After 42 years (!!), Mrs. Pat Hall retired from her work as Office Manager of the Upper Providence Township Sewer Authority.
Pat grew up in Ewing Township, outside of Trenton, NJ, and moved to Media, Upper Providence Township in 1964. Because of her husband’s work, they needed to be close to the Philadelphia airport. “We really didn’t have a particular plan, and neither the town of Media nor the school district had an impact on our decision. We looked at many different locations in the vicinity of the airport”, said Pat. “I really liked a house in Upper Providence Township that was listed for $29,000, but my husband Dave thought that it was too expensive for us. So, we eventually settled on an unfinished brand-new house that was listed for $19,000. We have never moved.”
She also remembered that the real estate agent told them that a “Blue Route” was being discussed and soon to be built, which would make her husband’s way to work so much easier. “Little did we know that it took almost 30 years for the Blue Route to be built. It was completed in 1992, and my husband used it three times to go to work until he retired from his work at the airport”, Pat said with a chuckle.
When asked what she liked most about Upper Providence when she first arrived, Pat’s eyes lit up and she replied that it was very rural, with rolling hills and farms. “Where there is now the Rose Tree Estates, it was all meadows and open land. I loved it.”, she said.
She started her job with the Upper Providence Sewer Authority in the summer of 1981. She had no idea what this job entailed but was willing to throw herself into it regardless. “It was learning by doing, and I loved to be challenged. The job was also very close to home. Getting to my children quickly was important to me.”
To keep up with the growing demands of the Sewer Authority, Pat also took accounting classes after work at the nearby Delaware County Community College. She also enjoyed working with the Township’s engineer, JC Kelly, the father of Upper Providence Township’s current engineer, as well as the Township’s solicitor, Robert Pinto. “They were so patient and always happy to answer my questions”, said Pat. “They were a pleasure to work with and made my work life so much easier.”
When asked what the hardest and perhaps, proudest moment in her career was, Pat answered that it was probably the time when the residents of the northern part of Upper Providence Township were required to connect to the public sewer system. “People were not happy”, Pat explained. “And I could relate to it. Change is very scary. That’s when I decided to spend a lot of time meeting with the residents. We organized public events on different days and times in the Township building and at Springton Lake Middle School to fully inform the residents about the public sewer system and answer all their questions. I also sat down with residents individually and explained all steps. I felt that it was important to take the time to be there for the customers because it was a difficult transition for so many,” Pat recalled.
Her dedication to customer service remained Pat’s greatest strength. Whenever people came to the Sewer Authority with questions or to drop off a bill, Pat would always spend time, chatting with them and getting to know every client.
When asked about her long service, she explained without any hesitation: “I have been very, very lucky because, over the years, I worked with board members who were qualified, competent, and easy to work with. And they were all volunteers!! If you have good leadership, everything falls into place.”
Upper Providence Township is grateful for Pat Hall’s service and wishes her well in her retirement. She will truly be missed! Thank you, Pat!!