Friday, February 11, 2011

A BIG THANK YOU TO FINE LINE SIGNS













Pictured Above

Karl Murray and Ed Timmerman from Fine Line Signs and Marianne Noakes, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank Fine Line Signs Co. for their generous donation and support in the construction of our new outdoor sign located at 639 Main St E Hamilton

Registration is now OPEN











Registration is now OPEN for the 2011 Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake event and this year is going to be better than ever! With Tim Hortons, Best Buy and Boston Pizza on board for prizes, you won't want to miss this event. The lanes have been reserved and we're looking forward to you joining us this spring.
Here are the event dates:

Saturday March 5th at Splitsville Hamilton (Tim Hortons Teams Only)
Wednesday March 9th at Primetime Bowl Burlington
Wednesday March 23rd at Splitsville Hamilton
Saturday March 26th at Splitsville Hamilton
Wednesday March 30th at Primetime Hamilton

Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fundraiser. This event provides funds for our agency to continue to provide role models to children in need. By building friendships with supportive, caring mentors, children gain the relationship-building skills and self-esteem needed to reach their full potential. Your fundraising efforts will help ensure every child who needs a mentor has a mentor.
Grab your friends, family, co-workers and join us today!
Get event and registration information at http://HamiltonBurlington.kintera.org/2011BFKS or better yet, call
Bob at 905-525-3860 x 308

Looking for Something to Do this March Break

If you’re looking for something to do on Family Day or a fun activity this month or March, this information is for you……………………………………

Family Day Hamilton, Free skating
Coronation, Inch Park, Scott Park, Stoney Creek, Spring Valley: 10am – 12pm
Rosedale: 11am – 1pm
Valley Park: 12pm – 2pm
Chedoke Twin Pad, J.L Grightmire (Dundas): 1pm – 3pm
Eastwood, Lawfield, Saltfleet: 2pm – 4pm

Family Day Hamilton, Free open gym, swim and activities
Ancaster Aquatic Centre: Family swim 1:30 – 3:00pm
Ancaster Rotary Centre: Family gym 12:00 – 1:45 and 2:00 – 3:45
Beasley Community Centre: Family gym 12:00 – 2:00
Bennetto Community Centre:Snow Snacks 11:30-12:00, Family games 12:00 – 1:00, Public Swim 1:15- 4
Central Memorial Rec Centre: family swim 12 – 2, public swim 1;15 – 3, open gym 2 – 4, family swim 3– 4
Dalewood Rec Centre: public swim 1 – 3, family gym games 1 – 3, movie and games 1 – 3
Riverdale community Centre: family table tennis 11:30 – 3:30, public swim 12:45 – 3:30
Dundas Community Pool: public swim 1:15 – 3:30
Dundas Lions Memorial Rec Centre: Sportsmania 9 – 12
Hill Park:Family Craft night 5 – 7, open swim 5– 7, family science 6 – 8, family film, 7 – 9, family swim 7 -9
Huntington Rec Centre: fantastic family fun 12 – 2:30, public swim 12:30 – 2 and 2:30 – 4:00
Jimmy Thompson Pool: public swim 1 – 3:30
Pinky Lewis: public swim 1 – 3:30
Ryerson Rec Centre: public swim 2 – 4
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Rec Centre: Family table tennis 11 – 3, public swim 1:15 – 3:00
Sir Winston Churchill Rec Centre: Family craft 12 – 1, public swim 1 – 3:30
Valley Park Rec Centre: public swim 4:30 – 6:00, family gym 4:30 – 6 and 6:15 – 7:30

Family Day in Burlington
Tansley Woods
Community Centre Drop-In Family Gym* 9:30am-2:30pm
Drop-In Craft* 9:30am-2:30pm
Drop-In Basketball* 2:30-4:30pm
Family Fitness - Walk Tone & Stretch* 10:30-11:20am
Family Fitness - Cardio Sculpt* 1:30-2:20pm
Family Fitness - Zumba* 11:30am-12:15pm
There is a cost associated with each activity at Tansley Woods or you can purchase a family day pass for
Swim$15 for a family of up to 5 to participate in 5 family day events each.

