National Life donated a building and two acres surrounding it to Orchard Valley Waldorf School where the Child’s Garden preschool program is housed.
“The entire Orchard Valley community is extremely grateful for this generous donation from National Life,” said Cathie Ely, an Orchard Valley administrator. “This gift ensures that we will continue serving Central Vermont families, providing Waldorf early childhood education as an enriching opportunity for the young children in Montpelier and our surrounding communities.”
The Child’s Garden, located at 155 Northfield Street in Montpelier, is one of three Orchard Valley Waldorf campuses.
Child’s Garden offers two mixed-age early childhood programs, Apple Blossom for ages 2 ½ to 3 ½, and the Sunflower classroom for children 3-6 years. Designed to embrace this special time in a child’s development, classrooms are full of joy, love and wholehearted nurturing.
“Affordable, high-quality child care is vitally important both to our employees and to our neighbors,” said Mehran Assadi, Chairman, CEO and President of National Life. “We are pleased that we are able to help ensure a strong future for the Child’s Garden.”
In addition to a former farmhouse, National Life transferred ownership of a garage, barn and a fenced-in children’s play area and maintained a right-of-way to its solar farm on a hill behind the property. The company also made a financial donation to Orchard Valley.
Photo at top, left to right: Kelly Fournier, National Life’s site manager; Al Foice, National Life vice president; Stephanie Hoelscher, director and lead teacher at Child’s Garden; Madeleif Becherer, Orchard Valley Waldorf board; Erica Hare, Orchard Valley Waldorf board.