Glencoe Under the Stars: Waikiki

Family Service of Glencoe’s 2018 Waikiki Benefit Is Expected to Make a Splash!

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is pleased to announce our annual benefit, Glencoe Under the Stars: Waikiki, being held Saturday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Skokie Country Club.

In describing this year’s theme, Benefit Chair Jennifer Stone says, “Imagine being transported to a stylish 1960’s tiki bar, where ukulele music, tropical drinks, and pupu platters were all the rage. We hope people will come wearing their most festive, elegant resort wear, such as Hawaiian shirts and floral dresses.”

As in previous years, the event will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, as well as live and silent auctions. Auction Chairs Sheri Styles and Erica Conlon have assembled an exciting assortment of trips, experiences, and merchandise from which to bid. With bidding online through GiveSmart, people do not need to be present to bid on silent auction items, and can register to bid at www.glencoeunderthestars.org.

“Proceeds from this event make a significant impact on our community,” Stone continues. “Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to maintain our commitment to serve all who live or work in Glencoe who are struggling with mental health challenges.”

FSG provides confidential, high-quality therapy and crisis care to all who live or work in Glencoe, regardless of their ability to pay. Currently, 55% of clients receive counseling at a reduced rate based on income. Additionally, the organization helps foster a supportive community of parents here in Glencoe, with monthly discussion groups and educational talks at the schools. The success of last year’s benefit also enabled FSG to expand clinical office space and grow senior program staff and services.

Board President Nicole Wineman adds, “The event is such a special night for Glencoe. We look forward to gathering together in May with friends and neighbors in support of FSG. ”

The evening has been generously supported by local businesses and individuals. Corporate underwriters include J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Andrea Goldman Design, Jennings on the Park, North Shore Community Bank & Trust, Green Bay Cycles, Highgate Builders, Rappaport Pediatrics, Elise Rinaldi @properties, and Sarnoff & Baccash Property Tax Law. The floral centerpieces for the event have been donated by The Grand Food Center.

Tickets are $250 per person, and are now available for purchase. Visit www.glencoeunderthestars.org or call our office at 847-835-5111 for more details.

 

 

Family Fun Fest!

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), together with the Glencoe Park District and The Grand Food Center, are pleased to invite families to join us for our annual Family Fun Fest. This community favorite event takes place on Sunday, March 11, 2-4pm, at the Takiff Center.

The fun fest engages families with a variety of healthy activities including sports, games, crafts, music, and snacks. The event, geared towards children up to age ten, showcases offerings available at the Park District. Healthy snacks are generously donated by The Grand Food Center.

“This special afternoon brings families together without the distraction of technology,” said FSG Executive Director Bill Hansen. “Children and parents or grandparents have the opportunity to connect while participating in both physical and creative play.”

“We are pleased to host this annual event with Family Service and the Grand,” noted Park District Executive Director Lisa Sheppard. “We love introducing new friends to our home and programs.”

Additional community partners include Glencoe Community Garden, Cultural Care Au Pair, and Woman’s Library Club of Glencoe.

Family Fun Fest is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  For additional information, please call 847-835-5111 or email sarah@familyserviceofglencoe.org.

3rd Annual Kindness Challenge

Glencoe’s #KindnessChallenge returns for a third year February 11-17, 2018 in conjunction with Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week. This special project came about in response to our 2014 community-wide needs assessment. The survey revealed that 30% of Glencoe respondents feel they lack an adequate social support network and 36% noted that they feel lonely or isolated. We hope this venture will be the start of strong connections that help keep us healthy and happy.

We invite everyone to join us in a week of reaching out to others in simple ways. FSG will be providing blue heart stickers for residents and employees to share when they catch someone being kind. Acts of kindness are often free or low cost such as holding the door open for someone or saying good morning to the crossing guard. Perhaps you’ll give up your seat on the train or simply put the cap back on the toothpaste.

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) is partnering with numerous local businesses and organizations to create opportunities for kindness all throughout our village. We are grateful for their support in celebrating kindness and community. Blue heart stickers will be available through these partners.

