WINDSOR – While last week was a time of change in the town of Windsor, it was also a time to say thank you.

Moments after taking the oath of office as Windsor’s new mayor, Jimmy Hoggard took time to recognize his predecessor, Bob Spivey, and out-going Town Commissioner O. Wint Hale.

Hale retired after 36 years of service to the town of Windsor and almost as many as the board’s representative on the Mid-East Commission before opting not to seek reelection in November.

“It is really my honor to present this plaque recognizing 36 years of service to Commissioner Hale,” Mayor Hoggard said. “He has led a good life of service here. He has raised his family here and worked here.”

Hoggard said when Hale came on the board over three decades ago, the town only had four police officers. There were also other areas the town needed to improve.

“One thing we didn’t have at all was a town park,” Mayor Hoggard said. “Bringing the town park here has been one of his biggest projects and something he takes great pride in.”

The new mayor then turned to former Mayor Bob Spivey to offer thanks for the 19 years of service the latter gave to the town.

“I don’t know where to start,” Hoggard said. “Mayor Spivey has held practically every job of importance in the region. If he had never been mayor, he would still have been one of the best public servants we have ever known.”

Mayor Hoggard then thanked Spivey for his work on the U.S. 17 by-pass that exists in Windsor and many of the other projects he has worked on during his four-plus terms in office. Still, he said many of the great works done by the retiring mayor would never be fully known.

“There are a lot of little things people don’t see,” Hoggard said of Spivey’s work. “There have been so many things he’s done people will never know about.”

Also offering thanks on behalf of Bertie County was Clerk of Superior Court John C.P. Tyler, who was on hand to swear in the new mayor and commissioners.

“I want to thank Mr. Hale for all of his service to the town, county and region,” Tyler said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t also say thank you to my friend Bob Spivey for all you have done.”

After the presentation of the plaques, a room full of well-wishers took time to personally thank Hale and Spivey for their service as well as to welcome Hoggard and new commissioners Joe Alexander and David Overton.