The Alburtis Borough Council meeting had one of the largest turnouts of all time July 31.

The meeting took place in the Alburtis Area Community Center to honor the retirement of a beloved member of the community Harold Frey, who recently closed Frey’s Country Store after 33 years of being in business.

Frey was given a standing ovation from the members of the audience as he was called to the front of the hall.

“We would like to take this time to say thank you for all you have done for the borough. I know every organization in the borough has been a recipient of your kindness,” Alburtis Borough Council President Ron DeIaco said.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer presented Frey with his first of two proclamations. “We are recognizing you today with this proclamation honoring you for all that you have done for this community. We are going to designate today Frey’s Country Store Day. To know Harold is to know Alburtis. You’ve been a real close member of this community – after 30 some years, a well deserved retirement for Harold Frey.”

Next, a proclamation from state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, was presented to Frey. Mackenzie was absent, so DeIaco read the proclamation which read: “The House of Representatives of Pennsylvania is always proud to acknowledge those individuals, who through professional excellence, bring great credit to themselves and this commonwealth, whereas Harold Frey is being honored upon this July 2019 retirement after 33 years of dedicated service as the owner of Frey’s Country Store. Frey offered remarkable knowledge, ability and integrity in carrying out his responsibilities thus earning the respect and gratitude from all of those who received the benefit of his tireless devotion.”

Deputy Director of Policy and Communications Matt Szuchyt then presented Frey with a resolution from state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th. “I’ve been working for the senator for six years now and honestly, this is the first time that I can remember that we are celebrating a business closing and I think that’s a testament to how much you mean to this community. If you know anything about these resolutions, then you know that not just anybody gets them. You have to have done something truly special to the community that you serve, and the fact that you have two of these in your hands, I hope you realize how big that is.”

Frey himself then decided to give a speech.

“The little bit I have given to this community, this community has given back to me 100 times. This is the finest group of people in the entire state of Pennsylvania. I love you Alburtis, you will always be in my heart. God bless you all and thank you all, I love you.”

The microphone was then open to anyone in the audience who wished to speak about Frey as well, to which many members and organizations of the community volunteered. This included members from the Camp Fire Girls, as well as the fire department.

All other council business was held over to the next meeting scheduled 7 p.m. Aug. 14 in borough hall, 260 Franklin St., Alburtis.