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CONGRATULATIONS TO AWARD WINNERS! On Tuesday, June 17th, BBBS was very honored to see 15 volunteers connected with Big Brothers Big Sisters receive the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. BBBSMV nominated those individuals for their commitment to our core mission and long-time service to our organization. The group attended a special award ceremony in Cedar Rapids accompanied by many proud family members. Some brought their Littles with them! Award winners were: Bonnie Sparks Gray Beth Cook Mary Thee Kirk Denison Joe Farrell Marshall Porter Jill Weaver
Harry Coin Charles and Elizabeth Heston John Howes Jim and Polly Brownson Rickey Peer Austin Taylor
MONEY AND MENTORING THIS SUMMER With summer in full swing the temptation to spend money on your Little, giving them the opportunity to experience new and exciting things, may be higher than ever. Your intentions are good and you want what is best for your Little and although places like amusement parks and concerts are a whole lot of fun and can be valid ways to strengthen your relationships, most likely they will require a great deal of money too. There is nothing wrong with providing opportunities like this for your Little in moderation. You just have to remember to have a healthy balance between lower-cost activities too. By doing this you will not only save yourself money, but also show your Little that your relationship isn’t about money and is a true connection. Remember as a Big you should always strive to promote connectedness, competence,
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards! Money and Mentoring this Summer July Activity Ideas: Have some summer fun! Dear Match Coach: Swimming with my Little Big Impact Event—BBBS Mentor Center! RAVE—Beth and Andrea July Match Anniversaries—Congratulations! Healthy Kids—Tick Free is the Way to Be!
independence, and service. Some ways that you can incorporate higher-cost activities is by making it more of a celebratory meeting. For example, let’s say your Little advances and learns how to play a new song. When going out on activities it is also important to talk to your little about the boundaries of how much will be spent on the activity and occasionally remind them of current balances. To make sure that your relationship doesn’t revolve solely around costly events, it is important to plan ahead and brainstorm what you and Little can do that doesn’t cost a lot of money. If you are ever having problems with this, check in with your match coach and ask if they have any suggestions. BBBS and Coaches Corner will be a great resource for you with activity suggestions and monthly match activity information provided.
Big News from Macomb! Reunite Picnic date set Register today for 2014 Golf Outing! Recap of June Match Activities BBBS Summer Activities Guide 100 Days / 100 Bigs—Help find volunteers! Get to know BBBS staff Community Calendar—July
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JULY ACTIVITY IDEAS: SUMMER FUN WITH YOUR LITTLE!
Have a car wash or wash your car or your Little’s bike together. Visit a Farmer’s Market, wash and prepare food, and try new things! Play Frisbee tic-tac-toe! Have an alphabet treasure hunt: collect or take pictures of something starting with each letter of the alphabet.
DEAR MATCH COACH: CAN I TAKE MY LITTLE SWIMMING? Now that summer is finally here, my Little has been asking if we can plan an outing to the pool. Can I take my Little to the pool? BBBS feels that swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water. The American Red Cross offers these important swimming safety tips you should be aware of before you and your Little head out to the pool or beach: -Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards -Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water. -Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone. -Maintain constant supervision
-Avoid distractions when supervising children around water. -If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. -Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, sun screen, towel, life jackets and a first aid kit. Make sure you get permission from the Little’s parent and know their swimming ability before you go. It is a good idea to make sure your Little is dressed in their swimsuit when you pick them up. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable taking your little swimming, it is okay to tell him or her that this is not an activity you will be doing together. There are many other fun summer activities you and your Little can enjoy together without heading to the swimming pool.
Do you know anyone who might want to volunteer?
