After 25 years of public service, first on the school board and then with the Northwestern Recreation Commission, Don Link has decided it was time to quit.

“I feel the board is in good shape,” Link said at the Jan. 31 meeting. “It is time to move on. It has been a pleasure working with a lot of great people.

“It’s been good to serve on the commission. I got a lot of pleasure out of it.”

He thanked everyone who supported him over the years and said Kathy Hermany, who chaired the Night in the Country Committee, was second to none.

Hermany replied she depended on him also, that he was always the one to go to.

He thanked the Northwestern Press for the respect he was given.

“That’s pretty rare,” he said.

Linda Gorgas, the Weisenberg representative, also commented.

“We don’t really want you to go,” Gorgas said.

Steve Bachman of Heidelberg Township added his thoughts.

“I’d love to have you at least one more year. We thank you.”

Justin Smith of Lynn Township added his thoughts.

“Once he had made up his mind you’re not accomplishing anything by changing it,” Smith said.

“I’ll help with anything if I’m needed,” Link replied.

The Northwestern Lehigh High School Drama club has requested the use of a set of bleachers for its musical, “High School Musical.”

Hermany has the band contract signed for Night in the Country.

Gorgas said information is needed for the walking trail to put it out on bid. One person should handle all contacts so the information is the same. Stormwater information is needed.

Rick Hughes asked if Brian Carl would only open the bids and present them to the board.

He would not make any decisions.

Bachman asked if the commission should reimburse Weisenberg for the hours Carl put in working on the trail.

Gorgas said she would look into it.

Smith said he wanted to thank Link for everything he has done. A tree will be planted at the park with a plaque in his honor.

Gorgas brought cake and coffee to the event. A cake with the same recipe had garnered second place at a fair.

The new president is to be Justin Smith, vice president is Linda Gorgas and Todd Hernandez continues as secretary. Attorneys Steckel and Stopp will be contacted about how to replace Link since he was a member at large.