christ child society · 2011-06-30 · june 2011 christ child society of phoenix serving the...
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June 2011
Christ Child Society of Phoenix
Serving the Children of the Valley of the Sun
These words of our Society’s foundress seem so apropos in light of the recent celebration of Pentecost and
the raging forest fires across our state. Small sparks can produce great fires, and so it is with our Chapter.
In sadness we remember the sparks of two members who have passed on to their heavenly reward. June
Szalay left us the morning after our Annual Meeting, but we remember in gratitude her many years of service
to the children and the Phoenix Chapter, particularly her creative spark and energy. Also, we gratefully
remember the quiet service of Ann Heck, who packed hundreds of layettes in Ahwatukee. The Christ Child
has surely welcomed them home with love
What a fire of celebration for the 2010-2011 year we had at the Annual Meeting! Thanks to Barbara
Gallagher for spearheading the arrangements for a meeting where we welcomed eleven provisionals to active
membership, installed our new officers, announced the rest of the Board, recognized one of our scholarship
winners, and saluted all that we accomplished this year.
Installed as officers for the 2011-2012 year, along with me, are
Bette Laatsch – Vice President
MaryEllen Pendleton – Vice President
Tricia Senderling – Secretary
Janice Grogan – Treasurer
The rest of the Board includes
Barbara Corbett – Advisor
Shirley Hennessy – Directory of Long Range Planning
Rosemary Levy – Director of Membership
Wallie Sweeney – Director of Program Services
Johanna Warner – Director of Service Projects
Unfortunately, the Board has accepted with regrets the resignation of Secretary Tricia Senderling. Tricia
will continue with her current service projects but may have to return to work part time. I am very grateful to
Tricia for handling the correspondence until a replacement is appointed, hopefully soon.
The Executive Board held a successful planning retreat and are enkindled with the fire of enthusiasm for
year ahead.
Thanks to our You Are My Hero funding, St. Vincent de Paul School is holding its summer camp. Perhaps
you saw the article about it in the most recent The Catholic Sun. What a wonderful experience for the children
as they have learned about dealing with bullies, managing anger, keeping prayer journals, and appreciating
the gifts God has lit within them!
My prayer for you this summer is that you will nurture the loving fire of the Christ Child and Mary
Virginia Merrick as you refresh yourselves to continue spreading that spark in service to the needy children of
our valley throughout the coming year.
Hugs and blessings,
Julie
United Together in Service and Love
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
“It is so easy to stifle these budding desires to serve, and event the smallest is worth nurturing, for they must be born of
love and may be fanned into a great fire to warm many.”
— Mary Virginia Merrick
June 2011 Page 2 Christ Child Society of Phoenix
APOSTOLIC
by Alice Wold
PRAYER CORNER
Prayer requests are emailed as they are received to
anyone who has provided an email address. They are then
printed monthly in the newsletter. If you have not been
getting the emails, please call Alice Wold at
480-759-6678.
Joni Auger Grace Kilbury's friend
Norman Eiting Edna Langley's brother Chris Fischer Janice Grogan's relative
Ethan Joseph Grubbs Kathy Davidson's grandson
Marlene Gunder Arlene Pogue's sister
Edna Langley Elaine Renner Julie Berkel's relative
Terry Temple Director of Liturgy and Music, OLPH Scottsdale
Those threatened by AZ wildfires
IN LOVING MEMORY
Steven Gale Geri Cavanaugh's nephew
Ted Jaros Helen Jaros' Husband
June Szalay
REMEMBRANCES
IN MEMORY OF
Ted Jaros Julie Berkel Charles & Jo Ann Donnelly Suzanne Ell Carol & Don Engel Patricia Ford Chuck & Marion Hebting Ellie Povinelli Jackie & Harry Ross
June Szalay Julie Berkel Anna J. Bessemer Don & Carol Bessemer Tina Cavalcant George & Jean Chasse R.F. Chedester Survivor's Trust Lynda Cullor Jim & Barbara Daisher Dr. & Mrs. S.J. DeFrancesco Charles & Jo Ann Donnelly Suzanne Ell Carol & Don Engel Janet & Joe Gambino Raymond & Rosemarie Horning Margie & Jack Hubbard Delores Jakubek
Jim & Elaine Keenan David & Lisa Keene Judy Lauinger Lauinger Family Michael & Fran Mallace Alice & Lewis Moore Kay North Pat Pierce Ellie Povinelli Alice Rivera Stan & Jane Rolen Jackie & Harry Ross The Teddy Bear Ladies Noreen Van Velzer Mary Wedge Mary Jane & Arthur Weiss Pat & Jack Wilson Dan & Nancy Yahraus
Michael Valladares Chuck & Marion Hebting
Noah Scott Warnecke Carol & Don Engel
IN HONOR OF
Bette & Eugene Laatsch’s
50th WeddingAnniversary Carol & Don Engel
Janice Grogan
Kass & Mary Kaspor
Audrey & Virgil Tracy
NCCS MISSION STATEMENT
In March the National Board voted to adopt an updated
Mission Statement:
The National Christ Child Society is a non-profit organization of members dedicated to service to children in need, for love of the Christ Child.
