COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8
LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE
We live in a busy society, and it is easy to get caught up in the everyday routine of going from one thing to the next. As this often narrows our perspective, it is vital to take a step back and see the bigger picture. As a Big Brother or Big Sister, part of your routine has most likely become spending time with your Little. While this sometimes may feel like an automatic part of your routine, we want to encourage you to take a moment to think about why you are doing what you are doing. It is significant and impactful! You are voluntarily offering your time, which is invaluable, to impact the life of a child. As you know, the children we serve can truly benefit from your presence, positivity, and consistency. Our Littles are facing challenges in many ways, and we are so thankful you are there to help them along the way. Your choice to become a volunteer was a powerful one, and we are grateful for that. With a new school year coming up, things may become stressful for your Little. This is the perfect time for you to reassure them, and to guide them to look at the bigger picture. As Bob Proctor of the Proctor Gallagher Institute said, “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” You have an amazing opportunity to empower your Little to discover their gifts and potential.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
A U G U S T, 2017
Because of your choice to be a Big, you have a pivotal role that can point your Little to see their true worth and value, regardless of the circumstances or others’ opinions. Know that the time you put in, the encouragement you give, and the direction and friendship you provide are planting seeds in your Little. It may not take effect quickly, but they will remember the time spent with you. Whatever relationship you have with your Little, know it’s okay for you to be different; no two are the same. Steven Spielberg once said, “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving the opportunity to create themselves.” Pursue this perspective with your Little, and watch them grow. With our 100 Days/100 Bigs campaign, we also encourage you to help others take a look at the bigger picture. When others see the impact being a Big can have on a child, it’s difficult to not consider taking this role. Hundreds of kids need a Big right now! Thank you, as always, for all you do.
Ask a friend to volunteer!
LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE—VOLUNTEER! COMPASS PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT BIG/LITTLE TRAINING CAREER CRUISING RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: MEGAN SAVE THE DATES: PICNIC AND BIG IMPACT AWARDS FREE BACK TO SCHOOL HAIRCUTS DEAR MATCH COACH: HEADING TO MIDDLE SCHOOL AUGUST CRAFT ACTIVITIES
BIGS NIGHT OUT—GOLD STANDARD AWARD M.A.P.S. AUGUST ACTIVITIES AUGUST MATCH ANNIVERSARIES MONEY-WISE KIDS: INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE HEALTHY KIDS: WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE—AUGUST SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER—AUGUST MASTER GARDENERS—GROWING ALONG THE RIVER COMMUNITY CALENDAR—AUGUST
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PLEASE JOIN US! Wednesday, August 16, 5:30—7:00 p.m. BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St. Davenport
If you have been matched for less than 6 months, this training is for you!
We would like to invite you and your Little to our Big and Little Training. We will learn more about the mentoring process, the resources that are available through BBBS, and will have some fun activities. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Katie: kzick@bbbs-mv.org or Lindsay: lmercer@bbbs-mv.org
Help BBBS recruit more mentors! See if we can set up an employee “Lunch & Learn” at your workplace! Just put us in touch with your HR Director. Email Sarah at swalker@bbbs-mv.org
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Explore career options, college resources and opportunities in the QC. Make a personalized plan based on your Little’s interests, experiences and unique learning style.
Contact your Match Coach for an individualized session.
RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: MEGAN Congratulations to Julie and Megan! They recently celebrated their 6 year match by visiting Chinatown in Chicago! Looks like they had a blast together!
SAVE THE DATES FOR PICNIC AND BIG IMPACT! Annual Picnic Saturday, Sept. 30 Veteran’s Memorial Park, Bettendorf, IA 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. FREE to all active Bigs, Littles and up to 4 family members.
Big Impact Event Tuesday, Oct. 17 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 101 18th St., Moline, IL 5:30—8:00 p.m.
