May 2014 coaches corner

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COACHES CORNER VOLUME 6 ISSUE 5 MAY 2014 HELPING YOUR LITTLE TO OPEN UP TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP This isn’t how you pictured your relaonship with your mentee turning out. She was supposed to burst out the door of her home with excitement every me you picked her up, hang on your every word, and spend at least half of her me with you laughing and smiling. Hasn’t quite worked out that way? There can be any number of reasons why your mentee doesn’t appear to find your me together as enjoyable as you hoped. Some of those reasons may have nothing to do with you. One mentor had been taking her mentee to a wide variety of restaurants in the hope she would learn about foods she had never tried. She was sure she would be especially excited at a Mongolian barbecue, where she could assemble her own ingredients and watch a cook sr-fry them. Instead, she was not very responsive and the mentor was discouraged that her mentee seemed unimpressed. However, when she met with the parents a while later, they said that she had raved about the restaurant and convinced the family to go there! This mentor learned that she couldn’t necessarily judge the impact of her efforts by her mentee’s outward reacons. There are several things you can try that can get below the surface to idenfy what your mentee is really feeling. Be paent. Dig a lile deeper to see what the real issue is. It could just be that trust is sll being built between you and your mentee, and she is just tesng you to see if you will leave (possibly like others in her life have before you). Young people don’t respond well to pressure, especially young people in need of a posive adult role model. Find avenues that are natural outlets for your mentee to talk, and eventually she may share what is blocking her from enjoying her me with you. Idenfy acvies jointly. Research shows that empowering your mentee to select acvies you’ll do during your visits together is one of the factors that contributes to the success of a mentor/mentee relaonship. One mentor/mentee match had two jars, one filled with low-cost acvies the mentor wanted to do, the other with low-cost ideas the mentee wanted to do. They took turns picking an acvity from their jar during each visit. Help her past her shyness. It could be that your mentee is just shy and having a hard me opening up. One mentee was a very quiet child. Aſter several visits, her mentor told her she would tell her whole life story to the mentee and keep talking unl the mentee “cried uncle.” It got both of them laughing and broke the ice. Ask a family member for ideas. Parents and caregivers like to be asked their opinions. Consider talking on the phone to gain some ideas or insights. Check this out with your mentee first to be sure he or she feels comfortable with this effort. Source: Mentoring for Meaningful Results by Krise Probst and Search Instute. Copyright 2006. Helping your Lile to open up Keeping in touch with your Lile this summer HAVlife ideas for your LIle Ideas for things to do with your Lile Bigs’ Night Out—Successful networking! Website Resources—Money-Wise Kids Year End Celebraons! Congrats to all BBBS grads! Match Anniversaries in May Birdies for Charity—a great way to help! Mothers of Liles—Best Giſt for Moms Macomb Update Healthy Kids: Asthma triggers Save the Dates—Summer Events 24th Annual Plant Sale—May 3-11 100 Days / 100 Bigs—We need your help Art Craſts with your Lile Get to Know BBBS—Courtney Jones Community Calendar INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 24th Annual Plant Sale

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Newsletter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley - Quad Cities, Iowa and Illinois.

Transcript of May 2014 coaches corner

Page 1: May 2014 coaches corner

COACHES CORNER M A Y , 2 0 1 3

V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 5 M A Y 2 0 1 4

HELPING YOUR LITTLE TO OPEN UP TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP This isn’t how you pictured your relationship with your mentee turning out. She was supposed to burst out the door of her home with excitement every time you picked her up, hang on your every word, and spend at least half of her time with you laughing and smiling. Hasn’t quite worked out that way? There can be any number of reasons why your mentee doesn’t appear to find your time together as enjoyable as you hoped. Some of those reasons may have nothing to do with you. One mentor had been taking her mentee to a wide variety of restaurants in the hope she would learn about foods she had never tried. She was sure she would be especially excited at a Mongolian barbecue, where she could assemble her own ingredients and watch a cook stir-fry them. Instead, she was not very responsive and the mentor was discouraged that her mentee seemed unimpressed. However, when she met with the parents a while later, they said that she had raved about the restaurant and convinced the family to go there! This mentor learned that she couldn’t necessarily judge the impact of her efforts by her mentee’s outward reactions. There are several things you can try that can get below the surface to identify what your mentee is really feeling. Be patient. Dig a little deeper to see what the real issue is. It could just be that trust is still being built between you and your mentee, and she is just testing you to see if you will leave (possibly like others in her life have before you). Young people don’t respond well to pressure, especially young people in need of a positive adult role model. Find avenues that are natural outlets for your mentee to talk, and eventually she may share what is blocking her from enjoying her time with you.

