Longtime favorite customer Duane Butler with Candy in front of a display of photos from her career at North Shore Bank.

As we reported back in September, when she marked 40 years with North Shore Bank, Sussex branch manager Candy Walecki will retire at the end of this year.

Branch employees get ready to say goodbye. From left: senior mortgage lender Stephanie Glowinski-Moeller,, assistant branch manager–operations Erika Smith (in glasses) district manager Cristen Baumann, Candy, incoming Sussex branch manager Anne Kagerah, teller Alycia Bauer, and teller Lauren Heislen.

Last Friday, December 16, the branch invited customers and colleagues to celebrate Candy’s career and wish her well. And rather than another profile in Shorelines, Candy passed along this poem and suggested we run it. It was a gift from a seventh-grade student after she taught personal economics through Junior Achievement. “Anyone who knows me knows that giving back and volunteering is close to my heart,” Candy says. “Maybe this poem will encourage others to volunteer.”

Thanks so much for all of your service, Candy! Happy new year and happy retirement — enjoy your newfound free time!