Dinner and Big Impact Awards $30 for active Bigs (Littles free)
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DEAR MATCH COACH: HEADING TO MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERNS My Little seems to be really nervous about going to middle school! Specifically, worried about getting lost in such a big school and not being able to find their classes! How can I help? One of the biggest fears that kids share when going into middle school is not knowing how the school functions. If you want to make the transition for your Little easier, get rid of the uncertainty by exploring the school that they will be attending together. Make a map while you walk around the school so they know where things are located. Mark where all the big things are: the bathrooms, cafeteria, main office, gym, and library. Once they have their schedules, you can go back and mark where each of their classes are and track the best routes to get
STRING ART:
there. Tape the maps to the inside of their binders and locker until they become comfortable navigating their new school. Knowing where the classes are is only half the battle. Figure out how long passing periods will be and time them. Most students worry that they won’t have enough time to stop at their lockers or use the bathroom between classes. Practice these things and time how long it will take them. If you’re thinking of getting them a back to school gift, a cheap wrist watch may be effective. They will always know what time it is and won’t have an excuse for being late. Also, practice unlocking their lockers. Help them find a way to not just memorize the combination but actually unlock it. This will save them a lot of stress on the first day.
AUGUST CRAFT ACTIVITIES
Supplies: Yarn- You pick colors Board- any size you want Ruler Pencil Hammer Nails
Directions: Draw or print a pattern. Tape pattern to wood. Hammer nails around pattern so they are held firmly in place, keep same height. Once pattern is traced take off board. Pick string color and tie a couple simple knots to first nail, cut off extra string. Wrap sting around nails, until your pattern is complete. Tie another knot to last nail and cut off extra string.
Back to School Bookmarks Supplies: Baker’s Twine Paper Clips Glue Googly Eyes
Directions: Cut 6-8 pieces or twine. Make about 5 inches long. Join twine strings, fold in half, push folded part through the paper clip. Slide loose ends of twine through the twine loop and pull tightly. Trim the end to desired length. Glue eyes and other embellishments onto the twine to make a face.
Help us recruit new Bigs into the BBBS program! Ask a co-worker, friend, church or family member if they would be interested in learning more! www.bbbsmv.org/volunteer
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RSVP by August 7 (see below)
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M.A.P.S. AUGUST MATCH ACTIVITIES Art in the Park Saturday, August 5th 2:00-4:00 pm Fejervary Park, Davenport Littles will create a canvas art masterpiece during an instructor-led afternoon of painting. All painting materials will be provided. Please bring a blanket for you and your Little to sit on. Space is limited to 20 matches.
Yoga in the Park Saturday, August 19th 10:00-11:00 Lindsay Park, Village of East Davenport Enjoy a fun and engaging yoga session in the park with a certified yoga instructor.
BBBS Sports Camp Wednesday, August 9th l 5:30-7:00 pm Eisenhower Elementary 2827 Jersey Ridge Rd., Davenport Littles entering 1st through 6th grade are invited to participate in this free soccer clinic where they will be introduced to a variety of fundamental skills and join in a fun scrimmage.
Nature Walk and Fishing Saturday, August 19th 11:30-1:30 Giant Goose Conservation Area, Atkinson, IL Join Henry/Mercer County matches for a nature hike and fishing adventure!
RSVP at least 2 days prior to the event to
news@bbbs-mv.org
CELEBRATE AUGUST MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Natalie
Kris
Robinson
4
Nathan
Lance
Altizer Jr.
1
Jacob
Rich
White
4
Taleiyah
Leighton
James
1
Cathy
Loughead
1
Dominick
Andrew
Axup
3
Alexay
Danielle
Jessica
Hubner
3
Jeffrey
Jeff
Nelson
1
Seth
Benevides
3
Noah
Brandon
Mabrey
1
Chris
Brewer
3
Sophia
Danielle
Freund
1
Amanda
Boyer
1
Sean Anthony Carl Tatiyana Harmony Kendra Riley
Please RSVP for M.A.P.S. activities at least 3 days in advance to Jaime jkeller@bbbs-mv.org or call 563-323-8006 Don
Mewes
2
Faith
Sheila
Conrad
2
Madelynn
Katie
Lyphout
1
Jackie
Zachmeyer
2
Isaiah
Brent
Van Damme
1
Chrissy
Eaker
2
Keith
Brian
Harry
1
2
Akira
Cassie
Jibben
1
Tara
Boling
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 8
COACHES CORNER AUGUST,2017
MONEY-WISE KIDS: INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE
By IH Mississippi Valley Staff—
Investing begins with savings To figure out how much you need to put away, you need to know what you’re saving for and when you’ll need to use the money. Here are a couple different ways to save: Savings Accounts – If you have money in a savings account, you receive interest on the account balance, and you can easily get your money whenever you want it. Money Market Accounts –These accounts tend to offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. They pay interest, but typically require a higher minimum balance to avoid fees. Certificates of Deposit – You can earn higher interest if you put your money in a certificate of deposit, or CD. When you put funds into a CD, you promise that you're going to keep your money there for a specific amount of time. It’s important to know there are penalties (fees) if you take your money out early. Investing for Retirement Your retirement is a ways off, but it’s never too early to start investing. Here are a couple ways to save for retirement: 401K Plan – Under this plan, a set amount is deducted from the employee’s paycheck and sometimes matched by their employer. Contributions are tax-deferred until withdrawn after retirement.
