The Eldred Township supervisors honored one of their own last Wednesday night during their regular meeting.

JoAnn Bush was present for her last meeting as a supervisor.

Bush was presented with a Certificate of Recognition plaque from state Sen. Mario Scavello on behalf of him and state Rep. Jack Rader.

“Your work as a leader in both the community and in business have been an inspiration to all,” Scavello said. “Your commitment to your community and family are a model for everyone.”

Then Supervisors’ Chairman Gary Hoffman presented to Bush a certificate of special recognition from U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey. That was followed by a certificate of service from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, a gift from the Eldred Township Planning Commission, flowers and hugs from her family, and a heartfelt letter from the Eldred Township supervisors and staff.

Township secretary Ann Velopolcek read the letter on behalf of all of them.

She spoke about Bush’s work with the township and her accomplishments as a supervisor.

As a representative of the township, Bush has been involved with attending Council of Government meetings, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors conferences, Eldred Township Community Center Committee meetings, Parks and Recreation activities and more.

“You have spent the bulk of your life helping others, as a nurse and caregiver, as a wife and mother, as an advocate for the elderly and disabled, and as a township supervisor, you have had a truly remarkable career,” Velopolcek said.

“It did not take long before the other supervisors you were serving with came to rely on your kind heart, calm disposition, and can-do attitude. … You never missed an event nor dropped a ball. You have always been willing to try something new, reinvent something old or team up to make things happen. You have been a friend, a co-worker, a liaison, a peacemaker and a source of joy for all who have had the pleasure to work with you these last six years. We will miss you every day.

“Being a township supervisor is a difficult, demanding and very responsible job. You made it look easy,” Velopolcek said. “So, for now we say goodbye, but it’s really ‘until we meet again’ because we know this is just a change in focus.”

“Thank you everybody, I’m honored and overwhelmed,” Bush said.