Match of the Month
By Nancy Coggins
February 23, 2006
Thursday
Ketchikan, Alaska - Meet "Big Sister" Miriam and "Little
Sister" Pauline. They've been matched for over a year and
have fun doing everything from participating in an intergenerational
party at the Pioneers' Home and other Big Brothers Big Sisters'-sponsored
events, to walking together in the Mall, to shopping for groceries,
to eating out -- especially savoring Chinese fried rice, one
of their favorites. In fact, since both love to eat, dining often
precedes their meeting activities.
"Big Sister"
Miriam and "Little Sister" Pauline
Photo by Nancy Coggins
Miriam and Pauline look forward to seeing each other at least
once every three weeks. Pauline's "Big Sister" has
taught her the social grace of eating properly. Teenager Pauline
also receives plenty of praises for her cleanliness, socially
acceptable way of dressing and neatly manicured nails. Positive
comments have helped her build self-confidence.
According to her mother, one
of Pauline's favorite activities with Miriam is talking while
they walk around in the Mall. Also, going to the movies. With
each succeeding month they have been matched, she notes, Pauline
increasingly has had more to say.
Pauline's mother says, "The
Match is wonderful. And Pauline always looks forward to her meetings
with Miriam. Pauline likes Miriam and considers her a nice lady."
Miriam: "My match with
Pauline in Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has given me the magic
of a new friend. We enjoy each other's company. And if Pauline
is unable to make a BBBS event (such as the tour of the Navy
Ship, USS Ogden), I attend anyway to satisfy my own curiosity."
Sound like Fun? Join the Big
Brothers Big Sisters program. "Bigs" in the Ketchikan
Program meet with their "Littles" two to four times
a month and they do whatever interests both of them. Call 907-247-3350.
On the Web:
Match of the Month
Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Southeast Alaska
http://www.southeastbigs.org/
Nancy Coggins is a
freelance writer living in Ketchikan, Alaska.
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