The View From My Chair

Gerry celebrates 20 years at GCS

Last Tuesday, May 2nd, was my 20 year anniversary being the Executive Director of Garden Center Services! After having almost thirty years in the field of developmental disabilities already, I could not have realized the inconceivable impact that coming here would have on me and my life. The time I have spent reflecting on the last twenty years has honestly been bittersweet. There has been so many positive, nurturing changes, as well as the joyful celebrations and events to think on. But there has also been the passing of too many individuals, including participants, parents & guardians, board members, and staff, that all made lasting impressions on me and this agency.

Persons with developmental disabilities want help creating these five valued life experiences: belonging, respect, sharing spaces, contribution, and choice.

-John O’Brien

I was very fortunate that I had many mentors and teachers that helped shape my vision of how individuals should be seen, heard, and supported. I am thankful to all of them but I realize that the instructors that made the strongest impact on my philosophy, and my life, have been the individuals with developmental disabilities themselves. I am awed by the unconditional regard and acceptance that they have bestowed on me as they allowed me to participate in their life’s journeys. continued on page

Words alone cannot express the gratitude and admiration I feel for all of you that have demonstrated such dedication and compassion as we have worked together to improve the quality of life for those persons we are honored to serve. I am confident that our employees, all of you, the Direct Support Professionals to the Executive Team, are the strongest group that I’ve ever encountered!

Taking Care Of Our Community Gcs Volunteers At Cook County Forest Preserve

Garden Center program participants have a long history of giving back to their communities.

GCS volunteer groups have been involved with numerous volunteer projects including cleaning toys at The Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, caring for animals at Animals for Awareness, and are currently in their eighth year of delivering meals to seniors through our local Meals on Wheels program.

As a result of the COVID pandemic, several of the places we volunteered are no longer able to accept our help. That fact made us all the more excited when, this April, we began a new volunteer relationship with the Cook County Forest Preserve. Volunteers from GCS go to the preserve at least once a month to pick up trash and keep the area looking its best. If you know of a great volunteer opportunity in our area, contact John at jschuetz@gardencenterservices.org.

Richard Retires After A Decade With Mcdonalds In Oak Lawn

Richard has been a part of the tight-knit Oak Lawn McDonalds Team for the past ten years. In that time, Richard has taken out tons of garbage, cleaned hundreds of tables, and made gallons of tea and coffee.

On April 28th, Richard’s coworkers threw a big retirement party for him with burgers, balloons, and a cake. They pinned a ribbon on his apron that says Retired. Off the Clock.

Richard will certainly miss his work friends, but he was very clear there is one thing at work he will not miss... the dishes. When asked what he is looking forward to most in retirement, Richard said, “Live the rest of my life and relax.”

That sounds like a great plan, Richard!

Tending Our Garden

iGive works with over 2300 of the most popular stores you shop online. Just go to iGive.com and register. Each time you shop online at stores like Walmart, Kohls, Crate & Barrel, PetCo., Best Buy, etc., those stores will donate a percentage of your purchase to GCS at no cost to you!

Shopping iGive even SAVES YOU MONEY! Watch iGive for coupons from all your favorite stores.

May is double donation month - double your impact when you shop all month long!

Visit www.iGive.com/GardenCenter to get started.

THE 2ND ANNUAL SUNNY SMASH IS JUNE 3RD!

Teams can still register for the 2nd Annual Sunny Smash Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Teams that register after May 15th will not receive shirts.

NEW THIS YEAR! Teams will choose between two brackets:

• Competitive Bracket: for teams who play in a league and will compete for a cash prize

• Just for Fun Bracket: for teams who do not play competitively in a league and just want to play for fun.

What To Expect On Event Day

RAFFLES

Cool prizes including:

• Beats Fit Pro earbuds

• Titan Backpack/Cooler

• Portable, Gas Fire Bowl

• TWO Split-The-Pots

• & more!

You DO NOT need to be present to win.

WE NEED YOU!

GREAT FOOD & DRINK OPTIONS

From vendors including:

• Calabria on Wheels - Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, Italian Sausage, Caprese Subs & Homemade Chips (accepts cash & venmo)

• Jefe’s Catering - Steak & Chicken Tacos, Rice & Beans, Elote (accepts cash & credit)

• Cravings Ice Cream - FREE Dish of Ice Cream sponsored by Gerry Beagles & Cindy Haworth

If you’d like to volunteer for the Smash, follow the event link on our website! We appreciate any amount of time you can help. All volunteers receive a volunteer shirt. All-Day Volunteers also receive free lunch from one of our event food trucks.

EVENT DETAILS

2nd Annual Sunny Smash

Not Playing? You can order your own Smash shirt online and pick it up at the event. Visit our website for details.