Our Trip to Chicago

               
              Written by Bret K.

              The weekend of December 7^th was an exciting one for select Oakland and Wayne DTS clients.  Four clients from each facility accompanied by two staff were able to drive to Chicago for the weekend. This trip was for pleasure, although a small amount of business did occur.

                It took staff over four hours to make the drive from Detroit to Chicago.  They listened to music, played various road trip games, and socialized to make the time pass faster.  When they finally arrived, everyone was happy to get out of the vans and stretch their legs.

                The group was able to stay at the Fairfield Inn located in the heart of Chicago.  Once checked in and settled from the drive, the group set out to see the town.  They were able to eat lunch and stop at the Shedd Aquarium for the afternoon. Seeing the different animals of the sea was a great experience for the group.  A short stop at the gift store was all that was left to do before going to a nice dinner.

                The group stayed together throughout the weekend, participating in the same activities, with the exception of the two bosses who visited the Rehab Institute of Chicago.  The group was able to see the Field Museum for an afternoon along with doing some shopping, because what is a vacation without shopping? While in Chicago, the group visited the Sears Tower as well as the Navy Pier. They loved all of the sites that they were able to stop and see.

DTS Invades The Palace

           

Written by Bret K.
          
           The Wayne County Day Treatment Services Program of Special Tree attended a Detroit Pistons game in mid-November against the Orlando Magic.  Upon arrival they were greeted with a pleasant surprise.  Clients and staff alike were also able to enjoy a half-time show by a famous artist.

            The program director, Joe, along with Neal and seven staff were able to orchestrate a flawless event.  Several Special Tree Residential facilities were able to participate in the event totaling nearly 40 clients in attendance.   Everyone gathered at the Wabash facility for pizza prior to leaving for the game.  Staff then loaded the vans and headed to Auburn Hill in a lengthy caravan. 

            Upon arrival to the Palace, everyone received a gift from a Palace worker.  He brought over an abundance of Pistons duffle bags for all DTS attendees to take home.  The group was extremely thankful for the gift.  Then everyone settled into their seats just in time for the game to begin at 7:30pm.

            The first half of the game seemed to fly by, with the Detroit Pistons working hard for a big win.  Soon enough, the lights dimmed as the players headed to the locker room.  The half time show was under way and everyone was anxious to see who would be performing.  As the smoke cleared, it became apparent to the group that Bobby Brown would be the one putting on the show.  He sang a couple songs and had numerous dancers perform center stage with him.  Although some of the DTS attendees did not particularly enjoy Bobby Brown’s performance, they still had a blast at the game.

            The Pistons emerged from the locker room reenergized and ready to attempt to win this game.  They put on a good show despite their loss to the Orlando Magic.  All DTS attendees were glad that they came.  As everyone was preparing to head home they were met with another great surprise.  A group of the Piston’s cheerleaders had come up to their section to say hello.  They took pictures and chit chatted with the clients about the game.  If they weren’t already having the time of their life, they sure were now.  After some time, staff politely said their goodbyes and loaded up the vans to head home.

            It was about 11pm when the caravan returned to the Wabash facility.  Everyone was in good spirits even though the Pistons lost the game.  They were delighted with the new bags and photos they had acquired from the game.  All in all, DTS had a good time at the game and plans to attend more events like this in the near future.

           

            If you have any ideas of events or activities please feel free to comment below. We appreciate your thoughts and ideas!