“A Country Village Christmas” 2018 – “Santa’s Workshop”

“The toy shop door is locked up tight and everything is quiet for the night” . . . but it is our good luck to peek inside and see what wonderful surprises await for the 2018 “A Country Village Christmas” bazaar raffle.

The Decorative Wooden Handcart (#1) is a charming decorating piece that will inspire you with a whole year of holiday design. It has a short handle pull and a back seat cart with a decorative ladder trim. Each of the four wheels features 4 cut-out hearts. Wouldn’t this be a cute display for Easter with 2 bunnies and a cart full of Easter eggs? Or, you could fill the cart with pinecones, Christmas ornaments, Valentine hearts or any decoration. The cart comes with 2 Christmas mice proudly settled in the driver’s seat.

The family pet will become a very pampered pooch with the Doggie Gift Basket (#2) donated by Chris Anderson of the Lucky Dog Lodge. Stuffed with dog treats and toys as well as a boarding certificate good for 1 day of a 3-day minimum lodging, and a $75.00 training gift certificate, this prize will make any dog “woof” with happy anticipation. Chris’ granddaughter, Piper Johnson, is a Visitation Kindergarten student.

Jaydee Hurd has crafted and donated a set of Custom Bag Boards (#3). Highlighted with a blue stain, the set comes with matching bags. In addition, if desired, the winner will be able to choose a customized logo/decal design of their choice. Jaydee and Shelly Hurd are the parents of Cyrus, currently a Visitation 5th grader.

Designed to keep us looking beautiful, is the Rodan and Fields Renewing Gift Set (#4) donated by Lacey Landwehr. Included in the set are Intensive Renewing Serum and Lip Renewing Serum Capsules. The set carries an approximate $150.00 value. Lacey is a marketing rep for Rodan and Fields, her husband, Dustin operates a solar systems business to provide energy to homes and businesses. They are the parents of Irvin, Ava, Lucy and Cora, 6th, 5th, 3rd and 2nd grade Vis kids. The family are members of Hill Church.

Reminiscent of a long ago era is the Porcelain Doll and Wicker Chair (#5) donated by Lynn Baker. Sculpted and then cast in fine porcelain, this Jan Nahrgang doll has a soft body, and wears a long white dress trimmed in lace. She has blue eyes and long, curled blonde hair. She is seated in a wicker chair. A white lace heart-shaped pillow is also included. “Taylor” is #250 of 250 and comes with a certificate of authenticity. You may remember Lynn’s mom, Ione Hicks, who was a frequent donor to our raffle over the years – “Taylor” was one of the favorites from Ione’s doll collection. Lynn is a 1975 Vis graduate. Also Vis graduates, are her sons, Jeremy (1993) and Jesse (2001)

Seems like BIG presents are always an anticipated attraction at Christmas. One of

the biggest of all and donated by Janelle Gibson, is the Power Ranger Toy “Lion Fire Fortress Zord” (#6). Over 20” tall, this ultimate playset features 3 modes of play. Janelle (2002) is Visitation’s 8th grade teacher. She and her husband, Eric (2001) are the parents of Gracen, a current Pre-K 3 Vis kid, and RaeAnn. They are members of St. John Paul II Parish.

Crafted and donated by Kali Nichols and Tim and Mary Ann Anderson are 2 Rustic End Tables (#7). The lower portion of each of these pine tables is painted white and features a flat area for storage. Two sides of each table are highlighted by an X cross piece. The top is stained. Kali, Visitation’s Pre-School teacher, is 1998 Visitation graduate. She and her husband, Nate, are the parents of Vis kids Reid, Jake, and Kade and new baby, Lola. Tim is the P.E. teacher at Visitation and Co-Athletic Director for the Visitation Giants.

