Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a "match" for special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.

_     Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County has named Big Sister April Selner and Little Sister Nicole as its Match of the Month for December. Each month, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a “match” for this special recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment the volunteer and child have made to each other and to the organization in developing a special friendship.
    April and Nicole were matched in January 2009. They hit it off from the beginning of the match and continue to grow in their friendship. Throughout their relationship, Nicole has become less shy, more social, and more talkative. April feels that she has benefited from her involvement as well by developing more patience and also realizing that simple activities can be a lot of fun.
    April and Nicole have enjoyed a lot of activities together and have even had some new experiences. Some of their favorite activities to do include going shopping, eating at McDonald’s, going to the Humane Society, and going to see movies. They have also participated in a number of BBBS Match Events, including the Kid’s Fish Derby, Horseback Riding, visiting Lambeau Field, going to a Milwaukee Bucks game, and attending many of the BBBS seasonal parties.
    April would strongly encourage others to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. She said, “It could be one of the greatest things you’ll ever experience. You get to help another person and experience new things.” Nicole said that her relationship with April means a lot to her because she “helped me feel like I have a sister.
If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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    The Match of the Month for November is awarded to Big Sister Nicole Maala and Little Brother Karter. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.
      Nicole and Karter joined our organization as a new match in September 2010. Theirs is a school-based match because they meet every Tuesday at Karter's school and that is where their friendship has developed. They are part of the BBBS Lunch Buddy program at Valders Elementary, where they meet with other mentors and children. The program is designed to focus on social skills and classroom performance for the students.
    Nicole is a senior at Valders High School. She's plays soccer, is a member of the robotics team, and she enjoys math and science. She's in the National Honor Society and plans to attend UW-Platteville for engineering.
    When asked what it means to her to be a Big Sister, Nicole said, "I think it means that you get the chance to be someone important in a child's life, someone they will care about and enjoy spending time with, to talk with, and have fun with."
    As a fourth-grader at Valders Elementary, Karter is busy with homework assignments this school year, and he knows he can count on his Big Sister being there to help him when needed. He's an energetic boy who likes to play games and he loves to be doing anything outside, including playing sports. He said his favorite part of the mentoring program is getting to spend time with his Big Sister during their reading time. Karter has gained self-confidence since being in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and his teacher is pleased that he continues to improve in his subject areas.
    Nicole described how their friendship has developed over the past two school years by saying, "In the beginning, we weren't very talkative, but now we've found many things that we both enjoy to do, and we have a lot of fun together." One of their favorite things to do is to read I Spy books and race to find the hidden items.
    Expressing her thoughts as to why others should become involved as a mentor, Nicole went on to say, "I like getting to play and have fun doing kid things, because I don't know if anyone really gets enough of that when they're a kid themselves. Being a Big Sister is an extremely rewarding experience. It's a chance to develop a friendship with a child and get to be a part of their life."
    If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The Match of the Month for October is awarded to Big Sister Juliana Ruenzel and Little Sister Jasmine. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.
    Juliana and Jasmine joined our organization as a new in September of 2010. They are a School-based match that meets every Wednesday at Jasmine’s school to participate in our Lunch Buddy program.  
    Juliana is the City Attorney for the City of Manitowoc, and has been employed in Manitowoc since 1999.  She’s been practicing law for almost twenty years and enjoys the variety of legal topics associated with government practices.

