Big Brother a positive learning experience for Lynn teen

LYNN – Youth mentoring group Big Brothers Big Sisters has had a profound effect on kids throughout the United States and in some cases the program has helped to inspire parent and child alike.Lynn resident JoAnn Fallica heard about the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization through various media resources, but she hadn’t considered signing her then-7-year-old son, Anthony, up for the program until her coworker, who was a Big Sister, told her how beneficial the program is.”I was a single parent and my son’s father was never a part of his life,” Fallica recalled. “I knew that my son would need a positive male role model so I figured, ‘What better choice but to find a Big Brother for him.’ And it was probably one of the best things I have ever done for my son.”The program matches a child in need of guidance with a caring adult volunteer, who offers mentoring in regards to school and issues in a child’s life while still having fun by doing things together, such as going to the movies or sporting events. Anthony was matched with Ralph Sevinor, president of Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply in Beverly, who has been involved with Big Brother since 2002.”I think I had such a positive upbringing and people to look up to that I just thought it would be a nice thing to do,” Sevinor said. “Anthony has a great mom that loves him dearly, and he loves her, but I think having a male figure was important to him. Because of my past, I realized how important it was and how lucky I was.”Now 15 years old, Anthony said he likes having a Big Brother and that the last eight years have been a “really cool” experience.”It changes you,” he said. “Once you’re a Little Brother you want to be a Big Brother when you grow up too. I probably wouldn’t have grown up to be who I am now. I am more respectful and more responsible than I probably would have been. I learn more.”It has been a learning experience for Sevinor, too.”It’s very meaningful,” he said. “(Anthony) is a great young man; he’s bright and fun to be with. It’s funny because initially I thought he was unruly, a pain in the neck and what have you, and when I started to really think about it, it wasn’t him, it was me. It was because my children were grown so I hadn’t been around young kids for a long time – it was definitely myself and not him. I had to learn patience again.”The pair spends a lot of time together, partaking in a variety of activities, from family birthday parties and holiday celebrations, to being recognized at sporting events. When Anthony was in third grade, he and Sevinor were interviewed live by NESN’s Eric Freed for the 100th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters while at a Red Sox game.”We were interviewed on the Green Monster and we were on TV and we got a tour of Fenway so that was great,” Sevinor said. “We’ve had articles written in newspapers and this year (we’re) part of the North Shore 100. I think it is a result of our relationship.”After spending eight years together, they have formed an unbreakable bond.”Whenever I have a problem I can always talk to (Ralph),” Anthony said. “He is someone in my life I can talk to at anytime. It is like a parent you can talk to, but not your parent. If I don’t feel like talking to my mom about something I can ask him. He is like a father to me too because I have known him for so long.”Sevinor said that Anthony gets along well with his adult children and is a part of his family. He hopes he has given him some good values.”I hope that when it comes time for him to make the important decisions he will look back at the years we have spent together and make the correct decisions, use good judgment and won’t take anything for granted, will work hard and have the correct values,” Sevinor said.Fallica said Sevinor has always been there, not only for Anthony, but for her as well.”Ralph has inspired me to try to be more patient with Anthony, especially since he is now 15,” she said. “Ralph has a son himself so he knows that this can be a v