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Tom
R. Slone Scholarship Search
The University
of
Pittsburgh’s College of General Studies (CGS) is looking for Big Brothers and
Big Sisters
interested in applying for the Tom R. Slone Scholarship for the spring of 2006
term that begins in January. The
scholarship is intended for individuals who want to start or finish a
four-year undergraduate degree.
Individuals
interested in post baccalaureate studies or wanting to seek a second degree
are also encouraged to apply.
CGS
does offer graduate certificates in Accounting, Gerontology, and Engineering
and Technology Management.
Established by CGS alumnus Tom R. Slone, this scholarship is available to
active “Bigs” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring organization
in the Greater Pittsburgh region who enroll for a recognized program of study
in CGS.
The number and value of the awards may vary annually. At a minimum, individual
awards will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for one course per
semester (Approximate value: $1,500). Award
decisions are based on a combination of an individual’s financial need and
merit.
“Bigs” interested in applying for the scholarship should contact Dr.
Dean M. Julian, Coordinator, Tom R. Slone Scholarship Program, at
412-624-1550 or Julian@cgs.pitt.edu.
 Avoiding
the Pitfalls of Holiday Gift-Giving
We are now
officially in the "Holiday Season" and to some that means sharing
family traditions, singing carols, baking cookies and giving presents. As
a Big, the issue of giving your Little a present can be a tricky one. Kids
are bombarded with commercials about the latest and greatest toy or hi-tech
item and will more than likely hint (or outright ask you) to buy it for
them...because they just HAVE TO HAVE IT!
It is an
awkward situation you will face throughout the course of your match, but it
will be particularly amplified during this time of year. If you are a
new Big, it is critical to be careful as you navigate through this
situation. What you do early in the match will most likely set the stage for
what your Little will come to expect from you throughout the year. Just
because you are able to purchase a big gift for your Little does not mean
you should.
If you give the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 2 to your Little, you’ll send
the message that you are "Santa" and find yourself facing requests
for purchases throughout the year. Keep in mind your Little's family
situation as well. Will his/her family holiday be a seemingly lean one
to you, but one within their own means? If so, a high-end gift may make
the parent or guardian feel he/she can’t provide for their child on their own,
causing insult or awkwardness. On the other end of the spectrum, the family
could see you as "Santa" too, and the long-term expectations of
providing gifts would be amplified from their end as well. Either of
these options will undoubtedly lead to serious issues in your match.
To help avoid these incidences
from occurring, it is helpful to think carefully through the gift-giving
process. The most important thing is to keep it simple. Having spent time
with your Little, you will have ideas of what his/her interests are and what
kinds of things would be useful throughout the year. Use that as your
guide.
Does your Little enjoy reading? Take a trip to the library or book store and
find out what books are popular or suggested for a child of your Little's
age. That will be something you two can share, and even read
and talk about together.
Does your Little have a hobby or show a spark of interest in a
potential hobby? If so, find something to help them explore that interest. Is
your Little interested in basketball? Purchase a new ball and maybe a book
or DVD on techniques. Then make the time to hit the courts with him/her to
play! If your Little is a budding artist, art supplies and a pass
to the Carnegie Museum of Art might be in order. Or maybe schedule an art
workshop that you can do together. Again, these types of gifts can carry on
throughout your match relationship as you use them to develop that skill or
interest with your Little.
The "big ticket" item might get
the biggest “Wow!” factor response the day you give it, but
more than likely it will soon be forgotten. However, the more thoughtful
gifts of time and shared interest will last forever.
A Visit
to the Pines 
 On
Sunday, November 13, The Pines of Mt. Lebanon hosted a game day where
matches were treated to an afternoon of snacks and crafts with residents of
The Pines. The event was put together by BS Melissa
Schwietzer and her LS Kayla. Melissa is the Activity Director at The Pines
of Mt. Lebanon. BS Kelly Longenecker and LS Kirsten, BS Ann Marie Egloff and
LS Ashley, and BS Elyse Heyman and LS
Kiera joined Melissa and Kayla for the activity. This was the first
of what will hopefully be many future
activity and crafts opportunities
to come at The Pines. It is a great match
activity to consider!
BBBS
Regional Volunteer Support Activities Update
In
the September e-News we introduced you to our newest BBBS initiative focusing
on volunteer/match support. We are looking to provide opportunities for
Bigs and Littles to meet other matches in locations closer to their homes. The
goal of this initiative is to strengthen the feeling of community among
volunteers who share the common commitment of being a mentor to a child, and
ultimately assist them in maintaining their match commitment for a longer
period of time.
We initially started with a committee of volunteers that live from the
downtown through the Ohio River Boulevard
areas. These Bigs would be responsible for
encouraging the 50 other volunteers that live in that area to participate in
organized activities.
Following a picnic in August, this inaugural group, known as the "65 Corridor,"
held a hayride in October at Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm in which nine matches
attended. While the attendance was
a bit lower than expected, the turnout was still amazing when considering the
torrential downpour that started an hour before the hayride was to begin. Those hearty souls that huddled together under the cover of the hay
wagon were rewarded by a blazing bonfire and some hot chocolate (okay maybe it
was more like lukewarm) and s’mores. Even though everyone was completely
drenched by evening’s end, they enjoyed the unique opportunity to meet other
Bigs and Littles so much that future activities are already being planned. 
