SMETHPORT -- When Penny Eddy travels through McKean County communities, she can point with pride to projects she helped put in place.

For the past 35 years, Eddy has worked for the McKean County Redevelopment and Housing Authorities, which oversee the federal community-development program. Since Nov. 17, 1980, Eddy has been the executive director of the authorities. She retired last week. Her successor is Dusti Pantuso of Lewis Run.

Spotting community projects she helped bring to fruition in the county, Eddy said she proudly says to herself "we did that, we did that."

"We need so much and only get limited dollars," Eddy said in discussing the community-development program, which has funded projects in Kane, Ludlow, Mt. Jewett, Wetmore Township and Hamlin Township as well as every other municipality in the county. "There's still a host of things we need to get done."

Eddy was the guest-of-honor Friday at her "open house" retirement party at the Courtyard Family Restaurant in Smethport. Federal, state and local government officials attended the event along with many of Eddy's friends and co-workers.

Eddy played a key role in bringing the federal prison (FCI McKean) to Lafayette Township near the Bradford airport. She said the "idea" of bringing in a federal prison to boost the county economy came from the late Bruce "General" Jones of Kane. Former U.S. Rep. Bill Clinger (R-Warren) also helped promote the concept, Eddy said.

The Redevelopment Authority also helped bring in other industries such as the MDF and Particleboard plants near Mt. Jewett.

"We've had a lot of small victories in helping small businesses," Eddy said. "It's been a very rewarding time."

A native of Port Allegany, Eddy has lived in the Smethport area for 37 years. Her husband, Jim retired in September 2006 after a 37-year career with Northwest Savings in Warren. Eddy and her husband reside in Ormsby. Just last September, Eddy opened an antique store in a building near her home.

The Eddys have one daughter, Jennifer. She lives in New York City and soon will be moving to Atlanta. She attended her mother's party Friday.

In addition to serving as executive director of the county Redevelopment and Housing Authorities, Eddy has held or still is holding positions with various boards.

She is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Advisory Council. She also has served on the Community Development and Housing Practitioners Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies, the McKean County Guidance Center and the Governor's Rural Development Council where she once served as co-chairman.

"This has been my life for 35 years," Eddy said in reflecting on her long career with the Redevelopment and Housing Authorities. "It's been a privilege to work where you live."

Asked what she'll miss the most, she said "the people you help."