Skating Opportunities
Appleby Ice Centre
Arena B Family Skate 10am-12noon
Public Skate 1-2:30pm
Public Skate 2:30-3pm
Rotary Centennial Pond
Public Skate 10am-10pm
weather permitting
Swimming Opportunities
Aldershot Pool Family Swim 10am-12noon
Angela Coughlan Pool Lap Swim 12noon-1:30pm
Fun Swim 1:30-3:30pm
Tansley Woods
Community Centre Leisure Swim* 9:30am-1:30pm
Shallow Aquafit 9:30-10:15am

Burlington Kidfest
Family Day, February 21, 2010
The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore is proud to present the first annual Burlington Kidfest. Kidfest is a fun-filled entertainment extravaganza. It is located at Corpus Christi High School in Burlington. Admission is $2 per person (children under 2 free) and all proceeds raised at Kidfest go to support Rotary Children’s Charities. There are additional charges for food, activities and entertainment, and tickets for shows and activities will be for sale on site from 8:30 a.m.
Come in early and be served breakfast by Mayor Rick Goldring and some of your favourite cartoon friends! After Breakfast, make your way over to theatre at 9 a.m. for California Party Magic – the only magic show of the day! Come early and beat the crowds! Tickets for all shows in the theatre go on sale at 8:30 a.m.

Valens Ice Fest
February 20, 2011
Presented By » Valens Conservation Area and Campground
Celebrate the winter season at Valens' annual IceFest. This event includes winter family events, such as ice skating, pick-up hockey, games, wagon rides, ice cutting, ice fishing demos, historical demonstrations by Westfield Heritage Village and much more. Powell Pavilion will be the base for most of the events.

Family Day at the Griffin House
February 21, 2011
Presented By » Griffin House
Families can explore black history together as they stroll the paths of the Dundas Valley and visit Griffin House National Historical Site. Warm up with some apple cider and conversation! Griffin House is a 19th century home that stands as a testament to the strength and bravery of black Canadians who sought freedom in Ontario.

Taste of Spring – Maple Syrup in Burlington
February 26 – April 3
See how sap is magically transformed into sweet, sticky syrup and smell the fragrant steam rising from simmering kettles
Learn the secrets of Maple Candy making and taste FREE candy samples
Enjoy piping hot pancakes smothered in fresh maple syrup outdoors under our pavilion nestled in the woods
Slide, climb jump and run in the PlayBarn
See dramatic birds of prey demonstrations in the Raptor Centre 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
View bison, eagles, hawks and owls along the Wildlife Walkway
ALSO* Enjoy a guided, leisurely horse drawn wagon ride through the sugar bush!
Admission;Adults: $7.25 Children (ages 5-14):$5.00 Seniors (65+):$6.25 Children 4 & under Free Wagon Rides $3.00/adult, $2.00/child
Hours of Operation Park opens at 9:30am; MapleTowne is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm

Sweet Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival
Sunday, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, and Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17, 2011
Runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented By » Westfield Heritage Village
Families will join early Canadian settlers as they encounter the legends and techniques that surround the production of maple syrup; discover how Canada's First Nations' made syrup and sugar using a hollowed-out log and hot rocks; watch 19th century pioneers as they use the three cauldron method of preparing the sweet syrup and learn how the modern method uses the evaporator to make the delicious syrup. Families can also embark on an old fashioned horse and wagon ride through time; stroll through a rural 1860's village, visiting historical homes and shops along the way; savour the flavour of Canada's own sweetener; and enjoy the finest pancake meals you've ever had and discover our maple syrup gift shop. Sunday, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, and Wednesday and Thursday of the March Break, 2011 Runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

Traditional match a perfect fit for Justin and Greg

Traditional match a perfect fit for Justin and Greg

By LAURA LENNIE, NEWS STAFF
Stoney Creek News Letter


Tell a friend Justin White and his Big Brother Greg Sinasac are a perfect match.

“Every time Greg’s mom catches me dipping into the cookie jar in the kitchen, she says, ‘OK, Greg,’” laughed the 13-year-old Stoney Creek resident. “My Big Brother’s awesome.” For Greg, the feeling is mutual.