Here’s a list of kindness stations around town to help you share and receive kindness.

Sunday, February 11

7:30pm
Open Mic / Jam Session
Reach Yoga / 688 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe
Reach Yoga is hosting an open mic / jam session. Come if you like to make music or just listen to music. Bring friends or find new friends. No yoga, but you’ll need to take your shoes off before entering the studio area. There will be some seating and plenty of cushions on the floor. Sign-ups for a two-song slot begin at 7pm.

Monday, February 12

Flower Treat Surprise!
Downtown Glencoe
A local Cub Scout troop is surprising neighbors with a special flower gift donated by the Glencoe Flower Shop.

Tuesday, February 13

7:30-8am
Morning Commuter Breakfast Treat
Glencoe Train Station
District 35’s Executive Cabinet at Central School is handing out KIND Bars and morning cheer to commuters with help from the KIND Snacks Company and Glencoe Junior High Project.

10:30-11:15am
Kindness-Themed Tales for Tots Story Hour
Glencoe Public Library Hammond Room / 320 Park Avenue, Glencoe
The library is hosting a kindness-themed Tales for Tots story hour for all ages with parent or caregiver. Read, sing, talk, and play to build early literacy skills! Join us for stories, songs and more, followed by time for socialization and play.

3:30-5pm
Cards for Kindness
Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe
The Kindness Connection is hosting a card-making station to deliver kindness cheer to someone in need. Stop by after school with your family and decorate a special card. Supplies provided.

Wednesday, February 14

All Day
Wear Pink Day
Glencoe District 35
Glencoe District 35 is inviting students, staff, and the community to wear pink on this day to promote inclusiveness and tolerance.

All Day
Valentine Treat
Olsky Jewelers / 348 Park Avenue, Glencoe
Olsky Jewelers invites friends and neighbors to stop in for a sweet treat on Valentine’s Day.

Thursday, February 15

10:30-11:15am
Kindness-Themed Tales for Tots Story Hour
Glencoe Public Library Hammond Room / 320 Park Avenue, Glencoe
The library is hosting a kindness-themed Tales for Tots story hour for all ages with parent or caregiver. Read, sing, talk, and play to build early literacy skills! Join us for stories, songs and more, followed by time for socialization and play.

1-1:30pm & 1:30-2pm
Preschool Watercolor Art Class
Sweet Buddha / 660 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe
Sweet Buddha is kindly hosting a free water color drop in class by The Paintbrush. Preschoolers (with an adult) are invited to stop in to paint with water colors and real water color paper. RSVP today to LCardonick@comcast.net (maximum number of participants is 20).

1-2:30pm
Valentine Treats at Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group
Glencoe Public Library Hammond Room / 320 Park Avenue, Glencoe
The Woman’s Library Club of Glencoe is delivering sweet treats for Family Service of Glencoe’s monthly senior discussion group.

3:25-3:55pm
Afterschool Treat
Corner of Vernon & Hazel Avenues
Coldwell Banker is handing out KIND Bars (donated by the KIND Snacks Company) and hot chocolate after school.

Friday, February 16

4-4:45pm
Hip Hop Dance Party
Sweet Buddha / 660 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe
Sweet Buddha is kindly hosting a free hip-hop class for kids ages 6-12. Under the creative direction of skilled Chicago Loves Dance instructors, students will learn choreography to newest pop/dance songs and show off their creativity in free-style choreography sessions. Chicago Loves Dance is proud to offer kids dance, cheer and yoga birthday parties as well as a full line up of classes at Sweet Buddha.  Join us for this fun event and find out all we have to offer for our spring session of classes at this fun candy shop location. RSVP today to LCardonick@comcast.net (maximum number of participants is 25). Extra bonus: sign up for a 6-week class at the party and receive $10 off the price.

