After 33 years, Sharon Newell retires

Sharon Newell will retire at the end of December after working in the health field for 33 years. (Laura Dunham photo) KINGFIELD — At the end of this month Sharon Newell will retire after spending 33 years in the medical field working for several health agencies.

On Dec. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. everyone is welcomed to come to the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center to wish Newell well and to thank her for her many years of service.

It was back in 1976 that Newell started her journey with the Rural Health Associates. From 1982 to 1985 Newell worked for Dr. Anne Hunter who had purchased the business from the Rural Health Associates. In October 1985 Kennebec Regional Health Agency (which is now HealthReach) purchased the business. “I was somehow inherited along the way,” Newell said.

Newell became the Front Office Coordinator, a title that she has held for the past 33 years. The job included everything from scheduling, doing insurance papers and even shoveling the walkway, said Newell. ”There have been so many changes along the way it’s like going a full cycle.”

“It’s was a bittersweet decision to get done, but I decided that as long and as me and Robert (her husband) are feeling well I should retire,” like her husband has and then they could travel and come and go when they want to without checking a schedule.

“I will especially miss our patients, many who are still with us after 33 years and many of the longtime employees pointing out that including Marilyn Howe who has been at the Health Center for 22 years and Cindy Atwood for 24 years “we have nearly 80 years of working at the local health center together.”

“I remember the day that Mozelle Tranten told me there was an opening at the Rural Health Center (now Sally Edgerly’s home) and I went and applied and got the job,” said Newell.

Newell and her husband, Robert, have been married for 46 years, with one son, Robbie, six grandchildren and a deceased son, Rodney.

Both Robert and Sharon have been members of the Kingfield Snowmobile Club the Sno-Wanderers for the past 40 years since the club started. “So of course we can’t go to Florida until after snowmobiling is done, Newell said.

They also enjoy boating at their home on Embden Lake and Newell hopes to go back to the Kingfield Extension and work on craft projects.

“The best part is that we can just pick up and go now and don’t have to worry about how much vacation time I have coming to me,” said Newell.