Small SLWC logo
MAY 2012
St Luke Women's Club Newsletter
In This Issue
Around the Corner
Gardens Still Needed
Notes of Thanks
Parish Happenings
Member News
Beginner Vegetable Garden Tips
Graduation Gift Ideas
Moms we know well
In Our Prayers
Our Deepest Sympathies

 

 

 

FAMILIES IN NEED OF MEALS

 

If you or know of another parish family who is in need of meals due to illness or any other reason.

Please Contact:

Molly Hague 366 6778

mhague23@gmail.com

 


As a reminder - we have several recurring parts of the newsletters for you to keep in mind.  

 

Sounds Like Fun?

Do you have a talent or hobby and looking for others.  Let us know and we can try to get others interested in forming a group. 

Knitters/bridge players bowling/runners/walkers

roller derby/dinner swapping?? 

Please contact:  

Noreen Leavy 708 404 0556 nonomck@hotmail.com

 

 

Meals For Families 

in Need 

If you or know of any parish families that need help with meals due to family illness or other reasons  

Please contact:  

Molly Hague 708-366-6778 mhague23@gmail.com 

  

PLEASE NOTE:  

In order for you to be notified of   families that will need meal service, YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN UP TO Lotsa Helping Hands e-mail list.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP   

 

 

Member News

Do you have some exciting news to share with all of us - perhaps a new member of the family or wedding, or celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday?  We would love to share in the joy with you - so please let us know.

Please contact:  

Katie Planek 708 848 6547 katiefahey33@hotmail.com

 

 

In Our Prayers

In this section of the newsletter we will recognize special intentions of any nature that we receive.  We will also recognize and offers prayers for the recently departed St Luke parishioners.

Please contact:  

Kathleen Parrilli 708 366 5710 r.parrilli@comcast.net

 

 

Our Deepest Sympathies

This area of newsletter will be reserved for any St Luke Women's Club member who has recently lost a loved one who is not a parishioner of St Luke. All too many times we hear of a close loved one long after the services have taken place. We want you to know that you have our support and in our prayers during this time, so please don't hesitate to let us know especially if there are local services being held. 

Please Contact:  

Amy Hart Tomaso 708 488 0551 atomaso@gloor.com

 

 

 
 
 
(Courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff blog
www.sixsistersstuff.com)
 
