Lambs Tales Volume 1 2024

2024 Volume 1

Winter

inside:

page 2:

Letter from the President & CEO

page 4: Giving Tuesday Recap

page 5: Participant Happenings

The Future Is Bright at Lambs Farm

It was another eventful, fun-filled and memorable holiday season at Lambs Farm. From catalog orders to Breakfast with Santa, participants and staff were busy as ever.

page 6: 2024 Farmyard Season

our mission:

Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all.

www.lambsfarm.org

The Country Store & Bakery team worked diligently and managed to crank out 13,000 pounds of cookies and fresh breads, 14,000 pounds of chocolates and 7,000 jars of jam. With volunteer support and a strong focus on teamwork, the small but mighty shipping department managed to send 5,000 packages across the country in just two months.

Participants were full of cheer as they went to Hanukkah celebrations, Secret Santas and get togethers at work and on campus. Many volunteered or worked our longstanding Breakfast with Santa event, which was completely sold out yet again. Our hardworking Cafe staff love welcoming guests each year and making the experience extra merry and bright.

We kicked off 2024 in the best way possible—celebrating together at the 31st Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Party!

Remembering

Marc Nachtman

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Lambs Farm friend, Marc Nachtman.

Marc came to Lambs Farm in 1980. He loved working in the Visitors Center, sharing our mission with guests and giving his coworkers the daily weather report.

When he wasn’t at work, Marc was usually admiring the view of Lambs Lake from his bench at the Tribute Garden or spending time with his beloved girlfriend, Martha, who he liked to call his better half.

Marc had a huge heart and was happiest when surrounded by people. He volunteered at our special events for many years, enjoyed going on outings, looking at cars, listening to the radio and making others smile with his quick wit.

Lambs Farm won’t be the same without Marc, but we are grateful for all the wonderful memories.

Growing & Changing Together

Lambs Farm is a place where people grow, and we are growing and changing together! Together we are building new programs and new relationships—we are even building a greenhouse!

The campus is teeming with energy and enthusiasm as we create new ways for participants to make friends and have fun, explore work opportunities, and advise us on the policies and programs they want to see. Participants are loving the physical changes on campus, too, from the new lighting and paving to the house improvements we’re calling the Porch Project—door colors that pop, new entry lights, benches, and soon, we hope, an awning for every house. Together, we are making it happen!

Our future is bright at Lambs Farm. Together we are dreaming big dreams. Thank you for dreaming with us and helping those dreams come true.

Kathy Buresch President & CEO

President & CEO Kathy Buresch with Lambs Farm participants Patrick and Brayanna at the 31st Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Party

Andy in front of the bright teal door at House 5

Arlyn helped choose the front door color of House 6 and hopes to get an awning this spring

(continued from cover)

Board member Karen Lieberman graciously continued this special tradition, and the party has become a much-loved holiday staple for participants, staff, families and friends. As everyone gathered at the Marriott Lincolnshire for good food, great company and music by the Not for Profit band, we reflected on all we accomplished in 2023 and toasted to the new beginnings ahead.

The positive momentum from the holiday season carried into the new year as we continued working on the renovation project at Green-Field, our intermediate care facility. Thanks to a generous donor, the building got a fresh coat of calming, blue paint and fiberglass wall paneling was installed to support and protect the walls from wheelchair use. Staff also decorated the rooms with new furniture and fun artwork to help participants navigate the space with ease.

The Recreation team started 2024 off strong by hosting the first Healthy Lambs dinner party for participants who reached their exercise goals. They also implemented a new wellness theme for the year, Unlock your Potential, planned the participant Valentine’s Day dance, went to Pinstripes for a night of bowling and cheered loud and proud at the Chicago Wolves game.

With more fun outings on the calendar and new programs in the works, the future is bright and we have a lot to look forward to at Lambs Farm! We invite you to follow along with us by visiting our campus businesses, attending a special event, learning about our volunteer opportunities or checking us out on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Amazon Wish Lists

With Lambs Farm

Amazon Wish Lists, donors can send gifts directly to the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center, Enrichment Center, Farmyard, Recreation or Quest program.

