BARRHEAD – “It is hard to leave because it's like you are leaving family,” said Elaine Dickie at a gathering in honour of the Barrhead Library director's 25 years of service, to celebrate her retirement and share gratitude for all her hard work.
Dignitaries spoke at the reception and offered their best wishes.
“Elaine, I cannot thank you enough for your engagement, your involvement, your everything and the way people look up to you for guidance and direction,” said Karla Palichuk, Yellowhead Regional Library Director.
“We are a much better community because of you.”
“Your contribution to this community is without bounds. With her leadership the library has transformed to what it is today – a culture centre,” said Mayor Dave McKenzie.
He presented Elaine with a letter of appreciation.
“Congratulations on a job well done! Thank you for looking after those bratty Drozd kids running around here,” said County of Barrhead Reeve Doug Drozd.
He presented a basket of memorabilia and thanked her for her hard work.
Dickie plans to use mugs included in the basket on camping trips.
“For the school and a public library to share a space is truly the golden opportunity. We have been very thankful for many years of partnership,” said Pembina Hills School Division Board Chair David Truckey.
“I’m sure you could speak volumes or write a book on what has happened in the library system over that quarter century. You leading and championing is a gift to the community.”
School Trustee Victoria Kane presented a gift from the Pembina Hills School Division.
Dickie thanked everyone for coming and thanked her family for their support.
Her husband was thanked for listening to her talking about work and talking through solution options.
She said her daughters raised themselves after she returned to work.
Dickie relayed a story about her daughters offering to do the Christmas baking because they were bored at home while she worked.
Both girls, Erin Kutz and Megan Kruse, were in attendance with their families.
Dickie was especially grateful to the staff for their buy-in, dedicated work, and support.
A beautiful double-flavour cake was cut for attendees by Dickie and the new Barrhead Library director, Lindsey Juke Turnball.
A painting by Evelyn Stein from Thunder Lake was presented to Dickie from Susan McLaren – calling it ‘Going down the Road’ on behalf of all the library staff.
Kyle Hughes arranged for Elaine Dickie's name to be put up on the Barrhead Co-op Sign, which is a huge honour in Barrhead.
Dickie has actually worked just shy of 25 years at the library, but in honour of her doing the work of many, it was rounded up for the celebration, according to Susan MacLaren.