The Central Region was the next region to be developed and after a few
meetings the committee of volunteers, who encompass the Shady Side, Squirrel
Hill, East Liberty, Homewood and Swissvale areas, planned a bowling activity
as their kick-off event. Nine matches attended the activity, held at the
Forward Lanes in Squirrel Hill, and it was apparent that as the day
progressed they became more comfortable with one another and really enjoyed
the camaraderie.
The Washington/Greene County Regional
Group met in October for a dinner
meeting at the home of Big Sister Cindy Angeletti. This group already had a
history of planning activities together, so a formally structured group
developing events closer to home came easily. The goal is to identify venues
and opportunities that BBBS can explore to make the activities available to
them. Once the initial plans were staged, the volunteers used the time
together to offer ideas and support to each other.
The next region to be developed is the Southern Region. By January, we will
have a committee of volunteers who live in the South Side, South Hills, Mount
Washington/Mt. Oliver and Pleasant Hills areas. If you live in any of those
areas and are interested in being on the committee to plan future activities,
please contact Cheryl at cjones@bbbspgh.org
Each
of the established regional committees will be reconvening in January to
continue to plan events for their groups. As
each regional committee develops and becomes more comfortable in their role as
volunteer/match support leaders, the radius of the regions will continue to
expand to encompass all volunteers that serve in BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh.
 Share Your
Match Experiences!
Do you have interesting stories about you and your
Little to share with us? How about a funny picture of the two of you? Maybe
you would like to share some personal advice on being a Big? Whatever it is, send
it to us. We may post it in the e-News. Consider it your chance to be famous! Send your stuff to
Cheryl Jones at cjones@bbbspgh.org
Bigs
and Littles in the Spotlight
The
past several months have been very busy at Big Brothers Big Sisters,
especially in regards to some of our signature fundraising efforts. In order
for the agency to continue to grow and serve more matches, BBBS is constantly
looking for ways in which to raise funds. It has always been a given that the
best spokespeople for the organization are the Bigs and Littles themselves!
During the past few months several of our matches have been showcased at our
fundraisers, and they have eloquently shared their stories.
At the 26th Annual Corporate Roast, honoring Ralph Papa (President of Citizens
Bank of Pennsylvania), Big Brother Michael Jennings shared with the audience
how becoming a Big Brother has provided his post-graduate life with greater
meaning and substance. He told of how he has grown as an individual through
his friendship with Little Brother Branden. He explained how a strong base of
support from the BBBS staff and a growing camaraderie with fellow Bigs help
him make the most of his match. Little Brother Branden braved the podium and
shared many of the fun times he and Mike have had together, as well as some
things he hopes to do with Mike in the future. Both can see being in each
other's lives for a long time to come!
   
Big
Brother Travis Bethune and Little
Brother Lance, Big
Couple Matt and Amy Keller with Little Brother Edward, Big Sister Amy Nelson
with Little Sister Dana, Big Sister Andi Irwin with Little
Sister Da'Jai and Big Sister Kim Breitwesier with Little Brother
Da’Jon were on hand as well to hand out programs and gifts during the
pre-dinner reception and mingle with Roast guests.
It was on a cold, blustery, morning in November at our "Little Moments Big
Magic" Breakfast that Little Brother Adam poignantly spoke of the enjoyable
times he continues to spend
 with Big Brother Brian throughout the course of
their three year match. Since the death of his grandfather, he has realized the
full impact of their relationship. Because of his Big Brother, Adam has been
able to continue some of the traditions that he used to share with his
grandfather, such as assembling elaborate train sets during the holidays. Brian,
who was noticeably touched by Adam’s kind words, added that he too felt a
powerful impact from their relationship and passionately implored the many men
in the audience to get involved.
During the same event, former Big Sister Geri Giles took to the stage to share some
of the many highlights of her 16-year match with Little Sister Cathleen.
Cathleen followed with an eloquent rendition of Loren Eisley’s Starfish
story, which reminds us that helping even just one person can make a
monumental difference. Few attendees could deny being moved by the sentiment
of the story along with Cathleen’s personal acknowledgement that having Geri
as a Big Sister transformed her life for the better.
These are only a few examples of how our matches helped spread the word about
what being a Big or Little can do to a person’s life. We are grateful for
each and every Big and Little who has taken the time to share their stories.
Their impact is immeasurable! If
you and your Little are interested in sharing your story with others, we are
always looking for volunteer speakers. Please contact your Match Support Specialist
and find out what upcoming opportunities are
available!
Click to see New
Matches and Match Anniversaries for
September/October!
Saturday,
Dec. 10,
1-3:30 p.m. Annual
Big/Little Holiday Party at Schenley Park Ice Rink. Join the
BBBS staff and other matches for an afternoon of winter fun and holiday cheer!
For more information contact Cheryl Jones at cjones@bbbspgh.org.
Tuesday,
Jan. 10,
8:30-9:30 a.m. "Come
Share a Little Magic" Informational Tour @ BBBS Offices in
East Liberty. The best way for someone to learn more about one-to-one
mentoring programs is to attend this one-hour informational tour. Contact Tom
Wiese for more information at twiese@bbbspgh.org.
Thursday,
Jan. 26,
8:30-9:30 a.m. "Come
Share a Little Magic" Informational Tour @ BBBS Offices in
East Liberty.
 See photos from some of
our most recent match activities including the Duquesne
Basketball Big For A Day Event and the Central Region Group bowling activity.
Click here>>
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November, 2005