Neighborhood party June 8 part of Tabor’s community outreach

MARION — Marion residents are invited to sip cocktails, nibble on appetizers and interact with Tabor Academy’s Head of School Tony Jaccaci, part of his effort to reach out to the community.

A Tabor Neighbor Party will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 on the Tabor waterfront. The party is hosted by Jaccaci and his wife, Lucia Jaccaci.

The soiree, which is open to residents 21 and older, will be followed by another family-friendly event this summer, likely an ice cream social in August, Jaccaci said.

“The school wants to be a good neighbor and a good partner here in Marion,’’ Jaccaci said. 

Jaccaci began his new post last July and said he is still “getting to understand the town and how it ticks.’’

He said he and his wife have received a “warm welcome.’’

But the school has not always generated a positive response. Some town residents have questioned whether Tabor pays its fair share, since the academy is an educational institution that does not pay taxes.

Others have noted that some academy faculty and staff members have children in the Marion schools, which impacts the town’s education budget.

Jaccaci said he is aware of the concerns. Academy officials are “trying to think about ways to give back, financially and through service.’’

The academy recently announced a donation of $150,000 over three years to the town. 

The first $50,000 payment will be used to support Sippican School, Jaccaci said. 

In the next two years, he will work with Town Manager Jay McGrail to determine the best use for the subsequent $50,000 annual donations. 

This financial gift is the “right step,’’ Jaccaci said. 

Tabor students and staff also help the town’s economy by patronizing Marion businesses, he said. 

The Old Rochester Regional High School ice hockey team uses the Tabor ice rink for games, Jaccaci noted, and area clubs and organizations have hosted their meetings at school buildings.

He noted that he also reaches out to community members through regular dialogue lunches.

Each of these lunches is attended by about 15 members of the community, including the superintendent of schools, town government officials, the police and fire chiefs, club and organization representatives and clergy members.

Participants discuss “ways we might collaborate.’’ 

Jaccaci said he looks forward to meeting residents at the June 8 party and has enjoyed his experiences in Marion so far. 

“It’s a great town,’’ he said. 

Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by June 3 by visiting taboracademy.org/neighborparty or e-mailing blove@taboracademy.org.