even save you money when you use a coupon.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 5

By IHMVCU staff I have to have it! A new video game console, a new bike, how about the latest iPhone? Would you borrow money to have these things right now? What if I told you you’d spend $300 on the phone, but you’d end up owing $360? Still want the phone? You’re charged interest when you get a loan. That means you end up paying back more than you borrowed. Borrowing money! How much does it cost? Your borrowed money comes with a fee. As mentioned before, when you borrow money you’re paying interest on that money. Time limits are put on loans. You’re expected to repay the money you borrowed within a specific time frame, fees included. Let’s say you borrow $500 for a car. Your financial institution has given you a year to repay with 8% interest. You’ll end up paying an extra $21.88 for the convenience of borrowing money. Is it worth the extra money? Before you borrow money, make sure it’s an absolute need, not a want. Needs are essential to your everyday life, such as a car, food and education. A want is something you just…want! You could probably live without it, at least for a while, so save for it. It’s important to keep wants and needs separate. Those who don’t, run into financial trouble. Sometimes it’s necessary to borrow money for major purchases like an education, a car, a house, or maybe even to meet unexpected

expenses. Your ability to get a loan generally depends on your credit history, and that depends largely on your track record of repaying what you’ve borrowed in the past and paying your bills on time. So, be careful to keep your credit history strong. Here are some helpful hints and tips for a strong financial future:

• Borrowing money is a way to purchase something now and pay for it over time. You typically pay “interest” when you borrow money. The longer it takes to pay back, the more you’ll pay in interest.

• It pays to shop around to get the best deal. Compare loan terms from several lenders. It’s okay to negotiate the terms. • It may be better to pay more than the minimum amount due each month, so you’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan. • One of your most important aids when shopping for a loan is the APR – the Annual Percentage Rate. This is the total cost, including interest charges and fees, described as a yearly rate.

Ideally, you’d pay back any money borrowed as soon as you can. Maybe you’ll set aside money from your next three paychecks. A good suggestion is to avoid spending anything “extra” until you pay back the loan. The sooner you pay it off, the less “extra” money you owe.

MONEY-WISE KIDS: TO BORROW OR NOT TO BORROW?

Thanks to IHMVCU for their Money-Wise Kids

Sponsorship!

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1. Plan a Scavenger Hunt

One great way to get kids away from all the electronics is to organize a scavenger hunt. The best part about scavenger hunts is that you can do them anywhere, whether you are at a home, at a park or on a trip! Some inspiration for scavenger hunts can include hunting for certain items in nature or going to the zoo and searching for specific animals.

2. Host an Olympics The best part about hosting an Olympics is you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to participate! Hosting your take on the Olympics is the perfect excuse to rally up friends and family for some old-fashioned fun. You don’t need much to pull off these games: just some designated open space and easy-to-use props.

3. Make Household Chores Fun Vacuuming, sweeping, walking the dog, raking the leaves and even loading the

dishwasher work your muscles and burn calories. Make chores a fun, bonding activity by turning up the music as you work together.

4. Fitness Night Designate some evenings as a fitness night. Your Little can help choose the activities that you will do together. Whether it’s hill climbing, walking, jogging, yoga, rollerblading, stair climbing, basketball or playing Twister – each of you gets to do something you enjoy, and the workout never becomes dull!

5. Plan Outdoor Activities Spending time outside will not only give you a healthy dose of Vitamin D, but is also an easy way to meet your fitness goals. Swimming, biking, hiking, canoeing and walking are great summer activities, while hockey, ice skating and sledding are great activities for the winter months.

6. Fun Day Days spent at the museum, theme parks, the pumpkin patch or the zoo not only offer an array of interesting activities, but also incorporate a lot of walking.

7. Volunteer Together Volunteering will not only allow a Big to spend time with their Little, but your Little will learn about the joy of helping others, and make the world a better place. If your Little likes animals, volunteer to walk dogs at the shelter, or if they love nature, initiate a trail cleanup! Maybe they would like to visit seniors at a nursing home.

