Ann Amengual Celebrates 25 Years At Garden City Nursery School




Ann In background Randy Amengual, Donna Kraus

Ann In background Randy Amengual, Donna Kraus

She first walked through the doors of Garden City Nursery School (GCNS) as Jennifer’s mom, then as Matthew’s mom. As a teacher at GCNS, she was beloved by both parents and co-workers. Eventually, Ann became the respected director of the GCNS.

When the time came to celebrate 25 years of this “beloved and respected” person this past May, it was no small affair. Ann was surprised by over 200 of her closest friends,’ colleagues, parents and, former students. As the room shouted, “Surprise!” Ann was blown away by the outpouring of love and kindness by all in attendance.

There were many covert actions, and it was a huge undertaking. Ann’s husband Randy helped her arrive at the Nassau County Bar Association that evening and was a huge help in orchestrating the event.

Matthew Amengual (Ann’s son), Ann, Jennifer Amengual (Ann’s daughter)

Matthew Amengual (Ann’s son), Ann, Jennifer Amengual (Ann’s daughter)

A slide show and video, made by Carolyn Hoera and Peter Tittler, chronicled the 25 years Ann has been at the helm of our school. There was also several volumes of “Memory Books” which were compiled by Jen Gisolfi. These pages of lasting memories were filled with openended expressions of gratitude by alumni and current families.

Gifts of a garden statue from the staff, bench and tree from Ann’s family will soon adorn the entrance way of our school. Plus, a generous donation to an international organization that helps children less fortunate than our own, was made in Ann’s honor.

Barbara Mangi, Ann

Barbara Mangi, Ann

The planning was described as “it takes a village.” This is a list of the “villagers” (family members, co-workers, and present and past parents), who thought of every detail! Thank you to the following people for their special contributions to the party.

Pam O’Conor: Chair

Brooke Webber – all decorations

Liz McQuaid collected checks, kept the guest list and was always there to consult

Stacey Young designed and sent the e-vite

Irene Pinou, Ann, Tom Pinou

Irene Pinou, Ann, Tom Pinou

Stacey Stankeychief catering coordinator

Diane Feyrercake and desserts

Barbara Jean Kazynskidecos, pics etc.

Jen O’Hanlon – general consulting and ideas

Jen Gisolficoordinated the Memory Book

Mary Flanagan –

Name tags and email

Jodi Treanor-

Gift research and selection

Gene Im/Matt Amengualmusic

Bill Kephart, Ann, Nancy Kephart

Bill Kephart, Ann, Nancy Kephart

Entire Staff –

Garden statue gift and ideas

Tina Palmer, Heather Widell, Laura O’Neill, Heather Nagel –

Gathering emails and assisting with various coordination.

Ann’s family – for helping put the whole surprise together.

The evening was a huge success! Ann was honored for all of her hard work and dedication in the last 25 years. The room was filled with many people whose lives were touched by Ann’s knowledge, friendship and love. Thank you Ann! We look forward to another 25 years!!

There are still a few more spots left for the summer camp program! If you are interested please call Ann at 481-7765.









Mary Anne Williams, Deborah Brandewiede, Rosalia Ludricks, Tricia Loughlin, Irene Pinou

Mary Anne Williams, Deborah Brandewiede, Rosalia Ludricks, Tricia Loughlin, Irene Pinou

Jennifer O’Hanlon, Pam O’Conor

Jennifer O’Hanlon, Pam O’Conor

Effie Philippou (Ann’s Mom)

Effie Philippou (Ann’s Mom)

The Committee: Pam O’Conor, Stacey Young, Barbara Jean Kaczynski, Heather Nagel, Liz McQuaid, Jennifer Gisolfi, Laura Hastings O’Neill, Diane Feyrer, Jennifer O’Hanlon, Tina Palmer, Mary Flanagan, Effie Philippou (Ann’s Mom), Ann

The Committee: Pam O’Conor, Stacey Young, Barbara Jean Kaczynski, Heather Nagel, Liz McQuaid, Jennifer Gisolfi, Laura Hastings O’Neill, Diane Feyrer, Jennifer O’Hanlon, Tina Palmer, Mary Flanagan, Effie Philippou (Ann’s Mom), Ann

Back: Rosemary Lewis (former teacher), Pam O’Conor, Carolyn Hoera, Francie Cohn, Jane Simpson, Michele Lambraia, Ellen Danks (former assistant teacher), Stacey Young, Gail Feldman, Marie Jaworski; Front: Maureen McCartin, Barbara Mangi, Mary Ann Quinn (former assistant teacher), Leah Pittoni, Nancy Fardelman (former assistant teacher), Carol Knoch, Ann

Back: Rosemary Lewis (former teacher), Pam O’Conor, Carolyn Hoera, Francie Cohn, Jane Simpson, Michele Lambraia, Ellen Danks (former assistant teacher), Stacey Young, Gail Feldman, Marie Jaworski; Front: Maureen McCartin, Barbara Mangi, Mary Ann Quinn (former assistant teacher), Leah Pittoni, Nancy Fardelman (former assistant teacher), Carol Knoch, Ann

Leave a Reply