COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5
M A Y, 2017
THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT
“Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Many of our Littles experience adversity, oftentimes beginning from a very young age. As a Big, you can create an immeasurable impact in your Little’s life, although you may not visibly see this. Everybody needs encouragement, and your Little needs you as a positive, stable mentor and friend, as someone who truly cares about them and their well-being.
send them a card out of the blue. Every time you drop them off or leave their school, try sharing one good thing you noticed or something positive about them. Do you feel as if your Little is giving up? They may not feel as if anyone cares how they do or what they do. Make that clear to them, and don’t give up! Did your plans with your Little get rearranged or are you unable to see them as much as you would like? Reaffirm your relationship by giving them a call or sending them a text, showing that you care how they’re doing.
Have you encouraged your Little lately? The power of encouragement is amazing. We all need someone to cheer for us throughout our lives, and you can be your Little’s biggest cheerleader! What an honor that is. Maybe your Little is struggling in school; try showing them you believe in them. Connect them to the resources they need, and ask your Match Coach to help you. Help them to believe that they can be successful!
Encouragement given consistently does far more than we think.
How can you encourage your Little today?
Maybe your Little doesn’t see how great they are; show them they are special! You can write your Little a letter describing their strengths or
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT CAREER NAVIGATOR TOURS CAREER CRUISING BIG/LITTLE TRAINING RAVE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS: ROSE STRICKLAND MAY CRAFT ACTIVITIES DEAR MATCH COACH: SUMMER WITH MY LITTLE M.A.P.S. ACTIVITIES: GolfMohr and River Bandits BBBS LUNCH AND LEARNS
2017 BIRDIES FOR CHARITY CELEBRATE MATCH ANNIVERSARIES: MAY WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE: MAY MACOMB—BBBS IN THE COMMUNITY PLANT SALE 2017—OPENS MAY 4/5 MENTOR ENRICHMENT—MENTAL ILLNESS 2017 BBBS GOLF OUTING—JUNE 26 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
MAY,2017
If you have been matched for less than 6 months, this training is for you!
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.
Tuesday, May 23, 5:30-7 PM BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St. Davenport 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
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RAVE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS: ROSE STRICKLAND ROSE STRICKLAND RECEIVES STATE OF IOWA EXCELLENCE IN MENTORING AWARD! EXCELLENCE IN MENTORING AWARD – Rose Strickland. Rose has been honored by the State of Iowa with the Excellence in Mentoring Award. During a ceremony on April 26 at the State Capitol, Rose was honored by Governor Branstad for outstanding mentorship. Rose was selected by a state committee who evaluated her advocacy, leadership, innovation, initiative, and commitment. Rose has been matched with Anabelle for 5 years.
From left: Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Rosemary and Anabelle
Congratulations, Rose!
Mother’s Day Craft Supplies: Craft popsicle sticks Craft glue Glitter Paint Plastic buttons Scrap ribbons Magnets Camera and printer Puzzle pieces
MAY CRAFT ACTIVITIES: Directions: Form a square with the popsicle sticks. Place two parallel sticks at top and bottom and diagonal stick in back to keep picture in place. Decorate popsicle sticks with your choice of decorations, glitter, buttons, ribbons, puzzle pieces, etc. When dry, print and trim photos for the frame size and put on popsicle sticks. Lastly, glue business card size magnets to back of frame. http://bloggedbliss.com/2012/05/a-good-morning/ http://goplanetearth.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-mothersday-picture-frames.html
Cinco De Mayo Crafts Supplies: ● Paper plate ● Hot glue ● Scissors ● Plastic solo cup ● Ribbon or yarn ● Pom-poms ● Hole punch ● Elastic cording
Directions: Trace cup in middle of plate. Cut a hole out- you’ll want the hole so the plate doesn’t slide off your head. Glue cup upside down over the hole. Decorate hat with ribbon and pom-poms by gluing to underside of plate Hole punch 2 tiny holes across from each other on either side of the plate rim. Tie around a 9” piece of elastic cording to help keep hat on and secure. http://kidfriendlythingstodo.com/2013/08/make-a-paper-plate-sombrero-kidfriendly-things-to-do-com/
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
MAY,2017
