Exciting New Program "Bigs With Badges" Taking Off In Augusta

On our "Reason To Smile" this morning we told you about an exciting program that is really taking off in a great way....The" Bigs with Badges Program"

The United Way of Kennebec Valley has put together a great resource for the community titled the Innovation Fund. One of the first programs to be supported by this amazing funding was Mid-Maine Big Brothers Big Sisters and their launch of "Bigs with Badges" according to a report WABI.

This exciting program unites local law enforcement with kids in Augusta. The program is a 1 on 1 with students from several Augusta schools and they get matched with members of the Augusta Police Department as well as other first responders. The hopes are that these connections will spawn long term relationships between the Bigs & littles.

The program itself has shown promise in other parts of the country and so far it has shown promise here in Maine also with the hopes to help local youth see the police as a positive role model in our community.

According to Courtney Yeager, executive director of UWKV said;
"This groundbreaking program will foster positive interactions between children and law enforcement — building relationships that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

You can learn more about the United Way of Kennebec Valleys Innovation Fund by CLICKING HERE. And to find more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, CLICK HERE.

Top 10 Free Family Holiday Events Happening in Maine

It is so hard to plan the events you want to attend this season due to the cost of tickets, but fear not, this cheat sheet has got you covered with many free festive events!

15 Must-Have Items For Ice Fishing Season In Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

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