The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by David Grimes, Quill correspondent
Calls placed to the Stronghurst United Methodist Church these days are likely to be answered by a staff member of Small World Day Care and Pre-School.
Concerns about mold found on drywall around the furnace in the basement of the daycare's own facility prompted the need to find other accommodations for Small World's 35 youngsters.
The church, which Pastor George Knox says is where the daycare originated, offered space for Small World when asked by Kris Wetzel, who attends the church and is also a board member of the daycare.
The youngsters have spent weekdays at the church since last month and are expected to continue their time there until Small World opens again sometime later this month.
"We're waiting on a cleaning crew from Macomb to finish up," said Small World Board President Steve Killey.
Killey, of Roseville, said the center, located at 914 West Dixon in Stronghurst, adheres to health guidelines established by the Department of Children and Family Services and the Henderson County Health Department and do not want to bring the children back into the daycare building until it has been found safe.
"They are using the back end of our educational wing at the church," Knox said. "And part of the kitchen facilities. That allows them several rooms."
Parents have adjusted to the new location well, Killey said. "I haven't heard anything negative," he added.
There have been few problems with the new arrangements, according to Knox.
"They clean up before the weekend. With the help from our janitorial staff, they do a pretty good job," he added.
Knox said because the children and staff are only at the church on weekdays, there hasn't been much conflict in church scheduled events.
"The ladies groups have been meeting in homes," he said.
Would the church do it again if the need arose?
"They had some physical problems with their building and were in desperate need for space. We were glad we were able to help," Knox said.