DEAR MATCH COACH: SUMMER WITH MY LITTLE By Sarah Walker With the end of the school year quickly approaching, and summer vacations for both Littles and Bigs being planned, we often begin to hear questions about how Bigs and Littles can stay in touch and maintain communication over the summer. Managing changing schedules can be a bit difficult, but below are some ideas for how to ensure that you and your Little are able to keep up with the relationship development that you’ve begun. COMMUNITY-BASED MATCHES: Share your vacation plans with your Little and their parent/ guardian as soon as you know them, and ask what their family plans might be for the summer. Start making plans now to adjust for weeks that either of you might be out of town. Be sure to confirm your Little’s and their parent/guardian’s contact information now, so that if something comes up over the summer, you know how to reach them to adjust. Pay close attention to Coaches Corner in June, July and August. Over the summer months, BBBS plans match activities very regularly (about one per week!). SCHOOL-BASED PLUS MATCHES: While you are limited to only participating in BBBS sponsored match activities (meaning BBBS staff are present), we want you to see your Little at least once per month over the summer. Pay close attention to Coaches Corner in June, July and August. Over the summer months, BBBS plans match activities very regularly (about one per week!). Talk to your Little’s parent/guardian about their summer schedule and start planning ahead for when those monthly face-to-face BBBS match activities can occur. If you aren’t able to attend a BBBS match activity with our staff, stay in touch by phone calls, letters, postcards (especially
great if you go on vacation!) or email. Verify with your Little’s parent/guardian what they are comfortable with in terms of individual communication with your Little over the summer. SCHOOL-BASED MATCHES: If you are still in an older School-based match, consider transitioning to either the Community-based or Schoolbased Plus programs. This will allow you and your Little to easily have interaction and communication over the summer months. If you continue as a School-based match, talk to your Match Coach/Program Specialist about how you might contact your Little or their family over the summer. Sending letters, postcards, and phone calls are all great options as long as the parent/guardian is comfortable with these. We know summer will be a fun, busy, flash of time, with many opportunities to share new experiences with your Little, either in person or through other communication. Planning ahead and remembering BBBS guidelines for our various programs will help make for a successful, consistent summer with you and your Little. When in doubt, talk to your Match Coach/Program Specialist for ideas and to communicate with parents/guardians, if necessary.
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Let’s play golf! Spend a Sunday afternoon with us on the golf course! Join us for an interactive clinic to develop your skills on the putting green and driving range, and then enjoy some time out on the course! A picnic lunch will be provided. Date: Sunday, May 21 Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m. Location: GolfMohr Golf Club 16724 Hubbard Rd., East Moline, IL
How Suite It Is! Watch a game in the IHMVCU Suite! IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union will be hosting matches in the suites of a River Bandits game for a fun night out! Meet at 5:00 for an interactive financial literacy activity with a life-size version of the Game of Life, followed by a chance to cheer on the Bandits against the Beloit Snappers! Space is limited! Date: Saturday, May 27 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Modern Woodmen Park
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
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CONNECT BBBS TO YOUR EMPLOYER FOR A LUNCH & LEARN We are in constant need of volunteers, and right now we have over 200 children waiting to be matched into our program. One great way to get the word out about volunteering for BBBS is by our staff working with companies to schedule a “Lunch & Learn” for employees of that company to attend. We need your help. Put us in touch with your HR Director so we can come in and explain how a “Lunch & Learn” works. Basically, the company internally promotes the event a few weeks in advance, lets us know how many people will attend and the company provides pizza for the event! We do the rest! Encourage your HR Manager to call us today! Sarah Walker, swalker@bbbs-mv.org Bre Sykes, bsykes@bbbs-mv.org Beth Clark, bclark@bbbs-mv.org 563-323-8006
2017 Birdies for Charity Underway! Make your donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters count for more by giving through the Birdies for Charity program. Go to www.bbbsmv.org and click on the Donate tab, then the Birdies for Charity link to download the form and obtain the BBBS Birdies number.
BBBS #
416
www.bbbsmv.org
CELEBRATE MAY 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
Sydney
Gloria
Smith
6
Kaydance
Stefanie
Burnett
2
James
Justin
Landwehr
6
Jeremy
William
Wescott
2
Antario
Milton
Shaw
5
April
Martina
Beddow
1
Eden
Laci
Halverson
5
Angelina
Anke
Maass
1
Zayvion
Nicholas
Martinez
4
Amiah
Jeannette
Smith
1
Hope
Jackie
Riedesel
3
Gracie
Michelle
Rexroth
1
Chelsey
Tanya
Kammes
3
Alexis
Christina
Hepner
1
Noelan
Jeff
Waller
2
Leland
Henry
Plude
1
Tayshawn
Daniel
Deibert
2
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
MAY,2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: MAY Featured (New) Match of the Month Emma and Stephanie were matched together in a School-Based Plus match in March. They are currently working on a scrapbook together during their visits in which they put artwork or stickers in order to make a memory of that visit. Emma and Stephanie enjoy their time together and never seem to run out of things to talk about! Welcome, Emma and Stephanie!