It only takes about two hours a month to volunteer as a Big in our School-Based program. We are now matching for the 2014 / 2015 school year. Call us today at 563-323-8006 or go on line to inquire at
www.bbbsmv.org
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BIG IMPACT AWARD WINNERS 2014—BBBS MENTOR CENTER Julian Vandervelde of the Philadelphia Eagles along with CBS 4 Sports Anchor, Jay Kidwell and CBS 4 News Anchor, Steve Long hosted an action-packed Big Impact Event this year. The theme was developed around ESPN Sports Center and was called BBBS Mentor Center. The evening began with the “Locker Room Reception” which was decorated to look like a locker room, complete with metal lockers (which were later auctioned off), jerseys, helmets and footballs. There was also a silent auction with items contributed by Midwest Collectibles and John Deere among others. The BBBS Mentor Center kicked off at 7 p.m. and featured our Big Impact Award winners’ stories, video congratulations from the QCA mayors, the premiere of our Big Impact video, a Mentor Center Panel, and our Live Auction which helped to raise funds for the organization (thanks to Brad and Sandy Foreman, Turquoise Place Condominiums and Bass Street Chop House for contributing the auction packages). It was a fantastic night and allowed BBBS to share great stories about the impact that Bigs are having on the lives of their Littles and to communicate the importance of one-to-one mentoring to the community. A big thanks to the presenting sponsor, Quad City Bank & Trust and to the auction sponsor, The Sedona Group. CBS 4 was instrumental in pulling together the whole evening as was the tech support from ECS Inc. Also, thanks to DMW Design for help with signage and to St. Ambrose University for hosting the event at the Rogalski Center.
2014 Big Impact Award Winners
Tom Hannah Service Award for Volunteerism Jo Winegar
Thanks for all you do! Presented by:
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RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: BETH AND ANDREA Beth and Andrea were matched in 2009, when Andrea was in kindergarten. They were involved in the school-based program until the end of her fourth grade year at which time they switched to the community-based program. The transition definitely opened up a lot more possibilities for their match, as they had limited time together during their lunch visits. Beth told the agency “spending time with Andrea has given me a chance to see the world through a young person’s eyes.” They enjoy some of the same activities: playing outside, picnics, and reading. Beth has given Andrea lots of reinforcement for trying new things. By doing so, Beth has the opportunity to practice some patience that goes with the testing limits of any 10 year old but she looks forward to their weekly outings.
They talk about friendships – what do you look for in a friend and how those are the same qualities she needs to be offering others. Andrea certainly considers Beth her friend, and has expressed that to her in several ways. Since being matched with Beth, Andrea has grown emotionally. They have discussed how to handle disappointments, discuss difficult topics, and navigate social situations that do not go as planned. Beth tries to focus on what they can both learn when things do not go the way they would like them to. Andrea is a bright young woman and Beth stresses the importance of Andrea doing her best in school. By doing this, Beth hopes to show her how education will open doors for her in her future. Andrea is transferring to junior high school and Beth plans to continue their relationship as long as possible.
100 DAYS / 100 BIGS: 150 CHILDREN ON WAITING LIST! Currently there are 150 children waiting to be matched with an adult volunteer (Big) in our program. We are calling on all of our current Bigs, past Bigs and members of our community to reach out and help us recruit adult mentors to be matched with these children and others during the year. Ask a friend, a co-worker or a family member to inquire this month about becoming a Big!
JULY MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Check the August issue of Coaches Corner for the Date of the quarterly Anniversary Party in August!
FIND OUT MORE TODAY!
