Emily Paine Carter

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On a recent Thursday afternoon, the Salem Area Retired Educators Association gathered to honor two up-and-comers to their rested ranks. Both longtime Salem High School secretary Janie Entsminger and Andrew Lewis Middle School custodian Gloria Ahern will retire Jan. 1.

If the food at Salem's new T-Bone Jack's restaurant was good and abundant -- and it was -- the praise ladled out for the two pleasant ladies was even richer. Say, as supreme as SHS retired culinary artist and teacher Barbara Bell's perfect cake finale.

Bayes Wilson thanked Janie and Gloria for their years of work. He remembered hiring 1971 William Fleming graduate Janie as Andrew Lewis High School attendance secretary in 1973.

He particularly recalled the hot 1977 summer when he and Janie transferred to open brand-new, not-yet-air-conditioned SHS -- as if Elvis' death in August that year weren't significant and difficult enough. (Janie became SHS secretary; after that one year SHS Principal Wilson was named Roanoke County Schools superintendent. Salem broke from the county system in 1983.)

"[SHS Principal] John Hall will have to find more than one person to replace Janie!" someone hollered. And former SHS band director Dennis Reasor -- now assistant principal on North Carolina's Outer Banks -- even phoned in his good wishes to Janie.

Gloria -- who started working at SHS in 1980 before eventually moving to ALMS -- wept as just-retired SHS coach/teacher John Hinkle told of her invitation to sit at her lunch table. He did so for years, later joined by wife/teacher Helen. (Such kindnesses describe Gloria, as Janie would later e-mail me about her "truly one-of-a-kind," good, generous friend.)

Judy Pitts shared in laughing recollections of fellow teachers' "swiping" furniture for their own classrooms. Gloria remembered trying to regulate the temperature in teacher Beth Byrd's room.

"How many times did my class overflow the fish tank?" retired SHS teacher Jim Robertson called out. Others lauded Gloria's fearlessness working from a 10-foot workshop ladder.

A comedy club "roasting" element sneaked into these "Oscar"-like Lifetime Achievement testimonials. Picture former ALHS/SHS teachers Jane Painter and Dorothy O'Dell in a singing, swaying chorus of "Under the Boardwalk" -- altered for Janie's "leaving in her prime ... loved by all" bio.

Or manly retired coach, athletic director and Assistant Principal Dale Foster Sr. joining everyone's tribute to the "Sound of Music" tune "My Favorite Things." All bestowed comically tweaked lyrics and gifts on the honorees.

Ever-youthful emcee Betsy McClearn summoned retirement suggestions: hobbies, continuing education, how to make money ("don't cook for hunters" in the field with no amenities, offered one experienced unfortunate) and how to give back (retired principal and Salem City Schools Superintendent Walter Hunt immediately offered that he's always seeking Lions Club recruits).

"I took my watch off!" Beth chortled: a happy "no alarm clock" sentiment quickly shared by Judy and many others.

Although Janie e-mailed that she'll miss many good, old SHS friends who supported her through both very sad and happy spells, she and Gloria anticipate family time. Gloria's son Brian lives in Salem; her three grandkids, daughter Carla and her husband Jose O'Campo live in Texas.

Janie will enjoy time with her husband, retired Roanoke firefighter Kenny, her grown daughters, Sarah and Jennifer, and an aunt needing help back in Janie's native Saltville. And a Disney cruise! First, pending surgery will ease her typing-pained hand.

ALHS and SHS English teacher emeritus Walter Robinson -- sadly absent -- later e-mailed praise for teachers "lifesaver" Janie: He always advised new teachers "[first], get to know Janie." Why, she somehow soldiered through a migraine, lest support staff's paychecks be delayed.

Maybe my daughter's words fit both dedicated ladies: As an SHS substitute teacher, Caroline said Janie was her "angel ... .She always sounds pleased that you called -- NEVER aggravated with her job!"

Rich praise, indeed.

For SAREA membership information, call Barbara or Walter Bell at 389-3082.