St. Agatha (Nanuet) Home Kids Guest Book

Can't believe I just discovered this website. Many happy memories of St. Agatha's. I especially remember Sr. Leo, Sr. Raymond, Sr. Regina and Sr. Joanne. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or my brother, Bob (1952)

Sr Henry... Although you may know!

another lost poem recaptured by memory

In Loving MemoryFor more images, please visit Home Page Memorial/Obit

JIM AND MARY BRYANT... STILL CARING FOR CHILDREN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!

Former St. Agatha' Staff members Jim and Mary Bryant have asked me to extend to you this invitation for their Camp Agape' "Groundbreaking Celebration" planned for July 27th (next weekend). They hope that some of our HomeKids and former Staff members can attend this most prestigious occasion. Please read flyer for full details and contact information.

*Note- As part of the program, there will be a several St. Agatha HomeKids Key-note speakers in attendance that will represent each of the four decades (1960's-90's) of service and contributions both Jim and Mary have been a part of at the Home.

Thank you.

Saw some pictures that Maria Agosto posted on facebook of me back in the St. Agatha days. Wow saw several of the girls that I graduated with from 8th grade....We really were a great looking bunch....I love looking at those old pictures....it bring to mind some great memories......I can't wait until next years reunion...I will be there.....

Hey Nancy hope you can make the 2014 reunion....would love to see you again....And of course all my home kids......

CORRECTION CORRECTION!!!
Correct address for Sr. Joanne's Wake is:
35 VARK Street, Yonkers, NY.

SR. ALEXANDER just called with the sad news that Sr. Mary Joanne passed away today. Sr. Joanne was groupmother of Loyola cottage; later she became Supervisor and Administrator of St. Agatha (time frame I believe was from early 1950's through the 1960's). May she rest in peace.

The WAKE will be held SUNDAY 2pm-8pm at:
Convent of Mary the Queen
35 Bark St.
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 476-7474

FUNERAL MASS will be held on MONDAY beginning at 9:30 a.m.

If you're attending and parking is a problem, you may park at ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL'S parking lot which is a half block away on Broadway.

Father Oliverio - A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

As we continue to keep Padre in our thoughts

and prayers,

let us graciously cherish the fond memories

he provided us and forever

embrace the guiding principals, and purpose

of his humble being.

Father Oliverio is a loving soul,

A giving soul,

an inspiration to us all..

"Undoubtedly a Godsend"

Had the best time ever in New York last week. Decided to go down memory lane and went to the Marcy Project in Brookly and walked the same streets I did as a child. I also visited All Saints Church where I made my first communion also in Brooklyn....Spoke to the parish priest and told him that the church was as beautiful as it was when I attended mass there 57 years ago....Cannot believe the school is still there.....Wow that is what I love about New York you can always go back and relive your memories.....

Sorry I was not able to get together with my St. Agatha brothers and sister that live in New York but hopefully in my next trip.....

Cannot wait to retire and move back home to New York.....

Hi Everyone

Sorry to hear about our brother Pedro he is now with the his best friend Christ. Haven't seen anything about the Reunion. Hopefully there will be some pictures and posts.

Here in Minnesota Summer came in with a ROAR. Three days of rain and winds clocking at 80 miles per hour uprooting trees, cars and causing lots of damage. I live on the Mississippi River and the river is really up and the current is swift and dangerous. In other words no boating allowed.

We had snow here in March, April and May we never even saw Spring. But looking foward to going sailing on Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands (there are 22 of them) the last week of July first week of August.

Keep the Faith and keep safe and well

Robert C. Corbett

Hello homeies...

I am saddened by the loss of PEDRO MERCADO, he was a gentle and sweet soul I remember... and I know he now sits, on God's finger. Colorful are his wings of a butterfly...God bless his family too.

I am sorry I could not do the reunion... life got in the way

I also would like to share with you; another poem lost by fire... I managed to recapture it from memory...

St Agatha

I was this little boy lost

within your arms

And on those starless nights

when your breasts were

my only pillow

I never wanted you

to be my mother

I gave you nothing, but tears

And now- I long for those years lost

when I had ran away from you

forgive me- Mother

'Mother'

HI GUYS ITS BEEN A LONG TIME!!!!

I don't remember alot if you knew me then, please fill me in.

That you so much

Hello everyone, just a note to say I wish I could be at the reunion this weekend (June 1, 2013).

