MONKTON — On the morning of Oct. 13, former Town Clerk Carmelita “Carmie” and Rod Burritt were invited to go leaf peeping by their son, Chris, and daughter-in-law, Robin. “Not much to see, mostly yellows and a lot of leaves have already fallen,” said Carmie. With urging from Rod (who knew what the game plan was), Robin and Chris, she consented to the ride.
Keeping a watchful eye on the time, Chris took the group around the block, then headed toward Starksboro and cut back toward Monkton to get to the Monkton Fire Department on time, around 1:30 p.m. 
Meanwhile, people were scurrying around getting finger foods and refreshments set out and visiting with attendees until the guest of honor arrived. After 37 years as town and school clerk, 28 years as town and school treasurer and one year as assistant town clerk, Carmie had made the decision to retire. A party was imminent.
A gift table with a card box and guest book was ready for people to sign and leave good wishes. A cake, made by current town clerk, Sharon Gomez, sat on a table adorned with plates, napkins and a pumpkin, gourd and leaves decoration. Tables were set up with similar decorations and paper tablecloths.Earlier that morning, Robin had brought a picture collage of family pictures, which was set up.More people were arriving by the minute. 
As the Burritts approached the fire department, Carmie commented that she wondered what was going on there. Chris replied, “ Let’s stop and find out.”
As the group approached the door to enter, everyone had gathered together to yell, “Surprise!” and did so when she came through the door.
The look on her face was priceless. The surprise was a success.
People gathered around wishing her well, taking pictures, giving hugs and kisses. Photographer Buzz Kuhns was busy taking candid shots of all of the activity.
People were still arriving for the festivities and people came in and went as the time went on, wishing her the best.
Ken Wheeling, who was asked to emcee the party, got up and spoke from the heart of his many years of working with Carmie. She was presented with flowers.
Amidst the food, hugs, kisses, tears and well wishes, Carmie continued with the utmost grace and dignity that has always been her demeanor.
The town hall isn’t the same without her, but she has definitely left her mark on the people whose lives she has touched in her many years of service; always going beyond the call of duty; opening her home to anyone who needed her assistance with Rod’s approval, no matter the time of day; serving the community with a smile and an invitation to have a goodie from her candy jar; greeting anyone who entered with a “Hello, how are you? How can I help you?”
Not only contributing time as town employees, Carmie and Rod have dedicated time to their church, various groups and activities and continue to do so, even though they claim to be slowing down. Rod is still delinquent tax collector for the town. Whatever the future brings, Carmie and Rod have helped to make Monkton the great town to live in that it is.
Happy retirement, Carmie.