ADG Comments

March 11, 2009

Although I do not have the gift or literary ability of Twain, Voltaire, Tolstoy or many of the other greats, I find myself compelled at this time to write down my thoughts in regard to the staff and establishment of the Apple Dumpling Gang.

I am, as many, a working mom who must contract care for my son Nicholas. He is, as one would easily guess, the world to me. When I was faced with the initial choice of sending him to strangers during the day I was so distraught that I actually began taking him to a friend of a friend who lived thirteen miles in the opposite direction of my job. When that option was no longer available, I was again forced to examine and interview more day care centers. With the second passing of this venture I finally, thank God, found Apple Dumpling.

My initial visit to meet with Glenda was comfortable and inviting. I entered the infant room and much to my surprise, since I had not seen this in any other center, the teachers were holding and playing with the babies. My visit was unscheduled and I was ecstatic to see such love and devotion from these teachers. My heart beat slowed and I felt my shoulders relaxing with each step through the center, and with each new teacher to whom I was introduced. I had no more shopping to do. I had found my son’s home away from home.

Nicholas has been in their care for almost two years now. I cannot express in words the blessing that has been given to me, to our family, by finding Apple Dumpling. The teachers are generous, kind, loving, devoted and instructive. I have no doubts about his care and know, without a shadow of doubt, that they are keeping him safe and helping him learn; and not just learning about his letters, numbers and colors, but also about God and His blessings.

I know that I have only been able to convey a small portion of my gratitude in this missive, but, I hope that perhaps this can at least give you a small idea of the quality of care that this center gives. Their commitment is without question and I would be hard pressed to find any other group of people who have half of their devotion.

Very truly yours,

Mrs. Gillian Covert

September 09, 2008

     We wanted to let everyone at Apple Dumpling Gang know how thankful we are that our daughter Erin got the opportunity to learn, laugh, sing, dance and get ready for school with some of the best teachers and staff we have run across. We enrolled Erin in late 2005 from another area daycare that had just too much turnover and just seemed to be going downhill. From the very first day at ADG - we felt more at ease, that we had found a place that truly cared about each child - no matter how challenging. It was clear that each child was more than just a number and a tuition check.
     They made us feel welcome each day. If you want your child ready for school - this is the place! It was a sad day when it was time to leave for kindergarten, but we felt sure that Erin got the love, teaching, morals and lessons that she needed. Our only regret is not stumbling across you guys sooner and enrolling earlier.
To anyone with infants or toddlers - check this place out, give it a try and you'll be glad you did.
Sincerely,
The Wagners

August 19, 2008

Dear Ms. Melinda and Gordon,
     It's easy to speak in retrospect. I believe it's more difficult to speak about something you know is inevitable, yet natural, and hasn't yet happened. I was going to take the easy path and send this note after Tanner's last day, but wanted to own up to taking the more difficult route and send this to you in advance of his final day at Apple Dumpling Gang.
     Without question, we consider the Apple Dumpling Gang experience a cherished and vital piece of our family's life. Tanner has two teenage sisters who didn't have the same opportunity, nor did they regularly spend time in structured pre-K. As I look back during the past five years of Tanner's life, there are many conveniences we enjoyed. Sure, we practically live across the street. Yes, we could say that Gordon and Melinda came into our lives via a change in ownership. Some might even think that the value of such structured pre-K instruction in a Christian setting was some kind of leap. We were believers, though, and we made the smart choice to stay put. What gifts we received! We believe that Apple Dumpling Gang was a blessing.
     When we arrive each morning, we're greeted as friends by everyone, including other parents. As a family-owned and operated ministry and business, it's evident to everyone who visits Apple Dumpling Gang's house that it's a special place. Examples of this abound. When TJ passes the threshold of the door, he's welcomed with a song. Stories of weekend journeys, little people milestones--such as a first step--and bragging about the disappearance of diapers ring in the air. During quiet time, and even in challenging times, Gordon's office is a sanctuary with Matchbox cars gracing the walls. Ms. Melinda is always all ears, even if hers and Gordon's own life is more complex than the ADG kids' parents can imagine. And the picnics. Oh, how we'll miss the picnics.
     Our child has been cherished, hugged, kissed, adored and taught. He loves his special school and looks forward to it every day. We're a family who knows your effort, your kindness and your sacrifices for our children. We know you love and believe in what you do. It's truly your calling.
     Now our little boy is growing faster than any one of us can understand. It's happening before all of our eyes. For us, kindergarten could be viewed more as a change of venue than a life change. It's more, though. Much more. It's a big chapter that we're struggling through this week and we would slow it down if we could. We know that we'll continue to see him come home from another school that he'll grow to love, but we'll all miss Apple Dumpling Gang. I suppose we're already thinking of you while you are missing Tanner in your classroom next week and in the months ahead.
     Gordon, Melinda and Janet, Tanner will miss surely his friends and make new ones. He'll miss the playground and the toys of the school's backyard, but he'll figure out how gym class works. He'll miss water days and special trips to places like Messiah College, which will soon become field trips to other unique places of learning. This week, though, nothing compares to the sorrow of outgrowing his teachers at Apple Dumpling Gang.
     Still, you and your staff prepared him well. He's ready for kindergarten and beyond. We know this and you do, too. I'm sure that he'll think about you every time he passes in the car. He'll want to visit, which he'll surely do. He'll want to go back, which we all know he will outgrow.
     You deserve more than this note of appreciation can offer, but we want you to know that we'll never forget the love you shared with our son. Ever.
     Much love and hugs to everyone at Apple Dumpling Gang. Our best to you and to your wonderful family, your ministry and your loving staff in the many years ahead.
     Last but not least...Know this: If you ever wondered about the value of the mission... If you feel doubt on a certain morning... If you need validation of your efforts... Just think of Tanner Jenson Rutz.   While he's learning liefe's lessons and experiencing youth's journeys, we're sure that Tanner will be thinking of you often.
     Thank you for your blessing on our son and our family. Confidently, we know you're a big part of why Tanner is who he is today... and who he'll be.
God bless,
Rob and Tracy Rutz

