The Volunteer Discussion Board will be monitored by the BBBS staff. And only active Bigs, members of the BBBS Board of Directors and staff will be approved as users. But the discussion topics and content will be driven exclusively by the Bigs. After all, that's why it's called the Volunteer Discussion Board! In addition, ticket donations will be posted only on the Volunteer Discussion Board. It is our hope that by sharing ideas and suggestions via the Internet, each of us will become better mentors.

Join the boards today!

BBBS Match Honored

Big Brother Art Taylor and his Little Brother Mike were honored recently for excellence in community-based mentoring by the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Art and Mike received the award at the Magic of Mentoring Recognition Event on October 29 at Heinz Field.

Nominated by Casework Supervisor Linda Skosnik, Art was singled out for his outstanding efforts as a friend, role model and mentor to Mike. In fact, Art was the only individual recognized at the event, thus distinguishing him as one of the top volunteer youth mentors in all of Southwestern Pennsylvania!

Early during their mentoring relationship, Art and his Little Brother Mike built a shack in Mike's backyard. They named the shack "A Few Good Men." The name certainly was appropriate because Mike is a great kid, and Art is not only a good man himself, but he also is a good role model and an excellent Big Brother.

Art has been matched to his Little Brother for nine years. From the very beginning of their relationship, Mike's mother, Judy, described them as "two peas in a pod." She explained that they enjoy doing the same activities, like sports, camping, canoeing, and school projects. She also said they have the same temperaments, which may be one reason why Art and Mike proudly report that they have never had a disagreement. In fact, Mike's mother said that Mike would rather be with his Big Brother than with anyone else.

Even after nine years, Art and Mike still get together about once a week and talk on the phone two or three times each week. Art marvels that Mike still makes time for him even though he is now a 17-year-old teenager with many other interests. Mike is a good student and an excellent athlete. Art attended most of Mike's sporting events, and he was in attendance when Mike was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society. Judy says that Mike looks for Art at all of his events and that Art's support and encouragement are very important to him. "Art has a lot to do with how Mike turned out. He's been with Mike every step of the way," says Judy.

A reoccurring theme throughout their mentoring relationship during the past nine years has been about trust and reliability. Prior to being matched with Art, Mike had life experiences that gave him the impression that adults were not dependable. Both Mike and his mother comment often that Art can be counted on. If either one needs him, he is there for them. This has had a very positive impact on Mike. Mike now views Art as a trusted friend, and he describes Art as patient, understanding, a good teacher, and someone who tries to keep up with what he is doing so they can talk about it. Mike's mother says that whenever Mike has a problem, he says, "Maybe Art can help me," and then he gets on the phone and calls his Big Brother. Art and Mike have a very close connection, and they talk about everything - even girls.

On June 22, 2003, Mike graduated from high school, and Art and his wife, Chris, were there. They even held a wonderful graduation party for Mike at their home. Leading up to graduation, Art took Mike on college visits and helped him with financial aid forms. This fall, Mike became the first in his family to attend college when he enrolled at Robert Morris University. He plans to major in education and become a teacher.

Mike has grown into a fine young man in large part because of Art's involvement in his life. This is a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations, Art and Mike!

BBBS Takes Checkered Flag at Corporate Roast

The 24th Annual Corporate Roast was a winning event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh! The event on November 5 in honor of racing legend Chip Ganassi raised more than $185,000 for BBBS programs and services. These critical funds will be used to support existing mentoring relationships and agency programs, as well as help us to reach out to the many children currently on our waiting list for mentors.

Not only was it a tremendous night for BBBS, but it also was a fun night for our guest of honor, Chip Ganassi. After all, it was a roast, and many of Chip's closest friends were on hand to both cheer and heckle him. Among the 300 guests in attendance were many of Pittsburgh's top corporate leaders, including Jim Rohr and Sy Holzer of PNC Bank, Kevin McClatchy and Dave Littlefield from the Pirates, Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg, Hoddy Hanna, Bill Pietragallo, Dan Shapira, David Hunter, KDKA-TV's Patrice King Brown and Ken Rice, and long-time BBBS supporter Kenny Ross of the Kenny Ross Automotive Group. Out of town guests included Chip's friend and racing competitor Roger Penske, who surprised BBBS with a $10,000 donation, which Chip matched on the spot! Chip's racing partner Felix Sabates and Indy 500's Mike Hull also joined in the festivities.

Other special guests in attendance were a group of active matches who served as greeters and provided other assistance during the evening's program. We'd like to thank the following matches who helped make this year's Corporate Roast the most successful in its 24-year history:

• BS Michele Savoie & LS Asia
• BS Wendy Beckwith & LB James
• BS Jen Vogel & LS Jocelyn
• BS Kristin Brand & LS Scenthea
• BB Jim Talarico & LB Joey
• BC Mark & Elizabeth Mortimer & LB Chris
• BS Jenny Halfhil & LS Alisha
• BS Laurie Pohl & LS Danisha
• BS Zita Vennare & LS Tyara
• BB Bill Bothe & LB Taylor
• BS Jennifer Tyman & LS Leah

School's Open for BBBS Program

The BBBS School-based Mentoring Program is off and running again this year. School-based sites from last year are hosting Bigs again this year include: Crafton Elementary School, Dorseyville Middle School, Kerr Elementary School, Miller Traditional Academy, Moon Area Middle School, McKnight Elementary School, Turner Elementary School, Verner Elementary School, Weil Technology Institute, Wilkinsburg Middle School, and the Parental Stress Center's After-School Program. New sites this school year include: Carnegie Elementary School, Carson Middle School, Kelly Elementary School, Milliones Middle School, Tenth Street Elementary School in Verona, and the Rodman New Missionary Baptist Church After-School Program.

