Minutes - 2011/2

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild

Business Meeting
January 10, 2011


6:30pm Opening prayer: led by Yvonne Murray


Presentation: Margaret Nelson, Executive Director of the River Center
The River Center is a non profit family and community resource center.


Margaret informed us of the services the River Center provides. Call 924-6800 if you have questions regarding parenting classes, social networking, information on free tax preparation, support groups, employment resources etc. Take home material was provided.


Recording Secretary: Janice McKenzie read the November minutes to the members. They were accepted as written and posted on the blog.


Corresponding Secretary: Pat Cloutier sent out some cards of support while Simone Lagace is on vacation. Thank you cards were read including those from Fr. Gerry, Fr. Goggin, Pheasant Wood (Christmas poinsettias), and Rabideau family (home cooked meals).


Treasurer’s Report: Cheryl Lastrina reported our financial status as of November: $5,137 (Holiday Stroll, Helping Hands and ornament sale). Expenses out: $558 (Holiday Stroll, Blood drive, calendar add, postage)


Helping Hands: Jean Frechette informed us that this month we provided 3 meals of comfort food and Edna Drasbo stated no funeral support needed in the past month.


Parish Outreach: Jean Frechette thanked all the many volunteers who helped make up 53 baskets (dinner preparations) and 20 bags of fruit for the community during the holiday season.
In addition:
52 poinsettias were delivered to Pheasant Woods
148 gifts were donated to the Christmas for Kids program
30 families received gifts from the Giving Tree


Old Business:
Helen Limina, Chair of the Holiday Fair, offered some suggestions about next years Holiday Stroll.
*The craft committee needs at least ½ hour of the empty hall to set up tables before the crafts are brought in to the Historical Society Hall.
*Continue with the mini fair at the church the weekend of the fair.
*Raffle table and cash area worked well.
* We need more members to be visible walking around to help with sales of crafts.
*Suggested possibly relocating the Knights of Columbus and Faith Formation to the breezeway.
*Will invite the Children’s Choir earlier next year.
*Sandwich boards outside the Church.


Blood Drive: Thank you to all who helped with this successful drive. The goal was 70 units and we collected 83 units of blood.


Community supper: Will be held on January 27, 2011 at the Hancock Church. A sign-up sheet was passed around. Please have your food to St Peter Hall by 5pm on Wednesday 1/26. Food preparation will be in Hancock on Thursday morning starting at 9am. Dinner starts at 5:30pm. Servers and a clean up group are needed. Please call Linda Caracappa or Helen Limina if you can help in any way.

New Business:
The Nomination Committee members are: Joyce Schmidt, Joan Buck, Linda Caracappa and Cheryl Lastrina. Please connect with one of the committee members if you are interested in filling the position of President, Recording Secretary or Treasurer for next years Guild officer open positions.


There will be an Ecumenical Prayer Service at St Peter Church on January 20, 2011 at 7pm. The Bennington Congregational Church will join with us for this service. Volunteers are needed to bake, serve and clean up. Thank you.


On January 21-23 there will be a retreat at the House of Prayer in New Ipswich. Call Sister Jacquie @ 878-2346 or www.presentationofMary.com for more information.

Linda Caracappa suggested a new fundraising opportunity. Cash for Gold is a company who offers cash (on the spot) for any gold jewelry you have that you’d like to sell. The Guild would then receive a % of money that was sold. Linda would like to open this opportunity to anyone in our parish.


After speaking with Fr. Gerry, Gail Laviolette looked into the possibility of removing and rebuilding the steep stairs leading into the Church Hall. Unfortunately the stair wall supports the choir loft and should not be moved due to cost and structural integrity. Gail suggested that a new light fixture, new carpeting and fresh paint would brighten up the stair area. This would cost about $400. Beth McGurty offered to look into the possibility of having the carpet cleaned instead of replaced. The Guild agreed to proceed with new lighting and new paint at this time and approved $100 for the expense.


Edna Drasbo suggested the Women’s Guild advertise on the back of the Chuch bulletin.


