CCK Preschool Hosts 45th Annual Thanksgiving Feast

For CCK Preschool, the holiday season is a time for traditions. The faces of the little students may change, but for over 45 years, CCK has been serving up a Thanksgiving feast prepared by the children in the 4's and TK program. Parents are invited to join their little Pilgrims at the table and enjoy the same recipes (prepared in the same loving way) that Ethelyn Pinchbeck first introduced back in 1968.

Preparations for the “feast” as it's known by students, staff and alumni begins the first week of November with lessons on the history of Thanksgiving. In mid-November, the students in the 4's and TK classes actually begin preparing the menu. They dice, smash and mix and bake (with assistance from the teachers) recipes that have been passed down since the opening of the school.

“The food prep is something the students look forward to from the time they are in the 3's program” said Helen Kovacs, Owner and Director of the school located at The First Congregational Church. “They can't wait to return as a 4-year old and they take great pride in the meal.”

Parents join their children (who are dressed in traditional Pilgrim or Native American costumes that they made at school) at the table and are served a traditional Thanksgiving meal by the teachers. Mrs. Kovacs enlists help with the turkey from her husband and former parents.

“The feast was such a special time for me and my son,” said Emily Malagisi, mother of five year old Max. “We really enjoyed sitting together and talking about what we are thankful for this holiday season. Plus, I didn't have to cook or clean up!”

Memories of the feast are preserved in a recipe booklet that each parent receives at the end of the meal.

Creative Children’s Korner preschool is located at 103 Main St. (at the First Congregational Church) in Ridgefield, Conn. For general information, visit www.cckpreschool.com. To schedule an appointment, please contact Helen Kovacs at 203-438-3001 or info@cckpreschool.com.