A letter from Big Brother TJ King, matched with Little Brother Gary, who graduated from Middleton High School June 3, 2010.

How do I begin to describe my emotions. I'll give it my best shot.

Happy. Of course. We've been anticipating and talking about this day for a long time. There's been some ups and downs along the way but he made it!  A week after graduation night and my cheeks still hurt from the permanent smile that was plastered on my face.

Sad. Gary is growing up. Graduation, in a way, is sort of a final celebration of childhood. Oh, we've talked about the responsibilities of growing up and becoming a man. We've also talked about not trying to grow up too fast. But the time has come--Gary's a man now and will be measured as such. And, as he likes to remind me every now and then, I'm an 'old man'.

Excited. For what lies ahead, and I know great things lie ahead. More than likely Gary will be enlisting in a branch of the military very soon to take advantage of the GI Bill and many other available opportunities. He dreams about buying his first car and first home. He also often talks about having a family and raising children someday.

Worried. For the Same reasons I'm excited.

Regretful. That, during the past couple of years, we didn't get to spend as much time together as we used to. We still remained close. But normal stuff--Gary becoming a teenager with a little more independence and having a girlfriend combined with my family and work life becoming more demanding--made time a little harder to come by.

Proud. Of Gary graduating from high school. Of the possibilities he has created for himself. That he will be serving our country and bettering himself in the process. That he is open minded and a risk taker willing to try new things. That he talks of giving back to this community and becoming a Big Brother someday. Of every minute we've spent together of the last 12-plus years. That I know we will always be there for each other.

Proud. Yeah, I'll stick with proud for now.

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What's fun about being a Big? Sharing new experiences and perspectives with your Little. Big Sister Charmaine took her Litlte Sister out for sushi for the very first time! I wonder if they'll have a repeat performance..?

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June may signal the end of the school year (let the vacations begin!) but  it's also an opportunity to recognize our committed Site-based Bigs. Even during the summer, our Bigs stay connected to their Littles with phone calls, post cards, and activities sponsored by our agency. And they look forward to the next school year! Thank you to all of our schools and company partners who have helped make our program a lasting success:

• For more than three years, students from the Student Government Leadership Class from Blake High School in Tampa have walked to Just Elementary School to meet with their Littles. Some of the Bigs have been matched more than three years! Blake High School teacher Ruth Daley says  the Bigs and Littles have both been positively impacted by the relationships and she loves seeing the interaction each week. Alexa Norton's Little Sister Destiny won the 'Most Improved Student' Award and Destiny says a lot of it has to do with her Big Sister. Congratulations!

• Littles at James M. Marlowe Elementary School and their high school Bigs from Gulf High School in New Port Richey celebrated the end of the school year with an ice cream party! Earlier this year, the Pasco Education Foundation donated $300 to purchase mentor box supplies. Matches are now using the LeapFrog TAG reading system Didj and Crammer digital flashcard systems to practice language arts and math skills. Thank you!

• Students from the University of South Florida's Leadership class hosted an end-of-school year field day for Littles at Shaw Elementary School. They had plenty of fun with a water balloon toss, egg race, bowling relay race, and tug-of-war. A great way to celebrate after finals!

  

• Here's a story that may inspire you! Long time Big Sister Anne Andries received special recognition for her dedication at the Cypress Elementary Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. Anne met her Little Sister Bianca six years ago in the Site-based Program in New Port Richey. And the two hold the unofficial record as the longest running active Site-based match at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay! What an accomplishment!  Anne has been and amazing friend to Bianca over the years and we are thankful for Anne's commitment to her Little Sister.

  

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  Some special Littles in Polk County enjoyed the great outdoors--Western style. Our friends at J & M Equestrian Ranch hosted a party for our Littles who are waiting to be matched. It was a great outing, not just for the Littles, but their parents enjoyed the afternoon with their children too. It will be a say the Littles will always remember, especially riding the horses!

