Flowers and notes of thanks have brightened the Bergen Town office for the past few weeks, as tokens of thanks for Town Clerk Myrna List who retired March 31. Residents wanted to let her know how much they have appreciated the work she has done and the help she has given them over the past 18 1/2 years. List said the gestures meant a great deal. She was appointed to the post in August 1998, taking over for former clerk Diane Brew. List had been busy raising her family, but had also been active in several community organizations. She served as secretary of the Bergen Grange, treasurer of the Bergen Business and Civic Association and was also involved in the AFS (American Field Service) program at Byron-Bergen Central School. She said after she expressed interest in a seat on the town board, which was filled by someone else, Town Highway Superintendent Dave Roggow approached her about applying for the town clerk position. Eight people were interested, List said, but she got the appointment and then ran unopposed for her entire career. List said she has seen many changes over the years. At first, just getting used to an electric typewriter was a challenge, now she has three computers in the office. The Town of Bergen has also undergone many changes. List said the most memorable were the new water district and the Apple Tree Acres Corporate Park. "The town needs industry to help the tax base," List, who also served as the town tax collector, said. She said she really enjoyed coming into work each day. "Every day is different," she said. "I love meeting the people." List said she will miss the people and her colleagues, "but I won't miss the (town) board meetings," she said with a smile. Retirement plans include a little traveling, "My husband and I enjoy taking bus trips," she said. List's husband, Paul, is a retired dairy farmer. Her newly-found free time will also be spent with her six grown children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. "Another great-grandchild is due in June," List said. Her family is planning to celebrate her years of service to the Town of Bergen with an open house at the Bergen Fire Hall on Sunday, April 22 from 2-5 p.m. List said she didn't want a retirement party but agreed to the open house because, "I did want a chance to see people." The Bergen Town Board will appoint a replacement for List. April 1, 2007 |