 
1.  Make your own fondue.
 Use a fondue pot (or crock pot) and dip fresh fruit, cake, cookies, marshmallows, and pretzels in melted chocolate. Try 
 delicious recipe!
2. Make homemade pizzas together. Try our Easy Pizza Crust Recipe and choose your own toppings!
3. Fly kites. You can usually find them at the dollar store!
4. Try a new sport together. My husband is an avid snowboarder, so we hit the slopes! It was so fun to see him doing something he loves, even though I had quite a few wipe outs!
5. Have a game night. Pull out all of your board games for a friendly night of competition. Be sure to have some treats for the occasion, like our Gooey Almond and Coconut Chex Mix.
6. Be a tourist in your own city. Find what tourist attractions are in your city and spend the night acting like tourists, which includes taking cheesy pictures!
7. Go rollerblading (if the weather is bad, try an indoor skating rink). We found ours at a thrift store for just a few bucks!
8. Explore. Rent a four wheeler, snowmobile, scooter, waver runner or something you can do a little exploring on. You can often find deals online for cheap rentals!
9.  Go to a thrift store.
 Each person gets $5 to spend! See who ends up with the best item(s)!
10.  Have a picnic.
 If the weather doesn't permit, lay out a blanket on the floor and eat in the living room!
11. Go see a play. Whether at your local community theater, high school or a big production, there is plenty of entertainment available!
12. Stargazing. Pack a blanket, pillows and food, like our Ham and Swiss Poppy Seed Sandwiches or Chili's Copycat Salsa, and go somewhere to see the stars. Do some research before and look for constellations.
13. Go to a park (if weather permits). Swing on the swings, play frisbee, or feed the ducks!
14. Check out a local museum. They usually don't cost much, if anything, to get in!
15. Have a "crazy dinner." Each person gets $5 (or whatever amount you decide) to spend on any food item at the grocery store for dinner. Come home and prepare your meal! You might end up with some random food!
16.  Make ice cream sundaes.
 Head to the store and buy some vanilla ice cream and your favorite toppings. Relax and enjoy your tasty treat!
17. Go to a local sporting event. Luckily, sports are going on year around! Grab some snacks and head out to the ball game!
18. Treasure hunting. Head to the ATM and get out $10-$20. Drive around to some local yard sales and see what you end up with! There are tons on the weekends!
19. Go on a bike ride (if weather permits). If you don't have a bike, check the classifieds for a great deal! You could even pack a lunch!
20. Have a living room camp out. Make a tent out of blankets, watch a movie and sleep out on an air mattress. As you can see, we had a little visitor!
21. Love Languages. Take The 5 Love Languages Test to see how to improve your relationship. End the evening with our Easy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!
22.  Go for a swim.
 Head to a local pool and relax in the pool and hot tub!
23. Have a coupon date. Only eat or do activities you have coupons for. We used our local coupon book from the mail and went to the driving range and dinner for about $12 total! You can also check out our newest sponsor, Coupon Lynx, for some great deals!
24. Volunteer. Sign up to volunteer at a soup kitchen, retirement home or somewhere that could use a helping hand!
25. Go to a local fair or carnival. Be sure to bring some cash to play some games!
26.  Take a free factory tour.
 You would be surprised what factories are around you! We toured a cheese factory and had free samples at the end!
27.  Visit the zoo.
 If you don't live near a zoo, go somewhere to see your local wildlife.
28. Take a drive. Get out of the house and take a drive. Take a look at nature or local scenery! For example, changing leaves in the fall, flowers blooming in the spring, etc. You might want to bring some Muddy Buddies in case you get hungry!
29.  Have a movie marathon.
 We were able to get the 
Back to the Future Trilogy
and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
 for less than 10 dollars each online (both my husband's choosing)! You might want to have some of our 
 to munch on!
30.  Wii Game Night at home (or any other gaming system).
 Grab some food and drinks and stay in for the night playing your favorite games! Make some wagers on any sports you might be playing. We occasionally have a cute, little third wheel on our dates. :)
31. Go bowling. To make things a little more difficult, try different styles like only using your opposite hand, "granny" style, eyes closed, etc.
32. Make indoor s'mores and read campfire stories. If you don't have a gas stove, you could light candles to cook your marshmallows over! As you can tell, I was pretty excited!
33. TV show marathon. Pick a TV show and get a whole season's worth of DVDs (or use Netflix, you can get the first month free) and watch it together! Of course, you'll need some popcorn so try our Cinnamon Bear Popcorn Recipe!
34. Theme night. Pick a theme for the night and center everything around it. For example, Mexican night. You could eat Mexican food and go salsa dancing! Our Chili's Copycat Skillet Queso would be the perfect addition to your evening!
35. Try a new restaurant. We usually end up eating out at the same places. Pick somewhere neither of you have been and try it out! Who knows, it might be a new favorite!
36. Take some lessons. Try taking a lesson for a couples dance, pottery or a cooking class!
37.  Restaurant hop.
 Go to a different restaurant for each course of the meal. Make three stops for an appetizer, main course and dessert. Take turns picking where to go!
38. Have a spa night. Since your husband/significant other probably isn't into manicures or pedicures, you could try massages, bubble baths, etc. You can buy some white towels and robes to make it really official (I found my white towels for $3 each at Wal Mart.).
39. 20 questions. Write a list of 20 questions to ask each other or find one on the internet. Go over your answers afterward. Here is a list of 20 questions for married couples.
 
