September 2021
Hello Friend!
These fall days remind me of coming home after school to find my mom with her day’s work- a table full of jars of canned goods that we would enjoy year-round. Jams, jellies, tomatoes, pickles. When people hear that I grew up in a large family and lived on the farm, the next question is, “did you have a big garden?” While my mom was a lot of wonderful things, a good gardener was not one of them. Her theory was that we should let the weeds grow so they shade the plants. That worked for me, but it didn’t work out well for the harvest.
So how was she able to preserve an entire wall filled with canned goods if we let the weeds shade the plants? Enter Grandma Terhaar. Grandma Terhaar wasn’t my actual grandma; she was my oldest sister’s mother-in-law. Grandma Terhaar generously gave produce to my family for us to enjoy throughout the summer and for my mom to preserve. We would take our old dusty station wagon and drive on a road that seemed more like a dirt bike trail than a road, hoping that we wouldn’t meet another vehicle or tractor. A visit to Grandma Terhaar’s wasn’t complete without her inviting us in for something sweet. Looking back, I now recognize what she did for our family, how she supported my mom. Grandma Terhaar passed away when I was in college. There isn’t a summer that goes by that I don’t think of her kindness and generosity.
What may seem like a small act to you can leave a big impact on others. Many studies show that kindness and generosity have a ripple effect. Take some time to share and spread kindness today. Consider becoming a Big. Or, if you already are a mentor, share your story with a friend. You never know whom you’ll inspire along the way.
Jackie Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET MCKENNA AND HAYLEE!
McKenna Welk and Haylee have been matched in our School-Based program for nearly five years! McKenna started as a High School Big and was eager to keep her match going once she graduated. These to love to spend time talking, coloring, and playing games. You will also catch them at tons of BBBS activities like Summerland, Craft Nights, baseball games, and more! These two have come so far in their friendship and we can’t wait to see it continue.
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Cole Roach & Camden are!
Cole Roach and Camden were matched in Sports Buddies! They are both from Sauk Rapids, love football, and the outdoors. After their match meeting, they enjoyed a hike around Quarry Park and Camden and Cole practiced throwing the football. Camden is already sharpening his skills for when he starts middle school football practice. As you are considering being a Big, check out our current list of new Matches.
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LITTLE MATT AND BIG JEREMY! |
"Jeremy was someone I could look up to and count on. He was a star-wide receiver at SJU and always welcomed me to the games. Jeremy has become a lifelong friend and someone I will always hold a deep respect for, for doing what he did and mentoring me in my difficult adolescent years. Jeremy also made himself available to my two brothers, he just became a part of our family and I feel like part of his. "
Matt was matched with Jeremy for almost 7 years and we couldn't be more proud of his success!
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Matt Studer (l) and Jeremy Loretz (r). |
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Thank you to Matt and the Beaver Island crew for hosting BBBS on 9/1 for Tending for a Cause! |
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ROX GAME NIGHT!
Bigs, Littles, and Families enjoyed a Rox game courtesy of Rita Rengel and Scott and Holly Schreiner. Everyone had a great time and getting a picture taken with Chisel was a hit! Thank you again, Rita, Holly, and Scott for a fun evening.
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SUMMMERLAND WITH DARKHOUSE ANGLERS!
In August our matches enjoyed an evening at Summerland thanks to the Darkhouse Anglers! Everyone had a ton of fun with the go-karts, batting cages, and mini-golf. We're very thankful for the long-standing partnership with the Darkhouse Anglers!
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To see upcoming Match Activities please check out the BBBS website.
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SPORTS BUDDIES ARE NEEDED NOW!
We are looking for "Sports Buddies" to spend a couple of days a month hanging out with kids who love sports. The program is looking to match "Bigs" who enjoy sports and being active with kids who also love sports. The Sports Buddies program would pair the Bigs and youth to do sports-related activities like playing sports, watching sporting events, going on outdoor adventures, and attending sports clinics.
The activities are pre-planned by Big Brothers Big Sisters. A schedule of the activities will be released with details and locations, and Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will be around to assist with the activities.
The program began July 1, but signups to become a Big are ongoing. Bigs and kids will spend 1-2 days a month together, generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those interested in applying to be a Big can visit BigDefenders.org or contact Tina at 320-258-4537 and at SportsBuddies@BigDefenders.org.
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JUST TWICE A MONTH MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE!
Do you know someone who would make a great mentor?
We need YOUR help!!!
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for adult mentors (SCSU staff/faculty/alumni and local business professionals) to serve as mentors for Tech High School students by pairing them with a positive role model. These matches meet on the SCSU campus, twice a month on Wednesdays around noon, during the school year.
This program opens windows of opportunity for local youth by immersing them in the world of post-secondary education, helping them dream BIGGER, and navigating them on a positive path towards success. Please refer your friends/family/co-workers to BigDefenders.org or Email Tina or call her at 320.258.4537.
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Are you a current Big? Do you stand with youth? Let everyone know! Go to your Facebook profile and click to change your profile pic. Then click on frames, search BBBS of Central MN and add it to your profile pic! |
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TENDING FOR A CAUSE- A GREAT SUCCESS!
For years Beaver Island has operated with the vision that they are not just here to brew great beer, they are going to build a better community! On Wednesday, September 1 BBBS was at Beaver Island “Tending for a Cause” to raise funds and awareness for 1 to 1 youth mentoring. But, that’s not all! Lily’s Wings, Burgers & Things was there too, cooking up delicious menu items that pair perfectly with – you guessed it!- BEER😊 Thrivent came through with fun games and prizes. Together these community partners are in the business of doing BIG things! Thank you for the fun and yummy support!
We are grateful to all our Community Partners. Check out this list and the next time you are at that business or organization, please thank them for standing with kids!
If you are interested in serving on an event or sponsorship committee or have questions about it contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or Emily@BigDefenders.org
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Patty Funk (Secretary), Jeff Gannon, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee, Vince Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Luke Riordan, Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.),
Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte and Vicky Welty (Past President)
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Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Brad Goskowicz, Keith Julson,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Gary Marsden, Karla Myres, Steve Sauer, Kurt Scepaniak, Joyce Schlough,
John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut,
Joan Vincent, Bob Walter, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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