DUBOIS – After 36 years of dedicated hard work and service, Fran Lias, is saying goodbye to her job as a secretary for the City of DuBois and hello to retirement.
At Monday night’s meeting, Lias sat in the audience while the new secretary took her old seat.
Members of council had an opportunity to express their thoughts and to give thanks to Lias for all she has done to help them. A motion was made, and approved, place a bench on the walkway or in the park in Lias’ name. With a laugh, Lias said she’d never been on the walkway so it should probably go in the park.
Solicitor Toni Cherry recollected the many years she worked with Lias, beginning when she searched deeds and titles for her father and then as a young law student. Of Lias, Cherry said, “It is difficult for me to recount all of the ways I will miss Fran Lias. Fran always had time for me, was always patient, always kind, and always understanding of a young person who, it was very obvious didn’t know a third of what Fran had already forgotten. It’s not only been wonderful to work with you but it’s been a real privilege to learn from you and I will miss you.”
Mayor Gary Gilbert, who has worked with Lias for the past 16 years, wished her well in her retirement. Nancy Moore, who serves on the Planning Commission, said that Lias is a “secretary supreme”. Lias has four more days as the secretary before she is officially retired.