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

pennytutor@cox.net 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 elidadesmond@gmail.com 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

elidadesmond@gmail.com 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 rosemarylevy@gmail.com 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