2021 Volume 3
inside:
page 2: Letter from the President and CEO
page 4: DOGwood Day!
page 5: WGN Visit
page 6: Holiday Catalog
our mission:
Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all.
www.lambsfarm.org
60th Anniversary Celebration
2021 is a big year for Lambs Farm because of a special milestone — our 60th anniversary! It’s hard to believe that six decades ago, our Co-Founders Bob Terese and Corinne Owen opened a small pet shop on State Street that has changed the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
They started off with just 12 employees and expanded their vision four years later when they moved the business to a 70-acre farm in Libertyville, Illinois, after leasing property from W. Clement Stone, who ended up gifting them the land.
With the help of family members and volunteers, they turned a restored, century-old barn into a new pet store and used the additional land to build more businesses and fulfill their dream of providing residences for people with disabilities.
Today, Lambs Farm serves over 200 adults. Participants work at the Pet Center, Farmyard, Country Store & Bakery, Magnolia Cafe, and Thrift Shop, as well as other areas such as Lambs Industries, janitorial or groundskeeping and have various opportunities in the community. They work hard, build friendships and explore their interests in a wide variety of Quest classes and Special Olympic sports.
(Continued on page 3) Fall
Harvesting the Spirit, Virtual for the Farm 2021
Join us on Saturday, November 6 as we celebrate the men and women of Lambs Farm at our virtual gala, Harvesting the Spirit
Virtual for the Farm 2021.
As we lead up to the event, guests can register beforehand to purchase raffle tickets to enter for a chance to win a Peloton Bike+.
On the day of the virtual event, the program will begin at 7pm. A link will be sent to guests to tune in.
The program will feature special interviews from the men and women of Lambs Farm, award winners, a virtual paddle raiser and a silent auction.
If you are unable to join us on November 6, don’t worry! You will be able to watch the program video at any time, and the silent auction will stay open until November 8.
We are currently searching for donations for our silent auction. If you are willing and able to donate an item, service or experience, please contact Special Events Coordinator, Kathy McMeins at kmcmeins@lambsfarm.org.
If you are interested in increasing your brand recognition and sponsoring this special event, please contact Director of Development, Mary McGonigel at mmcgonigel@lambsfarm. org.
From the President and CEO’s desk...
Although we have not yet totally returned to what we would consider to be normal, we are working toward and are anxious to recapture what had always been our usual existence, with the hope that the pandemic will finally be over and never return.
Beginning in March 2020, we have concentrated on keeping those Participants who remained in a Lambs Farm facility during this period safe and healthy. Staff has done a wonderful job of keeping them occupied with a variety of things. At the same time, many Participants did go home to their families, and most have now returned. Some aging Participants have had to move to other agencies better able to serve their needs.
As has been true for many years, when the State needs to balance its budget, the solution for them is to cut their already inadequate funding for private agencies such as ours. Although the State has nothing to lose, the people served in these private agencies and their families have much more at stake.
On the other hand, we believe that the more choices available to the men and women we serve, the better the opportunity for them to live full and satisfying lives. If we had to depend solely upon the State of Illinois in making those life choices, as is the case for most Participants at Lambs Farm and for people served at similar agencies, our options would continue to be significantly limited. In the State’s view, shelter, food, clothing, minimal training
and limited medical services – life’s most basic requirements –are essentially all that is necessary – together with the perpetual threat of reducing even
Despite the short-sightedness of the State in not recognizing the value of these quality of life programs (and does not fund them), we believe these are among the most important programs we offer. And, we are truly grateful to so many who share that belief and understand how important it is to the men and women of Lambs Farm.
Through the years, we have been humbled by and grateful for the support of so many who share our belief that life for the men and women of Lambs Farm should include – must include - more than the bare necessities.
Sincerely,
Dianne M. Yaconetti President and CEO
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Lambs Farm has such a rich, interesting history, and there are five Participants from the very beginning who are still with us today.
Mike Hechtman, Patti Horgan, Dennis Moss, Janice Small and Ruby Perzan are the remaining Original Lambs who were first employed by our Co-Founders. These individuals have spent most of their life at Lambs Farm, growing in ways they never thought possible and proving that adults with developmental disabilities can lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Lambs Farm would not be what it is today without the support of our visitors. We welcomed guests near and far to a special event, 60th Anniversary on the Farm, to celebrate with us on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18.