This rewording emphasizes how CCS differs from other
child-centered service organizations. Dropped is the phrase
“regardless of race or creed,” which in Mary Virginia
Merrick’s time was necessary but is now federally man-
dated. The National Board hopes that the change reflects a
return to the Society’s roots.
FUN FACTS ON FINANCE
by Janice Grogan
This year we will be conducting a Giving Campaign fol-
lowed by an Appreciation Party rather than a Fall Fund-
raiser. Why? Last year the Finance Committee
recommended that we hold the campaign and the fund-
raiser in alternating years, so that we avoid overtaxing the
generosity of our members and friends in our current
economy. Last year’s Board approved the recommendation.
June 2011 Page 3 Monthly Newsletter
Student Prayer Journals
These are laminated paper quilt squares that students
have made related to stories on handling bullies and
anger management. Other squares will be made on gifts
that God has given them (friendship, family, thanksgiv-
ing, kindness, etc.) based on the story The Ultimate Gift.
DONNELLY’S RELOCATION
Past President Jo Ann Donnelly and her husband, Past
Advisory Board member Charlie, are moving back to
Michigan to be near family.
Not only is Jo Ann one of the founders of our Chapter,
but she also served as the 2008-2009 President and
subsequently as Advisor. Over the years she and Charlie
have generously shared their time, talents, and treasure to
help the Chapter serve thousands of needy children.
Their move has come about quickly, so we are unable to
thank them with a proper send-off. Fortunately, we hope
to see them again after the first of the year as they plan to
spend a couple months here in the winter.
They left Arizona last week, but good wishes may be
sent to their Scottsdale address as the mail will be
forwarded. When they have settled into their new
residence, we will share their new address. Their email
address remains the same.
As they leave for the Midwest, we extend our eternal
gratitude to them for all they have done for CCS of
Phoenix, and we pray that the Christ Child will shower
abundant blessings on them.
CHRIST CHILD BRIDGE
by Geraldine Ryan
A number of Christ Child members have reorganized
the bridge group. In May, thanks to Margaret Ziernicki,
a group of 12 met at Scottsdale House for a morning of
bridge and lunch. Another get together was held June
14th. The next meeting will be on July 12th at 10:00am at
Scottsdale House. There will be no bridge in August but
will start once again in September and play through the
year. Monthly dates will be published in the newsletter
and in the roster. Contact Penny Willson at
[email protected] for information.
Upcoming dates include
Tuesday, July 12th Tuesday, September 13th Tuesday, October 11th Tuesday, November 8th Tuesday, December 13th
Thanks to Peggy Kelly, Eunice Thomas, and Penny
Willson for their efforts with this project.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP
You Are My Hero award contributions funded the summer camp. Please refer to President’s letter on front page.
June 2011 Page 4 Christ Child Society of Phoenix
Lynda Cliftion (far left), 2010-2011 Provisionals, Mary Martin (far right)
Diane Howe, Barbara Gallagher, Suzanne Ell
ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, May 4th, the Christ Child Society of
Phoenix gathered at the Arizona Country Club to hold its
Annual Meeting and Luncheon, arranged by Barbara
Gallagher. Members and guests enjoyed a delicious
luncheon and delightful camaraderie.
After a welcome by President Julie Berkel, we had a
moment of silence to honor our sisters who had passed
away this year: Peggy Roney, Margaret Momsen, Betty
Roberton, Jo Swiger, Marge Krakora, and Ruth El-
dridge. Following the treasurer’s report, Mary Letson
received a Starfish award for her work with Educational
Enrichment and Long Range Planning.