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Our Littles at Wesley Chapel and Woodland Elementary School in Pasco County received a special treat thanks to volunteers from Macy's and Dillard's from Wiregrass Mall. The employees took a break from their day jobs to participate in the United Way of Pasco County's 'Day of Caring'. The volunteers and Littles spent their time together talking about the importance of showing appreciation to others. They also showed off their creative side by creating thank you cards. And the day ended on a sweet note with cupcakes! We appreciate the financial support from the United Way of Pasco County, which has allowed us to continue our programs in the community.

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Some Bigs and Littles had a hopping good time at Al Lopez Park for Easter. The Tampa Jaycees organized the Easter Eggstravaganza and about 40 Bigs and Littles came out for the fun. The day wouldn't be complete without the gunny-sack race, egg toss and of course, the Easter Egg hunt. Check out some of the pictures!

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A fun event our Bigs and Littles always look forward to is our Spring Picnic! More than 200 came out this year to enjoy the sun--and a little mud--at Hillsborough River State Park. From the egg toss to the relays and kickball games...plus the burgers and hot dogs...it's a fun time for all! It's a great opportunity for Bigs to get together as well as catch up with those they have not seen in awhile. Thanks to the staff, their families and everyone who made it a success!

 
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One of our Big Sisters from USF, Katie Blair recently was featured in the university's newsletter, highlighting her volunteer efforts. Katie is matched with Little Brother Cedric at Sulphur Springs Elementary School. USF has provided mentors for several years, many who volunteer at Sulphur Springs. We also appreciate the commitment from JP Morgan Chase and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay; both provide the much needed funding to continue to serve at-risk children at Sulphur Springs Elementary School.  Read more about this collaboration here.

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 The Boys Initiative TriBE Teen Leadership group hosted a bowling party for 20 Little Brothers who are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother. The TriBE members (Teen Boys becoming Better Examples) were paired with a Little Brother for a day. They spent time sharing the finer points of bowling and others enjoyed just hanging out and eating with their Little. Thanks to the Boys Initiative for the support to fund special activities to our Littles who haven't been matched!

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When our Bigs and Littles get together, it's not just fun and games. They work on academic goals, too! Take a look at the school report that Little Brother Alex worked on for Black History Month with help from his Big Brother, Peter Varisco. They've been reading the book since the end of last school year and they're both proud to say the've learned a lot!

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Little Brother Javon will celebrate his year anniversary with his Big Brother Brian Wilkinson in February. While the one year anniversary marks just 12 months of the match knowing one another, I think most people who have met Javon and Brian would find that hard to believe. This match has been succesful from day one. Javon has been on the Principal's Honor Roll since the match began and even won 3rd place in his school's math bowl. Brian makes sure that Javon keeps his focus on his school work, but also makes time for fun outings, usually involving sports. And sometimes, just for fun, they do special things for Javon's mom, like making a flower arangmeent out of flowers Javon picked on their outing. Brian tries to instill the importance of maintaining good grades, having a good relationship with your family, and also taking time to have a little fun.

Another unique component of this match is Javon's older brother Carl, who is matched as well. Through attending agency events, Brian has made friends with Roderick Givens (not pictured), Carl's Big Brother. On special oaccasions, the four get togheter to enjoy a joint match activity. I don't think we could ask for a more successful match!

(As told by Mentor Manager Kimberly Jarmon)

Big Brother Jeff Sliwinski and his Little Brother Josh along with Big Brother's wife Jessica celebrating Little Brothers birthday at Golden Coral

 Ernst & Young employee, Amanda Hargett, and Little Brother Taevon have been matched for over two years.    Their Mentor Manager shares that with Amanda's patience and commitment, Taevon has improved his grades, behavior and his attitude toward school.  "He's made a complete turnaround since the day I first met him," she says.  Amanda and Taevon enjoy spending time together and love participating in some of the Big Brothers Big Sisters match events, such as the skating party they attended earlier this year. 

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A Tale of Two Sports

Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer Neil Armstrong shares the story of a very special evening for he and his Little Brother, Jamaine. 

