To a preschooler, 50 years is a long time. But after those 50 years are gone, the adult standing where the preschooler once stood can reflect on many fond memories.

First Congregational UCC will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Congregational Preschool. All current and former students, families, faculty, staff, and board members are invited to join the celebration at 10 a.m. on Sunday. During the worship service, there will be a short recognition program of this milestone. Cake and refreshments will be served after worship at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

“After 50 years of providing preschool education, we have encountered families who are now bringing the third generation to our program,” Meredith Martin, current Co-

Director and Lead Teacher, said in a press release.

“It is so amazing that [First Congregational UCC] has been loving and supporting the youngest citizens of Austin for a half-century,” she added. “I’m proud to be part of this tradition!”

• Congregational Preschool is a state licensed, non-profit, non-denominational, non-discriminatory community outreach program of First Congregational UCC.

• Founded in 1965, Congregational Preschool is the oldest continually operating preschool in Austin, Mower County, Minnesota.

• 1965 class enrolled 30 students in two sessions. Today’s 2015 class has almost 50 students enrolled in four sessions.

• Thirty staff members have worked with nearly 3,700 enrolled students.

• Sixty-five church members have served as Preschool Board members.

The Preschool Board also includes parent and community-at-large members.

• More information is available at: www.congopreschool.org and Facebook.com/congopreschool.