We thank you for the wonderful job that you all do. Quinn really enjoyed coming to school every week. We are going to try and save some money while we are embarking on a new adventure of starting our own business. Thanks for everything.

I want to start out by saying how happy we have been with the care Brennan receives at your center. Bette, Denise, alexandra, Heather and all the others who help do a wonderful job and their love for Brennan and the other children definitely shows.

Unfortunately, we have learned since we moved to our new house last fall that the daycare we have our older son at will not provide busing to the elementary school he'll be attending. so we have to start him at a new center and have decided to move Brennan there as well. We feel this will help make our other son's move easier and will also be more convenient for us.

We are very sad to do this as Brennan has become very attached to everyone in the infant room.

Since today is Leah's last day in the Infant Room, I wanted to drop you a note to let you know how good of a job I think your staff has done.

Bette has been wonderful. She made me feel comfortable leaving Leah there from the very 1st day (which was very hard) until today, which is hard as well since Leah has grown so attached to her! Bette is great with Leah and she has put my mind at ease just knowing that she is there.

Denise has been a great addition to your staff. I love the calendars that she does and the arts and crafts. Leah loves to color now and Denise is the one that started her on it. She is very much appreciated.
Heather and Alexandra are great, too. They always fill me in on what Leah's been doing all day and I can tell that they genuinely care for her.

I just want to tell you how blessed I feel to have had Leah under their care for the past 11 months. Leah and I will miss them, but we know it's time for her to move on.
Thank you,

I am writing as a reference for Apple Dumpling Gang Christian Nursery School and Day Care. My two children have been students at ADG for nearly one year. The staff at ADG has treated my daughters with love and respect from the moment we first visited the center.

I searched for months for the right day care before moving to Mechanicsburg. I visited many centers, but was unable to find a place that just felt right for my family. Then we happened upon ADG. We knew immediately that this was the place for our children. This is truly a qualified that works hard for the benefit of the children. The center has large rooms and is immaculate. I recommend this center to any family that is looking for the very best in childcare and early childhood education.

In more specific regard to Miss Melinda’s classroom, Miss Melinda is an exceptional teacher. Her years of experience and training are simply the tip of the iceberg. Miss Melinda has a wonderful rapport with her students. She makes learning fun. If your child is blessed with the opportunity to be a part of Miss Melinda’s class, then your child will be ready for kindergarten.

Melinda Glen, who has worked in early childhood education for 24 years, helps pupils Reannah, 5 left, and Hannah, 4, in lap, cut out hand tracings at Apple Dumpling Gang Christian Nursery School and Daycare in Silver Springs Twp.

"Passion! What makes me look forward to every day, even after 24 years in this field, is the passion I feel for excellence in early childhood education.

"Every day I have the opportunity to reach the youngest children and impact their lives in an environment that is loving, nurturing and secure. At the same time, I am meeting the needs of the working families who bring their children to our center.

"When I go to work, I have the privilege of providing children with activities, interest centers and opportunities where they can thrive and where we also lay the foundation for their formal education years."