40. Make breakfast together and eat it in bed (you could do this while the kids are still sleeping). We love french toast! You can check out our Recipe Index for some delicious breakfast ideas!
41. Exercise together. Attend an exercise class at a local gym, take a walk or jog together or do something active!
42. Go for a test drive. Head to your nearest car dealership and test drive your dream car!
43. Take a hike. This website will show you places near you to hike!
44. Breakin' records. Read through the Guinness Book of World Records together, and find something the two of you could potentially achieve as a couple and then do it together as a cheap date.
45.  Visit a bakery.
 Go to a local bakery and pick out a treat for each other.
46. Cook a meal together. Find a recipe you've never tried and make it together. Be sure to include some dessert, like our Chili's Hot Fudge Molten Lava Cakes!
47. Write a bucket list. Make a list of things you want to do before you die and go do one to cross it off the list!
48. House hunting. Tour some homes and plan out your dream home!
49. Restaurant at home. Find recipes from some of your favorite recipes online, create a menu and have a lovely meal at home! Here is our Olive Garden Date Night and menu (recipes included)!
50. Go to the arcade. Get some quarters and head to your nearest arcade! Play some games and buy prizes with the tickets you win.



 

Dear Women of St. Luke Parish,   
 
There are so many beautiful events and memories to be grateful for during the month of May: Confirmations, First Communions, Graduations, Mother's Day, May Crownings, margaritas, springtime weddings, baseball, etc. It's also a very busy time, so best of luck navigating through it all! 
 
There are several items that are on the horizon with the SLWC.  The dates are coming quickly so please make sure to check them out.
 
GOLF LEAGUE:
We have the Golf League (see full details below) which begins THIS TUESDAY, May 8th!!!  This is a very low key, fun league.  If interested please join us on Tuesday.  It should be a good time.
 
PACK THE PEWS hosted by SLWC:
In lieu of a parish wide May Crowning, we are hosting a Pack the Pews on Saturday, May 12th after 5pm mass (see Parish Happenings below for more details).  The theme of this event after mass will be "Mary:  A Celebration Honoring Our Blessed Mother". We need help, but more importantly would love for you to come!  We will provide a main entree for the group, but looking for volunteers:
   *To help set up in Waldron 8:30am - Saturday May 12th
   *To bring Fruit (can drop at Waldron 4:30pm on May 12th)
   *To bring a Desserts (can drop at Waldron 4:30pm on May 12th)
   *To help at the craft table with special Marian crafts

There are some terrific recipes and baking ideas on the following link:

 
 
 
If you would like to volunteer or RSVP, please get in touch with Katie Planek - katiefahey33@hotmail.com - 708 848 6547.  
 
GARDEN WALK: 
We are getting closer and beginning to plan the Garden Walk which is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 2012 (rain date Sunday, June 17, 21012).  Thank you to those who have already volunteered their gardens.  We are an easy group to please and still looking for more gardens!!!! Please get in touch with Noreen Leavy - nonomck@hotmail.com or 708 404 0556.
For more information see below.
 
Have a splendid May!
 
Thank you for your continued support.


Warm Regards,

Molly Hague
Noreen Leavy
Kathleen Parrilli
Amy Hart Tomaso
Pat Devereux
Katie Planek
 

Remember:  All of our newsletters and current information and invites are archived on the St. Luke Parish website click here for St. Luke Parish website.  It takes some digging to get to Women's Club page, but we are there. And generally speaking, anything you see in the newsletter in bright blue and underlined can be clicked on for further information.

 

 

 

Around the Corner...
                  

INDIAN BOUNDARY

Tuesday night WOMEN'S LEAGUE

 

 

 

DATE:           Begins: May 8th 5:00pm - 

                       1st Night FREE!!!                                    

                                               

LOCATION:  Indian Boundary

                        8600 W Forest Preserve Ave.

                        Chicago, IL 60634

 

EVENT:        Women's League (Beginners - Intermediate)

                       Very Loose Format - come as a                                                          single/double/triple and join others to make a                                  foursome OR create and bring your own                                            foursome

 

FORMAT:     9 holes stroke play (10weeks)

                                               

COST:           $100.00 initial starter fee and weekly charge                                    of  $10.00 Walking or $15.00 Riding

                      

                Includes:

                       2012 Forest Preserve Golf Card

                       1 Dozen Ladies Golf balls

                       End of Season Raffle (2 starter sets of clubs                                          among other items)

                       Buy One Get One Free Round of 18 holes                                              Coupon

                       Closest to the Pin Contest Every week - Winner                                    plays FREE the  following week

 

ENTRY DEADLINE:    

                       Entry Forms and Fee must be received at                                          Indian Boundary on TUESDAY, MAY 8th

                       9 Holes FREE!! FREE!! FREE this night!

 

QUESTIONS??? 