Hopefully I can make it the next time, My brother Harry just called and had me speak to

Eugene Wilkison, Man it has been a long time! and you too Sparky, it has been a long time

no see. I miss you all.
Plese take care everyone and God Bless,

Love, Ernie

Hello my Mother was Marion Morange, her and her two sister Florence and Dorithy and brother William were residents at St Agatha's in 1930. I would like any information you can give me on her parents or any other information.

your brother in Christ

Deacon John Schuster

I left a message yesterday and when I went back there were 3 Schimmel's not 2. I think my Grandsons father was Gilbert.not Douglas. My son-in-law (Douglas Gilbert Schimmel) named my Grand son Drew Gilbert Schimmel. I pray that one of the Schimmels will be in touch. They will be so pleased with Drew. He has lived with us since birth and I remember the first time his Dad changed his son's diaper. I wish his grandfather could have know Drew. "Moose" as he was known to all was a Fire Fighter in the city of Salem, Ma. Drew's Uncle Gerry is a teacher dealing especially with children with learning difficulties. When I read about St Agatha's I wonder how much of an influence it was. The children wer 5,6 and I think 8 when they were there. I don't know if the 3 Schimmels were brothers and sister. I never heard anything about "Moose's" history other than he was "adopted" Thank you for any help. Jayne Standley

My Grand son, Drew Schimmel's father was with you in the late 1930's. I am on ancestry.com and found his Grandfather and I think his sister Beverly Schimmel. His Grandfather Douglas Schimmel married June Plante and they had two sons, Gerald and Douglas who is our Drew's Dad. Drew's Dad passed away before Drew was born but I know he would have been so very proud of him. He became an Eagle Scout March17th last year. I would love to be able to find out about Drew's family and if Beverly keeps in touch with you then maybe she could get intouch with me. Mr. Schimmel's Granddaughter is a fairly famous recording star(Kelly Lennon) and all of his Grand children are very successful in their fields. He would be so proud of his son Jerry.

The only thing we ever knew was that he was "adopted"

If Beverly Schimmel would like to find us please give her my name and address and e-mail. I am also on face book.

Thank you for the work you do. "Moose" Drew's Grandfather is one of your successors.Jayne Standley

Its amazing how so many home kids became such great story tellers. I've read many of Maria Agosto's writings and I so enjoyed reading her stories. I've also read what other home kids have written and continue to write and I am in awe....

We all came to St. Agatha's with a past life and lving there gave many of us a new beginning and the start of a new chapter to our lives...How wonderful that we've been able to tell our stories in so many interesting ways,,,,from Nancy book to Alberts poems.....it is certainly our legacy.....

For all the homekids

I just want to share with you - one of the many poems and writings I have written over the past 8 years, I have managed to recapture from memory. All of my journals, poems and writings were lost to the Christmas eve fire that had taken everything.

Convent Road

We became children, orphaned
by circumstance

Holding hands with the winds
of broken branches

And though- for the tree of life
from our eyes, fell apple blossoms

We sprouted wings
for flowers of , St Agatha.

Bless all of you who have managed to make full, a life as butterflies.
Albert Wilkinson

TO ROBERT CORBETT: Hi Robert, I'm so glad to see your guestbook entry. I pray you're doing better. Would love to hear from you. I couldn't reach you at the number you gave me when I last saw you in NYC - I believe it was a friend's number? Please email me at above and send me your number and I'll send you mine. Best regards to you and yours. Love, Maria

Sorry I can't come to the Reunion this year but it has been a year of trial for me. I have been sick from Dec to Feb and just getting on the mend. Not to mention all the snow here. It is going to snow on May 1 & 2 here with drops in temps to low 30's.

Hope all is well with all your families. My prayers for all of you.

Robert

Hello Everyone,

I am so sad that I wont be able to attend the reunion this year. My grandaughter is graduating 6/16 and i will be in NY at that time. I've contacted Isabel and told her I would love to get together with anyone living in NY or NJ for lunch or dinner...I miss spending time with my St.Agatha brothers and sisters...I missed so many reunions for so many years.....But its never too late to catch up....So if your in town the week of 6/16 to 6/23 give send me a note...I would love to see you....Take care and God Bless

Dear bothers and sisters,

I just wanted to drop a line, my name at the time that both my brother and I were remanded to St; Agatha we were known as hector and Jose Pabon, I remember the judge telling us that we were going to a nice ranch style location. Upon arrival we were in awe the place was beautiful, but just as we were taking in the view a nun came up to us like a lawman and through a translater, a fellow student we were advised of our rights. Not in a bad way it was so that we would'nt stray from our paths. both my brother would talk about this place our old memories still linger, therefore I might be able to attend this year's reunion God willing you see my brother is ill with {C] and I know he will be happy to come back, and if we are lucky we may find some all friends God Bless for now, hope to see you all soon Jose Lee l

I am hoping someone will be able to tell me about my brother, David Kleinman, who was I believe the last person to be buried in St. Agatha Cemetery. He died in 1984 or 1985 at the age of nine. He was given up for adoption by my parents before I was born and neither I nor my sister ever met him. Does anyone remember him? Nancy Canfield was kind enough to suggest I ask here in addition to writing to the New York Foundling Hospital.

