08-july.pdf - GiGi's Playhouse

RReeaadd AAllll AAbboouutt IItt!!When Kelvin first came to the

Literacy Program, I did not know whatto expect. I had brought him for OpenPlay and other playgroups and wasexcited to get him enrolled in the liter-acy program. At the time, he wasspeaking a few words and he couldsign over 100 words. At his first ses-sion, he barely spoke — we used a vari-ety of ways to engage him includingpuppets and other creative play tools.After that session, the difference wasamazing! Kelvin could not get enoughof these books! He started puttingwords together and reading at homeeveryday. Now, 6 months later, Kelvinis speaking in full sentences! His teach-ers at school are amazed at hisprogress and even stopped usingP.E.C.S. (Picture Exchange

Communication System — visual cuesused for each word). Kelvin is only 3years old! He masters over 2 books aweek, each of which introduce newwords. We are so thankful for theLiteracy Program and for tutors such asBeth who take a personal interest ineach child and their success!

Hoffman Estates Plainfield McHenry Chicago

J U LY 2 0 0 8Now Serving 4 Locationswww.gigisplayhouse.org

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WWhhaatt aa PPaarrttyy!!!!

AAnnnnuuaall GGoollff OOuuttiinngg!!!!

The 2008 Golf Outing is Thursday,July 31st at the Tamarack Club inNaperville. Registration forms are atwww.gigisplayhouse.org or atyour local Playhouse. Any questionsabout registration or sponsorshipopportunities, please contact Tom Benco at 630.778.7529.We still need raffle donations andsponsorships for the golf outing!Suggested raffle donations includeweekend stays, power tools, gametickets and autographed sportsmemorabilia.

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On June 8th, over 2,000came out to walk, run anddash for Down Syndrome!Our 5th annual 5K Run andWalk was yet another amazingtime as the whole communitycame together to celebrate theblessing that is Down syn-drome. Bally’s warmed us up,Ronald McDonald dazzled us withmagic tricks, cheerleaders encouraged

the crowd andeveryone therehelped spreadawarenessabout Downsyndrome!Look inside tosee pictures of

this amazing event! All proceeds go tothe educational programs and activitiesat our 4 locations!

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The Oswego FireDepartmentdropped by thePlayhouse Palsmeeting in Mayto show off theirtrucksand talkto thechildrenaboutFireSafety.Everyonereallyenjoyed talking to the fireman abouttheir jobs, but most of all, they enjoyedgetting into the fire trucks and pre-

tending to drivethem!

2 & under playgroup l Families with chil-dren 2 and under get together and play whilethe parents network with each other. Siblingsalways welcome.

Crawlers l This group focuses on crawlingskills as well as fine motor skills, social interac-tion with peers in a semi-structured environ-ment.

Walkers l This group focuses on post walkingskills with peers to prepare children for schoolactivities (balance beam, kicking, throwing,jumping, etc.)

Hop, Skip and Jumpers l This programhelps promote friendships, social skills, andinteractive play through fun creative activities!For preschool and kindergartners (3-5yr olds).

Playhouse Pals l This structured playgroupfocuses on developing friendships and confi-dence all while having a great time! 1st -3rdgrades (6-8yr olds)

Kids Club l This fast paced group incorpo-rates social, communication and confidence-building skills and activities! 4th-8th grades.(9-12 yr olds)

Teen Tastic l 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 l Karaoke, dances, softballgames – the fun never ends! Adults 18 and over.

Nuestros Angeles l Spanish speaking familiesgather for food, fun, friendship and education!

Polish Group l What a party! Many Polishspeaking families attend this group each monthto meet other families and have a great timetogether!

Open Play l Come on over for pizza, pop andfun! Everyone is welcome to this weekly gather-ing of networking and friendship building.

Literacy l Our free Literacy program teacherskids with Downs syndrome ho to read the waythat they learn best!! This is by appointmentonly – call your local Playhouse for more info.

Daddy and Me l Dads, bring your kids andmeet other fathers in your area! What a greattime to hang out with your kids while meetingnew people.

Reserve it! l The Playhouse can be reservedfor any Down syndrome function or other spe-cial needs group. Call your local Playhouse formore info.