Individual Retirement Accounts. They provide tax advantages for retirement savings. A Traditional IRAs contributions are typically tax-deductible. You pay no taxes on IRA earnings until retirement, when withdrawals are taxed as income. Roth IRAs contributions are made with after -tax funds and are not tax-deductible, but earnings and withdrawals are tax-free.
Risk and Return It’s important to understand that every saving and investment product has different risks and returns, including access to your money, how fast your money will grow, and how safe your money will be. Savings Products – Savings accounts, insured money market accounts, and CDs are viewed as very safe because they are federally insured. You can easily get to money in savings if you need it for any reason. But there's a tradeoff for security and ready availability. The interest rate on savings accounts is generally lower when compared to investments. Investment Products – All have higher risks and potentially higher returns than savings products. For many years, stocks have provided the highest average rate of return; it’s also the riskiest. If a company doesn't do well or falls out of favor with investors, its stock price can fall, and investors could lose money. Remember – the greater the possible return, the greater the risk. One protection against risk is time, and time is on your side. On any day the stock market can go up or down. Sometimes it goes down for months or years. You may think you’re too young to start thinking about retirement, but it’s never too early to start.
Traditional and Roth IRAs – These are two common types of
Thanks to IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union for their BBBS Money-Wise Kids Sponsorship!
RSVP at least 2 days prior to event to news@bbbs-mv.org
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PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: WELL-CHILD CHECKS By UnityPoint Health—Trinity staff— Children grow at a rapid rate compared to adults. A lot can change in a child’s health in a year. As we prepare to send students back to school, physical wellness is an important part of sports participation as well as academic preparedness. A doctor’s appointment shouldn’t be limited to when a child is ill. It is important for each child to have a physical examination at least once a year by a physician. During an annual examination, height, weight and nutrition can be assessed. Developmental patterns are assessed to make sure the child is growing and developing appropriately for their age. The annual physical is also a time for parents and children to discuss health concerns, school performance, challenges with learning, and vaccinations. The physical examination will evaluate physical needs, as well as emotional needs. During the physical examination, the following assessments may occur: Evaluate the back for curvature of the spine, a condition called scoliosis Listen to the heart for any murmurs of rhythm changes Palpation, or feeling of the abdomen and lymph nodes throughout the body to check for swelling, which may indicate disease or tumor hearing and vision checks
Lab tests, such as urine or blood tests
If any problem is detected during the health assessment, additional testing can be done and necessary interventions can be made. Early detection is the key to early intervention. Contact your primary care physician to schedule an appointment today!
Please RSVP for M.A.P.S. activities at least 3 days in advance to Jaime Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their jkeller@bbbs-mv.org or call 563-323-8006 BBBS Healthy Kids Sponsorship!
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: AUGUST Play Ball! Matches enjoyed a beautiful day at the ballpark courtesy of the
Match of The Month Big Sister Allie and Little Sister Kadie We are excited to welcome our first Prophetstown match!
Bigs Sister Allie and Little Sister Kadie
Gym And Swim We love teaming up with our fellow United Way agencies for match activities. Thank you Big Sister Deb, Sterling Family YMCA and Sterling Dairy Queen for making this a great night of fun!
Update on 100 Days 100 Bigs
August Match Activities August 1st
Cheer Camp with the Newman Cheerleaders
August 20 Back to School Picnic 11 a.m. at Centennial Park in Rock Falls Hot dogs and drinks provided, bring a dish to pass. RSVP on Evite.