"Recently, my Little Brother Jamaine and I had a very unique evening.  Upon picking him up from school, our first stop was Subway to pick up a sandwich ... and then we were ready to start out on our adventure.   The first event was at Tropicana Field where we saw the Rays play the Blue Jays.  Since we got there so early, we got to try to catch some batting practice home runs.  Although we struck out on getting some baseballs, Jamaine did 'hit a home run' by getting autographs from Jeff Nieman, Matt Garza and several minor league players who were being honored that evening.   After the fourth inning with the Rays leading, we left for the second half of our adventure.   We then arrived at the St. Pete Times Forum late in the second period to see the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 1-1 tie with the Thrashers.   With just 25 seconds to go in overtime, Martin St. Louis scored to give the Lightning a 2-1 victory.  Jamaine gave me a big high five, told me that he was the first out of all of his friends to ever go two sporting events in one night, as well as get so many autographs!"

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What's cooking this summer?

Well, for Big Brother Bill Nipper (who is also a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board) and his little brother Edward, it's the Tampa Club's "Young Guns Culinary Adventure", a cooking class for kids (and "big kids" like Bill).  Chef Joseph and Chef Anthony prepared a somewhat aggressive menu for the evening, and these young, budding chefs were challenged with preparing dinner for 24 people.

Edward and Bill received the task of preparing Supreme of Chicken Provencal, requiring them to "french" chicken breasts, marinade and sear them, then finish up by roasting them to perfection.   The recipe also called for a marvelous sauce, which they prepared while the chicken was roasting.   Lastly, they created broccoli florets to be used as garnish for the chicken.

Once the initial preparation was done, all of the "big kids" were asked to leave the kitchen so the young apprentice chefs could assemble and plate the dinner.

Bill says he could not have been more proud of Edward -- he listened carefully to the prep instructions and meticulously followed the instructions.   Edward will soon be attending his first year at Jefferson High School, and has enrolled in their culinary program, something he is looking forward to immensely!   This cooking adventure gave Edward a real taste of a commercial kitchen, and the joy of working hard to make something really good.

Bon Appetit, everyone! 

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Big Sister Delaney Spoerl and Little Brother Jaheim are having a ball this summer!

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To My Big, With Love

Summertime often means vacation time but our Littles want to make sure their Bigs know they are thinking of them. So some of the children in our program have been working on a postcard project to send greetings to their Big Brothers or  Big Sisters. Take a look at some of the well wishes that may end up in your mailbox.  The messages are in their own words, we didn't change a thing!

Dear Kayle--

I hope I get you next year. You're like a Big Sister to me, hence the name Big Brothers Big Sisters! You're the best!

Love, Maddie

Dear Nicole--

Thanks for making time in your day to visit me. I love that you do that for me. Thanks for helping me with homework.

Love, Grace

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 Two Little Brothers Who Didn't Let the Big One Get Away!

Our Littles enjoy all types of adventures with their Bigs. Recently, Little Brothers Brent and Brett joined their Bigs for a trip on the water with Captain Mike.  Check out their journey at  www.viddler.com/explore/chriskrimitsos/videos/588/ and www.viddler.com/explore/chriskrimitsos/videos/589/

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Newly-matched Big Sister Pam Gammon is already forming a bond--and memories--with her Little Brother Joel. They enjoyed a Rays game together, Joel's first professional baseball game!

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Bill Currie Ford Hosts "BBBS Night with Tampa Yankees !  

Bill Currie Ford hosted Big Brothers Big Sisters night with the Tampa Yankees, and talk about a fun time! The rain before the game didn't stop our Bigs and Littles from coming out. Several Littles had the chance to run the bases, and Little Sister Ashley threw out the first pitch, as Big Sister Judy Dickerson cheered her on from the stands. One of our dedicated interns, and former Big Sister Canay Morrow had fun getting everything on video tape!

Big Brother Duke Kevorkian sent in this picture of his Little Brother Jet. They recently enjoyed a Richie McDonald concert and they like sports, too.

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 Teacher Makes a Difference!

