LLoovviinngg aa cchhiilldd wwiitthh DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee iissccoonnttaaggiioouuss...... HHeellpp uuss sspprreeaadd tthhee lloovvee!!

G I G I ’ S NEWS Serving 2Locations

Plainfield10052 S. Bode Rd, Unit D • Plainfield, IL 60585630-778-PLAY • www.gigisplayhousetoo.com

Hoffman Estates1069 W Golf Rd • Hoffman Estates, IL 60169847-885-PLAY • www.gigisplayhouse.org

DECEMBER 2007

TM

DDaanniieellOne week after the presentation at NIU,Daniel walked into the Playhouse with abig smile on his face. His sister is in thespecial education program at NIU andheard about the Playhouse! She told herfamily and Daniel couldn’t wait to comeand visit! He will now be a regular in theFriday Friends group. Welcome to thePlayhouse, Daniel!

On Friday, November 19th Nancy andGiGi Gianni were joined by Shari Andress(literacy director at Hoffman Estates), andNatalie and Genia Latka (Plainfield boardmember and former educator) to give apresentation at Northern Illinois Univer-sity to graduating special education teach-ers. What an opportunity!! It was anamazing afternoon of education, aware-ness and opportunity as they shared howto better serve our kids in school. Thepresentation helped to showcase all thewonderful things that occur at thePlayhouse. Testimonials of the parents weserve were given which showed thesefuture teachers the strength and impor-tance of the Down syndrome community.Shari shared the methodology and suc-cess of the Literacy program as GiGishowed off her reading skills! The stu-dents were impressed with how manydifferent children we help from ages 2 to

26. Geniasharedinformationabout herexpecta-tions forNatalie’seducation.As an edu-cator shealso sharedways tohelp our children do well in thespecial education classroom.Natalie’s energy was contagiousas she ran around and sharedher toys with them and playedpeek-a-boo around the podium!Many questions were raised about ourchildren and the type of future we expectfor them. Our goal was to show theseeducators our children’s potential and to

teach them that the diagnosis of Downsyndrome should not limit what our children are taught nor limit the expecta-tions an educator should have for them.The students left excited about teachingchildren like ours and surprised at howwell they do!

Next month the awareness committeeis going to Roosevelt University to speakthere and we have a class of future edu-cators from Elmhurst college coming tothe Hoffman Playhouseto meet the kids andparents and have a Q & A session. Theseare such tremendouslearning opportunitiesand can really helpshape future educatorsand the way they viewour ch i ldren.If you would like to bepart of our Awareness Committee, please email Jessica at jspizzirri@gigisplayhouse.org.

I had NO idea that in this day andage some doctors would be encour-aging termination, speaking of doom

and gloom and have solittle value for a humanlife. I will definitely carryall of your wonderfulattitudes with me to myprofessional life.I learned that familiesneed to be supportedand they need to knowthat their child is won-

derful no matter what.What a greatprogram you have going — I amsure I will be referring families toyou in the near future.

—student in E lmhurs t ’s Master o f Educat ion inEar ly Ch i ldhood Spec ia l Educat ion

SSpprreeaaddiinngg AAwwaarreenneessss ttoo OOuurr FFuuttuurree EEdduuccaattoorrss!!

Danie l , pos ing wi th our in te rn He id i a t the P layhouse

Thanks NIU! You are truly helping to

shape the future for our kids and we

can not thank you enough!!!!!!!

GGhhoossttss,, GGoobblliinnssaanndd GGrreeaatt FFuunn!!

The Halloween Party wasa blast! Thanks Cathy,

for throwing such afestive party! Look atthe creative cos-tumes everyone had!

22 aanndd UUnnddeerrOur 2 and Under group isone big party! Whilemom and dad talk totheir new friends, the kids

get to explore all the toysat the Playhouse! Join us the

2nd Saturday of the month! See the calendar for exact times!

FFrriiddaayyFFrriieennddss FFuunnOur Adults had a great Halloween Party.See you on December 28th for our bowl-ing Party at Hoffman Lanes/AMF Bowling,80 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates.RSVP REQUIRED — 847.885.7529.

