The Lost Party at the Skokie Public Library
In early March, Orchard Village’s OVation Players and Still Point Theatre Collective performed The Lost Party at the Skokie Public Library Auditorium. It was a clever, dramatic, fun, and creative theatrical performance that capped a 16-week program held at Orchard Village’s Activity Center. The program emphasized movement, expression, self-awareness, empowerment, and social engagement. Still Point’s programming had a powerful effect on the performers. Weekly workshops were collaborative, cumulative, and integrated family members and staff members into the process. They tailored each workshop around each actor’s verbal and physical capabilities; voice and speech training, dance, improvisation, and intense collaboration resulted in an original script and the live performance in March.
Still Point performers developed close connections to the OVation Players. It was easy to see the trust, respect, and care they demonstrated on the stage while always allowing the Players to have their moments in the spotlight. The performance ended with a rousing rendition of Yellow Submarine, complete with a handmade yellow submarine carried across the stage. It was a beautiful and joyous event for performers and audience members in a truly lovely setting.
Summer Bash 2022 – a fun and festive event for all!
Tacos and ring toss! Water balloon toss and Bozo buckets! Bingo and musical chairs! A beautiful summer day helped create the perfect environment for an outdoor party at Orchard Village. Many people came together to create the event, and everyone had a good time. Mike Cusick, Orchard Village’s Recreational Therapist, oversaw the event’s planning, set-up, and execution. Thanks, Mike!
Orchard Village is grateful for the support of Woodward MPC. Emily Manknowski, Woodward’s HR Business Partner, and 18 college interns helped set up the party and guided partygoers through the various games. Emily said, “I love coming back. This [time] is my third event, but [it’s] the first time we’ve been able to interact with the people supported by Orchard Village. We [Woodward] are close by; we love giving back to our community and having fun”.