The Eldred Township supervisors and staff gave an emotional send-off to retiring supervisor Mary Anne Clausen. The supervisors’ special meeting on Friday morning was Clausen’s last meeting after serving the township for six years.

Supervisor Joann Bush began to read a letter that she and Supervisor Gary Hoffman wrote in Clausen’s honor.

“Gary and I want to thank you for your invaluable six years of service to our township,” she said before she teared up too much to continue.

Handing the letter to township secretary Ann Velopolcek, the letter continued listing how Clausen kept them on track in the meetings, followed up on every detail of the day-to-day business, and created office procedures that made the process of running the township much easier.

“To say that you have left your mark is a gross understatement,” Bush said in the letter.

The letter noted so much of Clausen’s work, including her persistence in getting a park trail and picnic area at Mock Park, setting the beginnings of a rail trail and Town Square, and fighting to preserve the underground water supply.

“Keeping the budget in line and seeing that all the needs of the township residents were met, being responsive to concerns … are all a part of your legacy. This and so much more,” the letter stated.

“In short, Eldred Township is and will continue to be a better place because of your efforts,” Velopolcek read, but teared up too much to continue. She handed the letter to township solicitor Michael Gaul, to which Supervisor Gary Hoffman said, “She’s not dead. She’s just retiring,” and room erupted in laughter.

Gaul finished the letter, and Clausen thanked everyone for it.

She said being a supervisor can be all consuming and frustrating, but also very rewarding. She was glad that she was able to contribute to the community and said it was a great learning experience.

“It’s been a very eventful six years in Eldred,” she said.

“It’s been an adventure.”