Whidbey Island mayors honor Big Brothers and Big Sisters

The cities of Langley and Oak Harbor recognized the mentors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County during recent city council meetings. The reading of proclamations has become an island tradition during National Mentor Appreciation Month in January. Since 2009, Whidbey Island mayors have followed the lead of President Obama and other national leaders who signed similarly-worded proclamations.

February 24, 2012 5:16 pm

The cities of Langley and Oak Harbor recognized the mentors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County during recent city council meetings.

The reading of proclamations has become an island tradition during National Mentor Appreciation Month in January. Since 2009, Whidbey Island mayors have followed the lead of President Obama and other national leaders who signed similarly-worded proclamations.

“National Mentor Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us and the community to thank our volunteers for their extraordinary dedication,” Peggy Dyer, longtime executive director of the organization, said in a press release. “We now have matches that have been together for 10 and 11 years. The Bigs have stuck with their Littles through good times and bad for more than a decade in some cases. That shows the caliber and commitment that our mentors bring to the table. These dedicated volunteers are changing our community through their actions in very positive ways.”

During the Jan. 25 council meeting, Langley Mayor Larry Kwarsick talked about the work that Big Brothers Big Sisters has been doing on South Whidbey for the past 13 years and the impact on its youth, according to a press release.

Oak Harbor issued a proclamation Tuesday, Feb. 7 to celebrate National Mentoring Month. Mayor Scott Dudley acknowledged the volunteers in the proclamation.

Executive Director Peggy Dyer, match coordinator Carrie Riepma, board president Tamra Sipes, founding board member John Dyer and Big Sister Hannah Glenn, Little Sister Caitlin Day, Big Brother Seth Stachlowski and his Little Brother Thomas Nore accepted the honor.

Stachlowski, who serves in the Navy at NAS Whidbey, told the council that his personal experience as a Little Brother more than 20 years ago in Kansas had inspired him to become a Big Brother. He said he was matched with a great Big in Kansas when he was in middle school, according to a press release.

To learn more or to become part of the mentoring family, call 279-0644 or email bbbs@whidbey.net or visit www.bbbsislandcounty.org.