*Children must always be accompanied by a parent/adult

L o o k a t a l l o f o u r f r e e e d u c a t i o n a l p r o g r a m s a n d a c t i v i t i e s ! C h e c k y o u r l o c a l P l a y h o u s e c a l e n d a r t o s e e t i m e s a n d d a t e s .

PPrrooggrraammss && AAccttiivviittiieess!!!!

TThhaannkk YYoouu ttoo oouurr SSppoonnssoorrss

Thank you to all the amazing sponsors! We could not do what we dowithout you and our amazing volunteers from GE, The Chapel, Kohls,the Bike Marshalls and everyone in the community! A special thank youto Mayor McLeod and Senator Murphy for showing their support.

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Please join us for an important 2-hrourseminar on successful teaching meth-ods for children with Down Syndrome.Sharon Tate, Assistant Superintendent,

will be moderating the seminar onThursday, August 21st, 7-9pm.

For more info. please contact GiGi’sPlainfield Playhouse at 630.778.7529

SAVE THE DATEAAuugg..2211sstt

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54321MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

H O F F M A N E S T A T E S

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FFrriiddaayyFFrriieennddss CCooookk OOuutt!!

This month we will be having ourannual cook-out at Roberta’s house! Call 847.839.8966 to RSVP!

SUNDAY

Independence Day

Open Play 12:30-2pmLiteracy 5-7pm

Literacy6-8pmSpecial Intentions7pm

Literacy 10am-2pm

Crawlers9-9:45am2 and Under10-11:30amHop, Skip + JumpersNoon-1:30pm


Literacy 10am-2pm


Literacy 10am-2pmFriday Friends Cook OutRSVP

Kids Club 10-11:30am



Golf Outing1:30pm

Literacy6-8pm

Literacy6-8pm

Literacy6-8pm

Literacy6-8pmLiteracy Nite6:30-8:30pm

Literacy3-6pm

Literacy3-6pm

Literacy3-6pm

Literacy3-6pm

Literacy3-6pm

Literacy3-7pm

Literacy3-7pm

Literacy3-7pm

Literacy3-7pm

Nuestros Angeles11am-1pmHispanic Playgroup

Polish Group11am-1pm

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PAre You a Therapist? Do you want to help running a pro-gram? We are looking for a therapistto run our Hop, Skip and Jumpersand Walkers programs. Call 847.885.7529 if interested!

CCaammpp GGiiGGiiCCoommiinngg iinn AAuugguusstt!!!!!!

Calling all 6-8 year olds — CampGiGi will be August 4th through the8th. Our camp counselor this year isKathleen Hepburn who comes to usfrom the Oak Park Park District whereshe leads kids through many adven-tures as an experienced staff member.

Everyday will be fun filled with differ-ent craft, games, and activities. Playwill happen both outdoors and in -with a snack at the end of each day.Campers meet at the HoffmanPlayhouse everyday from 10am-12pm.Please RSVP to the playhouse to guar-antee a spot, space is limited to 8 kids.847.885.7529

This page isdedicated toRobertStanley,Jack’s beloved grandfather whopassed away. Thank you to the

Costion and Stanley family forthe outpouring of love and gen-erosity that GiGi’s has seen inhonor of Jack’s grandpa,Roberta’s dad and a friend tothe Playhouse.

LLooookk aatt tthhee HHoopp,, SSkkiipp && JJuummppeerrss!!!!

This month we had two new friendsjoin the group! We made mugs forFathers Day and of course playedfreeze dance and sang songs amongother things! Come join the fun the2nd Saturday of the month!

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P L A I N F I E L D

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SUNDAY

Independence Day

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointment


Literacy Program4-6:30pmBy appointment

2 & Under 9:30-11amLiteracy 9:30-10amLiteracy 11:15-11:45amBy appointment3-4 Year Old Playgroup11am-Noon




Pre-Walkers 9-10amLiteracy 9:30-10amLiteracy 11:15-11:45amBy appointmentDaddy & Me 3-4:30pm




Literacy Program9:30-10amLiteracy Program11:15-11:45amBy appointment





Nuestros AngelesHispanic Playgroup11am-1pm


3rd Annual GiGi’s Golf OutingTee Off Time 1:30pmTamarack Golf Club,NapervilleLiteracy 4-6:30pmBy appointment

Pre-Crawlers 9-10amCrawlers 10-11amRSVP 630.423.4035Literacy 9:30-10amLiteracy 11:15-11:45amBy appointment

Evening Open Play6-8pm

SStteeppss DDaannccee CCeenntteerr ––AAuurroorraaThe owner of the studio is very inter-ested in setting up a class specificallyfor children with special needs. Theyhave had experience in teaching chil-dren with special needs and would liketo give more opportunities for our chil-dren to learn dance and other skills,such as number and colors, throughdance. If you would like more informa-tion or are interested in the class pleasecontact Valerie at [email protected].

