THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
01
Garden Center Family Spotlight
02
Gallery Marches into Tinley
03
Friends of Garden Center
04
THE LEAFLET ISSUE APR YEAR 2012
The View From My Chair a message from our Executive director
OUR MISSION Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities through innovative and person-centered 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.
This past February, the annual election to the board, and was held to fill positions on the agency’s three new applicants Board of Directors. Five vacancies needed were elected for the first time: Annmarie to be filled, and we were very pleased with Caulfield, Sharon Duncan, and Jenny the skills and backgrounds of all those Wojcik. Please join me in welcoming persons that submitted their names for these new board members, and in consideration. We were sorry to see two providing the entire board our backing and individuals come off of the board; Ms. Fran encouragement. The slate of this year’s Mientus chose not to run officers and members can be for another term, and Ms. “ We are still trying found on the back page of Barbara Clarke was required this newsletter. to get closure on a by our by-laws to step down new location for day We are still trying to get after serving her second program and office closure on a new location three-year term. space to replace the for day program and office I want to thank these two to replace the damaged Wesbrook site. space women, and all the board damaged Wesbrook site. As members, for their dedicated ... [GCS] has incurred I mentioned in last month’s service on the Board, and significant costs due newsletter, the agency has their ongoing support of the to the vandalism and incurred significant costs agency and our mission. I due to the vandalism and think many of you would be subsequent move out of subsequent move out of the Wesbrook facility” the Wesbrook facility. I surprised by the amount of time, energy, and resources was hoping for a greater members of the Board contribute through response to my request for any financial their elected positions. I really want to assistance that you can offer to help us recognize Barb Clarke for the leadership, cover these costs. If you are able to assist guidance, and focus she has provided at any amount, please contact Michele through her role as the Board president for Hula at 708-466-2277, or you can make a the last four years. I believe the agency donation through our website. Thank you has made many positive strides over the for anything you can do. last few years, and the assistance of Barb and the full board of directors has been In closing, on behalf of myself, the board of invaluable. directors, and our staff, may you and your families have a joyful, peace-filled Easter. In the February election, Mr. Dan Wenzler and Ms. Linda Sherwood were reelected A 5 0 1 ( c ) ( 3 ) N onprof it o rg ani zati on
Garden Center Family Spotlight Amy has lived at Harvey House for over 10 years. She attends Garden Center’s vocational program at our main building in Burbank. When asked what she loves best about working at Garden Center, Amy laughs and says “My paycheck!”. When she’s not working, Amy enjoys attending music group and is front and center for the Wednesday sing-a-longs. She says she is also looking forward to expressing her creative side at Garden Center’s art program at the new studio location in Tinley Park as soon as she is able. In her free time, Amy loves to go shopping. She is a collector of stylish handbags and never passes up an opportunity to check out the latest trends. Amy also enjoys eating out with friends, especially at one of her favorite restaurants, Applebee’s.
AMY CONNOR Cherell has been with Garden Center since March of last year, but she has been working in the field for much longer than that. Cherell got her start when she was only 10 years old spending time in the agency her grandmother started. When she was 15, Cherell officially worked in her grandmother’s agency through a high school work program. Cherell said she is a “people person” and really enjoys working with those she supports. When asked what she loves most about Garden Center, Cherell says Garden Center has a “very loving, calm, home environment. It makes you feel like you are home.”
CHERELL TILLMAN
When not working, Cherell spends time on her studies. Building on the Associates Degree she received in November 2011, Cherell is working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice through Colorado Technical University and will graduate in May 2013.
Garden Center Opens the Oak Lawn House
After months of renovation and remodeling, we are excited that our new CILA in Oak Lawn has finally opened! In mid-March, four ladies moved in; one new to the CILA program and three from our other homes who were looking for a more accessible layout. We expect one or two more people to join us in the next few months. We’re looking forward to the warm weather, planting gardens outside and making the most of the beautiful deck all summer!
Garden Center’s new home in Oak Lawn
Garden Gallery & Studio Marches into Tinley Park
On March 11th, Garden Gallery & Studio artists and supporters marched in the 13th Annual Downtown Tinley Park Irish Parade. Throngs of community members stopped in the gallery for face painting, a kids coloring contest, hot coffee, snacks and to learn more about our program. We were thrilled with the response of the numerous community members who expressed excitement about our opening and interest in our upcoming art classes and events.
Garden Center’s NEEDS List Umbrellas
Bar-type stools Some of our Coloring Contest participants stop to pose for the camera
Free-standing shelf units Printer Phone
Office desk Microwave
Small refrigerator
Large coffee maker Books
Garden Gallery artists and supporters strut their stuff in the parade
Electronic keyboards
On March 18th Garden Gallery Artists officially began using the studio space. Find details on our upcoming Grand Opening Event in the next issue of The Leaflet, on our websites, and facebook page.
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE SUPER SALE APRIL 22nd 12pm-4pm
HALF OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE!
(music)
Parade goers outside the Gallery
Event tickets
Laptop computers Craft supplies
Frames for artwork iGive has given us even more time to earn as much as we can through signup bonuses! Just go to www.igive.com/ GardenCenter to take advantage of this easy way to help Garden Center today!
