Thirty years, countless hours and more sewing and quilting projects then you can imagine. That’s an attempt to sum up Mary Koontz’s time at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center.

Koontz will be recognized for her 30 years of service to the Center during a 2 to 4 p.m., Friday, June 21 retirement tea. The event is open to the public.

Koontz started working at the Center in May of 1983. She was hired by Betty Cookson and continued at the center working with the next two directors Rosemary Meyers and Tonya Meyers.

She was the craft director and was responsible for helping the seniors who worked on craft projects.

Tonya Meyer, current Center director, said, “Mary has been known for her smiling, friendly demeanor at the Senior Center.

“Mary has been helping the Center and the senior citizens of the Bluffton with crafts for the Senior Center store. She has given her expert advice and quilting, embroidery, sewing, knitting and crocheting projects.

“Many people in Bluffton probably have her work in their homes. Mary has been known for her patients with those learning new skills. May 17 was Mary’s final day at the Senior Center.