8. Wii Fitness If your Little loves video games, why not take advantage of it? Wii Fitness offers an array of fun sports games that incorporate movement that will keep your Little moving indoors as we enter the colder months. These bonding activities will not only help you and your Little spend quality time together, but will also help incorporate fitness into your daily lives. By UnityPoint Health—Trinity staff

EIGHT CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY FIT WITH YOUR LITTLE

Thanks to UnityPoint Health-Trinity for their

Healthy Kids Sponsorship

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 5

To register for a Match Activity contact Kayla Babers at 563-323-8006 or email kbabers@bbbs-mv.org

DECEMBER: WINTER WONDERFUL CRAFT ACTIVITIES

Sharpie Mugs: As the weather becomes frightful this craft will surely be delightful in keeping both you and your Little busy. You will need white mugs. These should be easy to find at any dollar store. You will also need an assortment of oil-based Sharpie markers for decorating. After you have designed your mug to your liking remember to bake your mug at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Whether it be your favorite quote or an intricate design, Sharpie mugs are perfect for morning coffee or gift giving this holiday season.

Baking Cookies: You and your match can grab some pre-packaged cookie dough or make your own from scratch. Either way cookie decorating is perfect with some hot cocoa to keep you warm this winter. Grab some sprinkles and your favorite frosting for a sweet treat your match can enjoy.

Collage Wreath: Use everyday items from around the house to create a collage wreath. Using a paper plate or card board for the base, use glitter, ribbon, yarn, stickers, newspaper or whatever else you would like to decorate your wreath. Add Clothes pins and photos of your match to create an awesome picture display of you and your Little. For more projects or detailed information of the above crafts visit BBBS’ Pinterest page @ https://www.pinterest.com/bbbsmv/

The BBBS Match Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, December 12 from 3:00—5:30 p.m.

At The River’s Edge in Davenport, 700 W. River Dr.

Join BBBS for an evening of ice skating and glow in the dark human foosball!

Pizza and soda will be served.

Please RSVP by December 10 to Kayla at kbabers@bbbs-mv.org

BBBS 2015 HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER 12TH!DECEMBER 12TH!

COACHES CORNER

Little’s First Name

Big’s First Name

Big’s Last Name

Years Matched

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 5

CELEBRATE DECEMBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES!

DEAR MATCH COACH: WHY DO YOU CALL ME EVERY MONTH?

Little’s First Name

Big’s First Name

Big’s Last Name

Years Matched

Match coach of the month: Morgan

Dear Volunteer, You’re busy, and we understand that. In addition to being a Big, many of our volunteers have full-time jobs, families and participate in other community organizations, and we think that’s awesome! We understand why sometimes you’re not able to take our calls when we try to contact you, and why calling us back isn’t on the top of your priority list, but we do want you to understand why we are calling, and why speaking with you is important. As laid out by the national BBBS office, monthly communication is required through the first year of your match and regular communication with your Match Coach is still an important part of participating in the program throughout the life of your match. In addition to monthly phone calls, your Match Coach is also in touch with your Little, his or her parent/guardian, and the staff at your Little’s school to help maintain a healthy match relationship and make the experience better for all parties. The purpose of Match support is to:

Keep you updated on agency activities and connect you with tickets to community events we may have been gifted by other organizations.

Offer activity ideas for you and your Little and find information and resources you and your Little may be interested in.

Help you communicate with your Little, his/her family and teacher.

Work with you to resolve any conflicts or answer any questions you may have about your match.

When Should You Contact Your Match Coach? If you have concerns about your Little or your match. If you have any questions about your role as a Big. To report any safety concerns or emergency situations. Get feedback about your match from your Little’s perspective

or that of his or her parent/guardian. Share fun stories about you and your Little. (We LOVE these!)

Your Match Coach is an experienced professional who is

there to help strengthen your match. We are always excited to speak

with you and discuss how we can work together to positively impact

the lives of youth in the community.

