THE MENTOR Winter 2014
D
Young Talent Competes on National Level in Disney World
avid, one of our “Little” brothers, is on the Wareham Tigers Pop Warner B-Squad, and has been playing football for three years. By winning all the necessary games in the New England region, David and his team earned the opportunity to travel to Florida and compete in the Pop Warner Super Bowl Nationals at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. This was a first ever for the Tigers! David’s “Big” brother, Jay, called to inform us here at Big Brothers Big Sisters that David was heading to the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Disney. David and Jay have been matched for almost six years and have grown to have a great relationship. Jay has taught David so much. In return, David has great respect for Jay and is appreciative of all the time they’ve spent together. “David is an all-season athlete from baseball to basketball to football and has had success at all levels,” said Jay. “He may be small but he’s fast and has a lot of heart, which helps take him to places few have traveled, like Florida. We’re all proud of him.” “Jay always wanted me to play hockey, but my mom wouldn’t let me because it was too expensive, so I decided to play football instead,” said David. “Jay has always been supportive and has gone to many of my games.” In order for the team to make the trip, they had to meet their fundraising goal. David and his team began by collecting money outside of local stores, helping build awareness for their cause. Getting the team to Florida quickly became a community effort. With people and businesses chipping in through donations and social media support, it didn’t take long for David and his
team to raise the money for their trip. They were on their way! ”Playing down there was a great experience,” exclaimed David. “There were four kids on the team that have never played before. It was very hot, but felt good to play in the heat. The crowds were really big too!” While in Florida, David and his team competed in four games. Even though they didn’t come out on top, they were all grateful for the opportunity to compete on a national level. It is something they will always remember. ■
David showing Wareham Tiger pride!
THE MENTOR | big brothers big sisters of child & family services
Celebrate Winter with Your Little! Outdoor Activities
Indoor Activities
Go sledding Make snow angels Go ice skating Build an igloo Make a snowman Look at holiday lights & displays Collect pinecones to make homemade decorations
Winter 2014
Make gingerbread houses/cookies Rent a movie & make popcorn Play a board game Put together a difficult puzzle Learn a new game with a deck of cards Make Valentine’s Day cards for your loved ones Make homemade hot chocolate (recipe below)
Homemade Hot Chocolate (Makes 4 servings)
1/3 Cup 3/4 Cup 1/3 Cup 3 ½ Cup 3/4 Tsp 1/2 Cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder White sugar Boiling water Milk Vanilla extract Half and half cream Pinch of salt
Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn’t scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.
AHA! Nights Downtown New Bedford February 13 March 13 April 10
Stark Raven Mad All Sewn Up Sustainable SouthCoast
www.ahanewbedford.org
Hometown Heroes Thank you to the following businesses and organizations for going above and beyond last year: A.D. Makepeace Company for providing pumpkins at the Cranberry Harvest Festival, which helped us raise $897 The Boston Celtics (Shamrock Foundation) for donating game tickets throughout season for our matches
Zeiterion Theatre for donating tickets to Godspell Endzone Sports Pub and Grill for hosting our first Wings & Info Night and donating platters of wings for attendees
www.child-familyservices.org
THE MENTOR | big brothers big sisters of child & family services
Winter 2014
Congratulations!
MAKING THE
GRADE
Millenya, age 13, has shown a huge improvement in her grades (from C’s and D’s to mostly A’s), and is being offered honors classes for her upcoming 10th grade year! Photo: Katy & Millenya at the 2013 Match Fun Night.
Match Anniversaries
1 Year
Jan 8 Jan 15 Feb 8 Feb 14 Mar 1 Mar 14 Mar 15
3 Years
Jan 24 Feb 24 Mar 16 Mar 18 Mar 22 Mar 31
4 Years
Feb 18 Mar 10 Mar 25
5 Years
Mar 4
6 Years
Feb 4
Amanda + Kayti Anthony + Alicia Christopher + Jesse Caliz + Ken Austin + John Stephanie + Angela Micayla + Kyla Jordan + Wanda Mia + Kendra Jibreel + Mitch Christal + Heather Kaylee + Jacqueline Shawn + Ryan Jazmyn + Cassie Nolan + Adam Jamin + Joe
Happy Birthday!
January Kayla W. Justina K. Kiya A. Stacy G. Sofia M.
February Mia C. Austin F. Christal M. Lessly T.
March
Hunter B. Adam B. Tysa M. Bryanna B. Leann M. Luis C.
Delilah + Rebecca David + Jay
Meet our Newest Match! Niah + Aleesha
They had a great first day together making arts and crafts projects at Create Hands On in Dartmouth.
www.child-familyservices.org
Dae’Sean B. Anthony C.
Tayla C. Myajoy W. Micayla P.
Heylee R. Jason S. Aisha Q. Annamaria B. Mya B.
program coordinator
Deanna Bodeau
caseworker Whitney Silva
advisory board members
March 2, 2014
Wonder Bowl, New Bedford
Lanes are filling up fast. Register Now!
Christine Bowden Janet Kawa Krista Machado Kathryn Nunes Cecelia Porche Suzanne Sylvia Rebecca Tavares
contributing editors
Deanna Bodeau Marc Boulanger Janelle Guenette Whitney Silva
Call Deanna or Whitney at (508) 990-0894 www.child-familyservices.org
3057 acushnet avenue new bedford, ma 02745
non-profit org. u.s. postage paid new bedford, ma permit # 301