Every donation makes a big difference!

Lori loves the bead projects that came to the Enrichment Center

The Pet Center staff are grateful for their generous donations

Our Farmyard friends are going to have a blast with their new enrichment toys

Director of Health Services Kim and Associate Director of Life Programs Kelly hang artwork about hat designer Benjamin B. Green-Field and portraits outside the participant’s rooms

Sarah, Mary V, Stephanie and Mary J at the Pinstripes outing

A look at the dining area and entry way

Ruth and Eli were ready to dance at the 31st Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Party

Celebrating the Spirit 2024 Celebrating the Spirit 2024

We hope you will support the men and women of Lambs Farm by joining us to Celebrate the Spirit again this year at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens on Friday, May 17.

Lambs Farm is returning to this lovely venue for a fun and eventful evening of fine food, a golden ticket raffle, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the music of the Not for Profit Band. Those who are unable to join us will still have the opportunity to participate in our silent auction through mobile bidding. Participants will be sharing sneak peeks of all of the great items on our social media pages leading up to the big event.

If you would like to donate an item, service or experience to our silent or live auction, please contact Kathy McMeins at 847.990.3703 or at kmcmeins@lambsfarm.org.

We have several levels of sponsorships available if you are interested in supporting Lambs Farm while also increasing your brand recognition. Please contact Director of Development, Mary McGonigel at 847.990.3733 or mmcgonigel@lambsfarm.org.

Giving Tuesday Goal Reached

After receiving the renderings of our greenhouse design, we set a Giving Tuesday goal of $45,000 to raise money for lighting, planters, racks and other indoor horticulture equipment needed to create a working greenhouse and train participants for jobs in the community wherever plants are grown or sold.

Thanks to our generous donors, we exceeded our goal. We are grateful for the support we received and will continue sharing updates about this exciting project!

Participants are excited to break ground on the greenhouse

Kevin is ready to Celebrate the Spirit!

A rendering of the greenhouse that will be located in front of the Pet Center

Barb, Vince and Tara starred in our Giving Tuesday 2023 video

Participant Happenings

Between Special Olympics, exercise challenges, Quest class, group outings and dances, there is always something fun going on at Lambs Farm.

Fresh powder fell just in time for the Special Olympics snowshoeing competition. Athletes bundled up, worked hard and came home with nine shiny medals. The Stampede and the Rams hit the court at the end of January at the Special Olympics basketball tournament. After some great games, the Stampede placed third and the Rams took fourth. We are proud of our athletes and can’t wait to watch them set new goals and learn new skills as we head into the spring season.

Participants love being creative and showing off their cool creations. Manoj and Aubrey signed up for Knitting Looms Quest class and were excited to model the impressive hat and scarf they made. Participants in Music Video Quest class showed off their dance moves, while those on Lambs Farm News team got behind the camera to share updates about sports, campus events and weather every week.

Artists have been busy drawing, coloring and helping staff expand the participant greeting card program. Next time you’re in the Cafe or Country Store, be sure to look for and pick up our new designs. They’re a great way to make someone smile while spreading the Lambs Farm mission!

More Fun at Lambs Farm!

A Henning barnyard painting was the star of the Antiques Appraisal Breakfast this year, valued at a minimum of $80,000 by licensed appraiser Karl Gates!

Among other impressive antiques

Congratulations to Lambs Farm participant Joe for winning the Shining Star Award

Manoj models his hat

The Rams team at the Special Olympics basketball tournament

Dale and the Accessing Your Community Quest class found beautiful murals at Mellody Farm

Liz cooking with a dutch oven in Expedition Troop Quest class

Aubrey with her scarf

Rodd with a new card design

Make Your Reservations!

We hope to see you at Bunny Brunch on Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30!

