A Loving History of Service at Maple Tree Childcare Center
From “With Grateful Hearts the Past We Own” written by Sister Carole Sweely OSB on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Monastery in 1998, Page 87
Maple Tree Childcare Center
A laundry facility built in 1963 was partially re-converted into a childcare center in 1991. After a study of the needs in the Maplewood area, a decision was reached to provide infant, toddler, and preschool care to the Maplewood surroundings. Infant care was a priority as few other childcare facilities provided care for the very young.
Funding was provided by the Monastery with Sisters working to obtain funds from various organizations as well as private donations and grants. The childcare center committee consisted of Sisters Duane Moes, Georgetta Loxterkamp, Rosella Schommer, Sharon Schiller, Cecile Marie Rader, and Mary Joanne Lusk.
The childcare center [was then] licensed to care for 67 children and was opened on September 16, 1991. Open house for the public was held on October 5 with the blessing and dedication on October 6.
[In 1998], two sisters work[ed] in the childcare facility: Sisters Rosella Schommer and Andriette Schommer. Past employees included Sisters Sharon Schiller and Linda Soler. Volunteers have been Sisters Kenneth Kauth, Georgetta Loxterkamp, Luella Nies, and Cecile Marie Rader.
From Jennie Schlauch, Director Maple Tree Childcare Center
The Sisters began the ministry of providing childcare in 1991. Over the years, a number of Sisters have worked in the classrooms. Sister Andriette and Sister Rosella were infant room teachers. Sister Linda worked with our toddlers and Sister Sharon served as a preschool teacher. Sister Jackie and Sister Karen have helped as substitute teachers.
We value the support of the Maple Tree board on which many Sisters have served. Sister Catherine is our current board president. We appreciate her wisdom and guidance.
We are thankful for the support we receive from the Sisters, the lay members on the board, and the monastery administrative staff.