HELLO! My Dear Brothers and Sisters
Our St. Agatha Reunion of 2013 is just 1-1/2 months away. Have you registered yet? If not, please go to the MAIN PAGE, click on "Response {RSVP} form" and type in your information and submit. The information will automatically be sent to me via email and I will then add you to the list. If you have already registered but do not see your name in the list below, please let me know or simply re-register.

Also, please take a minute to read the details of the HOME KIDS WALK being given by Victor Castro that day. Victor will arrive by 10:00 a.m. and we suggest you arrive early for good parking. Last year's walk was amazing as we paced on the grounds of our childhood and remembered our yesteryears.

Please come and join us, your family, and bring your loved ones. Don't forget your cameras! Enjoy the Nanuet Family Festival running concurrently with our Reunion. If you're Homesick or feel like you may not know anyone, why not reunite with other Homekids prior to the reunion via the internet by joining us on Facebook. You can find our group under "St. Agatha Homekids, Nanuet NY/Maria Agosto" - we are currently at 196 members - Homekids of all eras united in one place to share stories, photos and every now and then help each other through rough times. God bless you all! With Much Love! :-)

Millie Jeter 3; Steve Groark 2
Victor Castro 3; Ruthmarie Alexandre 2
Teresa Panzella 5; Jean DeLamothe
Robert Ortiz; Oliver Moe 3
Maggie Cumba 4; Manuel Salmon 3
Richard Areyzaga 2; Sharon Shayner 2
Sparky Cruz; Ramon Perez 2
Billy Gonzalez 2; Kathy Rooney 8-10
David Ortiz 2; Gene Wilkinson 2
Sr. Kathleen McHugh 2; Linda Joy Vendura
Harry Vega 2; Leslie Fuller
Nidia Santos; Robert Diaz 3-4
Rosemary Oross 3; Debbie Floyd 4
CURRENT TOTAL: 69

nice

Happy Saint Patrick's day to all my peeps from Saint Agatha's......

Hi Rene, I remember your brother John Knowles, I am Pat Shaner, ask your brother if he remembers me, I am sure he does. I am so glad when someone else from st. agatha shows up in the guess book. Pat shaner

Welcome back René Knowles. Great to know you are doing well. Many of us remember you and your brother John (Jean?). I think you guys had red hair and freckles. At least one of you were in De Paul or Seton Hall. And you probably were friends with my brother Paul Wright.

Check out the other site, because many are waiting to connect. The reunion in June 2013 would be a nice time to visit. It is very low-key, yet pleasant.

ran away in 1966 did well considering the beating i took from sister alexander. some times were good , and sometimes were werebad but i perserverd, married 48 years to a great wife and and great friend, great mother. five sons, 6 grand children, and retired, 62 years of age now still ok thank god for that, some day maby will go back and show my children and grand childre the place i grew up at. have to get up enough courge. still have deamons from there. i remember a lot of kids still hope they are ok still. well got to go .

I graduated from Nanuet High in 1967. My brother is Felix Alejandro.

I have been living in P. Rico for almost 40 years now. My older sister Lucy live in Fresh Meadows, NY and my nbrother Felix in Las Vegas. Anyone who wants to get in touch with me can send an email. I'm not currently in facebook. Ilove St. Agatha's!!! Don't regret for a moment my years there.

The last two reunions were resounding successes. We hope the upcoming reunion will be a great sucess as well. Plan early to attend. Use this attendance form to read the particulars and to indicate your plans to attend. Reunion 2013 attendance form .We hope to see everyone there!

Provided by Nancy Canfield

Guide to the records of the New York Foundling Hospital 1869-2009

Just wanted to check in and say hello to my fellow alumni.

I heard that there will be a reunion in June 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-PuiDfLcO8

Thanks for the memories; my brother notified me

that I am in a picture on the website.

Hi my name is Louise Paterno I am reaching out to anyone who may of known my Grandfather ( Guiletto John Faricelli later aka Julius whitey faricelli ) Grandpa was born Sept 1920 he attended some time in the 20's or 30's his father had died leaving a leagally blind wife with my grandfather & 3 siblings. He was later sent back to mom to help her raise the siblings & never graduated from school.

He became career military after serving WW2 & dying (March 1992) still employed by the Army in Orangeburg, NY (sgt 2 class)

They immigrated from Italy in the early 1900's I believe all were born here as siblings/children died on the boat from Rome arriving to Ellis Island

his siblings were Lydia, Antonio (Anthony ), Oreste Faricelli

any information, comments or knowledge would be most aprreciated as most have probably died of by now really anything you can offer pictures too I thankyou so much nuns names anything

please send to .... Louise Morris Paterno ..........ny4weezie@aol.com

He my brothers and sisters...its been awhile since I;ve stopped here. Still looking for people that knew me and my brother, Frankie. I have reconnected.with many of my old friends. but I'd really like to find those of you that remember my brother. we were there for four years 62-66. I lost my brother in 1993 and still miss him every day. I'd love to hear some funny stories about his time there. And if anyone has pictures of him I would really appreciate seeing them. I know he was in the civiil air patrol and he acted in the christmas pagent every year...He was a funny dude.....Hope some one out there will have a memory they woud be willing to share with a lonely sister...

