TERRE HAUTE — Vectren Energy hosted the annual Volunteer and Business Appreciation Dinner for Big Brothers Big Sisters on April 21. The event is staged each year to honor the many volunteer mentors who provide time and resources to mentor children in the Wabash Valley as well as the business partners who support the agency throughout the year. More than 130 people attended the dinner at ISU’s Hulman Memorial Student Union.
Little Brothers and Sisters are encouraged to nominate their Bigs for “Big of the Year” by writing an essay explaining why they feel their Big should be selected for the honor. This year’s nominees included Peter Scott, nominated by his Little Brother Brayden; Tom Thomas, nominated by his Little Brother Dakota; Nick Wilson, nominated by his Little Brother, Ian; Amanda Hickey, nominated by her Little Sister, Taylor; and Courtney Majors, nominated by her Little Sister, Autumn.
The selection committee had a difficult decision as all the letters were convincing and the nominees all worthy of recognition. Courtney Majors was selected as “Big of the Year” and received a book on mentoring, a silver keychain from BBBS, earrings and two tickets to Holiday World. The winning entry written by first-grade student, Autumn, described the many activities they did together and the help she received from Courtney with homework and reading. Autumn’s parent was also a strong supporter of nominating Courtney, stating that her daughter’s “grades had improved and her attitude was happier and excited when she realized she would be seeing her Big Sister.” All Big Brothers and Sisters received a certificate of recognition for the involvement and guidance toward their Littles.
Also honored during the evening were several business partners who have provided support during the past year. A plaque honoring Vectren Energy for being the 2009 corporate sponsor was the first business award of the evening. Recognized for awarding financial grants were: Walmart State Giving Foundation, Clara Fairbanks Foundation and Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Businesses receiving certificates of recognition for support during the annual Bowl For Kids Sake fundraiser were: Strike Sponsors, Time Warner Cable, WalMart, Bemis Corporation, Tribune Star and WTWO.
Spare sponsors receiving awards included: Terre Haute Bowling Center, First Financial, Grizzly, Clabber Girl, Republic Services, Duke Energy, The Helping Hands, Riddell National Bank, ISU Foundation, Gibson Teldata, Terre Haute Savings Bank, Outback Steakhouse, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Travel Leaders, Mics Pics and Tabco. Golf sponsors recognized included Title Sponsors, Terre Haute Savings Bank, Tribune Star and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
In addition, fundraising efforts by Lambda Chi Alpha for their annual Walk for Kids, a 24-hour marathon completed by the fraternity members at Rose-Hulman were honored along with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Rose Hulman, which sponsored a Comedy Night with proceeds donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Rent-A-Center, located at the east WalMart plaza was honored for their recent Easter Egg campaign and a pie-in-the-face fundraising day on April 3, which allowed anyone donating $5.00 to throw a pie in the face of a Rent-A-Center employee.
Any individual interested in becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 2931 Ohio Blvd, (812) 234-0709 or by e-mailing bbbs@mach500.net. The program serves youth, ages 6 to 18 in a six-county area including Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Sullivan, Parke and Clark. There are currently 300 matches in the community and school mentoring program and 106 children waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Sister.
Valley Life
Big Brothers Big Sisters banquet honors volunteers
- Valley Life
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Turning wrenches: If something’s broken, Joe Preston fixes it
Vintage photos of race cars — of the compact “midget” style — hang on the wall inside Joe Preston’s garage.
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Birthday: May 27, 2012
Shirley Ann Kaperak of Terre Haute will observe her 80th birthday Monday.
An open house is scheduled 2 to 5 p.m. June 24 in the home of her daughter at 6971 E. Rosehill Ave., in Terre Haute.
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Valley Life: May 27, 2012
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum to host volunteer orientation session
• DNR promotes child’s right to play outside
• Vigo County teen finalist in state pageant
• Sap-sucking bugs damaging state tree
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WEDDING: May 27, 2012
• Ummel-McMichael
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Tried ‘N’ True: Try this crock pot stew for busy days
We are getting busy with outside work, cleaning yards and planting our gardens, picking berries and also hunting mushrooms. I can’t go out anymore. But I hope you all have found a bunch. This recipe is an easy one to fix. Get your slow cookers out and have a great meal when you are tired. Everyone will think you are full of energy.