Imaginations will flourish with the very appealing Bakery/Bookshelf (#8) crafted and donated by Marty and Kara Yepsen. The 36” x 24” white bakery/bookshelf features a scalloped pink/white stripe awning supported by 2 peppermint stripe poles and completed with 6 large cubicles for storage. Included with the bakery are 3 Melissa & Doug Playsets; a Christmas Cookie Play Set, a Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set and a Triple-Layer Party Cake Set along with a Child’s Cupcake Apron. Once the childhood years are gone, the bakery becomes a bookshelf – a wonderful dual purpose prize! Kara is a 1984 Vis graduate. She and husband Marty, are the parents of Natalie (2017), Avery in 7th grade and Lila in 2nd grade. The family are members of St. John Paul II Parish.

Holy Family Piece (#9) donated by Megan Sloan.

Ready to fulfill her dream of attending Space Camp, Luciana, 2018’s American Girl Doll of the Year (#10), will surprise one lucky child with the anticipation and magic of possibility. Hoping to become the first girl on Mars, this charming doll is destined to provide hours of imaginative play. Luciana will inspire your favorite child with creativity, confidence and a serious curiosity for science. She comes with a book, clothes, a hand crafted Visitation school uniform and a $50 American Girl Gift Card. This exciting prize is donated by Sheila Donovan and Liz Blachinsky – Sheila, a dedicated volunteer and Liz, a former Visitation principal and teacher.

Autumn McGarvey, a Certified Personal Trainer with Kewanee Physical Therapy, has donated a Fitness Basket (#11) that contains a 1-year gift certificate to Kewanee Physical Therapy, a 3-month gift certificate to the Lott, KPT’s newest facility, along with a variety of physical fitness products. The entire basket has a value of $450.00. Children James and Madelyn are Pre-K and 2nd grade Vis kids.

Three women with a plan to be strong supporters of the value of Catholic Education have joined together with their extensive skills to bring us the Rocking Chair w/Quilt and Cross Stitch Pillow (#12). This attractive vintage rocker with a navy/white check cushion brings to mind a perfect spot for comfort and ease. Included with the chair is a delightful Christmas quilt, and a coordinating cross-stitch Christmas pillow. Cathy Berry used her cross stitch expertise to decorate the pillow which was constructed by Carol Kolata. Liz Blachinsky designed and fashioned the quilt, shown in modern day colors of red, black and silver fabrics, as well as provided the rocker and comfortable cushion. All three of these ladies were once Visitation school teachers – perhaps you remember them as one of your own teachers!

Doug and Darlene Hilgendorf recognize just how all-consuming the Christmas season can be. Realizing that Santa and his numerous helpers would welcome a quiet respite, they have put together Santa’s Night-After-Christmas Gift Basket (#13). Inside you’ll find lots of goodies for relaxing after the big day. Included in an attractive wicker basket are 2 coffee mugs with cocoa packets, 2 wine glasses, a bottle of wine, sausage and crackers, famous Lagomarcino candy, popcorn and gift cards for Pizza Hut, Subway and Family Video. Doug, (also known as “Mr. H.” to the children) and Darlene are both volunteers at Visitation where they work weekly with students, providing extra time and focused attention with reading. Doug is a member of St. John Paul II’s Adult Choir. Their children are Ken, Lynn and Franklin (class of 1988).

Jaydee and Shelly Hurd have donated a “Welcome” Flag Stand (#14) that will look outstanding on your porch, garden area or front entrance. Designed to hold a decorative garden flag, the oak structure bears an attractive “Welcome” stencil across the top. What an attractive welcome to your home!

We are excited to present you with another superb donation from Alex Stisser with his Hand Blown Glass Ornaments (#15). This prize offers 4 ornaments in 4 assorted colors. In addition to farming, Alex continues to maintain his part time glass blowing business which has been a 25+ years effort. He earned his BFA in Glass at Illinois State University and then worked for glass artists’ studios throughout New England and the Pacific Northwest. While employed at Benjamin Moore Incorporated, Alex was fortunate enough to work alongside Benjamin Moore, Dante Marioni and Dan Dailey. He is currently a lead glassblower and designer at the Museum of Glass International Center for Contemporary Art in Tacoma, Washington. How fortunate we are to have him share his creativity and beauty with Visitation. Be sure to check out his website alexstisserglass.com for more beautiful creations.

