Greetings fellow Oak Lawnians! I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year. For our soldiers who are away from their families this Christmas, keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers.
If you’re looking for post-holiday activities to keep the good times with family and friends going, St. Gerald Parish, 9310 S. 55th Ct., will host its annual dinner dance Feb.11.
The annual event has become a tradition for the parish. Debbie Janicke, the development director for St. Gerald, said, “We’ve been having it for at least 20 years, but the last five years, we’ve been trying different things.”
The theme for this year’s dinner is Bootlegger’s Ball. Last year’s dinner was Dancing and Singing With The St. Gerald Stars, in 2014 it was Dancing With The St. Gerald Stars and in 2013, St. Gerald’s Got Talent.
The event will be held in the Jonathan Collins Activity Center, located at the parish. Janicke is hoping for a turnout of about 200 people, but the Activity Center can accommodate a larger group, so more than 200 people would be a good problem to have.
Singing auditions for duets, trios and groups took place on Dec. 7 and there was no shortage of talent or turnout. Janicke said there was “quite a roomful.”
“We had about 12 to 15 people, plus a few others who couldn’t make it to the audition,” she said. “I think we have about eight or nine acts. We have something for everyone.”
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The Outcast Jazz Band will be the featured entertainment for the dancing portion of the evening. The band has provided entertainment for other events at the parish.
“They’re wonderful, they’re primarily jazz, but they play for all age groups. They’re really good,” Janicke said.
Each act will have the opportunity to practice singing with the band in advance of the dinner dance. Janicke added, “Tom Fagan is a well-known music director and he’ll coach and work with the singers.”
Like most events at the parish, a committee is needed to get things done.
“We have about 8 really devoted people – top of the line who we’ve worked with over the years on the event committee,” Janicke said, noting they can always use more volunteers.
The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails (beer, wine, pop), followed by a buffet dinner from 7:30-9 p.m., raffles, the singing portion of the evening and dancing until 11:30 p.m. Bathtub gin will also be available for $5 per glass.
The event is open to everyone. “It’s going to be an evening of great fun and a chance to get out, listen to some music and dance,” said Janicke.
Tickets are $50 per person and are available by contacting Janicke at 708-704-7549 or e-mailing her at [email protected]. Tickets will also be sold after each mass at the parish. Proceeds raised will benefit St. Gerald School.
Here are this week’s celebrity announcements: Christmas birthday wishes go out to Bailey Hornik who turns 16 on Christmas, from her parents, Tom and Dale, and grandparents. Nicole Sharon’s family wish her a happy 19th birthday. Happy 26th birthday to Jennifer Martensen, from her parents, Donna and John, Heather, and grandmother, Jane Martensen-Lytton. Happy 26th birthday to Tina Caruso from her family. Happy 26th birthday to the Harnois quads, Nichole, Joy, Matthew and Nathan, from their parents. Happy 54th birthday to Collin Clark from his wife, Kelly, and their family. Deborah Michicich’s husband, Kevin, Sam and Anna, wish her a happy birthday. Happy birthday to Janice Clardy, from Adam, Jonathan and Clyde. Birthday wishes go out to Janice Leise from her husband, Bill, and daughters, Karen and Rachel. Happy birthday to Mary Thompson from her husband, Ryan. Happy birthday to Margaret Petzel from her family and granddaughter, Charlotte. Happy birthday to Steve Rockey from his wife, Beth, and Kara and Matt. Len Gornik’s family wish him a happy birthday. Christmas birthday wishes also go out to John Peterson, from Eric, Nolan and Ella. Birthday wishes go out to, Bill Brejcha. Happy birthday to Tim Gilligan, from his wife, Heather, and their children. Birthday wishes go out to Nick Leveille from his parents. Bob Wierdak’s family wish him a happy birthday.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Samantha and Frank Stephens who are celebrating their 5th anniversary, Chris and Monica Dennis on their 8th anniversary; Joe and Theodosia Battersby on their 8th anniversary from their daughter, Penelope; and Keith and Erin Gonsowski on their 13th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community. Call me at 708-899-9544 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Until next time…
Cheryl Petzel is a freelancer.