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Author Bio
"It took about five years to become financially stable. After teaching in Catholic Schools for 15 years, it was a real eye-opener to find myself teaching in a Black, desperately poor, inner-city school of Tampa, Florida. The elementary school was so violent we had a full-time police officer with a gun. I was told, in 1985, it was the only elementary school in Florida requiring this kind of protection." From there, Dr. Tavenner spent two years teaching in the highest socio-economic schools of Hillsborough County. This was a neighborhood where George Steinbrenner and Wade Boggs lived. Old money, new money. Lots of money and "much of the arrogance which may, at times, come with having lots of money". During this time, Hilaire, deciding to keep her religious name, drove a small motorcycle, lived in a studio apartment, and went back to school at the University of South Florida. After eight years of long, hard effort, she received her doctorate in Reading/Language Arts. She taught future teachers as an associate for the University, but returned to live in Lorain, Ohio in 1993 when her mother's doctor suggested Mrs. Tavenner's poor health would best be served by moving her into a nursing home. Hilaire had no reason not to and every desire to return to the home of her childhood and assist her mother in every and any way possible. She had lived in Florida for ten years. Dr. Tavenner's mother had been diagnosed with emphysema 15 years prior, but now it was chronic. Her lung specialist told Hilaire he believed her mother "had six months to live". Moving home was an answer to both of their prayers. Her mother needed help to remain in the family home and Hilaire had always dreamed of writing. During THE SIX YEARS her mother continued to live, Hilaire produced four books: Nun of This and Nun of That, a lengthy realistic fiction of convent life in the 1960's, and the sequel, Nun of This and Nun of That, Book Two, France, 1996: Memoirs of a writer in France, the adventures recorded from two weeks in France during the summer of 1996, and A Portrait of Helen Steiner Rice: A Lorain Version, which is a brief yet most informative biography of Helen Steiner Rice. Her mother and uncontestedly her dearest source of unconditional love and support died February 21, 1999. "I stayed home for a year because I knew I needed at least that much time to grieve this most profound of losses. Some looked at me and could not believe I would or should embrace my solitude, but I felt it absolutely essential for my emotional pain to process." After Mother died Dr. Tavenner produced two more books: Peru 2002: Memoirs of a writer in Peru and Memories of Mom: They called her Dutch. Dr. Tavenner has befriended movie stars, famous families, and "characters" of every sort! Her mother would say, "I don't know anyone who has more of an assortment of friends than you!" A dear friend, Becky Whittington once quipped, "Hilaire, you are the only person I know who lives under the illusion that you have 300 intimate friends." Presently, Dr. Tavenner lives in the family homestead of three generations. After serving for the past 3 years as education director for Sylvan Learning Center of Sheffield, Ohio, "Doc" left Sylvan to establish her own business of DUTCH INK whereby she is employed as a free lance public speaker, educator, and writer. And a little more about Dr. Tavenner: EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
The following assignments
were all in Ohio.
The Media is Raving AboutDr. Mary Hilaire (Sally) Tavenner
"Former nun, author returns to central
New York for book-signing event" by Erin Place, The Pallidum
Times, Everyday Women; Oswego, NY, March 8, 2010, pg. 6. (Photo)
"Spotlight: The Mighty Lorain Pen" by Ron Vidika, The Morning Journal, Lorain, OH, LIGHT ON LORAIN, Winter, 2010, Volume 2, Issue 1. Page 3-7. “One
Lorain woman traveled to Puerto Rico and Peru: She Continues to help the
Latino community through her books and teachings” by Ingrid Marie
Rivera. La Prensa,
Ohio’s oldest and largest Latino weekly, Toledo, OH. January 15,
2010. Pg. 9. Vol. 46, No. 19.
(Photo, front page.) http://www.laprensa1.com/Stories/2010/011310/Peru.htm “Next
week in La Prensa: Memoirs of a Writer traveling to Puerto Rico” by
Ingrid Marie Rivera. La
Prensa, Ohio’s oldest and largest Latino weekly, Toledo, OH. January
8, 2010, front page. Vol. 46, No. 18. (Photos)
"Student takes assignment to a new level" by Micaiah Wise Bilger. The Sentinel, Lewistown, PA. January 10-11, 2009, pg. D1 and D7. (Photos)
"An Interview with Dr. Tavenner" at Lorain County Community College, on January 7, 2009.Learning_in_Lorain.htm
"Un Sueno Hecho Reliadad: Nativa de Lorain tiene la vida que siempre queria como autora, educatora, y oradora" by Ron Vidika. Traduccion por Barbara R. Cochran. El Latino Expreso. 12-18 de Diciembre, 2008. pg. 8 & 13. (Photo).