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ENGAGEMENTS: May 27, 2012
• Majors-Seneviratne
• Sheppard-York
• Cawley-Archer
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GRAPE SENSE: The story behind the consistent, easy to appreciate 7 Deadly Zins
The story behind one of the best tasting and most successful value wines has good winemaking, gratitude to terrible sweet wine, and a long family history of fruit production to credit for its success.
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PAW PRINTS: Don’t take a chance with you pet and heat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made recommendations for your pet during the summer heat. Don’t take a chance with your dog or cat. They, too, can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and sunburn.
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Bridge Column: May 27, 2012
The Bridge Club is happy to welcome Linda and Richard Easton back from Florida.
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ANNIVERSARIES: May 27, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Edwards
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cooper
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. McMullen
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The sky’s the limit
Backyard astronomers stare at the night sky, trying to remember how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper and Mars.
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TRIED ’N’ TRUE: Whip up a rhubarb surprise cake
This recipe comes from Ruth Baker. She sent a lot of rhubarb recipes. I have been putting them in the paper for the last three years. I’ve almost used most of them. Some I have used more than others. Mary Hunter also had this recipe. I have made this a lot. Gene really likes this. I use sweetener and yellow or white sugar-free cake mix. The only sugar I put in this recipe is in the marshmallows. Adjust for this. Our grandkids also enjoy this cake. Thanks to Ruth and Mary.
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Resource helps with child care search
Hoosier families now have a digital tool to assess child care facilities for quality, safety and other benchmarks, and can take virtual tours of select facilities. Child Care Online is a free Internet search tool designed so consumers can easily and conveniently compare child care programs and can identify a range of high-quality care choices.
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PAW PRINTS: Heatstroke can harm, kill pets
Spring and summer temperatures in the Midwest often reach into the high 80s and 90s. Some people wouldn’t consider sitting out in the heat until the sun went down.
- GROUPS AND GATHERINGS: May 20, 2012
- ANNIVERSARY: May 20, 2012
- VALLEY DATEBOOK: May 20, 2012
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Ferguson land gift strikes conservation note
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently accepted what is believed to be one of the largest private land conservation gifts in state history — 1,500 acres of the Ferguson farm near Springville in Lawrence County.
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Chi Omega chapters raise $7,600 for Make-A-Wish
The Chi Omega chapters at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University raised $7,600 for Make-A-Wish, which will help grant the wish of a 6-year-old girl named Sandy.
- WEDDING: May 20, 2012
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BRIDGE: May 20, 2012
The Terre Haute Bridge Club is fortunate to have a successful Monday Evening Fun Bridge game with at least six tables, and one couple has decided to stretch their game to include other games throughout the week.
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Vermillion Mega Park open for Memorial Day visitors
In observance of Memorial Day, Vermillion Rise Mega Park, with the assistance of the Vermillion County Sherriff’s Department, will accommodate cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 26 through May 28
- ENGAGEMENTS: May 20, 2012
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Oil in your backyard: Track where new wells are planned
The Indiana Division of Oil and Gas well records show there are 72 existing oil wells in Vigo County.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Mother's Day stories: Amazing, Loving, Patient, Faithful, Friend, Brave
It’s merely one word, yet the conjunction of those six letters conjures up so many meanings and feelings. While teaching us both the simple and profound lessons in life, mothers somehow can instill morals and memories. They can guide us on our journey, pick us up when we fall, and let go when we must find our own strength.
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VALLEY LIFE BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
Senior Citizens Picnic scheduled at Forest Park
New group offers support to moms
Edgar Extension to host edible centerpiece workshop
Style show features Wabash Valley celebrities
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PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home
It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.
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TRIED ‘N’ TRUE: Rhubarb, strawberries, cherries ready at same time
With rhubarb, strawberries and cherries being about ready at the same time, this recipe is so easy.
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GRAPE SENSE: Finding a 100 percent Carignan will be worth the effort
It’s a long path from Louisville, Ky., to Saint-Jean-de-Minervois in Southern France. But that’s the journey Brown University graduate John Bojanowski took in transformation from literature major to Languedoc winery owner.
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