The Eldred Township supervisors said goodbye to the township’s secretary E. Ann Velopolcek at their meeting on Wednesday night.

Velopolcek has decided to retire. Her last day on the job is today.

In addition to being the township secretary, Velopolcek also was the zoning secretary, community center coordinator, planning commission recording secretary, and the opens records officer. In her free time, she volunteered on the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Eldred Township Historical Society and the Veterans Committee.

Public Works supervisor Jonathan Gula said, “Ann, congratulations on your retirement. It’s been a pleasure the last three and a half years. I appreciate the help you’ve given me, and you’re going to be missed. Thank you for being like my work-mother.”

The supervisors presented Velopolcek with a crystal plaque and Supervisor Chairman Scott Clark read a statement.

“On behalf of the supervisors of Eldred Township, we extend our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation for your dedicated service as secretary since 2015. When Ann assumed the role, she took on the monumental responsibility of organizing and filing many years’ worth of township records. Through her diligence and commitment, she brought order and accessibility to essential documents, strengthening the foundation of our municipal operations,” Clark said.

“Her willingness to step in wherever needed demonstrated her unwavering commitment to our community. Over the years, Ann has worked with several different boards of supervisors. Each with its own personalities, perspectives, and priorities. Through every transition, she remained professional, adaptable and steady. She consistently provided guidance, institutional knowledge and thoughtful insight to ensure that the best interests of Eldred Township remain at the forefront of every decision.

“Ann’s historical knowledge, expertise and dedication will greatly be missed. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on our township, and we are deeply grateful for her years of faithful service.

“We wish Ann a very happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement, and may this next chapter bring her joy, relaxation, and fulfillment.”

“It’s been my great honor and privilege to serve the residents and various boards of Eldred Township,” Velopolcek said, and added that she had much to learn about municipal government when she took the job.

“I think the township, myself and the boards have all grown together to really work to make Eldred Township the best it can be. I can honestly say that I have not worked with anyone here who didn’t come into this office or into this job, including the treasurers and public works department, who didn’t have the best interest of the township at heart. It’s bittersweet to go but my time has come and somebody else will fill my shoes and hopefully do even better.”