By:Angela Marshall
To be a Big Brother or Big Sister, it takes dedication, commitment and sometimes a willingness to sit through bad movies. That's some of what Michael Silver has learned during his tenure as a Big Brother.
Next week, Silver of Rockville Centre will be honored as the Big Brother of the Year by Big Brother Big Sister of Long Island.
There are hundreds of children across Long Island who, because of their family situation, are in need of an adult role model. The Big Brother organization was created in 1904 to help fill that void.
The benefits for both child and adult are plentiful, according to Silver who has been hanging out with his Little Brother Danny for nearly two years. "The give and take is very interesting," Silver said. "It's just as positive a thing for me as it is for him."
For three or four hours every week, the guys drop their normal activities and bond. They go to the library, visit a museum, see a movie or just have a catch. Last Saturday, Danny learned how to plant a garden.
"He's a wonderful person and just a terrific Big Brother," said Cindy Perrier, a supervisor of the pair. She said it was Silver's dedication and determination to be an advocate for Danny that made him stand out.
Support is a big part of what makes a match work, according to Silver, who said his case workers have been wonderful. He said its really a three way relationship and that he always feels like the case workers are ready to mediate with any problems that might turn up.
Silver's family, especially his daughter Gillian, see a movieng Island. ther Big and wife Susan, are very proud of his work. But Silver maintains that he's not doing anything special. "I just have a friend on the weekend," he said.
To become a Big Brother or Big Sister, call (516) 731-7880.
