Montevallo’s city employees celebrated Mayor Sharon Anderson’s 22 years of dedication and service to the city Oct. 31.

Anderson had served as mayor the past four years and on the city council the previous 18. She did not run for re-election. During her tenure, Anderson served one or more terms on every council committee and on every board of the city. She was, during Grady Parker’s eight-year mayoral term, mayor-pro-tem.

“Serving this community has been a great honor. Together we have made tremendous strides,” Anderson said. “We’ve improved our internal accounting system; we’ve addressed a variety of important issues in our police department; our city parks look beautiful and are well-equipped and we will soon enjoy hiking the new trail from Stephens Park to Orr Park.”

“Our completed library/theatre/gallery has quickly become a vital hub of educational, cultural and artistic activity,” she continued. “And Merchants’ Alley, the first phase of the planned downtown revitalization is about to break ground. The Veterans Cemetery will soon be a reality and our relationships with the university and the American Village are strong and productive. I am grateful for all we have been able to achieve these past four years and I feel that we are well prepared for a positive and prosperous future.”

Herman Lehman, City Clerk, presented Anderson with a Tim Tingle carving of the city seal. The seal is evidence of the long and arduous task, which Anderson led, to have a seal designed that fairly depicted the true character of Montevallo. The seal now appears on buildings and vehicles belonging to the city.

“Mayor Anderson has done an outstanding job,” Lehman said. “She and the knowledge she has acquired during her 22-year service will be sorely missed. I know I speak for all of the employees when I say that working with her has been a real pleasure.”

Among those attending the reception were City Councilman Willie Goldsmith, the Mayor-elect Ben McCrory, and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net