Hoffman Estates 847.885.PLAY Chicago 773.583.PLAY GIGI’S ... · Soccer Clinic A Soccer Clinic...
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AUGUST 2009 GIGI’S NEWS This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Lisa’s father, Andrew Loscayk. Lisa’s literacy success was featured in the June newsletter and our thoughts go out to her and her family. Every parent has expectations and concerns about the experience that their child will have in school. Read about Sarah’s experiences! “I always expected Sarah to be treated like every other stu- dent in the school. The biggest surprise is that it is a non-issue. The kids just accept her because she is part of their class”, said Lora, Sarah’s mom. “I talk to the class every year about Down syndrome. In Kinder- garten, I made a scrapbook called “I Can” with pictures of everything Sarah CAN do — ride a bike, roller skate. I brought personalized Activity Books from GiGi’s Playhouse to pass out to all the kids. It had Sarah’s picture in it and information about her that showed how she was just like her classmates. When it came to the Q & A portion of that class, I braced myself for the questions they would ask. “Why does she have a green shirt on in every one of those pictures?” Lora had taken all of the pic- tures on one day and that is what the kids focused on. In other years, the questions were things like, “Does Sarah like to go to the zoo?” or “How can Sarah do the monkey bars so fast?”. Now that the kids are older, a recent question was “will she always have Down syndrome?” As the kids get older and the questions get harder, Lora still feels that Sarah will be part of the class and feels that providing an open forum to ask questions is what has helped Sarah fit in. Sarah is active in Kids Club and the Literacy program Hoffman Estates 847.885.PLAY 1069 West Golf Road Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 Fox Valley 630.778.PLAY 4024 Fox Valley Drive Aurora, IL 60504 McHenry 815.385.PLAY 1720 N. Richmond Road McHenry, IL 60050 Chicago 773.583.PLAY 3660 West Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60618 Sioux City 712.226.PLAY 1551 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 7 Sioux City, IA 51104 www.gigisplayhouse.org What Will the Future Bring? Congrats Once Again to Jim Dickerson! For the 3rd year in a row, Jim won the 5K race. When asked what his motivation for participating in the GiGi’s 5K awareness event each year is, he replied sim- ply, “My son, Charlie.” He stated that each mile he sees his son’s face and that’s what keeps him going as a runner. He can’t wait for the day when Charlie runs the race with him! Congratulations Jim! 1 Who knew that at only 3 months old, you can inspire a crowd of 2,500 people? That’s what Katelynn did at the GiGi’s 5K! When she was born, the doctors unfortunately didn’t see the blessing that had been given to Katelynn’s parents. Luckily her grandmother turned up the lights, put the shades up, and bought out the entire gift store with balloons, flowers and ‘congratulations’ cards. After all, they were celebrating a birth!! That spirit must run in the family because at only 3 months old, Katelynn inspired so many people to join her 5K team and came in 3rd place out of 70 teams! Here is what her mom posted on the event website: On 2/28/09 we were blessed with our daughter Katelynn Eleanore, she is our first baby and was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Our first time learning of GiGi’s was when we received a celebration package in the mail and then received a call just a few days later congratulating us on our new baby girl & inviting us to Open Play that week! Chris, my mom, Katelynn & I all went not knowing what to expect and the car ride there was quiet. When we walked in, WOW, it was a so warm, so caring, so genuine and all the parents there listened with open hearts and all asked, “What can we do for you?” The mom’s of GiGi’s helped us build an incredible team of doctors for Katelynn and guided us through the Early Intervention Process. With support and the help from GiGi’s Playhouse we will have the opportunity to help Katelynn reach her full potential and become even more amazing everyday. Congrats to Katelynn and all the other amazing inspirational teams we saw showing support! How Blessing Became Inspiration at GiGi’s and Lora is the accountant for the Playhouse. Call your local Play- house to get information on awareness materials that can be used at your school or in your child’s classroom. “The mom’s of GiGi’s helped us build an incredible team of doctors for Katelynn and guided us through the Early Intervention Process.”
Transcript of Hoffman Estates 847.885.PLAY Chicago 773.583.PLAY GIGI’S ... · Soccer Clinic A Soccer Clinic...
