Appreciation picnic a huge success

There were many people who helped with the City’s employee/volunteer appreciation picnic. Without the talent of these folks, we never would be as successful as we are every year. A special thank you goes out to Deputy Chief, Rich Wark, who buys all the food and organizes that part of the event. Full-time fire fighters Dale Morrison, Scott Cyr and Vince Baldwin assisted in that effort. The food was excellent as always. City Manager, Tom Stevens and Forum Director, Jim Kaiser were a great sports to get into a dunking booth so the kids could have a good time watching him hit the water.     The City Wellness Committee works hard to even get the planning started. Vicki Kinney from the Police Department and Tom Stevens, helped get some of the food together, like those tasty rolls, ice cream and the salads. We want to thank Susan Roberts from the Library for her work as a mime; she did a beautiful job. Jim Kaiser, the Director of the Forum, organizes the drinks, ice, charcoal, tables, and every miscellaneous thing that needs attention.
The kids’ games are the central point to this event…well, ok, maybe the food is…but to the kids, the games and prizes are priceless. Aquatic Director, Joyce Price spends weeks visiting businesses, asking them for donations for the kids’ prizes. We thank those businesses that were generous enough to participate. She, along with Assistant Aquatic Director, Jon Cole, plan and implement the games with help of Fire Fighters Kyle Bartley and Scott Michaud. Jessica Price, a lifeguard at the pool was willing to do some face painting this year. The children had an absolutely great time.
Marcia Kavannah and Carol Bell from the Partnership for a Healthy Community and Anne Charles from the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust and Horizons Occupational Health set up tables of information about health and wellness and made themselves available for questions. They were very helpful to those who stopped by to see their displays. Bureau of Labor Standards set up information on occupational safety, which was a great booth as well.
Clean up is shared by all, with the help of Rita Lannigan, who is always carting her bucket and cloths. The Kaisers and Fire Department and Wellness Committee typically stay behind and pack everything up.
Thank you everyone for coming. We hope everyone had a great time.
    LaNiece Winslow is director of resource management for the city of Presque Isle.