Saturday, February 17

1-2:30pm
ARTogether Class
Signature of Art Gallery of Fine Art & Custom Framing / 715 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe
Signature of Art is hosting a free ARTogether Class for children (ages 5 and older) with a parent. Families are invited to sign up to complete a collaborative, creative project that they will bring home at the end of the 90-minute session.  Available for up to 15 people maximum, including both adults and children. To sign up, please email LCardonick@comcast.net.

All Week Long

312 Tudor / 312 Tudor Court, Glencoe
Show your kindness by donating a new or once-worn prom dress for a north shore teen who would otherwise not have a gown for this special night. Bring your dress to 312 Tudor and receive 20% off one item. Dresses will be donated to the Glass Slipper Project.

BlackSheep General Store / 346 Park Avenue, Glencoe
BlackSheep General Store is collecting books for Bernie’s Book Bank. The store is also offering a 10% discount off the whole purchase for those who make a book donation. BlackSheep will offer 50% to the person who brings in the most books.

Glencoe District 35
In addition to distributing blue heart stickers through the schools, 5th and 6th grade student council cabinets will hand out a “kind act” slip to every student at Central and West schools as a way of showing kindness and caring. The slips will encourage kids to perform kind acts at school and in the community.

Glencoe Junior Kindergarten (GJK)
Kindness is emphasized on a daily basis at GJK. “Kind hands, kind words” is the main school rule. To reinforce the importance of kindness and giving back, they have multiple activities planned.

  • Cradles to Crayons: Parents are asked to purchase items with their child for child hygiene kits to donate to Cradles to Crayons. The preschoolers will help assemble the kits in class. Additionally, students will create “well wish notes” by drawing pictures and writing words of encouragement for children who are less fortunate.
  • The 3’s will be creating a “kindness mural” in their classroom. When teachers observe the children being kind, they will put a post-it note on the mural, draw a smile on their post it, and write down how they were kind. There will also be a “kindness coin jar” and talk about how giving money can help other people. Students will be encouraged to bring in any coins of their own from home.

Glencoe Park District Preschool
Each preschool classroom will be creating a kindness display for the hallway.

Glencoe Public Library
In addition to the special story times, a book display featuring books with a kindness theme will be in the children’s area.

Marcus Opticians / 344 Park Avenue, Glencoe
Pets need kindness too. Bring your furry friend to Marcus Opticians during RAK Week for a free dog treat.

Savin Dental Associates / 650 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe
Stop by Savin Dental during business hours this week and write a thank you note to our local service workers at Glencoe Public Works and place it in our fishbowl. FSG will make the delivery for you.

The Wild Child / 657 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe
The Wild Child is offering free, drop-in crafting all day Wednesday through Saturday.

The #KindnessChallenge is on! Share your stories on social media with #kindnesschallenge. For more information, please contact sarah@familyserviceofglencoe.org or 847-835-5111.

Thank You for Giving, Glencoe!

Through the kindness of our community, FSG is able to care for friends and neighbors in crisis. This list represents the 168 families and businesses* who are standing with FSG through our annual appeal. Thank you, Glencoe, for helping us remove barriers to treatment and recovery.

If you are able, would you consider a gift today? We are midway through our service year and your continued partnership allows us to provide the best possible care for critical prevention, intervention, and crisis care services.

Your donations are an investment in the life of each child, teenager, and adult we serve. Your donations strengthen our community as a whole. Give today.

*annual appeal donors as of 1/8/18

Inside Glencoe Winter 2018

Inside Glencoe (formerly the Glencoe Quarterly) is a combined newsletter published jointly by Family Service of Glencoe, the Village, Park District, School District 35 and Library that is mailed to all Glencoe households.

We’re excited about our community newsletter’s new look, new partner, and new name! We hope you will learn something new about our village and attend an upcoming event or two.

Read the Winter 2018 Inside Glencoe here. Keep an eye out in the mail for your print copy as we welcome in the New Year!

