November 12, 2015
Tom Burke
Judy Storms’ association with St. Anselm School started way back, a number of years she’ll only confirm as 40-plus. I spoke with the now-fifth grade aide via email.
Judy was a stay-at-home mom until her oldest son started at the Ross parish school.
“Getting involved as a parent started a new career in education,” Judy said. She was first a parent volunteer in the classroom also heading up St. Anselm’s hot lunch program. Later she became a second grade aide and in charge of the school library. During the four decades she has also assisted in the school’s extended care program and served as a fourth grade aide before accepting her current role.
“Working with children is rewarding,” Judy said. “It is a very special gift to see former students later in life as well rounded adults. It is heartwarming to see that some of our former students have chosen St. Anselm as a school for their children. I am blessed with having two of my grandsons here.”
Why is Catholic school education a good choice? “We educate the whole child,” Judy said. “We teach and reinforce Christian values that will guide them for the rest of their lives.”
Judy said the highlights of her Catholic school experience include watching students “grow academically and emotionally” and “seeing eyes light up when they learn to read or finally understand a new concept.”
Judy’s advice for those considering a Catholic school career? “Enjoy what you do. You are a gift to all our children and always remember you are helping shape young lives.”
‘HAY’ THERE: Notre Dame High School junior, Gina Andreatta, volunteers at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy. The organization assists in treatment of children and adults with neuromuscular, cognitive, and sensory processing disorders. “I have been volunteering at NCEFT for five years, and I absolutely love it,” Gina said, noting she “started off doing maintenance, cleaning stalls, and sweeping.” She has also served as a side walker accompanying the horse and rider adding security to the session. “Every time I volunteer, I am inspired; I am inspired by the patients, the therapists, and even the horses. NCEFT is my favorite place in the world.”
CALL TO ALL: St. Anthony’s on Golden Gate Avenue will hold its Thanksgiving Curbside Donation Drive with a goal of 1,500 turkeys Nov. 21-26: Saturday, Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thanksgiving Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a life-giving event. Take a drive by and grab a turkey to drop off on the way. Helping the cause along is St. Emydius Parish. Under the watch of Pierre Smit parishioners are holding a turkey drive 9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 21 in the church parking lot, De Montfort and Jules avenues off Ocean Avenue, with all donations going to St. Anthony’s.
TAKE 2 ASPIRIN: I have taken the bull by the horns so to speak with all this talk of antibiotics in meats we eat. Now when I get a sore throat I buy a 20-piece Chicken McNuggets and take two a day until they’re gone. I usually start feeling better the second or third day so it’s hard not to eat them all right away but you have to spread them out. When I’m sick do I go to the doctor? No. I go to the butcher.
Email items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi to burket@sfarchdiocese.org or mail to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109. Include a follow-up phone number. Street is toll-free. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.