ANNUAL MEETING

LONG HISTORY OF DEDICATION TO THE CHILDREN OF THE CAPITAL REGION WAS THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL MEETING

All who attended the Capital District Child Care Council’s Annual Meeting held on December 5 enjoyed featured speakers Deb Tofinchio-Shave and Betty Bellino, members of the original board of directors of the Child Care Council. Ms. Tofinchio-Shave and Ms. Bellino shared the history of how the Child Care Council was started by a small group of concered child care center directors over 25 years ago. They spoke of dedication and compassion, fueled by a desire to make a positive change for the children in their care. Ms. Bellino stated, “They used to call us the ‘tea party ladies,’ just a small group of us coming together once a month to try to change child care.” Other highlights included the presentation of the Dianne Meckler scholarship to Colleen Salisbury (see front page). In addition, the Community Collaborator Who Cares award was presented to the United Way of Schenectady County. The United Way has been a long time supporter of the Council’s efforts to improve the quality of child care in the region.

The nominating committee of the Board of Directors voted on the following officers at the Board meeting that immediately preceded the Annual meeting: Elizabeth Roberts-Laura, President Kimlee Marquise, Vice President Kim Siciliano, Secretary Catherine Halayko, Treasurer

The membership voted on and approved the nomination of Susan Megna to a position on the Board. Susan is the Policy/Program Administrator for the New York State Education Department Early Education and Reading Initiatives.

The Council recognized the following outgoing Board members for their years of service to the Child Care Council: Deb Ahola Deb Boswell Nancy Cupolo Mary Wallace Sue Updike Tina Rose-Turriglio