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St. Stephen’s Catholic School brings Hollywood to Town

Kim Doose

It was none other than Marilyn Monroe who helped usher in the Hollywood theme at St. Stephen’s Catholic School B.A.S.H. (Building a Scholastic Heritage) on Saturday, March 6, at the Hotel Colorado.

Julie Maniscalchi of Carbondale, the performer who played Monroe, came to the event to assist with the school’s biggest fund-raiser. Guests arrived in evening or Hollywood attire and had an opportunity to mingle and peruse the silent auction items during cocktail hour. Dinner and a live auction followed and the Walt Smith trio wound up the evening for those who stayed to dance.

The event raised more than $25,000, which, according to organizer Paula Busk, will help fulfill the school’s mission to recognize and develop the value and potential of every child, equipping them to meet life’s challenges and make a positive difference in the community and beyond. Busk said, “The generosity of the community seen through the item donations and monetary support has been overwhelming.”



The school has been providing a religious education to children in pre-school through eight grade for more than 22 years. With 75 students, the school prides itself on its small class size and the special attention each student receives, giving it a quiet, structured, setting that is like a close-knit family.

The Hollywood theme played out well and most of the 160 guests who attended joined in the fun, including St. Stephen’s Catholic pastor, Father Cliff McMillan who had his picture taken with Marilyn Monroe.



From left, Tom Alby, principal and director of development at St. Stephen’s Catholic School, Jean Huyser of Glenwood, a volunteer at the school, and Jane Alby of Glenwood.

From left, Walt Stowe owns Ace Roofing, Shannon Stowe owns SDS Mortgage, Hattie Norgren of Glenwood and her husband, Darrel, a retired veterinarian.

From left, Mark Sackett of Carbondale is an attorney, Michele Diamond of Carbondale works at WestStar Bank and Donna Fell of Glenwood is a broker for Mountain Estates Realty.

St. Stephen’s Catholic School teachers from left, Randalea Milhorn of Rifle teaches P.E. and Spanish, Cathy LaFantasie of Rifle teaches second and third grade, Joni McGavock of Glenwood teaches sixth and seventh grade, Stephanie Janiga of Carbondale teaches kindergarten and Sue Herth of New Castle teaches religion and math.

B.A.S.H. organizers from left, Amy Turley of Silt works for Dr. Fegan, Sue Kellogg of Glenwood is a full-time mom, Paula Busk of Carbondale is a certified public accountant, Corinne Diemoz DeRaddo of Glenwood is a buyer for the Hot Springs Pool shop and Martha Williston of Glenwood is a full-time mom.

From left, George and Cheryl McLaughlin of Denver came to the event to support their niece and nephew who attend the school, and Rob and Cindy Scholl of Silt own Keeplan International.

Sharon Beattie is a real estate agent and Steve Beattie is an attorney at Beattie and Chadwick.

Eddi Vanderhoof, left, and Charlie Wirth of Glenwood.


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