A LABOR OF LOVE –

Garden Dedication Honors Late Merryhill Director

It has been nearly three months since Therese Hychko’s untimely death from cancer. But her memory is very much alive at Merryhill Child Care Center, where she served as founding director for 12 years. More than 100 friends, family, business representatives, and Merryhill families joined recently to dedicate a garden created in her honor at the Merryhill site on Queen Street in Newtown.

“This garden represents the fruition of an idea we discussed with Therese before she died,” said Joeline Wruck, president of the center. “The outdoors, and particularly flowers and wildlife, were important to Therese. We wanted to create a beautiful garden to honor her memory that would also serve as an outdoor classroom where children can play and learn about the outside world. It is gratifying to see what the community has done.”

A special committee, headed by Laura Pierson Speed, brought the project to life. The initial plan was to raise $6,800 to implement the project in three major phases, spanning nine months. So many people and local businesses came forward to help that the entire three phases of the project were accomplished in just two short months, and the committee was able to exceed this goal. Due to the generosity of a single donor, the Albert W. and Helen C. Meserve Memorial Fund, the committee was able to transform its original “nature chapel” into a full-scale gazebo.

“I do not have the words to express how thankful I am to all of you for helping make this happen,” said Ms Speed. “I am in awe of the power of love... our love for Therese, love for our children, of Merryhill, of our friends, and our community and our commitments to one another.”

Jonathan Aragones, landscaper and longtime friend to Merryhill, created the garden design and was critical to its implementation. It includes an insect zoo for the examination and study of tiny creatures and a discovery center where nature exploration will take place. Handmade stepping stones made by Merryhill children line a central observance spot. The garden also contains objects to remember Therese. With the help of her family, two of her bird houses have been incorporated into the garden as well as angels in the stepping stones made by the children, wording on signs, a cottontail bunny statue, – all things with a special tie to Therese._ The program included words from Therese Hychko’s family and the Merryhill staff. First Selectman Herb Rosenthal read remarks from Governor John Rowland proclaiming June 14, 2001, Merryhill Child Care Day in recognition of Ms Hychko’s service, commitment, and dedication to raising the standards of child care in the state.

 Now that the garden is complete, the Committee will help orchestrate the educational needs of the Merryhill teachers through the National Wildlife Federation’s “Project Wild” curriculum. Earlier in the week, the Center received notification that officially designates the Therese Hychko Garden as a National Wildlife Federation School Yard Habitat. The Committee will also bring quality wildlife/environmental programs to Merryhill for the enjoyment and education of Merryhill children and those in the greater community.

The Center will continue to rely on the support of friends, families, local businesses, and the community for contributions to support the maintenance of the Garden. Anyone wishing to make a contribution should make checks payable to Merryhill Garden Fund, c/o Merryhill Child Care Center, 49 Queen Street, Newtown 06470. All contributions are tax deductible.