FARMINGTON – Associate clerks at Farmington courts pulled off a surprise retirement party Wednesday for Clerk of Courts Vicki Hardy. She is retiring at the end of the month after 37 ½ years working for the state court system.

The clerks quietly set up the small courtroom while Hardy was in her office. Judges, lawyers, colleagues, law enforcement officers, family and friends gathered before Hardy entered the room.

The Farmington resident had recently told people that she didn’t want a party to mark the end of her court career.

But she got one, cake and all.

Chief District Court Judge Charles LaVerdiere and Chief Justice of the Superior Court, Thomas E. Humphrey, told those gathered that Hardy has worked hard and done amazing work throughout her career to make the court system work.

Her most recent venture was implementing a unified criminal docket for the Farmington courts for district and superior court cases.

Hardy thanked everyone for coming.

“I’m going to be busy. I think Jackson has a lot of plans for me,” Hardy said of her grandson. Jackson’s younger brother Ben was also at the party.

Hardy plans to be a full-time grandmother and help her son Tim “TD” Hardy of Farmington in his landscaping business, Hardy’s Lawn Care. His mother is an avid gardener and will help him with gardening aspects of his business and billing, among other tasks.

Justice Nancy Mills said she always loved coming to the Farmington courts. She asked Hardy if she remembered going to the Farmington Fair. They had received permission to go and they had lunch and enjoyed themselves while there, she said.

Hardy responded that Mills “is awesome.”

Lou Ann Clifford, a retired state assistant attorney general and now guardian ad litem, of Carrabassett Valley, said Hardy has always been a consummate public servant.

“She’s always got a smile on her face. She’s always helpful,” she said.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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