By the way I'll be in NY in June and already havd some home girls ready to hang out and Rock and Roll....Any one else interested let me know. It would be so cool to get together for lunch or drinks and just talk St. Agatha...The Boys are invited too......I'll put in more info as the time gets closer......

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my Homeboys and Homegirls....love you all

This message is for Albert Wilkinson. Wow what a blast from the past. Dont know if you remember me but you are one of the few people I do remember from St. Agatha's. I met your brother Eugene and his wife about two years ago at the reunion. I asked about you then... Well again it was nice reading your message. Take care.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bionVBJ-Oi4

Happy New Years to all HOME KIDS. I spoke to Reggie Bruno a couple of years ago. He lives in TX also. Just bringing back memories. Does anyone remember the stories from the Intake Center 3rd floor urban legends. I was told many that scared me to go up to the 3rd floor. Wow how so many years things come back to you.

Just would like to wish my St. Agatha's brothers and sisters and their families near and far a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God Bless you all.

WISHING YOU ALL A WONDERFUL MERRY CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH GOOD CHEER AND A NEW YEAR FULL OF LOVE, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. ♥

FROM ALL 185 MEMBERS OF OUR ST. AGATHA FAMILY ON "FACEBOOK" -- find us under "St. Agatha Homekids, Nanuet NY/Maria Agosto"

Nancy darling

Have you written another book? If so I would like to buy it. Every morning I brouse through the web for all the wonderful news that have been sent.

I'm still volunteering at CareNet four to five days a week and I love it. It's a thrift store that takes in donations. We sell all items at a very affordable price and the money goes to help the poor.

My youngest daugter also volunteers. She cooks on Mondays for over 200 hundred and my other daughter interviews and determines their needs, such as bills that need to be paid etc.

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and an abundant New Year, and to remind you that your happiness, health, and well being is all up to you. Forget the past, you can't truly affect the future, only the present is under your control. Please see my Face Book page for a most motivational video.

God Bless us one and all!

Nanc

Hi everyone,

It's been a long time.... I hope all of you are well.

For me a lot of things change all the time. Except for my feelings right now, (as it relates to my life at St. agatha's.) I'm still feeling very lucky to have been raised in the enviornment of the home. but anyway.. that's a long winded discussion & that's not why I came here.

I came to wish everyone related to St. Agatha's past, a Happy, eventful holiday season. Take care of yourselves and may you be blessed with good health, good friends & an undying love from your family.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2012-2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=c_6x-rSvJdY&NR=1

Hi Delores, my name is Pat shaner, I see Gracie A lot she lives 2 blocks from me in Brooklyn, I will tell her you ask for her. she has a computer but I dont know her E mail adress. She is doing fine, I keep telling her about the reunions she wants to go but something seems to be holding her back. when I tell her that someone is asking for her she smiles and is happy. I always want her to go upstate with me, she keep saying maybe. she tell me she will give anything to go back, so would I. couse we miss st. agatha. Pat Shaner

Gracie, nee Emilda Hernandez, became part of our family in New City on week-ends and summers when I went to the St. Agatha’s Home in Nanuet and asked about the availability of a girl to spend some time with us. I asked for a girl around the same age as Michele, about 7 or 8, and we met Gracie. Her mother had died and her father lived in New York City. She had an older sister and two brothers. The first week-end she came to stay with us, Harry and Ruthann started picking at each other. This escalated to a fight in the back yard with me screaming at them like a banshee. Gracie’s eyes went very big. When I brought her back on Sunday, I explained to the nun that Gracie probably did not ever want to return to our household. The nun explained that it was good for Gracie to see how normal families act under different circumstances. Wow! She liked shopping for groceries, going to Hague, attending shows at Lincoln Center, taking music lessons and just playing with the kids. Gracie continued coming for years, even after we moved to Vestal in 1971. I lost track of her when she moved into a group home in New York City.

I would love to get in touch with her. I have many photos of her with my kids.

Dolores

Patrick Moriarty 6:58pm Oct 9 A loyal and gracious member of our association Paul Fabrizzi passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2012. Our condolences to his family have been communicated to his daughter, Antoinette Nese. A wake was scheduled for Tuesday, October 9 at Flinch Bruns, Lynbrook, NY. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10 at 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 65 Wright Ave., Melverne, NY, 11565. Paul was a House kid from 1937 to 1941. Please add any memories/thoughts regarding Paul who sang for us many times.