www.bbbsmv.org or call 563-323-8006
Little’s First Name Silas
Big’s First Name Bryan
Big’s Last Name Dietsch
Years Matched 1
Jaidyn
Kevin
Chumbley
1
Mercedes
Kristine
Oswald
1
Samantha
Sherry
Kaufman
2
Kobe
Josh
Paul
2
Brooklynn
Staci
Sawyer
2
Jodie
Molly
Price
3
Brittney
Heather
Schildwachter
3
Marissa
Susan
Denecke
3
Cierra
Chelsey
McKee
3
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HEALTHY KIDS: TICK-FREE IS THE WAY TO BE! Now that summer is upon us we need to be aware of ticks and where they can be found so we can defend ourselves against tick -borne diseases. An easy way to avoid ticks is to steer clear of wooded areas or places that have a lot of bushes and high grass. If you are planning an activity that involves being in wooded areas, walk in the center of the path. Use bug repellents on bare skin and clothing. The most effective repellents contain 20 to 30 percent DEET. When applying, make sure to avoid eyes, hands and mouth! How Ticks Find their Hosts Ticks are good at finding their hosts by detecting breath, body odors, heat, moisture and vibrations. Ticks can't fly or jump, but many tick species wait in a position known as "questing" on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Ticks hold onto grass and leaves by their third and fourth pair of legs. They outstretch their first pair of legs and wait to climb on to the host. When a host brushes the spot where a tick is waiting, it quickly climbs on. They can attach quickly or wander, looking for places like the ear, or other areas of thin skin. How ticks spread disease Ticks transmit pathogens that cause disease through the feeding process. It takes 10 minutes to 2 hours to prepare to feed. The tick grasps the skin and cuts into it. The tick inserts its feeding tube with barbs, which help keep the tick in place. A tick will suck the blood slowly for several days. Small amounts of saliva may enter the skin of the host during feeding. If the tick contains a pathogen, the organism may be transmitted to the host. Ticks in the Quad Cities Region The most common ticks in our area are the Brown Dog Tick, the American
Dog Tick and the Blacklegged Tick, also known as a deer tick. These ticks are responsible for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. Symptoms Symptoms that may suggest you have contracted a tick-borne illness occur 3 to 30 days after being bit. The most common are fever/chills, aches and pains and rash. If any of these occur a healthcare provider should evaluate the symptoms and the geographic area in which you were bitten, and order diagnostic testing before deciding on treatment. Removing a Tick If you do find a tick on your body the best way to remove it is with fine-tipped tweezers. Hold the tweezers on the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. When you pull the tick out, pull upwards and make sure your hands are steady so the mouth parts don’t break off and stay in the skin. If that happens leave it alone and let the skin heal. Make sure to wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water! This information was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their support of our Healthy Kids program!
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BIG NEWS FROM MACOMB! Tons of great things are happening in Warren and McDonough Counties, but we want to use our space this month to celebrate our 2013-14 Match of the Year, Little Sister Niyesha and Big Sister Kelly! Below you’ll find a photo and some words written by Kelly.
CONGRATULATIONS!
to participate in track and field. Niyesha takes everything she does to heart and puts 100% effort into it. Her goal for college is to graduate with a law degree and practice in divorce court. Macomb is a small town surrounded by cows and corn, so we need to be creative in planning match activities. We sometimes feed, clean, and walk llamas on a nearby farm. To introduce yourself to a llama, you need to put your face close to theirs so they can smell your breath. The first time we met Dolly the llama she sneezed all over Niyesha’s face, but Niyesha didn’t budge an inch! Niyesha loves animals and is always bathing my dogs and training them to do new tricks. Niyesha and I once spent weeks recycling old windows to create artwork, which now hangs in her bedroom. (We have even found buyers interested in our work!) We have volunteered at Grand Prairie Assisted Living where we plated, served, and cleaned up a Thanksgiving meal for over 300 residents. Niyesha and I also play games at Grand Prairie and bring the residents to my house to fish in my pond. Niyesha is wonderful with the elderly. My favorite moment with Niyesha was when we went to a craft show fundraiser for a local charity for women. Niyesha walked by a woman selling necklaces and bracelets and there was a breast cancer Since our very first meeting, my Little Sister Niyesha has made a necklace that she fell in love with. The woman asked why Niyesha would powerful positive impact on my outlook on life. Niyesha has actually want a breast cancer necklace at her age and Niyesha replied that it become a mentor to me, with her shared kindness toward others and her reminded her of her grandmother. This woman, who had been diagnosed contagious energy. Niyesha just finished 6th grade, and in each of the past with breast cancer and was selling the last of her jewelry, gave Niyesha 3 years she has achieved honors for her outstanding classroom the necklace. Niyesha wrote her a thank you card, and wrote that she performance. Niyesha carries on her mother’s tradition of playing the hopes the woman becomes a survivor, like Niyesha’s grandmother. flute in band, and is a wonderful singer in the choir. She plays basketball and softball, and is a Girl Scout. Next year she will have the opportunity -Kelly Jameson
To inquire about becoming a Big in Macomb call Pete at 309-837-5437
REUNITE PICNIC
PLANNED FOR OCT. 5TH Reserve the date! Sunday, October 5th, 1 P.M. at Camden park in Milan, IL GAMES, SOFTBALL, GREAT FOOD AND RAFFLES! FREE TO CURRENT BIGS AND THEIR LITTLES PLUS UP TO FOUR FAMILY MEMBERS! Sponsored by elanders Americas!