A U G U S T 2 0 0 9G I G I ’ S N E W S
This newsletter is dedicated tothe memory of Lisa’s father,Andrew Loscayk. Lisa’s literacysuccess was featured in the Junenewsletter and our thoughts goout to her and her family.
Every parent has expectationsand concerns about the experiencethat their child willhave in school.Read about Sarah’sexperiences!
“I always expectedSarah to be treatedlike every other stu-dent in the school.The biggest surprise isthat it is a non-issue.The kids just accepther because she ispart of their class”, said Lora, Sarah’smom. “I talk to the class every year
about Down syndrome. In Kinder-garten, I made a scrapbook called
“I Can” with picturesof everything SarahCAN do — ride abike, roller skate. Ibrought personalizedActivity Books fromGiGi’s Playhouse topass out to all thekids. It had Sarah’spicture in it andinformation abouther that showed how
she was just like her classmates. Whenit came to the Q & A portion of that
class, I braced myself for the questionsthey would ask. “Why does she have agreen shirt on in every one of thosepictures?” Lora had taken all of the pic-tures on one day and that is what thekids focused on. In other years, thequestions were things like, “Does Sarahlike to go to the zoo?” or “How canSarah do the monkey bars so fast?”.Now that the kids are older, a recentquestion was “will she always haveDown syndrome?” As the kids getolder and the questions get harder,Lora still feels that Sarah will be part ofthe class and feels that providing anopen forum to ask questions is whathas helped Sarah fit in. Sarah is activein Kids Club and the Literacy program
Hoffman Estates 847.885.PLAY1069 West Golf RoadHoffman Estates, IL 60169Fox Valley 630.778.PLAY4024 Fox Valley DriveAurora, IL 60504McHenry 815.385.PLAY1720 N. Richmond RoadMcHenry, IL 60050
Chicago 773.583.PLAY3660 West Irving Park RoadChicago, IL 60618Sioux City 712.226.PLAY1551 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 7Sioux City, IA 51104
www.gigisplayhouse.org
What Will the Future Bring?
Congrats Once Againto Jim Dickerson!
For the 3rd year in a row, Jim wonthe 5K race. When asked what hismotivation for participating in theGiGi’s 5K awareness event each year is,he replied sim-ply, “My son,Charlie.” Hestated that eachmile he sees hisson’s face andthat’s whatkeeps him goingas a runner. He can’t wait for the daywhen Charlie runs the race with him!Congratulations Jim!
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Who knew that at only 3 monthsold, you can inspire a crowd of 2,500people? That’s what Katelynndid at the GiGi’s 5K! Whenshe was born, the doctorsunfortunately didn’t see theblessing that had been givento Katelynn’s parents. Luckilyher grandmother turned upthe lights, put the shades up, andbought out the entire gift store withballoons, flowers and ‘congratulations’cards. After all, they were celebratinga birth!! That spirit must run in thefamily because atonly 3 months old,Katelynn inspired somany people to joinher 5K team andcame in 3rd placeout of 70 teams! Hereis what her momposted on the event website:
On 2/28/09 we were blessed withour daughter Katelynn Eleanore, she isour first baby and was diagnosed withDown syndrome at birth. Our firsttime learning of GiGi’s was when we
received a celebration package in themail and then received a call just a few
days later congratulating uson our new baby girl &inviting us to Open Play thatweek! Chris, my mom,Katelynn & I all went notknowing what to expect andthe car ride there was quiet.
When we walked in, WOW, it was a sowarm, so caring, so genuine and allthe parents there listened with openhearts and all asked, “What can we dofor you?” The mom’s of GiGi’s helped
us build an incredibleteam of doctors forKatelynn and guidedus through the EarlyIntervention Process.With support and thehelp from GiGi’sPlayhouse we will
have the opportunity to help Katelynnreach her full potential and becomeeven more amazing everyday.
Congrats to Katelynn and all theother amazing inspirational teams wesaw showing support!
How Blessing Became Inspirationat GiGi’s and Lora is the accountant forthe Playhouse. Call your local Play-house to get information on awarenessmaterials that can be used at yourschool or in your child’s classroom.