Whiteside County has a goal of enrolling 15 Bigs during this year’s campaign. We have currently enrolled 2 new Bigs. Don’t forget that you can easily help us reach our goal by RecruitingONE!
For more information about becoming a “Big” contact Danielle! dvance@bbbs-mv.org or call 815-716-8987
M.A.P.S. kicks off Aug. 20 at the BBBS Back to School Picnic!
The BBBS M.A.P.S. program for elementary school aged Littles! Literacy ● Community Service ● Health & Wellness ● Financial Literacy ● S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math)
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 8
AUGUST, 2017
SUMMER NEWS FROM THE SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER Hello from sunny [and sweltering-hot] Macomb! July was another excellent month for our program in Warren and McDonough Counties, and we want to share the great news with you. We made 2 new matches, a couple of our sponsors stepped up, again, and we got to walk in the Macomb Heritage Days parade. On a sadder note, we also bid a fond farewell to our long-term temporary VISTA. Have a look!
BBBS in the Community Macomb’s Heritage Days 2017 was a blast! We had 9 Bigs, 11 Littles, 2 Board members, 1 employee, 1 child of an employee, 1 partner of an employee, and 1 parent in our group, and we definitely felt the love from our community. Thanks to everyone who walked in the parade with us, thanks to Chair of our Board Dan Yoder for buying all the matches ice cream afterward, and thanks to Macomb for continuing to support the great work BBBS does!
New Matches! Summer is usually slow for us in Macomb, but July saw us make 2 new matches! Little Brother Geoff and Big Brother Steve are both “old hands” in our program; Geoff having been matched twice before, and Steve having just wrapped up a 3-year match. These two guys have similar personalities, similar interests, and the same great attitude about life. This one has all the markings of an outstanding and long-term community-based match. Little Brother Evan and Big Brother Brandon are both new to BBBS, but both are excited to get started. In this great school-based match, Brandon will visit Evan at Saying Goodbye school once per week, for lunch and recess. Lots of fun is in store, Our long-term temporary AmeriCorps VISTA Jen Rodriguez wrapped AND Brandon gets the opportunity to be a role-model to a great kid. up her service at BBBS in July. Jen transferred over to us in March, To both these wonderful new matches we say CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Geoff and Steve
Evan and Brandon
Support from Edward Jones: In 2016 Edward Jones agents Pat Kolata and Cory Clem created a scholarship that sends one of our BBBS kids to the YMCA summer camp for the entire summer. In July, Pat and Cory renewed that commitment for 2017. These two outstanding guys do a lot to help our community, and we're very glad to have them on our team. Many thanks! Rotary Clubs continue support: The Rotary Clubs in Macomb and Bushnell have always been BIG supporters of BBBS, both with their time and with their dollars. “Service above self” is Rotary’s mission and our local clubs live that every day. In July, the Macomb Noon Club made a 5-year sponsorship commitment, reaffirming their faith in the life-changing work our dedicated BBBS volunteers do. Many thanks to all the wonderful Rotarians, for the good work they do and for their continued support of our program!
and did a wonderful job. You may not know Jen very well, as she did a lot of behind-the-scenes work at the Macomb office, but her contribution was substantial. Jen facilitated match activities, improved our marketing and recruiting materials, did some match support, created an ‘archives’ for the office, and was a fantastic representative of our program. As a personal friend, I am sad to see Jen go, but wish her the best in the future. There are great things on the horizon for the outstanding young woman, and I want to offer her sincere thanks for all she did, Good luck, Jen!
To become a “Big” in McDonough Co. contact Pete at 309-837-5437 or go to www.bbbsmv.org/volunteer
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TIPS FOR YOUR FLOWER GARDEN Hanging pots tend to look a little weary this time of year. It is recommended to use an all-purpose fertilizer (the kind you mix with water) two to three times per week when watering. Plants that look leggy, have dried up or dead stems should be trimmed back to about 3-4 inches from the soil as this will encourage new growth and keep them looking good. Be patient, it may take a few weeks for them to look better. Right now, Japanese beetles are in abundance. There are various ways to keep them from your yards; however, no method is fool proof. The damage they can do is overwhelming. Visit Iowa State University’s website https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/japanesebeetle for information or call the Master Gardener Hort Clinic line for answers to your garden questions 359-7577
Scott Community College, Bettendorf Campus and will feature a keynote speaker, 4 breakout sessions, and your choice from 16 additional topics. Cost is $40 and includes lunch. Registrations opens August 1 at www.eicc.edu/focusonfall
The Focus on Fall Gardening Conference will be September 30. held at
PLANT SALE PLANTS ALL AROUND THE QUAD CITIES!
