by Fr. Kenneth Borowiak
for the Register
Family members, supporters and donors had the opportunity to see the work of Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children in Waverly Oct. 5.
The “Taste and See” event allowed friends of Villa Marie to learn about the home and school firsthand. Patrons of Villa Marie were allowed to see the school and home – some for the first time. They were able to see where the children live, go to school, worship our Lord at Mass, have their meals, play and interact. Several Villa Marie students conducted the tours.
After the tour, guests visited over a meal from Parker’s Smokehouse.
Jennifer Chase, executive director of development for Villa Marie, spoke about a new outreach program: “parish weekends” piloted at St. Michael Parish in Lincoln in February. At these parish weekends, either the pastor or one of the administrative staff of Villa Marie spoke about the history of Villa Marie, its mission of educating children in need of special services in academics, social skills and emotional support and the plans for Villa Marie. Msgr. John Perkinton, chief administrative officer of Villa Marie, recently spoke at St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln.
Nick Cusick, chair of Villa Marie’s board of directors gave “Taste and See” guests an update on the building expansion project, studying plans to renovate and upgrade the existing building, and to construct additional square footage that would provide new offices, an enlarged chapel and kitchen, and improved residence for the students. The board is also creating a plan to make the school financially sustainable.
Villa Marie Home and School will mark its 60th anniversary in 2024. Upcoming events include the Villa Marie Dance and Auction Feb. 9, 2024, and the “Dawson Scramble” golf event at Woodlands Hills June 26, 2024. Learn more at https://villamarieschool.com.
