Cathy McAndrews has been a Certified Fitness Instructor for 45 years and prides herself on her ability to make fitness fun, while maintaining the safety and efficacy of exercise.

“There have been many changes to fitness since I became certified in 1985, but one thing remains the same, my passion for helping others attain their fitness goals in a healthy way! My motto has always been, ‘work out happier, not harder’, because exercise should be joyful and fun – that’s when it’s most effective.”

Cathy has been a friend and partner of The Community House for many years, inspiring and helping our Active Adults to keep their bodies in motion in a number of different ways. You have likely heard her enthusiastic voice echoing in our field house over upbeat music, encouraging her Prime Time class to keep moving, keep their energy up and keep up the good work! Or maybe you’ve seen her and her Pilates/Barre class “booming” in our fitness room!

Cathy will be taking over the popular Sit and Get Fit class beginning in January 2021. This class promotes enhanced overall physical fitness for older adults by using low impact exercises while staying seated.

Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, like so many of us, Cathy longed to get back to a “new normal” and that’s just what she is doing now at TCH.

“I was so happy to return to my classes and be with my friends. There was an overwhelming feeling of normalcy and relief. What we have together is more than just an exercise class. It’s a community of caring hearts. We talk, we listen and we reach out for support. That’s the magic of community-based exercise programming.”

Two of Cathy’s classes are now enrolling, including Pilates/Barre Mash Up and Prime Time A+. Sit and Get Fit will be back in action beginning in January! Each class is set-up according to Illinois state fitness class guidelines, at a safe and social distance, in properly ventilated spaces.

The Community House Active Adults services aim to provide all ages of adults, from 18 and up with high quality programs and classes.

Sign up to be a Keyholder and get 15% off each of Cathy’s fitness classes!

Ly Hotchkin, 2018 Holiday Ball

A Beautiful Life and an Unparalleled Legacy, a Tribute to Ly Hotchkin

by Executive Director, Dan Janowick

Ly Hotchkin, who led TCH for more than 30 years as Executive Director, passed away this week. Ly was an inspiration to so many who have walked the halls of The Community House, myself included. Her energy, wit, and enthusiasm were so contagious because she was so genuine.

The Community House’s success today is a testament to her leadership and tenacity in building a connected and engaged community. She never disappointed when given the chance to take hold of a microphone and over the past 25 years has been a regular at TCH events and on-stage in the Community Revue. In recognition of her legacy of service, the Ly Hotchkin Arts Program was named for her in 2016 with a permanent portrait being unveiled in the upstairs gallery space in 2018.

Ly will be missed, but her family and friends will be comforted by many great memories in her 95 years. When the time is right and we can do so safely, we’ll raise a glass and share a toast in her memory, just as Ly would want!

It has been a pleasure to know and learn from Ly. While I know I will never “fill her shoes” I am honored to be on the path she fearlessly blazed for everyone who has followed her. The communities she served are more connected and stronger because of her.

The Gift of Ly 

by LyArts Program Director, Jimmy McDermott

Knowing Ly these first 4 years of heading LyArts was a total gift. I got to meet her soon after starting work at The Community House. And it was immediately clear to me that the mission of the program needed to reflect its namesake.

Ly was whip smart, grounded, community minded and very fun. And everything we offer here has to meet those accessible yet essential standards. In 2018, we commissioned local artist David Marcet to paint a portrait of Ly as the first piece in our permanent collection of the LyArts gallery up here on the second floor. I accompanied the artist when he showed Ly a preview of the painting before it was unveiled. She was very nearly speechless but was able to say “David, you have given me immortality.” I get to pass her portrait every day here. She’s watching. And will continue to preside over The Community House for generations to come.

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Make this the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
Have your birthday party with us. 

PLAY

ENGAGE

LEARN

The Community House believes that play is the best form of research, and we pride ourselves on providing safe and engaging environments where students can learn while being provided with support from highly qualified, talented and enthusiastic staff.

For many years, we have provided Before and After School Services to our community with pick-up and drop-off at school at The Community House main location on W. Eighth Street. We will continue to serve elementary students and families here and enhance our services in partnership with the D181 school district for the 2021-2022 school year and provide the highest quality services to youth enrolled in the following schools every day of the school week.

BEFORE SCHOOL

BEFORE THE BELL is a safe environment for your child to be with friends before the school day begins. Your child will do fun activities, gym time and organized games. A light breakfast snack will be provided. BEFORE the BELL follows School District 181 calendar and runs Monday-Friday 7:00am-8:30 am.

Before School services will be provided at the following locations: 

Before Schools

The Community House  (Serving the following schools: Madison, Oak and Elm. Students are transported to school by TCH)

The Lane School

Prospect School 

Walker School

AFTER SCHOOL 

AFTER the BELL is a great way to excel this school year while having fun. This program is great for the children to be able to get their homework done but also have a fun place to come after a long day of school. AFTER the BELL follows the School District 181 calendar and typically runs Monday – Friday from 3:05 pm to 6:00 pm. This program covers Afternoon Kindergarten – 8th Grade. This program will be held at your child’s school and Community House staff will wait in a designated area to pickup the children. You can customize your experience by signing up for one day, week, month, etc! A typical week at After the Bell includes: Homework assistance, enrichment activities, park/active time, fun-filled Fridays and so much more! 

After School services will be provided at the following locations: 

The Community House  (Serving Madison & Elm. Students are picked up from school by TCH)

The Lane

Monroe School

Oak School 

Prospect School

Walker School 

ALL

THE

 DETAILS

BEFORE THE BELL ONLY

Ages: K-5

Dates: Monday – Friday

Times: 7:00am – 8:30am

Fees: Non Key Holder: $22 (One Child) $20 (Sibling Discount)

Key Holder: $12 (One Child) $10 (Sibling Discount)

AFTER THE BELL ONLY

Ages: K-5

Dates: Monday – Friday

Times: 3:05pm-6:00pm

Fees: Non Key Holder: $30 (One Child) $20 (Sibling Discount)   Key Holder: $28 (One Child) $18 (Sibling Discount)

You can customize your experience by signing up for one day, a week, or the entire month!

EXAMPLE MORNING SCHEDULE
7:00-7:30 – Games/Activities (ex. Coloring, board games, card games, organized group games)
7:30-7:40 – Breakfast snack
7:40-8:05 – Active play
8:05-8:15 – Get ready for school

EXAMPLE AFTERNOON SCHEDULE

3:05-3:15 –Check in
3:15-3:30 – Snack time
3:45-4:15 – Outside active play
4:15-5:00 – Homework Help/SQUIRT
(Super Quiet Uninterrupted Reading Time)
5:00-5:30 – Enrichment activity
5:30-6:00 – Active play/check out

For more information please contact Karen Kaspar at 630-323-7500 ext. 248 or at kkaspar@thecommunityhouse.org