Mary Poppins Co-Operative Preschool celebrating 50 years
Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth
For 50 years, Caledonia and area children and their parents have been experiencing the ABCs and 123s at Mary Poppins Co-Operative Preschool.
It's more than just an introduction to academic learning. It's connecting with other children and parents in the community that makes this a great place to be.
Established in the fall of 1966, the non-profit preschool was first located in Grace United Church and 17 years after, it relocated to the lower level of Scotiabank’s Caledonia branch. In 1993, the preschool moved to the Caledonia Lions Hall.
Since its inception to present day, it is owned and operated by its member parents.
Throughout the year, there will be special events to mark the anniversary.
The preschool is currently operating in the ReMax Room in the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre, as the old Caledonia Lions Hall is being replaced.
In 1966, the executive was comprised of Maureen Moore as president, Ann Coon as vice and Shirley Hoover as secretary.
Barbara Martindale and Hilda Thorne were in charge of fundraising and publicity, Olga Corkery did the children’s programming, Barbara Muir, Edith McIntosh and Gladys Harrison looked after social and adult programming and Carol Miller saw to schedules and membership secretary duties.
Today, Shannon Elfner is the president, Tom Kersgens is vice, Vicki Keen is the secretary, Andrea Smith is the membership secretary, Rebecca Bouwmeister is the fundraising co-ordinator, Laura Noftle is the children’s programmer and Annette Afanso and Ashley Spaxman share duty day scheduling duties.
For information about Caledonia’s only co-op preschool, call 905-765-6461 or email at marypoppinspreschool@gmail.com.
