PRINCETON: YWCA to hold May 20 celebration in memory of longtime teacher

   The YWCA Princeton will have a memorial celebration for Patti Preston, its longtime Nursery School director/teacher who died earlier this year.
   ”Miss Patti” was the school’s director of early childhood education and taught hundreds of local children during her 23 years at the YWCA Princeton.
   Current and past students, their families, colleagues, and acquaintances are invited to celebrate Patti’s life and contributions in a fun-filled celebration.
   The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine, at the YWCA Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton.
   To help plan for adequate seating and refreshments, attendees are asked to RSVP at (609) 497-2100 x360.
   A short program will take place in the All Purpose Room where the current Unicorn class will sing and attendees are invited to speak and share their memories. Afterward, in keeping with her motto, “never forget the importance of play,” all are invited to participate in a fun-filled family afternoon with interactive activities.
   Because she was a lover of nature and the outdoors, the YWCA Princeton will unveil a new memorial garden that was created by Eddie Hendershot, the YWCA’s maintenance manager, who took on the project to honor her. Guests can decorate a “memorial rock” which will be used as the border for her new garden complete with butterfly bushes, humming bird feeder, and a “Happy Day” bench.
   For those wishing to pay tribute to Ms. Preston, they are invited to join “Team Patti” at the ETS Firecracker 5K Race/Walk to be held in her memory June 26, at 7:30 p.m., on the ETS campus.
   Proceeds will benefit the YWCA Bilingual Nursery School Program. To register for the race or to join “Team Patti,” visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/firecracker5k to download a race application.
   Indicate your interest in participating with Team Patti on the form. Those participating on Team Patti will receive a special cap to wear at the event.