Group O
Scott County, IA
Home of Jo DeSanto
Home of Kimberly Scully
Home of Cindy Mahieu
Scratch Cupcakery is coming to BBBS! $2/cupcake â—? $22/doz.
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SUNDAY
COACHES CORNER COMMUNITY CALENDAR—AUGUST
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2 Eat the Streets
3 Read to a dog
4
5
Mississippi Valley Fair
6 Mississippi Valley
7
8
Mississippi Valley Fair
9 BBBS SPORTS CAMP
Back to School Bash
14
15
Mississippi Valley Fair
10
Fair
13
16
17
21
22
23
11
ART IN THE PARK
12 Hennepin Hoopla COMPASS—Scavenger Photo Hunt
18 Movie at the ballpark
24
Mississippi Valley Fair
Mississippi Valley Fair
BIGS NIGHT OUT— GOLD STANDARD
BIG LITTLE TRAINING
20
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25
19
BBBS NATURE WALK
BBBS YOGA IN THE PARK
26
Solar Eclipse Viewing Farm Days in the Village
FREE LITTLES HAIR CUTS
27
28
29
30
31 Scratch Cup Cakery Curbside 3-6
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! AUGUST Mississippi Valley Fair: August 1-6 at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds (2815 W Locust St, Davenport). Carnival rides open daily 7am-midnight, livestock shows, talent shows, and concerts. Kids 12 and under get in free until 5:00 on Thursday (Aug. 3), otherwise admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Visit http://mvfair.com/ for more information. Eat the Streets: August 2 from 6:00pm-9:00pm under the Skybridge in downtown Davenport (River Drive & Main St). Come get your fill of cool cars and serious eats sponsored by QC Independent Food Truck Alliance and QCrpm. This event is FREE. Visit www.facebook.com/quadcityrpm for more information. Read to a Dog: August 3 from 5:00pm-6:00pm at the Davenport Public Library-Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). QC CAN’s reading assistance dogs are specially trained, along with their handler, to provide the environment needed to help children improve their reading skills! This is great practice for kids and helps build their vocabulary and self-confidence. Recommended for ages 6-11. Call 563-326-7832 for more information. Back to School Bash: August 6 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at Riverside Aquatic Center (3300 5th Ave, Moline). Riverside is having a $1 swim day! They will be giving out 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 100 children (must be present). Come enjoy free food, music, and inflatables! Call 309-524-2424 for more information.
Hennepin Hoopla!: August 12 from 9:00am-1:00pm at Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park (2009 Big Island Parkway, Milan). Come join family and friends for free activities such as a fishing clinic, bug activities with Rock Island County 4H, scavenger hunt, and more! This event is FREE. Call 309-787-6284 for more information. Movie at the Ballpark: August 18 at 8:30pm on diamond 5 at Green Valley Sports Complex (5920 52nd Ave, Moline). Join us for Angels in the Outfield on the big screen. Bring your own blankets or chairs or sit in the bleachers. Admission is FREE and concessions will be available. Call 309-524-2424 for more information. Solar Eclipse Viewing: August 21 from 10:00am-3:00pm at Moline Public Library (3210 41st St, Moline). Join the Popular Astronomy Club for safe viewing and explanation of the partial solar eclipse (weather permitting). The eclipse begins at 11:48am, reaches its maximum at 1:14pm, and ends at 2:38 pm. This rare event will not happen again in North America until 2024. They will have special equipment to safely view the moon as it travels in front of the sun. This event is FREE. For information, call 563-386-3509. Farm Days in the Village: August 26 from 10:00am-5:00pm in the Village of East Davenport (2119 E 12th St.). Join us for a petting zoo, rope making, tractor and wagon rides, and more! This event is FREE and fun for all ages. Call 563-322-2100 for more information.