After a 38-year association with the weather service including more than a decade with Information Directorate at AES Downsview Headquarters, Jean Schlenkrich celebrated her retirement on October 17.

Among a small group of friends and colleagues attending the ceremony there were several who recalled working with Jean during the early 1950s at the Weather Verification Unit in the old Bloor Street Headquarters.

Others paid tribute to Jean as a former Beauty Queen and much sought-after model for livening up press photographs of weather instruments. Still others mentioned Jean's exceptional capabilities in the information unit - especially her talent for organizing tours of the AES building for outside visitors and her ability to deal with countless public enquiries, both by telephone and in person.

John Cameron, head of communications for the Directorate in Ottawa was master of ceremonies. During the gathering he presented Jean with a letter signed by prime minister Brian Mulroney thanking her on behalf of the government and people of Canada for 38 years of loyal service. He also presented her with a silver medallion bearing the inscription: "for long and efficient service" and with gift certificates contributed to by many past and present employees of AES.

Fred Page who retired last year as head of International Affairs for AES, outlined Jean's early career and added several intriguing anecdotes about her days as a beauty contest winner.