Bingo Night

 As I sat thinking about how dreary January can be…I tried to brainstorm what I could do to add a little pizzazz to an otherwise ho-hum month.  Even though Chicago has not been dreadfully cold, the bleakness of the month can be stifling.  I looked at my calendar and saw that the Chicago Partnership Board meeting was coming up and I became inspired to volunteer an evening with the residents of Sasser House and Herbst House.  I called upon Stephen Kray, who I had met during a board meeting, to ask for some suggestions as to what activities the residents would like and I decided upon an evening of Bingo.  Is there a better way to add some sunshine to a January cold nite??  Hmm, I think not (see pictures for proof!)

 I knew I would need a couple of helpers so I enlisted some friends, David Harris and Melissa Calmes, to ensure the evening would go smoothly.  My sister, Liz, who works at the Avenues workshop in Wheeling, also decided to come along.  As Liz and I arrived, we were greeted by Brian with a big smile (a huge Bears fan, by the way) and plenty of enthusiasm to start the night off right.  When my helpers arrived, the group gave a warm, friendly hello to each of them. 

We played a few rounds of bingo traditional style and then ended with a fill the board round.  As the residents alternated between snacking and playing I was able to get to know each of them a little bit better.  Sharon shared some stories about her father and sister all while lending a hand to her roommate, Lori, as they played bingo.  I learned that they both like to cook and maybe one day I’ll get invited back for dinner. Lori has a sweet tooth and I almost got her to give me a bite of the delicious cake she was having. Lenore was eager to play bingo and I quickly learned she was a seamstress at the thrift store.  I told her I would have brought my pants had I known she could help and she offered to hem my pants when I come back again.  Ironically, she won some pajamas which she said she’s going to alter so they fit her better (she clearly is an asset to the Avenues thrift store).  I discovered quite a number of Bears fans, particularly Brian and Georgia was sad to see Lovie Smith leave the Bears.  Denise and Debbie were vigilant about playing Bingo and I lost count of how many times they each won!  Cheryl told me about how she had just moved in and was so excited to be there especially since she was able to bring her cat. David was a jokester and kept most of us entertained during the evening.  By the end of the nite, everyone had won a prize and was grinning from ear to ear.

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect out of one evening and I was hesitant to think that one evening would make any sort of difference.  After a few minutes in, I realized I was wrong and I do strongly believe evenings like this make all the difference in the world.  A good friend always says that when we experience different events we are “making memories” and that evening certainly counts as that.  I know it was definitely the highlight of my day and the joy I felt when leaving is something that will keep me warm for the rest of the month, no matter how cold Chicago gets.

All Together Now

Attention all music lovers- meet Mary Kay.  In addition to having an impressive record collection Mary Kay is Avenues biggest Beatles fan. 

 It all started when Mary Kay was 16-years-old and first heard John, Paul, George, and Ringo play while watching T.V. with her sister.  As for her favorite Beatle, "Paul McCartney- He has a beautiful voice and he sounds even better in person."  In 2005 Mary Kay had the opportunity to see Paul live at the United Center.  "I was so excited to be there.  It was a great concert."  Mary Kay would highly recommend going the next time Paul is in town. 

If you have a couple of minutes to listen please check out Mary Kay's music pick for this blog post: A Hard Day's Night:

No More Lovie

The guys at Amundsen House have their finger on the pulse of Chicago sports-Cubs, Sox, 

Blackhawks, Bulls and, of course, Bears.  So it's no surprise that Lovie Smith's dismissal from the Bears was big news.

Their thoughts...
 "I'm sorry to see it happen." 
                                            
     "He did the best he could" 

        "I'm kinda sad about it--They should've given him one more chance."

               "They need a new coach, a new offense...They need a little bit of everything."

So who do you think should replace him?

"Mike Singletary should come back to the Bears!"

Whatever the outcome, the Amundsen guys will surely have an opinion!

Builders of Skills joins Avenues

In the mid- 1970s a group of parents of young adults who were deaf and had additional developmental disabilities, came together because of a shared concern.  This concern was what would happen to their children if something happened to the parents.  These young people could not live on their own or support themselves. The parents decided to start an organization called “Builders of Skills” to provide residential and social opportunities for these young adults.  The main reason motivating the initiation of a new organization was that existing facilities for developmentally delayed adults could not provide for the sign language communication needs of this population.

Soon one townhouse was purchased and the first two clients moved in. Within a few years there were 7 townhouses in Niles serving about 20 young adults. Several years went on and it became apparent that Builders needed to partner with a larger organization to maximize resources.

A search began by Builders’ board for an organization which would accept the unique needs of this population and allow a merger.  After visiting many programs, it became apparent that Avenues to Independence had the heart and will to take on this challenge.  Around 1998 this became a reality and the board members, parents and their families associated with Builders of Skills have never looked back.

Avenues has provided the stability, security and dignity desired by Builders.  The administration and staff of Avenues are second to none.  Those of us who brought Builders to Avenues truly celebrate its 60^th anniversary and look to a wonderful future together.