Editor’s note: Click here tor read about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, a pair of Morrison, IL, siblings met their new best friends–right in their living room, at 205 S. Cherry Street. These four became paired members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Whiteside County organization. The positive connection took effect within minutes and was gratifying to watch. Prophetstown Elementary School personnel first contacted mother Jessica Cruz about the BBBS program for her older son, second grader Bryson, age 8, and, later, about Brodee, a seven-year-old first grader.
Whiteside County Director Danielle Vance arranged the matches with two members of area law enforcement. Bryson is the fourth male youngster to be matched in Morrison. Brodee is the fifth male “Little” to be matched. She has secured a match for a sixth Morrison boy and has “a seventh in the works.”
At 6:30 p.m., Bryson met his “Big,” Lieutenant of Corrections Tim Erickson, who works in the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department. He is a member of the Sheriff’s Office “Bigs in Blue” initiative. He has 21 years experience at the County Jail and worked at a Juvenile prison. During his service in the United States Army, Erickson was a Military Policeman.
There was easy conversation and eye contact as the Big and Little got to know each other. Erickson asked Bryson trivia questions about the film “Trolls” that were an easy beginning. He asked what Bryson would like to do when he grows up (truck driver) and things he likes to do for fun. Bryson stated, “I like to go bike riding and playing in the mud.” Erickson said, “We could go for a bike ride to the State Park” on a tandem bike, but we will “have to work around my daughter’s softball schedule.” They decided to do the ride after school the next week. For their first Match Activity, Bryson suggested, “Go see the Jail.”
Brodee was introduced to Morrison Police Officer Lonnie Smith, at 7:00. Smith mentioned his little dog. The Big and Little planned their first Match Activity at Morrison-Rockwood State Park. They might follow Brodee’s interest and fish or walk the trails.
