DECEMBER NEWSLETTER - 2009
Greetings!

I am thrilled that soon I will be viewing one of my all time favorite movies, A Christmas Carol.  However, I can't help the feeling of disbelief that Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is sliding in quickly. Yikes, I still haven't adapted to the school schedule!  Ready or not...THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!    
 
Hopefully, taking advantage of the events LGAN is offering this month can relieve some of the holiday pressure.  Avoid the Santa mall chaos and plan to see Santa at the (calming) LaGrange Public Library.  You'll have an opportunity to chat with friends while the little ones are crafting and card making.  Or, ease dinner pressure and learn quick healthy techniques during A&E's Cooking Demonstration. Below are many more delightful options guaranteed to spread cheer to you and others. 
 
"I don't know what to do!" cried Scrooge.  Laughing and crying in the same breath.  "I am as light as a feather.  I am as happy as an Angel.  I am as Merry as a school-boy.  A Merry Christmas to every-body!  A happy New Year to all the World! " -Charles Dickens
 
May your hearts be filled with joy,
Rochelle Dale
President
 
 
December Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 1st
7:30 PM gathering;  8:00 PM meeting call to order
Host: Nicole Garrity, 482-0141  Co-Host: Meghann Replin
Location: 120 S. Catherine Avenue, La Grange
             
Please forward Rochelle Dale ([email protected]) topics to cover at the meeting if no one from your committee is available to attend.
Sunshine
 
A HUGE thank you to those who prepared meals for families these last few (and upcoming!) months: Sam Cvengros, Nicole Garrity, Meghan Hess, Mary Ganzel, Ally Hayes, Sarah Lacauchois, Sheila Peake, Cathy Quinlan, Stephanie Hill, Anke Parrish, Caroline Dillon, Becky Spratford, Katherine O'Neill, Katie Mulcahy.  The families are so appreciative of this and thankful to you. 
Book Club
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Our annual Holiday Book Exchange Party will be held on Thursday, December 3rd, at Aurelio's in LaGrange starting at 7:00 PM
 
Please join us if you're interested in joining the Book Club or are an old member who would like to reconnect for an evening!
 
Please bring a new or gently used book, anonymously wrapped, to exchange. 
Outings with Children - Donuts & Coffee with Santa
 
DATE: December 5th, 9:30-11:00 AM
LOCATION: LaGrange Library's downstairs meeting space 
 
Santa is coming to town!  Join us for donuts, juice, coffee and merriment!  Santa will arrive at 9:45 AM so bring your camera and wish list!  We will have craft tables for the kids to make ornaments and holiday cards for grandparents or other special people!
 
Cost is $5 per child, and needs to be dropped off by Friday, December 1st to Sarah Peto - 835 S. Spring Ave.
Annual Toy Drive
 
It's time for our annual Child Link toy drive!  Share the HOLIDAY SPIRIT by providing toys to children in need, who may not otherwise receive a gift this year.   
 
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
 
1)  Contact Tonya Chevalier at [email protected] or 354-4002 to be assigned to a child by age and gender. (For example, you may be asked to provide a gift for a 5-year-old girl.)

2)  Bring your new, unwrapped gift to one of the drop-off locations listed above. Be sure to label it with the appropriate age and gender. There's no limit to the number of children you can request (suggested gift value is $20 per child).
 
DROP-OFF DATES/PLACES
 
Saturday, December 5th, 9:30-11:00 AM
Bring your donation to our Donuts for Santa event at the La Grange Library!
 
Monday, December 7th, 9:30-11:00 AM; 1:00-7:00 PM
Home of Nicole Garrity, 120 S. Catherine, La Grange 
 
Wednesday, December 9th, 9:30-11:00 AM; 1:00-7:00 PM
Home of Ali Hyde, 405 S. Sunset, La Grange 
 
We appreciate your generosity!
Gourmet Lunch
 
Thursday, December 10th, 12:30-3:00 PM
 
Learn some new recipes and relax during the hectic holiday season with the December Gourmet Lunch.  
 
House #1
Host: Dawn Kruke, Co-Host: Kate LeTarte
623 Glenwood Lane, La Grange

 
House #2
Host: Anke Parrish, Co-Host: America Castagnola   
103 S. 7th Ave, La Grange
 
RSVP by Wednesday, December 2nd to Stacy McCarty (708-579-5569) or [email protected]
Cooking Demonstration - Hidden Healthy Foods by Chef Pat McCroy
 
Enjoy an evening with neighbors and friends as Chef McCroy demonstrates family friendly recipes that are healthy and simple. Your husband and kids will not even know they are eating healthy.  Menu items will include baked mac and cheese, an Asian turkey or salmon burger and a super easy super healthy cauliflower puree as an alternative to mashed potatoes.  Please RSVP to Jeanne at 354.0812 or [email protected].
 
Location: Grimes residence, 427 Blackstone Avenue, LaGrange
Date:  Thursday, December 10th
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 PM
Cost: $25
Minimum - 8
Playgroup
 
Mondays from 9:30-11:00 AM, $3 per family per visit
 
Location: First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Avenue, La Grange

No more playing outside?  Come join us indoors at Playgroup!
 
Playgroup is a great place for kids and caregivers to make new friends and socialize in two spacious rooms full of toys for the tiniest babies to active toddlers and
pre-schoolers.  Playgroup is a drop-in group, no RSVP required or any commitment - just come when you can. The cost is $3.00 per family per visit.  It's a great way to start the week for kids and moms as well.  Please note, we will NOT MEET on December 21st or 28th.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Courtney Deuter (579-3832) [email protected]  or Ellen MacEntee (579-3495) or [email protected]
Wine and Friends
 
Mark your calendar for the next "New Member" event on Thursday, January 28th at the home of Stefanie Schodrof.  This evening will be all about creating a great list of wines for less than $10 and, of course, having great conversation!  More details to follow.
Newsletter Articles...
 
Newsletter articles and information are due the 10th of each month.  Please forward your information to [email protected]
 
THANK YOU!
IN THIS ISSUE
Book Club - 12/3, 7:00 PM
Donuts with Santa - 12/5, 9:30 AM
Annual Toy Drive - 12/5, 12/7, 12/9
Gourmet Lunch - 12/10, 12:30 PM
Cooking Demonstration - 12/10, 7:00 PM
Playgroup - Mondays at 9:30 AM
Wine and Friends - 1/28/10
 
 
Do you have a friend or neighbor who wants to join?

book club

Click on this link for the membership form.
 
Membership is $25 per year. 
 
 
 
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
 
 
PICTURES WANTED!
 
Please forward any pictures you may have from prior events to Cathy Quinlan @ [email protected].    
 
Thank You!
 
 
BABIES!!
 
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It's a boy!
Adam Palmer
8 lbs., 11 oz.

 Angie Lally (and husband Brian) had their second child on October 21. Big sister is Jenna (15 months).
 
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MEMBERSHIP
 
If you know someone who is new in town or even an old friend you haven't seen for a while, please forward the membership form to them. Newcomers & Neighbors offers a  great way to connect!    
 
Email Megan Kostal @ [email protected] for additional membership information.
 
 
QUICK LINKS
 
 
 
 
LAGRANGE AREA NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS OFFICERS
 
President
Rochelle Dale
 
1st Vice President
Val Walls
 
2nd Vice President
Stefanie Schodrof
 
Treasurer
Sandy Wallin
482-2506

Corresponding Secretary
Mary DeJonge
588-0458
 
Recording Secretary
America Castagnola
482-0747
Historian
Cathy Quinlan 352-2240