“The mom’s of GiGi’she lped us bu i ld an
incredible team of doctorsfor Katelynn and guided
us through the EarlyIntervention Process.”
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2 & Under Playgroup Families with chil-dren 2 and under play while the parents networkwith each other.
Crawlers This group focuses on crawling,fine motor skills and social interaction with peers.
Walkers This group focuses on post walkingskills with peers to prepare children for schoolactivities.
Hop, Skip & Jumpers This program helpspromote friendships, social skills, and interactiveplay through fun creative activities! (3-5yr olds).
Playhouse Pals This structured playgroupfocuses on developing friendships and confi-dence all while having a great time! 1st -3rdgrades (6-8yr olds).
Kids Club This fast paced group incorpo-rates social, communication and confidence-building skills and activities! 4th-8th grades(9-12 yr olds)
Teen-Tastic What a party! We order pizzafor dinner and have lots of fun watching moviesand playing games with each other. 9th-12thgrades (13-17 year olds).
Friday Friends Karaoke, dances, softballgames — the fun never ends! Adults 18 + over.
Nuestros Angeles Spanish speaking familiesgather for food, fun, friendship and education!
Polish Group Polish speaking families gatherfor food, fun, friendship and education!
Open Play Everyone is welcome to this
weekly gathering of networking and friendshipbuilding.
Literacy Our free Literacy program teacheskids with Down syndrome how to read. This isby appointment only — call your localPlayhouse.
Daddy & Me Dads, bring your kids andmeet other fathers in your area!
Reserve it! The Playhouse can be reservedfor any Down syndrome function or other specialneeds group.
* Children must always be accompanied by a parent/adult
Check your local Playhouse calendar to see times and dates.
Programs &Activities!
To view a full description of our program, go to our website. Our programs emphasize socialization, motor skills and language development — all within a playful environment!
Soccer Clinic A Soccer Clinic that was hosted by
GenWorth Financial and Athletesfor Hope was a huge success! Thankyou to the Chicago Storm players forsuch great coaching for our kids! St.Edwards Catholic High School openedtheir doors so the clinic could goon in spite of the rain, and provid-ed balls and practice jerseys! Thedrills focused on physical activity,listening skills and team work.
Join us August 5th for oursecond clinic. RSVP at:[email protected]
Springfield Rally!Once again GiGi’s, NADS and Ups for
Downs came together to storm thecapitol — this time in Springfield. Manymeetings with state senators and repre-
sentatives took placeasking for support ofthe Blueprint for Re-design in Illinois. It is soimportant for the Downsyndrome communityto come together withone voice for our opin-ions to be heard!
Phun with PhonicsLydia and
Madison enjoythe group ses-sions in Phonics!They encourageeach other andpush each otherin all areas includ-ing social skills(turn-taking, encouragement, and con-versation) and reading skills!!
Elmhurst college has had a longstanding partnership with GiGi’s.Several times a year, GiGi’s speaks toclasses at Elmhurst about our literacyprogram. This helps the future educa-tors understand first and foremost thatchildren with Down syndrome can anddo learn to read as well as the waythey learn how to read. But it doesn’tstop there! Each year, those studentscome to a GiGi’s Playhouse to meetthe parents of kids with Down syn-drome as well as the kids themselves!This hands-on training is invaluable! As
one of the students stated, “It’s onething to read a book about teachingchildren with special needs and it’s awhole other reality to meet these
amazing individuals — both the par-ents and the kids!” Or as the teacheremphasized, “Each time I come I amagain impacted by the way my stu-dents grasp the importance of notrelying solely on documentation (text-book definitions, IEP’s etc) but to reallyappreciate the child as individuals.”Thanks Elmhurst! We love to share thetrue reality about Down syndromewith the community — especiallyfuture educators, medical professionalsand parents! The blessing always super-sedes the challenges!
Changing the Next Generation of Educators!
Together as a team — parents, edu-cators and therapists — we are thebest advocates to surround a child andwe can learn from each other!
