Longtime State College postal worker gets ‘clap off’ in place of canceled retirement party
Initially, Yvette Anderson anticipated celebrating retirement with a party, but when the coronavirus canceled those plans, her sister arranged a surprise.
After working 33 years at the U.S. Post Office in downtown State College, Anderson retired Tuesday. On her way out of the office, she was greeted by a crowd of family, friends and coworkers in a “clap off” arranged by sister, Lois Callahan.
“It was really surprising,” Anderson said. “I had absolutely no idea. I was excited. I was overwhelmed and shocked.”
Surrounded by 30 people social distancing and congratulating her with balloons and signs, Anderson said it was a great way to say goodbye to her workplace. Though she said she’s going to take some time before visiting former colleagues, she said she’s going to miss working with friends.
“I’m just going to enjoy my retirement and sit back and help out wherever help is needed,” she said. “I’m going to miss working with a lot of coworkers. I met a lot of people along the line.”
An active community member, Anderson helps at local food drives and food banks. Describing her sister as someone who’s given back to the community, Callahan said she wanted to return the love on her last day of work.
“We wanted to send her off with love,” Callahan said.
