Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor Appreciation Party Held

Posted on April 23rd, 2008 in Press Releases by Joe Swortz

Approximately 81 “Big’s” and “Littles” attended the second annual mentor appreciation party on Monday evening at Rodano’s in Wilkes-Barre. Others were interested, but were unable to attend. The 2nd annual event was an evening on food, refreshments and prizes all in recognition of the hard work the mentors have done over the past year. There were several door prize drawings as well as drawings for different categories including first to RSVP, first to arrive, matches with the same birth month and same color shirt.

A saying from the Talmud, “When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son.” was used to emphasize the impact the mentors have not only on their Little Brothers and Little Sisters but on their families, their siblings and their future generations as well. Mentors were told to never underestimate what they do for and the impact they have on their Littles. They were also recognized as local heroes for giving their time and talent to youth in the community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of Catholic Social Services and a member agency of The Wyoming Valley United Way.

Pictures from the event are located on the http://wwww.bbbswb.org website under Photo Gallery.  

Mentor Appreciation Party Scheduled

Posted on April 17th, 2008 in Press Releases by Joe Swortz

Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge, a Program of Catholic Social Services and member agency of the Wyoming Valley United Way, will be holding their second annual Mentor Appreciation Party at Rodano’s Pizza in Wilkes-Barre. The event will be on Monday, April 21st from 5:30Pm until 7:30PM. Pizza, wings and refreshments will be provided compliments of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This is the second year for the event recognizing the dedication and commitment mentors have made to their Littles over the past year. A program will be held as well as a variety of small group activities designed to help matches get to know each other and other matches as well.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program that matches area youth ages 7 to 14 with a suitable mentor for the period of one year. Mentors or “Big’s” are asked to spend one hour a week or meet with their “Little” three times a month.

There are two mentoring options available. One is the core or community-based program where matches meet on their own time with no set day or time in the community. The school-based program is where matches meet after school the same day and same time each week. Programs usually run from 3:05 – 4:30PM. In order to become a mentor an individual must be at least 16 and in 11th grade. They must be a resident of the county we serve and complete a screening process.

For more information contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge at 1(800) 955-4376.

WBS PENGUINS DEFENSEMAN VISITS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS PROGRAM AT DAN FLOOD ELEMENTARY

Posted on April 11th, 2008 in Press Releases by Joe Swortz

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By Nick Podolak

WILKES-BARRE, PA- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defenseman Ryan Lannon stopped by Dan Flood Elementary School on Monday, March 11, 2008, to lecture children about school, peer pressure, and positive life choices.

Speaking with a slight Boston accent, the Grafton, Massachusetts native admitted he was always a bookworm.

“I was kind of a geek,” he said. “And people used to make fun of me for being smart. But in reality, those people are just jealous. Don’t try for a B or a C just to fit in,” he told the group.

The 6’2, 220lb. Lannon also preached the importance of a hard work ethic and perseverance, for he was never as “good” as his other teammates during his pee wee days of hockey, but still managed to attend Harvard University (where he was roommates with Al Gore, Jr.) and fulfilled his life-long dream of playing in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I can honestly say that I never had a cigarette in my life or used any type of drug. Those things really don’t do anything for you,” he said. “Some of my teammates made that choice, and even though they were better, I’m still playing and they’re not.”

Lannon then opened up the session for questions an answers from the children, who asked him everything from “have you ever met a professional wrestler” to “have you ever gone to the penalty box?”

“I guess the penalty box is our version of time-out,” he joked, though he’s admitted to gracing its confines on occasion.

Pictures of Lannon’s visit with the children at Dan Flood Elementary can be viewed by visiting www.bbbswb.org.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge is a mentoring program of the Catholic Social Services and is a United Way member agency, making a difference in the Greater Wyoming Valley since 1974.

RYAN LANNON TO VISIT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS PROGRAM

Posted on April 11th, 2008 in Press Releases by Joe Swortz

Ryan Lannon, defenseman with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, will be making a visit to the Big Brothers Big Sisters, after-school program at Daniel J. Flood School on Monday, March 10th 2008.  

Ryan is a left handed shooter who was born in Grafton, MA.  He played college hockey at Harvard and was named the
US College Hockey Online “unsung hero”… Named second team All-Ivy League. He has a long list of records to his credit during his college hockey career. Ryan made his professional debut with the Penguins on October 5th vs. Bridgeport and recorded his first career goal, a shorthanded tally, October 28th against Hershey in 2005. He made appearances in 11 games with the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins during the Calder Cup Playoffs.  

Ryan will be spending time talking to the youth and their mentors about the game of hockey, showing them some of the equipment he uses and also putting on a demonstration. Most importantly, he will be talking to the youth about issues they face including peer pressure, self-esteem, proper decision making and healthy living.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge is a program of Catholic Social Services and a member agency of The Wyoming Valley United Way that matches youth between the ages of 7 and 14 with a suitable mentor for a period of one year. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently operates three School-based Mentoring Programs locally in the Wilkes-Barre and Wyoming Valley West School Districts as well as matches youth in the “traditional” or Community-based programs all over the area. 

The annual Bowl For Kids Sake event will also be coming up at Stanton Lanes in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, March 29th. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge call 1 (800) 955-HERO or visit us online at http://www.bbbswb.org.