Identify activities jointly. Research shows that empowering your mentee to select activities you’ll do during your visits together is one of the factors that contributes to the success of a mentor/mentee relationship. One mentor/mentee match had two jars, one filled with low-cost activities the mentor wanted to do, the other with low-cost ideas the mentee wanted to do. They took turns picking an activity from their jar during each visit. Help her past her shyness. It could be that your mentee is just shy and having a hard time opening up. One mentee was a very quiet child. After several visits, her mentor told her she would tell her whole life story to the mentee and keep talking until the mentee “cried uncle.” It got both of them laughing and broke the ice. Ask a family member for ideas. Parents and caregivers like to be asked their opinions. Consider talking on the phone to gain some ideas or insights. Check this out with your mentee first to be sure he or she feels comfortable with this effort.

Source: Mentoring for Meaningful Results by Kristie Probst

and Search Institute. Copyright 2006.

Helping your Little to open up

Keeping in touch with your Little this summer

HAVlife ideas for your LIttle

Ideas for things to do with your Little

Bigs’ Night Out—Successful networking!

Website Resources—Money-Wise Kids

Year End Celebrations!

Congrats to all BBBS grads!

Match Anniversaries in May

Birdies for Charity—a great way to help!

Mothers of Littles—Best Gift for Moms

Macomb Update

Healthy Kids: Asthma triggers

Save the Dates—Summer Events

24th Annual Plant Sale—May 3-11

100 Days / 100 Bigs—We need your help

Art Crafts with your Little

Get to Know BBBS—Courtney Jones

Community Calendar

INSIDE THIS

ISSUE: 24th Annual

Plant Sale

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APPLY TODAY FOR A HAVlife GRANT FOR YOUR LITTLE

ACTIVITY IDEAS: THINGS TO

DO WITH YOUR LITTE

Question: What are the rules regarding keeping in contact with my Little over the summer? Answer: In a School-Based match, summer contact is not required. In fact, as part of our ground rules, School-Based matches cannot meet outside of school unless prior arrangements have been made with your Match Coach. If you choose to, you can maintain contact with your Little via email, phone, or snail mail. If you take a vacation, send your Little a postcard or send them a simple note letting them know you are thinking of them. You can also occasionally call your Little just to check in!

Before the school year ends, discuss this with your Little and decide what you want to do. It can be as simple as exchanging your addresses or phone numbers. Your Match Coach will keep you updated on potential summer activities, but please remember you are NOT allowed to transport your Little in your car for any reason or arrange summer visits without prior permission from your Match Coach. Thanks for another great year, have a wonderful summer!

DEAR MATCH COACH: KEEPING

IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LITTLE Thinking of you!

GREAT NIGHT OF NETWORKING AT BIGS’ NIGHT OUT! We have had a busy month handing out HAVlife grants, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it! Congratulations to these Littles for pursuing new interests and using the HAVlife grant to do so!

Jennifer: fitness classes at the YMCA

Da’Shae: volleyball

Rodolfo: guitar lessons at River Music Experience

Kaeden: dance lessons at RusHour Dance Studio

Samantha: dance lessons at The Dancer’s Place

Autumn: softball

Arianna: softball

Tevyn: baseball

Spencer: baseball

Michael: baseball

Chris: baseball

James: baseball For more information about HAVlife grants contact Jaime

Keller at [email protected]

Are you stuck trying to figure out new things to do with your Little? How about giving these ideas a try! Community-Based: Check out a play at a local high school. Plant a tree or a garden. Go fishing! Hit the bike trails! School-Based: Make a scrapbook from memories of the school year. Decide if you’ll stay in touch over the summer. Phone calls, postcards, emails? Take three whiffle balls or Nerf balls and learn to juggle!