Contact Dean @ Indian Boundary - (773) 625.9630 or Noreen Leavy - nonomck@hotmail.com or 708 404 0556

 

CLICK HERE FOR 

GOLF REGISTRATION FORM 

  

 

 

 

 

GARDENS STILL NEEDED
        

GARDEN WALK:

And we already heard from a couple of you on the Garden Walk which we will be on Saturday, June 16, 2012 (rain date Sunday, June 17, 2012).  WE ARE EASY TO PLEASE AND STILL LOOKING FOR GARDENS. The walk may be from 10am-2pm and will be held in outside gardens only.  Ticket holders can start and end at any garden - so it's a very loose schedule.  Ideally we would love to get some homes in the same area so it is walkable.  There's a chance we may have an open reception with refreshments at St. Luke or another location close to gardens that makes sense. If interested in volunteering your garden - please contact Noreen Leavy - nonomck@hotmail.com or 708 404 0556.


 

Article Title
Notes of Thanks

From the Parish and Peace & Justice Committee: 

Many thanks to all who hosted the simple suppers after the Stations of the Cross during Lent: the Peace and Justice Committee, St. Luke School and Religious Education, the St. Luke Women's Club, the Youth Ministry, the Traditional and Contemporary Choirs and Coach John Lynch and his 4th grade basketball team. The food was simple but delicious and the ambiance the best.

 

Special thank you to the SLWC members who volunteered for the Lenten simple dinner on Friday, March 9th:

Helene Slowik, Meg Sullivan, Nancy Carr, Noreen Leavy, Lisa Shanahan, Terri Flynn, Karen Stelmach, Mary Pat Devereux, Katie Planek, Rose Szurko Ramage, Molly and Kaitlyn Hague, and Rita Johnston
 
*****************************************************************
 
Dear St. Luke Women's Club,
 
Thank you so much for your prayers and support during this most difficult time, and for the mass said in memory of Dave.  We are also very grateful for the beautiful Candle Honor Guard.  It was very symbolic and truly touching, and something we will never forget.  Alexis and I have indeed made good friends here at St. Luke's and we thank God for the blessings of this community. Please know what we believe in our hearts "that our friends are quiet angels who help us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
 
Your friends,
 
Ann Marie & Alexis Wojcik
  
**We are always happy to share and publish a note of thanks, please let us know if you would like us to do so**
Parish Happenings

 

 

Mary
A Celebration honoring our Blessed Mother

 

The SLWC is hosting a special
"Pack the Pews"
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Waldron Hall 
after 5:00pm mass 
 
ALL ARE WELCOME

 

Please join us for an evening devoted to 

our Blessed Mother

Dinner*, special treats and activities will be provided.

 

*Suggested Donation: 

$20 for families or $5 for seniors/singles

 

 

Looking for volunteers:

 

* To help set up in Waldron Hall 8:30am Sat. May 12th
*To bring Fruit (can drop at Waldron 4:30pm on May 12th)
*To bring a Dessert (can drop at Waldron 4:30pm on May 12th)
*To help at craft table with special Marian crafts

 

 

Contact Katie Planek to volunteer or RSVP
katiefahey33@hotmail.com or 708 848 6547

 

 

______________________________________________

 

Ministry of Praise

The Ministry of Praise welcomes new members. It asks that you pray daily for the needs of the parish. We all can participate in this worthy venture. Intentions and prayers are sent to you monthly by mail or e-mail. Please call Father Leroy at the rectory to join this very important ministry (708-771-8250).

 

_____________________________________


                           

Praying the Rosary During

May

May is traditionally a month of special devotion to Mary, especially the praying of the rosary. Each weekday, Monday through Saturday, the rosary is

prayed in church immediately after the 8:00 am Mass.