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LLooookk aatt tthheemm GGoo!!These obstacles courses are no match forthese Crawlers! They are having so muchfun that they don’t even know that theyare gaining muscle strength! We meetthe 2nd Saturday of the month.

GGiirrllss PPJJ PPaarrttyywwaass aa BBllaasstt!!There were 12 girls here for dancing,crafts, games, hair and nails.Everyone wenthome with anew tote bagand sugar buzzfrom the rootbeer floats. Itwas so nice tosee the interac-tion between the girls, some broughtfriends from school some brought oldersisters — everyone got along!Because of the busy holiday months com-ing up — look for a boys night in January!

H O F F M A N E S T A T E S L O C A T I O N

Our Walkers group meets the thirdSaturday of every month from 9-9:45am.This group of graduated crawlers is facili-tated by a PT who creates games andactivities to strengthen our walkingmuscles! Join us!!

The Hop, Skip and Jumpers meets the second Saturday of the month from Noon-1:30pm.This group has so much fun with crafts

and activities that they don’t evenknow that they are working on

social, language and grossmotor sk i l l s ! Come and Jo in us !

OOhhBBooyy!!Open Playhas beengrowingevery week!We had lots

of baby boys last month — look atthese cuties! Come every Thursday.

WWaallkkeerrss aanndd HHoopp aannddSSkkiipp aanndd JJuummppeerrss!!

OOppeenn PPllaayy

TTHHIISS MMOONNTTHH’’SS FFEEAATTUURREE

Literacy 10am-2pm

Christmas Party with Santa!10am-12Noon Everyone welcome!

Crawlers9-9:45am2 & Under 10-11:30amHop, Skip & Jumpers12noon-1:30pmLiteracy 3-6pm

Walkers 9-9:45amLeaps & Bounds 10-11:30amLiteracy 3-6pm

Kids Club (8-12 yr olds) 10-11:30amLiteracy 3-6pm

Literacy10am-2pm

Literacy10am-2pm

Friday Friends 7-9pmMeet at bowling alley

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Literacy11am-2pmLiteracy 3:30-6:30pm

Literacy 11am-2pm Literacy 3:30-6:30pm

Board Meeting7pm

Christmas

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Open Play: Every Thursday!Everyone is welcome! Stop by forpizza, pop and fun! We have volun-teers to assist with the kids so theparents can hang out! It’s awesome!

Literacy Program: GiGi’sPlayhouse provides FREE privatetutoring to children with Downsyndrome. Customized materialsare provided for each individualstudent. The program also assiststeachers and parents on how totutor their children.

Friday Friends: Ages 18 and uponly. Party with the gang! Equalnumbers of peers with Down syn-drome as without. Karaoke, dances,laser tag, bowling, prom, movienights, friends and fun!

2 and under group: Families withkids 2 and under get together toplay, and have fun while the par-ents network with each other!

Hop, Skip and Jumpers: For 3-5year olds, this program will helppromote friendships, good socialskills and interactive play throughfun creative activities!

Hispanic Group: Spanish speakingfamilies gather for food, fun, friend-ship and education.

Polish Play Group: Polish speak-ing families gather for an afternoonof fun and friendship.

Reserved: Playhouse may bereserved for private play groups,parties or support groups

GiGi’s Crawlers: This group focus-es on crawling skills as well as finemotor skills, social interaction withpeers in a semi-structured environ-ment. Children need to be crawlingand are accompanied by a parent/adult.

GiGi’s Walkers: This group focus-es on post walking skills with peersto prepare children for school activ-ities (balance beam, kicking, throw-ing, jumping, etc.) Children needto be walking and must be accom-panied by a parent/adult.

The Playhouse can be reserved forany Down syndrome related event.When it is available it may alsobe used by other groups withspecial needs.

ChanukahLiteracy 6-8pmSpecial Intentions 7-9pm

Open Play 12:30-2pm Literacy 5-8pm

Nuestros AngelesHoliday Party11am-1pmHispanicPlaygroup

Open Play 12:30-2pm Literacy 5-8pm

Open Play 12:30-2pm Literacy 5-8pm

Open Play 12:30-2pm Literacy 5-8pm

Literacy 6-8pm

Literacy 6-8pm

Polish Group11am-1pm

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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HHOO HHOO HHOO!!!!22 PPaarrttiieess!!!!

