COACHES CORNER

GIVE THE GIFT OF MENTORING IN 2015

RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE

DECEMBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES

HOLIDAY MATCH ACTIVITY—Dec. 14th

DEAR MATCH COACHDEAR MATCH COACH——GIVING GIFTSGIVING GIFTS

JOB READINESS—COMING UP IN JANUARY

10TH ANNUAL PUTT-A-ROUND

ACTIVITY —PEPPERMENT CANDY ORNAMENT

MONEY-WISE KIDS: PENNY EARNED IS SAVED

BIGS: TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR CHARITABLE GIFTS

SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER UPDATE

SIGN UP FOR SNOWBIRD!

GET TO KNOW: LAURA HARMON

BUY TEESHIRTS FOR CHRISTMAS!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR—DECEMBER

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INSIDE THIS

ISSUE:

By Beth Clark, Development Director, BBBS-MV

Last spring BBBS had a chance to work with a talented filmmaker, Justin Holstein, in developing a video for our Big Impact event. We focused this video on former Littles, who and asked them how mentoring changed their lives. We also interviewed their former Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Their responses were very enlightening and I think represents the stories of many of our Matches. Each of the former Littles had a common theme in describing their childhood. They were from predominately single-parent, female head of household, one had a father who had been incarcerated for a time period and the other eventually was fortunate enough to have a step-father. They each described growing up moving around a lot. Moving within the Quad Cities area or within a community. One moved nearly every year a few blocks each time, but went to the same elementary school. It’s tough on Littles when they move. Many have to make new friends in their neighborhood or adjust to a whole new school. Many either learn how to make new friends fast, or they become withdrawn, knowing that they will probably move again, so why bother to make friends. This is why having a Big Brother or a Big Sister really made the difference in their life. The “Big”, was a constant friend in their life – even when they moved. No matter what school they were in, the Match continued and this really helped the Little through these kinds of adjustments. Each time we asked a former Little what it meant to have a Big, the response was pretty consistent. The Big was a friend they could trust and confide in. It wasn’t a teacher that came in and out of their life, or a government appointed “official” of some kind, but simply, a friend. The other influence the Big had was that they reinforced the importance of education and helped them discover interests that they pursued later on…theatre, sports, and healthcare. They helped

them discover and develop these interests and in some cases helped them by exploring colleges , prepare for ACT tests or helped them outline an essay for a scholarship or grant. In some cases, the Big actually took them on college visits because the parent was too busy working a couple jobs to make ends meet. It was also interesting that each of the Bigs felt that being a mentor helped them be a better person. We hear that a lot. Bigs regularly

say that they think they might actually get more out of the Match relationship than the Little! But, you know, that’s how strong friendships are. Each friend thinks of the other one as being the person who gives more to them. It all has to do with giving. So this season of giving think about becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister. You literally can change the life of a young person for the better. It only takes a few hours a month to become a friend to a Little that needs you in their life. Please pass this article along to your co-workers, friends and family members. Talk with them about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Let them know they can start something, by just calling 563-323-8006 and asking to learn more about it, or go to the website at www.bbbsmv.org and click on VOLUNTEER. Remember, there can be no more important

role than helping a child succeed in this world.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! To view the Big Impact video click on this link: http://youtu.be/nqvV_Y-lguM

THIS YEAR, GIVE THE GIFT OF MENTORING A CHILD

COACHES CORNER

Little’s First Name

Big’s First Name

Big’s Last Name

Years Matched

V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 4

Little’s First Name

Big’s First Name

Big’s Last Name

Years Matched

MATCH ANNIVERSARIES IN DECEMBER! CONGRATS!

Happy

Match

Anniversary

RAVE: GREAT JOB DREW! Congrats to Little Brother, Drew, who has been "caught SOARing" in school lately! Check out all of those positive teacher notes he's displaying with his Big Brother, Kevin.

Keep up the great work, Drew!

We're so proud of you!

