A happy crowd of children, parents, and friends gathered on the St. Philip’s Church campus on Sunday, May 22, and listened as Town of Philipstown Supervisor Richard Shea spoke about the importance of caring people in making up the fabric of Philipstown. Shea, whose wife Karen is a former teacher at St. Philip’s Nursery School, presented a proclamation from the town to nursery school director JoAnne Chadwick, commemorating St. Philip’s for 50 years of service to the community. A second proclamation was received from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef on behalf of the New York State Assembly.
After a dedication by the Reverend Frank Geer, the children stepped forward for their starring role: unveiling the new sign that now announces: St. Philip’s Nursery School, Serving the Children of Philipstown Since 1960. “This is a wonderful symbol of our program, and we are very grateful to the many generous people who have contributed to make it possible,” said Chadwick. Following the sign unveiling, guests celebrated the occasion with a barbecue lunch. The St. Philip’s Nursery School committee organized the weekend’s events, which included a fundraising cocktail party as well as the barbecue. Current St. Philip’s Senior Warden, Nathaniel Prentice, reflected: “This is a great moment for all of us at the Church and in the Nursery School. We hope this endeavor continues for another 50 years.” Mr. Prentice is the son of Anne Prentice, who started the Nursery School in the St. Philip’s Parish House in 1960.
Photos courtesy of St. Philips Church