Christmas is a great time to gather everyone for a family photo and Erin Stevenson has made that so easy with her donation of a $100 Photography Gift Certificate (#16). The certificate is good towards any service she provides and is good for 1 year. Erin has been taking photos ever since her high school days and today maintains her own professional business. Check out her website at www.erinstevensonphoto.com to see examples of her work. Married to Jake Stevenson (class of 1993), Erin and her husband are the parents of Visitation students Liam in 3rd grade and Lydia in Pre-K.

‘Enough food to feed an army’ is a common statement that will surely match Matt McGarvey’s Meat Bundle (#17) donation. Get out your recipe book! This large bundle contains 100# of ground beef and promises to provide numerous and delicious meals for your family. Matt, farms in Henry and Stark Counties and also works as a Crop Insurance Adjustor. James ad Madelyn McGarvey are current Pre-K and 2nd grade Vis kids.

Master wood worker, Jerry Rupp has created and donated 2 of his beautiful Turned Wooden Bowls (#18). In addition, the 2 bowls come with a signed copy of Joyce Rupp’s Book (#18) “Fragments of Your Ancient Name”. The book offers 365 glimpses of the Divine for daily meditation – a most perfect way to begin the new year either as a gift or as a gift for yourself. Piper Johnson, Jerry’s Great Granddaughter who is also Joyce’s Great- great niece, is a Visitation Kindergarten student.

Emerson Place Brennan is a Black Quilted Leather Kate Spade Handbag (#19) donated by the Baze family/JMac Metals. It can be carried cross body or clutch style by removing the optional gold chain. What a beautiful example of a talented designer’s work! Kelli and Adam Baze are the parents of Harper and Remi, Kindergarten and Pre-K Vis kids.

Christmas time is such a beautiful season to entertain! You will be the talk of the town when your guests arrive to enjoy the Catered Holiday Appetizer Party (#20) prepared by Britton Anderson with support from Sheila Cromien and Nancy Granell. This prize consists of appetizers for 20 people, 4 bottles of assorted wine, and a New York Style Cheesecake. The appetizers are Spinach Artichoke Dip, Crackers/Bread, Smothered Italian Beef Sliders, Stuffed Mushrooms, Shrimp Cocktail and a Chacuterie Board (a variety of cured and/or pickled meats, and a pate, including some bold flavors.) The winner will be able to contact Britton for availability. A lifelong baker, Britton has a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis. Today, she operates a small baking business: “Creative Confections”. Britton and her husband, Brad, operate a small hobby farm where they raise animals which includes hogs, cattle and rabbits. They also enjoy fishing and vacationing with family. Children Adam, Grady and Avery are current 2nd, and Pre-K Vis kids.

A wonderful Visitation School success comes back home with the Mixed Media 3D Sunflowers Original Art Piece (#21) created and donated by Rachael Wentworth. The 10” x 24” canvas is comprised of book pages, tag board, paint and ink. Displayed in a beautifully striking arrangement are two 3- dimensional sunflowers on a background canvas of book pages. The sunflowers stand out by being purple rather than the traditional orange and yellow. Rachael is a 2008 graduate of Visitation and carries the distinction of being the first recipient of the Visitation Fine Arts Award. She is a member of the Illinois Arts Council and is currently enrolled in the Master’s Program at Bradley University studying clinical psychology.