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COACHES CORNER

Our April Bigs’ Night Out was a success thanks to Integrity Integrated for sponsoring and to Modern Woodmen Park for hosting. We had a great time cheering on the River Bandits from the Sky Deck, and chatting with Bigs and their guests. Thank you all for coming and taking part in the fun! We have a busy summer ahead, so the next Bigs’ Night Out will be in October.

GREAT NIGHT OF NETWORKING AT BIGS’ NIGHT OUT!

CELEBRATING END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!

At BBBS we wanted to thank all of our School-Based Bigs for their commitment to their Little throughout the school year. Each School-Based match was given a “sweet treat” and a simple game to enjoy together in celebration of another school year of being matched. While playing the Marvelous Me (M&M) game, matches were able to reminisce about their favorite memories throughout the school year, and discuss some of their plans for over the summer all while enjoying a yummy M&M cookie.

Drew, a Little in our School-Based program, said “the best thing about school this year was when my Big visited me!”

Thanks to our sponsor!

Thank you Bigs for making such a huge impact on our community and the youth we serve!

MONEY-WISE KIDS WEB RESOURCE When you get a chance check out the “Bigs Only” part of the www.bbbs-mv.org website. It features many resources for you to use with your Little. One valuable resource to use are our Money-Wise Kids guides which will help your Little better understand personal finance and money basics. Each activity link connects you to things you can read and do with your Little to help them learn about money. This can lead to further discussions and actions, like working with their parent or guardian to help them set up a savings account. Check it out. This program has been created specifically for BBBS by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union and sponsored by that organization. IHMVCU has sponsored this program for two years and includes the sponsorship of two Match Activities a year. The next one is in May at Modern Woodmen Park. Attend with your Little and learn about basic operations of the River Bandits store. (see May Match Activities for details on page 8). Here are the activities topics featured on our website:

Lesson One—Decision Making

Lesson Two—Debt

Lesson Three—Credit

Lesson Four—Investments

Lesson Five—Careers, Income and Salary

Lesson Six—Earning Money

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RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE! CONGRATS TO ALL GRADS!

Thanks for all you do!

Congratulations to all of our Littles graduating this year! Elementary Grads: Nicholas, Samantha, Anya, Tatum, Sequoia, Jacob, Andrew, Calista, Malik, Kristina, Alyana, Susie, TaJalli, Grace, Trinity, Jayme, Aaron, Bethany, Destiny, Perionah, Tejana, Brooklynn, Sadie, Cierra, Marjorie, Jayden, Tyree, Marc, Alysa, Ava, Terry, Preston, Victor, Kaeden, Nacari, Kyle, Blake, Nevaeh, Daesheanna, Malakai, Jessica, Robert, Emma, Noah, Kaitlyn, Malique, Tamier, Tabitha, Dareann, Autum, Brice, Raquel, Adam, Breann, Andrea, Luke, Ali, Christian, Gwendolyn, Avianna, Savanah, Nahriah, Maddy, Jonathan, Isabella, Josiah, Elizabeth

Middle School Grads: Junior, Da’Shae, Savannah, Shawna, Anthony, Brandon, Antario, Marissa, Isaiah, Donovan, Rodolfo, Lexus, Jerrion, Antoinette, Gage, Patience, Maricela, Matthew, Boe, Elijah, Damian

High School Grad: Karina

We are so proud of you all!

Little’s Name Big’s First Name Big’s Last Name Years Matched Rylee Marsha Jackson 1

Zayvion Nicholas Martinez 1 Aniyah Amanda Rader 1 Antario Milton Shaw 2 Jusele Jeanne Ferris 2 Eden Laci Halverson 2 Jacob Troy Eichelberger 3

David Sam Till 3 Sydney Gloria Smith 3 James Justin Landwehr 3 Gwendolyn Caitlin Godvia 4

Starr Karla Pinner 8

MAY MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! ADULTS WHO WERE

MENTORED AS A

CHILD IN A BBBS

PROGRAM WERE:

75% more likely to

receive a 4-year degree.