Families and friends will feast on a delicious brunch buffet at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery then make their way over to the Bunny Patch in our Visitors Center for crafts, gifts and time with the Easter Bunny. Seatings are available at 9am, 10am and 12pm.

We are also continuing our longstanding Easter Brunch at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery on Sunday, March 31. Guests will leave the cooking to us and enjoy time with loved ones while supporting our mission. Seating times are at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

Please call the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery at 847.362.5050 to secure your spot!

If you are interested in volunteering at Bunny Brunch or Easter Brunch, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Angela Ramert at asr@lambsfarm.org.

2024 Farmyard Season

Mark your calendars because the Farmyard opens for the 2024 season on Friday, March 29!

As you patiently wait to see all 300+ animals in person, you can check out what they are up to during the off-season by following us on Facebook. Every Friday, also known as #FarmyardFriday, we give our followers an inside look at winter happenings or tell you about a specific animal’s journey to Lambs Farm. If you want an even closer look, you can join our Farmyard Friends of Lambs Farm Facebook group. Our animal keepers love sharing their knowledge, answering questions and helping the public connect with our Farmyard friends.

Staff are excited to introduce guests to the animals they recently welcomed to the Farmyard family: Bubbles the Bahama chicken and Mimsy the Syrian hamster. As rescues, they both took some time to adjust, but with the proper care from animal keepers, Bubbles and Mimsy are well on their way to recovery and will make their big debut soon.

If you want to show your favorite animals some extra love before we reopen for the season, we have a variety of sponsorship levels. Your one-time donation helps cover the cost of food, veterinary care and enrichment for your sponsor animal during the 2024 Farmyard season. Sponsors are invited to spend quality time with their animal at Sponsor Night on Tuesday, October 1 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

Sponsor an Animal!

Farmyard staff with some of their favorite Farmyard friends

We can’t wait for this awesome event!

Bubbles the Bahama chicken Mimsy the Syrian hamster

Donor Salute

Lambs Farm is grateful for the support we receive from our many friends. Listed below are the names of those especially generous individuals, foundations and corporations whose gifts of $1,000 or more were received from September 2023 - December 2023.

$25,000 to $49,999

Abbvie Foundation

Anonymous Exclusive Woodworking

Mr. & Mrs. Warren Wiegand, Jr.

$10,000 to $24,999

Adreani Foundation

Anonymous

Grace A. Bersted Foundation

Fred J. Brunner Foundation

The Buchanan Family Foundation

Andrew Campbell

Mr. Thomas D. Creigh

Marvin and Kay Lichtman Foundation

Mrs. Karen Lieberman

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rogan

Walker Group

Ms. Alice P. White

W. P. & H. B. White Foundation

$5,000 to $9,999

AbbVie

Don & Elaine Berki

Mr. Robert Carone

Mr. John Creigh

Mr. & Mrs. Dale A. Dellutri

George M. Eisenberg Foundation for Charities

Mrs. Joan J. Golder

James A. Kreiser Trust

Libertyville Township

New Trier Township

Mr. Greg Polan

The Reichert Foundation

Mr. Robert N. Savoie

Dr. & Mrs. Stuart M. Schwartz

Mr. & Mrs. David Sorenson

Mr. Daniel L. Ushman

The Valerious Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Willard T. Walker

