Snowed In

The months of January and February have been known to bring their fair share of snow days for residents across the tristate. Major snowstorms have closed schools and businesses for days. Throughout the years Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall (MMH) employees have found a safe and welcoming refuge on campus when the snow has provided its commuting challenges. In the following article S. Cookie Crowley reflects on fond memories of evenings spent with employees and Sisters ‘snowed in’ at Seton Hall.

“As soon as the word snow hits the airwaves in Cincinnati everybody kicks in to high gear – grocery stores are packed and hardware stores can’t keep supplies on their shelves. But, if you worked on the Motherhouse campus in the last three decades you simply packed an overnight bag and prepared yourself for an old-fashioned slumber party!

“Sisters who worked on campus and all employees (nursing staff, kitchen, environmental services, maintenance and grounds) were welcome. LaRosa’s was on speed dial and there were extra toothbrushes and toothpaste for those caught off guard. Grounds crew members who needed to be working during the night found it much better to take a quick nap in Seton instead of the garage. There were always plenty of warm beds and dryers for their wet clothes! Seton Hall was safe, warm and welcoming!

“Everyone who stayed was welcome to meals, and hot coffee was plentiful. Employees were so grateful that they didn’t have to worry about getting into work the next day. We really had some big snowstorms in days gone by and I remember one time about 15 Sisters were up there for at least three days with just about every room on the fifth floor taken by our employees. We also had a couple of days when we were enlisted to help pass trays in MMH. It was an experience but everybody made the best of it and we all had a lot of fun!”