TORRINGTON, Wyo. (AP) - They seem an unlikely pair, but Chuck and Dalton have a special relationship.

And it's all because of TV, according to Charles "Chuck" Anderson, the Big Brother in the arrangement.

The 85-year-old Torrington resident, who has retired from the military and a pipeline company, attributes his interest in becoming a mentor to watching professional athletes on television who tell about their experiences in community programs.

"When I saw them, I thought, 'I can do that,"' he recalls with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile.

Anderson's inspiration is his deceased wife, Marian, who was a music teacher.

The energetic gentleman thought it would be a tribute to her if he could arrange piano and singing lessons for one or two little girls who wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to explore their musical dreams.

Donning his white, snap-billed cap, Anderson went to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office in the Goshen County Courthouse and explained his mission.

Judy Brown, BBBS director, said she was excited when Chuck volunteered to be a mentor, but she had her own plan for him.

Dalton, a 12-year-old sixth-grader, was looking for a Big Brother.

Brown thought the enthusiastic grandfather of five would be a perfect match.

"And they are a perfect example. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can develop a relationship," she said. "They've been together for two months, and some of Chuck's life experiences are rubbing off on Dalton. And Chuck is learning from Dalton."

On Saturdays, the "Big" and the "Little" spend two to three hours talking, laughing and learning about each other.

Dalton said he is lucky if they share four hours. Winter weather has restricted their activities to date, but Chuck is looking forward to teaching Dalton to play shuffle board and to golf.

"I think he could be good at any sport, if he concentrates," Chuck said, putting his arm around Dalton's shoulders. "A lot of what we do depends on what he decides. I want to teach him how to play golf this summer. I hope to see the day he'll play on the circuit."

Leaning against his mentor's shoulder, Dalton said he isn't sure about the golf, but he's a good wrestler. He won first place during a recent Division II match, a great accomplishment because he has been wrestling only one year.

"I'm really a computer nerd," Dalton explained. "I'm not very good at bowling, either."

This comment leads to a recounting of a recent visit to the bowling alley, complete with re-enactments, jokes and laughter about each other's skills, and the results of Dalton's encounter with a friend and their attempts to bowl.

Chuck said he loves little kids, but when he walked into the office and said, 'sign me up,' he was concerned about not qualifying as a mentor.

Apparently, his fears were groundless as Dalton said with a laugh, while tossing the basketball to his Big Brother, "He's very young. We agree on a lot of things."

Brown agrees with both of them.

"We take our time and find just the right person for our 'Littles'," she said. "Chuck is our oldest mentor, but they get along very well. Their lives have been a lot different, but we believe Dalton will really benefit from Chuck's experiences."

"Their match is all about fun."

AP-WS-03-29-04 1606EST