Hundreds of children have passed through the doors of the Central Day Care Center since it opened 40 years ago. Last week, former and current teachers as well as students and parents celebrated the center's milestone anniversary.
"This place is our extended family. We leave for work and we know that our children are in good hands," said Alison Sumerix-Parent who is a member of the center's board of directors and parent to two of the 87 children who currently attend the center located in Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City.
Since opening in 1968 with an enrollment of 12 children, the center has grown to include infants and toddlers, as well as children up to the age of six in the year-round program that maintains a waiting list for admission.
"All in all the day care center has done a really good job, it is exciting that it has been here for 40 years and is still very popular," said Gordana Baic who served as director of the program for 29 years, before her retirement in 1998.
The State of Michigan also recognizes the Central Day Care Center as an outstanding program. A special tribute certificate on the event of their 40th anniversary was signed by Rep. Howard Walker, Sen. Jason Allen, both of Traverse City, and Governor Jennifer Granholm and presented to the staff.
"I think that our program is successful because of the programs we offer including art, math and science and our central downtown location," said current program director, Deb Commins.
Eighty-eight year old volunteer Katharina Hochscheidt sees the success of the center in the eyes of the children she has read stories to for more than 24 years.
"Their faces are lively, They are so alive and happy here," said Hochscheidt who says that spending time with the youngsters is the best part of her week.
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