Wizard World 2013: Chicago Comic Con

This summer John went to Wizard World, Chicago's Comic Con, for the third year in a row. For those of you who aren't familiar, Wizard World is a HUGE comic book convention. People come from all over the country to attend this event. At Wizard World you can buy comic books, memorabilia, meet the creators of your favorite comics, and connect with other fans. Many comic book fans come dressed as their favorite characters. John was able to find some great comic books and get some pictures with some of the super fans that came dressed in character.

As comic books have gained a bigger share of pop culture through the popularity of super hero movies and TV shows like The Walking Dead, conventions like Wizard World have expanded to include opportunities to meet celebrities and get autographs. John got to meet and shake the hands of lots of celebrities this year. A few of his favorites were Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk), and Will Wheaton (Star Trek and The Big Bang Theory).

We had a great time this year. John hopes to go every year and says he'd recommend it to anyone.

A Good Day for a Barbecue

It was a hot and muggy afternoon in August. Only a few people were hanging around the Sasser House as preparations were made for the annual PET (Participant's Event Team) Barbecue.

While they were waiting for the grill to warm up and the party to start, some clients entertained themselves by hula hooping.

The clients from each of the Avenues residential sites showed up and the line started forming.  The food was ready and the group was hungry.  Hot dogs, veggies, and chips were served.  

The food was good!  The company was even better!  

 

After everyone was pleasantly full of food, it was decided that the best way to cool off was with a nice game of water balloon toss!  That nice game quickly turned into chaos as water balloons were being thrown around, bouncing off the ground, trees, and each other.  And of course popping and getting everyone drenched!  So much fun was had by all!  

 

 New friends were made and old friends reconnected.

 The barbecue was a success!!

Avenues Thrift Shoppe

Did you know that Avenues has a Thrift Shoppe? Our store is located on Touhy Ave just outside of Park Ridge. Our merchandise is value priced (from $1 and up). We offer gently used clothing for infants, men, women, and children. We also have a wide variety of shoes, china, household items, small appliances, collectibles, books, toys, and gift-ware. 

There’s a daily “Sale Board" and every Wednesday, seniors 60 years and older receive 10% off all regularly priced items.

We are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm; Thursday 12 - 8 pm and we are closed on Sunday

Please contact us at 773-631-6230 if you have any questions.

Come visit our friendly shoppe - Avenues program participants who are part of the Thrift Shoppe team look forward to meeting you!

Our Thrift Shoppe is always in need of volunteers. If you are interested in helping out, click HERE!

Avenues Clients Volunteer at the 25th Annual Golf and Tennis Classic

On Monday, July 22, hundreds of golfers and tennis players came out to support Avenues at the 25^th Annual Avenues/Gorman Golf and Tennis Classic at the Park Ridge Country Club.

 

 

 

Golfers were greeted by the smiling faces of some of Avenues clients.

 

 

 

Avenues clients greeted guests, handed them their goody bags and wished them good luck on the course.

Volunteering at the golf outing is something Avenues clients have been doing for years, some since the event’s inception.

 

 

In addition to volunteering during registration, George, along with his nephews, spoke during the dinner and told stories about his life at Avenues.  His nephews recalled how George’s life really began when he first moved into Avenues and how he has made so many great friends over the years.  George told stories about his experiences at the Blackhawks and Cubs games and the great times he's had with his roommates.

 

 

Thank you to all those who made the 25^th Annual Avenues/Gorman Golf and Tennis Classic a huge success! 

We hope to see you again next year!

 

 

 

 

 

An Annual Celebration!

June 21st was Avenues' Annual Dinner at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

A BIG night of dinner and dancing that we look forward to all year long! 

 

 

Go to http://www.avenuestoindependence.org/gallery/Album.cfm?ID=34 to view the entire Annual Dinner 2013 photo album.

Kendrick House Dedication

Three Avenues clients recently had the privilege of moving into a beautiful new home. Avenues was able to purchase this home due to the generosity of our donors, and most specifically Dale Kendrick. On June 27^th , we gathered to celebrate and dedicate the home as Kendrick House as a tribute to the support Dale Kendrick has given Avenues. Without all of the wonderful people that support Avenues, we wouldn't be able to do the things we do. From Avenues staff and Clients, we are sincerely grateful, thank you!