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick

Ms. Janet L. Winter

Mr. Eric Wright & Sarah Rulseh

Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Zaun

$2,500 to $4,999

Ms. Renate Ade

Mr. Jeffery K. Benham

Cboe Global Markets

Cerwin Family

Mrs. Joan Fuller

Mr. & Mrs. Craig W. Hoffman

William & Susan Jacobs

Dr. Melvin P. Katz

Mr. Chuck Kemmler

Ms. Alice Kim

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Krupp

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leclerc

McCortney Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Moyer

nuHaus

Prince Charitable Trusts

Miss Margaret Schaefer

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Seymour

Mr. & Mrs. James Stephanak

Ms. Eiko Terao

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix

Ms. Ruth Wittenberg

$1,000 to $2,4999

Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo L. Acuna

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Walt Bazarnik

Ms. Michelle Benham

Mrs. Martha M. Boudewyns

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bronski

Kathy & Eric Buresch

Mrs. Electra Carlson

Cisco

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Condon

Tributes and Memorials

Ms. Marcia Diefendorff

Mr. Neil Diesslin

Richard & Willo Falstein

Mr. Douglas A. Fisher

The John and Elizabeth Gescheidle

Family Fund

Golder Family Foundation

Mr. Richard Green

The Robert & Heather Grottke

Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. H. Donald Hanson

Mrs. Diane Hettinger

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Holstein

Mrs. Virginia C. Horsch

Mrs. Kathleen Jordan

Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim

Kingsbury Fund

Michael Kirk

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler

Mrs. Caryl Lasko

Ms. Janice L. Leclerc

Dr. & Mrs. Marshall A. Lyall

Mr. Paul M. Mandell

Mr. & Mrs. Craig Marlowe

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. McGivern

Mr. & Mrs. John D. Moone

Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Mork

Mr. & Mrs. James H. Norem

Ms. Patricia O’Donnell

Mr. Chaitanya Patel

Ms. Rosalie Piazza

Salvador and Debra Ramsey Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Ben Randall

Ravine Park Partners, LLC

RCNP Family Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Reilly

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Riley

Thomas E. Sander

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert O. Schmeisser

Mr. & Mrs. Edward P. Showtis

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Thompson

Mrs. Suzanne B. Tobin

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Wallace

Wauwatosa Savings and Loan Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wegner

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Weitekamper

Ms. Gale Zemel

Mr. Sheldon O. Zisook

Mary Zorc

Bequests

Estate of Suzanne McKinley Tice

Jerry Korr Revocable Trust

Facebook Fundraisers

Sandy Nape-Chlopek

Angela C Torrence

Brian Bigdogg Verner

We are always especially honored by the decision to honor and remember friends and loved ones with a gift to Lambs Farm. Below, we list the names of those individuals who have been honored or remembered with a gift received from September 2023 - December 2023.