Everyone is cordially invited

  



*******************************************
We target to get our newsletter out between the 1st and 10th of the month.  If you have parish related information you would like us to post, please make sure you get it to us in time

 

Member News

Many Blessings to the 

Marty and Kerry Paris Family! 

Grace Kathleen Paris - 7 lbs 7 oz. - 19 inches

 was welcomed to the world

on 4/24/12.  

This is number 6 for the Paris'!  

Way to go! She is beautiful!

 

 

Many Blessings also to 

and John and Peggy Gruber Family! 

         

Emmett Anthony   7 lbs. 11oz

was welcomed to the world

on 5/01/12.

This is number 3 for the Grubers!

Way to go! He is a cutie pie!  

 

 

 

Congratulations to 

Doug and Kathy Kurtenbach

recipients of this year 

Archdiocesan Development Council's 

Impact Award!

 

 

The Kurtenbachs were recognized this year by the Archdiocese at their annual luncheon this past Wednesday.  Here are some kind words about Doug and Kathy taken from the program:

 

"At some point in your development career you may have the excellent fortune to be introduced to a couple like Doug and Kathy Kurtenbach.  If so, you will feel a wonderful partnership in your efforts and the ongoing support of those partners will be a tremendous factor in reaching your goals.  Such is the case for both St. Luke and Trinity."

 

Naturally, Doug and Kathy have been very modest about this recognition, but we felt it was important to extend our heartfelt congratulations and are grateful for the many ways they support St. Luke, Catholic schools and live out our Catholic mission!!!

 

Beginner Vegetable Garden Tips
(Courtesy of the Old Farmers Almanac - Almanac.com)
  

If you're a beginner vegetable gardener, here are basics on vegetable garden planning: site selection, plot size, which vegetables to grow, and other gardening tips.

Remember this: It's better to be proud of a small garden than to be frustrated by a big one!

One of the common errors for beginners is planting too much too soon and way more than anybody could eat or want. Unless you want to have zucchini taking up residence in your attic, plan carefully. Start small.

The Very Basics

First, here are some very basic concepts on topics you'll want to explore further as you become a vegetable gardener extraordinaire:

  • Do you have enough sun exposure? Vegetables love the sun. They need at least 6 hours of full sun every day, and preferably 8.
  • Know your soil. Most soil can be enriched with compost and be fine for planting, but some soil needs more help. Vegetables must have good, loamy, well-drained soil. Check with your local nursery or local cooperative extension office about free soil test kits so that you can assess your soil type. See our article on preparing soil for planting.
  • Placement is everything. Avoid planting too near a tree, which will steal nutrients and shade the garden. In addition, a garden too close to the house will help to discourage wild animals from nibbling away your potential harvest.
  • Decide between tilling and a raised bed.  If you have poor soil or a bad back, a raised bed built with nonpressure-treated wood offers many benefits. See more about raised garden beds and how to build them.
  • Vegetables need lots of water, at least 1 inch of water a week. See more about when to water vegetables.
  • You'll need some basic planting tools.  These are the essentials: spade, garden fork, soaking hose, hoe, hand weeder, and wheelbarrow (or bucket) for moving around mulch or soil. It's worth paying a bit extra for quality tools.
  • Study those seed catalogs and order early.
  • Check your frost dates. Find first and last frost dates in your area and be alert to your local conditions.

Deciding How Big

A good-size beginner vegetable garden is about 16x10 feet and features crops that are easy to grow. A plot this size, planted as suggested below, can feed a family of four for one summer, with a little extra for canning and freezing (or giving away).

Make your garden 11 rows wide, with each row 10 feet long. The rows should run north and south to take full advantage of the sun.

Vegetables that may yield more than one crop per season are beans, beets, carrots, cabbage, kohlrabi, lettuce, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, and turnips. 

Suggested Plants for 11 Rows

The vegetables suggested below are common, productive plants but you'll also want to contract your local cooperative extension to determine what plants grow best in your local area. Think about what you like to eat as well as what's difficult to find in a grocery store or farmers' market.

(Note: Link from each vegetable to a free planting and growing guide.)

(Note: If this garden is too large for your needs, you do not have to plant all 11 rows, and you can also make the rows shorter. You can choose the veggies that you'd like to grow!)