"A Dream Come True: Lorain native living the life she always wanted serving as author, educator, public speaker" by Ron Vidika. El Latino Expreso, a free publication of the Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. December 12-1`8, 2008. Pg. 9. (Photo)
"5 Questions With: Dr. Mary Hilaire Tavenner" by Katy Widrick, executive editor of GrowingBolder.com <click to view Posted November 24, 2008, 10:16 am in Books." (Photo)
"A Dream Come True: Lorain native living the life she always wanted serving as author, educator, public speaker" by Ron Vidika. Lorain Morning Journal <click to view, Lorain, OH. November 23, 2008, pg. F1. (Photo)
"Expectations high for new Lorain superintendent" by Kate Giammarise. Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. February 7, 2007. Front page. “Profesora de classes de ingles
como secunda idioma pone venta nuevo libro” by Stacey Caswell.
El Latino Expreso, Lorain, OH. December
19-25, 2006, pgs. 8-9. (Photo)
“Writers
Reading”, Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. September 24, 2006, pg.
B-4. (Photo) “Group celebrates work of Lorain poet” by Stephen Szucs. The Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. March 11, 2006, pg. B3. (Photo) “Local
author explores Peru and its culture in new book” by Stephanie
Czekalinski. El Latino Expreso, Lorain, OH. December 23-29,
2005, pg. 5. “Autora local examina la cultura peruana en
neuevo libro”
by Stephanie Czekalinksi.
El Latino Expreso, Lorain, OH.
December 23-29, 2005, pg. 2.
(Photo) “Adult
Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers”, The
Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. December 6, 2005, pg. B6.
(Photo) “Pot
luck supper” Avon Lake Press, Avon Lake, OH. February 11, 2004. “It’s
in the writing” by Kevin Kelley. Catholic
Universe Bulletin,
June 6, 2003, pg. 9. (Photo) “Poetic
Reminder” by Paul Walsh. Lorain
Journal, November 7, 2002, pg. B1. (Photo) “City
to get marker in honor of late writer” by Andrea Might. Lorain
Journal, May 31, 2002, pg. D1. “Great
Saints and more celebrated in new book by local author”. Cleveland
Catholic Universe Bulletin, September 28, 2001.
"Sylvan Learning Centers earn
Top Honors" by Jane Shealy. Success Magazine, October,
2000. Pg. 58-60. (Photo, pg. 60.)
“Library
News”, Dimensions, publication of Lorain Public Library. Fall,
1999. Vol. II, No. 3, pg. 6.
(Photo) “Prayers
for a beloved poet laureate”. The
Plain Dealer, November 24, 1999, pg. B1.
(Photo) “Profile:
Mary Hilaire Tavenner; Receiving more by letting go…Ex-nun finds joy in
caring for mother” by Thomas J. Quinn. Cleveland Plain Dealer,
December 3, 1997, pg. 6B. (Photo) “Helen
Steiner Rice lecture planned” in Local Briefs, Lorain Journal,
October 25, 1996. “You’re
Invited” Marion Guild at St. Anthony’s announces in the Lorain
Journal that Dr. Hilaire Tavenner will speak on “Pilgrimages to the
Shrines of France” at St. Anthony Church. September 10, 1996, pg. C3. “Religious
Relic” Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. November 15, 1995.
(Photo) “Rice
Remembered” Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. May 20, 1994. (Photo) “Special
Party” Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. September 2, 1993. “Academic
Notes” Morning Journal, Lorain, OH. December 11, 1993.
(Photo) “Academic
journey near end” by Doug Stanley.