[Paul was a St Agatha Home Kid from 1920s to 1937 before becoming a St agnes "House Kid"]

(From) Pat Moriarty

Paul Fabrizzi passed away October 7, 2012, at age 88.

I received a call this evening from Frank Bradicich regarding Paul's passing and I verified it with Antoinette Nese, Paul's daughter.

There will be a wake tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9, at Flinch and Bruns, 34 Hempstead Ave. Lyndbrook, NY, 11561, (516) 599-3600.

Visiting hours will be from 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM.

Funeral Mass on Wednesday, 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes, 65 Wright Ave., Melverne, NY, 11565, (516) 599-1269.

I believe that Paul was at the "House" [St Agnes] from 1937 to 1941.

[Paul was a St Agatha "Home Kid" from 1920s to 1937 before transferred to St Agnes]

As some of you might remember I worked at St. Agatha's in the 1970s and in 1974 my daughter Lisa, who was friends with many of you, was brutally murdered and left behind the Nanuet Mall.

The following is a letter I have posted on her Facebook page - Justice for Lisa Thomas. I would also like to post it here in the hopes that anyone with information will find it in their hearts to come forward:

Another agonizing year has passed and it is now 38 years since that horrific day that changed my family’s lives forever and the mystery of Lisa’s murder still remains unsolved.

There has not been a day that has gone by that I have not thought of my beautiful smiling Lisa. When I pass by her bedroom I can still see her dancing around in there.

As I watch the Nanuet Mall being demolished nearby, I realize that the Mall was only a few years old when Lisa was murdered and now it’s being torn down to make way for a new one. It’s hard to believe that the lifecycle of a mall has come and gone and there are still no answers to my daughter’s murder.

I hope and pray that someday someone out there has the courage to come forward and tell the truth about what happened to my Lisa that day. Someone holds the key to solving this case. I am certain that the answer is out there and I will not allow it to be swept under the rug – it will be unearthed - and I pray that it will be soon.

I thank all of you who have come forward to help us and I also want to thank those of you who never forgot Lisa, your kind words of remembrance mean the world to me. For years, Lisa was never mentioned in the media so it appeared she was forgotten. We all know now that was simply not the case. She was loved, she is loved.

Please call the Clarkstown Police Department: Det. Chris Maloney at 845-639-5865 or Det. Fred Parent at 845-639- 5833. Or, if you feel you must remain anonymous, you can call the TIPs line - 877-639-6233.

Thank you all,

Barbara Thomas

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Lisa-Thomas/257885657587145?ref=hl&bookmark_t=page

is there anyone that knows what is the best cement type to resurface a deterioraTING BASEMENT WALL. i JUST WANT TO APPLY CEMENT OF ABOUT 1 INCH TO MAKE THE WALL SEEM PEFECTLY SURFACED. i WOULD LIKE IT TO LOOK AS IF I PUT FORMS TO MAKE THE STRAIGHT EDGES, BUT OF COURSE I WILL HAVE TO USE THE HANDS. IN FACT MAYBE SOMEONE MIGHT WANT TO DO IT AND GET PAID FOR IT, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP.

Nancy

It has been a long time... and it is with sad and teary eyes I learned of St. Agatha's fate. It is like a piece of me is gone forever. I remember who you are Nancy and when you were new to St Agatha.

I believe I came to St. Agatha in 1953 or 54, with my three brothers. Arthur 7, Eugene 6, I was 4 and my younger brother Gerald 3. I never knew…

Our mother had died of a rare stomach cancer at age 34. Dad couldn't deal with the loss and having 4 boys to take care of and refused to let his brothers and sisters help him bring us up.. St. Agatha eventually took us in.

There are things I can remember right from the beginning when in 1953 or 54, I was placed in Mt. Carmel. What I remember is how hard it was for me to stop sucking my thumb, and learning to tie my shoes.

And at age 4 or 5, I remember someone from Knowles farm which was the adjacent property north of Seton hall on convent road, the owners would allow the nuns to bring us toddlers over to swim in their pool. I remember a woman holding me while I cried in her arms in that pool. I learned to swim later on and loved it ever since.

From there, I was moved to another building, I cannot remember the building’s name, but it was over the main laundry across from the main kitchen. It was there I learned I hated liver, and pizza! except for the crust was all I’d eat, the rest was spit into a napkin I’d put under the table and tossed in the toilet after supper. Those days you had to finish everything on your plate. You were forced to sit there until it was cleaned, and or get punished.

This excerpt is just the beginning of my memoirs’ of St. Agatha… there is so much more I wish to write, if I could only sit awhile without getting choked up in recollect of all those memories so vivid in my mind.