In Honor Of

Jim Baker

James H. Berke

Cathy Blasko

Delois Buford

Lori A. Carlson

D. Castrejon

Libby Creigh

Sarah L. DeMoon

Linda Doane

Thomas Durbin

Exclusive Woodworking’s

40th Anniversary

Jerry Fisher

Michael Frank

Ann Fuller

Brian T. Grady

Heidi Greco

Tony Green

John Gruebnau

Michele Hendrickson

Marc Henry

Joshua Johnson

Lillian Johnson

Alan H. Karzen

Susan Koehler

Garrett Koncan

Kerry Koncan

The Krebill Family

Betty A. Krupp

Karyn Krupp

Ron Krupp

Lambs Farm Staff

Charles Leclerc

Katherine Lenski

Leslie Lowe

Richard Lowe

Angie Luleck

Abagail Mahoney

Matthew Malina

Rachel Malina

Grant McCullagh

Suzanne McCullagh

Paul Medvec

Vicki Medvec

George and Olga

Metropulos Family

Colleen Moyer

Greg Moyer

Ruth I. Moyer

Gene Myers

Sue Myers

Sandy Nape-Chlopek

Nancy Northrip

Robert A. Northrip

Paul O’Halloran

Kathleen O’Neill

Richard E. O’Neill

Lianne Piccione

Diana Rau

Ralph E. Rau

Bruce P. Redwanc

Gary Rosengarten

Wynn A. Rosengarten

Mary Lou Royer

Linda Schuh

Bill Schuman

Caryn Schuman

Stephanie Scialabba

Gillian Segall

Jack Shannon

Larry Skippet

Eli Spector

Robert O. Stein

Sarita Still

Lindi Strobel

Steve Strobel

Jerry Thompson

Angela C. Torrence

Martha Torrence

Brian Verner

Sam C. Vitale

Chris Walti

Andrew I. Wernick

Joanna Willix

Jenny Wojcik

Jon Zils

Rodd Zisook

In Memory Of

Gary Abrams

James M. Andress

Gloria Benham

Susan Blank

William Bock

Betsy Brake

Elinor J. Bright

Mary Bury

Richard Bury

Roger A. Bury

Sandra Rae Cohen

Helen Cole

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Crake

Jennifer Denton

Kaitlin Englehart

Andy Ferentinos

Thomas A. Foley

Kathy Frasne

Gertrude E. Fredrich

Frank Froncek

Irene Froncek

Janie Froncek

Lilly Graue

Caesar J. Gridelli

Bob Hansen

Gloria A. Harer

Warren Harer

Shirley Harms

Jennifer Hart

Mary Lee Helander

Betty Heninger

Dorothy J. Hoffner

David Holmes

Frances Holmes

Cheungseub Huh

James A. Jordan

Henry Juiris

Yeun Sook Kim

Vithal Kinhal

Janine Kipley

Patti Kohler

Miriam Lazar

Dolores Lewandowski

Norbert Lewandowski

John R. Lindquist

Dan Loizzo

Marjorie Loizzo

Laura Lyall

Leslie Lyall

Virginia A. Lyall

Frank Mach

Thomas Mach

Alan Marzano

Dave McLinden

Marilyn D. Mints

Thomas M. Mints, Jr.

Jill Moyer

Katherine M. Murphy

Mary Jane Myers

Mike Myers

Omar Myers

Paula O’Connor

Lois Paluch

Lila Perlin

Anna Pfeifer

Linda Phipps

Paul Plier

Mabel Ramskill

Frank Redwanc

Stella Redwanc

Luke Rosean

Jodi Rosenblatt Rose Ross

Samuel H. Ross

Henry Royer

Ronald Schleiden

John Schmidt

Nancy Shore

Thomas Stanek

Margaret Mary Stephen

Jack H. Stocker

Judy Szczepaniak

Bob Terese

Mary Ruth Terese

David Wagner

Doris R. Wagner

Geraldine Warda

Hilda Warda

James Warda

Esona Wernick

Harold Winer

Andrea Zisook

Upcoming Events

Bunny Brunch

Friday, March 29

Saturday, March 30

Magnolia Cafe & Bakery & Visitors Center

Join us for a delicious meal and a visit to the Bunny Patch! Kids can pick out a goody bag and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Easter Brunch

Sunday, March 31

Magnolia Cafe & Bakery

Easter Brunch at Lambs Farm features a brunch full of delicious, homemade items and a great time with family and friends. Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Potting Party

Saturday, May 11 | 10am to 1pm

Sunday, May 12 | 10am to 1pm

Garden Center at Lambs Farm

Bring your containers and plant them here! Staff will help you choose from our wide selection of sun and shade annuals, perennials and Proven Winners. The best part—you leave the mess with us!

Change service requested

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 12

Magnolia Cafe & Bakery

Treat mom to a wonderful brunch on her special day! Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Celebrating the Spirit

Friday, May 17

Cuneo Mansion & Gardens

Join us as we celebrate the men and women of Lambs Farm! It will be a memorable evening of dining, live music, dancing and games. Guests will also bid on exciting experiences and interesting items in both our silent and live auctions.

Father’s Day Brunch

Sunday, June 16

Magnolia Cafe & Bakery

Dad can enjoy the day dedicated to him by choosing from hearty entrees or breakfast favorites at our famous buffet. Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

11th Annual Fun & Fit Family Day

Saturday, June 29 | 9am to 12pm

Lambs Farm

Enjoy a brisk run or walk starting at Lambs Farm through the Old School Forest Preserve and help us raise money for the men and women of Lambs Farm. Sponsor booths and family activities will be open during and after the event.

DOGwood Day

Sunday, August 4 | 10am to 2pm

Lambs Farm

Spoil your pup with treats, toys and enrichment activities at the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center!

14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 p: 847.362.4636 f: 847.362.0742 www.lambsfarm.org