Come and Meet Santa Claus at ourChristmas Party on December 1stfrom 10am-12pm!! Bring a plate of your favorite Christmas Cookies!

Then, join us at our New Year’s Eveand Noon Party on December 31st!! 11am-1pm

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Literacy11am-2pmLiteracy 3:30-6:30pm

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$ $

New Years at Noon Party! 11am-1pm

H O F F M A N E S T A T E S C A L E N D A R

KKiiddss CClluubb!!!!We had a lot of fun at the firstmeeting of the 8-12 year oldgroup! We did some creativemovement activities and thekids had fun making up someclever moves. We also did anart project — decorating ban-ners with our photos, namesand stickers. All the banners

looked great! The next fun-filled 8-12 year old groupmeeting will be on Saturday,Dec. 22nd, 10-11:30am!

PPllaayyhhoouussee PPaallss!!Our new group for 1st-3rd graders,Playhouse Pals, had a special visitor inOctober. We had a police officer from theNaperville Police Department come andtalk to us about safety. We meet on thethird Saturday of the month at GiGi’s inPlainfield and our next get together willbe December 15th from 1-3pm. Newfaces are always welcome! If you wouldlike more information call Lori at630.375.1765

HHiigghh SScchhooooll MMuussiiccaall PPaarrttyyGiGi’s Playhouse Too will be the site of aHigh School Musical party on Saturday,Jan. 12 from 5-7pm. There will be music,the movie High School Musical, arts andcrafts, and pizza! Kids of all ages andtheir families are invited out for thisevening of fun. RSVP to Donna Swansonat 630.688.1366. Sponsored by theSimple Gifts Foundation.

NNeeww GGrroouuppLLeeaaddeerrss WWaanntteeddWould you like to see a new playgroup atthe Playhouse for your child’s age? Haveyou been thinking of hosting a new play-group? If so, then contact the Playhousetoday at 630-778-PLAY

Don’t miss the next Open Play! Bring thekids on out for a morning of fun on Friday,December 14th from 10am-Noon!

RReeaaddiinngg TTuuttoorrss NNeeeeddeeddGiGi’s Free Literacy Program is looking foradditional tutors. This is a fantasticopportunity for teachers, student teach-ers, and therapists to get involved andwork with our wonderful children! For more information, contact thePlayhouse at 630-778-PLAY

33--44 YYeeaarr OOllddPPllaayyggrroouupp NNoottiiccee::The 3-4 Year Old Playgroup will resumein December with new group leaders!The Playgroup’s new leaders, Tom andLisa Benco, will transition from leadingthe 2 and Under to leading the 3-4 YearOld group. The group will meet Decem-ber 1 from 11am-Noon. Bring your 3- or4-year-old out to the Playhouse onSaturday, December 1st for a morning offun!!!

PPrree--CCrraawwlleerrss aannddCCrraawwlleerrss NNoottiiccee::Due to the holidays, the December Pre-Crawlers and Crawlers will be canceled.The Pre-Crawlers and Crawlers willresume in January.

BBooaarrdd PPoossiittiioonnssWe are growing and are in need of newboard members. If you are interested,call the Playhouse at 630-778-PLAY!

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Doug Collie, Presidentcolliedoug@yahoo.com

Wendy Eurichweurich@comcast.net

Brendan Conleyjbc@macleanpower.com

Tom Bencotmbenco@yahoo.com

Genia Latkageniaanddan@comcast.net

Michele Ptaszekmdp1116@aol.com

Contact Information:Beth Sullivan and Mike Apgar,Co-Directorsapgarfamily@sbcglobal.net

P L A I N F I E L D L O C A T I O N

We would like to bring Friday Friends toPlainfield! Friday Friends will meet oneFriday a month and provide fun socialinteraction for adults 18 years and older.We will have dances, go bowling, havemovie nights and other activities. Weare looking for some FUN! If you’re inter-ested in participating or leading a grouplike this please e-mail Genia Latka atgeniaanddan@comcast.net or call 630.272.6598

