b'Blow up the Balloons! 45 Years and counting!Lots to Celebrate for Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham in 2021Interviewing Big Sister Barb Elliott and Little Sister Piper Doiron was so much fun because they were constantly giggling and teasing each other and sharing fond memories of their seven year friendship. Their friendship willend when the ocial BBBSND program does. Well always be friends, Barb and Piper agreed. I love this match. We couldnt be happier, commented Pipers mother Amanda. I cant imagine Barb not being in our lives.HERES HOW THEY METany grandchildren at that time, andPiperexpectedherBigSister AmandadecidedtoseekaBigwanted to have a connection withwould be a moody teenager.Sister for Piper when she was six. Anyoung people. Barbwas10timesbetter.We only child, Piper was going throughBarb was the only applicant for thelaugh and have fun together.a hard time because she had just lostBBBSND mentor recruitment, and lit- Barb expected a shy little girl who her Poppa. tle Piper, age six, was the only childwould want to sit and read books.Barbwasinterestedinbeingasigned up. Instead,shegotanactiveLittle BigSisterbecauseshedidnthaveIt was meant to be for us to beSister who liked to play games and together, Barb said. kick balls around the gymnasium.What were their expectations fromTheres no age gap, said Piper.the match? Please turn to page 26Big Sister Barbara, along with her little, Piper, and Pipers mom Amanda hanging out in the backyard.OF NORTH DURHAM REGIONFOCUS - SEPTEMBER 202125'