< advanced as well. "What we do has evolved to the point where it's now total patient care," he said. "Back then, we were distributors of medication to patients and now it's evolved where we counsel the patient on the proper way of taking the medication, provide patients with information about the medication and, if necessary, follow up with them to make sure everything is okay." Clarey said that has been a good thing "because it helps patients' compliance with the directions given." He said another welcomed change was the advent of the position of pharmacy technician. "Their job has developed to the point where we can't live without them," said Clarey. "Technicians do the routine work involved in dispensing the prescription, thereby freeing the pharmacist to counsel patients and do patient followup. We also have more time to spend with customers in helping them with over- the-counter medications, what's effective medicine and see if it's compatible with their regular medication. Clarey said the public is more informed when it comes to the importance of making sure what they take over the counter doesn't interfere with their prescribed medication. Computers have also made the job of pharmacists a lot easier, both in terms of record keeping and administering patient accounts as well as being an important resource for drug interaction. "Computers alert pharmacists to possible drug interaction (seeing if multiple medications are compati- ble)," he said. "And with computers, you can order medication and have it arrive within 24 hours." Reflecting back on his career, Clarey said he only planned to remain in Belleville for a few years. But he fell in love with the city, adding it was a great place to raise a family. "We made a lot of good friends and before you know it, 40 years have passed." He has only kind words for the way he was treated at Kelly's. "It was a great place to work because of the staff. Paul Kelly was easy to work for and the clientele were good, friendly people." Clarey said after 40 years, "it was just time" to retire. He plans on staying busy, "puttering around" the part of the family farm he still owns, spending time with grandchildren and taking a few trips.