Young Talent Competes onNational Level in Disney World

David, one of our “Little” brothers, is on the Wareham Tigers Pop Warner B-Squad, and has been playing football for three years.

By winning all the necessary games in the New England region, David and his team earned the opportunity to travel to Florida and compete in the Pop Warner Super Bowl Nationals at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. This was a first ever for the Tigers!David’s “Big” brother, Jay, called to inform us here at Big Brothers Big Sisters that David was heading to the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Disney. David and Jay have been matched for almost six years and have grown to have a great rela-tionship. Jay has taught David so much. In re-turn, David has great respect for Jay and is ap-preciative of all the time they’ve spent together. “David is an all-season athlete from baseball to basketball to football and has had success at all levels,” said Jay. “He may be small but he’s fast and has a lot of heart, which helps take him to places few have traveled, like Florida. We’re all proud of him.”“Jay always wanted me to play hockey, but my mom wouldn’t let me because it was too expen-sive, so I decided to play football instead,” said David. “Jay has always been supportive and has gone to many of my games.”In order for the team to make the trip, they had to meet their fundraising goal. David and his team began by collecting money outside of local stores, helping build awareness for their cause.Getting the team to Florida quickly became a community effort. With people and businesses chipping in through donations and social me-dia support, it didn’t take long for David and his

team to raise the money for their trip. They were on their way!”Playing down there was a great experience,” exclaimed David. “There were four kids on the team that have never played before. It was very hot, but felt good to play in the heat. The crowds were really big too!” While in Florida, David and his team competed in four games. Even though they didn’t come out on top, they were all grateful for the opportunity to compete on a national level. It is something they will always remember. ■

Winter 2014

David showing Wareham Tiger pride!

THE MENTORTHE MENTOR

THE MENTOR | big brothers big sisters of child & family services Winter 2014

www.child-familyservices.org

Celebrate Winter with Your Little!Outdoor Activities Indoor Activities

Make gingerbread houses/cookies Rent a movie & make popcorn Play a board game Put together a difficult puzzle Learn a new game with a deck of cards Make Valentine’s Day cards for your loved ones Make homemade hot chocolate (recipe below)

Go sledding Make snow angels Go ice skating Build an igloo Make a snowman Look at holiday lights & displays Collect pinecones to make

homemade decorations

AHA! NightsDowntown New BedfordFebruary 13March 13April 10

Stark Raven MadAll Sewn UpSustainable SouthCoast

1/3 Cup Unsweetened cocoa powder3/4 Cup White sugar1/3 Cup Boiling water3 ½ Cup Milk3/4 Tsp Vanilla extract1/2 Cup Half and half cream Pinch of salt

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn’t scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

Homemade Hot Chocolate(Makes 4 servings)

Thank you to the following businesses and organizationsfor going above and beyond last year:

A.D. Makepeace Companyfor providing pumpkins at the Cranberry Harvest Festival, which helped us raise $897

The Boston Celtics (Shamrock Foundation)for donating game tickets throughout season for our matches

Zeiterion Theatrefor donating tickets to Godspell

Endzone Sports Pub and Grillfor hosting our first Wings & Info Night and donating platters of wings for attendees

Hometown Heroes

www.ahanewbedford.org

THE MENTOR | big brothers big sisters of child & family services Winter 2014

www.child-familyservices.org

MAKING THEGRADE

MatchAnniversaries

January

Congratulations!Millenya, age 13, has shown a huge improvement in her grades (from C’s and D’s to mostly A’s), and is being offered honors classes for her upcoming 10th grade year!Photo: Katy & Millenya at the 2013 Match Fun Night.

February

March

Niah + AleeshaThey had a great first day together making arts and crafts projects at Create Hands On in Dartmouth.

HappyBirthday!

Kayla W.Justina K.Kiya A.Stacy G.Sofia M.

Dae’Sean B.Anthony C.

Mia C.Austin F.Christal M.Lessly T.

Tayla C.Myajoy W.Micayla P.

Hunter B.Adam B.Tysa M.Bryanna B.Leann M.Luis C.

Heylee R.Jason S.Aisha Q. Annamaria B.Mya B.

Amanda + KaytiAnthony + AliciaChristopher + JesseCaliz + KenAustin + JohnStephanie + AngelaMicayla + Kyla

Jazmyn + CassieNolan + AdamJamin + Joe

Delilah + Rebecca

David + Jay

Jordan + WandaMia + KendraJibreel + MitchChristal + HeatherKaylee + JacquelineShawn + Ryan

Jan 8Jan 15Feb 8Feb 14Mar 1Mar 14Mar 15

Feb 18Mar 10Mar 25

Mar 4

Feb 4

Jan 24Feb 24Mar 16Mar 18Mar 22Mar 31

1 Year

3 Years

4 Years

5 Years

6 Years

Meet our Newest Match!

non-profit org.u.s. postage

paidnew bedford, ma

permit # 3013057 acushnet avenuenew bedford, ma 02745

program coordinatorDeanna Bodeau

caseworkerWhitney Silva

advisory board membersChristine Bowden

Janet KawaKrista MachadoKathryn NunesCecelia Porche

Suzanne SylviaRebecca Tavares

contributing editorsDeanna BodeauMarc BoulangerJanelle Guenette

Whitney Silva

March 2, 2014Wonder Bowl, New Bedford

Lanes are filling up fast. Register Now!

Call Deanna or Whitney at(508) 990-0894

www.child-familyservices.org