September Notes
Autism Program: Andrew celebrated his birthday in August with a trip to Party City and a pizza party and he is still talking about it! Last month’s community inclusion outings also included: Culver’s, McHenry County Fair, Woodstock Farmer’s Market, Veteran’s Park for a picnic, Wendy’s, McHenry Dam, McHenry Library and weekly shopping trips to Walmart and Jewel. Room 1 also enjoyed weekly outdoor fitness outings to the Riverwalk and Moraine Hills.
Bridges: This month the program is getting ready for fall! A highlight will be going to the Royal Oaks Apple Orchard to pick some delicious fresh apples. Weekly outings to Woodstock Farmer’s Market, Animal House Shelter and the McHenry Library continue. Fall means football season and to celebrate there will be a Bears/Packers party and cooking class. Clients are excited to wear their favorite team’s gear as the two teams face off! A very special thanks to Sally Nicholls for volunteering to teach interested clients how to sew over the summer. Thanks, Sally! They absolutely loved it! Thank you to those who have donated supplies, we are very grateful for everything we have received.
DT: Welcome Christian and Margarita to the program (new direct support professionals–DSPs)! Multiple clients, who participated and completed Health Matters, are now working on new Health Matters fitness goals to improve their health. Inclusion opportunities, including volunteer work, continue to be super popular and fun is being had by all! The program bids farewell to Chanel, she has moved on to another department to expand her skill set.
DT2: The program continues to lead the way with inclusion hours, volunteer work and hour’s logged working on campus! All are looking forward to awesome fall activities including apple picking and pumpkin patches. Keep an eye on the outing calendar and don’t hesitate to call/message if you would like to see a specific outing. Staff member Amy reports that the clients participating in Coffee Club have learned how to use the self-checkout aisle and have been handling their food orders and money at area restaurants. Way to go, guys! Fishing Club is going strong. Those who participate are looking forward to the cool air while waiting for the catch of the day! Explorer Club is going well and the clients are having a blast picking out where they will go next! Welcome Chanel to the program. Chanel comes to us from just up the hallway and is looking forward to increased outings and art classes.
SOAR: The seniors are enjoying their harvest from the raised garden bed. Cooking classes are plentiful and all are enjoying making and trying new recipes! The seniors continue to enjoy their daily morning exercise and big thanks go out to Kristin who continues to volunteer her time and expertise by teaching Tai Chi on Monday mornings Thanks, Kristin!
October Notes
Lots of fun seasonal activities are planned and coming up, if you would like to volunteer to help out with upcoming activities, please contact your program coordinator to arrange a day and time to do so. We are very welcoming of our families and want to include them in on the fun! The end of summer party was a success! Thank you to the client council for their sponsorship, fun was had by all! Day programs are in need of extra clothing, specifically pants and underwear. Please send your loved ones with back up clothes to keep in their lockers and also consider making a donation of new or gently used requested items.
Autism Program: The Autism Day Program welcomed new staff member Shurina to the program…and we welcomed back Bradley. Both rooms took their annual trip to Royal Oaks Orchard and enjoyed the animals and cider donuts. Room 1 also went to Milky Way Park in Harvard, Veteran’s Acres, Wendy’s, Moraine Hills, McHenry River Walk, Walmart and the McHenry Library. Room 2 went to: Burger King, Big R for bird seed and McHenry Dam with weekly shopping at Jewel and the library after.
Bridges: As the colder October weather comes around we will be enjoying some inside activities such as bowling and going to the movies. Clients are excited to begin taking a Spanish class once a week, too! A very special thanks to Maria for offering to come and teach. In Health Matters class clients have been learning about different exercises and this month they will learn about healthy foods to eat to keep their bodies healthy and strong.
DT: The clients are heading to Dunkin’ Donuts this month for some fun holiday treats! Clients will also be participating in the annual Stade’s Farm outing on October 26, sponsored by the McHenry Rotary Club (thank you, Rotary Club!). The weather is changing and so are the leaves. This is a great opportunity for Adventure Club to kick off another great season of exploring nature. Clients will be learning about the changing colors, cool weather and other fall fun!
DT2: The clients are really enjoying the seasonal outings and activities and all are looking forward to the Halloween Party this month. In October we continue with Fishing Club, computer classes, sign language classes, Explorer Club, Coffee Club, art and social and life skills groups. We have also been celebrating a lot of Birthdays! Please talk with your QIDP or case manager regarding birthday celebrations and dietary restrictions.
SOAR: The seniors are hard at work on crafts for the annual craft fair, a favorite happening! Carolyn has been working hard planning the crafts that we will be working on, thanks Carolyn! We will be welcoming a new staff member this month, details coming soon!