Tampa Tribune, Tampa, FL. December
9, 1993, pgs. 1&3. Happy
100th “Local sister’s centennial celebrated by Willard
Scott on TODAY SHOW” by Larry Rubama, Syracuse Catholic Sun,
July, 1992. (Party was arranged by Mary Hilaire Tavenner). “Ex-nun
relies on miracles” by Carolyn Koperdak.
Lorain Journal, August 26, 1990, pg. 21-22. (Photo) “Talent
show at Springs Elementary” Pennysaver, February 23, 1989. “Sulphur
Springs Elementary students “act up” in class” by Jeffrey Huggins. Temple
Terrace Beacon, February 23, 1989.
(Project manager: Hilaire Tavenner) “Voices
crack against strain” by Susan H. Thompson.
Tampa Tribune,
October 30, 1988, pg. 1H. (Photo) “Cards
being sent to hostage” by Penny M. Carnathan.
Tampa Tribune, December 9, 1988.
(Photo) “Carter
faults Regan’s ‘war of words’ by Patrice Flinchbaugh. Tampa Tribune, January 16, 1986, pg.1B. (Photo) “Former
president receives a warm reception at USF” by John Dunn.
Tampa Tribune Mail, January 16 and January 22, 1986, pg.
B11. (Photo) “Students
go to kitchen for lessons” by David Szymanski.
Northside Tampa Tribune, February 25, 1986. “What
life had in store, 20 years of ups, downs for class of ‘66”.
Lorain Journal. September 28, 1986, pg. 1 (6-7) (Photo) “Mythology
marathon opens Pandora’s box of fun”. Florida Catholic, April
13, 1984, pg. 4. “Mere
mortals step aside at Incarnation” by Kim MacCormack Class Notes. Tampa Tribune, April, 1984.
“Judo
nun Sister Mary Hilaire ‘gives ‘em heaven’ by Tom Ford. The Tampa
Tribune, September 30, 1983, pg. 10C sports section. (Photo) “Shodokan
Judo Club”. Lorain
Journal. February 26, 1983. “What
price education?” by Wendy Langerderfer.
Lorain Journal, March 6, 1983, pg. 11. (Photo) “A
word of praise” by Mr. & Mrs. John Skarupa. Lorain Journal,
April 4, 1983. “Leaving
Lorain” by Lou Kepler. Lorain
Journal, May 3, 1983. “Y
Judo”. Lorain Journal,
May 19, 1983. “Same
Order, Different Habits” by Lou Kepler.
Lorain Journal, June 26, 1983, pg. 29-31.
(Photo) “St.
Anthony Students Head for World’s Fair” by Rosemary Schuler.
Metropolitan, February 3, 1982, pg. 18. (Photo) “At
the 1982 World’s Fair” Catholic Universe Bulletin, Cleveland,
OH Diocese, June 25, 1982, pg. 27. (Photo) “Lorain
nun: colorful, inspired” by Bob Cotleur.
Lorain Journal, June 20, 1982. “Authority on Elizabeth Seton will speak at St.
Peter’s” Loudonville Shopper, Loudonville, OH. October 11,
1982. (Photo) “Pilgrimage
to American saint’s shrine Oct. 9-11” Lorain Journal, Lorain,
OH. September, 1981. (Photo) “The
best of friends” by Dennis Sadowski.
Lorain Journal, September 19, 1981. “A
Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton”, Chronicle-Telegram,
Elyria, OH. August 8, 1981. (Photo) “Pilgrimage
to American saint’s shrine”, Lorain, Journal, Lorain, OH.
August 8, 1981. “A Time for
Miracles” tells of first native-born saint” by James Ewinger.
Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland, OH.
December 21, 1980. “A Time for Miracles is flawed, but worthwhile”
by James Breig. Catholic
Universe Bulletin, Cleveland, OH Diocese.
