A local woman known for her service to Dawson County now has her very own day.
Dawson County commissioners have proclaimed June 19, 2014, as Helen Taylor Day.
At the countys vote session Thursday night, Commission Chair Mike Berg read Taylors proclamation to the board, listing several of her accomplishments, including being instrumental in getting an elevator for the Margie Weaver Senior Center.
Now therefore be it resolved that the Dawson County Board of Commissioners do recognize and commend Helen Taylor for her many years of dedicated service and extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to her, Berg read.
In addition to getting an elevator in the senior center, Taylor has been instrumental in several other county projects since she arrived in 1982 with her husband, Morris.
Ive lived in Dawson County longer than any place in my life, Taylor said at the meeting Thursday. I am so glad I married into Dawson County. I am glad I married the husband that I married, but it also brought me here.
Taylor, a retired schoolteacher, said when she came to the county she didnt expect to be as involved as she was. The reason I was involved in all the things was not that I came up here to do anything for Dawson County. I just came to retire on the lake make a garden and put my feet up. In 1982, things were just beginning to happen.
Since then, she has been involved in many projects with the Dawson County Womans Club and The Bowen Arts Center. She worked to start up a historical and genealogical society for the county as well as to initiate an Adopt a Highway program.
Taylor also has been the recipient of many awards in the community. In addition to awards from the Chamber of Commerce and the Womans Club, she has been honored by the Dawson County Homeowners Association.
Taylor, who turns 90 on July 1, noted the many changes she has seen since moving to the county. I mean its not just mushroomed; its mushroomed and spread out like wisteria and kudzu, she said of the countys growth.
But even though Taylor had such a part in so many projects throughout the county, she humbly says its not because shes talented. I dont have talents, she said. Its obvious. I dont sing, I dont play, I dont do sports. But I like to bring people together to do things.
On Sunday, June 29, Taylors friends are bringing the people together for her. The community is invited to help celebrate Taylors birthday at Bethel United Methodist Church. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m., and refreshments will follow.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Taylor told the commissioners and people attending the meeting Thursday. Come to my birthday party but just bring yourself.