BBooaarrdd ooffDDiirreeccttoorrss

OOppeenn PPllaayy

2 & under playgroupFamilies with children 2 and under gettogether and play while the parents net-work with each other. Siblings alwayswelcome.3-4 year old playgroupFamilies with children ages 3-4 gettogether and play while the parents net-work with each other. Siblings alwayswelcome.Pre-crawlers/CrawlersThis group focuses on crawling skills aswell as fine motor skills, social interac-tion with peers in a semi-structuredenvironment. Pre-crawlers is for childrenwho are just starting to crawl and theCrawlers is for children who are crawl-ing on all fours. Children must beaccompanied by a parent/adult.Pre-walkers/WalkersThis group focuses on post walking skillswith peers to prepare children for schoolactivities (balance beam, kicking, throw-ing, jumping, etc.) The pre-walkers is forchildren who are just starting to walkindependently and the Walkers group is

for children who are walking independ-ently. Children must be accompanied bya parent/adult.Teen-TasticThis group meets from 7-9pm. We orderpizza for dinner and have lots of funwatching movies and playing gameswith each other. 6th-12th grades.Hispanic GroupSpanish speaking families gather forfood, fun, friendship and education.Signing Time GroupLearn sign language by signing along tothe songs from the TV series. All agesare welcome.Daddy and MeDads get out with the kids and gettogether with other dads. All ages.Open PlayOpen to everyone.Playhouse PalsFor families with children in 1st-3rdgrades.Birthday PartyAll ages.

P L A I N F I E L D C A L E N D A R

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointment

Literacy Program3-6 pmBy appointment

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointment

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointment

Chanukah Teen-Tastic7-9pm

Signing Time10-11am

Pre-Walkers9-10amWalkers10-11amRSVP to 630-423-4035Daddy & Me3-4:30pm

Literacy Program10-11:30amPlayhouse Pals1-3pm

2 & Under9:30-11am3-4 Year Old Group11am-NoonLiteracy Program10-11:30amPrivate Party 2-5pm

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointmentBoard Meeting7pm

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointment

Christmas

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10052 South Bode Road, Unit D Plainfield, Illinois 60585

phone 630.778.7529fax 630.778.7519

www.gigisplayhousetoo.com

All Events are Free unless noted. *RSVP to 630-778-PLAY Bring a friend who doesn’t have Down syndrome.

MMAAPP

Open Play10am-Noon

Hispanic Playgroup11am-1pm

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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TTrriibbuuttee ttoo MMyy GGrraannddppaa……

My grandfather was my buddy.Even though he was sick, I was ableto make him smile and bring himcomfort. In his memory, my family

will be giving half of the raiseddonations in his name to

GiGi’s Playhouse.My Grandpa would be proud to

know that he was able to supportimportant organizations even

after his death! Thanks Grandpa, we miss you!

— Love , Max

Do you want to honor someone? GiGi’s has tribute envelopes available

for any occasion! Call the Playhouse for more info.

PPrroommoottiinnggPPoossiittiivvee BBeeggiinnnniinnggss……Do you have birth story that you want to

share? Was your experience at the hospi-

tal positive? Was it

negative? GiGi’s

ha s pa r tne red

w i th NADS to

reach as many

hospi ta l s and

new parents as

possible! If you have a story to share, let

us know so that we can commend the

doctors or give them some positive infor-

mation about Down syndrome! To share

your story, e-mail GiGi's Playhouse at

info@gigisplayhouse.org.

Together we can make a difference!

HHoolliiddaayy ooff LLiigghhttssSSppeeccttaaccuullaarr!!Use this voucher at this amazing familyevent!! Have a great time and supportGiGi’s at the same time!

