Sharon Conklin steps aside after 33 years at Chester Town Hall
Chester. She began in 1988 as a payroll clerk and now retires as the town’s Bookkeeper and Benefits Administrator.
| 02 Jun 2021 | 05:04
Chester Town Supervisor Robert Valentine said the town would have to install a red phone at Sharon Conklin’s house to reach her for directions because she knows where everything is.
Chester Town Clerk Linda Zappala said Conklin’s retirement would be a tremendous loss to the town and the community, but she knew Conklin was ready to enter the next phase of her life.
“As friends and neighbors over 20 years and colleagues nearly 15, I can truly say Sharon Conklin is a special person,” Zappala wrote in an email exchange with The Chronicle. “Her love of her job and one-of-a-kind gentle manner and warm personality draws people in. Maybe that is how she won her then co-worker’s heart and ultimately chose to celebrate her wedding day with Bob at Town Hall over 25 years ago.
“I am personally indebted for her recommendation, providing me the opportunity to be hired and the enjoyment of working with her since,” the town clerk added. “Sharon’s professional integrity and dedication for over 33 years has made her a true asset to the Town of Chester and one that will be dearly missed.”
Thirty-three years have passed since Sharon Conklin joined the town as payroll clerk in 1988. In 1992 she was promoted to bookkeeper and benefits administrator. She served eight administrations: Clark J. Holbert, Harry “Tim” Diltz, Margaret Grumbach, E. Stephen Shortess, William J. Tully, Stefan M. Neuhaus, Alexander Jamieson and Robert Valentine.
Over the years, Conklin has also worked side by side with three town clerks Barbara Spina, Elizabeth A. Reilly and Linda A. Zappala.
Conklin said she’d spent half of her life working for the town.
“I love my job,” she said. “There was never a day that I didn’t want to come to work. It has been a rewarding experience. I will be enjoying my grandchildren here in New York and in Colorado and will be enjoying the Adirondacks with my best friend, who happens to be my husband Bob. I can truly say that I have been blessed to have had a job that I enjoyed every day. I never once regretted having to come to work. Through the years, I have worked with many people and have made lasting friendships that I cherish.”
Proclamation
Proclamation honoring Sharon Conklin upon her retirement as Bookkeeper and Benefits Administrator for the Town of Chester
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Chester wishes to recognize Sharon Conklin upon her retirement from the Town of Chester; and
WHEREAS, Sharon Conklin, is an outstanding citizen who has contributed so much during her 33 years as an employee of the Town of Chester; and
WHEREAS, Sharon has been a lifelong resident of Chester; and
WHEREAS, Sharon began her career at the Town of Chester as Payroll Clerk on February 1st, 1988; and
WHEREAS, Sharon was promoted to her position as Bookkeeper and Benefits Administrator on January 1st, 1992; and
WHEREAS, in her role as Bookkeeper and Benefits Administrator, Sharon has always been ready to help the employees and retirees of the Town of Chester; and
WHEREAS, Sharon has been honored to receive the 99th Assembly District Women of Distinction Award, in part, for her contributions to the Town of Chester; and
WHEREAS, Sharon will be dearly missed by her colleagues and co-workers as she retires as Bookkeeper and Benefits Administrator on May 31, 2021.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Chester joins the Town Clerk and other Elected and Appointed Officials, employees, retirees and members of Town of Chester community in extending their congratulations and best wishes to Sharon Conklin upon her retirement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Proclamation be spread upon the Minutes of the official proceedings of the Chester Town Board meeting this 26h day of May, 2021.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF CHESTER
Robert Valentine, Supervisor