Nakeyta Rebecca Lynn 8

Kallissa Jessi Black 6

Rachel Susan Bowman 4

Camry Ellen Kabat-Lensch 4

Ian Bruce Clark 4

Kathryn Kelley DeBaene 4

Jonathan Bryan Cook 4

Derrick Mary Jagers 4

Caylie Julie West 4

JaeMonty Chris Downs 4

Rodolfo Joe Moralez 3

Paticence Judy Hahm 3

Alyana Staci Molony-Klimek 2

KaMetria Cristina Barkowski 2

Gabrielle Amber Lowe 2

Isaiah Robert Juarez 1

Tabitha Nicole Schaub 1

Raven Melody Oltmann 1

Seth Bryce Dexter 1

Cydney Stacy Schlapkohl 1

Asia Amanda Johnson 1

De'Zia Leslie Beert 1

Tahviona Sarah Ogden 1

Janiya Rita Slusser 1

Fatima Linda DeLaCruz 1

WHITESIDE COUNTY BBBS

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Our Whiteside County Christmas party will be Friday,

Dec. 5th from 5pm-7:30pm. Matches are invited to

meet up at Paone’s Blackhawk Lanes at 5pm to

begin bowling; we will wrap up at 6pm and head to

our Sterling office to have Chicken George,

compliments of Candelight Inn! Please contact

Courtney Jones at cjones@bbbs-mv.org or Nicki

Spears at nspears@bbbs-mv.org for more

information or to RSVP.

Last day to RSVP is December 3rd.

You and your Little are invited to join us on Saturday, December 13th from 1-4 p.m.

for some holiday cheer! We’ll start with fun and festive games, crafts and snacks. Then

we’ll finish off sharing some laughs as we watch Buddy the Elf, in the movie Elf, navigate

his way through life in the big city after leaving the North Pole.

Feel free to bring a special holiday treat to share. Don’t miss the fun!

Call your Match Coach to let them know you are planning to attend!

HOLIDAY MATCH ACTIVITY: Kahl Center 326 W. 3rd St., Davenport, IA

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 4

It is ok to buy your Little a gift for the holidays, but there are a few things you should think about before you run out to the stores. What are your Little’s parents/guardians buying for the holidays? Will you feel obligated to buy gifts for other family members? We would recommend that you discuss gifts with the parent or guardian before purchasing anything. You do not want to outshine a gift handpicked for your Little by their family with something extravagant. Special gifts can also cause issues within the family. If there are other children in the household they may become jealous. If you are going to buy your Little a gift this holiday season we would recommend something small and special. If you make some artwork together maybe frame it for your Little or if they like Lego sets buy something small to go with a set they already have. Think from the heart and not from the credit card. Happy Holidays!

Your Match Coach

DEAR MATCH COACH: HOLIDAY GIFT?

JOB READINESS Get ready for...

Watch for 2015 Job Readiness program details coming to you soon via email. Job Readiness will kick off the end of

January. It is open to all 8th grade through 12th grade Littles. If your Little will be 16 by May 1, 2015, participates in the Job Readiness program and completes it

successfully, he or she will be eligible for a Youth Corp summer job through the City

of Davenport. Questions? Email Kim Aboyure at kaboyure@bbbs-mv.org.

COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 12 D E C E M B E R , 2 0 1 4

10th Annual

PuttPutt--AA--RoundRound January 20—23, 2015

Great River Hall, RiverCenter, Davenport, IA

Match Night, Tues. January 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Contact your Match Coach to sign up!

Free food

Live DJ!

Mingle at the Clubhouse!

Great raffles!

Cash Bar (Wed.—Fri.)

Presented by:

Take a chance at the Northwest Bank & Trust BIG PUTT and win $10,000!

563-323-8006

Register your team of 4 by January 2 and be entered into a

raffle to win a FREE Lexus weekend for four in Chicago! Two rooms, event tickets, dinner and the

use of a Lexus all weekend! The more teams you recruit to play at Putt-A-Round, the

more times you will be entered!

Questions? Email Kayla at

kkiesey@bbbs-

Just Just $100 per $100 per team of team of

4!4!

25+

Min

i-Golf

Holes!

Largest

in th

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Mid

west

!

Register on line at: Register on line at:

www.bbbsmv.orgwww.bbbsmv.org Have your team’s photo taken at the Active Endeavors photo op

booth!

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For more fun activity ideas and projects follow us on Pinterest at BBBS-MV!

Peppermint Candy Ornaments—What you will need: • peppermint candies • metal cookie cutters • non-stick cooking spray • parchment paper • toothpick or skewer • twine or ribbon Preheat oven to 350⁰F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the inside of each cookie cutter with cooking spray. Lay cookie cutters on baking sheet and fill with a layer of peppermints. Bake for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on candy as it melts, remove from oven when candies have melted together. Lightly coat a toothpick with cooking spray and use it to make a hole in each group of candies. Let candy sit inside cookie cutter until it re-hardens. Once hard, carefully stretch out the cookie cutter, pulling it away from the candy, to pop out your ornament.