Kallissa Jessi Black 7

Taurean Keith Schulte 6

Caylie Julie West 5

Derrick Mary Jagers 5

JaeMonty Chris Downs 5

Jonathan Bryan Cook 5

Kathryn Kelley DeBaene 5

Ian Bruce Clark 5

Rodolfo Joe Moralez 4

Fatima Linda DeLaCruz 2

Raven Melody Oltmann 2

Asia Amanda Johnson 2

Isaiah Robert Juarez 2

Isaac Tom Hannah 1

Kalea Blythe Young 1

Dionte Ricky Peer 1

Andrew Ben Makovec 1

Addison Bernadene Bowles 1

Ventre Kelan Ritchie 1

Mackenzie Chris Sederstrom 1

Keely Jennifer Weiser 1

Daveion Meghan Hoyle 1

LaNiva Amanda Romaniak 1

Chris Dave Burnham 1

Talan Ethan Taylor 1

Congratulations to all our Matches!

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 5

WHITESIDE COUNTY DECEMBER UPDATE Featured Match of the Month Tatum and Pam! Tatum and Pam have been matched for three years, and have a great time together! In October they attended our Halloween Bash and Pam was runner up for the costume contest! Tatum and Pam enjoy making Christmas cookies together, which I am sure they will be doing again soon! Thank you, Tatum and Pam!

Something to Try with Your Little Christmas is coming very soon! Why not create an ornament with your Little, that they can either gift to their parents or just spruce up their tree? This cute little pine cone fairy ornament is fun and unique! http://lifewithmoorebabies.blogspot.ca/2013/12/ pine-cone-winter-fairies.html

Thanksgiving Turkey Baskets Our Thanksgiving Turkey Baskets was a great success! We received all of our donations including turkeys from CGH Medical Center. Thank you so much for your extreme generosity! Things to do around the Sauk Valley Area The Big Red Church Community Concert Date: Thursday, December 3rd at 7pm The Big Red Church located at 311 Second Avenue, Sterling will be hosting their Community Concert on Thursday December 3rd at 7:00 pm. For more information contact Janet Clites at 815-625-5112. Dixon Downtown Christmas Walk Date: Friday, December 4th 6 pm to 9pm Kiwanis Club Annual Breakfast with Santa Date: Saturday, December 5th 8:00 am – 11:00 am Kiwanis Club will be hosting their Annual Breakfast With Santa on Saturday December 5th from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at the Sterling Moose Lodge located at 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling. Woodlawn Arts Academy Presents Elves at Work Date: Saturday, December, 5th at 9 am Woodlawn Arts Academy will be hosting several workshops on Saturday December 5th. You can choose from Wrapping & Bow-making Workshop, Frazzled & Frizzled in the Holiday Kitchen, Holiday Blown-Glass Ornament Workshop or Social Artworking Painting Party. Advance registration required please contact Woodlawn Arts Academy for more information and cost at 815-626-4278. Dillon Home Museum Christmas Walk Date: Friday, December 4th, and Saturday, December 5th at 10 am Friday December 4th & Saturday December 5th the Dillon Home Museum will host their annual Christmas Walk with guided tours at 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm & 3:00pm. Non-guided walk through from 7:00-9:00pm. As well as a non-guided walk on Sunday, December 6th from 1 pm to 5pm. Free for Children 12 & under, $3.00 for Adults, $2.00 for Seniors (60+), $6.00 per family, $2.00 per person