We welcomed eleven provisionals to active member-
ship: Ginny Barnes, Pilar Brya, Teresa Donnelly,
Pat French, Lucy Geenen, Barbara Habig, Jane
Lockhart, Dicksie Patterson, Tricia Senderling, Sharon
Sindorf, and Wallie Sweeney.
Focusing on the theme of United Together in Service and
Love, Julie reported on what a year 2010-2011 was and
what a difference everyone made during the year as she
recounted the chapter’s accomplishments and those
responsible.
Jo Ann Donnelly, chair of the Nominating Commit-
tee, presented the slate of officers and Msgr. McMahon
installed Julie Berkel as President, Bette Laatsch and
MaryEllen Pendleton as Vice Presidents, Tricia
Senderling as Secretary, and Janice Grogan as
Treasurer. Julie thanked the outgoing Board and pre-
sented the 2011-2012 Board of Directors
During the meeting we collected $156.65 for Miss
Mary’s Jars plus donated the 50-50 raffle receipts to
purchase milk for St. Matthew’s children, a great way to
end our year.
Julie Berkel, Janice Grogan, Tricia Senderling, MaryEllen Pendleton, Bette Laatsch
Julie Berkel and Katya Guevara, St. Catherine of Siena student
June 2011 Page 5 Monthly Newsletter
Pilar Brya, Debby Chadwick, Maggie Donovan, Dolores Moran, Darlene Blizzard
SERVICE PROJECTS
by Johanna Warner
Debby Chadwick, after several years, will be stepping
down as Chairperson of Book Club Buddies. Thank you
to Debby for your smiles and dedication to the children
of St. Matthew School and Christ Child Society.
Congratulations to Pilar Brya will be the new chair-
person of Book Club Buddies.
This was my first year as Service Project Chairperson
and what a learning experience it was. I owe so much to
all of the Project Chairs.
Special thanks to Diane Howe, Sharon Schneider,
Ruth Stuart, Barbara Ruff, Jen Donovan, Bette Laatsch,
Marilyn Carey, Debby Chadwick, Mary Letson ,Carol
Long, and our President Julie Berkel who held my hand.
BABY SHOTS - DIANE HOWE
The next Baby Shots clinic will be held on Saturday,
July 9th. Phoenix Fire Department is now coordinating
Child Safety Seat installation instructions at the Baby
Shots location.
EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT
BOOK CLUB BUDDIES - DEBBY CHADWICK
It has been another fabulous year for Book Club
Buddies at St. Matthew School. The volunteers logged a
total of 249.5 hours for the year. As a tradition, on May
17th, we met for the "End of Year Celebration." This year,
Chris Gall, author and illustrator, did a presentation on
the art of writing and illustrating books. Chris was quite
entertaining, and the fourth and fifth graders had many
questions to ask. As a special treat, Chris unveiled his
new book which will be out at the end of June. Each
student received a book which was personally auto-
graphed. The book list consisted of America the Beautiful,
Dear Fish, There's Nothing to do on Mars, and Dinotrux. We
ended the afternoon with yummy treats and wishing
everyone a wonderful summer. The children gave each
volunteer a rose and thank you cards.
A big THANK YOU goes to Margaret Piacentine for
her many years of volunteering with Book Club Buddies.
Margaret is retiring her reading glasses and taking a
break next year. She has inspired many of us with her
dedication to helping children.
Quotes from a couple of students about Margaret:
"Ms. Margaret, you are very nice. I was very lucky I
had you as my volunteer. I hope you have a great
summer! Thank you.” Marisa
"Thank you for helping me read better. Once again
thank you, Ms. Margaret.” Marc
STORY BOOK FRIENDS - MARY LETSON
Mary reports that for this last half of the year 13 active
volunteers at St. Agnes School registered 244 hours serv-
ing 13 children twice a month.
Mary held a short planning meeting with the
volunteers and children, and they agreed reading is the
top priority. For the coming year one story will be read to
all of the children, and then a volunteer will work with a
maximum of three children with another story. Story Book
Friends will meet one time each month at St. Agnes
serving 24 children instead of two times a month as was
the program in the past. They will continue with the sight
vocabulary cards which the children can decorate with
their markers. The day they meet has not been
determined.
