Posts Tagged ‘#Downsyndrome’
Volunteer Spotlight: Marina “It’s All About Positivity & Kindness”
A little while ago, I found a link to GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis on my high school’s service website from the service coordinator. I had never heard of it, but I allowed curiosity to take the wheel. I clicked the link and it immediately displayed bright colors and smiling faces. From that moment, I wanted to…
Read MoreAn Original Poem: Friendship Over Coffee
Friendship over Coffee By Olivia August, GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Poet in Residence A CALL FOR ME!!! To drink coffee with a friend! Mask on or not, it’s a call To go get coffee with a friend! Four words that make my day, Someone cares enough to say. “Let’s go get coffee.” OH, I am so…
Read MoreParticipant Best of All – International Explorer Alicia
This month’s participant #bestofall goes to Alicia! We love seeing GiGi’s participants becoming strong leaders. Alicia is a very outgoing and capable young woman. When she is not at her day job working at a local school, she serves as a GiGi’s Playhouse Intern. Alicia is always enthusiastically coming up with new ideas and has…
Read MoreAll You Need is LOVE
Annapolis Bouquet Blitz Let your someone special know how much you care. Order an Annapolis bouquet or blitz Valentine edition: Heart Blossoms, handmade by GiGi’s participant artists. 100% of your donation supports free programming for individuals with Down syndrome at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis such as: 1:1 tutoring in math and literacy 1:1 Speech therapy Group…
Read MoreThe Polar Express makes its way to GiGi’s!
Before heading back to the North Pole, we were fortunate to have Santa’s presence at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis (six feet apart of course)! With fabulous leadership from Ellen Zielinski, support from GiGi’s volunteers, Junior League of Annapolis, and the Chesapeake Ballet Company, the Playhouse was able to hold a safe and successful event to spread…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Sharon Pohl – Crawlers & Walkers Physical Therapist
Sharon Pohl has 32 years of experience as a physical therapist working with children with disabilities, so when she retired in July, she was seeking a volunteer experience where she could use that invaluable background. Speaking of her years with Montgomery County Public Schools and other organizations, she says, “It was extremely rewarding, in a…
Read MoreGiGi’s Thanksgiving Food Drive – Building Leaders & Helping Neighbors
In the past few weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, GiGi’s Fantastic Friends (18+) participants successfully coordinated a food drive to collect food and other items to donate to the local Lighthouse Shelter. The group asked the community to donate items such as traditional Thanksgiving foods like green beans, stuffing, and gravy, as well as gift…
Read MoreGiGi’s Participant Shocks Martial Arts Community
Samantha Shock, a GiGi’s participant since the Playhouse opened, has become the first student with Down Syndrome to earn a black belt in the 31 years that Kick Connection, where she takes instruction, has been open! On top of that, Samantha is the first person with Down Syndrome to earn a black belt on the…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Diane Fantone – Grateful to be Sharing Cooking Skills
Written by: Camille Manuncia, GiGi’s Annapolis Communications Intern Ever since she was a little girl, Diane Fantone has loved to bake. She attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she received her bachelor’s degree in food service management, along with attending the culinary school there. Diane’s personal chef business provides in-home meals…
Read MoreGiGi’s at Home is Perfect for Onboard Living
Written by: Camille Manuncia, GiGi’s Communications Intern This is GiGi’s Annapolis-style! Matthew Gregory has been living on a boat shortly before quarantine began and has been living the Annapolis dream! He lives on a 46′ Grand Banks Trawler with his dad Claude and stepmom Suzy. They spend the winter months in Florida and the summers…
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