Many people turned out for Toni Nelson’s retirement celebration at City Hall on Tuesday.

There were many speeches honoring Toni’s 20 years of service to the city of Renton, and many decades of additional service to Renton volunteer organizations.

The City Council and Mayor’s office got a laugh from our gift to Toni. 12 years ago, when Earl Clymer retired and a memorial bench in his honor was placed at Coulon Park, Toni was heard saying she would probably only get a “three-legged stool” at her retirement. Our council secretary at the time, Billie Dumphy, heard Toni say this, and made a note in Toni’s file that we should remember this upon her retirement. Our Legislative Aid Julia Medzegian found this note, and made sure we had a little fun at the retirement party.

We presented Toni with a three legged stool and reminded her of her comment twelve years ago, which got quite a laugh from Toni and the crowd. Then, we followed up by showing her that a special recognition bench and an engraved stone, will be dedicated to Toni’s service in the Downtown Piazza. The Piazza is a very fitting place given Toni’s work on downtown and the farmers market. This final presentation, done by Denis Law, created a touching moment.

A slideshow at the party featured council photographs going back 20 years, to the start of Toni’s service. I enjoyed seeing these, as they reminded me of councils past and other people I used to serve with.

Here they are for your entertainment.

1988- Toni’s first year– (she is at far left in photo)

1991

1992

1994

1998

2000