These ornaments are really so easy, but it may be helpful to make a trial run: Place one peppermint-filled cookie cutter into the oven to get an idea of how fast the candy will melt and how

quickly it will cool and re-harden after you remove it from the oven.

Squeeze as many peppermints, side-by-side, into your cookie cutter as possible. If peppermints melt into too thin of a layer, try layering peppermints in the cookie cutter to make a thicker, more sturdy, ornament.

Large, simply shaped, cookie cutters work best for this project. The more intricate the cutter, the more likely ornaments will break when removed from their cookie cutter mold.

Don’t forget to be careful around the hot metal and melted candy! This is a fun craft to make with children, just be sure to provide plenty of supervision.

Try not to handle the ornaments too much because they can get sticky, but they should be fine after they’re hanging on the tree.

Here’s to a happy handmade Christmas!

ACTIVITY IDEA: PEPPERMINT CANDY ORNAMENTS

Thanks to IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union for their support

of the Money-Wise Kids Program!

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By IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union staff Kids, you can get an edge on the work world by starting early. Not only can you gain valuable experience working with different people, but you’ll also learn how to manage money, and have some money to spend or save. Why Should You Earn Money? The older you get, the more freedom you’ll have to spend money on your own. But first you need to make money before you spend it. You may receive an allowance or get money for your birthday, but what if it’s not enough? Earning money also helps

you save to buy a more expensive item, or jump start your savings. How Can You Earn Money? There are many things you can do to earn money. The key, however, is finding the things that appeal to your likes and interests. You can start a business or you can get a job at your local grocery store, restaurant or department store. A lemonade stand, mowing lawns, babysitting, and doing odd jobs are popular ways you can earn money while learning some important life skills. A couple more jobs you can do are house cleaning, washing cars, animal caretaker, house and pet sitting, cutting grass, weeding, trimming, planting flowers and snow removal.

Remember, earning money does more than get you “things.” By working you learn valuable life skills such as dealing with money, understanding what people want and it beats being bored. The next time you’re sitting around the house with nothing to do come up with a way to earn money. You'll get energized, have a good time, and make the hours fly by.

A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED

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BIGS: DEDUCTING CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS By Amy Barth, Director of Finance, BBBS-MV BBBS appreciates the service you provide our organization and children we serve. For many volunteers, there are direct expenses you have incurred as part of your service. While we realize you don’t perform these duties or incur these expenses for a personal financial benefit, there are tax deduction opportunities you should be aware of. The following information is provided as a resource to be used for consideration purposes only. We recommend that you consult a tax professional for clarification and appropriateness of claiming a certain deduction. Car and transportation expenses BBBS Volunteers may be able to deduct car and transportation expenses incurred to get to and from a BBBS sponsored activity. These might include: 1) picking up and dropping off your little, or 2) attending a BBBS meeting or event. Volunteers who drive as part of their service can choose between deducting actual gas and oil used or a mileage deduction at the rate of 14 cents per mile. Given the high cost of gasoline today, most volunteers are better off keeping track of actual driving expenses. Volunteers can also add in parking fees and tolls. Volunteers cannot claim general car repair and maintenance expenses, depreciation, registration fees, or the costs of tires or insurance. Travel expenses Volunteers can deduct travel expenses, such as airfare and other transport, accommodations, and meals, when performing services. This might include trips to attend a convention or board meeting, or taking your little for a day trip to Chicago or Adventure land.

However, there are important limitations: The volunteer cannot gain significant personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation from the travel. And the volunteer must really be volunteering – executing the purpose of the mission of the organization. Other out-of-pocket expenses Volunteers may deduct other expenses they incur during the course of their volunteer work. For example, board members might deduct unreimbursed phone, postage, and copying charges associated with preparing for meetings. Volunteers can deduct tickets and meals they paid for their little (not yourself) to attend or participate in an activity or event. You can only deduct the expenses you paid for your little’s participation, not yours. Supplies incurred in executing a match activity including models, books, crafts bought for your little and given to your little may also be deductible. Direct gifts to BBBS For cash gifts, regardless of the amount, recordkeeping requirements are satisfied only if you maintain a record of the contribution. This may include a bank record or a written communication from the donee showing the name of the done, the date and amount of the contribution. A bank record includes canceled checks, bank or credit union statements and credit card statements. Bank or credit union statements should show the name of the charity and the date and amount paid. Credit card statements should show the name of the charity and the transaction posting date. The recordkeeping requirements will not be satisfied by maintaining other written records. Donations of money include those made in cash, by check, electronic funds transfer, credit card and payroll deduction. BBBS tries to acknowledge all direct gifts to our organization through a confirmation letter. If you know you made a gift to the organization, but have not received a gift acknowledgement letter for the gift from BBBS, please contact us immediately. We want to make sure we provide you with accurate and timely information. Limits on Deductions The following limitations apply to these deductions:

BBBS is a recognized charity by the IRS.

