Marklund’s 2010 Holiday Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1 South 450 Wyatt Dr. Geneva. More than 35 vendors will display and sell baby gifts, jewelry, fused glass, handcrafted soap, flower pots and handmade flowers, custom wood and acrylic pens, purses, Christmas tree ornaments and lots more. Admission is $1 for adults age 18 and over and includes a free raffle ticket. For more information, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit: http://marklund.org/craft-fair.html.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org/.

By enjoying tropical drinks and great food on a warm summer night, Fox Valley residents can help the infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities who are served by Marklund.

Marklund at Mill Creek is the beneficiary of the July “Commons Crawl,” hosted by the Geneva Commons. “Taste of the Tropics” takes place from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, July 19, at the shopping center located at 602 Commons Dr., Geneva, IL.

Each month the Commons Crawl changes themes and benefits a different local charity. It takes place on the third Monday of the month from May through September. With tickets, patrons get goody bags as well as food and drink samplings from the Commons’ restaurants – California Pizza Kitchen, Claddagh Irish Pub and Houlihan’s.

Patrons will pick up their tickets, wrist bands and goody bags on the night of the crawl at Houlihan’s and then go on their way to enjoy the crawl.

“This event is a ton of fun,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development for Marklund. “I went to the May Commons Crawl and had a blast. You definitely get a lot for the money.”

Tickets to the event are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. A maximum of 300 tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, so participants are urged to purchase early.

For tickets, stop by the mall office or call 630-262-0044. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

For more information on Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or go to: http://www.marklund.org

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org.

Marklund’s 2010 Spring Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1 South 450 Wyatt Dr. Geneva. All types of crafters will be selling their handmade items as well as unique gifts from food and cosmetic vendors. In addition, there will be a Marklund booth featuring items handcrafted by Marklund’s developmental training clients.

Proceeds of the Spring Craft Fair benefit Marklund, an organization that provides compassionate care for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

“Our craft fairs are so popular with the public,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development at Marklund, “It’s the perfect time to purchase something meaningful for Mother’s Day, the perfect one-of-a-kind surprise for the graduating student, and even gifts for upcoming summer weddings.”

Also, crafters are donating one item for a raffle to be held during the Spring Craft Fair.

For more information, call Peggy Szarzynski at 630-593-5475 or pszarzynski@marklund.org.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org

Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball will include authentic Chinese dancers from the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, musicians from the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and traditional Lion and Dragon dances from Chicago Dragon’s Athletic Association. There will be fine dining with some traditions of the Chinese culture, dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra, the presentation of Marklund’s “Friends of the Year” award, and an exceptional live auction. Although a black tie gala, many guests are planning to attend in “Chinese couture.”

The Top Hat Ball is known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Stacey Alexander of Plainfield and Sue Wick of Lombard, surpasses all others. Auctioneer David Goodman of Chicago’s Auction Results will offer packages that include a 12-day Asian cruise for two aboard the Seabourn Pride, a yacht that accommodates just 104 couples, and was donated by Seabourn and Viking Travel Agency. Named the #1 Small Ship Cruise Line in the world in the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2009 and also named Best Floating Hotels by Gourmet Magazine, Seabourn yachts present a style that is the ultimate in luxury.

Another exquisite auction item is luncheon for eight at Cinderella’s Royal Table with the Royal Family at Walt Disney World, a tour of Cinderella’s Castle, complimentary photographs and autographs with Cinderella and her princess friends. This item includes four airline tickets from Chicago to Orlando and eight nights in a two-bedroom villa that sleeps up to nine, at Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooking the savannah. It takes place from June 27 through July 5^th over the popular Fourth of July holiday.

Other items are a trip for two to Costa Rica, a ski trip to Steamboat, CO; a trip to the PGA Master’s Tournament; unique Chicago Cubs experiences and many more.

A highlight of the annual Top Hat Ball is the presentation of Marklund’s prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor goes to a couple – George and Pam Rion of Bloomingdale. The Marklund Friend of the Year must demonstrate in his/her own way, publicly or privately, a heart of gold and the willingness to serve Marklund’s infants, children and adults in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future. The Rions certainly qualify. They have been involved with Marklund since 1992.

