Battleford Town Administrator Sheryl Ballendine's last official town council meeting was marked with a cake-cutting ceremony thanking her for 35 years of service at Town Hall.
Ballendine was presented with a cake by the Town’s confidential secretary, Noreen Hoffart, who also attended Ballendine's first meeting as administer.
"I'm going to miss everybody," said the about-to-retire official.
Ballendine began her employment with the town in 1981 as a receptionist. She worked in that position and in the accounting clerk position until 1985 when she became the assistant administrator. She was appointed administrator in 1993, taking over from Gary Gelech.
Ballendine's last day of work will be Dec. 31.
Mayor Derek Mahon thanked her for her service, describing her as "first one in to open the door, last one to leave."
Ballendine is one of three senior administration staff to retire from the Town of Battleford this year. Also retiring were the parks and recreation superintendent and works and utilities superintendent.
"With Sheryl and Randy Redding and Kevin Chaykowski, that's 97 years of corporate knowledge going out the door," said Mahon, the fifth mayor to work with Ballendine.
Councillors also offered their congratulations and thanks.
Gordon Yarde said he had been working with Ballendine since 1985 and that it had been a pleasure.
Shelley Boutin-Gervais wished her happiness and health in her retirement.
"I'm sure you will have fun," said Boutin-Gervais.
David George said, "I hope all your wishes and dreams come true and good luck in the future."
Ames Leslie, in his first term in council said, "Thank you for the last three years."
He said it was helpful being able to stop in at Town Hall and talk with Ballendine about town business.
Susan McLean Tady, who is also a former employee of the Town of Battleford, said, "The town won't be the same without you."
Ballendine said she hadn't prepared anything to say for her last meeting, having delivered her official retirement speech at the town Christmas party. As for retirement, she said, "I don't know what it's going to be, but I am looking forward to it."
Ballendine and her husband Tyler recently built a house on Jackfish Lake and now reside there.
"I'm sure I'll see everybody around in some form or another,” she said. “Anyway, thank you very much. It's been a blast, actually."
Mayor Mahon said there will be a new chief administrative officer at Town Hall Jan. 4. At this point, he said, the identity of the new administrator is confidential.