Come to GiGi’s Playhouse to learnabout some of the ways a child with
Down syndrome learns to read andhear about the educational and thera-peutic programs we have to offer. Wecan support your efforts in your workwith children with Down syndrome.RSVP to [email protected]
Therapists and Educator Open House!September 29th, 7pm at Hoffman Playhouse
Tasha Conklin (16 yrs) received GoldMedals in Breaststroke & Backstroke atthe Iowa Special Olympics in May!Tasha is a student of the GiGi’sPlayhouse Literacy Program and active
in the Teen Tastic/Friday FriendsPrograms. Tasha’s Mom commented:“Swimming is what Tasha does well,she taught herself to swim about 5 yrsago and took formal lessons & started
competing about 4 years ago.” Tashacontinues to prove that it is not aboutthe color of the medal or your place-ment but about your ability and will-ingness to try while feeling good aboutwho you are!
Teen Tastic6–8pm
Open Play6–7pm
Literacy 9–10amLiteracy4:45–7pm
Literacy9-10amLiteracy4:45–7pm
Literacy9–10amLiteracy4:45–7pm
Open Play10:30am–Noon
Friendship Day
Kid’s Club6–7pm
Open Play9–10am
Literacy9–10amLiteracy4:45–7pm
Open Play6–7pm
Literacy9–11am
Literacy 9–11amPark Potluck DayNoon at Leif Erickson Park
Literacy9–11amHop, Skip & Jumpers10:30–11:30am
Open Play6–7pm
Literacy9–11am
Literacy9–11am
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Thank YouWe received a grant from Gateway
Foundation for 5 laptop computers forour growing Literacy program in SiouxCity. Thanks Gateway Foundation!
Birthday PalsIf you have a
Birthday in July,August orSeptember youwon’t want to missour Birthday PalsCelebration atGiGi’s Playhouse!RSVP to enjoy Treats, Games & Friends,bring your family along712.226.PLAY!
Walk for AwarenessThis years Ambassador Family is Todd
& Rhea Greve & their childrenMichaela &Brandon.Michaela is veryactive in GiGi’sPlayhouse TeenTastic and OpenPlay. Rhea hasbeen volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouseand is a great contact for both GiGi’sPlayhouse & Buddies For Life new fami-lies in Nebraska. This years walk will beheld on Saturday, September 19 atNorth Middle School from 9am-Noon!Pre-Registration Forms are available now.75% of funds raised will be donated toGiGi's Playhouse to help support pro-grams for all ages and overhead expenses.
Join us at Leif Erickson Park (31st &Court Street) in Sioux City. Bring a dish
to share with every-one, the entire familyfor games and fun!
Park, Potluck & Fun — August 1st at Noon
Swimming in Special Olympics
Birthday Pals1–2:30pmJuly, Aug., Sept.
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Literacy 10–11:15amLiteracy 2–2:45pm
Open Play 12:30–2pmMeeting 2–3pmLiteracy 4–7pm
Literacy10–11:15amLiteracy 2–2:45pm
Kids Club 10–11:30am
Open Play 12:30–2pmLiteracy 4–7pm
Literacy 3–5:15pmSpecial IntentionsMeeting7–9pm
Literacy 3–5:15pm
Literacy 10am–3pm
Literacy 10am–2pm
Literacy 10am–3pm
Literacy10am–2pm
Literacy3–5:15pmLiteracy6:30–8:30pmBookmakingall are invited!
Open Play12:30–2pmLiteracy 5:30–7pmWendy’s Night4–8pmGolf & Roselle Road
Friday FriendsSoftball Game & Ice Cream Social7pm
Literacy 2:30–6pm
Literacy 5:15–6pm
Literacy 2:30–6pmMeeting 7pm
Literacy5:15–6pmMeeting 7pm
Nuestros Angeles Hispanic Playgroup 11am–1pm
Polish Group 11am–1pmPizza Party – RSVP toKrystyna at847.962.4820
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Crawlers 9–9:45am2 & Under 10-11:30amHop, Skip & JumpersNoon–1:30pmPlayhouse Pals 2–3:30pmTeen-Tastic 4–5:30pm
Open Play 12:30–2pmLiteracy 5:30–7pmWendy’s Night4–8pmGolf & Roselle Road
Literacy 3–5:15pm
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Marc Janovics, aSpecial OlympicsGymnastics WorldChampion was our spe-cial guest, and talkedabout his Olympic expe-rience in China! Hedemonstrated somegymnastics for us, andthen Marc and localgymnasts Karina andAdrianna taught us all some great gym-nastics skills. It was a great programabout how much potential kids withDown syndrome have! Hosts Ellyn &
Gary involve the parents in some of thedecision making and events and arealways available to answer questions orhelp. All 9-12 year old kids are invited— bring your friends from school.
