Fall Issue Greetings, hope all is well. We have begun our back to school routine of fall Extended Care. We have welcomed new staff and some new children to our program. We have also had time to reflect back on our summer and all the fun we have had. The nicest part of welcoming new families to our program is when the children share their memories of the fun they have had in Extended Care. I would like to share with you about someone which whom I share almost ten years of memories with. This lady was my mentor in helping me and many others begin their career with Extended Care. Mrs. Shuemaker recently celebrated her 15 year anniversary as an employee with City of Manassas Park Parks and Recreation. We took the opportunity to celebrate her in a way that reflects who she is and what she believes in. She was presented a cake with all the children cheering her and congratulating her for her accomplishment. One of the kids commented she has been her longer than he has been living. Her dedication to the Extended Care program and the children and families is as only part of her commitment to our city and community. Mrs. Shuemaker is a long time resident and supporter of our community, and schools in which her son attended. The Schools in which she supported through many aspects and volunteering. She is a pleasure and puts the care and safety of the children high on her priority list. Her love of sports is an added bonus as encouragement to keep the children on the move and active. She is always prepared, well planned out activities from her countless hours of planning.
She has had a lot of memories throughout her career- they stem from new buildings, supervisors, co-workers and children joining our Extended Care program each year. She began her Extended Care career at Independence school which she refers to as Kent Dr.; then to Conner Elementary and even being present the day they lowered the flag on the last day the school was open, then to our first recreational building, Cougar, MPES, a stint and the new MPMS and then finally home to your Manassas Park Community Center which opened three years ago. Recently we have had an employee join our team who’s daughter was in Ms. Shuemaker’s class when she was eight and we have had few of our summer aides (now in college) that was in her class when the were young. Her dedication to the children and the community comes with the help and guidance of a very modest visionary DirectorMs. Catherine who has had her own share of beginnings- the opening of our new facility MPCC, Library partnership, and the new All Access Passport membership has been a great leader and encourager to us all. “I feel honored to be serving our community and growing right along with it.” Ms. Shuemaker - Thank you Ms. Shuemaker for all you do.
Sincerely,
Sue Jurjevic