It was a beautiful fall weekend, and families enjoyed barrel train rides and rope making stations provided by the Lake County Farm Heritage Association. Kids could do all kinds of fall crafts including decorating a cookie and painting a ceramic pumpkin, visit our Farmyard friends and play
games. Guests could shop at our vendor showcase and purchase tickets at our lucky draw raffle. We also heard classics from 1960s band, The Rockets, and the men and women of Lambs Farm were serving up fall treats, snow cones, popcorn and fresh lemonade at their new carts that were recently purchased through our spring fundraiser, Lunch on the Lawn.
As always, volunteers played a key role in the event. We had over 100 people come to help make our 60th celebration extra special, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.
Lambs Farm has accomplished so much in 60 years, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us as we continue to grow.
History of Lambs Farm
In honor of our 60th anniversary, here are some throwback photos throughout the years.
Bob & Corinne with philanthropist W. Clement Stone
Bob & Corinne with a Participant working in the bakery
(continued from cover)
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Volunteers help with the paint a pumpkin craft
Laura, a Lambs Farm Participant, loved dancing to music played by the Rockets
Kids loved the barrel train rides
Ric, ready to sell caramel apples made by the men and women of Lambs Farm
The Pet Shop on State Street
Co-Founders Bob Terese & Corrine Owen
Jason & Seema had a blast at the event
Puppy Yoga
We excitingly welcomed guests back to our Puppy Yoga classes in June after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic.
These classes, taught by Blue Sky Yoga, are a huge hit with our guests. When they arrive at our Visitors Center, they pick a spot and the puppies make an adorable grand entrance to kick off the class.
Blue Sky Yoga Instructor, Angie Miller, then guides guests through poses, many of which include cuddling or holding a puppy.
When class is over, there’s still plenty of time to socialize, play and take photos with our furry friends.
Due to the increasing popularity of these events, we will be offering private puppy yoga, available on Saturday mornings, starting in January 2022. These classes are perfect for birthday parties, team building or fun get together with friends.
If you are interested in booking a private puppy yoga class, contact Marisa at 847.990.3797 or by email at mrademaker@lambsfarm.org.
DOGwood Day at Lambs Farm
Animal lovers and breeds of all kinds joined us at our first DOGwood Day - 1 Day of Puppy Love on Saturday, August 7 to celebrate the special bond between dogs and mankind.
Guests could browse vendor booths, work on cute crafts at the K9 Kids Corner, enjoy a meal at our food tent or spoil their pup at the Bone Bar, which served pup cups full of whipped cream, Labrador Lite beer made of organic bone both, pork burgers and other fun treats.
With it being the dog days of summer, staff set up a cooling station. The puppies loved splashing through the spinkler pad and dipping their paws in the large kiddie pools.
Local veterinarians and dog treat companies gave educational talks about the important topics like heat stress and nutrition. We also had training companies set up demonstrations, welcoming dogs and owners through the courses.
We had so much fun hosting this all new event and are already looking forward to our next DOGwood Day!
Participants and staff getting the adoptable puppies ready for DOGwood Day!
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A Visit from WGN
On September 5, WGN visited Lambs Farm to learn about our mission and to highlight our 60th anniversary.
Reporter Marcella Raymond got a special tour of our businesses. She spent time with the animals and completely fell in love with our beloved pig named PigPig and the adorable goat kids as she interviewed Farmyard Assistant manager, Katie Donnellan. Katie explained how animals play a key role in our history and told her about all of the opportunities the men and women of Lambs Farm have both on and off campus.
After visiting our Farmyard friends, Marcella got even more of an animal fix at our Dogwood Garden & Pet Center. The puppies and kittens got to star in a live segment, helping spread the word about our adoption program.
Marcella learned about our Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, Country Store & Bakery, and was happy to meet the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery staff and taste test their delicious famous french toast, skillet and breakfast quesadilla.
Participant Matt Heider was excited to meet Marcella and her crew. He told her all about his life at Lambs Farm and how much he likes working on a team. Matt is employed in the community and also works in groundskeeping on campus. He has lived at Lambs Farm for four years and loves his house, his jobs, his staff and his friends.
We had so much fun sharing our story with WGN. The full video package can be found on www.lambsfarm.org.
The men and women of Lambs Farm had a great summer! Here’s what they have been up to:
Lambs Farm Participant Matt Heider was featured in the interview!
Participant Happenings
Libby planted a vegetable garden!
