Kutztown >> Rosaria Angstadt, creator and owner of Shaynah Kinner Day Care Center in Kutztown, celebrated her semi-retirement and sale of the business with a “thank you” dinner at Janelle Hall in Mertztown on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Among those who attended were Angstadt’s close friends, employees and helpers of the day care.
“All of the people here have helped me along the way in some form, whether it be with the kids, as employees, with maintenance, insurance, business,” said Angstadt. “They have all been a part of Shaynah Kinner’s success.”
With them, guests brought gifts, kind sentiments and memories to share of the 33-and-a-half years Shaynah Kinner has been serving the community.
Pam Sobjack, a former employee of the day care who worked there more than 10 years ago, recalled her time at Shaynah Kinner fondly.
“The kids were awesome,” she said. “The best thing is that it’s close-knit, and the families are all close. It’s all about giving to the kids and helping them learn.”
Relative Dean Turner and his wife Laurie also were in attendance and were quick to thank and congratulate Angstadt for all that she has done and her move forward in life.
“Our three children went there,” said Laurie. “I always felt it was the best place you could put your kids, and there was always structure.”
Through the years, Dean has continued to help Angstadt with maintenance at the facility.
“She helped us so much with the kids,” he said. “It was a real jump start program, and I couldn’t really return the favor, but she has me do handyman things. It’s a way to say thank you.”
At the dinner, Angstadt offered her thanks in the form of a short speech, followed by a surprise.
Guests were led outside, where a tearful dove release ceremony was held to honor Angstadt’s late mother, deceased employees and current staff at Shaynah Kinner, all who have had an impact on the day care’s success.
Afterward, dinner was served, and guests enjoyed a traditional, home-cooked Pennyslvania Dutch meal honoring the namesake of the day care.
“Shaynah Kinner means ‘cute kids’ in Pennsylvania Dutch,” said Angstadt. “Part of what makes the day care different is that we teach Pennsylvania Dutch to our kids.”
Angstadt started the day care more than 33 years ago with her sister Denise after babysitting out of her home for a period of time.
“My mother raised us by babysitting other kids,” she said. “I wanted to be able to have my kids with me, so when my sister graduated college, I asked her if she wanted to start a day care out of a property we had at the time.”
The facility, which once was only licensed for 14 children, now caters to 36.
Selling the business has not been easy for Angstadt, but she is ready to move on.
“I was just getting tired,” she said. “It’s bittersweet, but I am going to spend time with my horses and my family and friends.”
Shaynah Kinner will now be handed over to new and trusted owner Faith Wanner.
Wanner, whose daughter attended Shaynah Kinner, was approached for the job about a year ago. Initially, she said no, but circumstances changed, and when she was asked again six months later, she happily obliged.
“She wanted to find the right person because the business was hers and she had grown it,” said Wanner. “We knew each other, and I had taught day care at the BCIU for 15 years.”
Wanner looks forward to her change in career path.
“It’s a homegrown business, and it’s local,” she said. “We will have the same staff and schedule. We just want to update some things and put some new things in place. It’s about continuing to make it better.”
While it is the end of an era for Shaynah Kinner, everyone celebrated together in the growth and success of the business, as well as the life changes of both Angstadt and Wanner.
“You all created Shaynah Kinner,” said Angstadt. “From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you.”
