2010 DCNR Employee Recognition Awards

The 2010 DCNR Employee Recognition Awards took place on May 6 at the Rachel Carson State Office Building.  Rita A. Calvan, Deputy Secretary of Administration served as Master of Ceremony calling the 149 honorees "truly high achievers; an elite group."  Secretary John Quigley handed out awards and lapel pins to all recipients.  The Earthtones, a singing group compiled of employees from both DEP and DCNR, performed 2 songs, receiving a standing ovation for their moving rendition of "God Bless America".  John Norbeck, Director of State Parks gave special recognition to the group for their contributing efforts resulting in Pennsylvania receiving the State Parks National Gold Medal Award saying, "You keep your head high and do fantastic work, even during tough budget times."

Sec. Quigley told the honorees that they "embody what public service is all about."  He said, "Yours is the most noble work I can imagine -- and the most essential.  You have a passion for the future of this planet and everyone who lives on this planet."

Aaron Deaton L2456 St. Prof. Dist. 8 (center) with Secretary John Quigley (L) and Deputy Sec. of Administration, Rita A. Calvan (R),  Aaron was part of the DCNR Website Redesign Team responsible for a total redesign of the Dept. website to include a new look and better navigation.  Congratulations!

          (L-R) Jaime Kostelnik L2459 St. Prof. Emp. Dist. 11 was part of the Carbon Sequestration Technical Assistance Project Team which consistently provided research, field oversight, project management, thoughtful conclusions & insights to CSTA Project despite immoveable deadlines & loss of personnel.  Cheryl Hornberger L2245 St. Supervisory Dist. 8 was part of the PA Outdoor Recreation Team which developed new & stronger partnerships while working on renewal of 2009-2013 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to remain eligible for federal funding.  Ron McMullen L2134 Franklin Co. Trades & Labor was part of the FD3 Resource Mgt Team's successful salvage program efforts to inspire interns and volunteers.  Betty Weiland L 2580 Cambria Co. Clericals received the Customer Service Award for outstanding dedication & service at Prince Gallitzin St. Park.  Congratulations!

(L-R) David Lytle L2129 Tioga Co. Trades & Labor, and Vicki Strausser L2450 St. Prof. Dist. 1 both received Exceptional Support Awards.  Lytle for Exemplary performance, dedication & assistance in support of FD16 Wilson Maintenance, and Strausser for outstanding achievement & dedication at Pymatuning State Park.  Scott Schaffer L1983 Inspector Non-Prof Dist. 10 received an Excellence Award for his contribution to the Point State Park project.  Congratulations!

(L to R) Rachel Baur and Tamara Peffer L2455 State Prof. Dist. 5 & 6 were part of the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Staff team which provides a diversity of programming including new program initiatives in support of bureau & department goals.  Congratulations!