End of an Era...
Miss Marlene Photo taken in 2006
This spring we lost our founding mother, teacher, friend, mentor, and our greatest Bal Swan advocate - Marlene Politzer. Marlene came to Bal Swan in 1966 as a volunteer. Later she became a teacher, the Executive Director, and our beloved Director Emeritus. Marlene’s vision and foresight lead us to become the inclusive preschool we are today. Marlene was our best tour guide, story teller, and historian. Her love of life and adoration of children was palatable. She dedicated 45 years of her life and impacted the lives of countless children as well as enriching our community through the work of Bal Swan. Marlene’s daily presence (including the squeezing of children’s cheeks) and positive life force is greatly missed. She passed the torch to us years ago and we are all committed to continuing her life’s work. To honor her legacy, let us carry forward her light and love.
A few creeds Marlene lived by: If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. Life is not about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain. I allow the joy within me to flow out into my conversations with others and into whatever project I am working on. I am a child of God! I am joyful, serene, positive and loving! Mackenzie
Discover joy in the ordinary. Eat dessert first!
2011 Annual Report rough draft v1a.indd 7
2/6/2012 3:14:00 PM