A unique and very useful prize is the Portable Tool Caddy w/Tools (#22) donated by friends of Visitation, Ginger and Terry Howe. Constructed from an old box fan, the bright red tool caddy comes with Stanley brand tools which include a hammer, a tape measure, 6 assorted screw drivers, 5 wrenches, a level, a box cutter and 4 drawers to fill with nails or screws. A sturdy handle on top makes this caddy easy to carry to any job. Wouldn’t this make a great gift for a young person just starting out, for a college bound student, or just for yourself! You may remember seeing the Howe’s at previous Bazaars where they sold jewelry. Ginger and Terry are members of First Christian Church.

The Baze family/JMac Metals has provided an additional beautiful handbag in the Thompson Street Kimberly Tote Nude Over-the-Shoulder Kate Spade Handbag (#23). This large over the shoulder bag features a front pocket and roomy interior and comes in a complimentary nude color. Just in time for Black Friday shopping day!

As parents, we like to do everything we can to help our children receive a good education and to support them in developing a love for reading. The Duarte and Vargas families have come up with a great item that will encourage kids to become book lovers. Their donation of a Bookcase w/Books (#24), is filled with a large variety of books; the bookcase then becomes a useful piece of furniture. Carmelo Duarte, with the help of his son, Alex, has constructed this 4 shelf beauty. The bookshelf has a clear coat stain and is constructed of pine. Michael and Mary Vargas finished the look with a donation of books. Additional books were donated by Visitation teachers. Aaliyah, Alex and Annalisse Duarte are 6th and 1st grade Vis kids - big sister Ailynn is a 2015 graduate. Isabelle and Benji Vargas are 4th and 1st grade Visitation students.

Every kid seems to want to be just like Dad and that will be easily achieved if you take home the Child’s Recliner (#25) donated by Dee Dee Devalkenaere. Imagine how excited your favorite child will be with this handsome black leather chair! A quality replica of Dad’s recliner, the chair will provide child size comfort and good looks for any home. The chair has a $130 value. Dee Dee’s grandson, Keagan Boston, is a Visitation first grader. Dee Dee can be found helping out in the school cafeteria when lunch is being served.

Can you believe it! Yet another outstanding donation from the Baze Family/JMac Metals, is the dual colored Bone/Black Fold-over Kate Spade Handbag (#26). This Jackson Street Harlyn bag is stylish and functional. It has a zip-close fold over flap which is a more secure alternative to the spacious main compartment.

Get ready for a shopping spree! Visitation’s own Guardian Angels have notified us of their annual Cash Prize (#27) which this year is $400.00. Christmas shopping will definitely be accomplished with ease for the lucky winner! Get your tickets in now!

The oval Vintage Thomasville Side Table (#28) donated by Jeff and Vashti Berry has been given new life with a modern make over. White chalk paint was used to update the look of this old fashioned piece which has one drawer. It features original wheeled canister feet and the original hardware. This HGTV-inspired look was refurbished by Vashti Berry. Vashti and her husband, Jeffrey (class of 1992) are the parents of Noah in grade 6 and Ella in grade 2. The children are the 4th generation of family to attend Visitation.

The $300 Cash Prize (#29) donated by Christy DeSmit and Damian and Ashley Paxton comes just in time for Christmas! Whether you use it for shopping or saving, this pretty green prize will be a welcome gift for anyone. Just $1.00 buys you a ticket! Ashley, (class of 2001,) and Damian are the proud parents of 4h generation Vis kids, Charlotte, Preston, Benjamin and future Vis student Claire. Ashley’s mom, Christy is a 1978 Visitation alumnus. She is the owner of Kewanee Yoga Center and enjoys spending her time with her 4 grandkids.

An honorable way to admire and respect America and our veterans is with the Crocheted American Flag Afghan (#30) donated by Joyce Willey. Hand crafted in crochet needle work, this red, white and blue afghan highlights the American flag with red and white stripes, and a blue background presenting the traditional white stars. Hand crafted by Bernadine Willey, the afghan measures approximately 45” x 70”. Joyce Willey is a 2002 Visitation graduate; her mother, Sheila, and brothers Brett, Jerry and Chris are also Vis alumni. Joyce’s son, Heath, is a Visitation Pre-K -3 student.

