THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: A Visit to the Hillsborough Playhouse

Richard & Marilee with the custom built bird house, “Building Blocks.”

What a surprise:  March came in like a lamb, at a balmy 55 degrees.  Marilee and I were off for a two-hour drive to the “new” Hillsborough GiGi’s Playhouse in New Jersey.  We were also bringing along a custom-made “Building Blocks” purple martin birdhouse for their March 24th Gala event.

Actually, this was our second visit to Hillsborough.  We had attended the original location’s Grand Opening in January of 2015.  A day of promise.  The welcoming community was shoulder to shoulder in the nearly 1,400 sq. ft. facility.  There was no doubt the promise would be fulfilled.  Within a short time GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough was on the map – and bursting at the seams.

Fantastic!  Amazing!  It’s what we want at GiGi’s – to be busy!  And to some extent the Board of Managers could breathe a sigh of relief.  For those not familiar with real estate costs in the New York/New Jersey market, a long-term lease of premium space is intimidating.  And GiGi’s doesn’t sell a product, we give it away.  The community at large would come forth with the needed support to sustain the new endeavor. 

Chatting on the couch in the family room.

We arrived at the new facility at 11 a.m. and were greeted by the Playhouse Manager.  I’ll never tire of that big smile and welcoming hug at the front door – a GiGi’s tradition.  Liz was eager to show us around.  I placed the birdhouse on the corner stage, and the tour began.  My first impression was of a large, open and inviting room, a sitting area and fully functional kitchen on the opposite windowed wall.  Everything was orderly and clean, including the vast expanse of carpeting.

Tucked behind the sign-in counter was a little play station with a kitchenette, table and chairs.  Next to it, the Ball Pit was securely locked, “out of service” for the remainder of the flu season. Liz directed us to the Board Room, with a warning that it had become a temporary Gala Craft Room.  A mess can be a good thing, as we found out when she opened the door. The Board table was overflowing with hundreds of masks, feathers, sequins, ribbons and glue!  Groups of volunteers were in and out every day preparing for the Gala.  The theme: MASQUERADE! 

The indoor therapeutic playground and performance stage.

This new location is approx. 2,800 sq. ft., more than double the size of the original Playhouse.  The spacious office was across the hall from the “mask” room, with a storage room between.  The office windows were one-way mirrors to both the main room and to the hallway outside.  In addition, an overhead screen monitored each room and area of the Playhouse.  A safe and secure environment was assured.

We returned through the open play room to the “work” area of the Playhouse.  The Library was central.  Liz shared that the use of the Library and its books had grown dramatically compared with that of the old Playhouse. “It’s like a magnet,” she said. Maybe it’s the soft colors, the lighting. Or the plush bean bag chairs.  Or could it be that the tutoring programs offered at GiGi’s are really making a difference?

There were three learning labs adjacent to the Library.  The one used for the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program had a semi-circular desk and was appointed with all the associated learning aids.  Impressive!  Proper speech, especially for those with Down syndrome, is a big door opener.

The library and reading nook.

Liz knocked on the door of another lab, where Andrea, an OT intern from Rutgers, answered.  She was here early preparing for the first of three appointments.  Mike, another Rutgers intern, would arrive shortly.  Andrea and Mike are enrolled in a three year Occupational Therapy Program, in which they volunteer their time and developing skills. They will receive credit and valuable experience toward their degree.  We all benefit.  

Moving along, we found more storage rooms and two ADA bathrooms.  Ample storage is the secret to a neat and tidy Playhouse. Another is a super energetic leader like Liz.

While Marilee continued to photograph the Playhouse, I sat with Liz in the sofa area.  “Why GiGi’s Playhouse?” I asked.  She told me of her background in public relations and marketing, but noted that her experience of attending an inclusive high school made a lasting impression on her.  “We had a program for Special Ed students: BPOE (Best People On Earth).”  She also worked as a pre-school teacher. These early life experiences led her to where she is now, at GiGi’s Playhouse.  “I am happy to wake up each morning and come to work.”

left-right: Liz, Caryn and Richard

I asked if she had a favorite program.  “Fantastic Friends,” she replied.  “We do it as a drop-off program.  We want each person to experience true independence.”  A reality is that some of our older population have not had the advantage of early intervention or even heightened social activity.  Imagine discovering that GiGi’s Playhouse is your personal space?  Beyond building self esteem, GiGi’s offers the gift of belonging. 

During our conversation, another intern, Caryn, arrived and joined in.  Though Down syndrome is a part of her life, there’s much more to the story.  She proclaimed that she loves working at the Playhouse.  “I also attend college and I’m certified in the Signing Time Program.  I really enjoy public speaking, too.”  I was instantly impressed by her perfect diction, and silently revised my expectations to an even higher level for our nine-year-old grandson’s future.  Caryn, if you are reading this,  “Thank you!

Spring is coming!  We said our goodbyes and departed for home, renewed and energized by an uplifting visit.  GiGi’s Playhouse, Hillsborough.  A full service and inspiring environment. Thank you! and compliments to Erin Morris, Playhouse President and Founder.  And to all the Board Members and supporters in the Hillsborough community.  You chose to challenge yourselves and live the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse.  You gave it your “Best Of All” and reached a Greater Potential.  The journey continues.  This is GiGi’s Playhouse!

Richard Reilly – The Grandparent Connection