The evening craft group meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. They are planning a bowling night on January 20th at 6pm. Please notify Helen Limina if you would like to join them for a night of fun!


Karen Ayers and Yvonne Murray volunteered to host the February Guild meeting.


Closing prayer: led by Yvonne Murray


Meeting adjourned at 8:29pm


Respectfully submitted,
Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary


Next meeting is on February 14, 2011

Minutes-2010/11

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild

Business Meeting
November 8, 2010


6:23pm Opening prayer: led by Yvonne Murray


Recording Secretary: The October minutes were accepted as written and posted on the blog.
Corresponding Secretary: Simone Lagace sent appreciation cards to Fr Gerry and to Fr Goggin. Thank you cards were read by Margaret and Edna.
Treasurer’s Report: Cheryl Lastrina reported as of July 1st to date:
In $283 and Expense out $1327
Helping Hands: Joyce Schmidt reports all was quiet.
Parish Outreach: Gail Caron spoke about the Christmas for Kids and the Giving Tree programs. They provide gifts for children up to age 15.
Old Business:
The annual Blood Drive is scheduled for December 3, 2110. A sign up sheet for volunteers and bakers was passed around. Any questions? Call Kathy Sullivan.
The Holiday Stroll is scheduled for Saturday November 20, 2010. Volunteers are needed to make up 6 cookie platters. They will be distributed to the other churches involved with the Stroll. Bell Ringers will be at the Historical Society from 11-12pm
Call Vi Despres if you would like to order fudge.
Please remember to wrap and label all baked goods for the Bake sale table. A sign up sheet was passed around.
Don’t forget to bring your own coffee mug for free coffee provided by our Café.
Set up is on Friday 10am-4pm. The doors will be open for us on Saturday at 7:30am
There will be a mini fare after Church. Please call Helen Limina if you can help out.
The Knights of Columbus will have their calendar raffle and Christmas cards.
The Ledger-Transcript should have an article regarding the Holiday Stroll.
Cathy Buffum requested a table to be set aside for the Faith Formation Group.
New name tags will be available for all Guild members at the Fair.
Helen Limina will discuss the Guild sponsoring a Community Supper in Hancock at the January meeting.
New Business:
Jean Frechette will send out an email asking for help with the Thanksgiving Baskets.
Our annual Women’s Guild and Knights of Columbus Christmas Pot Luck dinner will be on December 6, 2010. Karen Ayers and Barbara Garland volunteered to co-chair this event. A sign up food sheet was passed around.
City Reach is scheduled for January 21, 2011. Please donate boots, blankets, knapsacks, sweaters etc… Men’s wear is greatly needed.
The November issue of the Parable featured an article about our Guild. Beth McGurty brought in her issue for all to see.
Lise Limeaux is requesting donations of rosary beads. They will be given to the Antrim Girls Shelter.
Thank You to Yvonne M. and Jane M. for hosting the meeting. You both did a beautiful job.
Closing prayer: led by Yvonne Murray.
Meeting adjourned at 7:29pm


Respectfully submitted,
Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary

Next meeting January 10, 2011 @ 6:30pm

Christmas Potluck 2010

Holiday Stroll & Christmas Pot Luck


Hi Ladies – we hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
 Once again, the Bass Hall was transformed! Many folks who came for the first time were amazed at what we get accomplished in so little time. Everything was wonderful from the raffles and holiday music to the bake table, crafts and our café. Thank you to all of you who made this happen. You are a wonderful group of dedicated women. I do also want to thank all the men that helped us also, whether it’s making the chowder or loading the tables, we appreciate you too.
 If you loaned us a card table and did not pick it up yet, it’s in the large closet downstairs. If anyone ended up with a plant support that was displaying a green wreath in the entryway, it’s mine bgurt@mcttelecom.com We will have a lost and found at the Christmas pot luck.
 If you plan to attend the Christmas pot luck on Monday December 6th at 6PM, please drop an email or call to one of the two hostesses, Karen Ayers dancecab@yahoo.com 532-7996, Barbara Garland bg@svwhale.com or message-taker, Beth 588-2076 . Please indicate what you can bring and if you are bringing a guest. Please do this as soon as possible so we can get an accurate count. Since we will not be having a Mass prior, it would be a good idea to bring your food warm. Please let Beth know if you or anyone you know is in need of a ride and we will gladly figure it out.