for group of 20 or more. Sterling Theater Presents an Ugly Sweater Contest Date: Thursday, December 10th at 7pm The Sterling Theatre located at 402 Locust Street, Sterling presents an Ugly Sweater Contest on December 10th at 7:00 pm. They will be showing the movie National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation". 6th Annual Santa's Workshop Date: Sat. Dec. 12, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday, at the Whiteside County Senior Center. K-4th grade, gifts range from .50 to $3.00 (10 item limit) What better way to teach children the gift of giving, than to be given the opportunity! Their special team of elves will be guiding the children through Santa's Workshop. Make your lists, check them twice, and mark your calendars for a fun filled morning with Mr. and Mrs. Clause and all the elves. Breakfast with Santa Date: Saturday, December 12th 8:00 am - 10:30 am at the Whiteside County Senior Center Adults $3 - Children $1.50 Any questions please call 815-625-7433 Sounds of the Holidays Concert Date: Sunday December 13th at 2 pm The Sauk Valley Community College Department of Music presents sounds of the holiday season, at the Sterling High School Centennial Auditorium. Admission is free for this event and will include performances by SVCC’s Concert Choir and Concert Band. Under the direction of new Sauk adjunct faculty member, Elizabeth Judd, the afternoon will feature moving, sentimental, and upbeat music to enrich your holiday season including selections from the movie Polar Express, Greensleeves, Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, Panis Agelicus, and Below the Mistletoe. For more information about the program or to enquire about the SVCC performance ensembles, please email Elizabeth Judd, elizabeth.a.judd@svcc.edu. Abiding Word presents Blitz Christmas Date: Saturday, December 19th at 6 pm and Sunday, December 20th at 10 am. Everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas in a very exciting and unique way this year! Blitz Christmas from Kidz Blitz Ministries, is coming to Abiding Word 806 E Lynn Blvd in Sterling on Saturday, December 19th at 6:00 pm and Sunday, December 20th at 10:00 am. This family experience is a mash-up of rockin' Christmas music, extreme games and crowd participation. This event is free and open to the public. Library Meal and a Movie Date: Tue. 29 Dec, 2015 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Sterling Public Library, 102 West Third Street, Sterling, hosts Meal and a Movie on the last Tuesday of each month. A soup and sandwich meal with beverage is served at noon followed by a movie at 12:30 p.m. Attendance is free, but donations are accepted. Visit the library's website at www.sterlingpubliclibrary.org for more information.

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 5

MACOMB: BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE A BIG SUCCESS!

Since the November edition for Coaches Corner, tons of great stuff has happened at BBBS of Warren and McDonough Counties. We got 9 new volunteers ready to be matched (photos next month!), we had a WIU RPTA class put on a wonderful Halloween carnival for our kids (16 Littles were there), we made 3 new matches, and Bowl For Kids’ Sake was an enormous success! The Force is strong with our little office (new Star Wars comes out in December!), and we want to thank everyone, from top to bottom, for the continued and unparalleled commitment to the kids of our community. NEW MATCHES Big Sister Kirsten is a wonderful role-model for young people, and she has so much in common with Little Sister Morgan. (Morgan’s biological sister is also a Little!) They hit it off right from the start, and the sky’s the limit.

Big Brother Nate and Little Brother Rusty took no time at all to become great friends, and it was nothing but smiles at the introduction. (Rusty’s biological brother is also a Little!)

Big Sister Lauren and Little Sister Paige are “old pros” in our program, so putting them together was a no-brainer. Paige is a super nice kid with a great attitude about everything and Lauren has a real desire to be a positive influence in the life of a young person. Three great new matches!

We also need to recognize Big Sister Lori and Little Sister Jadalyn. These 2 young ladies go together like peas and carrots, and we want to [belatedly] say CONGRATULATIONS!!!

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE New matches are always #1, but a close second is the 2015 BFKS event, held 7 November 2015 at Digger’s College City Bowl in Macomb. This was the 15th year of BFKS!!! We had more than 30 teams of bowlers raise funds, and we had a wonderful cast of sponsors donate in support. The efforts of those bowlers and sponsors allow us to continue providing one-to-one professionally supported mentoring for the kids of western Illinois, and the fact that we met our goal means the community appreciates what we do. To all of our Bigs: YOU are the reason the people of McDonough County donate and raise funds for us. You should feel proud of what you’re doing for the kids, and know that the community has taken notice. Here are some of our favorite photos from the event, in a collage. To see the rest, log on to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bigbrothersbigsistersofmcdonoughcounty.