One of our favorite needle artists, Sue Busenbark, has beautifully stitched her traditional cross-stitch donation following her beloved winter/snowman theme. This year’s donation is called “Simply Winter” Cross Stitch (#31). Stitched in the sampler style, this 4” x 6” piece is done on linen and is framed with a forest green frame. Sue likes to read and play bridge. A member of Saint John Paul II Parish, Sue belongs to a couple of reading clubs and also volunteers at the Kewanee Historical Society and the Henry County Museum in Bishop Hill. In addition, she is a frequent aide in Visitation’s Pre-School class.

Traditionally, the cedar chest was used to keep belongings that a young woman would one day use as part of her married life. In the early days of our country, homes often had no closets and thus frequently used a Cedar Chest (#32) as an extra wardrobe. Today, these chests are especially beneficial for storing fabric items including heirlooms and are primarily used for storage. Cedar repels insects and fungi and has a fresh, aromatic scent. Donated by Angie Ryan, this attractive chest, from the Caswell-Runyon Co., is lined with Red Cedar. The chest has been painted in a soft cream while the top has been sanded and stained. It measures 45” long x 18 ½” deep and stands 17” in height. Angie and her husband, Dr. Chris Ryan, are the parents of current Pre-K Vis kid, Calen. Angie is employed as Saint John Paul II’s C.C.D. Coordinator.

Establishing and maintaining healthy habits is a primary concern these days. Addressing that issue is Jason Bates’ donation of several items that come in his Health and Wellness Basket (#33) through the Core Products International, Inc. Company. Included are the Mesh Sitback Rest designed to promote proper posture in any chair while providing support and comfort for the lower back, 3 Micro Beads moist heat therapy products to relieve muscular aches and pains including arthritis, 1Swede-O Joint Wrap Cold Compression Therapy Pack to comfort inflamed joints, 1 Leg Spacer used to relieve pressure and strain while you sleep, and 1 Omni Massage Roller for use as a stress and fatigue reducer on fingers, hands, and elbows. These products carry a combined value of $170.00. Jason and his wife, Melissa are the parents of three sons: Carter, a 2015 Vis graduate attending KHS, and Cooper and Cameron in Visitation’s 7th and 5th grades.

Standing 44” in height, and 30” wide and 16” deep is the Child’s Workbench w/Tools (#34) crafted and donated by Greg DeKeyser. The work surface is 25” from the floor, has adjustable legs and is made of birch plywood which is clear coated for durability. The workbench features dowel and pocket hole construction. A 27” x 15” pegboard back can be used for hanging tools. A Melissa and Doug Tool Kit completes this prize. Your young carpenter will be delighted to find this under the tree on Christmas morning! Greg was Visitation’s P.E. teacher and volleyball coach during the late 80’s and early 90’s. He is married to the former Jill Shinkevich, a 1971 Vis graduate. They are proud grandparents to 13 grandchildren – all spoiled they claim! (a grandparent’s

privilege!)

A clever and very interesting raffle donation is the Glass Chess Board w/Shot Glass Pieces (#35) donated by Debbie Clong. The glass chessboard uses shot glass pieces as chess pieces and comes complete with 12 cordial bottles including rum, vodka and whiskey. All items are packaged nicely in a canvas basket put together by her friend Angel Moore-LeMary. Debbie who is retired from Dairy Queen is an avid bingo player. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police where she participated in war games while stationed in Germany. In 2015, she became a member of the Catholic Church. She now adds her voice to St. John Paul II’s adult choir.

New babies are always a beautiful blessing and here to honor such a treasured gift is Melanie Rupp’s donation of a Baby Quilt (#36). Crafted with an I-Spy theme, the quilt measures 50” x 49”. Melanie has been quilting for 40 years and is a member of Prairie Queen Quilt Club. Her Great granddaughter, Piper Johnson is a Visitation Kindergarten student.

