sKrie-i ' just loved my job. I got to meet nice people and I really enjoyed the work." The family moved to the Quinte- area in 1974 after her late husband, Moe, was transferred to CFB Tren- ton. Landry went to work at the Fies- ta Room at the Hotel Quinte and, three years later, accepted a job jus t down the street at Settler's H e a r t h , n o w Dinkel's Restau- rant. The dining e s t a b l i s h m e n t was then owned by B e l l e v i l l e l a w y e r S t u Robertson. "I was here not quite a year when Paul Dinkel pur- c h a s e d t h e restaurant and made some won- derful changes. He not only gave me a beaut i ful (dining) room to work in but excel- lent food that I was proud to serve," she said while holding back tears. She cited chef Markus Dinkel, Paul's nephew, "as being incredible to work with and his meals are unsurpassed." "Over 27 years, I've had so many chefs and restaurant managers which makes me very grateful for the present regime." For the first dozen years, Landry worked nine shifts a week (lunch and dinner). "But when the grandchildren came, I gave up the lunches and have been doing five nights a week, Tuesdays to Saturdays." Depending on the number of reservations, Landry7 would be one of up to four waitresses working a shift. "I JUST KNEW THAT THIS WAS THE PLACE THAT I WANTED TO STAY IN AND I SERVED WITH PRIDE." -- LONGTIME WAITRESS SHIRLEY LANDRY "I just knew that this was the place that I wanted to stay in and I served with pride," she said. Landry, who lives in The Anchor- age on South Front Street, has good reason to retire. "It's just time for me to stop and smell the roses, maybe have a good meal at Dinkel's as a customer," she said with a laugh. In retirement, s h e p l a n s t o learn to play golf, travel a little and spo i l her 11 grandchi ldren more. "I am proud of my accomplish- ments at Dinkel's but my family is my biggest claim to fame. I feel blessed to have r a i s e d f i v e daughters." Paul Dinkel had kind W7ords for his longtime employee. "When I purchased my building and restaurant in the 1970s, little did I know that one of the best assets I acquired was Shirley. She has been a constant and reliable fix- ture in the success of my business," he said. "Everyone remembers Shirley who has taken it upon herself to ensure that all our patrons enjoyed their visit to Dinkel's. With her enthusiasm and charm, she has con- veyed warmth and caring that goes well beyond her responsibilities." Dinkel said he and his family and staff toast Landry on her retirement "and we hope that all her dreams come true." He said he invites Landry's friends to Monday's reception at the restaurant, which will be closed for the occasion. f-U i