Ten Ways to Stay in Front of Technology

  1. Together with your family, create your family values. Have a family meeting to discuss your expectations.
  2. Lead by example. Engage with your children, neighbors, and community with intention and purpose. When a text dings during dinner, show your children that it can wait. They are more important.
  3. Know the new Netiquette. Teach how to communicate appropriately and effectively when you’re not talking out loud. Talk to your kids about what they are saying, what others are saying, how they are saying it, and what photos they are “Snapping.” This opens a dialogue IRL (in real life) about what is and is not okay and why.
  4. Teach about reliable resources. It is incumbent that we teach our children to research their facts and know trustworthy sources before they post. That being said, the wealth of information at our fingertips is awesome.
  5. Create boundaries. More is at stake than just getting fresh air, a summer camp away from devices is only a band-aid to healing the craving, loneliness, and depression associated with social media use. Limit screen time and create a place to dock the family’s technology so dinners, homework time, and bedtime are technology free.
  6. Monitor always. Pay attention to your children’s use of games, apps, texts, and calls. You do not need to snoop, let your children know you will be watching. As a parent, it is your job to keep your kids safe. There are a variety of apps that can help with this.
  7. Say no to the next best thing. Teach your kids to learn to wait, to learn to save up for something special. It is especially difficult in our area, but teaching our kids to be responsible consumers is a healthy life lesson.
  8. Remember that much of your children’s online activity is actively engaging with their friends. Real hang-outs have been replaced by social media. Make sure apps and activities are age appropriate and that proper security settings are in place so you may allow your kids to become a part of the scene.
  9. Watch for feelings of isolation, not feeling “as good as” or not engaging in-person anymore. Social media has given kids a platform to bully, exclude, and undermine social standing. When kids get angry about limited use or are staying up all night, these are signs there may be a problem.
  10. Know the latest apps and lingo. Some apps to be aware of are: Instagram, Snapchat, TBH (To Be Honest, a plug in to Snapchat), Whisper, Kik, Omegle, GroupMe, WhatsApp, Monkey, Yellow, and Houseparty. Some may be harmless but can easily turn depending on the other-end users. Keeping an eye on app purchases and activity, along with open, honest, non-judgemental conversations will help you and your child stay safe and happy.

Technology Is Here to Stay

“The sort of intercourse that people formerly carried on at cross-road stores or over the back fence, has now attained the dignity of print and an imposing system. That we absorb a flood of this does not necessarily mean that our minds are degenerate but merely that we are gratifying an old appetite in a new way.”

This was written about newspapers in 1909 by sociologist Charles Cooley. Much like that newspaper, TV, or darned rock ‘n’ roll music, technology is here to stay.

Some say technology has affected how we interact and has taken away physical and imaginary play so important to developing young minds. However, Sara DeWitt of PBS Kids, believes “that we as a society . . . are letting our fears hold us back from realizing (technology’s) potential as a positive in children’s lives.” Like most things in life, moderation is the key. As parents, it is up to us to set the example and (do our best to) consistently uphold these boundaries while staying up to speed with the ever-changing, sometimes-alarming, world of technology.

According to a new study by The American Heart Association, “while most teenagers (60%) spend on average 20 hours per week in front of television and computer screens, a third spend closer to 40 hours per week, and about 7 percent are exposed to more than 50 hours of ‘screen-time’ per week.” The National Institute of Drug Abuse found that, “teens who spend more than average on screen activities are more likely to be unhappy . . . There is not a single exception.”

How do we combat the ills of technology? We counter it through human connection.

Connection is the thread of humanity, and technology can help us engage. Just like when our kids were little and we watched over them at Friends Park, we have to continue to keep an eye on them and engage with them. Rather than remaining ignorant, we must learn the skills to deal with technology in healthy ways and teach these strategies to our kids.

Nothing can replace human connection. As Jean M. Twenge, psychology professor and author of iGen, states, today’s teens are spending most of their free time “on their phone, in their room, alone, and often distressed.” However, through the responsible acceptance of technology in our lives, we can embrace it and possibly, it will allow us to flourish.

If you or your children are struggling, reach out to FSG for confidential support. Contact us for a consultation at (847) 835-5111 or info@familyserviceofglencoe.org.

