By Kristyne E. Demske
C & G Staff Writer

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — It was a tearful and heartfelt end to years of service as three members of the Board of Trustees sat for the last time in a board meeting.

Trustee Dave Kady chose not to run again for the spot he’d held for a dozen years. His wife, one of his sons and his daughter-in-law were on hand to help lead the community in the Pledge of Allegiance for his final meeting Nov. 18.

Trustee Jim Carabelli chose to run for, and won, the District 12 County Commission seat, representing the northern end of the township. He had been on the board for eight years.

And Supervisor Ralph Maccarone was ousted after eight years serving the community in an August primary election by Richard Stathakis, who will be sworn in as the township’s new supervisor Nov. 20.

Though the board members haven’t always agreed on township business, there were still lots of warm wishes to go around during the board comments portion of the meeting.

“I would like to wish the very best to Jim and Dave and you, Skip,” said Trustee Paula Filar. “It certainly is going to be heading into a new era and a new board.

“Thank you for the great learning experience and the many times that we’ve shared.”

Clerk Terri Kowal said it was hard to say goodbye to Kady, someone she’s served with for more than a decade, and she wished all three a happy life in their future endeavors.

“We’ve come through this township since we were both young kids with young kids of our own,” she said to Kady.

And while acknowledging that she and Maccarone didn’t always see eye to eye on some issues, she appreciated that they were always able to shake hands at the end and part on good terms.

The emotion of the night was difficult to contain for both Carabelli and Kady as they said their goodbyes to the township employees and the community at large.

“I thank you for your information, dedication and support these last eight years,” Carabelli said to township workers. “I look forward to serving you as your county commissioner (and want to) continue making Shelby Township one of the greatest places to live and work and raise a family.”

Kady said the evening closed a large chapter in his life. He ran for trustee 12 years ago to make a difference in the community and he wasn’t going to stop working for the betterment of the township.

“For me, this journey began when I first volunteered as a coach,” he said. “The quality of the parks system, the fields that the kids were playing on were not adequate.

“We improved the quality of the playing fields in the parks system. I have satisfied my initial goals.”

But he said in holding office in the township, he found he became invested in improving other parts of the community as well, and met so many of his neighbors and community members along the way. He exhorted other residents to similarly be invested in their community.

“Please get involved. I’m sure that your energy and individual talent will really make a difference,” he said.

Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Director Dave Moore said Kady’s 20 years working to improve recreation has made a huge impact in the township.

“He was articulate, he was thoughtful, he was well-organized and exactly what we needed,” he said of Kady’s work with the baseball club. “He built what was a minor league organization into a well-run organization that, at one time, had 2,000 members.”

Moore called Kady an inspirational leader and a great asset to the township.

“At a time when it’s difficult for us to get a volunteer to coach or do something in a short span, here is someone who has given 20 years of his life to Shelby Township,” he said.

Kady said over the years he’s been impressed by how much township departments can do with such lean staffs, and by the passion each member of the board has for the community.

“We’ve spent many hours together brainstorming and working hard for the township,” he said, adding that none of it would have been possible without the support of his family. “There is absolutely no way I could have succeeded these 12 years without (my wife Mary’s) love and unconditional support.”

Only Maccarone was quiet during his last meeting, forgoing a farewell speech and noting that one should only speak when you have something that would improve on what’s already been spoken.

“I have nothing to add to what has been said tonight,” he said.

You can reach Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1041.