    Jasmine is a fifth grader, and she’s enthusiastic about having her Big Sister coming to visit her every week for the entire school year. She loves doing arts & crafts projects, playing with her friends, and being with her family.
    When asked what it means to her to be a Big Sister, Juliana replied, “It means a chance to make a difference in a child’s life. It’s an opportunity to share and experience the wonders of a child, and view things as they do. In a sense it’s an escape for me from my work day, where I don’t have to things about what’s waiting on my desk.  It’s an opportunity to do things which I haven’t done in years.
    They both feel strongly that the program has benefitted them. They have established a fun and rewarding friendship that they both enjoy.  They work together on projects and share ideas from which they gain a healthy respect for how the other approaches things. Juliana feels that working together with Jasmine has brought out the artsy side of her, and she believes it has stimulated the creativity in Jasmine. Their friendship has been a fun experience for both of them. Juliana feels there’s something special about seeing a child’s face light up when they realize you like their ideas on a project that comes to life.  
    Expressing her thoughts as to why others should become involved as a Big Sister or Big Brother, Juliana added, “Being a Big is extremely rewarding as you get the opportunity to share with another person, one on one, and actually get to see the results of that sharing experience and how it’s benefitting the Little in your life. I find it fun, interesting, and satisfying.  It makes you feel good, as you are giving back to the community something that can never be taken away… the chance to make a difference in a child’s life.”
    If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program,   please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 684-7445, bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org, or check them out on the web www.bbbsmantycounty.org.

                Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County has named Big Sister Andrea Smith and Little Sister Kirsten as its Match of the Month for September. Each month, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a “match” for this special recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment the volunteer and child have made to each other and to the organization in developing a special friendship.
    Andrea and Kirsten were matched in November 2008. Their friendship has grown tremendously through their time together. Kirsten has gained self-confidence and become more outgoing and talkative. Andrea jokes that when they were first matched, Kirsten wasn’t very talkative but now she can’t get a word in edgewise. Andrea feels she has also benefitted from the experience by seeing things from a teenager’s perspective and helping her to keep feeling young. Kirsten helps Andrea to have fun and take a break from the grind of daily life.
    Andrea and Kirsten have had new experiences and enjoyed a variety of activities together. One of their favorite outings was taking the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan. They enjoyed playing bingo on the ride and exploring Michigan once they arrived. They also enjoy biking, swimming, walking, and playing basketball. For the last couple of years, they celebrated Earth Day by going to the beach and picking up trash. 
    Andrea would strongly encourage others to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. She said, “It’s difficult to explain just how much you mean to a Little Brother or Little Sister. There are so many kids just itching for a chance to have a Big, someone who belongs just to them, someone who can give them undivided attention for a short time each week.” Kirsten said that her relationship with Andrea has really grown and means a lot to her. She explains, “I can be having a bad day and then see Andrea and my day just brightens.”

