pft honors pg 5 10-3-24
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- Category: Current Issue
Pomfret honors
retiring town
employees
The Town of Pomfret celebrated five long-term employees who are retiring over the next three months and is looking to fill the resulting vacancies. At a recent Appreciation Event at Grill 37, Department of Public Works Road Foreman John Hopkins (12 years) and Crew Leader Brian Brundson (17 years), Republican Registrar of Voters Martha Emilio (15 years) and Democratic Registrar of Voters Sue Devokaitis (12 years), and Town Clerk/Treasurer Sherry Grist (40 years) were all recognized for their exemplary service to the community.
Walter Hinchman, emcee, presented each retiree with a framed piece of art by Pomfret artist Nora Robbins (above) and provided by the Republican Town Committee representing the town’s history.
A citation from the General Assembly sponsored by State Representative Pat Boyd and State Senator Mae Flexer was presented to Cheryl Grist by First Selectman Maureen Nicholson.
Each employee was recognized for their commitment, professionalism, and community spirit. Nicholson expressed her appreciation for having such good employees to work with and the importance of experienced and trusted personnel to run the town smoothly and efficiently.
The Department of Public Works was commended for keeping the town’s roads, fleet, and buildings safe throughout the year and in such good condition. Over the past decade there have been many changes in elections and the Registrars were lauded for their adapting and holding smooth elections. Cheryl Grist was heralded by Nicholson as the face of Pomfret for four decades. “She knows the town, its residents, its land, its budgets, its history, and she always meets the public with a smile. Its rare to hold a position for four decades and Sherry’s institutional knowledge of the community is tremendous.” Sherry’s last day will be shortly after the November election.
“It is bittersweet to celebrate the retirements of employees that have been a critical part of Pomfret’s team. We are a small workforce and work together closely every day. I will miss Sherry, John, Brian, Martha, and Sue and wish them each all the best in their retirements.” Nicholson said.
The Registrars of Voters have identified their replacements; John Charest (R), and Bill Anderson (D) have begun training for the upcoming election and newly instituted early voting. The remaining three vacancies are being advertised and interviews scheduled.
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caption:
Cheryl Grist, left, and Maureen Nicholson