By Glenn Rolfe

SEAFORD — Whether it was during holiday parades, the Nanticoke Riverfest or Live for Chocolate, it’s a good bet that volunteers Sara Lee Thomas and Sue Wile were leading the way.

Now, after more than 30 years’ service to the Downtown Seaford Association, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Wile are stepping down.

They were honored at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

“I’ve been downtown for many years, and without the two of you being the driving force, the ... association wouldn’t be what it is,” said state Rep. Danny Short. “We’ve been together when I was mayor, and we’ve called on you many times, and you have been there. The other group now taking over has a legacy to try to fulfill.”

That sentiment was shared by Sussex County Council President Michael Vincent, also a resident of Seaford.

“You two have done so much for this city, especially downtown. You are going to be truly missed,” he noted. “It’s hard today to get people to volunteer, for anything. You have done it year after year after year and done a great job, and the city is proud of what you have done. You have been a blessing to all of us.”

To mark their involvement, the two honorees received proclamations from the city, Sussex County, and the Delaware Senate and House of Representatives.

“I am very proud to be able to stand up here with these fine ladies,” said state Sen. Bryant Richardson. “I know they do a lot for our community. I know that, even though they are stepping aside, they probably will not be stepping down. They will still be contributing their ideas.”

Delaware Sen. Stephanie Hansen, who resides in Middletown, is Ms. Thomas’ daughter.

“So, Middletown is home. Seaford is down home. I come down home all the time,” the senator said. “And one of the visits down home a couple of months ago, over the holidays, mom had mentioned to me that she was going to be retiring from the Downtown Seaford Association. I thought, ‘Wow, this is the end of an era.’ And that Sue, her right hand, was going to be retiring with her, as well.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t come home, and there was something about downtown Seaford that was going on in my house,” she continued. “No one could remember how long it has been. ... We know it’s more than 30 years. So, we developed tributes that say ‘30 plus.’”

Those tributes acknowledge that the women’s “care and enthusiasm for their community are brought to life through these good works which promote downtown Seaford as a vibrant business community and bring cheer and hope to so many citizens in Seaford and its surroundings.”

Vice Mayor Dan Henderson presented the proclamations on behalf of Mayor David Genshaw, who was out of town Tuesday.

“We thank you very much for your dedicated service to the betterment of Seaford,” he said.