In order to take these deductions, you must itemize you deductions on your tax return. (Those who fill out a 1040EZ won't get any benefit.)

Volunteers cannot double-dip by claiming expenses for which BBBS already reimbursed you.

The expenses must be directly related to the volunteers' work, and incurred only because of that work.

The expenses can't be personal, for family, or for living items or activities.

Volunteers must keep reliable written records of the expenses.

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE HUGE SUCCESS!

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The annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake was held on Saturday, November 1st at Digger’s College City Bowl in Macomb. The day kicked off at 9AM with a great turnout of bowlers from the Macomb School District; 7 lanes full of teachers and administrators had a great time, and raised a good amount of funds. Then, 10 to 11AM we saw the entire alley full of Macomb community organiza-tions. The Police Department, Wells Fargo, St. George’s, 4 teams (!) from PACT Head Start, WeeCare Daycare, YMCA, and WIU’s FOP raised a huge sum of money for our program, and all had a great time bowling. At 11AM we had 8 teams; 4 from the community: McGruder/Hamer, Unitarian Universalist, 2 teams of Macomb Bombshells bowl and 4 teams of Bigs/Littles. The final shift, 12-1PM consisted of 9 teams from WIU: Social Work, Delta Sigma Pi, Theta Xi, RPTA, Financial Aid, CSMMD, and 2 teams of Football players. Hy-Vee provided breakfast, Larry A’s provided lunch, and Refreshment

Services Pepsi provided drinks. The local Girl Scouts and WIU’s International Art Honor Fraternity decorated the Pins on Parade. Caitlin Broida, WIU Fashion Merchandising student, hand-made signs for the biggest donors. The raffle of generously donated items raised a decent amount, and a “grand prize” (each valued at about $250) was given to the top individual fundraiser of each of the 4 shifts. The dedication of BBBS Board and staff resulted in the event raising almost as much as 2012 and 2013 combined, and built great enthusiasm for the year ahead. BFKS 2014 was an enormous success because it was a team effort. The entire community was very generous, cooperative, and supportive — and the result is a validation of our mission to change lives in McDonough and Warren Counties for the better, forever.

MACOMB CONTINUES VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT!

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NEW MATCHES: We made 5 spectacular new matches since the last issue of Coaches Corner, and we’re very excited to introduce them. Nothing in the world is better than knowing you’re helping someone in need, and BBBS couldn’t be more proud of the volunteers we have in McDonough and Warren Counties.

First, the 3 brand new School-based matches. We’re so happy to be able to bring these great people to-gether. 45 minutes once per week may not seem like a lot, but the benefit to both the children and the volunteers is huge. Here are Little Brothers Harley, Kylan, and Brayden with Big Brother Pete, Big Sister Bianca, and Big Brother Erik.

And we had two new Community-Based matches! Both of these matches were hand-picked, and BBBS

is brimming with positive energy. Say hello to Little Sister Brianna and Big Sister Mara (left) and

Little Brother Malik and Big Brother Anthony (right). Two outstanding matches that have nothing but

great things in their future.

Little Brother Brayden and Big Brother Erik.

Little Sister Brianna and Big Sister Mara.

Little Brother Kylan and Big Sister Bianca. Little Brother Harley and Big

Brother Pete.

Little Brother Malik and Big Brother Anthony.

To inquire about becoming a Big in Macomb call Pete at

309-837-5437

sta

rt so

meth

ing

!

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V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 1 2

GET TO KNOW BBBS STAFF: LAURA HARMONLAURA HARMON Name: Laura Harmon Position: Elementary Program Specialist How long have you been working for BBBS? I have worked for BBBS for just over 3 weeks. Brand new! What are you most looking forward to about being at BBBS? Impacting the kids. Sometimes adult situations are hard to change, but if a kid knows there’s a better way, their lives will be better. What do you like to do when you’re not working? My favorite hobby/ Passion is Live Theatre. I have acted and directed as well as done almost all the tech elements in one show or another. What advice would you give a child who is in our

program? That they are not alone. Whether it is a small

problem or a big problem someone has gone through it

before them and there is advice and assistance out

there.

SIGN YOUR SNOW BIRD TEAM UP TODAY!