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REGISTER FOR BBBS GOLF OUTING BY JULY 16TH Corporate Player Package (includes foursome and hole signage) $1,200 Foursome $600. Twosome $300 (limited availability). Secure your foursome! Register to play today! Kayla Kiesey at 563-323-8006 or email kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org or go to
www.bbbs-mv.org Get your team together for the 2014 BBBS Golf Outing sponsored by GalaxyOne Marketing. The golf outing will be held again this year at the Jack Nicklaus designed course at Fyre Lake in Sherrard, IL. This is one of the most beautiful courses in the Quad Cities area and is about a 20 minute drive from Milan. With registration, each player will receive access to the driving range (free range balls), pre-tee-off beverages, tee-gift, lunch on the carts, drink tickets for the beverage tents and the wrap up 19th Hole Fiesta complete with food and beverages. There are also special contests with great prizes (closest to the
“dish� wins a big screen HD TV!) and hole in one prizes as well. We are also offering raffle prizes that you can enter to support the organization. The fun begins with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. and then shot-gun start at 10 a.m. The outing should wrap up by 4:30 p.m. Reserve your foursome (or twosome) today! There are still Corporate Player Packages available which include a foursome and hole sponsorship, and a few other sponsorship opportunities available.
Sherrard, IL (about 20 minutes east of the Quad Cities)
Registration 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Driving Range Open: 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Bloody Mary Island: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Welcome and Rules: 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: 10 a.m. Lunch: On the carts 19th Hole Fiesta Wrap Up: 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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JUNE MATCH ACTIVITIES WERE A BLAST! Come and join us next time! Match Activities are FUN!
Pam Black and Little Julia.
Little Sister Kallissa at Arts & Crafts Night
Group at Arts & Crafts Night with their finished artwork.
Donavin and Jay—10 year match celebration!
Camp Shalom in June. Lots of fun and physical challenges!
Camp Shalom. Practicing archery.
Rodolfo showing off his guitar skills at the RME!
SEND US YOUR MATCH ACTIVITY IDEAS! Match activities are something that BBBS puts together each month to camps, picnics, hikes, speakers, learning activities, hockey games, provide matches with something they can do with their Little that is more basketball games and more. We are open to your suggestions about organized. Most often these activities are held at a pre-determined site future organized activities. and most all of them include food and beverages. Some of these activities are educational, but many are just plain, old FUN! We have organized game nights, smart phone treasure hunts, tours of museums, roller skating, ice skating, art night, trips to the ballpark, day
If you have ideas for Match Activities please email Jaime at jkeller@bbbsmv.org or call 563-323-8006
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Location: West Lake RSVP by Monday, July 28th
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GET TO KNOW BBBS STAFF: BRE SYKES Name: Bre Sykes BBBS Job: Middle & High School Match Coach I have been working for BBBS since December 2013. My favorite memory working for BBBS would have to be the Annual Putt-A-Round Event that BBBS puts on. The effort and creativity that the businesses put into the holes is truly inspiring. We also had a photo shoot that involved a fire truck that was pretty epic as well. This was the first event that I attended where I felt like I actually knew the staff and the matches. It was really fun to get to hang out outside of the office and get to know the matches better in such a fun setting. When I am not working I like to spend time with my dog Yadi, I also love to read, play soccer, run, watch my shows, hang with my girl Jaime Keller, spend time with my boyfriend Chris, and go visit my family in Kentucky. The advice that I would give to a child in our program would have to be, you are given this one life, this one chance to be the person you want to be and to make a difference. Take every opportunity, seize every moment, and make the most of the it. Your childhood years are the best and they go by way too fast. Study hard so that when you get older you have the tools to succeed in life. Choose to spend your time with friends that make you feel good about yourself. Go out for every sport or club that you are interested in. The teams and organizations that I was involved in while in school really helped shape the person that I am today, and I am better for it.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS GETS RESULTS! One-to-one mentoring really helps children. According to a study conducted by Harris Interactive and BBBS of America the following numbers reflect positive outcomes for the children we serve:
75% of adults who were mentored as a child are more likely to have received a four-year degree. 72% are satisfied with their relationships with friends, family and spouses. 52% are more likely to volunteer in their community or hold leadership roles in an organization.