There has been mention of extending the Story Book
Friends to other schools, but this can only be done with
the help of volunteers. This is something to think about
during our summer vacations.
BEDTIME BAGS – BARBARA RUFF & JEN DONOVAN
On May 5th, Team I distributed 114 Bedtime Bags.
Barbara included her June distribution into May since she
was attending her sorority reunion on June 4th. What a
fun and well deserved time for her!
On May 5th Team II distributed 139 Bedtime Bags. Jen
also included her June distribution into May numbers
since she was on her way to San Diego for the summer.
Have fu, Jen!
TEDDY BEARS – SHARON SCHNEIDER
The Teddy Bear ladies once again were hard at work on
April 28th, May 12th, and May 26th. At each work day 47
volunteers completed 50 bears for a total of 150.
Impressive! Teddy Bear work days are the same as Mt.
Claret Layette.
June 2011 Page 6 Christ Child Society of Phoenix
SERVICE PROJECTS - CONT.
LAYETTE - ELAINE O’TOOLE
As we close out another successful and productive
year for the Layette project, some acknowledgements
are in order. As chairperson
for 2011-2012, I am happy
to take over the reins from
Bette Laatsch, last year’s
coordinator. I have chaired
Layette in the past going
all the way back to 2000-
2002 when the Phoenix
group met at Creighton
United Methodist Church
and we rented a storage
unit away from the work
site to store all our items.
Oh, how times have
changed!
Layette is the largest project in the Phoenix chapter,
with 41 volunteers at Corpus Christi parish in
Ahwatukee and 84 volunteers at Mt. Claret. Each group
meets twice a month. Some of these women work at
home.
The total number of items produced since June 2010
is 13,680! This number includes quilts and
miscellaneous items. A whopping 1,003 Layette bags
have been filled since September 2010. The numbers of
hours logged totals 31,792! These are some pretty
impressive numbers!
Below is a list of volunteers at both Layette locations
who handled extra Layette responsibilities during the
past year.
Overall coordinator: Bette Laatsch
Purchased fabric, flannel, ribbing, yarn, notions, diapers:
Bette Laatsch Carol Engel
Suzanne Ell Mary Kaspor
Joanne Fitzpatrick Julie Berkel
Ellie Povinelli Maxine Faltys
Dorothy Mackowski
Communicating with the hospitals and clinics:
Carol Engel
Calculated the inventory and volunteer hours:
Bette Laatsch
Quilts chairs:
Mary Kaspor Joanne Fitzpatrick
Bag Packers Committee AKA “Bag Ladies”:
Gwen Jacober Shirley Fitzjarrald
Mary Letson Mary Berti
Since June 1, 2010
Layette
Total items
made 13,680
Made reminder calls for desserts:
Joanne Fitzpatrick Jane Rolen
Prepared tags for the bags: Dottie Kida
Hosted and planned the annual potluck:
Edna Kvochak
Prepared and chaired the Mom’s Gifts Committee:
Marilyn Carey
For always lending support: Julie Berkel
A big thank you to all and anyone else I may have
missed!
Both Layette groups will meet at Mt. Claret (9:30am to
1:30pm) two more times this summer:
Thurs., July 28th Thurs., August 25th
Bring a brown bag lunch and we will provide dessert!
MISSION OF MERCY - CAROL LONG
Tours of Mission of Mercy will continue during the
summer months. Please contact Paula Carvalho, tour
coordinator 602-861-2233.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
by Elida Desmond
In order that you may receive newsletters and
announcements from the Christ Child Society, please
keep us informed if you have any changes of address,
telephone or e-mail, etc.
Please forward your contact information changes to
Elida Desmond at [email protected] or send
them to the Christ Child Society of Phoenix Center.
Christ Child Society of Phoenix
Attn: Membership Chair
4633 N. 54th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018-1904
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Thank you to those who have sent in their renewal
forms. If you were not able to attend the Annual Meeting
in May, you would have received yours in the mail by
now. It is important that you check over the information
that is pre-printed on your form. This is how we are able
to keep all membership updated and also the roster you
will receive in the fall, so please make sure everything is
correct. If you cannot find your form, email me at
[email protected] or call me at 480-620-4856
and I will be happy to send one to you ASAP. I am
looking forward to renewing friendships this fall. Have a
wonderful summer.
