Goodbye, Charlie Luthar

After more than seven years as Borough Manager of Hellertown, Charlie Luthar bid farewell to his many colleagues and friends at a bittersweet gathering in honor of his retirement Monday.

The gathering was held at Hellertown Borough Hall from 1 to 6pm and was open to the public.

Luthar announced his intention to retire last year, and has been , who became Hellertown's new borough manager Feb. 1.

To help with the transition to a new borough manager, Luthar remained on staff throughout the month of February, sharing an office with his longtime colleague, Financial Administrator Tina Krasnansky.

Krasnansky, along with several current and former Borough Council members, Fire Chief Rick Delmore, Borough Secretary Angie Bauer, Zoning Hearing Board member Marina Brekhounets and half a dozen others were still reminiscing and wishing Luthar the best at 5pm, about an hour before the gathering in the reception area next to council chambers was scheduled to conclude.

In between veggies and dip, pieces of cake and cups of coffee, laughs continued to be shared and even a few tears were shed.

Luthar, who joked that he won't be jetting off to Disney World, said he will devote his newfound freedom from responsibilities at Borough Hall to pursuing hobbies and interests, and to "catching up on a lot of personal things with the family."

The hectic, meeting-heavy schedule necessitated by his position meant less time with them in recent years, he explained.

A resident of Lower Saucon Township, Luthar has been active on numerous boards and committees during his tenure as borough manager.

Known for his friendly demeanor, willingness to offer assistance, and vast knowledge of seemingly all matters related to Hellertown, Luthar will be remembered professionally as a good friend to borough residents and an outstanding public servant, most attendees at the gathering seemed to agree.