Maysel Markham considers himself a promoter of Baldwinsville.
After 22 years with the Baldwinsville Department of Public Works, he will retire from his position as foreman Nov. 26.
“When the ladies at the Visitor Center were told [about Mace’s retirement], they hung the black crepe,” said Markham’s wife, Peg.
“It was like they were saying ‘what are we going to do now?’,” Markham said. “It’s nice to think I’m considered the go-to person. It really makes you feel good that people think that much of you.”
When it comes to the village, Markham is proud to not only be a resident, but also to have had a hand in making the village what it is today.
“I brag about the village because of where it came from when I started to where it is now,” he said. “Baldwinsville has grown tremendously over the past 10 years with the trails, parks and renovations. It is very progressive.”
Originally hired as a mechanic in 1988, Markham became foreman in mid 1990s. His position encompassed taking care of highway functions such as road, storm sewer, culvert and park maintenance including the trail system, which Markham considers a highlight of the village.
“[The trails] were designed to make the village a showplace,” he said. In fact, his most memorable experience as foreman is the Southshore West Trail, a project that gives him a sense of ownership.
“It was the first trail I was in charge of building,” Markham said. “I was there everyday for a complete summer. I enjoyed that the most because it was the first.”
In addition to the trails, Markham considers the trees to be another feature that makes the village attractive.
“We’ve been a tree city for 23 consecutive years,” he said, adding that the DPW is also responsible for caring for village trees. “We take down old trees, trim them, anything to do with the tree itself.”
While caring for the village has been a big part of his job, Markham said what he enjoyed most was learning to talk to the public.
“When I first started the job, I wasn’t as adept at talking to the public. Now I truly enjoy talking to the public,” Markham said. “You can’t tell people what they want to hear all the time, but in the end, you don’t feel bad about telling them that you couldn’t do it.”
When it comes to retiring, Markham said he would miss the routine.
“I’ve worked my entire life,” he said. “I don’t know what it’s going to be like not to do anything when I get up in the morning. I’m always thinking a week, month, year in advance – what needs to be done. Probably what I’ll miss the most is the planning process I go through.”
While Markham and his wife, Peg, plan to enjoy his retirement by traveling more and spending time with their two grandchildren, he will remain involved with the village as a founding member of Celebrate Baldwinsville and a member of the Baldwinsville Memorial Day Parade Committee. He would even consider positions in village government such as the planning board.
“I definitely want to stay involved with the village,” he said. “I think I have a good sense of common sense.”