Eight years ago, Ross Anderson made the decision to help children in the community, and signed up to be a Big Brother. Ross, a teacher at Van Buren Middle School, has mentored four Little Brothers in our program over the years; two are in college, one is joining the military, and his current Little Brother is in high school. But Ross' commitment  to encourage students prompted him to begin a program called Men of VIsion, which seeks to mentor boys and raise their academic performance. Although Ross doesn't look for public recognition, the Hillsborough Count School District says he has a lot to celebrate: he was awarded $10,000 for his efforts!  Read more about his story in the St. Petersburg Times, www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article1001533.ece

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Big Brother Thomas (TJ) King and Little Brother Gary

A lot can happen in 10 years. And for Big Brother TJ and Little Brother Gary, it’s been an interesting journey. There have been plenty of life lessons learned along the way, and these two have learned a lot about one another.

When they first met, Gary was just 7-years-old and having a tough time in school. TJ began working with Gary’s teachers to make sure his Little Brother would stay on track. He even created a reward program to track his progress, and it worked! While TJ has taught his Little Brother quite a bit along the way, TJ has done a little teaching of his own. They’ve enjoyed learning about African-American history and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Over the years, there have been a lot changes. T.J. is married now and a father, but his relationship with his Little Brother is even stronger. He always makes time for his Little Brother, who’s not so little anymore. This brother-to-brother bond is like no other. Gary was named 2008 Big Brother of the Year and both were recognized by the BBBS Board of Directors.

 What kind of impact has this experience had on your life? I am getting more involvement with a young person. Yes there is life after 40!

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2009 ALL-AGENCY SPRING PICNIC

Maybe you could smell the burgers on the grill...it was just part of the food fun at Annual All-Agency Spring Picnic on Saturday, May 9th at the Hillsborough River State Park.  It's one of the most popular events that our matches look forward to each year:  more than 220 Bigs and Littles came out to enjoy the event!

It was a fun-filled day of games, activities, crafts and face-painting as well as a great lunch, prepared by "expert chefs and grillers" from the agency staff , as well as a few of their family members who helped out! A great time was had by all ...

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USF  and Sports Buddies

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 Big Sister Lisa Summers has been matched with Little Sister Rebecca for one year. Lisa is faithful in seeing Rebecca each week and even kept in touch with Rebecca over the summer. Lisa was recently named Volunteer of the Month at Crystal Lake Elementary School in Polk County where she visits her Little Sister in our Site-based Volunteer program. Congratulations Lisa and thank you for your dedication!

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From Big Sister Leann Rowe:

My Little Sister Caira and I have been matched for six years. She was 9-years-old and in 4th grade when we first met, now she is a freshman in high school! Time flies. I think I have helped give her more confidence in herself. She used to be pretty shy and had few friends, now she has a lot more friends and is not so shy about asking for help. I got involved because I had time on my hands (I'm a stay at home mom). I've been pretty lucky in my life and thought I would like to help someone less fortunate. I would encourage others to try being a mentor because these kids are our future. Lots of them have no one to look up to and hopefully in turn they will help someone in the future... you know, pay it forward.

Thank you Leann for your dedication as a Big Sister!

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  An on-line conversation with Big Brother Ricky Cooke:

What made you become a volunteer? The need to help young people in my community.  There are way too many young people just hanging around the malls and convenient stores doing nothing. They (students) could be helping their community or themselves.

How long have you been matched? Two matches, around three years total.

What have you learned from your Little Brother? The two Littles both loved their family deeply. Family is always more important than anything in this world.

Why would you encourage others to get involved? Because there is more to this life of work besides working on your job. The 'Bigs' part is more fun!

What advice would you give to those who may be hesitant to become a Big? Just try it. You are more qualified that you think.

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BBBS Launches 'Teen Leadership Council'

Big Brothers Big Sisters has launched a new Teen Leadership Council. It's a way for our older Littles to have input on the activities and programs available through BBBS that focus on their age group. The teens have come up with some great ideas, from educational intern opportunities to fundraising projects to help our agency. If you'd like to get involved, we want to hear from you! Contact Mike Trepper, call 813.769.3610 or e-mail mike.trepper@bbbs.org.