2015 39th Annual Get your team ready and

register for the 39th Annual Snow Bird Softball Classic!

Co-Ed Tournament, Fri.—Sun., January 23-25 (DEADLINE: Jan. 21)

Men’s Tournament, Fri.-Sun., February 6-8 (DEADLINE: Feb. 4)

TO REGISTER CALL: Dugout Sports Complex

563-391-4211

Presented by:

COACHES CORNER

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR—DECEMBER 2014

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! DECEMBERDECEMBER

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BBBS OFFICES CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BBBS OFFICES CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHRISTMAS DAY

NEW YEAR’S DAY

SANTA AT NORTHPARK MALL: Santa will be at the Northpark Mall at 320 W Kimberly Road in Davenport. Santa will be there from November 8 through December 24th. The hours are the following: Nov. 8 - Dec. 11 Monday-Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 12-6pm then Dec. 12 - 23 Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm and Christmas Eve 9am-5pm.Call (563) 391-4500 for photo pricing and any other information. SANTA AT SOUTHPARK MALL: Santa will be at the Southpark Mall at 4500 16th Street in Moline. Santa will be available for photos and visits nearby the Von Maur Court starting November 8 through December 24. The hours Santa will be there are fromNov. 8 - Dec. 11 Monday-Saturday 12-8pm and Sunday 12-6pm and then Dec. 12 - 23 Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm. Call (309) 797-8450 for photo cost and any other information. VILLAGE OF EAST DAVENPORT CHRISTMAS WALK: The Village of East Davenport will have their annual Village Christmas Walk on December 5 and 6 from 6pm-9pm. Activities and some free activities are listed below: Visit the Village Fire House to see Santa; Visit the Boyler's Building to visit Scrooge; Visit Giraffe Photography for pictures in The Village Theatre; Visit the Village Theatre for Kids Crafting Center; Visit Lagomarcino's for Face Painting; Visit the Petting Zoo & Nativity Scene at Gildea's Pocket Park. The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer will also be there; Watch on Saturday December 6 at 9 p.m. the "Winter Sparkle" Fireworks. WINTER IN BLOOM: See the historic decorated Hauberg Mansion (1300 24th Street, Rock Island, IL ) for the 47th annual Winter in Bloom open house at Dec 7 from noon to 4:00 PM. Free refreshments, live music, children’s crafts and a scavenger hunt in the many rooms for prizes! For more information call 309-732-2132. Free 19TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS: Holiday music, crafts, Santa, and tours of festively decorated historic homes on Sunday Dec. 7 at Noon to 5 PM.

Activities are at the Butterworth Center (1105-8th St.) and the Deere-Wiman House (817-11th Ave.) in Moline. Call 309-743-2700 for more information. Free DAVENPORT LIBRARY: Visit Santa the Davenport Library (321 Main Street) in Davenport. Children can sit on his lap and will receive a FREE photo with Santa, a candy cane, and a goodie-bag. Also kids can help us decorate the Christmas trees, sing Christmas Carols, do crafts and if early enough see Santa arrive in his special sleigh. The hours Santa will be at the library are December 4, 11, & 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Call (563) 326-7832 for information. BUILD HOLIDAY YARD STAKES: Free workshop for children ages 5 – 12 at Home Depot (920 Middle Road) in Bettendorf. They will receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. On Saturday December 6 at 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Call (563)359-7228 for information and registration can be done online at www.homedepot.com. FROZEN – THE MOVIE: The Frozen Festival will be playing the movie “Frozen” on big screen. Also there will be a singing along and snacks at the Fairmount Street Branch Library (3000 N Fairmount Street) in Davenport on December 11th at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Call (563) 326-7832 for information. THE FROZEN FESTIVAL is at the Eastern Avenue Branch Library (6000 Eastern Avenue) in Davenport on December 13th at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Come and do things like get your picture taken as Olaf, have ice cube races, build 3D snowflakes, eat treats, and join the contests for best store-bought and homemade costumes. For all ages but everyone must register. Call (563) 326-7832 to register and for more information.

Whiteside County

BBBS DECEMBER MATCH ACTIVITY

East Village Christmas Walk

East Village Christmas Walk

Winter in Bloom—Hauberg Mansion

19th Century Christmas—Butterworth Ctr

SANTA VISITS—Davenport Library

SANTA VISITS—Davenport Library

SANTA VISITS—Davenport Library

CAREER NAVIGATORS at iHeartRadio

Home Depot—Build Holiday Yard Stakes

FROZEN, the movie—Library Fairmount

Frozen Festival—Library Eastern Ave.