anet Heckman has announced her retirement effective June 1, 2007. Heckman began her tenure of service in the late 70s. Heckman began serving as Village Treasure then served as Superintendent and Clerk from 1986 to the present. Photo by JOHN BONKE

"I never not wanted to come to work," Heckman says. Looking back, she adds, "I'll remember the people who came in, the conversations, and much of it had to do with families. I will miss the day-to-day contact with our residents." She noted the office is busy every day and especially so around utility billings.

She says, "I want to thank everyone for all of the kindness that has been shown to me. I have enjoyed working with so many of you. My job would have been much more difficult without your support."

In 1986, Heckman was working part-time as a bookkeeper for the Pigeon Progress, a forerunner of The Newsweekly, when then mayor David Geiger asked her to apply to the Superintendent/Clerk spot. Prior to her newspaper position, Heckman worked for Karl J. Leppien Co., C.P.A. and for Wallace and Morely.

Heckman says she felt the income could help with the expenses of a child in college and another graduating.

"There are a lot of meetings," she says. In addition to regular monthly Council meetings, for which she has perfect attendance, some others include finance, police, department of public works and recreation committee meetings. Heckman is also responsible for elections and election materials.

The Village has initiated several projects over the years such as a streetscape, Village Hall remodeling, storm sewer work, lagoon expansion and bringing water from Caseville. When special projects arise, her work includes researching speification requirements and then providing that information to contractors.

Recently, Heckman helped as the village updated computer software to track all of the bookkeeping. "It was a real accomplishment."

Heckman enjoys old-fashioned projects as well. She enjoyed working with the committee on the history book. "It was such a thrill to be in the Centennial Parade. During the Pigeon Centennial Celebration in 2003, The Heckman Family marched in the main parade. Ron Heckman, a barber, dressed up like an old-fashioned barber while she and their children and grandchildren also participated. The grandchildren wore clothes their own parents had worn. "To see our residents work so had to have a celebration like we had was wonderful. I was so happy to be here to help contribute to the event."

About two to three years ago, Heckman says the workload seemed to increase. For her to do a good job, she ended up working late and over the weekend. The Village added an office position and Heckman explains a couple benefits are the office is open over the noon hour as well as freeing up time if a day off is needed.

Heckman, having worked in both the private and public sector, says, "In the public sector, you have 1,200 employers. You answer questions, meet their needs and help solve problems."

Heckman says she wants to spend more time with her husband of 43 years upcoming, children and grandchildren, and she may can some strawberry jam, a family favorite.

President Neal Eichler says, "she has been a joy to work with. I wish her the best. The Village is certainly going to miss her. Eichler, who has worked with Heckman on several projects, such as the Beautification Project and the Centennial Book, adds, "she's a team player" and "follows through" on the task at hand.

Heckman has served four mayors: Dave Geiger, Jim Kohl, Mike Gehrs and Neal Eichler.

Eichler lauds her and husband, Ron, along with Butch and Nova Jean Miller for "painstakingly" planting, watering and weeding petunias along Michigan Avenue for several years. He notes no one since has stepped forward to take over the project.

Former trustee and mayor Mike Gehrs, who served with Heckman for 17 years, says "She is a village treasure" and does a lot of work the general public doesn't see. She is always willing to answer questions or find someone who could, he adds.

Heckman says of all four mayors, "All of them were just great to work with."