Central Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, December 10, 2002

CONGRATULATIONS NOVEMBER EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

On Monday, December 2, the following individuals were awarded Employee of the Month for November.

Kelly has been with Parks since July 1, 1997, starting as a Playground Associate in Queens. She has since been promoted to Analyst in Central Recreation. Kelly coordinates the PA program citywide. In recent weeks, she has worked closely with DC Jeffrey to establish a program to survey organizations throughout the City that work with youth. Additionally, Kelly helped coordinate two major citywide events this month. In partnership with the New York Jets, New York Giants, and the NFL, she organized the Citywide Flag Football Festival at Van Cortlandt Stadium. She also spearheaded the Citywide Flag Football Championship in which 18 teams from all five boroughs competed. Kelly has made a positive contribution to Recreation programs throughout the city. She's cagey and spirited, and was nominated by DC Jeffrey and Director of Central Recreation Emily Brennan.

Annika has been with Parks since December 29, 1999 and is currently an Assistant Director of JAC, Job Assistance Centers. Annika served in many capacities as the JAC initiative took off, including Queens JAC Coordinator and Brooklyn Coordinator at Brownsville Recreation Center. She took on citywide responsibilities in June, 2001. Annika has organized a number of large-scale job fairs for workfare participants, helps supervise 14 staff, and developed a partnership with the Board of Education to provide free GED and ESL classes for POPs and WEPs citywide. A super help to our vital workfare program, Annika was nominated by WEP Director Samara Epstein.

Edwin is a CPW and has been with Parks since July 19, 1998. Edwin Gonzalez began in the Work Experience Program. Within the same year, he was hired as a City Seasonal Aide to work in District 1, City Hall Park. Edwin's hard work and dedication is readily apparent to hundreds of visitors who enjoy the park on a daily basis. He pays meticulous attention to every detail- from the sparkling glass panes on the "antique" lanterns to the litter-free pavement. This summer, Edwin was promoted to City Park Worker and was assigned to monitor the filtration system at Lasker Pool. With summertime attendance topping over 71,000 visitors, Edwin made sure the pool was open every day during the long, hot summer. For setting an example, Edwin was nominated by SPMO Frank Mazzuca.

Imtaz is a CPW and has been with Parks since March 12, 2001. Imtaz has an array of skills which are very helpful to District 13, including the safe handling of various types of equipment such as a tractor and a dump truck. District 13 achieved 91% cleanliness ratings this year. Imtaz is a versatile employee who fills in for the WEP Crew Chief when needed and assists the Queens Greenhouse with lawn maintenance and fertilization projects. A new Parkie, Imtaz's initial public offerings have been promising. He was nominated by Borough Commissioner Rich Murphy.

Steve is a Supervisor of Mechanics and has been with Parks since April 1, 1985. On December 16, 2001 Steve assumed oversight of Staten Island's trades after having served as a sheet metal worker in the Bronx for many years. As such, he deploys and monitors a diverse trades staff including carpenters, plumbers and blacksmiths. On the Shop Scorecard, Staten Island consistently performs at a level well above the goal for the borough. The borough has also achieved its water fountain goals. Steve is adept at quickly assessing problems and making vital decisions while on the go. He was nominated by Chief of Operations Gerry Lawless.

Isaac Mungalsingh, Arsenal Food Concession

Since 1996, Arsenalites and visitors to Central Park have been greeted and served by the helpful and friendly Isaac. Originally from Trinidad, Isaac worked at a radio shop and a Parks concession at 110th Street before joining the extended Parks family. Each day, Isaac lines up everyone's favorite meal and snack items: from the morning coffee or diet coke, to lunch time sandwiches, and afternoon sugar breaks. Known by name, he treats his customers the same way, and his friendly manner is appreciated by all (especially those who remember his predecessors.) On his spare time, Isaac is a cricket devotee and plays softball in the Parks league.

"Trust dies but mistrust blossoms."

(497–406/5 B.C.)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center