When to Plant?

For more advice on starting a garden, visit our main gardening page at Almanac.com/Gardening

 
Graduation Gift Ideas 

Looking for a gift for your graduate?  Here are 50 ideas organized by price.  Keep your graduate's future plans in mind when trying to choose the perfect gift.

 

Big Ticket Items (Price is no object)

  • Vacation or travel tour
  • Car
  • Money
  • Laptop computer
  • Stock or CD
  • Cell phone complete with a paid plan
  • Furniture - Great gift for the college graduate who is moving out of mom and dad's house.
  • Small refrigerator - A very useful gift for the teen who will be living in a dorm room at college.

Mid-Priced Items (Priced $51 - $250)

  • Briefcase
  • Clothing gift card
  • Watch
  • Microwave
  • Toaster oven - This appliance is useful for college dorm living, especially if the student is not allowed microwaves in his/her dorm room.
  • Set of luggage
  • A package from a resume writing service - Excellent gift for the teen who will be looking for a job or a college graduate.
  • Camera
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • IPod
  • Recorder and cassettes for lectures
  • Bookshelf
  • Pure gold or silver coin with graduate year on it
  • Stereo
  • Printer
  • Tool box with basic tools
  • Engraved jewelry
  • Personalized graduation item
  • Money tree
  • Money clip complete with money
  • Wallet with some money

Economical Gifts (Priced under $50)

  • Book about future field of study or career
  • Devotional
  • Self-help Book
  • Inspirational book
  • Photo album filled with memories
  • Address book filled with friend's addresses and phone numbers
  • Fill a laundry basket with laundry soap, fabric softener or dryer sheets, roll of quarters and directions on how to separate your laundry - Perfect gift for the teen who is moving out or going to college.
  • A piece of luggage
  • Resume writing books
  • Set of sheets
  • Picture frames with pictures of high school years
  • Organizer or planner
  • Desk accessories
  • Umbrella
  • Iron
  • Coffee maker
  • Hot pot
  • Footlocker
  • Jump drive
  • Phone card

 

Moms we know well...


  
In Our Prayers

Please keep the following special intentions in prayer:

 

  • The Mear Family - Sean Michael Mear, was born on Thursday, April12th. He lived for seven hours and died peacefully, surrounded by his family.  Several months before his birth, Sean had been diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Collene and Bill were aware that his life on Earth would be short.  Thank you to all who helped and participated in the honor guard for the family.  Please keep their entire family in your prayers.
  • For all of the St. Luke Confirmandis who were confirmed in April and our First Communion candidates this weekend.  May God continue to bless them and their families as they move forward in growing in their faith. 
  • For all Mothers - present and in spirit.  May their loving and nuturing ways continue to bring light to the world.
  • For all the special intentions we hold in our hearts.

 

Our heartfelt condolences to all who have recently lost a beloved family member or friend of St. Luke Parish.

 

May the souls of 

Joy Wieczorek, Mary L. Hartley, Sean Michael Mear 

and Stephen A. Smitrest in peace.  

 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

 

 

Our Deepest Sympathies

Our deepest sympathies go out to our SLWC members who have recently lost a loved one.  Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

 

 

Katie Osga's mother - Barbara O'Neill 

 

 

 

About St Luke Women's Club
Newsletter feedback/ideas or suggestions?
Contact:  Katie Planek 
708 846 6547 - katiefahey33@hotmail.com 
 
THANK YOU FOR  
SUPPORTING SLWC! 
 
Interested in becoming a SLWC member?

 
Molly Hague:  Co-President
mhague23@gmail.com or 708 366 6778
Noreen Leavy:  Co-President
nonomck@hotmail.com or 708 404 0556
Kathleen Parrilli:  Co-Vice President
r.parrilli@comcast.net or 708 366 5710
Amy Hart Tomaso:  Co-Vice President
atomaso@gloor.com or 708 488 0551
Pat Devereux:  Senior Officer
devcomom@aol.com
Katie Planek:  Communications
katiefahey33@hotmail.com or 708 848 6547

St Luke Women's Club
528 Lathrop
River Forest, Illinois 60305