BBaagg TToossss TToouurrnnaammeenntt Did you miss the registration for theBag Toss Tournament? We are goingto try it again in the fall. Please comejoin us at Waubonsie Valley HighSchool’s Gold Campus for a day of bagtossing, fun, food and family. There willbe cash prizes for first, second, andthird place winners!! We will raffle off aset of boards and bags. Each raffle tick-et is $1 or buy 6 tickets for $5. Pleaselook in next month’s newsletter for fur-ther details.

PPllaayyhhoouussee PPaallssJust a reminder that the Playhouse Palsare taking a break for the summer, buthope to start back up the thirdSaturday in September. If you have a1st-3rd grader and don’t receivePlayhouse Pals email updates than con-tact Lori at [email protected].

GGiiGGii’’ss iiss LLooookkiinngg ttoo MMoovvee!!Know any property owners in the vicin-ity who would be willing to work withGiGi’s Playhouse Plainfield to find anew home? We are a growing commu-nity, and as such, would like to find amore spacious venue to entertain,assist and educate our wonderful popu-lation. We have over 100 families visit-ing the playhouse every month. Thesefamilies are consumers too and theywill buy coffee and sandwiches, gethaircuts for their families, etc. In addi-tion, we have events that draw atten-tion to the retail area for the day andactually provide free advertising forthe local businesses. If you know of anypossible locations, please call630.778.PLAY.

EEvveenniinngg OOppeenn PPllaayyLast month we honored our Dad bymaking him a Father’s Day apron. Thekids put their own personal touch onthe apron they made. We had lots offun! This month we will celebrate sum-mer by creating bugs!! Come join uson Friday July 25th from 6-8pm forpizza, fun and a craft! RSVP to Genia [email protected]. Hope to see you there!

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M c H E N R Y

8 9 10Independence Day

Each month we would like to featuresomeone who is contributing in aspecial way to our Playhouse.

INTRODUCING… OUR HOSTESS WITHTHE MOSTEST

BBrreennnnaaLLiinnddqquuiissttA very special volunteer came to usduring our organizational meeting backin February. She is a vibrant and very

active young lady, Miss BrennaLindquist. Brenna is a 22-

year old lady who hasDown syndrome. She hasgraciously stepped up tohelp us by serving asour Hostess for Open

Play! What a dynamicwoman. She is diligent to

serve her community and iscurrently the President of the SelfAdvocacy Council of IL. The council’spurpose is dedicated to providingpeople with disabilities the supportand knowledge they need to become

better self advocates, which will allowpeople to be more independent intoday’s society. Brenna is a shiningexample for her efforts to make this areality for all of us. She is so happy tobe a part of the GiGi’s Playhouse visionand to help our children.

SUNDAYLiteracy3-5pmOpen Play10am-12:30pmSummer Fun Hours— Join us for PIZZA & FUN

