TOWN:Nursery school bids farewell to director

Mommies and their children raised their punch cups and toasted their favorite ladybug, Sallie Thomas, during her retirement party Sunday.

Thomas is completing 30 years as director of the nursery school at the First United Methodist Church.

The nursery schoolchildren had stamped 3,000 lady bugs, her favorite critter, on posters around the room, representing the number of children she has taught during her tenure.

Thomas brought her eldest son to the nursery school back in 1974, church pastor, the Rev. Greg Batson, told the roomful of well-wishers in Trevor Hall. She started as a substitute teacher in 1976 and moved up from part-time to full-time teacher before becoming director in 1991.

"You have touched so many people and have done it with grace and we can't thank you enough," Batson said.

During the program, Thomas was presented with a quilt. Each square represents a different memory of the school or the honoree's favorite things.

"I'm so touched, so moved and so honored," Thomas told the crowd. "I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher but I became a nursery school teacher and it's been a fantasy land."

The best part about coming to work every morning is having 12 children come running up to talk to her, she said.

"I've gotten so much more than I've given the job," she said. "I'm a better person, a better parent and have learned to be more tolerant, compassionate and understanding."

She thanked the teachers and said the success of the nursery school program is not achieved by one person, it's a team effort.

Thomas replaced Deane Phinney who started the program. Regina Martin is the new director and has been working with Thomas through the transition since July.

"Regina is a wonderful and delightful lady," Thomas said. "She's going to be terrific."

Attending the party were Thomas' husband, John Thomas, sons Kory and Toby and his partner Ed Yu, and extended family members Chrisyann Evans and Mary and Steven Seekins.

Helping Martin organize the party were nursery school teachers Susan Comara, Deanna Jennings, Shannon Sauve, Esther Taylor, Sandra Wernstrum and Christine Zook, and Director of Family Ministry Mary Cutone.