RESOLUTION NO. 230346
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Sponsor: Councilmember Kevin O'Neill
RESOLUTION - Congratulating Vonnie Occhipinto on her 43 devoted years of service in childcare and wishing her the best in her well-earned retirement.
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WHEREAS, Vonnie did not come to work dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt, but instead dressed in a colorful gameboard t-shirt. A t-shirt to make the children smile. Miss Vonnie has greeted the students and parents who have walked through her daycare's doors with a cheery smile, for many years; and
WHEREAS, Vonnie started her daycare 43 years ago in 1979 with $50. and
WHEREAS, Vonnie Occhipinto grew up in Northeast Kansas City and is one of seven children. It was from helping with her siblings and caring for a child with special needs who had lived next door that she developed a passion for childcare; and
WHEREAS, Occhipinto has operated two daycare centers, one called Children's Choice Day Care Center, and the other called Children's Choice Too Day Care Center located just down the street from one another at 614 Hardesty and 3221 Independence Avenue; and
WHEREAS, several of Miss. Vonnie's students are well beyond their educational years, they have still remained in contact with her. One student who has since graduated college, attributes Miss Vonnie for teaching her to read, write, and speak English as her parents had newly immigrated to the United States when she had started attending Children's Choice Too; and
WHEREAS, Miss Vonnie has instilled many life lessons in her students since opening her first daycare back in 1979. The most important being good manners, respect, how to be kind, and to always help others. "I taught them to love one another because we're all family here," she said; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby congratulate Vonnie Occhipinto on her 43 devoted years of service in child...
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