I am announcing my resignation as Director of the Hamlin Recreation Department. I have been offered the position of 55+ Community Supervisor in another municipality and I have made the decision to accept it. After many years of serving an entire community, I will now narrow my focus on just one segment of a community; the one closest to my own age and personal interests.
Since joining the Hamlin Recreation Department in 2011, I have been continuously grateful for the opportunities this town has provided for me. I was able to translate a 24-year career in the tourism industry into an incredibly worthwhile and fulfilling one in the public sector; serving you! But it is time to move on to a direction I have found myself gravitating towards more and more: enriching the lives of seniors.
There are so many people and organizations that I would like to thank who have helped make my tenure here a joy: Patty Jo Groenendaal for hiring me, Eric Peters for believing in me, Diana Wilson and all my staff over the years who have helped keep the kids in our programs safe and entertained (and who put up with all my crazy ideas). To the founding and persisting Friends of Hamlin Recreation whose dedication brought about a 501c3 organization that enables grants that have enriched assets, programming, and events. This amazing bunch of volunteers are dedicated 100% to the wellness of Hamlin residents, since every recreation department is essentially the wellness center of a town; where people go to exercise, to learn new things, or just find opportunities to feel good. I would also like to thank the Hamlin Public Library for years of successful collaborations, the Hamlin Lions Club for supporting our events and feeding all the people who attend them, and all the local farms and businesses who contribute every year to make sure we have the resources to provide our services to you, the residents. Last, but definitely not least, I would like to thank Steve Baase and the members of the Hamlin Town Board who have always had my back.
Finally, the most massive THANK YOU to you, the residents of Hamlin, who made every effort I made with my team so wonderfully worthwhile.
Anke Applebaum
