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Thursday, February 10, 1972
University Daily Kansan
Favorite Times Sledding, Drinking Hot Chocolate
big brothers and their little兄弟 become closer at each encounter, as little brother, Darren Green, finds with his friend B Flechet, Prairie Village Academy.
Getting to Know Brothers, Sisters
Kansan Staff Photos by ED LALLO
Lawrence elementary school students and University of Kansas students have gotten together to provide make-believe sisters and brothers for one another.
Results of these "family" ties might include a "big sister"—little sister) cookie bake on a cold day, a KU student going with his "little brother" to Ccub Scars or a small girl talking with her "big sister" over a hot chocolate at Sambo's.
"I would rather they not volunteer than to not carry through," she said.
By MARSHA LIBEER Kansan Staff Writer
Louise Cook, social worker for Lawrence public schools, heads the matching of Lawrence students with "big brothers" and "big sisters."
Cook said applicants for "big sisters" and big brothers should be "generally more assertive."
Many of the 'big brothers' and 'big sisters' have applied through projects of the KU-Y and Clearing House. Others have applied independently by contacting Cook.
According to Cook, those chosen as "little brothers and" "little sisters" are children who are very young.
"Big sister" Amy Hill, Overland Park park, and her "little sister" Brenda Harris have developed their relationship with the girls through downhills and a during Christmas lights.
"Usually we just like to be together," Hill said.
She said she felt their relationship was beneficial because it had helped her to see into the personality of another, and because it had provided Brenda with a variety of activities and another grownup with which to deal.
Bob Fleetler, Prairie Village sophomore,
Green Bear, "little bison," Darren
Green, "a pretty cowboy."
Darren said they often play football when Bob visits him each Thursday,
Fletcher said, "I think of him as one great man. He is a good sport and I can see why other kids are surprised by his performance."
Fletcher said besides playing football with Darren, he also went to Cub Scout meetings and tried to work with some of Darren's projects.
"I talk to him and try to understand some things he thinks about, I just want to let him know."
Betsy Robinson, Shawnee Mission junior, said the relationship between her and her teacher was a challenge.
"We're both giving something to each other. It gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction when I'm with her," Robinson said.
Robinson meets with her "little sister" at least once a week. They have visited Santa Claus, walked around Potter Lake, explored a museum and a library, talked over donuts and coke, gone window-shopping and read to each other.
Some of Mary's favorite memories were of sliding down an icy hill and drinking hot chocolate at Sambo's. She said she hoped to meet her sister, "bigger sister," when spring weather comes.
Robinson said that Mary began expressing herself and meeting people more when she left the hospital.
"I can see so much that she really wants to make me happy, and I want to make her happy too," Robinson said. "I'll always keep in contact with her, even if just in letters."
Winter offers a snowy hill to help cultivate the friendship of Army Hill, Marianne J. Culver and her little sister, Brenda Harris.
"
Amy and Brenaida find that going hull isn't so bad with a friend along.