Olly Olly Play Café
Address: 321 Park Ave., Glencoe IL 60022
Phone: (847) 835-2004
Web: ollyollyplaycafe.com
Contact: Lauren Yang
Tel.: 847-835-2004
E-mail: Lauren.mariko3@gmail.com

Olly Olly Play Café Opens Doors to North Shore
Glencoe, IL—March 6, 2012—In an age where babies use iPhones and family members connect more with their laptops than with each other, the Olly Olly Play Café comes as a breath of fresh air. Glencoe’s new indoor play space provides a stimulating environment for children’s imaginations while strengthening family bonds.

Putting the Plugs Away
With the advent of week-long events like “TV Tune Out” and “Screenbreak”, owner Emi Kelsey became increasingly aware of the need of a space where children could find alternatives to electronics. “The whole idea is about imagination. Children sit in front of a screen and have everything said to them—I wanted them to create their own worlds,” said Kelsey.

Rather than be disheartened by the prevalence of gadget-wielding toddlers, Kelsey decided to provide an alternative by transforming the first floor of the North Shore School for the Arts (which she also owns) into a fantasy world for children. Practice studios became dress up and art rooms, the recital space became a cozy café—and an enormous, custom-made castle was built to stand at the entryway into fantasyland. To provide as many outlets for children as possible, Kelsey personally selected each of the hundreds of toys and that fill the play space to ensure its quality. Similarly, the dress-up room boasts an impressive collection of costumes and accessories to transform children into pirates, princesses, knights, ninjas, fairies and even dragons.

A Place to Learn and Play
The Olly Olly Play Café was inspired by the idea of bringing simplicity and creativity to children’s playtime. Kelsey believes that through play, children can battle the forces of evil, conquer their fears, define their identities and develop their sense of right and wrong. By stimulating children’s minds and encouraging them to think beyond what is obvious, or what is fed to them, children can be free to see the possibilities that are open to them.

“We’re creating an optimal space for children’s minds to expand, which has a value they can later use in life,” Kelsey said. “Through play,children can battle the forces of evil, conquer their fears, develop social skills and so much more.” Events like monthly Family Nites will encourage everyone in the family—from two-year-olds to grandparents—to play games, sing together or learn new skills. The Olly Olly Play Café will also host classes like Disney Song Class (for four to seven year olds) and Baby Signing (for adults) to further promote technology-free learning.

About the Olly Olly Play Café
With its cozy interior and countless ways to play, the Olly Olly Play Café is an ideal space for playdates, family outings, play groups,birthday parties and more. An impressive castle stands at the entrance to a number of rooms filled with games, toys, costumes, and even a pirate ship. Dress as an Elizabethan queen, delve into a book, “cook” up a meal or play your own music! The Café also offers classes and special events to encourage both children and adults to learn as they play. A number of delicious snack options are available, as well as coffee and other beverages for parents. The Olly Olly Play Café is located at 321 Park Ave. in Glencoe and is open 9:00 a.m. til 5:30p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
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If you’d like more information about the Olly Olly Play Café, or to
schedule an interview, please call Lauren Yang at (847) 835-2004 or
e-mail Lauren at Lauren.mariko3@gmail.com

Olly Olly Play Café
321 Park Ave., Glencoe 60022
847-835-2004
ollyollyplaycafe.com
Contact: Lauren Yang
Tel.: 847-835-2004
E-mail: Lauren.mariko3@gmail.com

Registration Opens for Spring Classes at the North Shore School for the Arts
Glencoe, IL—March 1, 2012—To herald the arrival of spring, the Olly Olly Play Café
has opened registration for three new classes for both adults and children. Both
educational and entertaining, all of the classes will be taught by either local experts or
instructors from the North Shore School for the Arts.

Baby Signing Class
Have you ever wanted to decrease your baby/toddler’s frustration while attempting to
communicate? Do you want to help your child express wants and needs before he or she
can talk?

Learn sign language! In conjunction with the Olly Olly Play Café, expert Karen Aguilar
offers you a chance to learn more about communication before speech. This four-week
course not only teaches baby sign language, but also explains the psychology, benefits
and theory behind it.

This four-week adult class is held from 10AM to 11AM on Saturdays beginning April 7,
2012. To register, please call 847-835-2004.

Disney Song Class
A fabulous way to introduce children to voice and performance with the songs they love!
We bring you songs from Disney films new and old, taught by teacher and performer
Allison Hull, as well as an education in voice, acting and performance skills. Students are
welcome to invite family and friends to see them perform at the final class.

This five-week class is held from 11AM to 12PM on Saturdays beginning April 7, 2012
for participants aged 4-7. To register, please call 847-835-2004.Broadway Song Class
Calling all stars! Sing out your favorite Broadway tunes at this hourlong class. Voice
teacher and performer Allison Hull will teach voice, acting and performance skills using
Hal Leonard’s “Solos from Musicals for Kids” book and practice CD. Invite family and
friends to the final performance class!

This five-week class is held from 12PM to 1PM on Saturdays beginning April 7, 2012 for
participants aged 8-12. To register, please call 847-835-2004.

About the Olly Olly Play Café
With its cozy interior and infinite ways to play, the Olly Olly Play Café is an ideal space
for playdates, family outings, play groups, birthday parties and more. An impressive
castle guards the entrance to a number of rooms filled with games, toys and costumes.
Dress as an Elizabethan queen, delve into a book, “cook” up a meal or play your own
music! The Café also offers classes and special events to encourage both children and
adults to learn as they play. A number of delicious snack options are available, as well as
coffee and other beverages for parents. The Olly Olly Play Café is located at 321 Park
Ave. in Glencoe and is open 9:00AM til 5:30PM Monday thru Friday and 10:00AM til
3:00PM on Saturdays.
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If you’d like more information about the Olly Olly Play Café, or to schedule an
interview, please call Lauren Yang at (847) 835-2004 or e-mail Lauren at Lauren.mariko3@gmail.com