Petzel: Parish to host ‘Dancing with the St. Gerald Stars’

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Updated: March 20, 2012 8:05AM

Greetings fellow Oak Lawnians! St. Gerald will host an evening of “Dancing with the St. Gerald Stars” on Feb. 25. Featured entertainment for the annual dinner event will be a dance competition by members of the parish.

Debbie Janicke, the development director for St. Gerald Parish, said the dance competition idea came about as “we were thinking of new ideas to make the event more fun”.. This year’s event will be held at the Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills ,and Debbie said she anticipates a turnout of at least 500 people.

Once the event organizers decided the dance competition was a go, the next step was to decide on the dancers. The dancers were chosen from the various organizations within the parish. Seven couples were selected to be in the competition or, to use Debbie’s phrase, “there was a drafting of volunteers” by members from each of the organizations. The dancers and the organization they represent are: Mike and Joy Galka, for the Athletic Club; Steve and Laurie Harrington, for the Parish Council; Tom and Jen McAcy, for the faculty; Sean and Maggie Rutledge, for the Mother’s Club; Ken and Elizabeth Kusmisz, for the Holy Name Society; George and Mimi Spierowski, for the Music Ministry; and James and Roseann Spoto, for the Boy Scouts.

Regardless of whether they were drafted or volunteered, the dancers are committed to the cause and are in it to win it. The couples have been practicing since October and have been taking private lessons with dance instructors from The Dance Stop Studio in Chicago Ridge.

Each couple, under the guidance of their instructors, has selected its own music and individual dances for the competition. Music for the evening will be provided by DJ Mike and Mama G, who will feature each couple’s dance selection.

“They’re all wholeheartedly trying to learn their dance routine and are really into it,” said Debbie. As of now, she can’t even guess who the winner might be, but she will be checking in on the dancers during their practice sessions to see how their routine is coming along and to offer them words of encouragement.

Since this is a dance competition, costumes and presentation will be just as important as performance. Each couple’s costume will be in theme with its dance and song selections and Debbie said the dancers have all their costumes ready for the big night. Fortunately, New Day Spa, 4720 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn, has graciously offered to do make-up and hairstyling free of charge for all the dancers to ensure they look their best.

The winning couple will be chosen by votes from the audience and dance instructors from The Dance Stop Studio will also be on hand to critique the dancers on their presentation and performance.

Aside from the dance competition, the event will also feature live and silent auctions, cocktails starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and open bar. Tickets for this fun event are $60 per person and can be purchased after each Sunday mass (8 a.m., 10 a.m. or noon) or by contacting Debbie Janicke at (708) 422-2194 or email at djanicke@stgerald.com. It will be fun to see who wins!

Here are this week’s celebrity birthdays: Sara and Frank Rybicki wish their son, Gavin, a happy fifth birthday. Happy birthday to Lorna Suchy, who’s turning 7, from her parents and grandparents. Sandy and Dave Wills send birthday wishes to their four grandchildren: Trevor Guagenti and Jessica Smith, who are both turning 9, Brooke Wills, who’s turning 11 and Tyler Guagenti, who’s turning 12. Happy 10th birthday to Grace Chafee, from her “papa and gramma Chafee.” Happy 11th birthday to Michael Cupicciotti, from his parents, Christine and Allan, brother, Nicholas, and proud grandparents. Joshua Wood’s grandparents wish him a happy 12th birthday. Happy Sweet 16th birthday to Lauren Misner, and to her sister, Rebecca, who’s turning 19, from their parents, grandmothers, Lois and Jackie, and Uncle Tom. Happy 19th birthday to John Sasala, from his proud parents and sister Michelle. Happy birthday to T.J. Budka, who’s turning 25, from his parents and family. Happy 36th birthday to Kevin Carlsen from his mom, Dawn, Thelma and Louise. Happy birthday to Gina Iacoponi from Baby, her family and friends. Sotiri Grimanis sends his love to his wife, Judy, on her birthday. Happy birthday to Carrie Smith from Jerry, Kristan, and the family critters. Happy birthday to Arlene “Reenie” Powell from Dave Gajda (“the polka man”) and her friends. Happy birthday to Bob Belin from his wife, Laurie, their children and grandchildren.

Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Joe and Lorraine McGuire from their family and friends, and Jim and Terry Simon, who are celebrating their 44th anniversary, from their family and friends.

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 email me at the address above.

Until next time...