Cafe staff had a busy summer serving guests at our outdoor dining area!
Nicki has been promoting the Thrift Shop’s new punch card program!
Astellas volunteers helped Participants complete Board n’ Brush projects!
Marcella meeting the goat kids
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The Magnolia Cafe & Bakery’s Breakfast Quesadilla
New Products!
We have some great new items in our virtual holiday catalog. Here’s a look at just a few of them!
The Holidays Are Coming!
Another year is flying by, and that means the holiday season is right around the corner! We know it can be stressful to shop for everyone on your never-ending list, but the men and women of Lambs Farm are here to help you out.
Our 2021-22 virtual catalog features classic favorites such as our Famous Butter Cookies, Turtlettes and English Toffee, as well as a sweet line up of new truffles, sampler boxes, Farmyard cookies decorated by Participant bakers and gift assortments, which will include products from other wonderful social enterprises as well.
All of our shareable treats will continue to be individually wrapped based on serving size, allowing customers to easily and safely share their favorite Lambs Farm treats without worry.
After the chaos of last year, Pariticpant bakers are more excited than ever to share their talents and creations with customers across the country. They put their heart and soul into their work and look forward to making your holidays extra special.
Our gifts are sure to put a smile on the face of your family members, friends, coworkers and clients. We have a wide variety of options and are happy to help you with any order, large or small.
We invite you to share our new virtual catalog with your loved ones, as every purchase supports the men and women of Lambs Farm. You can place an order by phone at 847.362.4636 or by visiting our online store at www.lambsfarm.org.
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Patrick decorating Farmyard Friend cookies
Farmyard Friends Collection
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Jolly Jam Thumbprints
Holiday Cookie Collection
Steph’s Jingle Cookies
Happy Hanukkah Cookies
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 May 2021 - August 2021.
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Goode
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Harer
Mr. Robert Neiman
Ms. Lorraine A. Renberg
Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.
Mr. David Shorr
$5,000 to $9,999
Abbott Laboratories
AbbVie
Mr. John W. Burrus
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gruebnau
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Miller
New Trier Township
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rogan
Mr. & Mrs. David Sorenson
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix
$2,500 to $4,999
Ms. Renate Ade
Anonymous
Apex Wood Floors
Aon
Mr. & Mrs. Walt Bazarnik
Mr. Donald Coxe
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Czaja
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Fick
Gardi & Haught, Ltd
Mr. David Hamel
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Jacobs
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Krupp
Mr. & Mrs. H. M. Kurzman
Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC
Milburn Demolition
Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Ms. Janet Scarf
Ms. Susan Siebers
Uline
Mr. & Mrs. Willard T. Walker
Ms. Ruth Wittenberg
Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zils
$1,000 to $2,499
Abt Electronics
Alper Services, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. John Amboian
Anonymous
Mr. Jeffery K. Benham
Mr. Brian Boorstein
Mrs. Susan Boyd
Bramco Construction Company
Mrs. Electra Carlson
Mr. Thomas A. Cerwin
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Condon
Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Curran
Dr. Richard Davison
Mrs. Arpita Dutt
Finspire
Mr. Douglas A. Fisher
Mrs. Joan Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gallagher
Mr. & Mrs. Robert V. Gattuso
Golder Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Goodman
Mr. & Mrs. David Grady
Mr. Richard Green John G. Harty Ltd.
Harty Realty Group
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Hickman
Mrs. Virginia C. Horsch
International Decorators, Inc.
Jessup Manufacturing Co.
Mr. George E. Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Karpek
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Kassin
Dr. & Mrs. Melvin P. Katz
Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim
Mr. & Mrs. Gideon Kishony
Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Kleinschmidt
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Koss
Lawyers Inc. P.C.
Mr. Jay Levine & Ms. Mary Ann Childers
Tributes and Memorials
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Levy
Mr. Paul M. Mandell
Mariani Landscape
Mr. Phillip McMahon
Mesirow Financial
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Michalski
Milburn Family Fund
Mrs. Karen Nixon
Parker Hannifin
Mr. Chaitanya Patel
Ms. Rosalie Piazza
Mr. & Mrs. John Piccione
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Reilly
Roof Management LLC
Mrs. Cari Sacks
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Schuh
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis E. Seagraves
Mr. & Mrs. Jerre L. Stead
Mr. & Mrs. Phillip L. Stern
Sub-Zero Group Midwest, LLC
Ms. Eiko Terao
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill
TIAA
Mr. John Tithof
Mr. & Mrs. Kent Verner
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Vogan
Ms. Ellen R. Zemel
Mrs. Lita Zemel
Bequests
Shirley Roann Deering Trust
Ms. Daisy D. Patt Charitable Trust
Facebook Fundraisers
Jessica Alldredge Boudreau
Ron Bartkowski
Dan Kummer
Fred Nowaczyk
Grace Sullivan Rose
Stacy Verden
Brian Verner
Gale Wells
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 May 2021 - August 2021.
