GLENWOOD SPRINGS ” For eight years, Robin Garvik has served on the Roaring Fork School District Re-1’s board of education ” the last four as board president.

Wednesday night, about 50 people gathered to thank Garvik for her years of hard work. They also gathered to thank Bill Shirley, although he was absent due to a prior engagement. Shirley was appointed to the board last year.

They came to witness Garvik swearing in the five board members elected Nov. 4: Michael Bair, Peter Delany, Sue Hakanson, Bruce Wampler and Brad Zeigel.

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And when Garvik proclaimed, “I declare you entered!” a new era of the Re-1 board began.

“There are one too many board members up here,” said Garvik, “so I think I’ll take a break.”

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Soon after, the board voted unanimously on a new slate of officers: Sue Hakanson is now Re-1 board president, Bruce Wampler is vice president, Peter Delany is secretary and Brad Zeigel is treasurer.

Although it was business as usual at the meeting, board members, Re-1 staff and people from all over the district came to the district office to wish Garvik well at the beginning of the meeting.

Hakanson talked about her years with Garvik working together on the board.

“Your eight years of service will be remembered,” said Hakanson. “You have made a true mark on our children and on the district. I will really miss you.”

“I’m going to miss working with Robin,” said Wampler. “I feel so privileged to have worked with her. When I first came on board, she would call me before meetings and ask me if I had any questions. She really helped to bring me up to speed. Although I’m looking forward to working with the new board, Robin is a great leader.”

Over and over, people expressed similar sentiments.

“I’ve worked with you for six going on seven years,” said Re-1 superintendent Fred Wall addressing Garvik. “We’ve been through a lot together. One thing I know is that your bottom line is about kids and education.”

“Robin walks the walk,” said former Re-1 board member Lon Winston. “I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who has given so much of themselves.”

Re-1 finance director Shannon Pelland also spoke about Garvik.

“I’m amazed at her grace,” Pelland said. “She conducts herself so well, even amidst adversity and controversy. She waits and listens to what everybody has to say. She’s an exceptional person.”

Board member Peter Delany broke up some of the heartfelt goodbyes, eliciting gales of laughter with his own heartfelt and goofy poem honoring his fellow board member. He donned a white sailor hat with “Pete” written across the front, and planted a bright red crab hat, complete with eyeballs and claws, on top of Robin’s head.

“I want to thank you for your years of shellfish service,” he said, tongue firmly planted in cheek, before launching into his original poem, “Tribute to Capt. Robin” (see box).

Following the group’s accolades, Garvik got up to speak, acknowledging each person on the board, superintendent Wall, assistant superintendent Judy Haptonstall, finance director Shannon Pelland, executive assistant Joan Telinde and the district staff. She also thanked her parents, her husband Ken and her three children, Quinn, Dane and Landon, for their support while she served on the board.

“Thank you all for being here,” she said. “The last eight years have been indescribable ” some hills and some valleys. I choose to remember the hills.”

Contact Carrie Click: 945-8515, ext. 518

cclick@postindependent.com

I boarded this vessel just a

hundred fortnights ago,

Whilst on calm seas she was a bobbin’,

To join the crew of the Good Ship Re-1,

Under the tutelage of the

amiable Captain Robin.

A frightened first mate I was,

Having signed up with nary a clue!

But the capt. took me under her generous wing,

And we cast off, without further ado!

We’ve had some stormy seas in recent times,

Last year in Carbondale, there arose quite a swell,

And a typhoon from afar, Called “No Child Left Behind.”

Does the term “unfounded mandates” ring a bell?

Captain, it’s been an honor to be a mate on your crew,

Sometimes we’ve laughed. Sometimes I’ve been a pain in the aft.

But through it all, only thing rings true,

There’ll never be another

captain quite like you!