Well folks, I’ve been doing quite a bit of reflecting on the past 26 + years that I’ve been blessed to have this job and so making the decision to retire at the end of October was harder than it might have been for some of you readers to call it quits or will be for those of you that aren’t there yet. You’ll better understand my emotions after considering that: spreading the topic of environmental care means a lot to me; I’ve had encouraging support/advice from many people throughout this “journey, ” including teachers, family, friends and from folks like you who read this; I’ve learned so much; I’ve had fun working with my coworkers who’ve become friends; a number of students call me the recycling lady when they see me; plus more.

You’re probably wondering “why is she calling it quits then when it sounds like it’s a pretty good gig?” Well, since I turned 65 — which I realize is not way old but not way young either — it seems like both my body and my mind are getting weaker by the day. That’s not to say either one of those was ever very strong (those of you that know me can testify to the mind part for sure) but boy oh boy, when you’re afraid that one of these days when you get to work you’ll have to wait for someone to open the door that seems to be getting heavier by the month or that forgetting a thought almost as soon as you have it is more the norm than not, you might consider retiring if it’s doable for you. Of course, I’m exaggerating a bit but it just feels like it’s time to “turn the reins over” to someone younger…someone that has more spring in their step, knows how to incorporate the newfangled ways of media out there nowadays, e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. so as to broaden environmental educational outreach efforts, and maybe bring some fresh thoughts to the table regarding said outreach efforts.

Within the next couple of months I’ll be sorting through desk drawers and my little storage closet and recycling the paper items that the new employee won’t need/want and organizing stuff that they might be interested in using, e.g. the “props” I use for school visits and/or for presentations to groups, etc. And, even though I’ve been submitting columns for a long time I’ll still have a hard time making a decision on what to include for my last two. One decision won’t be hard though…saying thanks to you folks for putting up with my ramblings all these years.

Until next time, keep reducing, reusing, recycling and buying recycled! For info or if your club is interested in a presentation (free) regarding recycling/waste reduction and hazardous waste disposal, call the Lyon County Environmental Office at 507-532-8210. Also available is info about disposal of appliances, electronics and tires and about the mattress/box frame and child car seat recycling program now available. www.lyonco.org. Click on environmental in the departments menu.