Recording Secretary - Mary Twiss Parent
When I was in the seventh grade my parents were told that I was not college material. They decided that I was not public school material and that private school would be a better place for me. My friend Pat Ash was attending Villa Cabrini at the time and encouraged me to go there. My five years at the Villa were some of the happiest in my life.
After graduating in 1962 I attended Immaculate Heart College and then worked as a cardiology technician for three years. I got married and had two wonderful children. I returned to school and got my teaching credential and taught for 24 years. I retired a year ago. I enjoy having the time to do all kinds of needlework, read, and play with my grandchildren.
Parliamentarian - Mikie Palamar DiMatteo
When I was at the Villa, I remember cleaning the church with Amelia White. She told me that as we were cleaning on our knees we also should be praying for the husbands that we would marry. Well, yes, my soul mate and love of my life did come along and he swept me off my feet..
We settled down to a boring suburban life in the Valley raising four children and various dogs and cats. I took classes at Valley College in anticipation of becoming an art teacher after my children were grown. However, the day that my youngest child, Carol, came home from high school and said to me, "I hate when I come home from school and YOU'RE here"! I knew it was time to find an outside interest - FAST.
Much to my husband's surprise and dismay, I became a sucessful real estate broker. I'll never forget his words to me, "But, why do you want to leave your kitchen"! I have lots of other interests besides work, including tennis and coming home every evening to my Sweetie Pie and making his dinner in my lovely kitchen.
Webmaster - Nancy Marzo Costantino
I remember my first year at the Villa, I was in 6th grade. My sister and I were in a small dorm next to the High School Dorm.
One night we were awakened by a lot of ruckus. I heard loud talking in the "big girls" dorm, the lights were all turned on and then there was dead silence.
The next morning there was an air of expectancy - what had happened at night? We waited and waited but didn't hear a thing.
We never knew for sure but the rumor was that the seniors had found where the nuns kept their dinner wine and had gotten into it.
That year had a very small graduating class.
Vice-President, Membership - Linda Grant Jones
I grew up in Shadow Hills with horses, chickens, cats, dogs, parakeets, and two younger brothers. In the middle of 11th grade, my parents sent me to Villa Cabrini, away from the troublesome influences at public school -- namely, teenage boys.
Grudgingly, I donned the white blouse and pleated skirt, laced up the saddle shoes, and drove the green 1954 Chrysler to Burbank. I was astonished at how small the school was -- the entire junior class fit in a single classroom! Next, I was surprised that, instead of feeling like an outsider, I was embraced and encouraged by the teachers and students. Before long, my pout became a smile.
Villa Cabrini was more than a place to learn algebra, German, shorthand, and social graces. What started as punishment became the gift of a lifetime. I ventured outside my comfort zone to participate in art, choir, speech, journalism, Student Council, and foreign travel. Although I only attended the Villa for 1-1/2 years, the memories, friendships, and values I gained there continue to enrich my life.
I settled in Orange County in 1973 and retired from my aerospace job in 2000 to devote time to my family, (husband, three sons, two stepsons, seven grandchildren), travel (Italy, Ireland, Israel, Hawaii), and hobbies (step aerobics, piano, sewing).
Sunshine - Barbara Melgard Kouri
"My home was in sight of the Villa until someone decided we needed a Golden State Freeway. Now the olive trees are no longer visible nor is the little Chapel since it was moved to make room for the tract of homes, Cabrini Villas."
"I just put on my February Doll Show at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. The next Show will be Oct. 6, 2007 at the same venue. Come and enjoy a nostalgic day."
"I am now working on the competition for our United Federation of Doll Clubs Region 2 South Regional Convention in Tucson in September."
"I also would be delighted if some of you would enjoy viewing my 40 + year doll collection. Not all at once because the doll room is small ! "
"Incidentally I am overjoyed at being a Grandma for the first time."
Being a doll collector had a serendipitous effect for Barbara. The family of the Villa's own Mrs. Biggs contacted her about selling some of its mother's childhood dolls.
President - Natalie Cirello Bloxham
"I transferred to the Villa from Sun Valley Junior High School when I graduated from 8th grade. One of the things I missed at the Villa was belonging to a school orchestra. I played the violin and the viola."
"When Salli Terri took over for Mrs. Biggs, I told her how sad I was not to belong to an orchestra. She arranged that I have five violin students to teach each week in the choir room. I will never forget that"!
Our Fearless Leader is taking the VCAAF down new paths where we have never gone before!