Another unique way to welcome visitors to your home is with the “Welcome” Rock (#37) donated by Candy Louck. Approximately bigger than a basketball, this brown colored stone features an engraved “Welcome” on the face of the rock. Bob Groter, the owner of Wyoming Monument Company is the craftsperson behind this prize. Candy’s son, M.J., is a Visitation 4th grader.

Thank you to Nick Robertson for his always welcome donation of Bernardi’s Restaurant Gift Cards - 4/$25 Cards (#38). You can expect good food and fine service if you become the lucky winner. A great treat for the busy holiday season! Nick’s son, Adam is a Visitation 2nd grader.

Traditionally, the raffle portion of “A Country Village Christmas” Bazaar has been filled with a large and generous variety of prizes; and once again, we have the good fortune to benefit from the generosity of so many people. We would like to acknowledge and thank all of our generous supporters. This, our 32nd year, has brought a bountiful array of wonderful prizes! “A Country Village Christmas” will take place on November 17, 2018 from 9am – 3pm. Raffle tickets sell for $1.00 each and are available from any Visitation parent or in the school office.

Look Again! There’s a storm brewing and this is one storm you’ll want to be right in the middle of! A terrific Quad City Storm Hockey Package (#39) has been forwarded from Santa’s workshop to become part of this year’s raffle! The package includes 1 benchwarmers experience, 1 free Zamboni ride and 10 tickets for use at any regular season home game. All prizes are good throughout the 2018/2019 regular season and are subject to availability. The tickets expire on March 31, 2019.

Beauty at its best! The 2 Serving/Cheese Boards (#40) exquisitely crafted and donated by Tom Newman of Splintered Creations will make your entertaining easy and beautiful as well as functional. The long ash board measures approximately 12” x 4 ½” while the larger walnut board measures14”x 8”. Both are presented in their rich, natural wood tones and feature a leather thong for hanging. The boards have been treated with mineral oil and are safe for food use. Included is a set of 2 cheese knives. Tom, an agronomist, is retired from Wyffels.

Bob and Jan McPheeters, consistent and generous donors, to our raffle; have donated a Power Quick Pot (#41) which today is all the rage for fast, almost instant, meals. This 6 quart 1200-watt pot features 37 preset programs, and comes with a steam rack, a stainless steel interior pot, a recipe book and a casserole pan. The McPheeters are the parents of Melissa and Jonathan (1986) and are members of St. John Paul II Parish.

Sure and begorrah, you’ll be wearin’ the green if you are the lucky winner of the 2 Irish Rosaries and $50 (#42). Donated by Sandy Murphy, these beautiful emerald green rosaries come to us directly from Ireland. To add a little bit more of the green, she’s added $50.00! Sandy is a member of Saint John Paul II Parish

Jim and Kelly VanWinkle surprised us with a wonderful Christmas Tree/Cash and Card Prize (#43). Kelly has designed a large, Christmas tree from a wooden pallet, painted it green and then added a charming Christmas stocking packed full of $60.00 in cash, $20 in Lottery Cards and gift cards from Subway, Taco Bell, Olive Garden and McDonald’s. This multipurpose prize offers lots of opportunities to celebrate the Christmas holidays! The VanWinkles are the parents of Taylor, Bailey and Summer – current Vis kids in 5th,4th and Kindergarten.

So, now, did you really think there wouldn’t be one more raffle item? Just received this afternoon is a beautiful Sofa Table (#44) donated by Michelle Welgat. The top of the table is finished with an expresso colored stain while the bottom is painted white. The table is constructed of pine and measures 36” x 40” x 12 ½” and features 2 open shelves. Michelle was assisted with the construction by her father, Rick VanDeGenachte. Colson, Ellie, Jarek and Maxson Welgat are Visitation 6th, 3rd, Kindergarten and Pre-K students.