Hidden in the Fox Valley is a special place that thousands have visited and experienced at a deeply personal level. It is a place and a time that most of us have only experienced once in our lives, but we will never forget. It is a place that others cruise past time after time, and wonder what lies inside, but never venture to discover.
This Summer, a unique opportunity will come up to discover or re-enter and enjoy a peaceful, fun-filled adventure with neighbors and friends.
The entire family and the entire community are invited to enjoy an afternoon at La Salle Manor in Plano Ill., southwest of Aurora.
La Salle Manor is a conference and retreat center operated by the Christian Brothers since 1958. It is a place and a mission dedicated to human development within religious, civic, and educational communities offering opportunities for continuing education and spiritual development. Approximately 5,000 people a year, of all ages and faiths, have traveled to La Salle Manor for more than 66 years to spend some precious moments to reflect on their lives, discover God’s love and peace.
La Salle Manor is nestled between farm fields and woods just south of Galena Road near Plano. It offers a beautiful Log lodge, conference space, commercial kitchen, chapel, dormitories, gift shop, lagoon, walking trails, and quiet places. It offers supportive staff members and educational programming that has been enjoyed by students of all ages through the years and business partners who have utilized the environment for staff leadership and training opportunities.
For most of the Fox Valley area and for residents throughout northern Illinois and beyond, it is a place that was visited just once through a retreat experience. The new president of La Salle Manor, Scott Baietti has other ideas. Baietti has made it his mission to get connected with the community through involvement in local parish life, and beyond that to meet with local business and government leaders, to participate in chamber of commerce activities, and to share the hidden gem that is the Manor with as many people as he can.
While the retreat schedule at the Manor keeps staff busy year-round, there are a variety of opportunities to utilize this very unique property for business retreats and conference activities as well as evening get togethers. Baietti also knows that the Manor holds a very special place in the hearts of so many people, and that a once in a lifetime opportunity is just not enough. “I want more of our neighbors to see our facility, and know what we do, and for those who have been here before, come visit again and to bring your family and friends to see it too,” Baietti said.
Sunday July 28, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Manor is opening its doors to the public with a very special open house experience. There will be food and fun, games for kids and adults to enjoy, opportunities for guided tours of the facilities, a chance to learn more about the history and mission of this very inclusive community, even raffles, prizes, and a petting zoo too. The day concludes with a Mass at 6 p.m.. All are welcome to attend.
More information is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LSMRetreatCenter. Or visit thewebsite, La Salle Manor Retreat Center, where in addition to photos and information about the center you can find gift shop items for sale including local honey, candles, spiritual gifts and a variety of Fair-Trade items from around the world.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has included more than 10 years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional, networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is a two-term elected alderman in the City government of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.