When our 4yr old daughter Jenna wasdiagnosed with Leukemia in January of2007 we were given information on vari-ous cancer support groupsi n t h e a r e a . W ethought about it andrealized somethingthat probably wasn’tcommon w i th anyother, typically devel-oping child diagnosedwith Leukemia. Jennahas Down syndrome and we already hadan amazing source for comfort andstrength from the friendships we’vemade at GiGi’s Playhouse. The Playhouse

is a place where we can go to again andagain for fun activities and educationalprograms. The families at the Playhouse

understand the ups and downs of rais-

ing a child with Down syndrome.Fortunately, not every child with Downsyndrome will go through cancer treat-ment. However, some of our kids,whether its been a heart surgery, GIproblems or any other medical issue, willface some sort of medical obstacle. This isjust another common thread we share.When we initially moved here 5 yrs ago, Iwas sad that we didn’t have any family inthe area. Since that time I am happy tosay that our “family” has grown largerthan I ever thought possible. Our“Playhouse family” is one that we will for-ever cherish and one that will continue tosupport and accept us through whateverobstacles come our way.

TM

2008 Spread The Love Gala

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You are cordially invited to attend our 2nd Annual Spread the Love Gala. Enjoy an evening of excitement & inspiration to benefit

GiGi’s Playhouse, Down syndrome awareness centers.

Hosted by CBS 2 News Anchor, Rob Johnson

Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 7pmBlack Tie Optional

Martini Bar sponsored by Ketel OneBelvedere Banquets1170 West Devon AvenueElk Grove Village, IL 60007847-534-0600

RSVP by January 25, 2008 by sending in the reservation form below.For more information, contact the playhouse at 847-885-7529

Name Address

City State Zip

Phone E-mail

Individual Tickets ______@ $100.00 each *Reserved Table of 10 ______@ $1,000.00 per table*Includes 5 free raffle ticketsI am unable to attend, enclosed is my donation of $_____________

For table reservations, please list guests names and phone/e-mail below:

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

1234

1234Mail To: GiG’s Playhouse • Attn: Spread The Love Gala • 1069 West Golf Road • Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169

cocktails • hors d’oeuvres • dinner station • dessert bar • music • dancing • silent auction

Method of Payment: ____Check ____Credit Card

Card Number

Exp. Date

Signature

Rooms available at:Country Inn and Suites847-985-0101

GiGi’s Platinum Sponsor: $15,000+Monetary donation or raffle/auction prize equaling $15,000 or moreVIP seating and 10 tickets to the event

GiGi’s Gold Sponsor: $5,000Monetary donation or raffle/auction prize equaling $5,000 or more

GiGi’s Silver Sponsor: $1,000Monetary donation or raffle/auction prize equaling $1,000 or more

GiGi’s Bronze Sponsor: $500Monetary donation or raffle/auctionprize equaling $500 or more

Sponsorship Opportunities:

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSCHAUMBURG, ILPERMIT NO. 93

1069 W Golf Rd.Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

TM

OOuurr HHoolliiddaayy RRaafffflleehhaass SSttaarrtteedd!! Look at these new prices!! Tickets areonly $25 each or 5 tickets for $100!! The Grand Drawing will take place at theGala on February 9, 2008. Prizes includejewelry, exotic trips and more!! You canpurchase your raffle tickets online or callthe Playhouse at 847.885.7529. Want tohelp sell tickets at your school, work orcommunity? Call us for more info!

22 PPaarrttiieess,,11MMoonntthhMeet Santa Claus on Sat.,Dec.1st from 10am-12pm.Sit on Santa’s lap and get your picture taken!Everyone welcome!

NNeeww YYeeaarrss aatt NNoooonn!! Let’s count down to the New Yeartogether! On Monday December 31st,from 11am-1pm, at the Hoffman EstatesPlayhouse, join us to ring in 2008!

Give the Gift of AwarenessTo purchase this perfect holiday gift, go online to www.gigisplayhouse.orgor call the Playhouse! It’s a perfect gift for therapists, teachers, and friends!

HO, HO, HO

Join us at Friendship VillageRetirement Home to sing for

our biggest fans. Bring your wholefamily to celebrate the holiday sea-

son. Friendship Village is located at:350 W. Schaumburg Rd. in Schaumburg. RSVP to the Hoffman Estates Playhouse.Call the Playhouse for the date and time.

Dec.1st Christmas Party

Christmas Caroling

at Friendship Villiage

call the Playhouse for date & time

Dec.31st

New Year’s Eve Noon Party

SaveTheseDates

CCoommee CCaarroolliinnggwwiitthh UUss