What's Going on at the Whiteside County Office On March 16th we had a ribbon cutting for our office held at Northside Elementary school for the Morrison Chamber of Commerce. On April 6th, we had a ribbon cutting for our office held at Rock Falls Middle School for the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
Giving Back to the Community! On Sunday, April 23rd BBBS of Whiteside participated in the Sterling Main Street's "Clean & Green" community service project. BBBS was assigned to Wallace Park to pick up litter and do some weeding. After the project, the crew headed back to the BBBS office for a pizza party! It was great to give back to our community and it was also great to enjoy some pizza as we worked up a serious appetite! Nicki Spear’s last day with Big Brothers Big Sisters was April 21st. BBBS thanks her for her services and wishes her all the best with her future endeavors.
Save the Date! On Friday, June 9th BBBS will be teaming up with Morningside of Sterling for a blood drive for the Red Cross.
We are asking each of our current Bigs to recruit just one “Big” in 2017! Ask your co-workers, friends and family.
www.bbbsmv.org/ volunteer
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
MAY,2017
BBBS IN THE COMMUNITY: MACOMB
We had some great activities for our matches and our board members to participate in this past month. The communities we serve continue to support the great work BBBS does! We have a new office in Bushnell, a United Way Community Service Award announcement, upcoming Match Activities and our Mother’s Day Plant Sale Fundraiser. Let’s have a look!
Board Workday One of our favorite activities of the year is Board Workday at Peace of Earth Lodge. This year we had 1 intern, 2 employees, 4 Board members, 2 spouses, and 2 children spend a couple hours working in the woods in Rushville. Pat and Tim Sullivan's Peace of Earth is an eco-lodge in the trees, and they are kind enough to donate a weekend stay to BBBS every year (as a prize for Bowl For Kids' Sake). We like to repay their kindness by helping out, but it's also a great day for bonding in our organization. New Office We have an office in Bushnell!!! Thanks to the good people at Bushnell United Methodist Church for welcoming us into their family and providing the most beautiful office space in town. We're on the top floor, in the balcony overlooking the sanctuary, with 4 magnificent stained glass windows in the room! Until the program is going full-steam, we'll be in the office Tuesdays from 12-4. United Way’s Leighty Award In 2016, long-time supporter of BBBS Macomb Julie-Anne Pickett won McDonough County United Way’s Leighty Award, being recognized for her great history of community service. At the end of her year as the award winner (March 2017), she got to choose one of the United Way partner agencies to be recognized for its service to the community, and she chose BBBS! She stood in front of a crowded room and said some really heartwarming things about what we have accomplished, and then the United Way presented BBBS with a $1,000 check. March Match Activities Deputy Adam Cremer from the McDonough County Sheriff's Office brought K-9 officer Kenzo to the office. We got to see Kenzo do
some tracking, checked out the special K-9 vehicle, and then the kids got to pet Kenzo. Many thanks to Deputy Cremer and Kenzo for such a fun and educational activity!
Beth Chapman from the University of Illinois Extension brought us a fantastic activity in March, where the matches got to build and launch air-powered rocket ships. The activity is designed to teach children about physics, while challenging them to think about what we really NEED to survive. We all had a great time, and BBBS thanks Beth for bringing us such a fun and educational activity!
Upcoming Match Activities 4 May-Peace Corps Mini International Bazaar- 4-6PM at BBBS office. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers will be representing the country in which they served, displaying local crafts, clothing, culture, and talking about their experiences abroad. Upcoming BBBS Fundraiser Spring is coming and it’s almost time for our annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. The sale is taking place from May 10-13 from 8AM to 6PM at STC Investements—1603 E Jackson Street, across from HyVee. Come check out all the beautiful plants we are selling, come talk to the Master Gardeners and celebrate Mother’s Day with BBBS! Don’t forget that all funds raised go to help the kids of Warren and McDonough Counties. Call or e-mail for more details: 309-837-5437, ptarantola@bbbs-mv.org.
To become a “Big” in
McDonough Co. contact Pete at 309-837-5437 or go to www.bbbsmv. org/volunteer
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
COACHES CORNER
KEEP A CHILD’S HEART BLOOMING! SHOP PLANT SALE!
Shop the biggest Plant Sale around! IOWA: Northwest Bank & Trust Tower Fri., May 5—Sat., May 13, 8 am-7 pm
ILLINOIS: UnityPoint Health—Trinity Thurs., May 4 (1-7pm), May 5-7, 8 am—7 pm
ILLINOIS: Macomb, STC Investments across from HyVee Wed., May 10—Sat., May 13, 8 am—5 pm
Over 150 annual varieties and colors!
Annuals 4” Pot Geraniums Hanging Baskets 4” Pot Wave and Easy Wave Petunas AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
● Talk to your Little about volunteering at Plant Sale May 5-13. Contact Kayla (563-323-8006) to sign up (2-3 hour shifts available).
● Flowers are great gifts for mom and teachers!
PRESENTED BY:
SUPPORTED BY:
All proceeds go to support one-to-one mentoring.
