Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine celebrates bigs and littles

Fri, 03/04/2016 - 7:45am
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBS MM) presented the first “ShineOnCass” Awards at its statewide program celebration in Warren last month. The award, recognizing outstanding dedication in mentoring and supporting local BBBS programs, was presented in memory and honor of Cassidy Charette, a former Big Sister who died in a hayride accident in 2014. Two recipients shared the top award: Nathan Violette (left) and Colby Charette (Cassidy’s brother) who are Big Brothers at the Messalonskee BBBS program in Oakland.
“Little Brother” Gage and his “Big Brother” and high school mentor Sam Bailey were recognized recently as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s 2016 School-Based Match of the Year. Sam and Gage meet weekly during the school year as part of the weekly mentoring program at Nobleboro Central School in Nobleboro.
Community-Based Match of the Year Award was presented to “Big Brother” Jeremy Peskoe and his “Little” Brian at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s Program Celebration in Warren in February. Jeremy and Brian, from Waldo County, meet for two or three hours each week as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ successful 1-to-1 community mentoring program.

CAMDEN — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine hosted Bigs, Littles and their families at its annual program celebration, presented by Hannaford. The event was held Feb. 6 at The Pitch in Warren. Matches from Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties enjoyed an afternoon of activities, food and festivities, including soccer, kickball, bounce houses, games and an awards ceremony recognizing distinguished community and school-based matches and volunteer coordinators.

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps kids facing adversity by providing professionally-supported, community and school-based 1-to-1 mentoring programs throughout its six-county service area. The event brought together Littles and Bigs to celebrate program success, community support and the agency's 700 youth served this year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is pleased to recognize this year's award recipients:

"Never Miss Life Award" named in memory of Little Sister Jessica Breault — Dick Behr & Jaxen (Kennebec County).

Community-Based Match of the Year Award — Jeremy Peskoe & Brian (Waldo County). Honorable Mention: Joan Jackson & Rita (Lincoln County); Kate Willis & Mariah (Kennebec County); and Chris Marquis & Demetrius (Penobscot County)

School-Based Match of the Year — Sam Bailey & Gage (Nobleboro Central School, Nobleboro) Honorable Mention: Alexis Libby & Sophia (Gilbert School, Augusta); Gavin Jordan & Austin (Miller School, Waldoboro) and Libby Washburn & Sam (Margaret Chase Smith/Skowhegan.)

School-Based Coordinator Team of the Year Award — Erinn Michaud, Maureen Vashon, Denise Gianini and Sarah Rushton (Messalonskee, Oakland); Terry & Dixie McPhetres and Marty Grant (Nobleboro Central School, Nobleboro); Honorable Mention: Jessica Campbell-Odgren and Allison (South School, Rockland) and Nathan Proctor and Heidi (Black Bear Mentoring, UMaine, Orono).

The first annual "ShineonCass Award" in memory of Big Sister and BBBS Volunteer Cassidy Charette — Colby Charette and Nathan Violette (Messalonskee, Oakland). Honorable Mention: Blake Marden (Messalonskee, Oakland) and Trene Rhode (Oceanside, Rockland. )

Sixteen matches were celebrated for reaching anniversary milestones for being matched between three and nine years with BBBS.

Hannaford, one of the agency's major corporate partners, sponsored the event with the support of community partners The PITCH, Pine State Trading, Dominos, Pizza Hut and Dunkin’ Donuts.

To learn more about changing a child's life as a volunteer or donor, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine at 236-2227, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org, or visit bbbsmidmaine.org

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