Mister McGregor’s Garden opened in August 1979, having moved from Kimball’s Home Nursery. Darlene Kimball was a pioneer in the area for providing quality, licensed, center-based programming for children. First in her home on College then her home on McClellan, later branching off and beginning the private, non-profit Little Friends’ franchise and the private McGregor Corporation for a total of five centers. Darlene wanted “every day to feel special for the children,” and she clearly instilled that in her programs. Darlene retired 2002 at the age of 72. Korry Richer, daughter and third generation childcare provider, has spent a lifetime in the arena of young children, programming, and center development. Korry’s near-first decade was learning the basics of maintenance, cooking, caregiving, and day to day operations. Further interest inspired studies of Early Child Development at NMU. This education assisted in her advancement to bookkeeping, training staff, program development and directing center-based programs. Eventually working to accredit two locations early in her directing career Korry and her team were the direct recipients of the Governor’s Quality Care award twice at the McClellan location. (One of only two centers in all of Michigan to receive the award twice and only during a four-year span). Korry transitioned to replace Darlene as coordinator in 2002. She currently operates the McGregor’s Corporation serving children and their families in Marquette and surrounding areas.