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Tuesday, January 26, 4:30-6:00 2122 25th Ave., Rock Island, IL

If you and your Little find yourselves doing the same thing each time you get together, check out findgravy.com or download the free app on your IPhone or Android.

With only a zip code and a selected date, Gravy will generate a list of local activities that you and your Little can enjoy.

Deviate from your normal routine and try something new with your Little this winter.

Gravy — Local Events That Fit Your Mood

If you are still having difficulty finding fun and interesting

activities for your match, contact Kayla at kbabers@bbbs-mv.org.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO? BBBS TEEN PROGRAMS

January Career Navigators

Thursday, Jan. 7 Two sessions:

5:15—6:45 p.m. and 7:00—8:30 p.m.

West High School Davenport

Tuesday, Dec. 1 or Thursday, Dec. 3 6—7:30 p.m. at

The Center, 1411 Brady St., Davenport LEARN ABOUT THE 2016 COMPASS PROGRAM

Help your Little explore ways they can achieve success in life!

To register call Kathryn at 563-323-8006 or email kallred@bbbs-mv.org

SNOWBIRD 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Co-Ed Division: Jan. 29-31 Men’s Division Feb. 12-14

For more information on team registration go to www.bbbsmv.org

DECEMBER CAREER NAVIGATORS OPPORTUNITIES

To register for the CN Tour, email Kathryn at kallred@bbbs-mv.org

CAREER NAVIGATORS—DECEMBER

Crime Scene Investigation

Thurs., Dec. 17th. 4:30—6:00 p.m. Davenport Police Station, 416 N. Harrison St.

DON’T MISS THIS EXCITING CAREER NAVIGATORS TOUR!

Learn about different careers involved in Crime Scene Investigation from real CSI’s at

the Davenport Police Department.

COACHES CORNER

Match Night—Tuesday, Jan. 19 Course open Jan. 20-22

Largest,

custom built,

indoor

mini-golf

course in the

Midwest!

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 5

11th Annual

Putt-A-Round

Play the BIG PUTT for a chance to win $10,000!

Make a Hole-In-One on any hole and get a chance to win a

$100 value cash prize each day!

Enter our 50/50 cash drawing each day!

Enjoy great food at each shift provided by area restaurants!

Network in the Putt Clubhouse!

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

Big Putt and Hole in Ones

Team Photo Op

Event Venue

The Clubhouse

MEDIA SPONSORS:

Qualify to Win a Milwaukee Get-Away!

REGISTER YOUR TEAM and/or RECRUIT A NEW TEAM BY Jan. 8th (new means they did not play last year) and you will be entered in the drawing!

Make sure you are named on the “referred by” line on the registration form.

The more teams you recruit, the more entries you get! Prize includes use of a Lexus vehicle, 2-night stay at Holiday Inn & Suites, dinner for two at Thunder Bay Grille (Pewaukee, near Milwaukee) and two $100 TicketMaster gift cards.

Sponsored by:

Register on line at:

www.bbbsmv.org/putt

Presenting Sponsor:

High Top Tables

COACHES CORNER

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 Christmas

Lighted Parade

3 Teen Crafts

College Hill Holiday Walk

4 Christmas Walk in

LeClaire

5 Christmas in Silvis

DeWitt Hometown Christmas

6 19th Century Christmas Deere-Wiman Winter in Bloom

7 k Club 8 Paper Hands

Wreaths

9 Early Release

activities Bettendorf Library

10

11 Gallery Hop in Rock

Island

12 Cinnamon Swirl at

Rock Island library

13 Season of Light—all week John Deere Planitarium

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Parties

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John Deere Pavilion Skate with Santa

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR – DECEMBER, 2015

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31 New Year’s at Noon + Celebrate the Noon Year!

