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'Icon' Retires From City Post

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By GEORGE WILKENS

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

Published: February 18, 2009

PLANT CITY - Virginia Helper, whose 35-year career with the city culminated with her becoming the first black city clerk, has announced she will retire.

In her Feb. 9 announcement to the Plant City Commission, she acknowledged the "support, kindness and gratitude" of the board and co-workers who helped her attain the city clerk's position in 2002.

"Thank you for helping me to fulfill my goals," she said. "Thank you again for making my dreams come true."

She also thanked God "for touching hearts and making this happen; because I am the first black city clerk," Helper said. "I'll miss the warmth from all of you."

Responding to the announcement, commissioners praised her contributions to the city.

"She's just an icon who has been a true asset to Plant City," said Commissioner Mike Sparkman.

"You've been an awesome, awesome part of this city," Commissioner Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis said.

Commissioner Dan Raulerson called Helper "the picture of grace and competence."

"Thank you so much for the work you've done in the city," said Mayor Rick Lott, adding that she "brought a quiet, calming presence to the commission."

Commissioner Bill Dodson said Helper was always "a good friend," starting in 1974 when he began work as the city manager's assistant. "Having her as city clerk has been a real pleasure."

City Manager David Sollenberger called Helper "a delightful lady and wonderful person to work with."

Noting that commissioners select the clerk, Sollenberger will appoint a three-member panel of management-level city employees to prepare the job description and advertise the vacancy, adding, however, there are qualified in-house candidates.

Helper wants to retire as soon as possible, but will remain until her successor is selected.

Helper started with the city in 1969 as a clerk typist, rising through the ranks to become payroll clerk, personnel technician and the city manager's secretary before becoming deputy city clerk in 1978.

As the deputy clerk, she recorded the official minutes of city commission meetings, maintained city records and filled in when City Clerk Martin J. Wisgerhof was absent.

On Dec. 31, 1998, Helper retired as deputy clerk, but that was short-lived.

In 2002, the city split the duties of Wisgerhof, who was then clerk and finance director.

Helper was asked to return as city clerk, which she did in December 2002.

For Helper, retirement will mean more time for songwriting and her gospel-singing pursuits, which have been a large part of her life since 1978, first with the Oracles of Prophecy and now with Sanctuary.

The seven-member group performs at churches, wedding, funeral and other events.

"Whoever needs us, we'll come and sing for them," she said. "I have about 50 songs I have not had recorded, so I'm going to work on that," she said of her immediate retirement plans. Helper also writes sermons and sometimes ministers in various places. She also plans to do volunteer work.

"When you're younger you can do two or three things at the same time," but age brings a decline in energy levels, the 65-year-old said. "Most of the time after a day's work all I want to do is go home, eat and go to bed," she said with a laugh.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433.

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