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, call 684-7445, email bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org, or visit www.bbbsmantycounty.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is pleased to name Big Sister Amanda Rickards and Little Sister Alissa as Match of the Month for August. Amanda and Alissa were first matched in March of 2010. They instantly hit it off, having similar personalities and interests.
Amanda got involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization as a way to become more involved in her community. According to Amanda, she knew the positive impact that a “Big Sister” can have on a child because her own daughter, now 22, was involved in the program. What she didn’t anticipate was “how big a difference having a ‘Little’ in my life could make!” Alissa said she loves having a Big Sister because she gets to do things she normally wouldn’t get to do with her family. “I get to do stuff I always wanted to do and I can tell her anything and we don’t judge each other, no matter what.”  Both acknowledge that they have grown through their relationship with one another. Alissa reminds her Big Sister to slow down and live in the moment. They challenge each other to do things that they haven’t done before, and because of this, each has discovered new activities that they enjoy! Alissa, who admittedly can be hesitant to try new things, is learning that it’s okay to take some risks and have fun, such as taking a ride on the Zippin’ Pippin’! As a match they enjoy attending agency-sponsored events such as the annual fish derby, horseback riding, and a day trip to Bay Beach and the N.E.W. Zoo. They have participated in Volunteer Day at the Botanical Gardens and have helped out at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl-A-Thon fund-raiser. Other activities have included baking cookies, taking walks at Woodland Dunes and Cato Falls, rummage sailing, or just sharing a meal and talking. They are unable to pinpoint a favorite activity because “we enjoy everything we do together!”   
Want to get involved in BBBS? There is a list of 60 children waiting to be matched with a Big Sister, Big Brother, Big Couple or Big Family right now in Manitowoc County. Please consider this life changing opportunity and  become a Big today! For more information call 684-7445, email bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County has named Big Brother Damian Rahmlow and Litle Brother Aren as its Match of the Month for July. Each month, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a “match” for this special recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment the volunteer and child have made to each other and to the organization in developing a special friendship.   
Damian and Aren were matched in November 2008. They developed a special friendship through sharing similar interests and exploring new activities together. A few of their favorite activities they’ve done include fishing, going to Brewers and Packers games, going out to eat, or just playing board games. One of their favorite outings was the annual BBBS Kids Fish Derby on Lake Michigan.    
Damian has enjoyed seeing Aren get excited when they do activities together. Arenl is grateful to have someone to do fun stuff with outside of his house. Aren said that through his time with Damian, he has become more social. Damian said the experience has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience for him, and he is glad to make a positive impact on someone. He would encourage other people to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters because it is a fun and easy way to make a difference.To learn more about the program, call 684-7445 or email bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County is pleased to name Big Sister Marie Schroeder and Little Sister Emily as June 2011 Match of the Month. Each month the organization selects a “match” for this special honor. The award is given in recognition of the commitment the volunteer and child have made to each other and to the organization in developing a special friendship. Marie and Emily first met through Big Brothers Big Sisters in September of 2009.     
Emily, who lives with her mother and her dog Benji, will be starting 4th grade in September. Emily is an active, upbeat, and smiley girl.  She looks forward to spending time with her Big Sister, Marie, each week because of the fun they have together.  Now retired, Marie enjoys vacationing with her husband and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was first inspired to become a Big Sister after being a reference for a former student who was applying to volunteer. As a former educator, becoming a Big Sister was a natural fit for Marie. Now a five-year veteran Big Sister, Marie encourages others to get involved. “Being a ‘Big’ is so easy and can make someone so happy. A ‘Little’ just becomes a part of your family and they love to be included in whatever you are doing. ”
With similar interests and fun-loving personalities, Marie and Emily hit it off from the beginning. Together they enjoy shopping, being pampered at Empire Beauty School, playing at Schuette Park, going out to eat or getting an ice cream treat, and attending agency-sponsored events to name a few. They also take time to talk about more serious matters, such as school. No matter what activity Marie and Emily are doing together, you will find these “sisters” talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s friendship. 
If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities available through Big Brothers Big Sisters, please call 684-7445 or email bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County has named Big Sister Mary Ascher and Little Brother Alex as its Match of the Month for May. Each month, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization selects a “match” for this special recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment the volunteer and child have made to each other and to the organization in developing a special friendship.   
Mary and Alex were matched in May 2008. They developed a special friendship through sharing similar interests and exploring new activities together. A few of their favorite activities to do are fishing, walking Mary’s dogs, going out for ice cream at Beernsten’s, or just having supper at Mary’s house. They have also enjoyed participating in many of the BBBS Match Events, including going to the Milwaukee Bucks game, horseback riding, or attending the BBBS Christmas and Halloween Parties.  Their future plans include going to a waterpark in Kaukauna and hopefully taking a ride on the Lake Michigan Carferry.    
Mary’s match to Alex is her second match, having had a “Little Sister” previously. She wishes more people would get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Alex said he enjoys having Mary as a “Big Sister” because it allows him to do different things outside of his home.  To learn more about the program, call 684-7445 or email bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org

The Match of the Month for April is awarded to Big Sister Sally Linzmeier and Little Brother Sawyer. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.

Sally and Sawyer joined our organization as a new match in November 2009. Their match is a school-based match because they meet every Tuesday at Sawyer’s school and that is where their friendship has developed. They are part of the BBBS Lunch Buddy program at Valders Elementary, where they meet with other mentors & children. The program is designed to focus on academic achievement and social skills for the students.

Sally is a senior at Valders High School. She’s involved in several sports, band, and other extracurricular activities. She’s also employed at Christel’s grocery store. In addition to her full schedule, she maintains national honor society status. When asked what it means to her to be a Big Sister, Sally said, "Being a Big Sister means setting a good example and being a good role model. Also it gives me an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

As a fourth grader at Valders Elementary, Sawyer is busy with homework assignments this school year, and he knows he can count on his Big Sister being there to help him when needed. He’s an energetic boy that likes to play games and he loves to be outside playing sports. He said his favorite part of the mentoring program is that, "I get to spend time with my Big Sister who reads with me, we get to play games."

