Parmenter, Habjan retire from county

Carol Parmenter receives a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives from State Representative Barney Fisher. Fisher congratulated Parmenter on her dedication to the youth of Vernon County and her long record of service to the community.--submitted photo

They've worked across the hall from each other in in the Vernon County Courthouse for nearly two decades; and Friday, the community came out in force to congratulate them and wish them well on their retirements. Carol Parmenter has been the Vernon County Extension youth specialist and Virginia Habjan has been the Vernon County public administrator for the past 18 and 20 years, respectively.

Both have distinguished themselves in their fields and both are well-respected by their co-workers. Parmenter was instrumental in getting the Wonderful Animals Giving Support started in Vernon County and plans to continue her work with her miniature horses. Habjan was named Public Administrator of the Year in 2008 and her plans include taking some time to spend with her husband and family.

"I plan on working on household projects with my husband on our farm," Habjan said. "I'll still be involved with things but I do want to take it easy for awhile."

Parmenter said she would be more involved in raising miniature horses, which she has been doing for sometime already.

State Representative Barney Fisher presents a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives to Virginia Habjan, outgoing Public Administrator. Habjan didn't run this year, choosing instead to retire and turn over the office to newcomer Tammy Bond.--submitted photo

"I'm going to keep on raising miniature horses and be more involved with pet therapy," Parmenter said. "Cookie (one of Parmenter's miniature horses) is going to be busy."

State Representative Barney Fisher was on hand to present each of the retirees a resolution from the Missouri House enumerating their accomplishments and thanking them for their service to the community.

"I had the chance to be in a meeting with some stuffy politicians or coming here to be with these two," Fisher said. "I'm pretty sure I made the right choice."

Habjan said she enjoyed her years working across the hall from Parmenter and would miss the camaraderie of the workplace but would enjoy her leisure, at least for awhile.

"It's been great working here," Habjan said. "I'm going to miss being around all these people every day but I'm going to enjoy taking some time off."

Administrators from the state 4-H association came to congratulate Parmenter. Dr. Ina Lindille, state director of 4-H, said Parmenter was a dedicated worker who always put the welfare of 4-H members above her own. Parmenter thanked Lindille, and all those she had worked with in her farewell speech.

"It's all about the kids," Parmenter said. "You need to be a good role model, as long as your a good role model you're doing OK."

Parmenter said she always became emotional when she spoke of 4-H.

"I always start to cry, but not this time. I'm going to get through this without that," Parmenter said as her voice cracked with emotion. "I'm just want everyone to know how much I appreciate them."