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8-Orôno Weekly Times, Wednesday, February 1, 1989 Newt on ville Alive by Peggy Mullan Estate Board, the Legal field and various businesses will unanimously be showing their support for Big and Little Brothers as they "struggle "struggle to strike" for all. In the true spirit of the United Way, Big and Little Brothers everywhere have been planning and excitedly working together, readying readying for this special week. Big Brothers..one of the great things Canadians take pride in! Sandi Archibald is devoted to Big Brothers. To its concept and program. program. The results ..tell all. The regards seen in the faces, and Little Scoops... blossoming in the lives of the little brothers and Big Brothers alike...These are the constant reminders of what it is all about. Thank you Sandi Archibald. Thank you Frank Hooper, and to all the terrific Big Brothers. "This, is something kind of wonderful.." And 1 have taken up most of this week's column talking about Big Brothers. To me it is worth it! For any information or questions, questions, be sure to give your local Big Brothers association a call. Local Big Brother Frank Hooper with pal and Little Brother Sean, 12. When you talk about compassion, compassion, you are talking about Big Brothers. When you talk about caring caring and precious time given in the most unselfish of ways, you are talking about Big Brothers, and the very essence of its being. A United Way agency, Big Brothers organizations operate independently independently within communities across Canada. "Being a Big Brother these past 9 years has given me unlimited,- wonderful rewards," says Frank Hooper. "To see a young lad develop, grow and to be a part of that - is so special." ' Nine years ago, this father of four, now grandfather of five, found that he had time on his hands. "When the Big Brother idea came up, I really felt this is what. 1 would devote my time and energies to. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made." Frank adds, Frank was matched with a little brother, Scott, at that time. Neither have looked back. Today Scott, nearly 17 has become a fine young man. Although it is required that Frank spend only three to four hours with his little brother, he prefers to devote most of the day, Saturdays. Meanwhile, Frank has • obtained a second little brother, .Sean and both enjoy their time immensely immensely on Sundays. "I highly recommend being a Big Brother. It is a wonderful organization organization with rewards and benefits to the Big Brother as well as the Little Brother." Frank continued, "Sometimes it is difficult to find Big Brothers. Many people do not want to make the commitment or feel they couldn't spare the time. There are so many boys who need this friendship of having a Big Brother." . Frank makes no bones about it, he's attafched. I am inclined to think there would be a good number of poten-. dally terrific Big Brothers who are grandfathers with a real treasure of knowledge, talents and a wealth of time to share with one Little Brother. As with many people, I was in the dark as to precisely what was involved involved in the Big Brother organization. organization. Fortunately, 1 had the opportunity opportunity to speak with Big Brother committee member, and organizer extraordinaire, Sandi Archibald. Sandi was eager to answer my questions... questions... () - What is a Big Brother? v Someone caring 'who can offer the friendship of a buddy or Big Brother to a boy who has no permanent permanent father figure in his life. Q - What is the suitable Big Brother type? A - Probably just a regular guy. Not anyone who particularly stands out in a crowd. Someone who can listen, perhaps share sports and hobbies, and give some time to a boy. Q - Do you discuss sexual abuse? A - Yes. We have found the time has come to do this, thus instituted a sexual abuse program as part of orientation. The boy, the Big Brother and the mother take part. Q - What are the rules for being a Big Brother? A - He must commit to a minimum of one year, with 3 to 4 hours spent: per week with his little brother. There are no overnight stays for the first three months. In the beginning time spent with the littie brother should be one on one; later, time can be spent with the Big Brother's family or children. Q - What is the procedure? A - An in-depth application has to be completed, followed by a thorough reference check and a police check. An interview period follows, which discovers pertinent' facts about the candidate; (example) (example) his likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc. We want to know particularly, what he feels his Big Brother role will be. Q - If he appears suitable, what then? A - All the information is evaluated arid a possible "match" is rnade as close as we can with, a Little ' Brother. Q - Does the Little Brother get to meet his potential Big Brother too? A - Yes. there could be a personality personality conflict and that just wouldn't do. Both have to be happy. Q - Who has the final say? A - The boy's mother. No one knows her son as well as she does. If she feels there is anything at all that might not click, " another Big Brother will be found. Sandi added they need more Big Brothers. Some boys really get their hopes up. When a mother feels her son's growth, development and well-being would be enhanced by • having a Big Brother, and the companionship companionship a male figure would give, she applies to the Big Brothers organization. February 4 to 11 is Big Brothers Bowl for Millions Week. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun. Anyone wishing to get in some bowling action, should pick up a sponsor sheet at Big Brothers on Church Streét, across from the fire hall in Bowman ville, or call 623-6646. Other enthusiasts should be sure to get involved by pledging a bowler and signing up as a sponsor. Any amount is great a few cents per pin or per point, or a nominal amount. Pick up your phone and show your support. The Grand Finale will be held on Saturday, February 11 at Liberty Bowl, Baseline in Bowmanvilie, with a Celebrity Bowl. Local dignitaries and politicians, along with representatives from the Real Local, children's sleds and various snow-inclined paraphenalia stand untouched in 1 , the mud or grass. They seem to be just praying for snow and all of the action winter should bring. , This is, February 1st. We have made it through January. , Most everybody's personality took on the general appearance of the weather, wouldn't you say? Practically everything that went wrong in January was the fault of the lousy weather, right? Chin Up! It is now a fresh new 'month, and all months come with a certain amount of promise. (Okay, I'll go along with that...gulp!) (Continued page 9) Free and Confidential Have Some Fun - Spice Up Your Love Life Be Daring - Be Cryptic "Scribble a Sonnet to Your Sweetie" Because the Downtown Merchants love your support throughout the year, we'll pay for your Valentine Message to your wife, husband, mom, dad, friend, or significant other Just put your message in a sealed envelope and drop it off at any Downtown Store before Monday, February 6th. Messages will be published in the Orono Times, Wednesday, February 8th and at no charge to you. And don't forget.... All Downtown stores will have the Cinnamon Hearts contest. Gubss the right number and win the hearts. ■ Sponsored by the Orono Downtown Business Association