Celebrating 30 Years!
Dear COG Community,
Last weekend, we gathered with families, alumni, donors, community partners,
staff, and board members to celebrate an incredible milestone—30 years of COG! It was more than just a party—it was a heartfelt tribute to the people and values that have shaped our community for three decades.
At the center of our celebration was the legacy of Rochelle Kelman, a visionary leader and advocate for equity in early childhood education. Her guiding principle still fuels our mission today:
“All children deserve high-quality childcare and early education, regardless of the circumstances of their birth.”
To honor her legacy, we unveiled a long-overdue plaque in her memory as a permanent reminder of her vision for COG as an independent, mission-driven center.
We also recognized and thanked all those who have and continue to champion this vision, especially our outstanding Executive Director, Yen Glossy, and our devoted staff who make our mission come alive every day.
Who We Celebrated
Certificates of appreciation were given to:
- Stu Sendell – honored for 30 years of friendship and generosity. He was the first board president
- Denise Schmidt, who represented MUMC on our board for many years. And to MUMC for being our warm and wonderful home for 30 years.
- Stephanie Wilson - With 25 years of dedicated service, Stephanie has been a cornerstone of Children on the Green—leading with heart, mentoring with wisdom, and shaping the lives of countless children and teachers alike.
- Andrew Cattano – honored for his 30 years of deep commitment to COG. His impact on COG has been profound. His steady guidance ushered us through the best and toughest of times and brought great joy to many parents and students. His love of COG and our families is all encompassing. We thanked him for his life’s work at COG!
- Ken & Nancy Miller for 30 years of generous friendship and support.
- David Yermack – our devoted and irreplaceable board member who has served
the longest term on the board of directors.
- Preschool Advantage - a valued partner providing so many children with Pre-K education.
Proclamations
Thank you to the local officials who joined us and shared proclamations recognizing COG for 30 years of service to the community.
Morristown Council President Nathan Umbriac and fellow committeeman, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, COG Executive Director Yen Glossy, COG Board President Jody Marcus, Steve Pylypchuk whose daughter attends COG, and Morris Township Committeeman Bud Ravitz.
What We Celebrate
As we reflect on the 30 years of Children on the Green, we celebrate our history: the exceptional people, partnerships, and moments that have shaped our journey.
- Incredible Leadership from Executive Director Yen Glossy and passion from our amazing staff who show up every day with heart and commitment to the children and families we serve.
- A strong partnership with Morris School District which has been essential in providing quality education and support to our students, ensuring their success both in and out of the classroom. Together, we are creating a foundation for an even stronger future for generations to come.
- Meaningful community and donor relationships that we have continued over the years. Their support and belief in our mission enable us to to grow and adapt, ensuring that COG remains a strong and vibrant organization for years to come.
Special Thanks
To our amazing Children and Families
At the heart of everything we do are our amazing children and families. They bring joy and curiosity into our classrooms every day, filling each moment with energy and enthusiasm. We celebrate the endless wonder and growth they inspire in all of us.
Their progress and achievements—big and small—serve as a constant reminder of why we do this work. We are deeply proud of each and every one of them, and we are honored to be part of their educational journey.
Thank you, children and families, for making Children on the Green such a special place. Together, we continue to grow, learn, and thrive!
BEENIE’S ICE CREAM
A huge thank you to Beenie's for their incredibly generous donation of our special treat. Their support helped make our event memorable and fun.