Nancy I just want to say this to you. God Bless your soul, for making St Agatha a living legend. St Agatha gave to me with open arms, food, clothing, shelter and an education, memories I will always cherish. And to those kids and staff, I spent the best part of my early years with, and I remembered many of them as I read the rosters. Bless them all as well.

These days I still live in New Jersey and spend most of my free time writing under a pen name of Malabu. Yes spelt with an A. I have over 2700 writings on my web page and recently have had a couple of poems published in a book called; Ink Angels. There are a few poems I’ve written about girls and times spent in St Agatha.. I must go back to those poems and tag them as such.

Right now I am a little overwhelmed, so I will just close with another personal thank you "Nancy."

Sincerely

Albert Wilkinson

A Homekid

It was my mother who attended St. Agatha from the mid 1920's till she was transferred to a convent school in NYC. Her name then was Dora Marchick. The was they youngest of 4 who were also at St. Agatha's. Her sibling's names were Johnny, Anne, Bill, and my mother (who later changed her name to Doris). I attended NYU's grad film school from 1979-1982 and was granted permission to shoot my thesis film at the Home (Spring of '82). I plan to donate a copy of it to the Home once it is transferred to a DVD.

Hi everyone this is Pat Shaner, I want everyone to know That I changed my E Mail address, my new one is linda287@ optimum.net In case if anyone want to contact me. Pat Shaner

http://www.lajiribilla.co.cu/videos/baldovina/baldovina_salamandra.htm

I have been reading your site all day, what a wonderful job you all have done. I was not a home kid although I felt like one sometimes. I was only 19 when I started working there. I met my husband Michael Harney there. He was a counselor too. I am grateful to St Agathas everyday. Michael died in 1989, but he gave me the greatest gift that he could before he died. Our daughter is now 24. She is the light of my life and I would not haver her now, but for a chance meeting at seton hall in 1982. When I look back,some of the greatest experiences of my life happened on th grounds of St Agatha Home. I can't name the children I worked with but I would be happy to get some mail from any of you that may remember me.

Hello, My mother and aunt were at St. Agatha's in the 30's-40's. both have since passed. I am trying to find anyone who may have known them.( Augusta Marx and Ann Marx). I also have a picture of my mother with Sister Norberta, but I cannot find any infor on her either. I know there were other siblings in the family, at least five others, just trying to do find other family members.

Eunice

TO GLADYS DIAZ:
Your message to Fr. Oliverio was forwarded to me by Nancy Canfield - she wanted to make sure Fr. received it. I'm in touch with a St. Lucy parishioner who visits him very frequently and he delivered the message for you. He read it to him and as best as he can respond due to his dementia, he responded with a smile - I believe he still understands LOVE when he hears it. A few of us visit him from time to time and if you don't know it, Fr. Oliverio has a Facebook page under "Frank Oliverio." We also have a Facebook group for us Homekids (180 members) that includes a lot of photos of him in his youth and through the years. Thank you for your message - it's a beautiful thing to see how many lives our Fr. Oliverio has touched in such a positive way. God bless.

This message is for father Oliverio.

Happy belated birthday father. My name is Gladys Diaz. As a child living at Saint Agatha's Home, I was an ugly duckling. I felt lonely, and lost, afraid and unseen. And then there was this angel with beautiful brown eyes who would speak to me. As time passed, you would appear on Sundays at the pulpit and now and then somewhere on the grounds of what became a beautiful memory.

After 55 years, I finally openned the envelope that shed light on the truth about my mother and father.

I want you to know the following. I tuned into a beautiful strong hummingbird. Throughout my life the vibration of my wings has led me to far away places searching for truth and love. My heart chooses to remembers only the times I could drink from the fountain of love.

Recently, I began writing and I had to pause at the thought of you. In my journey through life, you have remained in that fountain of love. The thought of you always gave me the gift of peace and it was that gift which calm my spirit. As thought you were a constant reminder of what life should be about. "Pure Love"

When I think about the meaning of kindness, gentlness, respect, loving, and beauty, I can go back into my heart and find you there so nurturing and giving of your wonderful spirit.

God puts people on our path for a season, a reason, or a life time. God placed you on my path as a child to calm the internal storm of such a young girl. You, Father, came into my life for several seasons, and for a definate reason, and now I find you will be in my life and a part of my heart for my life time.

My heart swells at the thought of your kindness. Thank you for every loving heart beat you gave me.

