100 YEARS OF SERVICE!

Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, (third from l.), Adirondack Thunder hockey players and their mascot, Gunnar, and after-school program children and staff members, raised a ceremonial flag to kick off the Sunnyside Child Development Center’s 100th anniversary celebration last month. (Photo provided)

Catholic Charities Tri-County Services’ Sunnyside Child Development Center kicked off its centennial celebration with an exciting afternoon of festivities last month. The event launched a countdown to the center’s 100th birthday on July 23, honoring a century of safe, caring and reliable childcare in North Troy.

Sunnyside began the celebration with a ceremonial flag raising, led by Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. Children from the after-school program, staff members and special guests joined her in commemorating the moment.

“This center has stood as a place of stability, hope and opportunity for families for an entire century,” Sister Betsy said. “We’re not just celebrating 100 years of service — we’re honoring the generations of children whose lives have been shaped here.”

Established in 1925, Sunnyside is a program of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. The center operates a daycare program serving children 6 weeks to 5 years of age, an after-school program for children grades K-6, and a summer day camp for children 5-12 years of age.

The kickoff event featured a special appearance from the Adirondack Thunder hockey team. Players Andre Ghantous and Taylor Ford, along with Zach Walker, director of sales and community relations, and team mascot Gunnar, joined children in a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities, bringing excitement and energy to the celebration.

“We are thrilled to mark a century of community and history at Sunnyside,” stated Jenn Hyde, executive director of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. “As we count down the days to our celebration, we’ll be commemorating the milestone with many special activities, including special guest book readers for our after-school children, and so much more.”

Kim Piser, director of Sunnyside, added: “It’s been amazing to witness the growth of this center through the years. Sunnyside has always been more than just a childcare facility — it’s a second home for so many families. We look forward to continuing that legacy for generations to come.”

Sunnyside invites the community to follow its celebration on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SunnysideCenterTroy, and join the festivities leading up to its official birthday party.