46% more likely to have an average household

income of $75k+.

62% more likely to volunteer in their

community.

77% set higher goals in life for themselves.

THANK YOU FOR

VOLUNTEERING

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A MOTHER’S GREATEST GIFT: A MENTOR FOR THEIR CHILD

The John Deere Classic will again include the Birdies for Charity

Program, a unique giving program that includes a percentage match from

the tournament. Fill out your Birdies Pledge today by visiting our website

www.bbbs-mv.org.

How Birdies for Charity Works:

1) MAKE A FLAT PLEDGE OR BY THE BIRDIE!!! Individuals can make a flat

dollar pledge OR pledge for every "birdie" made during Classic. At the

conclusion of the tournament, you will receive a pledge statement

indicating the amount due of your pledge.

2) YOUR PAID PLEDGE WILL BE MATCHED!!! Once all the pledges have

been collected, the Classic will tally the results and match 5% of the

collected pledges with Bonus Bucks. In 2013, the John Deere

Classic matched collected Birdie pledges by 10%!!!

3) WIN PRIZES FOR GUESSING THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF BIRDIES!!! Not

only does your gift get matched by the Classic, each person who makes a

pledge has the opportunity to guess the exact number of birdies that will

be made during that year's tournament. The one person who guesses the

exact number of birdies will win the grand prize (a new car!!!). If you’re

close, you might win one of over 500 other great prizes.

SUPPORT BBBS THROUGH BIRDIES FOR CHARITY PROGRAM

BBBSMV BIRD

NUMBER: 416

Throughout the month of May, as we honor mothers, Big Brothers Big

Sisters of America is highlighting mothers who believe a mentor for their

children is among a mom’s greatest gift.

“He’s very active in sports,” says Jessica, whose son

Nicolas has been waiting for three years to be matched

with a Big Brother. “He’s always the only child, the only

athlete there, without a father. When he does

something exceptional at school, which is all the time,

I wish he had someone that he could go and just tell,

‘Look what I did today!’ or ‘Come and watch me play.

Let’s hang out.’ For this Mother’s Day, one of the

biggest gifts would be a Big Brother for my son Nicolas.”

Another mom, Alicia, compares Cheyenne, her older

daughter who has a Big Sister, to Breanne, her younger

child who is on the waiting list. “I can tell that my oldest

daughter enjoys being with her Big Sister and I wanted

the same thing for Breanne. I wanted Breanne to be

happy, too, because she sees her sister having so much

fun.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on donations to recruit,

screen and match “Bigs” with “Littles” in professionally

supported long-term mentoring matches. Independent studies and Big

Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey data find children in our

program improve in school, their behavior, their self-esteem and their

relationships with others.

“Moms tell us they enroll their children in our program to give them what

Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to deliver – a mentor who can increase

their child’s chances of succeeding in school and life,” said Big Brothers Big

Sisters of America President and CEO Pam Iorio. “Throughout the month

of May, we are asking our supporters to share the stories of mothers who

are waiting for their children to be matched to help us raise awareness

and funding so that we can serve more families, volunteers and

communities.”

The majority of children served by Big Brothers Big

Sisters are growing up in low-income or single-parent

homes, households where a parent is incarcerated, or

military families.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest volunteer

supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable

for children in its program to achieve measurable

outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of

risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater

confidence and better relationships. Partnering with

parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in

the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs

children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors

("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one

mentoring matches throughout their course. The Big

Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey

substantiates that its mentoring programs have

proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and

behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation,

avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

MAKE A MOTHER’S WISH COME TRUE FOR THEIR CHILD—SUPPORT BIG

BROTHERS BIG SISTERS WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GIFT. To learn more go

to www.bbbs-mv.org and click on DONATE.

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HELLO FROM MACOMB! SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!