Our Littles get more than they bargained for... a cream pie smack in the face!

They were in the audience for the Rummi & Friends television show.

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 Our Bigs and Littles had a ball at the Pasco County Winter Festival at Starkey Park. Members of the River Ridge Key Club host the event each year. A little rain didn't keep the crowds from enjoying food, arts and crafts, plus sports. Looks like the bubbles were a big hit, too!

Little Brother Tyson and Big Sister (and Mentor Manager) Kimberly Jarmon at the USF v. Rutgers game.

Thanks to Keystone Community Church for the donated tickets!

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 These pictures are from the Polk County Hayride. Special thanks to our friends, the Lingenfelter's from Haines City who had plenty of room for our Littles to roast hotdogs and bob for apples. And take a look at the birdhouses built by Former Big Brother Mike George. He and his wife Carol watched as our Littles showed their creativity by painting their masterpieces they couldn't wait to take home.

"Pamper Your Littles" Day

Lorien Smith Johnson gives a beauty lesson to attentive Little Sisters!

Spending the day at the spa might be the norm for some women, but for some special Little Sisters, their day at the spa is one they won't soon forget! Lorien Smith Johnson, Executive Area Manager for Arbonne International, transformed the Tampa BBBS Office into a mini-spa and hosted a 'Pamper Your Littles Day'. Johnson is a great friend and supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and served on the Board of Directors. She offered skin and nail care tips with her hands-on lessons, and the Littles weren't the only ones who learned something new--the Big Sisters walked away with some great tips, too! Johnson was able to share with the teen girls that beauty from the inside will definitely show on the outside.  

 Littles Tee Up!

Move over Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam...there are some up and coming golfers who are ready to take your place on the greens. First Tee of Tampa Bay hosted a golf clinic for our Littles, with their proud Bigs (quietly!) cheering them on. Instructors taught golf basics, and let them practice from the driving range to the putting green. And by the looks of things, our Littles seemed to get the hang of it. It was a chance for our Littles to see up close the finer points of a sport they might have only seen on tv.

Golf isn't the only sport our Littles are enjoying this time of year. Thanks to Cato June and Jovan Haye from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, our Bigs and Littles are having a ball at the Bucs games. The players have donated dozens of tickets this season. It's hard to say who cheers louder when they are in the stands...the kids or the big kids at heart!

Big Brother Clayton Swalsted and Little Brother Zac didn't let the big one get away! A big highlight for these two is a day of fishing. They took this picture near Apollo Beach, when they both caught a bonnet head shark at the same time. It's also a time for Clayton to teach his Little Brother about water safety, how to use a compass. He says Zac is a pretty good first mate! 

This snapshot was sent in by BS Shoshana Berman. Shoshana and Little Sister Haley have been matched since January, and feel like family!

In her own words...  Big Sister Amanda Urban

My Little Sister Cassy and I have been matched since March 2008 and in that short amount of time I have grown to love and learn from her.  We've gone roller-blading, bowling, to the Family Fun Center, the movies, the mall, and the Bosko Art Class, and sometimes we just hang out.  My favorite experience with Cassy was our trip to get ice cream.  We got our ice cream and ate it on the dock at the lake.  We sat there and chatted as we watched the boats go by.  It was great being able to talk about whatever we wanted and laugh so freely.   She has taught me to think 'outside-the-box' and be able to loosen up a forget the stresses of work and grown-up things.  She brings the kid out in me!  I have learned to listen and that 9-year-olds know a lot.  I never thought that receiving a homemade bracelet would mean so much, but I cherish it.  She really has become like my little sister.  The feeling of being loved and cared for by a child is something that I will always value.  She doesn't care what we do as long as we are together.  I know that I am supposed to be her mentor but she has made a huge impact on me as well.  She always says she has so much fun with me.  I hope that I will be able to help her and open her mind to many things that she wouldn't normally get the opportunity to experience!  I look forward to watching her become an amazing girl.

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