CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - North Side neighbors threw a farewell party Friday for a beloved and newly retired Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) employee with decades of service.
Always prepared with dog treats and a smile, Janet Martin has spent more than 30 years working for the City, 25 of those years continuously with the CTA. Much of that time was spent greeting morning commuters and students at the Armitage “L” Station near Sheffield Avenue in Lincoln Park.
“My mother always taught me: Treat people the way you want to be treated, and that will come back to you…nothing wrong being friendly to people, nothing,” Martin said.
Friday, neighbors turned the tables and greeted Martin as she closed out her last shift. They threw a small retirement party at the station, featuring balloons, music, cake, and many of the neighborhood pups that she’s bonded with.
“Any time I visit Janet, he [her dog Henry] comes with me. In fact, if we’re in like a three block zone of the Armitage stop, he tries to beeline it in here because he knows Janet has treats,” said Paula Conrad.
Many like Shonda Moore attended the gathering, telling WBBM, although they will miss Martin, they are very happy to see her embark on her retirement journey.
“I had a bad year last year, and her and I sat and prayed together in the station,” Moore said. “She’s just been a light in the neighborhood…She’s been the auntie, the grandmother, the mother of the neighborhood, and of course all the dogs love her too.”
Moore is a member of the Sheffield Neighborhood Association and said a planter will be placed near the Armitage L station, honoring Martin’s long commitment to the community.
Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins recognized Martin by reading a resolution before the entire City Council, designating February 28 as Janet Martin Day in Chicago.
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