Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge Newsroom

It was one of the first encounters some of these college students had with the Wilkes-Barre Area and they all seemed to have a blast. First year students from King’s College and waiting list youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters participated in the annual Buddy For A Day Event. This annual event is held with incoming first year students at King’s College, usually at Betzler Fields. The goal is to provide some of the waiting list youth the opportunity to participate in fun, structured games while getting the college students oriented in their community.  

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of Catholic Social Services and a member agency of the Wyoming Valley United Way.The program matches youth ages 7 to 14 with a suitable mentor for at least one year. The matches meet for at least one hour a week or three times a month and are supported by a Big Brothers Big Sisters caseworker.  

Approximately 20 kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters and about 40 King’s students total, 20 for the am session and 20 for the pm session, participated in a variety of activities.  The first activity was a relay race where the kids used their youth and agility to beat the college students.  I am sure the fact that the college students were blindfolded helped the kids a little bit.  A hula hoop off was the next order of business where once again the kids dominated. The King’s students were even allowed to twirl it on their arms, but they just couldn’t keep up. They moved on to an exciting game of kickball where we still haven’t figured out what the final score was. The kids seemed to score points even when they were in the field! A water balloon fight, I mean toss, was next on the agenda and they finished the day with a relaxing game of duck duck goose.   

If success was measured in smiles, I would say the kids and the King’s students had a great time. The King’s students were rally a class act and they checked their competitiveness at the gate and did what they had to do to let the kids shine like stars for the day. Well in our eyes, you were all stars, and our thanks go out to the students for giving the kids great time.  

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters contact us at 1 800 955-4376 or online at http://www.bbbswb.org.

Pictured above are some of the kids who took part in the program.

What started a few months ago as an opportunity to work with kids in local neighborhoods and talk to them about topics such as peer pressure, self-esteem, and drug abuse, turned into a learning experience for the instructor as well as the kids.  The Lion’s Quest Programs started in May and June at five sites in communities in Glen Lyon, Plymouth, Wilkes-Barre and Exeter. The program was run by Big Brothers Big Sisters, with funding from The Blue Ribbon Foundation. The goal was to help youth develop skills they can use in everyday situations. Although many kids would come to the program when they could, a core group of about 50 kids attended on a regular basis.  

The program gave kids the opportunity to share their ideas with other peers and at times strategize on how they can solve some of their own problems. Crystal, a girl at one of the sites, gave another girl some ideas how she can resolve the conflict she was having with her mother over a curfew. Crystal told her that maybe she needed to do what she did with her mother. She worked it out so she could stay out later as long as she let her mother know where she would be and how she can be reached.  

During one conversation about drug usage, the Lion’s Quest group took a walk through the neighborhood and the kids pointed out all the “hot spots” where the older kids get together to do “bad things”. One of the locations was very close to the playground and the kids remarked how they get thrown out by the bigger kids. One of the members of the Lion’s Quest group expressed her frustration on how the park belongs to them where they can play and not for people who want to do bad things. She remarked how she wanted to go to the people who run that city and complain.  

On thing that was clear to the instructor is that it is a much different word today and many times kids act a certain way or do certain things for survival. It would have been easy to label some of the kids by the way they dressed or acted, but if that would have happened, a much softer side would not have been seen. In each site the idea was the same from the kids…we just want to be kids and be able to be safe while doing it.  

During the course of the ten week program, there were some ups and some downs but overall everyone seemed to agree they learned something in the process.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of Catholic Social Services and a member agency of The Wyoming Valley Uniyted Way. For more information contact us at 1-800 955-4376 or onlie at http://www.bbbswb.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge would like to thank everyone who made the 2^nd Annual Walk Around Wilkes-Barre a success. We would like to also thank the following for their support Bart & Urby’s, Community Computers, George Ritz MD, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, and Sheetz. Special mention goes to Alison Splendido, Kristi Capel from WBRE TV and Psycho Mike from 98.5 KRZ. It was a wonderful evening of food, fun and companionship all to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

The evening began with hors d’oeuvers at the FM Kirby Center with the piano music of Paul T. Oschal. Walkers or riders, for those who took the trolley, moved on to Oyster Restaurant for soup and salad for the next stop. Diner was served to the soothing sounds of the violin by Suzuki School of Strings at The Ramada. Desert and more entertainment, this time by Sparrowsong, was held at Barnes & Noble. The evening ended at Bart & Urby’s with an evening drink.  Door prizes were awarder to lucky winners at each stop.  

Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge is a mentoring program that matches youth ages 7 to 14 with a suitable mentor for one year. The program has been operating with the support of the community since 1974. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of Catholic Social Services and a member agency of The Wyoming Valley United Way. 

Take a look at more pictures of the event online at http://www.bbbswb.org.

Above are some images from the school-based programs last year.

It is hard to believe but in about two weeks, most schools will be back in session. Where did the summer go? It seems like the 4^th of July was just yesterday. Before long the school buses will be on the roads and the sound of school bells will be heard. Those sights and sounds also mean back to school time for the Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentors and their Little Brothers and Little Sisters. All the programs will be the same day and same time as they were last year in the Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West School Districts.

Just as a reminder, the programs are as follows: Dan Flood School is on Monday from 3:05 to 4:30, Boyd Dodson School is on Tuesday from 3:05 to 4:30, Kistler School is on Wednesday from 3:05 to 4:30 and Main Street School in Plymouth is on Thursday from 3:30 to 4:50.

In the school-based program, matches work on homework and study skills for at least 30 minutes. This is a great opportunity for the kids to get one-to-one, extra help they might need in particular subject areas. After that, they can continue with schoolwork if they choose, it not the rest of the times is theirs. Matches are provided with a snack and can play individual or group games such as kickball, dodge-ball, and soccer. If group games are not for you, that’s OK, because matches can play a variety of board games or just spend the time hanging out.  No matter what you are interested in, we are sure you can find it at the program.

We are looking at a start date around mid-September for all programs, but we will post the exact date for the return of the programs once we have that set. Keep posted here in the newsroom for information about this and all programs we offer. Until then, cook out, sleep in, take a swim and enjoy the final few weeks of vacation you have left.

If you are interested in information about Big Brothers Big Sisters as a participant or volunteer call us at (570) 824-8756 or you can register online here at http://www.bbbswb.org.

The sidewalk chalk event went off without a hitch…well we did have a few rain drops but we persevered. After all, it is for a good cause. The pedestrians of the Diamond City seemed to be interested in what they kids were up to. About 15 participants from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, some matched and some waiting list, stenciled advertisements for the walk on the city streets. We decorated in front of the Osterhout Free Library, Citizens Bank, F.M. Kirby Center and Barnes & Noble. If you pass by those spots in the next day or two, look down, you might see our handy work.  After about an hour of decorating and creativity, we returned to Catholic Social Services for pizza and refreshments. 

Just a reminder, The Walk Around Wilkes-Barre is being held on Thursday, August 14^th, 2008. It is a progressive evening to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Honorary Chairperson for the event is Kristi Capel from WBRE TV. Psycho Mike from 98.5KRZ will be back again this year as the Walk Leader. Some of the stops for this years event are The Ramada, F.M Kirby Center and Barnes & Noble. For more information give us a call at Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bridge 824-8756.  

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

Here are the lucky winners for the 2008 Summer Raffle. 