Sally described how their friendship has developed over the past two school years by saying, "At first our time spent together was playing games and not as much conversation. Now we do a lot more talking and I have seen him open up in the past year. Being able to witness him grow, especially his confidence and personality, has made our time spent together special. We both are very excited for Tuesdays to come so we can see each other again. We can’t wait for some nicer weather to play outside.

Expressing his thoughts as to why others should become involved as a Mentor, Sally went on to say, "It is a great experience and opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. You will play and laugh together just like any other brother and sister would do. They look up to you, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you see their face when they can’t wait to come and play with you. It has definitely been a worthwhile experience.

If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 684-7445, bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org, or check us out on the web www.bbbsmantycounty.org.

The Match of the Month for March is awarded to Big Brother Alex Nebel and Little Brother Troy. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.

Alex and Troy joined our organization as a new match in December 2009. Their match is a school-based match because they meet every Wednesday at Troy’s school and that is where their friendship has developed. They are part of the BBBS after school program at Koening Elementary, where they
meet with other mentors & children. The program is designed to focus on academic achievement and social skills for the students.

Alex is a senior at Two Rivers High School. He’s involved in several varsity sports including football, golf, and baseball (his favorite). He’s also employed on a part-time basis with the Two Rivers Parks & Recreation Dept. as a score keeper for the men’s basketball league.

When asked what it means to her to be a Big Brother, Alex said, "Being a Big Brother is amazing, and it means a great deal to me. I enjoy our time together, but I enjoy our friendship even more. I thought being a Big Brother was going to be more beneficial to my "Little", but I can honestly say that I think this entire year and a half has been more valuable to me."

As a second grader at Koenig Elementary, Troy has more challenging homework assignments this school year, and he appreciates having a Big Brother who will sit down with him and work on his daily assignments. Troy is a physically active boy that loves to play sports like basketball and football, but he’s learned that completing his homework comes first. He said his favorite part of the mentoring program is that, "I get to spend time with my Big Brother who helps me with things, and we get to play and do sports." Over the past two school years, Troy has made a lot of progress in and out of the classroom. His teacher describes him as being fun, caring, and considerate.

Alex will be graduating this Spring, and going away to college in the Fall. He and Troy have decided to use the remaining time they have together to their benefit. They are committed to making the most of their friendship and truly enjoying it. Alex added, "I will miss him and my time with him next year, but I know that he will always have a special part in my memories."

Expressing his thoughts as to why others should become involved as a Big Brother, Alex went on to say, "Words like rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling are words I would use when talking about my experience as a Big.

If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 684-7445, bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org, or check us out on the web at: www.bbbsmantycounty.org.

The Match of the Month for February is awarded to Big Sister Mary Kiel and Little Sister Makenzie. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.

Mary and Makenzie joined our organization as a new match in September 2009. As a school-based match they meet every Wednesday at Makenzie’s school. They are part of the BBBS after school program, where they meet with other mentors & children. The program is designed to focus on academic achievement and social skills for the students.

Mary is a Materials Coordinator at Holy Family Hospital. She’s a lifelong resident of Manitowoc County, and currently lives in Manitowoc with her husband Joe. Makenzie is a fifth grader at Jefferson Elementary. She’s always excited and enthusiastic to spend time with her Big Sister every week throughout the school year. She likes doing arts & crafts projects, playing educational board games, reading, basketball, and gymnastics.

When asked what it means to her to be a Big Sister, Mary replied, "I really enjoy being there for a child. Knowing I can be of help to someone, whether it be helping with homework, learning to get along with others, or just to hang out." Makenzie likes being involved with the program because she likes having a friend that will help her with homework, play games with her, and someone to share her interest in the entertainment industry.