We have two new school-based partnerships this year. The law firm of Klett Rooney Lieber & Schorling has four employees going to a lunch buddy program at Weil Technology Institute. In addition, the Carlynton School District has contracted with BBBS for 20 matches that will be an after school "homework club" at Carnegie Elementary School. The Bigs will be high school students from Carlynton High School.

If you or your company is interested in getting involved in the BBBS School-based Mentoring Program, please contact School-based Coordinator Jim Scheidler at 412-363-6100, ext. 238, or jscheidler@bbbspgh.org.

Shop For A Cause At Ethnic Artz

When Michael Nee and his wife, Tazeen Chowdhury, moved back to Pittsburgh a few years ago and opened Ethnic Artz on East Carson Street, they wanted to find creative ways to give back to the community. Each December, they succeed in doing just that. For the second consecutive year, Ethnic Artz will sponsor special shopping days in December when a percentage of the purchases will benefit one of three worthy organizations, including BBBS.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is one organization that's very special to us," says Michael, who served as a Big Brother in Pittsburgh during the late 1990's. "It's a very worthwhile program, and this is one way we can help. If people are going to shop around the holidays anyway, why not support a group you affiliate with at the same time."

On Thursday, December 4, a percentage of all purchases at Ethnic Artz will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. The shop is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but a special reception with light refreshments will be offered for shoppers on December 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. Purchases the whole day will qualify for those who cannot attend the reception.

Ethnic Artz is located at 1102 East Carson Street in the Historic South Side. Look for the big green sign on the 1100 block of East Carson Street. Free parking is available at the Iron & Glass Bank next door. Call 412-481-5579 for directions.

Ethnic Artz is truly one of Pittsburgh's most unique gift shops. Specializing in eclectic home décor from around the world, you're sure to find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, especially those who are difficult to buy for. In addition to home décor items, Ethnic Artz also carries a large selection of fashion accessories and jewelry. For a preview, visit www.ethnicartzinc.com. (More gift items will be posted on the website after December 1.)

If you're unable to visit Ethnic Artz on December 4, you're also invited to shop on December 10 to benefit the Midwife Center for Birth and Woman's Heath or December 16 to benefit the Pittsburgh Aids Task Force.

This is the time of year that many matches begin-or continue-their own holiday traditions. Many traditions include tours of the outstanding holiday exhibits and shows that our region has to offer. Below is a listing of some of the more popular holiday exhibits. There are admission fees at some exhibits, so be sure to call ahead for pricing, times and directions.

• Light Up Night, Downtown Pittsburgh, Fri., Nov. 21, call 1-888-PGH-FEST for all downtown Pittsburgh events
• Celebration of Lights, Hartwood Acres, Nov. 14-Jan. 11, 412-767-9200
• Holiday Mansion Tours, Hartwood Acres, Nov. 24-Dec. 16, 412-767-9200
• The Christmas Star, Buhl Planetarium, Nov. 24-Jan. 16, 412-237-3400
• Nationality Rooms, Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Nov. 16-Jan. 16, 412-624-6000
• Winter Flower Show, Phipps Conservatory, Nov. 28-Jan. 11, 412-622-6914
• Christmas Open House, Greene County Historical Society, Nov. 28-30, 724-627-3204

In addition, the following miniature train exhibits are always popular with Littles and Bigs alike:

• Holiday Train Display, Western PA Model Rail Road Museum, Gibsonia, Nov. 15-Jan. 18, 724-444-6944
• Miniature R.R. & Village, Carnegie Science Center, Nov. 21-Feb. 3, 412-237-3400
• Santa Trolley, PA Trolley Museum, Washington, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14, 1-877-228-9256

For more information about tickets and the match activities listed here, please contact Cheryl Jones at cjones@bbbspgh.org or call 412-363-6100, ext. 226.

	Giving Advice to Littles Bigs are often looking for suggestions and directions in handling situations-sometimes delicate ones-regarding their Littles. In many instances, the Big is in a position to give some meaningful advice to the Little. In giving advice, what guidelines should a Big use that will result in a Little being more receptive? Dr. Charles Schaefer in his book, How to Talk to Children About Really Important Things, offers the following suggestions:
Use a "soft-sell" approach. Offer advice in a tentative manner so that the Little feels free to accept or reject it. Use suggestions or questions rather than direct ones. Children, like adults, accept and follow advice more readily when we avoid "coming on strong." Don't get angry if your advice is not followed. Too much pressure on your Little to conform to your wishes will almost certainly trigger resistance. Be trustworthy. Be the kind of person who can be trusted for your honesty. Be honest about what you don't know and don't exaggerate the truth to persuade your Little. Avoid distorting the truth to spare discomfort. Give advice sparingly. Give advice sparingly because even when advising is handled well, there is a danger of making your Little feel dumb, inferior, or overly controlled. Don't over advise. Be brief. Get right to the point in giving advice. Don't beat around the bush. Be brief and state your thoughts in a few sentences. Avoid the tendency to give a lecture or lengthy arguments. Be clear. Use simple, concrete language geared to your Little's level of development. Be as specific as possible and avoid generalities. Respect your Little's views. Ask your Little what he/she thinks about issues rather than just telling them what to do or think. Remember to listen to and respect your Little's opinions so that you talk with them rather than at them. Respect also involves giving children reasons for behaving in a certain way. Reason helps a child's thinking powers and independence of judgement. Display sincere caring. Littles are more likely to accept advice from someone who is seen as eager to help them in every way possible. Your Little must regard you as a friend who has a primary concern in his/her welfare.