90% felt the mentor provided stability. 81% reported that their mentor changed their perspective on what they thought was possible. 77% set higher goals for themselves. 76% indicated their mentor influenced them to perform better in school. 84% learned how to help others.
www.bbbsmv.org 563-323-8006
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR—JULY 2014 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY Vander Veer stories
1
RIVER BANDITS Kids Eat Free Dew for Tuesday!
6
7
8
RIVER BANDITS Kids Eat Free Dew for Tuesday!
River Bandit tickets available
13
14 BBBS Soccer Night
20
21 BBBS GOLF OUTING—FYRE LAKE, SHERRARD, IL
27
Vander Veer stories
28
15
Vander Veer stories
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
4
5
Wild Wednesdays in the Jungle—Happy Joe’s Jungle Bungle
9
HOME DEPOT—FREE WORKSHOP—Build A Bug House
10
Davenport Park & Rec YOUTH FEST 2014
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11
BBBS Living Lands and Waters Activity
BBBS Scrapbooking Night
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18
22 Vander Veer stories 23
29 Vander Veer stories
19 Christmas in July at the Niabi Zoo!
RIVER BANDITS Kids Eat Free Dew for Tuesday!
RIVER BANDITS Kids Eat Free Dew for Tuesday!
12
24
25
26
BBBS Science Day
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RIVER BANDITS Kids Eat Free Dew for Tuesday!
31 BBBS Fishing Activity
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE QUAD CITIES! JULY Tuesday, July 1st– The River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park present Kids Eat free, Dew for Twosday! For the whole summer, all Tuesday night tickets are buy-one-get-one free, and kids get a free meal! Fans can also bring in old Mountain Dew cans and exchange them for a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew. Call 563-324-3000 for more information. Tuesday, July 1st - What better way to spend a warm summer day than listening to stories outside in the shade at beautiful Vander Veer Park? Davenport Public Library is presenting “Stories in the Park,” a weekly story time at Vander Veer Botanical Park (215 W. Central Park Avenue). Every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., June 4th through July 29th, families have the opportunity to hear stories, songs, and rhymes. Join us outside for some FREE summertime fun! For more information call (563) 326-7832. Wednesday, July 2nd- Wild Wednesday in the Jungle at Happy Joe’s! This special offers half off Jungle Bungle admissions all day for just $3. For more information call 563-386-1766 Saturday, July 5th- Home Depot is offering FREE lessons on how to build a Bug House! The workshop begins at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm, first come/first served! For more information call 563-359-7228. Wednesday, July 9th- Davenport Parks and Recreation is hosting Youth Fest 2014. This event is from 10:00am-2:00pm. Activities include environmental, cultural, and physical activities, obstacle
courses, bounce houses, basketball, skateboarding, chalk art, recycles kite making, and youth gardening information. This event is FREE!! Saturday, July 19th- Celebrate Christmas in July at the Niabi Zoo! Watch the animals receive special "presents" between 11:00 and 2:00 as well as learn all about them. We'll also have "cool" games and treats for our visitors to enjoy. Monday, July 21st—BBBS GOLF OUTING! Fyre Lake Golf Club, Sherrard, IL. Registration 8:00—9:30 a.m.; Shotgun start 10:00 a.m.; 19th Hole Wrap Up 3—4:30 p.m. Register to play before July 11th! $300 Two-some or $600 Foursome. Carts, driving range, Bloody Mary, Lunch, drink tickets, wrap up food and beverages, tee gift all included! Lots of prizes and raffles! Support BBBS one-to-one mentoring and sign up today! www.bbbs-mv.org or email kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org. Space is limited! All Summer Long- The Freight House Farmers Market in Davenport! Walk around and visit the different food and craft vendors, play games, and much more! This is located along the scenic Mississippi Riverfront, anchored by the historic Freight House Building in Davenport, Iowa. All Summer Long- The Splash Landing Aquatic Center. Open Monday –Sunday. General Admission: Patrons 3 and Older: $6.00 from 11:303:30pm & $3.00 from 3:30-5:00pm & from 6:30-8:00pm.