June 2011 Page 7 Monthly Newsletter
2011- 2012 Officers
and
Board of Directors
President
Julie Berkel
Vice President Bette Laatsch
Vice President
MaryEllen Pendleton
Secretary
TBA
Treasurer
Janice Grogan
Advisor Barbara Corbett
Director of Long Range Planning Shirley Hennessy
Director of Membership Rosemary Levy
Director of Program Services Wallie Sweeney
Director of Service Projects Johanna Warner Mission of Mercy:
Most sites every Tuesday and Wednesday; St. Catherine of Siena site 2nd & 4th Tuesday.
The Christ Child Society of Phoenix Newsletter is published monthly September through June, except January.
The deadline for the SEPTEMBER newsletter is Tuesday, August 30th. Please submit articles by email to
Rosemary Levy at [email protected] as attachments prepared using Microsoft Word. Please make sure you save your files
as - WORD 97-2003. If you cannot do attachments or cannot save your file as Microsoft Word, you can type your article in the email
message. Any questions or concerns, please call Rosemary Levy at 602-430-5225.
The newsletter is only mailed to members who have no email address or who have requested a paper copy be mailed to them.
When the newsletter is available, members will be sent an email with a pdf file attachment. If you missed your email, you can also
access the newsletters at any time using this link: www.christchildsocietyofphoenix.wordpress.com
You must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer in order to access the PDF file. The software can be downloaded free
at http://www.adobe.com/products/reader.
The office of the Christ Child Society of Phoenix is located at Mt. Claret, 4633 North 54th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Christ Child Society of Phoenix is a member chapter of the National Christ Child Society, Inc.,4340 East West Highway-Suite 202, Bethesda, MD 20815, 800-814-2149 - www.nationalchristchildsoc.org
JULY
Tuesday, July 12 Bridge 10:00am Scottsdale House
Thursday, July 28 Layette & Teddy Bears 9:30am Mt. Claret
AUGUST
Thursday, August 25 Layette & Teddy Bears 9:30am Mt. Claret
Tuesday, August 30 September newsletter deadline
SEPTEMBER
Thursday, Sept 8 Bedtime Bags 9:00am Mt. Claret
Board of Directors’ Training Mt. Claret 12:30pm
Friday, September 9 Moms’ Kits 9:00am Mt. Claret
Saturday, September 10 Baby Shots Christown Mall
Monday, September 12 Board of Directors meeting 9:15am Mt. Claret
Tuesday, September 13 Bridge 10:00am Scottsdale House
Wednesday, September 14 Layette 9:00am Corpus Christi
Thursday, September 15 Layette & Teddy Bears 9:30am Mt. Claret
Monday, September 19 Mass & General Membership mtg. Mt. Claret 9:30am
Provisional meeting Mt. Claret
Tuesday, September 20 Book Club Buddies St. Matthew
Provisional Tour, Book Club Buddies St. Matthew
Friday and Saturday, September 23 &-24 NCCS Conference Bethesda, MD
Monday, September 26 Book Club I – Sarah’s Key 9:30am Mt. Claret
Wednesday, September 28 Layette 9:00am Corpus Christi
Thursday, September 29 Layette & Teddy Bears 9:30am Mt. Claret
Mark your Calendar…
Christ Child Society
of Phoenix
Mt. Claret Center
4633 N. 54th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
IN 2010-2011, CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX
SERVED CHILDREN THROUGH THESE AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS:
Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Banner Desert Medical Center Phoenix Fire Department Baby Shots Program
Black Family and Children’s Services Phoenix Indian Medical Center
Chandler Regional Hospital St. Agnes School
Changing Lives Center – Phoenix Rescue Mission St. Catherine of Siena School
Child Protective Services (CPS) St. Daniel School
Chrysalis St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
De Colores St. Matthew School
Desert Mission Food Bank – John C. Lincoln St. Vincent de Paul School
Elim House – Salvation Army Sojourner Center
Maricopa County Nurses Clinics South Phoenix Healthy Start
Maricopa Integrated Health System Sunshine Residential Homes
Mission of Mercy UMOM New Day Center
New Life Center Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter
Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Medical Center Welcome to America Project