Please label you dishes with your name and what the casserole is. We have a member who is allergic to garlic, so if you dish does not have garlic could you please label it ‘garlic free’?

There will be a table set up to accept gifts and cards for your ‘Secret Angel’

Best Regards,
Denise and Beth

Holiday Stroll 2010 additional inf

Holiday Stroll 2010





Hi Ladies,


Well, Bass Hall looks fantastic and we’re ready to go tomorrow morning! Just a few reminders and information:


• Don’t forget your aprons. If you are working only in the AM and can loan your apron to someone who is working in the afternoon, that would be nice. We were not able to get the new ones in time for the fair and some new ladies may not have one yet.


• Remember to bring a mug. If you are working, you may help yourself to free coffee and refills with your mug.


• There is ample parking behind Dr Hedstom’s office and behind the Gurnsey Bldg. Please leave the few spaces behind the building clear for people to pull in to load and unload.


• For new ladies: If you have never worked at the fair, you’re in for a real treat! The room is filled with a festive air and it’s a great time to get to know the guild ladies better. Most of us wear comfortable clothes with some sort of red or green top. The Bass Hall is usually cool in the AM, but warms up fast, so layers work well. Please come to us if you have questions or concerns; we want to help you, but may not notice because we get very involved with our respective duties.
See you at the Holiday Stroll!

Holiday Stroll 2010

Holiday Stroll details 2010


Hi Ladies,
Here are the details so far for the fair. Please check back frequently as there will be more information added as it becomes available.


• If you are one of the ladies baking cookies that will be sent to the other churches, you need to have your cookies at the St. Peter's church hall on Thursday. The church is open for Mass in the AM. There is a meeting downstairs after, but you could place the cookies on the table at the foot of the stairs if people are down there. If you have trouble with stairs, leave the cookies at the back of the church and call or email Beth 588-2076 bgurt@mcttelecom.com , so I will be looking for them. Here are the cookie bakers: Pat C, Vi, Connie, Joyce S, Kelly, Sue K, Simone & Beth


• If you are one of the 12 ladies making candy, they need to be at the church hall by Friday. We will be assembling them at 9:30AM before we head to Bass Hall.


• Bass Hall will be opened for us at 10:30AM on Friday for setup and we need to be out by 4PM on Friday.


• Bass Hall will be opened on Saturday @7:30AM and we need to be cleaned up by 3:45PM. The hall will be opened to the public from 9:30AM to 2:00PM.


• Card table providers: Linda C, Jean F, Sue K, Kathy S, Joyce S, Raymonde R, Mary Ann B, Barbara G. We also have two at the church hall for a total of 10 Please include your name on the underside.


• If you have items for the bake table, you can drop them off at Bass Hall Friday from 12ish to about 3ish. You also can drop them off Saturday morning-the earlier, the better. Friday is the best day. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON ANY CONTAINERS YOU NEED BACK. Janice is accepting all baked goods and also could use a few more pies. Also, please label what the baked item is, even if it's obvious to you.


• We will be recycling all cardboard. If you need help breaking it down see Beth or Denise.


• Music schedule: Pat C 9:30-11 / Bell Ringers 11-12 / Chris F 12-1 / Dorothy 1-2


• We still need a few ladies to help out after the 9:30 and 11AM Masses on Sunday with the "after the Christmas Fair" sale. Helen is the "go to" person for this.


• Please check back on the blog - new information will be added later as it becomes available. If you need a ride please call Beth to set up. Also, please keep those informed who do not have email: Cindy, Joan C, Estelle C, Helen F, Edna, Robin, Gail L, Rose-Anna, Dorothy, Idalina, Dolores and Norma


Thanks

Minutes-2010/09

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild

Business Meeting
October 4, 2010

6:38pm Opening prayer: led by Yvonne Murray

• Installation of Corresponding Secretary: Co-Chair Beth McGurty installed Simone Lagace as the new Corresponding Secretary. Congratulations Simone!