In Honor Of
Patricia Adelberg
Jessica Alldredge Boudreau
Scott Armstrong
Ron Bartkowski
Patti Baumgartner
Baylee Benjamin
Elaine M. Bock
Delois Buford
Michael Cash
Amy Crist
Jessica Krueger Daily
Sarah L. DeMoon
Marilyn Dermer
Doug Durbin
Durbin Family
John Durbin
Thomas Durbin
Rachelle Durrer
Fern S. Frank
Michael Frank
Ann Fuller
Timothy Gallagher
Joan J. Golder
Brian T. Grady
Tony Green
Jamie Hardy
Marc Henry
Janis Hofflander
Joshua Johnson
Andrea Kaplan
Peggy Kimble
Calvin Kleinschmidt
Susan Koehler
Karyn Krupp
Dan Kummer
Lambs Farm Participants
Lambs Farm Staff
Katherine Lenski
Karen Lieberman
Debbie Marlowe
Patrick Milburn
Liam Moorthy
Colleen Moyer
Greg Moyer
The Moyer Family
nuHaus
Jason O’Day
Roger Owen
Lianne Piccione
Bruce P. Redwanc
Linda Schuh
Stephanie Scialabba
Jeffrey Sears
Isaiah Seibert
Laurie Shadowen
Barbara Sheahan
Timothy Sheahan
Janice E. Small
Avery Spector
Robert O. Stein
Susan Stein
Sarita Still
Grace Sullivan Rose
Erin Thill
Stacy Verden
Brian Verner
Kelly Vierra-Pfeiffer
Gale Wells
Joanna Willix
Dianne M. Yaconetti
Jon Zils
In Memory Of
George Alvary
Alan O. Amos
Phyllis Ashenden
Ronald J. Ayotte
Betty Barnum
Patsy Jo Beall
Gloria Benham
Elizabeth “Betsy” Brake
Ellen Agnes Brake
Jack Brens
Gerald Brzezinski
Janet Burrus
Donald Carlson
Carolyn Caswell
Robert E. Coffey
Stuart Duhl
Kaitlin Englehart
Rick Fenton
Frank Fitzgerald
William A. Fuller
Andrew Gabriel
Paul J. Gerlach
Joan Ginsburg
Margot C. Goode
Ray Gordon
Betty Heninger
Shirley Hill
Dan Kardas
William “Billy” Klass
Kathy Kosteck
Helga Larsen
Dolores Lewandowski
Norbert Lewandowski
Dan Loizzo
Marjorie Loizzo
Alan Marzano
Donald Mathews
Marilyn D. Mints
Thomas M. Mints
Katherine M. Murphy
Janice Muslin
Paula O’Connor
Kenny Pierce
Paul Plier
Sandra Richter
Susan Rizman
Lolly Rosengarten
Kathy Roubas
Winnie Rubin
Ronald Saager
Nancy Sauseda
Barbara J. Schroeder
Lois Silvers
Olivia Skoczylas
Jack Stein
Holly G. Stephenson
Steven Vierra
Wayne Wnek
Andrew J. Wyllie
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Upcoming Events
Harvesting the Spirit, Virtual for the Farm
Saturday, November 6
Virtual
Celebrate the men and women of Lambs Farm virtually! Tune into our program video, bid on silent auction items and enter our raffle to win a Peloton Bike+. Register for free today at www.lambsfarm.org.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 11
Sunday, December 12
Saturday, December 18
Sunday, December 19
Magnolia Cafe & Bakery/Visitors Center
Ho Ho Ho! Santa is ready to come back to Lambs Farm! Enjoy a delicious meal at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, visit with Santa and take home a gift. Seatings are at 9am, 10:30am and 12pm. Call 847.362.5050 for reservations.
14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 p: 847.362.4636 f: 847.362.0742 www.lambsfarm.org
service requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Libertyville, IL Permit No. 171
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