MDO classes learn about community

By Melinda L. Lucas

For the second year in a row, children who attend Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church Mother’s Day Out (MDO) were able to explore different parts of the Albany community.

Under the direction of Brandi Lehew and the MDO staff, the students incorporated different aspects of Albany community life into their spring semester curriculum.

Since most of the students attend Mother’s Day Out from the age of one year until they go to kindergarten, Lehew and other organizers have decided to rotate different local field trips so participants don’t go to the same places year after year.

“That way we can keep it fresh, new, and interesting,” Lehew said. “This year we tried our best to introduce Albany to all our classes.”

Officer Mike House with the Albany Police Department and members of the Albany Fire Department were invited to come talk to the classes about the importance of their roles.

“Erin Shack and Cheyenne Harbold, who taught our one- and two-year-old class, would load up their wagons with the kids and walk them downtown and let them look at the different shops and explore the Bank Park,” Lehew said.

Meg Walser and Daivis Gallagher’s class of 3 to 5-year-olds toured the Shackelford County Library as well as attending a weekly story time and craft hour at the library. They explored downtown and the Bank Park, spoke with the pharmacist at Sanders Drug Store, enjoyed ice cream at Vintage Vanilla, attended many Albany send-offs, and attended the town’s annual Health Fair.

“Our 5-year-old class got to enjoy a special tour of Nancy Smith Elementary School, led by the principal, Mr. Gallagher,” Lehew said. “Since they will all start kindergarten in the fall, they were able to see all the important places within the school and ask questions if they wanted.”   

MDO’s four and five-year-olds helped make Christmas care packages and spent a morning on a Vittles by Vehicle run to deliver those packages.

“We also enjoyed opening our doors to the parents and grandparents of the children who attend Mother’s Day Out,” the director said.

Events were held throughout the year such as Donuts with Dads, Muffins with Moms, a Special End of Year showcase and breakfast, as well as holiday parties and annual downtown Christmas Caroling.

“Mother’s Day Out has had a fun and blessed year,” said Lehew. “We are looking forward to beginning preparations for next year.”