December 19, 1980, pg. 27. (Photo) “Things
I Hear” by Lou Kepler. Lorain
Journal, Lorain, OH. May 6, 1980, pg. 14. “Sister
Hilaire writes a musical for her class” by Daniel Ho. Lorain Journal, Lorain, OH. May 3, 1980. “Lorain
nun lauds film about Mother Seton: She served as technical consultant”
by Robert Loomis. Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. April 19, 1980,
pg. A-5. (Photo) “Local nun is TV consultant” The Fulton Patriot, April 8, 1980. (Photo) “Seton story being filmed” by Stephenie Overman of NC News Services. Baltimore, Maryland. March, 1980. “Good
Skates take to the Ice” by Tom Whittington.
Lorain Journal, February 28, 1980. (Photo) “Mother
Seton’s Loving Lorainite” by Larry Ramey.
Lorain Journal, February 16, 1980. “Volunteers
saluted for special service”. Catholic
Universe Bulletin, May 23, 1980, pg. 12. (Photo) “Things
I Hear/The Warm Fuzzies” by Lou Kepler.
Lorain Journal, May 6, 1980, pg. 14. “Lorain nun anxiously awaits movie on life of
Mother Seton” by Robert Loomis. Chronicle-Telegram,
Elyria, OH. 1980.
(Photo) “Saint’s
“Miracle Girl” Attends Columbia Dedication” by Larry Ramey.
Lorain Journal, September 15, 1979, pg. 6.
(Photo) “Pilgrimage”
Cleveland Universe Bulletin, Cleveland, OH Diocese.
September 14, 1979. (Photo) “Seton
miracle girl visits Lorain area” by Joseph F. McKenna.
Catholic Universe Bulletin, Cleveland, OH Diocese.
September 21, 1979, pg. 1. (Photo) “Young
Scientists at Work”, Syracuse Herald-Journal, March 8, 1977.
(Photo) “Young
Goblins pool their Artistic Talents” by Steve Woiler. Syracuse Herald-Journal, Syracuse, NY. October, 1977
(Photo) “Real
paper tigers”, Catholic Sun, Syracuse, NY. May 19, 1977.
(Photo) “Pupils
see legislature in action” by Dan Padovano.
Syracuse Herald-Journal, Syracuse, NY. May 1, 1977, pg. 60.
(Photo) “And
spooks that go bump in the night” Syracuse Herald-Journal,
Syracuse, NY. October, 1976.
(Photo) “Pope
Paul Birthday”, The Catholic Sun, September 22, 1976, pg. 3.
(Photo) “There
is love…”. Catholic
Sun, Syracuse, NY. May
26, 1976. (Photo) “Lorain
nun lauds film about Mother Seton” by Robert Loomis. Chronicle-Telegram, April 19, 1976. (Photo) “Confirmation
pilgrimage” Catholic Sun, Syracuse, NY. 1976. “Nun
in Lorain tells about newest Saint”, Catholic Universe Bulletin,
January 2, 1976, pg. 10. (Photo) “Catholic
Education Week” Syracuse Herald-Journal. January, 1976. (Photo) “Catholic
Education Week” Catholic Universe Bulletin, Syracuse, NY,
January, 1976. (Photo) “From
the Vatican, a canonization report” by Oscar Barker. The Catholic Sun, 1975.
(Photo) “Ex-Lorainite
Becomes Nun in Syracuse” The Lorain Journal, Lorain, OH, June,
1974. “Pupils
Demonstrate Poetic Ability in Local Contest” Oswego Valley News,
Fulton, NY. April 10, 1974.
(Photo) “Award-winning
class”, Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY.
February 20, 1974. (Photo) “Donate
to Cancer Fund” Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY.
1974. (Photo) “Christmas
Party for Local Nuns” Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY.
December 26, 1973. (Photo) “Up
to Halloween Mischief?” Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY.
October 31, 1973. (Photo) “Sisters
Recognized at Dinner”, Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY. September
19, 1973. (Photo) “Tops
for T.O.P.S.” Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY. October 10, 1973.
(Photo) “Franciscan
nuns take final vows” Syracuse Herald-Journal, Syracuse, NY,
June, 1973. (Photo) “Poetry
Winners”, Oswego Valley News, Fulton, NY. May 2, 1973. (Photo) 85
entries to date: revised October 13, 2008.
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Updated April 1, 2010