Hop, Skip & Jumpers andPlayhouse Pals
Join us for an end of the summer pic-nic onAugust8 from1-3pm.We arebringingbothgroupstogether,bring your lunch for our potluck picnic!
Friday FriendsAugust 28 at 7pm — Invite your
family, friends and coworkers to meetyou at the Playhouse — we are takingthem on — in a friendly kind of way!We’re playing softball, then will havean ice cream social. See you then!!!
Teens (13-17 years old)GiGi’s Playhouse and Best Buddies
are teaming up for a back to schoolcelebration on August 8, from 4-5:30pm. We are having a summerjam session with music, karaoke, food,laughs & friendship!
Special Olympics World Champion Visits Kids Club!
Literacy Bookmaking NightOnce a month, volunteers come to
the Hoffman Playhouse to help supportthe kids in our Literacy program.Custom materials for all reading levelsare created for literacy students by ourvolunteers. Increasing reading andcomprehension skills builds confidenceand self esteem for individuals withDown syndrome. Senior Girl ScoutTroop 2203 joined other volunteers thismonth to help our kids. Interested inhelping? Join us on the last Wednesday
of each month between 6:30-8:30pm.Please RSVP by email to
[email protected] or call thePlayhouse at 847.885.7529 so wehave materials prepared for you.
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MON TUE WED THUR FRI SATSUN2 & Under9:30–11am3-4 yr old Playgroup11am–Noon
Tot Class9:30–11amRSVP 630.778.PLAYOpen Play11am–1pmRSVP 630.778.PLAY
Walkers Group9–10:30amDaddy & Me3–4:30pm
Teen-Tastic7–9pmRSVP 630.778.PLAY
Tot Class9:30–11amRSVP 630.778.PLAYOpen Play11am–1pmRSVP 630.778.PLAY
Wendy’sFundraiser5–8pm
Playhouse Pals2–4pm
GiGi’s Family Night6–8pmRSVP 630.844.1720
Tot Class9:30–11amRSVP 630.778.PLAYOpen Play11am–1pmRSVP 630.778.PLAY
Tot Class9:30–11amOpen Play11am–1pm
Nuestros AngelesHispanic Playgroup11am–1pm
NEW Mom’s Night Out7pmDiscovery ToysRSVP 630.778.PLAY
NEW Mom’s Night Out7pmPampered ChefRSVP 815.685.1164
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Karate KickersAges 8-12:5:15–5:45pm 13 and up: 6–6:30pmRSVP 815.436.3817
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Special Olympic Young Athletes4:15–5pm5–5:45pm
2 and UnderOne of the best
things that I everdid was regularlyattend the 2 &Under playgroup. I am now the hostof this group at theFox Valley location.The informationthat I gathered atthis monthly play-group has beenwonderful in con-tributing to my sondevelopment. I learned about different therapies, aswell as clinics and other evaluationsthat have benefited my son.
When moms get together to shareinformation, you’re guaranteed somegreat ideas that will help your little onewith the goals you are trying to helpthem achieve!! Come to the 2 & Underplaygroup at the Fox Valley location onthe first Saturday of the month,9:30-11am. Please feel free to con-tact Sue Cicero with any questions onthis group, 630.836.1892.
Discovery Toys EventCome to “Mom’s Night Out” on
August 20th at 7pm at GiGi’sPlayhouse. Patti Underwood is present-ing a Parent Workshop entitled“Learning Thru Play”. This workshopwill provide: insight on how childrenthink/learn, positive hands on parent-ing skills, tools that will enhance yourchild’s development,ways to enhanceyour child's self-esteem, and encour-age family interac-tion thru play. Shewill featureDiscovery Toys,which are safe,durable, educationaland developmentaltoys, games andbooks for all ages.