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
MAY ,2017
MENTOR ENRICHMENT SERIES: Mental Health and Mentoring Monday, May 15, 5:30—7:30, UnityPoint Health—Trinity, Jardine Training Room, 2701 17th St., Rock Island, IL Christine Gradert is the Director of Child & Adolescent Services at the Robert Young Center. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and has over thirty years of practical experience working with at risk children and families. The professionals’ content will focus on how to mentor youth who experience mental health issues. All Bigs are welcome to attend (without their Littles). There will be time for Q & A. Pizza will be provided. Please RSVP to Kim Aboyure, kaboyure@bbbs-mv.org by May 11th
RESERVE YOUR FOURSOME TODAY! ONLY A FEW OPENINGS AVAILABLE! Presented by:
Monday, June 26
8 a.m. Registration Opens 8:30—10:Wake-Up Island open 9:30 Rules, 10 a.m. start
19th Hole Outback Party! Food donated by Outback Steakhouse. Cash Bar open! Sponsored by Marigold Resources
$15,000 Cash Hole In One Contest! Sponsored by:
Get your foursome together to play in the 5th Annual BBBS Golf Outing to be held on Monday, June 26 at Fyre Lake Golf Club in Sherrard, IL. Call Kayla Kiesey at 563-323-8006 or email kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org to reserve your team!
Sponsorships still available! Email Beth at bclark@bbbs-mv.org or Kayla at kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org 563-323-8006
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5
SUNDAY
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – MAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
2
3
4
5
S.T.E.M. / S.T.E.A.M.
7
Super Hero Day
8
9
10
PLANT SALE 14
Beaux Arts Fair
15
11
PLANT SALE Unloading and Set Up Day VOLUNTEER TODAY!
17
18
22
Bike Rodeo
6
PLANT SALE Village In Bloom
12
PLANT SALE 16
SATURDAY
13 Get Out and Trail Beaux Arts Fair
PLANT SALE 19
20
MENTOR ENRICHMENT
MOTHER’S DAY
21
MAY, 2017
Night Sky Viewing
23
24
25
26
27
CAREER NAVIGATORS M.A.P.S.—GOLF
28
M.A.P.S.—RIVER BANDITS
Big Little Training
29
30
31
Memorial Day
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! MAY
S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Make It Take It: May 2 from 6:30-7:00pm at East Moline Public Library (740 16th Ave, East Moline). Bring your thinking caps and creativity for this craft that kids can take home! Call 309-755-9614 for more information.
May the 4th Be With You: May 4 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Rock Island Library Southwest Branch (9010 Ridgewood Road). Celebrate Star Wars with a movie and popcorn, Star Wars crafts, complete a scavenger hunt and play trivia for prizes! Call 309-732-7338 for more information. Village in Bloom Festival: May 6 from 10:00am-4:00pm in the Village of East Davenport. Enjoy art exhibits by and for area children, various performances, exhibits of Isabel and John Bloom’s artwork, and make-and-take children’s art activities. The festival is FREE. Call for more information Bettendorf Bike Rodeo: May 6 from 12:00-2:00pm at Cumberland Square in Bettendorf (2300 Spruce Hills Drive). Come learn about the importance of bike safety techniques and rules of the road while enjoying free food, giveaways, and a free t-shirt (while supplies last). This is a FREE event and RSVPs are required. Call 563-359-9541 to RSVP or for more information. Cultural Celebration Festival: May 6 from 3:00-7:00pm at The Center (1411 Brady St, Davenport). Celebrate culture and diversity with the QC Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees! The afternoon will feature children’s activities, performances by local groups, food,
and guest speakers. This event is FREE. E-mail qcair@qcair.org for more information. Superhero Day with the Quad City River Bandits: May 7 at Modern Woodmen Park (209 S Gaines St). Gates open at 12:15pm and the game starts at 1:15pm. Come dressed as your favorite superhero and get pre-game autographs, participate in the post-game Kids Run the Bases, and bring a dog for Bark at the Park! Call 563-324-3000 for more information. Get Out And Trail (GOAT): May 13 from 9:00am-1:00pm on QC Trails. Bike, Hike, Walk, Roll—travel the trails on both sides of the Mississippi and stop by the hosted GOAT stops for refreshments and activities. This event is FREE. Call 563-326-8510 for more information. Beaux Arts Fair: May 13 & 14 from 10:00am-5:00pm in Downtown Davenport. Find fine arts and crafts, musical entertainment, childrens’ art area, and a food court at this year’s fair. Admission is FREE. Contact BeauxArtsFair@gmail.com for more information. Night Sky Viewing with The Popular Astronomy Club: May 20 from 8:00pm-11:00pm at Niabi Zoo (13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley). Join the Popular Astronomy Club after sunset in the Niabi Zoo Parking Lot for a tour of the night sky. Telescopes will be available to look through. FREE. Call 309-797-3120 for more information.