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OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! DECEMBER Christmas Lighted Parade- December 2 starting at 4:30 PM at 700 - 1000 blocks of 15th Avenue in East Moline. First are the children's events and then the Lighted Parade at 6:00 PM. Call 309-781-7926. Teen Crafts- December 3 at 6:00 PM at 30/31 Branch Library at 3059 30th Street in Rock Island to make a Doctor Who’s weeping angel. FREE! Call (309) 732-7369 College Hill Holiday Walk- December 3 starts at 5:00 PM at 30th and 14 Avenue area at each store get a passport stamp for a raffle entry, See Santa and Carolers while shopping. FREE ADMISSION! Christmas Walk in LeClaire December 4-6 for FREE trolley rides and more while shopping around the 67 Cody Road area. Call 563-289-4242 ext. 61135 Christmas In The Village, December 4-5 at 6:00 PM-9:00 PM in the Village of East Davenport at Mound & 11th Street. Come and enjoy carolers, children’s activities, Santa and fireworks. FREE! Call 563-324-6137. "Christmas in Silvis “-December 5 at 5:30 PM-8:00 PM at 121 11th Street. FREE Admission! They will have children’s activities, Santa, and more. Call 309-755-3393. Dewitt Hometown Christmas- December 5 at 9:00 AM-7:00 PM for kid’s activities first with “Arthur Christmas” movie (FREE with can food donation) and FREE Photos with Santa. Later are the Fun Run and then the Lit Pickup Parade down 6th Avenue at 5:30 PM. See http://dewitt.chambermaster.com/events/details/dewitt-s-hometown-christmas-241 19th Century Christmas- December 6 at 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Butterworth Center at 1105 8th Street and the Deere-Wiman House at 817 11th Avenue in Moline to see the two holidays decorated homes with children’s activities and Santa (bring a camera). FREE! Call (309) 743-2701. Winter in Bloom- December 6 at Noon-4:00 PM come to the Hauberg Center at 1300 24th Street in Rock Island for the holiday children's activities, live music, and pictures with Cinderella. FREE! Call (309) 732-7666.

Southwest Branch Family Crafts- December 8 at 6:00 PM at Southwest Branch at 9010 Ridgewood Road in Rock Island where the whole family can make a Paper Hands Wreath. FREE! Call 309 -732-7338 to register since it is required. Early Release Activities- December 9 at 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at Bettendorf Public Library at 2950 Learning Campus Drive for activities for teens like games or movies. Call 563-344-4175 Gallery Hop!- December 11. Open house events at the Rock Island District to see the local arts. FREE! To see more go to http://ridistrict.com/Events/Events/Gallery-Hop!.aspx Cinnamon Swirl- December 12 at 2:00 PM come to make ornaments & more at the Rock Island Library at 401 19th Street. FREE for all ages! Season of Light – December 12-18 to see what the skies look some 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born at John Deere planetarium at 820 38th Avenue. FREE! Call 309-794-7327 for reservations. Pinterest Craft parties- December 17 at 6:00 PM at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch at 3059 30 Street to make a Holiday Wreath. FREE! Reservations required. Call 309-732-7369. Free Kid's Craft Day- December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the John Deere Pavilion at 1400 River Dr. in Moline. FREE crafts activity just for kids. Call (309) 765-1000. Skate With Santa- December 19 from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM at the River’s Edge at 700 W River Drive in Davenport. Call (563) 322-5220 for more information. New Year's @ Noon- December 31 at 11:30 AM-12:30 PM at the Bettendorf Family YMCA at 3800 Tanglefoot Lane. There will be a Bounce house, coloring, prizes, dance party and a countdown to noon with a balloon drop! FREE for Y Member and Non-members must purchase a day pass. Call (563) 359-9622. Celebrate the Noon Year- December 31 at 9:00 am – Noon at the Family Museum at 2900 Learning Campus Drive in Bettendorf for kids to celebrate the New Year with a countdown to noon with noisemakers, party hats, and confetti! FREE with membership otherwise it is a paid admission. Call (563) 344-4106.

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