Blank canvases X-Box games
If you have an item to donate, please email Anne McFerron at amcferron@gardencenterservices.org
44 Stephen Street Lemont, IL
BULLETIN BOARD
2nd Annual r Services Garden Cente ing Party Pott
LAST CHANCE FO R CARSON’s COMMUNITY COUP ONS!
GCS volunteers wi booklets at Cars ll be selling on’s in Chicago Ridge on: Friday April 20, 10
am-noon
April 6th @
115 Bourbon St. t 7pm - Midnigh
or contact Michele Hula to make arrangements to purchase a coupon book at Ga rden Center (708) 398-6506.
Garden Center continues to be in need of your support as we work to recover following the Wesbrook break-in. Donations are greatly appreciated and may be made on our website, by mail or in person at 8333 S. Austin Avenue Burbank, IL 60459
THANK YOU!!!
FRIENDS OF GARDEN CENTER Where we grow
dignity and
independence
$25,000+ • COLONEL STANLEY R. McNEIL FOUNDATION $10,000 - $24,999 •
phone 708.636.0054 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.gardencenterservices.org
Board of Directors President
Daniel Wenzler
1st Vice President
Scott Hardek
2nd Vice President
Doug Combs
Treasurer
R. Pat Ballis
Secretary
Annmarie Caulfield
Members:
John J. Kunkes Linda Stearns Linda Sherwood Sharon Duncan Jenny Wojcik
$2,500 - $5,000 • TRUIST UNITED WAY • The Coleman Foundation • The Donald P. and Byrd M. Kelly Foundation $1,000- $2,499 • Peggy Hardek • PPM AMERICA INC • Gretchen Winter • DIXON ENTERPRISE • Marge Adreani $500- $999 • • •
Impo rt ant Date s! Y GCS POTTING PART ight on Street 7pm-midn urb Bo 5 11 h 6t ril Ap MEETING GCS MEMBERSHIP ain Building M at May 18th, 7pm ’n ROLL-a-THON GCS ANNUAL WALK June 2nd
http://www.youtube.com/user/ gardencenterservices http://twitter.com/gardencentersrv
http://www.facebook.com/ gardencenterservices
KRAFT FOODS FOUNDATION UNITED WAY METRO CHICAGO John Nemec
$200- $499 • Hugh & Mary Schmuttenmaer • Charles Newbold • Dorothy Ballis • THE PRIVATE BANK • Raymond Jachim • • • •
http://gardencenterservices. wordpress.com/
ERIN’S HANDICAPPED CHILDREN’S FUND
• • •
Memorial for Gigi Griesheim
UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS ROTARY CLUB OF CICERO Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Cegielski Mr. & Mrs. Rudolpf Fandl Mr. & Mrs. John Gronke Brian & Elizabeth Wojak Elsa Heinemann
Memorials for Michael Gaus, DOROTHY CYGA and Debbie Helme
$100- $199 • Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Strainis • Leslie Allgeyer
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Charles & Leigh Schmuttenmaer Greg Camisa Brain Rotroff Joan Clements Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Conway Frank Marshall
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Eric Stortz
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Robert E. Spain Jill Rymkey Mary Elizabeth Paul Kevin P. Cronin Donna Kirchman Raymond G. Sierakowski Catherine Myers
Memorial for Debbie Helme
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Willoughby Steven Zitowsky
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Memorial for Debbie Helme
MT. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH Mary Geis
Memorial for Debbie Helme
James Walter
Memorial For Lorey O’Grady
John McBride Mr. & Mrs. John Gronke
Up to $99 • Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Conway • Beatrice Ramirez • Pamela Schaefer •
December 2011-JANUARY 2012
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Looman
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Timothy C. Sever PRYME TYMERS/ TRINITY CHURCH MaryEllen Doyle Eric Egeland Anthony Quesada Robert Konen
MEMORIAL DEBBIE HELME
Myrtis Winter
MEMORIALs FOR PEARL REID and DEBBIE HELME
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Hoteko
MEMORIAL FOR DEAN HOTEKO
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mr. & Mrs. Brett Schaefer
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Beverly Peters
MEMORIAL FOR PEARL REID
Linda Sterns
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Daniel Kandich Karren R. Hallas Judith C. Brinkman Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hilliard Mr. & Mrs. Scott Kowalski
MEMORIAL FOR GIGI GRIESHEIM
Ghislaine Skrzekut
Memorial for Debbie Helme
Margaret Murphy
Memorial for Debbie Helme
Mary Dalrymple
MEMORIAL FOR PEARL REID
Dolores Partyka
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Helen Pietryla
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin J. Roscrow Melissa Schaefer
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Mary Jane Doyle Maureen Pietryla Stanley Komperda
MEMORIAL FOR DEBBIE HELME
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Lesiecki
MEMORIAL FOR DEBBIE HELME
Ann McGrath-Harty James P. McDermott Diane Peterson
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Mr & Mrs Roger Guthrie
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Grace Woodin
MEMORIAL FOR DOROTHY CYGA
Lynn Soukal Diane Doody Barbara Palin
MEMORIAL FOR DEBBIE HELME
Josephine Lapp
MEMORIALS FOR DOROTHY CYGA, Diane Donofrio and debbie helme