George has served in leadership capacities as the chair of the Marklund Golf Outing and as member of the former Development Council. For many years, Pam served as member of the DuPage County Board, and she was instrumental in working with Marklund leadership to ensure the not-for-profit was meeting the needs of families in DuPage County. By aligning Marklund’s goals with DuPage County goals, Marklund received county funding, both Community Development Block Grants and Human Services Grants.

Pam also was crucial in assisting Marklund with the process of securing the Certificate of Need for the last two 16-bed homes on the Mill Creek Campus. In fact, she was (and remains) an advocate for Marklund throughout DuPage County, raising awareness of Marklund programs and services. She retired from the DuPage County Board in 2008.

“The Rions have Marklund in their blood,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “Not only have they been instrumental in helping Marklund grow and succeed, but their son, Chris, has become more involved on a volunteer level over the years, which truly shows the special place Marklund has in the Rion family’s heart. There is no better legacy to leave your children than teaching them to use their God-given talents and gifts to give back to the community. The Rions started volunteering at Marklund by opening gifts as a family with their then small children Chris and Beth on Christmas Eve at the Bloomingdale location, just down the street from their home. Their heart for the Marklund residents grew each year and has made a huge impact on many.”

Top Hat Ball committee members are Michael J. Ahlert, Carol Angelescu, Lynn Armbruster, Diana Book, Mayor Kevin Burns, Carie Carney, Jeff Cook, Chris and Vicki Deane, Karen Golden, Rob and Carol Hassels, Jackie Janega, Brian and Lily Kay, Jason Laub, Robert Levy, Randy Lindenberg, Kate McCracken, Jill Schluntz

Guests will enjoy 2009 pricing, with tickets on sale for $300 per person. Table sponsorship opportunities and discounted packages are available. To reserve tickets or for more information, call Jeannine Zupo, Top Hat Ball director, at 630-624-9874 or email to: jzupo@marklund.org

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org

A year ago I said that Dancing with the Geneva Stars was the most entertaining and innovative event I’ve ever attended in Geneva. And I believe my comments didn’t do it justice. Besides my resounding “WOW”, the 2009 fund-raiser received rave reviews from those attending the sold-out event. Fabulous, amazing and impressive were only a few of the adjectives used to
describe the evening where 12 brave performers, dressed in costumes appropriate for their dance,
entertained the over 360 enthusiastic people attending the standing-room-only contest.

Now here’s your chance to decide for yourself. This successful event, modeled after the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars”, returns on Saturday, February 6, 2010, with a new cast of dancers. These local celebrity teams are already in rehearsal preparing their dances in hopes of
generating enough votes to become the 2010 Dancing with the Geneva Stars champion.

The 2010 line-up includes David and Shawn Ginsberg doing the Cha-Cha, Weldon Johnson and Joanne Buckley doing the Quickstep, Matt and Kimberly Lennert doing the Tango, Tim and Barb Moran doing the Waltz, Harry and Marcia Smith doing the Swing and Jim and Susan VanderVeen doing the Salsa. If you know any of these soon to be amazing dancers, lend them your support.

Ticket reservations and voting for the event (every dollar contributed is equal to one vote), which benefits the Geneva Academic Foundation and Geneva Cultural Arts, will begin on January 4,
2010. The committee anticipates another sold-out event.

More info on Dancing with the Geneva Stars. You absolutely, positively do
not want to miss it!

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

In celebration of the holidays, Marklund’s Developmental Training Program proudly presents the musical “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Curtain is at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the multipurpose room at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva.

The play is modified creatively for Marklund’s clients to provide maximum participation by the use of adaptive devices such as switches and augmentive communication tools that provide extraordinary tactile and audible feedback to people living with developmental disabilities. Also, participation is enhanced by singing and playing musical instruments. Performing provides Marklund clients a sense of normalcy and a feeling of pride and accomplishment. They enjoy feeling part of something fun and meaningful and gain valuable experience by using their talking devices, their voices and standing devices.

“I love celebrating the holidays with the clients and helping them to have a full and active holiday season,” said Rose Vicker, physical therapist assistant “The smiles on their faces and the pride and satisfaction they feel is so rewarding and puts a big smile on my face and even gets me teary-eyed at times.”

The cast includes:
Rudolph – Tom C.
Santa Claus – Mitchell S
Mrs. Claus – Regina T.
Yukon Cornelius – Mike K.
Abominable Snow Monster – Julian P.
Sam the Snowman- Narrator – Jack H.
King Moonraiser-Lion – Nick C.
Hermie the Misfit Elf – Danny S.
Clarise-Rudolph’s girlfriend – Michele W.
Comet reindeer trainer – Jim K.
Donner-Rudolpoh’s dad – Ashish
Reindeer-Rudolph’s mom – Heather M.
Reindeer – Adam G.
Reindeer – Jackie W.
Reindeer – Bill W.
Reindeer – Allie P.
Elf teacher – Rosie B.
Elf – Michele B.
Elf – Dawn M.
Misfit doll – Ruthann B.
Misfit Cowboy – Nick P.
Charlie in the box – Brian R.
Choir – Sharon V. Helena H. and others

“This show is a great opportunity for our friends and neighbors to see what great actors our clients are,” said Vicki Krystof, communications manager at Marklund. “The audience can experience how Marklund believes in our clients’ artistic capabilities and how we work to see them succeed in all areas – including a holiday production. This is one play that will bring the holiday spirit and infinite smiles to the audience as well as to our clients.”

The performance is free and open to the public. Children are warmly welcome. Refreshments will be served following the performance. For more information, call Krystof at 630-593-5482.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org.

Community Winter Market – Indoor market of the Geneva Green Market

Locally grown, minimally processed (or organic) produce, meat, dairy and
other products from local family farms are available at the Community Winter
Market, a local food green Farmers Market in Geneva, Illinois, for chefs,
foodies and everyday people – local, sustainable, fresh food!

When:
Saturdays
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
November 7, 14, Thanksgiving Dinner Localvore Challenge: November 21, Closed
November 28.
December 5, 12, Christmas Dinner Localvore Challenge: December 19, Closed
December 26.

Starting second and fourth Saturday of the Month
Open January 9 and 23, February 13 and 27, March 13 and 27
Spring is back to every Saturday until May 21, 2010, Closed April 3.

Web address: www.genevagreenmarket.org

Marklund’s 2009 Holiday Craft Fair will be a full house of 35 vendors. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1 South 450 Wyatt Dr. Geneva. In addition to the vendors, there will be a very special Marklund booth featuring items handcrafted by Marklund’s developmental training clients.

Proceeds from the 2009 Holiday Craft Fair benefit Marklund, a network of programs and services that benefit the lives of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

“The community response to our ‘call for crafters’ has been incredible,” said Vicki Krystof, communications manager at Marklund. “This is one craft fair to mark on your calendars. It’s really amazing.”

The items run the gamut and include: baby gifts, jewelry, fused glass, handcrafted soap, flower pots and handmade flowers, custom wood and acrylic pens, purses, Christmas tree ornaments and lots more. Also, all vendors have donated one item valued at $10 or more to Marklund for a raffle to be held during the Holiday Craft Fair. The Holiday Craft Fair also will include cosmetics and food vendors such as Longaberger baskets, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Premiere Jewelry, and Pampered Chef.

Admission is $1 for adults age 18 and over and includes a free raffle ticket. For more information, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org/.

Scentimental Gardens is excited to host another “How To” event!

Learn the techniques for a successful and thriving garden in glass. With a good selection of plants to choose from and accessories to personalize your terrarium, you will leave with an easy care indoor landscape. Bring your own glass container; the opening should be smaller than the container itself. All other supplies will be provided.

$34.00/person.

Oct. 22nd 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our Location:
Scentimental Gardens
428 W. State Street
Geneva, IL 60134

RSVP: 630-232-1303

Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, IL is hosting a workshop!

Come celebrate the abundant harvest of the season with a tabletop arrangement. Your creation can include, dried hydrangeas, leaves and berries, faux floral and fruits. Bring your own container or we have many to choose from. Recommended size of opening, minimum 12″ and Maximum 20″ and garden pruners.

Oct. 8th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

$42.00/person.

RSVP at 630-232-1303. Space is limited.

Our location is:
Scentimental Gardens
428 W. State Street
Geneva, IL 60134

We look forward to seeing you soon!!