Johnson's Helen Neill Retires After 30 Years

by Robert C-Philbrick

JOHNSON-Johnson residents are used to having their Town Clerk, Helen Neill, sitting amidst papers, a calculator, and having all the answers. As of February 25, Helen Neill will no longer present that picture. She is retiring on doctor's orders.

"It's stress," Helen said. "I have to avoid it." Her doctor told her the cancer had returned, that she had a 70% chance of complete recovery, but the stress of work had to go.

"I will miss my job. I love it," said Helen.

After 30 years of service to Johnson, Helen Neill has seen changes in the way town business is conducted. The state and Act 60 have made her job more difficult, Helen said. "When people complain to me about how high their taxes are, I have one question. Did you go to Town Meeting? If you didn't, you can't complain."

Even with the problems, Helen said she has always loved bookwork and the clutter on her desk. She even likes the computer that sits behind her. "I have the Internet at home," Helen said. "It is fun."

Helen said she has taken up using the net to keep in touch with her children. "Rather than call, I just write them a note." She is practicing because her oldest son and his family are moving to Ireland for two years. "The youngest of the children is two and I will miss him a lot," Helen said. "One of the kids said she wouldn't know how to make friends any more. That was so funny."

Less bothersome than her family's move, is the guess Helen has that she and her husband will not get their customary two weeks in York, ME, this year. "I really love it there. It is beautiful."

Helen said she chose the February 25 date to retire with a definite reason in mind.

"I couldn't face Town Meeting," she said. "I wouldn't be able to hold up."

With a chorus from her staff of "how about afternoon visiting?" Helen said a definite, "No." "I don't want a fuss," she said. "A lot of people will want to say 'thank you,'" was the answer she got back.

Helen will miss her job because she loves the work and meeting with people. With one voice, all those who work with her are going to miss her. Village Clerk Rosemary Audibert will run for the Town Clerk's position in March. Helen laughingly said she had her well trained.

Thirty years of "excellent service" as Helen's co-workers describe it, is something to be proud of. Helen will not move into the new municipal building next fall. But then, as she quipped, she will not have to cart all her papers over, either. "They'll throw everything out and they won't have to bother with all that stuff."

Footnote: Helen passed away April 18.