 

Healthy Boundaries

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) and District 35 are co-sponsoring a special community talk on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm for parents on “Healthy Boundaries:  How to Hold Them and What Gets in the Way” with guest speaker Dr. Brad Reedy co-owner and clinical director of Evoke Therapy Programs.

Dr. Reedy has developed an accessible approach to adolescents, young adults, and their parents. His powerful ability to use his own story and stories from the thousands of families he has treated offers hope to families suffering with mental health, addiction, and stage-of-life issues. He will explain the difference between boundaries and limits and explore the do’s and don’ts about boundaries and setting them in our relationships.

“Boundaries help make life predictable and safe for kids,” noted FSG Clinical Director Al Ross, LCSW, RDDP. “One of the greatest struggles many parents experience is establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries in terms of their children’s behavior and activities. Dr. Reedy’s down-to-earth style and practical wisdom make his teachings tremendously valuable to those faced with the challenges of parenting in a time when the ability to stay on top of our kids’ activities is becoming more and more difficult.”

Dr. Reedy is a parenting and youth expert who has worked extensively with children and families for over 20 years. He is the author of The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child’s Struggle & the Road Home. He holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University, and is the father of four children.

This free discussion is open to the public and takes place at Central School’s Young Auditorium, 620 Greenwood Avenue, Glencoe. The program is geared towards parents of students in third grade through high school. Reservations are requested at http://bit.ly/boundaries2017. For more information, please contact Al at al@familyserviceofglencoe.org or 847-835-5111.

2017 Annual Report: Standing with FSG

Our 2017 annual report celebrates an outstanding year! Thank you for standing with FSG in support of friends and neighbors. Individuals and families of all ages have benefited from a variety of programs and services noted in this report.

Donor Appreciation Event Update: We are sad to inform you that we have cancelled our event on Thursday, November 2 due to a low rsvp count. We heard from many community members that the date didn’t fit their schedules. Our apologies for any inconvenience. We are working to bring Dr. Spira to Glencoe in the future.

 

Parenting with Conviction

Family Service of Glencoe (FSG), North Shore Congregation Israel, St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church, and Glencoe Public Library are collaborating on a special series Parenting with Conviction: Insights from Our Books and Our Lives.

The second of two community conversations takes place on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:30pm at the Glencoe Public Library. The main topic, raising socially conscious children, is especially relevant in these challenging times.

This nondenominational dialogue will be facilitated by Reverend Daphne Cody (St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church), Rabbi Lisa Greene (North Shore Congregation Israel), and Kathy Livingston, LCSW (Family Service of Glencoe). They will explore developmentally appropriate, practical ideas for parents in an effort to help them raise socially responsible children.

“This event grew out of parents from all of our organizations questioning how they can integrate social consciousness into their daily lives,” said Kathy Livingston, LCSW, FSG Staff Therapist. “Just as with our spiritually aware event, parents have many questions, and are looking for discussion and exchange of ideas.”

This free discussion is open to the public. For more information, please contact Kathy at kathy@familyserviceofglencoe.org or 847-835-5111.

Fall Ladies Night Out at North Shore Exchange

The Board of Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) invites you to our fall Ladies Night Out–an intimate gathering at North Shore Exchange (NSE). Join us at the Glencoe boutique on Wednesday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30pm for friends, fun, and fashion at the hottest shop in town. We are excited to come together for a special evening of friendship and shopping to benefit families in need.

Let us know you’re coming.

FSG is proud to partner with Glencoe’s upscale resale with a heart through volunteering, recruiting volunteers and consigners, and introducing new friends to the shop.  North Shore Exchange is not your typical resale shop. Voted Make It Better’s “Best Luxury Consignment Shop” for both 2015 and 2016, NSE features luxury and contemporary women’s designer fashions and accessories, as well as stunning furniture and home décor.  Run primarily by 30-plus volunteers, North Shore Exchange is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Unlike similar for-profit shops, 100% of their profits go to charity, including Family Service of Glencoe.  So whether you shop, donate or consign with NSE you’re making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.

We look forward to seeing you on October 25! Bring a friend!