By Lucille Vicente-Law

Where are they now? Are they still friends? Could it be that the only connection they now share occurs as a deja vu at railway crossings, when the whistle of a train brings them back? Perhaps it creates a faint recollection of much younger days when squeezing cool, wet paint onto a large piece of crisp, white paper became the most important event of the day.

It all started way back in September, 1987. Just outside the Puslinch Community Centre on 23 Brock Road South, bright-eyed preschoolers stood anxiously waiting for the doors to officially open. And when they did, in scurried twelve curious little children that would leave the imprint that so many footprints have duplicated time and again. The programme had officially begun. Each child was warmly greeted by Miss Joan (Masson). She was the first "teacher". Every other educator followed in her footsteps.

Several teachers played a significant role in the early education of so many "Whistlestoppers". Since it's inception in 1987, "Miss" Tracie Treahy, Carol Klie, Bonnie D'Arcy, Nancy Ulakovic, Sandra Gunson, Sue Addeo, Janice Kedziora, and "Miss" Annette Murphy have delivered many an intriguing lesson. These names are sure to ring a bell with past "alumni". Presently, it is Miss Sandra (Gunson) and Miss Regina (Williams), who carry on the excellence, in partnership with local families.

Originally, it had just been a dream, the vision of a select few who had hoped to fulfill a reasonable necessity in the community. With hard work and dedication, the Whistle Stop Co-op Preschool soon blossomed into a strong familial community service that brought together the many young children and families of Puslinch Township. That was twenty years ago, the very beginning. Their doors have been open ever since.

The Whistle Stop Preschool programme is presently co-ordinated and implemented, through the joint efforts of parents and teachers, which largely explains its success. Over the past few years, they have competed and received a number of Awards of Excellence. Every September there is an arrival of new children. Not far behind, are the novel ideas and varied talents of the parents that have joined with them. Teamwork is how it operates, and this is certainly most evident in the large scale planning of the annual fundraiser that is presently in its 12th year.

Both the teachers and the preschool parents are keenly aware of the necessity for quality programming and ongoing community involvement. Therefore, the importance of fundraising cannot be overlooked. Proceeds from the annual dance and silent auction, have always served to subsidize teachers' salaries and to purchase new toys and equipment, as well as fund field trips, professional development, and other significant community improvement programmes.

The commitment is obvious. It is because of dedicated fundraising efforts, that the preschool was able to help provide fencing, trees and all the playground equipment located in the park adjacent to the Puslinch Community Centre. Revenues have also helped provide upgrades to the cupboard system in the Alf Hales (committee) Room, as well as a new refrigerator and carpeting. Most recently, financial support was extended to the Playground Renewal Project at Aberfoyle Public School.

No doubt, the Whistle Stop Co-op Preschool will continue to create an impact, both on the community it serves and the children it educates. It's been twenty years! Will the children that first entered those doors way back in 1987 ever return? Hopefully someday they will. Perhaps it will be to reminisce, or maybe to support the annual fundraising efforts. And just possibly, to bring their own children to the place they so successfully originated.