Farmington's The Village Nursery School Celebrates 60th Anniversary

FARMINGTON, CT — The Village Nursery School in Farmington celebrated its 60th anniversary Thursday night at Hog River Brewing in Hartford.

Current and past VNS families and friends were joined by retired VNS teacher Kathy Melly, along with current teachers Tracey Van Hoof and Jean Van Hoof, to toast their acheivements and raise money for the school.

"We are really fortunate to have such an incredible community," VNS Board President Emily Kaliney said. It's wonderful for us to get this chance to show how much we appreciate this school as well as each other."

After more than 20 years of teaching together, Melly and Pat Sidlovsky left in 2013 feeling like their legacy was in good hands.

"We both had absolute confidence these ladies would carry on the tradition," Melly said. "It's heartwarming for us to know that The Village Nursery School continues to be the living, breathing embodiment of everything it was meant to be."

Tracey and Jean Van Hoof couldn't agree more.

"Amy Hannon, Jean and I have all worked well together over the years, and we all feel like this school is something special," Tracey said."I'm so happy to be a part of this family." And she's not alone.

"These ladies have created an environment where our children can grow and flourish while feeling nurtured and loved," VNS parent Liz Salesedo-Surovov said.

"Absolutely," agreed VNS parent Christina Smith. "As a mom, there's nothing you want more than for your child to love going to school every day. Their level of kindness is just amazing."

Drinks, food and door prizes donated by The Farmington Field Club, Flight Trampoline Park, and Hog River Brewing made the special evening even more memorable.

"This is the perfect combination," VNS parent Ryan Kaliney said. "A great place with great friends. What could be better?"

For the teachers, families, and friends who turned out to mark this milestone together, the answer is clear: nothing.

Story and photos by Sonya Kix