We had a spectacular month in Warren and McDonough Counties. Lots of activities, a couple new matches, some recognition for our good work, and a huge amount of community support. Team BBBS, give yourself a round of applause!

PHOTO CONTEST We are smack in the middle of our first-ever weekly photo contest. Every week has a different task for the matches to do together, and the pictures have been great! Here are a few:

KUDOS to Little Brother Aidan and Big Sister Lois for this one (matching outfits)!

AWARDS At Edison, Little Sisters LaNiya and Tabitha were recognized for academic achievement!

GAME DRIVE We called on the community to donate games for our new school-based program in Bushnell, and we would like to thank Big Sister Janet, Patch Products (of Wisconsin), John Maguire (of MDH), Jack Laverdiere (Laverdiere Construction), the Macomb Noon Rotary, a: Tracy Bollinger, WIU Panhellenic Council, and Bushnell Rotary Club, and Andrea Henderson (Board member) for their donations. Little Brother Erskin and Big Brother Darren painted the toy-box in which the games will be kept!

IN THE COMMUNITY In March the WIU Board of Trustees and Student Government made BBBS the beneficiary of their annual Gala Dinner. Big Sisters Pat and Kabrina were the featured speakers!

IN THE MEDIA April is National Volunteering Month, and the newspapers in Macomb took notice of what BBBS is doing for the community. The WIU Courier talked to Big Brother Bryce and Big Sister Allison, and the McDonough Voice talked to Big Sisters Amanda and Josie about their experi-ences. The Courier article is on our Facebook page, and the Voice will be as soon as it hits the stands. All of our Bigs should feel very proud of themselves!

NEW MATCHES!!! We made 2 fantastic new community-based matches,

one in Macomb and one in Monmouth! Both are off

to a great start, and BBBS couldn’t be happier. Say

hello to Little Brother Jaylen and Big Brother Steve,

and Little Sister Lexi and Big Sister Jane! If this doesn’t

make you smile, you must be sitting on a cactus.

BOARD The Board had its regular monthly meeting on

Monday 7 April 2014. We are focused on the

upcoming Plant Sale, trying to gather pre-orders

and get the word out about our retail sale May

7-11. More importantly, in March we had our first

Board Social event. Thanks to Bill Jacobs for host-

ing! What a great bunch of people.

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HEALTHY KIDS: Recognizing Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity

for their support of our

Healthy Kids program!

By Unity Point - Trinity Staff Americans are suffering from asthma in record numbers. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in 10 children and one in 12 Americans of all ages is currently living with asthma – and, unfortunately, the number is only expected to grow. According to WebMD Asthma Health Center, asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. It affects over 9% of children in the United States and, for unknown reasons, is steadily increasing. Asthma can begin at any age, but most children have their first symptoms by age 5. Many experts believe environmental factors are responsible for the spike in asthma over the last decade and a half. While the exact causes of rising asthma rates are still being researched, possible contributors include climate change that triggers the rise in airborne pollen levels, urban air pollution, overuse of antibiotics, poor diet, exposure to more and more dust and secondhand smoke. Knowing Asthma Symptoms Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. While sometimes symptoms can be mild, others can be life-threatening. Not all children have the same asthma symptoms, and these symptoms can vary from episode to episode. Possible signs and symptoms of asthma in children include:

Frequent coughing spells, which may occur during play, at night, or while laughing or crying

A chronic cough (which may be the only symptom)

Less energy during play

Rapid breathing (intermittently)

Complaint of chest tightness or chest "hurting"

Whistling sound when breathing in or out -- called wheezing.

See-saw motions in the chest from labored breathing. These motions are called retractions.

Shortness of breath, loss of breath

Tightened neck and chest muscles

Feelings of weakness or tiredness

Anticipating Asthma Triggers Asthma attacks can happen when someone is exposed to certain triggers. Asthma triggers will be unique to each individual and should be avoided when possible. While not everyone’s asthma triggers are the same, some of the most common include:

Physical activity and exercise.

Allergens, pollens and molds.

Stress.

