Florence Hoinski - Class of 

A BIG NIGHT FOR FLORENCE...
By John Voket - The Public Eye
(The Valley Gazette 5-7-97)

It must have been a heck of a party! I’m talking about the recent retirement send-off for former Ansonia Town Clerk Florence Hoinski at Derby’s Grassy Hill lodge.

Besides long-time personal and municipal acquaintances, Hoinski welcomed fellow town clerks from Milford, Oxford, Derby, Southbury, Woodbridge and Seymour to the event.

I guess these town clerks must be like police officers and firefighters in respect to their coming out of the woodwork to honor a neighboring town’s retiree. And it was certainly great to see the show of support for Florence.

Other esteemed guest at the gala included retired reported Ann Maglaris representing the Ansonia Housing Authority, board of education information specialist Eileen Ehman, Sisters Adrianne Szczesna and Valentine Solewska from St. Joseph’s parish, Mayor Nancy Valentine and Aldermanic president Peter Danielczuk.

Following the invocation from Rev. Marek Sobczak, pastor of St. Joseph’s and a rousing toast by Bart Flaherty III, everyone settle down to what was described as a memorable feast.

I’m sure Florence wanted to send out her thanks to all who attended. She specifically noted fellow head table guest, William Zwack, U.S. Congressman Jim Malloney, State Senator Joe Crisco, and Ralph Blowers who were in attendance.

Of the many accolades languished on her that night, Florence was undoubtedly most honored to be the recipient of the very first Dorothy Larson Achievement Award, delivery by Jeramiah Vartelas of the Derby Historical Society.

Florence even wrote me last week asking that we publish an announcement thanking everyone for making her career and the retirement party such a success. She actually though the Gazette would run the announcement for a fee, because she asked that we bill her for the advertisement.

But Florence, your money is no good here! That’s why I’m dedicating this column to you, and to the committee that made your retirement transition, and the party possible.