Lanell Hett logs 25 years at dept. for elderly years ago
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Less than one year after graduating from Marion High School, Lanell Tajchman of Marion became secretary and transportation coordinator at Marion County Department for the Elderly. Now she is commemorating 25 years with the department.
In May 1982, her job was a part-time position, and she had two other part-time jobs.
Lanell said her boss, Noreen Weems, was more like a sister to her than a mother. Being the youngest of 13 siblings, her oldest sister was 30 years older than her, and Noreen was like another older sister.
Lanell had a name change in 1985 when she married Aaron Hett. Her job became full-time in 2000.
Although the department for elderly is in Marion Senior Center, it is a separate entity. Lanell sometimes makes referrals to Marion Senior Center or Friendship Meals but is not employed by them.
Besides being there to answer the phone and assist Noreen, Lanell's major responsibility is to oversee public transportation for senior citizens as provided by state statute.
The vehicle was provided with 80 percent financing from Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plus 20 percent matching funds from the county.
Hett submits monthly reports to KDOT detailing the number of passengers transported, miles driven, operating expenses incurred, and contributions received.
"We are one of the few entities with volunteer drivers," Hett said. "We have very good volunteers, both men and women."
Because the department doesn't pay drivers, it gets less money from the state for transportation.
Hett said she has more to do every year as more requirements and more regulations are placed upon the department. Her "wonderful" working relationship with her boss has been a major motivating factor in keeping her there, she said. Noreen is retiring May 20.
"It's going to be hard to lose Noreen," Lanell said. "She's the only boss I've ever had. I'm happy for her but sad to see her go."
Being the youngest member of a large family and having older parents has created a special place in Lanell's heart for senior citizens.
"I love'em a lot," she said.
Lanell and Aaron have three children: Nickolas, 20, a Peabody postal employee; Travis, 18, a senior; and Lindsay, 15, a freshman.
