It was a day of mixed emotions.

On one hand, Tuesday was a celebration of the future of the Ahoskie Town Council, welcoming its newest member – former Hertford County Sheriff Winfred Hardy – while re-seating the town’s Mayor, Linda Blackburn, as well as two veteran Councilmen, O.S. “Buck” Suiter Jr. and Malcolm Copeland.

On the other hand, Tuesday was a time to say good-bye.

It was announced at the meeting that longtime Ahoskie Recreation Director Dennis Everett is retiring effective Dec. 31.

For 30 years, Everett worked as Recreation Director, first joining the town’s staff on Aug. 1, 1975. He retired in November of 1996, but returned full-time in December of 2000.

During his tenure, the town has witnessed an explosion of activities offered through its recreational venues. Everett was the reason behind that success – planning, implementing and providing solid leadership over youth recreational programs that have grown over the years to include baseball, softball, basketball, football and soccer. Adult men’s and women’s softball are also offered.

Additionally, the Rec Center on West Main Street offers other activities, including weight training and aerobics.

Everett also oversees Ahoskie’s various public parks.

His legacy will include the new Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex. Everett has worked diligently over the past two years in turning this dream into reality. Months of planning and design meetings will transform the old FEMA buyout area – a neighborhood where Everett’s home was among those lost to Hurricane Floyd’s flooding in 1999 – into a hub of activities. That complex will benefit Ahoskie in numerous ways, not only providing venues for recreation, but for revenue as it will be added to a list of sites that will host regional youth athletic tournaments.

Thank-you Dennis Everett for all you have done for the youth and adults of Ahoskie and the surrounding communities. Your shoes will be hard to fill.