Literacy1-5pm

Literacy4-4:30pm

Literacy3-5pmOpen Play10am-12:30pmSummer Fun Hours— Join us for PIZZA & FUN

LiteracyNoon-1pmLiteracy3-6:30pm

Literacy1-3pm

Signing10-11amLiteracy1-5pm

Literacy4-4:30pm

Teen Tastics7-9pmNDSC Conferencein Boston

Hop, Skip & Jumpers10-11:30amNDSC Conferencein Boston



Nuestros AngelesHispanic Playgroup11am-1pmLiteracy1-3pmNDSC Conferencein Boston

Literacy1-5pm

Literacy4-4:30pm

Kids Club 6-8pm

Walkers10-11:30am



Literacy1-3pm

2 & Under10-11:30amLiteracy1-5pm

Literacy4-4:30pm



Daddy & Me9-11am(new hours by thedads request)Literacy1-3pm

Literacy1-5pm

Literacy4-4:30pm

Friday Friends 7pm Join us for Pizza, Soda& a Movie

Open Play10-11:30amSummer Fun Hours— Join us for PIZZA & FUN

MMccHHeennrryy SSppoott LLiigghhtt

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When Brett was born, I found outthat he has Down syndrome. Thoughthe fear and anxiety was there, whatmost frustrated me was that it was sodifficult to find the information that Iwas seeking as well as other familiesto meet. I remember coming to thePlayhouse for the 1st time when Brettwas 1 year old. I felt so welcomedand supported! I knew I wanted to be

part ofwelcom-ing othernew fami-lies as welland madeit my mis-sion tohelp newparents

when they receive the diagnosis ofDown syndrome. I have recentlybecome the host of Open Play wheremany of our new parents come forthe 1st time. I love to congratulatethem and be part of helping a newmom (or dad) see the diagnosis in apositive light.

Though I don’t consider myself out-going, I feel that being a host ofOpen Play has allowed me to meetnew parents and develop friendshipswith people that I may have onlyseen once a month at a program orevent. Brett is young, only 2, andthough he gets excited about comingto the Playhouse, it is my olderdaughter Leah who is 6 that benefitsthe most right now. She has devel-oped friendships with other siblings

her age and looks forward to comingto Open Play each week to see them!I don’t know where I would be if notfor GiGi’s and I am giving backbecause it has given me so much!!I have recently joined the HoffmanBoard of Directors too.

Thanks D iane , we are thr i l l ed tohave your fami ly be par t o f theGiGi ’s fami ly !

Would you l i ke to get invo lved?Ca l l your loca l p layhouse ! ! !

PPaarrtt ooff tthhee FFaammiillyy

CChhiiccaaggoo’’ss GGrraanndd OOppeenniinngg!!!!!!We’re Coming to Chicago! Come to ourGrand Opening Celebration!Join us at:

3660 W. Irving Park RoadChicago, IL 60618Want to help, donate, or learn more?Email: [email protected]!

GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE — CHICAGO !!

Sunday, July 20th, Noon-3pmJoin us at the newest Playhouse • 3660 W. Irving Park Rd.

TThhaannkk YYoouuAAssssuurraannccee AAggeennccyy!!They sent a group of volunteers tomake books for our Literacy Program!We couldn’t do it without you!!

Help us celebrate the opening of outnew Chicago Playhouse!! Enjoy a sam-pling of specialty foods from Chicago’sculinary experts, participate with theLive Karaoke band, and support thePlayhouse all at the same time! Register online at:www.gigisplayhouse.org

When:August 16 @ 5pm

Where:Historic Logan SquareAuditorium

2539 N. Kedzie

Chicago, IL

TTaassttee ooff GGiiGGii’’ss PPllaayyhhoouusseeAAuugg..1166tthh

55ppmm

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSCHAUMBURG, ILPERMIT NO. 93

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SAVE THE DATE

Hoffman Estates1069 West Golf RoadHoffman Estates, IL 60169847.885.PLAY

Plainfield10052 South Bode Road, Unit DPlainfield, IL 60585630.778.PLAY

McHenry1720 North Richmond RoadMcHenry, IL 60050815.385.PLAY

Chicago3660 West Irving Park RoadChicago, IL 60618773.583.PLAY

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SSaavvee tthhee DDaattee

Chicago Opening

July 20th!!!

Look inside for details...

Tee off time is 1:30pmat Naperville’sTamarack Club.Register online at:www.gigisplayhouse.orgContact Tom Benco at:630.778.7529

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Hoffman Estates1069 W. Golf Rd.

Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

GGiiGGii’’ss 22000088GGoollff OOuuttiinngg

WWhhaatt aa TTeeaamm EEffffoorrttThank you to the many teams that ral-

lied their friends and families in supportof GiGi’s Fifth Annual 5K!

Our top Teams:Team Cael Team GiGiTeam Caleb Team EmmaTeam Deuce

A BIG thank you toevery Playhouse, the5K committee, our 5Kchair Roseann Rustiaand EVERYONE whohelped make this thebest finish line in town!

08-july.pdf - GiGi's Playhouse

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