Your love has served me well. I have carried it around with me all these years. Sadly it is only now I am able to write these words. Your love for me has never faded. It has molded me into who I have become. I bless you and send you so much love from Beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Sincerely, Gladys Diaz

TODAY, JULY 18th, is Fr. Oliverio's 82nd birthday.
We pray you had a wonderful day, Father.
We love you dearly.
Your St. Agatha "Kids"

TO CLAUDIO JOHN DAVILA:
I sent you an email to the address you had but it was returned as "mailbox unavailable." You said you were at "St. Agnes" and you remember Sr. Robert - did you mean St. Agatha (because we do have a Sr. Robert who's been very active with SA alumni)? If you meant St. Agatha I'm in touch with a lot of Homekids and we have a Facebook group with 180 members - all age groups welcome, if you're interested in joining us. Many of us have found each other that way and have met Homekids from different eras. You can reach me at 413-455-1939 - hoping to help you reconnect.

P.S. any relation to Venus?

I was living at St Agnes's from 1965 to 1976. Sister Robert had a huge influence in my life as well as the brothers in Cottage 12. My intent is to find some of my brother's from when I was there; it would mean the world to me. In my stay I encountered some amazing people who touched my life in so many positive ways. If anyone knows of any one of the brothers from the time 1965-1976 please pass this message on and get in touch with me. 610-841-0398 home 484-426-0988

It's several years now since I found the book, "Home Kids" and signed onto this site. That was a great connection with the past for me and my sister and now we've just had another. Thru "Ancestry", a long lost cousin conntacted me and now, after 70 years, my sister and I know someone from our father's family. It means so much to us, I just wanted to share this with some folks who may understand in a special way. Gloria E. Fleming.

Hello, Eliiado Carranza, Rosa Torres, Terry, Beaner, Rudy, Mr Joyce, I never have forgotten you all. Yes it's me, Larry Esolen than, now Larry Daglieri from Vero Beach Fl, Oh yes you too Norma, hi. I had so much fun @ St Agatha's. How can I forget you all. Please call me @ 772-5697303 or e-mail @ larry8775@comcast.net and we can go down memory lane together. Love you all. Call me Butch.

I AM VERY, VERY.. SORRY TO READ ABOUT MRS. BARBARA THOMAS ...THAT HER DAUGHTER ...LISA THOMAS... WAS MURDERED IN 1974....AND THE KILLER WAS NEVER FOUND...

DON'T WORRY....MRS.BARBARA THOMAS....FOR THE GOOD LORD...JEHOVAN/JESUS...KNOWS WHAT WE ALL DO....AND THE PERSON..THAT TOOK YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER'S LIFE...WILL PAY..FOR THEIR CRIME...JUSTICE IN THIS WORLD SYSTEM...WE MIGHT NEVER GET...BUT JUSTICE...FROM THE GOOD LORD...WE WILL GET...FOR SURE...SO PLEASE...I KNOW IT HURTS..LOSING A CHILD...MY SON IS NOW 33 YEARS...AND IF ANYTHING EVER HAPPENS TO HIM...I WOULD FEEL...LIKE ...NOT WANTING TO GO ON...BUT...WE HAVE TO CONTINIUE TO GO ON...IN THIS LIFE...IS NOT A EASY LIFE AT ALL...BUT THE GOOD LORD JEHOVAN./JESUS WANTS ALL OF US TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD...UNTIL THE DAY.. JESUS...COMES TO CLEAN OUT THIS BAD SYSTEM OF THINGS...

MRS. BARBARA...I USE TO LIVE IN THE HOME AROUND THE TIME YOU WORKED IN THE HOME...I AM TRYING TO REMEMBER...IF I KNEW YOU...MAY YOU BE STRONG AND PRAY TO OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN...JEHOVAN/JESUS...I KNOW THAT... YOUR BEAUTIFUL..DAUGHTER ...LISA...IS IN THE HANDS OF THE GOOD LORD JEHOVAN/JESUS.....SHE IS LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN...AND SENDING YOU MANY BLESSES...

HAPPY AND SAFE SUMMER. TO EVERYBODY...

I STILL REMEMBER...THE SUMMERS...AT THE HOME...I REMEMBER...THE SWIMMING POOL...I STILL REMEMBER...ME AND SOME OTHER KIDS.....USE TO SNEAK...OUTSIDE AT NIGHT... TO GO SWIMMING IN THE POOL AND THE NIGHT WATCH MAN...WILL CHASE US..AWAY...THE GOOD DAYS..(SMILE)..

Hello Everyone,

I want to know if anyone has communicated with Ed Toung, he was the school principal.

I am a nieces of one of the boy that was there his name was Patrick Weiker about 1910 to about 1916 if you have pictof the boy in thought years I would like to know how I can get a copy of them to see if I can find him or if you have informantion about him. Thank you, Veronica

Still haven't found many people I knew, like Rosemary Roddrigues and her sister

Milagros and Hector Acosta, The Rivera sisters 5 of the Vivian, Nellie, and older sister in the annex, and two younger ones.

Cindy Carritini, and more......