A portion of theproceeds from pur-chases ordered at the Parent Workshopwill help fund our programs.
Please RSVP to Annie at: [email protected]
Pampered ChefJoin us for a Pampered Chef Fund-
raiser and a Pamper yourself party.Invite a friend or neighbor (no kids).
Come to our “Keep it Cool andPamper Yourself” show August 6th,at 7pm where we will learn how tomake impressive no-bake desserts. Wewould also like to pamper our "moms"with an express manicure donated byMehndi Spa!
If you’re interested in joining us for afun evening, please RSVP to [email protected] or call815.685.1164. Hope to see you there!
If you are not able to attend andwould like to order to help support ourPlayhouse programs, please go towww.pamperedchef.biz/anitap.Hit SHOP ONLINEon the bottom leftthen enter GiGi’sPlayhouse Fox Valleyas Host name in thefirst box. Click ourlocation when itpops up and beginshopping!
NEW Mom’s Night Out...
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Literacy 4:30pm
Nuestros AngelesHispanic Playgroup10am–Noon
GiGi’s Cheer 4pmat Layton Athletics
Signing til’ Dawn5:30–6:30pm
Open Play10am–NoonLiteracy 1:30pmWendy’s Night5–8pm
Literacy 4:30pm
Options &Advocacy 10amGiGi’s Cheer 4pmat Layton Athletics
Signing til’Dawn5:30–6:30pmTeen Tastics 7pm
Open Play10am–NoonLiteracy 1:30pm
Open Play10am–NoonLiteracy 1:30pm
Book MakingNite6:30pm
GiGi’s Cheer 4pmat Layton Athletics
Signing til’ Dawn5:30–6:30pm
Literacy 4:30pm
Literacy 4:30pm
Literacy4:30pm
Daddy & Me9–11am
GiGi’s Cheer 4pmat Layton Athletics
Signing til’Dawn5:30–6:30pmFFF & Kids Club6:30pm
Skill Builder10am–Noon
Themed OpenPlay10–11:30am
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Hawgs & Hot Rods Krusin 4 the Kids Ice Cream Poker Run
Motorcyclists and Cars collectorscame together on Sunday June 28th toSpread the Love across an 85-mileroute through Northwest Illinois andSouthern Wisconsin. We were all win-ners due to the generous sponsorshipby the Road Pirates and the WoodstockHarley-Davidson Buell Group. Almost150 vehicles and hundreds of on-look-ers participated in the event, riding,enjoying a picnic lunch, listening togreat music which set the scene and abuzz of excitement for playing pokerand picking out raffle prizes. The eventwas the dream of Mandie’s dad, StevePolizzi. “Our lives have been so blessed
by being involved in the Playhouse; wejust wanted to give something back.”When he pitched the idea to his 80-member motorcycle riding group theydidn’t even blink an eye and took own-ership of a planning committee rightaway. The Road Pirates showed uncon-ditional love to join our mission tospread awareness of Down syndrome.All of us at the McHenry Playhouseopen our arms and extend a big GiGi’sHug of Appreciation!
FFF & Kid’sClub isHeating Upfor theSummer!
Kids 5-12 meetthe 3rd Friday ofthe month from6:30-8:30pm for a craft, snack thechildren make themselves, a groupactivity that requires cooperation and agame that is just plain fun, with sometherapy hidden in.
New programs in McHenryleads to S-U-C-C-E-S-S!
It’s hard to be humble, when youcan jump, stunt, and tumble!
The GiGi’s Cheer LXC squad hastaken flight! We have 14 members inthe squad who meet every Thursday towork out in preparation for the upcom-ing competition season this fall!
