St. John’s Villa to host 75th anniversary celebration June 13

St. John’s Villa will celebrate 75 years of service to Carroll County with a full day of food, music, family activities and community events during its Rib Burn-Off and Car Show June 13 at the facility’s campus on Crest Street.

The free public event will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at St. John’s Villa, 701 Crest St. NW, Carrollton, and will feature a rib competition, car show, live music, food trucks, children’s activities and facility tours as the organization marks this milestone anniversary.

Susan Williamson, director of development and communications for St. John’s Villa, said the event is designed not only as a fundraiser, but also as a celebration of the Villa’s longtime role in the community.

“I think 75 years is a great milestone for St. John’s Villa,” Williamson said. “We have had a significant impact on not only the developmentally disabled community, but our community as a whole.”

St. John’s Villa began as an orphanage in Carrollton in 1951 before transitioning into a residential facility serving adults with developmental disabilities. Today, the organization operates seven homes on a 52-acre campus featuring walking paths, picnic areas, a gazebo and a pond.

Residents now live in home-style settings with kitchens, dining rooms, laundry rooms and personal bedrooms.

“One of the moments that mean the most to me is when the residents were told new homes were being built and they would all have their own bedrooms,” Williamson said. “Once the homes were completed, to witness the smiles on their faces and hear the excitement in their voices when they talked about their new home was priceless.”

The transition from orphanage to residential care was led in the late 1980s by Sr. Elaine Weber and Sr. Helene Mertes, who helped secure funding for the modern campus.

In addition to residential and adult-day services, St. John’s Villa also operates The Villa Restaurant and The Growing Tree Daycare.

The restaurant provides employment opportunities for members of the developmental disabilities community, while the daycare serves children from six weeks old through school age.

“Carroll County does not have many childcare providers and the service we provide gives children a safe environment to thrive and grow,” Williamson said.

The June 13 celebration will include a car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with vehicle registration open from 7-10 a.m. for a $10 fee.

Five teams will compete in the rib burn-off competition, including returning competitor Ohio BBQ Crew along with first-time participants Beach City BBQ, MoonShine Q Mobile Catering, Saluting to You BBQ and the Carrollton Eagles Aerie 2185.

Food trucks and vendors will begin serving at 11 a.m.

Musical entertainment will include Retrophonic performing from 3-5 p.m. followed by Paradise, a Meat Loaf tribute band, from 6-8 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or seating for the concerts.

The event will also feature a children’s zone with games, a bounce house and dunk tank, along with facility tours throughout the day.

Williamson said the event is free to attend, though donations for parking are encouraged.

“It is important to celebrate the 75th anniversary event with the public because they are part of the reason St. John’s Villa is still in existence,” Williamson said. “Without the support of the public, we wouldn’t be here.”

Funds raised during the event will benefit Villa residents and help provide recreational opportunities and experiences many residents otherwise could not afford.

“When I say extras, I am talking about attending painting classes at the arts center, taking a trip to Hershberger Farms or even a train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad,” Williamson said. “Small things make the world of difference to our residents.”

Current President and CEO Richard Davis said the organization hopes to continue adapting to the needs of Carroll County while remaining focused on care and community support.

“As St. John’s Villa looks ahead to the next 75 years, the focus remains on staying true to its roots while continuing to adapt to the needs of the community,” Davis said.

He said future goals include expanding opportunities that support independence, meaningful employment and services for aging adults while continuing investments in staff, technology and facilities.

“Above all, the future will continue to center on people, those who live and work at the Villa, and the Carroll County community that has supported it for generations,” Davis said.

Williamson said she hopes visitors leave the anniversary celebration with a better understanding of the organization’s impact throughout the county.

“What I hope people learn is our impact in this community as a whole and what we have done and will continue to do to make Carroll County a great place to live and raise a family,” Williamson said.