JUNE
2018
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
donation! As always there will be great refreshments prepared by the Knights at our post-walk picnic. Didn’t have time to register? NO PROBLEM! You can register the day of the event. SEE YOU THERE!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GOOD SIGNS Page 2 STATE KITCHEN REMODEL Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
With the long, cold, wet winter that we had, I am so thrilled to experience the sunshine and warmth we have experienced over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully we’ll have good weather for this Saturday’s Super Sunny Walk N’ Rolla-Thon that will be held at Newcastle Park, 8050 S. Newcastle in Burbank, beginning at 10 a.m. Come out to enjoy our new and improved event that will feature some good old-fashioned family games & activities. You’ll have the opportunity to join in some challenges like the “Dunk Our Exec” Tank, as well as other games/races where you can win CASH PRIZES for a small
June 2nd 10am Newcastle Park The Super Sunny is a celebration of the GCS community and one of our two fund raising events of the year. We are so thankful to the many families that on a regular basis find it in their hearts to generously donate resources that help us provide the services and programs that our individuals need, and deserve. One such family is that of Carolyn and Lou Viverito. They have found many ways over the years to
assist Garden Center Services by targeting funds for the agency, working with local vendors and fraternal organizations to help with the costs of our projects, and to strengthen our cause with the Illinois legislature and our funders. A year and a half ago when Carolyn and Lou tragically lost their beautiful and kind daughter Marianne, they were still able to have that loss become a source of life and enrichment for the persons that attend GCS. By kindly identifying our agency as the recipient of donations in honor of their dear Marianne, we were more than able to cover the cost of a complete rehab of the kitchen at the State Road building (see photos inside) which is so enjoyed by individuals in our cooking classes and as their prepare their lunches. It was a special day when I was a able to provide a tour of the facility to Carolyn, Lou, and their grandson, Jack. A heartfelt thank you to their family.
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY GOOD SIGNS This past February, John, who attends Garden Center’s State Road program, began taking American Sign Language classes through The Center on Deafness in Northbrook, IL with his sister Mary. The pair recently completed the center’s eight-week Beginning I American Sign Language Class. John’s Garden Center instructor, Laura, says she loves that John is increasing his use of sign language at Garden Center and that they are working hard to incorporate even more signs into his growing repertoire. John enjoyed the sign language class so much he and Mary have already started the next level course with The Center on Deafness. John completed Beginning American Sign Language Class
John shows off his signing skills
Congratulations John!
Once again, we would like to thank those of you who supported our Going Places Pledge Drive at the 2017 GCS Fashion Show. As a result of your generous support, Garden Center’s program participants are able to get out and engage more in their communities. Dav
id paint s pott ery at Art Cla y
Patrick enjoys a lunch out
Here are just a few of the World places people we support have visited utilizing Going Places funds: Chicago Wolves game, Chicago Flower & Garden Show, Disney on Ice, Kris Kringle Mart, Albanese Candy Factory, Jelly Belly Factory, Volo Car Museum, and Shedd Aquarium. THANK YOU!!!
MICROBUSINESS UPDATE Oak Lawn FARMERS MARKET
It’s Farmer’s Market Season again!
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
Visit Garden Center’s Microbusiness booth on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month starting June 6th.
Dumke Dr.& 52nd 7am to 1pm
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There you will be able to purchase our already popular items including soy candles, doggie bow-ties, hand-crafted soaps, and up-cycled greeting cards along with some of our new items like relaxing Tub Teas, beautiful felt garlands, and much, much more! Questions? Call Anne at 773-941-4151 Ext. 229
Monica shows off one of her group’s beautiful, felt ball garlands
STATE ROAD PROGRAM’S KITCHEN GETS A MAJOR UPDATE The State Road program’s kitchen was in need of a serious overhaul to meet the needs of our burgeoning cooking program. The project was nearly entirely funded by the Viverito family who chose Garden Center as a recipient of donations made in honor of Marianne Viverito. Home Depot provided discounted cabinets, counter tops, a sink and some of the labor. State Road’s new kitchen boasts a commercial oven and range/with a hood, new microwave, industrial dishwasher, mobile prep tables and a large screen TV used for cooking classes. It has been a major improvement to our cooking program as well as for our daily kitchen needs. GCS’ State Road Kitchen was completely remodeled
A special thank you to the Viverito family, Home Depot and all who helped make this possible.