School based match specialist James Anderson said "Makenzie has been involved in our program for three years, and during that time I have watched her grow from being a very shy and reserved second grader to a mature fifth grader that loves conversation and interacting with her peers."

Expressing her thoughts as to why others should become involved as a Big Sister, Mary added, "If you think you can help a child in any way: learning, socialy, or emotionally, become a Big. Some child will benefit because of you."

If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 684-7445, bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org, or check them out on the web www.bbbsmantycounty.org

The Match of the Month for January was awarded to Big Sister Lisa Stephan and Little Brother Bee. Each month the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor for the commitment that the volunteer and child have made to each other and the organization in creating a special friendship.

Lisa and Bee joined our organization as a new match November 2008. As a school-based match they meet every Tuesday at Bee’s school where their friendship has flourished.

Lisa is a Social Worker with the Manitowoc County Human Services Department. She’s originally from Two Rivers, and resides there with her husband and two children. She attained her bachelors degree from UW Oshkosh. During her time at college she was involved in a work study program for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshkosh.

Bee is a fifth grader at Madison Elementary, and he’s excited about having his Big Sister coming to visit him every week for the entire school year. He likes doing arts & crafts projects, playing with his friends, soccer, and video games.

When asked what it means to her to be a Big Sister, Lisa replied, "Being a Big Sister means that I am a dependable role model and friend to Bee. The entire experience is really a rewarding one. When I first decided to become a Big I was going into it to help a child. I can now say that Bee has made an impact in my life as well.

Bee said it’s fun to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters because he has a special friend he can talk to and share with. He feels close to his Big Sister, and he looks forward to doing the creative arts & crafts stuff with her.

Both Lisa and Bee feel that the program has benefitted them. Lisa feels that Bee has become more confident of himself, and now he is more outspoken with her and at school in general. "For me, hearing Bee’s stories of when he lived in Thailand really center me in my own life,"

Expressing her thoughts as to why others should become involved as a Big Sister, Lisa added,

"Working, and having two children of her own doesn’t leave a whole lot of time in the evening, but being a school based match allows me to be with my family and continue to make a difference in a child’s life."

If you have been thinking about being a mentor and you want to learn more about the program, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 684-7445, bbbs@bbbsmantycounty.org, or check them out the web site at www.bbbsmantycounty.org.

Colton, a seventh-grader at Mishicot Middle School, waited patiently to be paired with a "Big Brother" through the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program.

n January 2007 the wait was over, and Colton was matched with not one, but two Bigs. According to Colton, Big Couple Tom and Betsy Kocourek were "worth the wait." Tom, Betsy, and Colton hit it off from the start, thanks to their similar interests and personalities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County named the trio its December 2010 Match of the Month. Each month the organization selects a "match" for this special recognition. The award is given in honor of the commitment the volunteers and children have made to each other and to the organization in developing special friendships.

As a match, Colton and the Kocoureks have enjoyed many activities together, such as dinner and game night at the Kocourek home, spending time on the hobby farm operated by the couple, going to the zoo, attending BBBS agency-sponsored events, and participating in community events. They also share an interest in the outdoors and often will spend a morning fishing or an afternoon at Woodland Dunes.

Tom, Betsy and Colton are upbeat, active and enjoy learning, socializing and having fun. It is evident that they share a trusting friendship and are having a positive influence on one another. When asked what Colton likes about having a Big Couple, he responded, "it has given me a lot more to do and I met a lot of fun people. It's never boring and always exciting!" He "definitely" recommends others get involved in what he described as a "great organization."

The Kocoureks keep busy with their children, grandchildren, animals and various volunteer activities.

"Life can sometimes get crazy busy for all of us, but we are very happy to have Colton as part of our family," Tom Kocourek said. "We wholeheartedly would encourage others to consider becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, or Big Family. It has been a wonderful experience for us and we look forward to many more years together with Colton."

Those interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities available through Big Brothers Big Sisters can call (920) 684-7445, e-mail bbbs@bbbs mantycounty.org, or visit the website www.bbbs mantycounty.org.