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Literacy 9–11am
Playhouse Pals11:15am–12:45pm
Open Play11:30am–1pm
Literacy 9–11am
Literacy 9–11am
Crawlers10–10:45am2 & Under11am–12:15pmHop Skip & Jumpers12:30–2pm
Open Play11:30am–1pm
Literacy 4–6:15pm
Literacy 4–6:15pm
Literacy 4–6:15pm
Literacy4–6:15pm
Literacy9–11am
Literacy 9–11am
Literacy 9–11am
Literacy 9–11amMotivational Monday7–9pm
Literacy9–11am
Literacy 9–11am
Nuestros AngelesHispanic Playgroup 11:15am–1:15pm
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POpen Play11:15am–12:30pmKids Club4–5:30pm
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The SeriesThis series at the Chicago Playhouse
is off to a great start. The programshave been well received and atten-dance is growing! Since beginning thisprogram we have welcomed a varietyof speakers in the following areas:
April IEP’sMay Sibling RelationshipsJune Speech TherapyJuly Physical Therapy
Now it’s your turn to provide us withtopics you would like to see discussedat a Motivational Monday. Please sub-mit your topic suggestions to the Mo-tivational Monday’s coordinator, PeggyDelaney at: [email protected]
In SeptemberSpecial Needs Trust — Learn about
the importance of estate planning foryour child and family. We will reviewthe different types of trusts and theresources available for assisting withwriting wills. A Special Needs Trustallows you to set aside inheritancewithout disqualifying your child fromreceiving government benefits such asSSI and Medicaid. The date of the ses-sion will be announced in theSeptember newsletter.
UpdateOn Monday, August 17th at
7pm we will view the documentary“Shorty — One Simple Wish. One
extraordinary man.” Produced byMichael Furno and Danny Aiello.
“Shorty is an inspirational documen-tary film about Walter “Shorty” Simms,a 55 year old man with Down syn-drome, and the Hampden-SydneyTigers football team's #1 fan.” Thisdocumentary chronicles Walters 56thbirthday wish to beat Randolph MaconYellow Jackets. As we experience hisseason with the team we learn abouthis family’s commitment to providing afulfilling life for Walter and howHampen-Sydney embraced Walter andhonored him in their Hall of Fame.Please join us in viewing this movingfilm. Popcorn will be served!
Motivational Mondays
Veronica invited her classmates andfriends to the Chicago Playhouse forher 6th birthday party! They had agreat time playing games, using theobstacle course there and hanging outtogether! What a great way to spreadawareness to Veronica’s classmatesand their families as they come intothe Playhouse and learn about Downsyndrome! Are you interested in hav-ing a party at the Playhouse?
Call 773.385.7529 for more info!What a Party!
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDSCHAUMBURG, ILPERMIT NO. 93
SAVE THESE DATES
Hoffman Estates1069 W. Golf Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
July 30th n FOX VALLEYGolf Outing — Register Now!Sept. 19th n SIOUX CITY, IAWalk For Awareness 9am-NoonSept. 19th n FOX VALLEYCharity Bike RideSept. 27th n FOX VALLEYBag Toss TournamentOct. 4th n HOFFMAN ESTATESGiGiFest 6th Anniversary CelebrationOct. 24th n CHICAGO2nd Annual Taste of GiGi’s Nov. 1st n MCHENRY2nd Annual Fashion Show &Luncheon
Soccer Clinic All PlayhousesAll kids age 6-18 are invited, includ-
ing friends and siblings (6-18).RSVP to [email protected] 5th in Elgin.
Hoffman Estates —
GiGi’s Wins First Place!Thank you, Patrick Sommer! Patrick
chose GiGi’s Playhouse for his EagleScout project. He designed and built agreat float for our 4th of July Paradeand we won first place!
The theme was “Great Things areBlooming at GiGi’s Playhouse” and thefloat fea-tured manypictures ofour kids“blooming”among theflowers.
The Scouts joined Playhouse familiesin the parade to help spread awarenessabout Down syndrome throughout thecommunity.
DDC Buddy WalkSeptember 20thLambs FarmLibertyville, IL
Join us Oct.4th for GiGiFestOur 6th Anniversary Celebration!Noon–3pmBounceHouses • Petting Zoo • Ronald McDonald Pony Rides • Our 2010 Calendar Models!
Therapist & Educator Open House!Sept. 29th, 7pm, Hoffman Playhouse
Come and learn about ways a childwith Down syndrome learns to read andhear about the educational and thera-peutic programs we have to offer! As ateam of educators, therapists and parents,we can work together for the success ofall children with Down syndrome!