Useful features include a large screen and mobile prep tables for cooking classes
the remodel was funded by donations in honor of Marianne Viverito
2018 GCS GALA FASHION SHOW
Our Fashion Show committee is hard at work planning the 2018 Fashion Show/Gala and we need your help!
Here are three easy ways you can get involved:
1. Join a Sub-Committee: The initial meeting will be held at the Kedzie building on June 12th at 5:30 p.m. with an additional meeting in August. Some of the work can be done right in the comfort of your own home!
2. Donate & solicit raffle prizes/baskets items: We are looking for great items to use in our raffle baskets. Some ideas include: Sports Items • team shirts • towels • jerseys
Outdoor Items • gardening • back yard games • patio decor
Other • tools • liquor & wines • games & fun stuff
• • •
candy gift cards any other fun things you can think of!
NEW THIS YEAR We will offer a Saturday raffle donation drop-off date for your convenience. Please watch the next newsletter, your email and phone messages for a date in August & September.
3. Sell Tech Trio Tickets: Back by popular demand, GCS is selling $10 Tech Trio Tickets for amazing prizes with winners drawn at the fashion show. Tickets and prize details will be mailed out in late June and will include a prize for the winning ticket seller. Contact Sandra Coleman to get for more info. scoleman@gardencenterservices.org 773-941-4151 Ext. 202
Mark your calendar...
Community Bulletin
Thursday, July 12th
Jennifer Valentine, GC S’s new grant writer, me ets with Cindy. Check out the Ju ly newsletter to learn more abou t Jennifer!
GCS FORMAL 7pm to 9pm
8333 S. Austin Ave. in Burbank
nteer from Nickolas, voluHigh school St. Laurence
A HUGE thank you to Nickolas from St. Laurence High school for his help cleaning out Pace vans & making a Going Places Bulletin board at the State building!
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Growing dignity and independence 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655 phone 773-941-4151 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.GardenCenterServices.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Paul Krutulis
Vice President
Joan Strainis
Treasurer
Anthony DiMiele
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Tom Beemsterboer
Jeremiah
& Monae
Robbie, Janet, Tim & Marnesha prepare to open the Sunny Snack Shack
Shannon Benaitis Donna Blair Representative Fran Hurley Dave Rauen
Rufus, Humberto & Rusty Visit Lake Katherine
Support our Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll Sponsors! OUR MISSION Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities through innovative and personcentered services. Our commitment to the excellence of our programs is surpassed only by our devotion to the people we serve and the communities in which they live.
PARTNERING SPONSORS • Twin Hearts Autism Foundation • Lovelady family • CIBC Bank GOLD SPONSORS • Kevin & Jane Doherty • Chuck’s Southern Comfort Cafe’ SILVER SPONSORS • Special Needs Tax Consulting • Insperity • MB Financial • Gerry, Cindy & Gracie Beagles • Countryside Bank BRONZE SPONSORS • Pete’s Service Center • The Horton Group • Friends of Fran Hurley • COPCO
SUNNY SPONSORS • Transamerica Financial Advisors Anthony F. Dimiele • Martin Whalen • Mayor Dan Foy • Lion’s Club of Beverly • Burbank Police Association • Howard Beagles • Amber Mechanical • Knights of Columbus #14553 • The Burbank Park District • Duke’s Hot Dogs • Entenmann’s Bakery • Frito Lay • Geo’s Gyros • Jack & Pat’s Butcher Shop • Murray’s Browse & Brew • Pepsi • Quaker Made • Ramar Supply • Tony’s Finer Foods • Whittingham Meats • COSTCO
Thank you!