I just wanted you to know that I am thrilled Caleb is a part of your program. He enjoys coming to school there and always has so many positive things to say when he comes home. I can see a dramatic change in his learning and interests. I am pleased to tell you all that you are doing a wonderful job and would not want Caleb anywhere else than at your center. Everyone always has a smile on their face and a friendliness about them. Bravo...Thank you.

My wife and I are very happy with the Apple Dumpling Gang and we have no hesitation or reservation about recommending their services to any of our friends or family members. We have been sending our children to Apple Dumpling Gang since they opened. My wife and I have two children currently enrolled at the facility, one in the infant room with Ms. Bette and Ms. Jen and one in the 4 year old room with Ms. Melinda. This is a facility that cares what the parents have to say and they encourage you speak with Mr. Gordon or Ms. Glenda with any concerns or problems you might have. I believe this is one of the most important things parents look for when seeking childcare. The other important thing that my wife and I love about Apple Dumpling Gang is that they not only teach the children how to play, but they teach the children morals and values that they will carry with them in life. We consider the staff of the Apple Dumpling Gang as part of our family.

We have enrolled our daughter, Rachel (currently three years old), at Apple Dumpling Gang since last January. We are new to this area and we were concerned about Rachel adjusting to the move and other changes in her life. We interviewed several nurseries in the area and we chose Apple Dumpling Gang.

Since Rachel’s enrollment, she has thrived at Apple Dumpling Gang. She is taught valuable lessons and activities. She also looks forward to the special field trips they occasionally have (for example, they recently visited the butterfly house at Hershey). Often times, when I go to pick Rachel up, she wants to stay!

We get detailed reports about her progress (both oral and written) from her teachers. We have been extremely happy with the care she receives at Apple Dumpling Gang. The teachers are responsible, educated, caring and loving (we have another daughter, Katherine, enrolled in the infant room).

Further, Melinda and Gordon, the owners of Apple Dumpling Gang, are just wonderful. One can tell that operating Apple Dumpling is not only a business for them but also a calling and it shows in their interactions with the children, staff and the parents.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the center and they will give you our phone number. We would love to speak to you further.

We Erjan and Nermin Balkan are parents of Alper and Emra. Both of them are in care of Ms. Kristy. Ms. Kristy show lots of care to both of our children, new activities daily, lot’s of educational programs and activities involving other kids.

The children take their naps on time, snacks are provided. The daycare has helped a lot with potty training, speech, manners, alphabet and numbers. Ms. Kristy also takes the children on trips and to playgrounds. Both of our kids love going to daycare, and learning to sing, read and simply spend time with good kids and care providers.

Our daughter, Amy, was born in March of 2003 and has stayed in Apple Dumpling Gang located at Mechanicsburg since August of 2004. Amy is one of the four kids when the current facility was managed by Apple Dumpling Gang in August 2004.

Apple Dumpling Gang opens from 7 AM to 6PM Monday through Friday while most day care centers in this area would open until only 5:30 PM. Since my wife and I both work at East Shore, this is an important and convenient factor to us.

The teachers in Apple Dumpling Gang are great. They are kind, patient and instructive. Amy is very happy spending her days with them. She shows us her “masterpieces” almost every day, such as ‘Dad’s portrait’, ‘humming bee’, ‘Sun glasses’, etc. These art crafts are made from simple materials, but the teachers are creative and children are learning while getting a lot of fun. Meanwhile, there has been low turnover of staff members, so the teachers, parents and kids get to know each other well.

Apple Dumpling Gang also provides a clean surrounding to the children. We saw the staff cleaning the classroom every morning and afternoon. One time my wife picked up Amy around noon, she saw the children were sitting at their table quietly and waiting for their lunch. The teachers were using disposable plastic gloves to distribute the food.

When Amy was at another day care in Camp Hill in the winter of 2004, she would be sick every other week. This was a nightmare to us since either of us would have to take her home. In the winter of 2005, Amy had much less sick days in Apple Dumpling Gang. Furthermore, we like the location of this daycare, which is inside the Phico Campus, quiet and clean. Children can have very safe outdoor activities, such as buggy ride, walking in trail, etc.

Under Apple Dumpling Gang’s management, a lot of improvements have been made in the facility. The classrooms’ layout has been changed and the whole house was remodeled. The air-conditioners were replaced and new equipment has been installed. Meanwhile, tuition rate remains competitive in this area.

We would not hesitate to recommend Apple Dumpling Gang to any parents who are looking for a child care services in this area and will be happy to answer any questions. You may contact the center for our phone number if you would like to talk with us.