Emergence of Spirit

01/17/2024

Building unity out of diversity.

01/01/2024

Always lead with ❤️…

On this last day of the year, I want to say a special thank you to each of you. Whether you are a donor or recipient, you are apart of everything special about Oh Happy Play. What was fueled by the pandemic (neighbors helping neighbors), has turned into a federally recognized nonprofit committed to keeping toys out of the landfill and in the hands of children across the tri-state area. Although this is our busiest season, we are committed to our mission every day. We provide toys and play items throughout the year for any family who so desires them.

As we prepare for a new year, we ask for your continued support. First, we cannot exist without donations. Gently used toys is how we serve the community. Second, we need volunteers in the shop. Keeping the store safe, stocked, and in order is a continuous process and priority. Third, your financial support ensures we can keep the doors open. Keeping the lights on cost money. Purchasing supplies cost money. Sharing our message cost money. Currently we receive no public funding. We are able to do what we do because someone believed in our mission.

As we welcome 2024, I have one goal for this year. To expand Oh Happy Play into neighboring communities. Whether it’s a pop up shop from our trailer or partnerships with other youth serving organizations, we have one goal - to keep toys out of the landfill in the hands of our children.

Blessings to each of you for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

…and in all things..always lead with ❤️

“Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful. ”
Susan Linn - Contemporary American psychiatrist

12/22/2023

We want everyone to get the food they need to have a happy, healthy holiday season. Please connect with the folks on this flyer to get the support you need. Merry Christmas,
to one and all! 💚❤🎁🤶‍🎄🎅❤💚❄️☃️
Dubuque Food Pantry
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dubuque
The Salvation Army Dubuque IA
Dubuque Area Labor Harvest
Dubuque Rescue Mission
St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Dubuque
Cathedral of St. Raphael and St. Patrick Church

12/21/2023

At St. John's, "Doubts are ok, questions are welcome, please, come as you are."
Sundays 10am

12/08/2023

Christmas Basket Sign-up!
M W F 1-3:30 Tuesday 9-11:30 In person only. No phone calls
Pick up Baskets Dec. 18, 19

12/08/2023

On Saturday, December 16, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dubuque will be conducting a drive-through mobile food pantry in partnership with the River Bend Food Bank, St. Stephen's Branch. Food will be given out free of charge to those who need it. There are no requirements for participation. 🎅‍🎄🤶 🎁

In addition to distributing food, the event will also be giving out over 250 knitted winter hats, scarves and gloves which have made by church members throughout the year. Also, female hygiene products will be distributed provided by The Red Basket Project of Dubuque. 🫶🙏🧤🧣❤️💚❤️💚

09/23/2023

Hey all! We're excited for our final show of the season! If you plan to join us at tomorrow's performance and will be paying with your card, please go purchase your tickets here: https://emergenceofspirit.ticketspice.com/emergence-of-spirit-souls-of-sorrow-2023-september-9-16-23

We will only be accepting cash and Venmo at the event.
Thanks so much--see you at the show!

Get Tickets for Emergence of Spirit: Souls of Sorrow 2023 September 16th & 23rd.

09/15/2023

By all accounts, Michele Chillook is a Renaissance woman, although she modestly would deny it.

09/08/2023

ATTN: IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR!!!

Regarding this Saturday's performance of EoS: Souls of Sorrow, our opening night will be pushed back to September 16. Yes, that means there will be no show this weekend. SO many circumstances have led up to the making of this incredibly difficult decision. Various cast members have had to leave over the course of the last two weeks for personal reasons, and illness has held us back in many ways. Every time we were presented with an obstacle, the remaining members of the show have tried so hard to continue to still bring this to the stage when their leader told them, "The show must go on!" So, now I am saying, "The show premiere must wait until next weekend." We want to present you the best version of this show that we can. I have worked very hard creating this production--8 years!--and the signs to postpone have been there both etherealy and from the mouths of loved ones, but I was not ready to receive the message of "Wait! Slow down..." and continued to persevere.

I want to thank everyone in the cast (present AND past--you all contributed your energy!) for continually showing up and putting your heart and soul into the actualization of this performance. I want to thank everyone who has purchased tickets for our opening night, and apologize for those of you who were looking forward to this show and cannot make one of the other Saturdays. I will be reaching out to each of you to see if you would rather be reimbursed for your ticket, or have us transfer it to another night (the 16th or the 23rd.) And thank you to EVERYONE holding space energetically and excited for this to all be taking place.

Sincerely and with great gratitude,
Michele Chillook

08/07/2023

Summary: LIVE YOUR ART! CREATE! SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY, or keep it private--JUST DO IT!

Thanks to Sara Mess for sharing this image.

08/01/2023

Those moves 💖

07/24/2023

07/24/2023

Wondering who’s setting sail for Dubuque?🚢 Check out this week's riverboats below⬇️ Head to traveldubuque.com/riverboat-events for exact arrival and departure dates and times.

07/24/2023

😢

It is with great sadness that the National Endowment for the Arts acknowledges the passing of vocalist Tony Bennett, recipient of a 2006 NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor in jazz.

Our statement: http://bit.ly/46VUsxg

07/24/2023

Don’t forget that auditions are this coming Saturday! All are welcome—and if you know any sopranos, send them our way!

(Gif description: Dolly Parton, using her fingers to draw a heart shape in the air.)

Emergence of Spirit: Souls of Sorrow is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Dubuque.

To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Act Grants to Local Arts Agencies for Subgranting impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov

National Endowment for the Arts City of Dubuque Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs