The Face of Town Hall Departs

To learn about the history of the town of Amherst, you could go to the library or you could have a conversation with Sharon Frydlo.

Frydlo retired from her position as executive assistant to the town administrator this week after 25 years of service to the community in the town hall. She has worked with all four town administrators, ever since the first one was hired in 1985.

She has been a friendly face in the town hall and a crucial resource for information on anything happening in the town. In an interview shortly before her departure, she talked a bit more about herself, her experience in town government and her upcoming retirement.

Frydlo grew up in Cheektowaga, N.Y., and began her career in secretary work at a part-time position at a real estate office.

She moved to Amherst in 1978 and lived there for the next 10 years before moving one town over to Milford, where she currently resides.

Her work in the town hall began in 1986, and she said that she has seen the town transform greatly over her many years in Amherst.

“It has grown,” said Frydlo. “It has changed tremendously.”

The most challenging part of her job was keeping accurate minutes of the Select Board meetings and getting them ready for the public within a short amount of time. She does know shorthand, an abbreviated symbolic writing method, which she called “a dying art.”

Residents have been able to see her taking careful minutes at Select Board meetings or in her office in the town hall, where many questions about the town are directed. She said she has been able to meet many people in town and maintain close relationships with them through her positions.

Since she received so many questions each day, Frydlo said she has also learned much about the history of the town and current events.

Her favorite part of the job was researching topics, like how and when roads were built, as well as working with those in the town hall and the public.

Throughout her years with the town, she has also gotten a few laughs as well, like when one colleague switched all the keys around as an April Fools Day prank.

Frydlo said she prefers a looser work environment, which she said was the case when previous Town Administrator Gary MacGuire arrived five years ago. He retired on July 8, just before Frydlo left her position.

“Working with Gary is the best thing that has happened to me,” she said. "He has a quick wit. He is a pleasure and a joy.”

Now that she is retired, Frydlo is looking forward to relaxing at her home and having more time for her hobbies, such as gardening, decorating and reading. There are no big plans in her retirement, and she likes it that way.

“I hate traveling,” she said. “I’m kind of a stay at home person.”

She plans on spending her time catching up on her lawn work and reading her favorite Janet Evanovich mystery books in her den. Some Turkey Hill Ice Cream may also come into play, or perhaps some soothing classical music.

It is obvious that there will be large shoes to fill for whoever takes on her position in Amherst. As for Frydlo, she will be enjoying her time relaxing and awaiting each day’s adventure in the next town over.