With numerous friends and co-workers attending, The State Bank hosted a retirement party March 11 for long-time employee Christel Blaylock. Refreshments, cake and a slew of thanks from Blaylock complemented the celebration.Although Blaylock planned to retire this year, she was motivated to do so as soon as possible because her in-laws, who currently live in Michigan, have needs that require a move to Colorado. “We made the decision to move my in-laws down here, and it’s a full-time-care decision,” Blaylock said. “The State Bank worked with me just wonderfully.”Blaylock said she would like to stay on with the bank on an on-call basis.Originally from Biedershauses, Germany, Blaylock moved to the United States in 1991with her husband; and to Falcon in 1994. In 2001, she became a customer of The State Bank and later applied for a position as a teller. Eventually, Blaylock was promoted to assistant vice president. She was a friendly face at the bank for nine years.Blaylock said she plans to remain active in the community. She has been with The Lighthouse Mobile Ministry for six years and also helps with Salvation Army dinners.She retires with good feelings and fond memories of her clients and colleagues. “It was wonderful, working for a family bank,” Blaylock said. “We’re all friends and family. Nine years was a wonderful, marvelous time I had with them. It was a real blessing. I want to say thank you to all my customers and all the employees for making my retirement party so special.”And people have fond memories of Blaylock, especially business customer Michelle Barrette, publisher of The New Falcon Herald.From Barrette:“She’s probably the most personable personality in Falcon. Everybody knows who she is and she knows everybody, too. She’s always been very supportive of The New Falcon Herald. We opened our only checking account for the NFH with her and she has always been a cheerleader for the paper. We will miss seeing her smiling face at The State Bank but expect to still see her at various events, still connected with the Falcon community.”Good luck from all of us at the NFH.