• Treasurer’s Report: Cheryl Lastrina presented the proposed budget for 2010-2011. A motion was carried and the budget was approved and accepted as written.

• Helping Hands: Jean Frechette reported that the use of email to request help from the Guild members works very well. There was a recent need for meals. The family was very grateful to the Guild. Please call Jean (924-4126) if you know of someone who needs meals. Edna Drasbo reported telephoning the members for funeral support works well.

• Parish Outreach: Linda Caracappa spoke about the holiday needs in our parish and community. The Giving Tree and the Christmas for Kids program will be starting up soon. Teens especially need our support. Also, helping with the Thanksgiving baskets will be just around the corner.

Old Business:

• The prayer chain has been well received. Please call Rose-Anna McDermott (924-6466) or Beth McGurty (588-2076) if you know if someone who needs prayers.

• Helen Limina asked the Guild for support in sponsoring a community supper in Hancock. The Guild would provide food, coffee and cold drinks. Thursday, January 27th is the date Hancock has open for us to fill.

• Holiday Stroll: Saturday November 20th. As Co-Chair of the event Helen Limina is looking for anyone who is interested in shadowing her to learn the ins and outs of setting up the Fair. Call Helen (924-5088) as this is a great opportunity. Bass Hall will be available on Friday for us to set up. We will make up cookie trays on Friday to distribute to the other participants in the Holiday Stroll. Anyone interested in organizing the cookie trays please call Beth McGurty. Helen will check to see if the Children’s Choir is available to sing at Bass Hall.

• An article and photo of the Divine Mercy Women’s Guild will be in the upcoming November issue of the Parable.

• The Blood Drive is scheduled for December 3, 2010. A sign-up sheet will be at the next meeting for help with the drive.

Misc:

• Parishioner Kathy Chapman is getting married on Dec 4th and would like help with her reception. If anyone is interested please call Kathy to see what you can do to help.

• For members who have paid their annual dues, membership cards were distributed. Your card, when added to JoAnn Fabric online requirement for registration can equal 10% off on purchased items. Please see Karen Bannister if you have questions.

• St Patrick’s school is collecting Box Tops for education. They are found on General Mills products. Bring them to our meetings and we will collect them to give to the school. Also, there is dumpster at the school for recycled paper. Let’s support the school in any way we can.

• Chris Falcone extended an invitation to the Guild members from the Peterborough Garden Club . “Balsam and Bling” will be held on November 8th in Bass Hall at 10am. There will be instructions in floral arrangement design, a raffle, etc.

• Edna Drasbo is collecting the front side of old cards. Birthday, get well, holiday etc. Edna sends them to St Jude’s home where they are put to good use.

• Guest Speaker: Melody Actouka from the American Red Cross presented: How to be prepared at home in case of a disaster. Handouts were distributed.

Thank you to Cheryl Lastrina and Janice McKenzie for hosting the meeting.

Closing Prayer: led by Yvonne Murray

Meeting adjourned at 8:48pm

Respectfully submitted,
Janice McKenzie

Recording Secretary

Next meeting November 8th @ 6:30pm

Almond Cake

Almond Cake

Janice McKenzie

Spray pan with Pam cooking spray (8 ½ x 4 ½ loaf pan or *fluted torte pan)

Beat well:     1 ¼ cup sugar

                   1 egg

                   2 tsp almond extract (imitation works well)

                   2/3 cup milk

Add:            1 ¼ cup flour

                   ½ tsp baking powder

Add:            1 stick melted margarine

Mix well.

Bake at 350 for 45-55mins. Edges must be golden brown. Cool in pan before removing. Cake will break if removed too soon. Do not under bake. Check with toothpick that center comes out clean.

Sprinkle with confectionary sugar before slicing.

*  www.dreamproductsoutlet.com has a fluted torte pan which makes a nice presentation for this cake.