Smoke (cigarette smoke and smoke burning from burning wood.

Colds and upper respiratory infections.

In addition to the above triggers, there are many risk factors for developing childhood asthma. These include:

Nasal allergies (hay fever) or eczema (allergic skin rash.

A family history of asthma or allergies

Frequent respiratory infections

Low birth weight

Exposure to tobacco smoke before or after birth

Black or Puerto-Rican ethnicity

Being raised in a low-income environment Being aware of signs and symptoms, triggers and risk factors might assist you in recognizing possible asthma in any children you come into contact with and avoiding any of those triggers when possible.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS: DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS!

BIG IMPACT EVENT! Plan to join us as we celebrate mentoring and honor our volunteers.

This year’s MENTOR CENTER theme (taken from ESPN Sports Center) promises to be lots of fun featuring one of a kind auction

items and sports memorabilia. $400 Table of 8; $50 Indiv., $35 Current Bigs

Email: Beth at [email protected] PRESENTED BY: Quad City Bank & Trust

2014 BBBS GOLF OUTING!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25th 5:00 P.M. ROGALSKI CENTER, ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY

MONDAY, JULY 21st 10 A.M. FYRE LAKE GOLF CLUB

ANNUAL BBBS GOLF OUTING! This year’s Golf Outing will be played again at the Jack Nicklaus

designed course, Fyre Lake Golf Club in Sherrard, IL. Each player will receive 18 holes of golf, Bloody Mary Island,

lunch, tee-gifts, and a wrap up celebration! All benefitting BBBS! $600 Foursomes + Sponsorship Packages available!

Email: Kayla at [email protected] PRESENTED BY: GalaxyOne Marketing

COMMUNITY-BASED MATCHES!

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COACHES CORNER SHOP THE LARGEST PLANT SALE IN THE QUAD CITIES!

Plant Sale!

All proceeds go to support one-to-one mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters! www.bbbs-mv.org

MAY 3-11, Northwest Bank & Trust Tower, Welcome Way & Kimberly MAY 3-4, Ruhl&Ruhl 1228 Middle Road (hanging baskets only)

MAY 7-11, 1140 East Jackson, near the Quick Print in Macomb

Great prices! $17 flats (48 flowers) $2.50 4” Pot Geraniums $17 Hanging Baskets

Check out our potted plants and

Geraniums!

Presented By:

For more information or questions call Kayla at 563-323-8006

or email [email protected]

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100 DAYS/100 BIGS: VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN Right now there are 150 children waiting to be matched in our program with an adult volunteer.

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS WE NEED YOUR HELP! According to the National BBBS, the best way to recruit new adult volunteers is by word of mouth through our current volunteers. So, we are asking for your help. We are looking for approximately 75 of our current Bigs to encourage two or three of their friends or co-workers to find out more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. If we can accomplish this, we should be able to find at least 100 volunteers and get those children “matched” and off the waiting list. No child should have to wait for a mentor—don’t you agree? If you would like to be part of our “100 Days / 100 Bigs” team effort and become eligible to win a $250 shopping spree for your Little or their family, please contact Sarah Walker by calling 563-323-8006 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.

TRY THIS CREATIVE ART PROJECT WITH YOUR LITTLE Looking for something that is simple, fast, easy and fun all rolled into one! Try this 3D hand art project with your Little. All you need is: 1. Markers 2. Paper 3. Pencil Directions: 1. Trace your hand onto a piece of paper lightly with the pencil. 2. Draw Horizontal lines across the page, making sure to skip over

your hand print.

3. Starting with Line #1 make small arcs connecting the lines on either side of the hand print. You can use all one color marker...or go crazy and make it rainbow…your choice.

For more information and pictures on “How To”, visit http://

craftysoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/03/3d-hand-art.html

1. 2.

3.

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COACHES CORNER GET TO KNOW BBBS STAFF: Courtney Jones

Name: Courtney Jones Position: AmeriCorps Program & HR Coordinator/Match Coach How long have you been working for BBBS? 1 year as an AmeriCorps member and 1 year and 8 months as an Employee!