Does anyone know the history of Mt. Carmel? I know it's still at St. Agatha and believe its the oldest building in St. Agatha.

My first morning at DePaul I remember eating eight small boxes of Frosted Flakes. The counselor showed me what a trash compacter was. Never seen one in my life. She finally told me to go outside and play until lunch.

Idea, what if we make a section where we could post a St. Agatha story while we were there.

I remember my first night in DePaul. I remember getting up that night because of the crickets which I never heard before. I got on my knees by the window, staired out in the darkness looking at the stars. I had no idea where I was and felt lonely. I started to cry for a very long time until my brother came to me and calm me down until I cried myself to sleep.

Hi,

I worked at 13 Hayden from '72-'75 and I remember many of you. I also have fond memories of having some of you to my home to swim in the pool in my backyard.

My daughter Lisa Thomas was good friends with many of you as well. As you may know, Lisa was murdered in 1974 and to date, her murder has not been solved. I know that tomorrow, 6/2, you are having a reunion and I am hoping that you will keep her in your thoughts as you enjoy the day and pray that we finally get justice for Lisa.

If anyone would like to contact me, I would love to hear from you again - my number is 845-623-2129 or you can reach me via email at JusticeforLisa@gmail.com

Any thoughts, prayers, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Barbara Thomas

I still look the same

I did not attend St. Agatha's. I was a guest one year during Christmas time. Not sure if any of you remember but, in the mid 1990's, my friend Al and myself drove up to Nanuet with a bunch of buddies in a caravan of cars. I played Santa Claus and visited every single bunk house and, gave every single person at the Home a Christmas present that they picked out beforehand. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I even played basketball with some of the kids. It was extremely rewarding. I loved every minute of it. GOD BLESS !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=desuUQTnqFo

HELLO EVERYONE....

GOD IS GOOD...HE IS STILL KEEPING ME IN HIS LOVING CARING HANDS...I HAVE BEEN THROUGH HELL AND BACK, AFTER LEAVING THE HOME..I LEFT IN 1975 WITHOUT FINISHING HIGH SCHOOL...AT AGE 29 I DID GET MY G.E.D. AND WAS ABLE TO WORK TWO GOOD CITY JOBS...BUT NOW AT AGE 55 I AM ILL AND UNABLE TO WORK..

DOES ANYONE REMEMBERS GUS ACOSTA..HE LEFT THE HOME AROUND 1974..HE USE TO BE MY BOYFRIEND IN THE HOME..(SMILE)HE WAS ONE YEAR OLDER THEN ME..

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SEARCH HIM FOR YEARS...IF ANYONE KNOWS HIM, LET HIM KNOW, I AM TRYING TO LOCATE HIM..

GOD BLESS YOU ALL....BE SAFE AND HAPPY...GOD LOVES YOU TOO!

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!...

The Daily News Front Page - Wed. May 2nd 2012 Sister Mary Christine, one of the few Sisters of Charity still associated with the now bygone sanctuary of St. Agatha Home for Children has hit a Home Run, figuratively speaking that is. Over the many years of recreational activities she participated in at SA, notably baseball, it was only fitting that she win a sure to be collectable - Derek Jeter New York Yankees "Official" autographed baseball. Sr. was the lucky (hmmm ;>) contest winner of The New York Daily News "Baseball Bingo" scratch-off prize Game 3 - Sunday, April 29 to Saturday, May 5, 2012 ... Congratulations and Blessings to our Sister Christine, YEAH!!!!

*It appears The Good Lord is a Yankee Fan! ">)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Derek Jeter..

Note* The incased baseball I inserted in this image is "not" the actual ball Sister Christine won in The Daily News Bingo Baseball scratch-off contest.

MY NAME IS ZORAIDA RIVERA I AM NOW 55 YEARS OLD I HAVE A SON NAME TOMMY  HE'S 33 YEARS OLD. HOW TIME FLYS...I LIVED IN THE HOME WITH MY 3 SISTERS AND 4 BROTHERS. I REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD. I REMEMBER THE NIGHT WATCH LADY BETTY AND I ALSO REMEMBER JOE RIZZO. AND SISTER ALICE I REMEMBER HER VERY WELL, SHE ONCE SLAPPED ME IN MY FACE IN THE BATHROOM BECAUSE I LIED TO HER.MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL,,

 ALSO NEED TO FIND OUT HOW I COULD GET MY INFO ON FILE, BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR MY FATHER, HE NEVER VISIUS IN THE HOME,

http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/secciones/benedictoxvi/index.html

Just heard about Maria Agosto losing her son Fransisco. He is in my prayers as you are. will be w/you in your heart.

I say hello to all that grew up with me and hope everyone is doing well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVBCaM_DrQI&feature=related

Does anyone remember my sister Diane and when she had a sheep

called Babette in the back of Little Flower.