1. $500 Cash  Winner: Vickie Bieryla

2.  Sterling & Gold Earrings w/Blue Spinal Stones-Tovon & Co.  Winner: Bedth Ann Nealon

3.  Penguin Box for a Game w/14 Tickets- Citizens Bank   Winner: Diane Eydler

4.  One of a Kind Purse-L.D. Bags  Winner: Rachel Pugh  

5.  4 Rounds of Golf and A Gift Box-Mill Race Golf Course  Winner: Missy Boub

6.  4 Weeks Bootcamp-3days/week-Nutrifitness & Nutrition  Winner: Michelle Valenti

7.  3 Month Membership-Wilkes-Barre YMCA  Winner: Rich & Donna Kropa

8.  3 Month Membership-Wilkes-Barre YMCA  Winner: Jean Behm

9.  3 Month Membership-Wilkes-Barre YMCA  Winner: Vince Spelndido

10. Youth Bike-Around Town Bicycles  Winner: JN & DR

11. $100.00 Gift Certificate-Woodlands Inn & Resort  Winner: Cathy Brown

12. 2 Family Style Rafting Tickets-Whitewater Challengers  Winner: Isabella Balaker

13. 1 Dozen Fine Pilsner Glasses-Nova Equipment & Supplies  Winner: TL Wasser

14. Gift Basket-Mia Bella Candles  Winner:Cece McCarthy

15. $50 Gas Card-McCarthy Tire & Auto  Winner: Bill Behm

16. 1 Month Membership-Maximium Health & Fitness  Winner: Allison Pugh

17. 1 Month Membership-Maximium Health & Fitness  Winner: Angela Szulewski

18. $50 Gift Certificate-Bedwick’s Pharmacy  Winner: Jeff Smith

19. $50 Gift Certificate-Classy Cuts & Curls  Winner: Barbara Schuster                     

20. 2 Amusement Park Tickets-SCHOTT North America, Inc.  Winner: Msgr. Kelly

21. Computer Balance and Rotation Package-Kost Tire  Winner: Chris Bedwick

22. 5 Yoga Classes-Bellas Studio  Winner: Fred & Cathy Kuhl

23. Collectible Model Truck-Altec Industries  Winner: Elayne Clothier

24. Complete Dog Grooming-Bonnie’s Grooming Gallery  Winner: Ron Evans

25. 5 Mini Golf Passes-Rich’s Family Fun Center  Winner: Jack Nolan

26. 5 Mini Golf Passes-Rich’s Family Fun Center  Winner: Robert Chopick

27. 5 Mini Golf Passes-Rich’s Family Fun Center  Winner: Dave Mitchell

28. 5 Mini Golf Passes-Rich’s Family Fun Center  Winner: Elayne Clothier

29. $30 Gift Certificate-Spurs Restaurant & Saloon  Winner: Dennis Toomey

30. 4 Movie Passes-Wilkes-Barre Movies 14  Winner: Mark Fenner

31. $25 Gift Certificate towards Vera Bradley-Jon Stopay Candies  Winner: Rowlands

32. $25 Gift Certificate-Tanfastic  Winner: Tanya Olaviany

33. $25 Gift Card-Home Depot  Winner: Laura Kosco

34. $25 Gift Card-Home Depot  Winner: Peg Austin

35. $25 Gift Card-Pizza L’Oven  Winner: Chet

36. Home and Office First Aid Kit-Trans-Med Ambulance  Winner: David Roberts

37. Pound of Coffee and Travel Mug-Green Mountain  Winner: Sarah Fife

38. $50 Gift card-Wal-Mart  Winner: George Bedwick

39. Bunch of gift certificates-Bernardo’s Pizza  Winner: Errol O’Brien

40. Gift Basket-Olive Garden  Winner: Mary Johns

41. Davinci Crystal Cut Glasses – SCHOTT  North America, Inc. Winner: Michael Stefanick

42. Davinci Crystal Cut Open Bowl – SCHOTT North America, Inc.  Winner: Cindy Evans

43. Messanger Bag – Blue Cross  Winner: Jim Roberts

44. Messanger Bag – Blue Cross  Winner: Msgr. Kelly

45. Messanger Bag – Blue Cross  Winner: Robert Chopick

46. Collectible Model Truck – Altec Industries  Winner: Msgr. Kelly 

We thank everyone for their participation and their support in providing mentoring services to youth all over The Wyoming Valley!