What is your favorite memory during the time you have been with BBBS? My favorite memory would actually have to be during our recent Job Readiness Program where I had the opportunity to interview Little’s as part of the mock interview process. It was truly rewarding to help teach them interview skills so that they could land a great summer job! I was taken aback by their bravery; there is no way I would have ever wanted to go through a mock interview when I was 15.

What do you like to do when you are not working? I love to spend time with my husband; we enjoy trying new restaurants, fishing, spending time with our dog, and visiting with our extended family in Chicago.

What advice would you give a child who is in our program? I would encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Growing up I was so shy and quiet; luckily I had two teachers who would not give up on me and pushed me to try out for dance and eventually join speech team. Having those experiences were life changing, they allowed me to meet people, make great friends, and find hobbies that I still enjoy being a part of.

ASK YOUR CO-WORKERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO BECOME A BIG BROTHER OR A BIG SISTER TODAY!

www.bbbs-mv.org

The Ultimate Teaching Store

Teacher’s Aide is a local educational store that specializes in materials for infants through 8th and 9th grades. Teacher’s Aide

believes in strong schools and strong parents. Ask about the Teacher’s Aide VIP program where we will call you

and let your know about 20% off weekends!

STORE HOURS: M-TH 10 a.m.—6 p.m., Fri., 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.—6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.—4 p.m.

4601 18th Street, Moline, IL 309-797-2605 902 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA 563-445-7422

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8

9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21

22 23 24

COMMUNITY CALENDAR — MAY 2014

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE QUAD CITIES! MAY

25 26 27 28

29 30 31

for supporting the Big Brothers

Big Sisters 2014 Plant Sale

Friday, May 2nd- Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse will present Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, beginning May 2nd and running through Monday, May 10th. Based on the Judy Blume book, this is recommended for all ages! Performances are show-only and tickets are$ 8.50 per person. Visit www.circa21.com for more information. Saturday, May 3rd -Davenport Jr. Theatre presents Pinocchio at the Nighswander Theatre on Annie Wittenmyer Complex. For ticket information, call 563-326-7862. Saturday, May 17th- Breakfast with the Animals - Giraffes 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM- Enjoy a warm breakfast buffet and then experience Niabi Zoo animals as our special guests. Visit niabizoo.com for more information. Saturday, May 17th- Kidz Days at the River Music Experience is on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:30am. Kidz Days at the RME presents a different program each month especially designed for kids under the age of 12. Call 563-326-1333 for more information. Friday, May 23rd-Spring Carnival -North American Midway Entertainment will bring the sites and smells of summer fun to South

Park Mall the week of May 22-June 1! For more information, call 309-797-9070. Saturday, May 24th-Princess and Pirate Day - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM- Celebrate the first Princess and Pirate Day at the Niabi Zoo. From enchanted mirrors to walking the plank, we'll have something for everyone to enoy! Come dressed in your favorite princess or pirate outfit and get a special gift. Don't miss this fun and magical day where anyone can be the princess or pirate of their dreams. Check out niabizoo.com for details. Saturday, May 24th -10:00AM-6:00PM is free “Dinosaur Day” at Teacher’s Aide in Moline. Contact 309-797-2605 for more information. *4601 16th St # 8, Moline, IL 61265 Saturday, May 31st-Join the community Drum Circle at the River

Music Experience on the last Saturday of each month from 10:30-

11:30am. Hosted by well-known area drummer Terry Hanson and

other area percussionists, Community Drum Circle features

improvised drumming and rhythms open to all ages. Call

563-326-1333 with questions.

Circa 21 Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

UNLOADING PLANTS FOR PLANT SALE

PLANT SALE BEGINS!

Pinocchio

PLANT SALE PLANT SALE PLANT SALE PLANT SALE PLANT SALE

LAST DAY PLANT SALE

Breakfast with the animals Niabi Zoo

Kidz Days—RME

Spring Carnival at South Park Mall

Princess and Pirate and Dinosaur Day

Match Activity at Modern Woodmen Park

Community Drum Circle at RME