The end of May marked the end of an era at the Charlotte County Extension Office in Charlotte Court House.

Longtime unit administrative assistant Theresa Long officially retired at the end of the month and many community members witnessed her send off during her retirement party.

For the last 29 years, Long has been a staple in the extension office. Personally, I remember my own days of 4-H when I would anxiously call the Extension Office and bug Long about the annual week-long summer camp which was typically held at Holiday Lake.

I know I must’ve called 100 times a week, but she was always so polite and helpful, which only added to my enthusiasm about getting a spend a whole week away from home.

While those are the earliest memories I have of Long, whenever I thought of Charlotte County Extension over the years, her face came to mind.

Long said in an April interview with The Gazette that helping the children involved with 4-H has had a positive impact on her time at the office.

I can certainly say that she had a positive impact on my 4-H experience as a whole.

During her time working with Extension, Long said she was responsible for answering telephones, greeting visitors, working with the budget and fielding questions and inquiries.

It is evident that Long touched the lives of many during her time at the Extension Office and will be missed as an integral part of the community.

A large crowd gathered at the extension Office on Wednesday for a final send-off party in honor of Long, and the number of people in attendance is a testament to Long’s dedication over the years.

Congratulations, Theresa, on your retirement, and thank you for your contributions to the Charlotte County Extension Office for the last 29 years.

Italia Gregory is community editor of The Charlotte Gazette. Her email address is Italia.Gregory@TheCharlotteGazette.com.