“I have two older sisters and have always wanted a little brother to just hang out with and play sports with,” said the 23-year-old, who lives in Binbrook. “It’s great because Justin’s like a miniature version of me.” Justin and Greg were introduced through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington’s Traditional Match program in January 2008.

The program includes Big Brothers, Sisters, Couples and Families.

Volunteers are matched with a child between the ages of six and 18.

The Big and Little spend two to three hours, once a week participating in low-cost activities.

“Justin was referred to our agency by his mother,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington representative Laura Hickerson. “Greg was chosen as a good match for Justin because of his high energy, his close proximity to Justin’s house and his unique interests.”

When Justin and Greg aren’t baking, cooking or getting into flour fights in the kitchen, they attend church and sporting events.

The pair have mountain biked on a variety of off road trails and even built a tree fort in the woods by Greg’s house.

Justin and Greg also spend countless hours crafting things out of wood.

“I didn’t know what woodworking was until Greg introduced me to it. Now I love it,” said Justin. “I’ve learned a lot of things from him. It’s awesome having someone to really look up to and just have fun with.” Greg said hanging out with Justin is a “blast.” “It’s great knowing that I can help him too. We’re pretty close, so we talk about a lot of things,” he said. “As much as it might seem like he’s the one that gets a lot out of it, I get a lot from it too. He makes me laugh and is just a really good kid and that’s why I do it.” Justin’s mother, Terry White, is grateful for Greg and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

“Greg’s whole personality is phenomenal. He’s there for Justin in every way, whether they’re just hanging out or Justin needs someone to talk to, and if there is a concern Greg knows to give me the heads up too,” she said. “You couldn’t have asked for a better guy. I would recommend it (Big Brothers Big Sisters Traditional Match program) to anybody.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington offers other mentoring programs as well.

Social Opportunities Activities and Relationships (SOAR) is a group mentoring program, which provides children currently waiting for a Big Brother or Sister the opportunity to participate in social, recreational and educational activities.

A volunteer accompanies one or two children to a pred e t e r m i n e d c o m m u n i t y activity one evening a week.

Activities include open gym nights, laser tag, bowling, crafts/woodworking, skating and swimming.

“(Children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister), together with other volunteers and children, can have fun and build friendships,” said Hickerson, adding there are about 26 children/youth in Stoney Creek and east Hamilton currently waiting for a Big Brother or Sister.

“This program is not only great for the kids, but also a great volunteer opportunity. It allows the volunteer to meet great people, have fun in the community and positively impact the life of a child.” Justin is already hoping to one day return the favour to another child.

“I’ll probably be a Big Brother too,” he said. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is an awesome organization.

I’d like to give back.” For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington, including its Traditional Match program, other mentoring programs or how to become a volunteer, call 905-525- 3860 or visit www.callbigbrothers.com.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Glee Club

Reach Glee Club

Reach, is a place where children who get joy out of singing will have the opportunity to explore their passion and socialize through music. Children who attend the club will have the option of performing in front of their parents but will attend the club for the sole purpose of singing for enjoyment. By attending Reach, children will enhance their social skills, teamwork skills, and possibly leadership skills. Although developing certain skills is an important aspect of Reach, ensuring every child explores their creativity and learns to be more confident in their abilities is the greater goal.
Target music: Popular songs that are age appropriate and are from a variety of genres; kids will be given options and therefore will be involved in choosing the songs.
Where will the club take place? To be determined; McMaster University is a possible location.
When will the club take place? Saturdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 5th- April 2nd.Costs: This club will be free for any child who wishes to attend.
For more information please contact Naomi by way of e-mail at:
k_lankan_30@hotmail.com
*Please note that the facilitators of Reach are not affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton.
This notice has been provided to you as a courtesy*

Winter Carnival

FREE FAMILY FUN
WINTER CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 26TH 2011
12PM-4PM
COPPS COLISEUM
101 YORK BLVD.
HAMILTON ONTRARIO

ENJOY FREE
ICE SKATING
MIDWAY GAMES
MAGICIANS
CLOWNS
HOT CHOCOLATE
CARNIVAL SNACKS