West CAP honors Darlene Waters for 45 years of dedicated service
West CAP was very pleased to offer a special recognition to longtime Glenwood City resident, Darlene Waters, at a recent staff appreciation event. November 6, 2017 will be the 45th Anniversary of the day in 1972 when a very young Dar took a job at West CAP’s newly opened headquarters in Glenwood City.
Her title was Assistant Bookkeeper/Computer Operator, and she was paid a whopping $1.80 an hour. Still, there were some benefits to the position, like being able to smoke at her desk. Times do have a way of changing.
Dar stayed in West CAP’s Accounting Department, and has been an anchor of stability, a wealth of critical knowledge, and a tireless worker and supporter of West CAP’s poverty alleviation mission for over four decades. Here is what her supervisor, Finance Director Lisa Smith, said at her recognition:
As I was preparing for today, I looked back through comments that previous supervisors and staff had said about Dar- some on carbon forms… and not surprising they were the same things that I have acknowledged her for. Here are a few from (Arnie Johnson, David Wing, and Patrick Pesek-Herriges):
“Dar is always doing not only what is requested and needed but she goes the extra mile.”
“Dar has the Agency’s best interests in mind in the performance of her duties and responsibilities.”
“Dar is a reliable and competent employee.”
“Dar is knowledgeable and others frequently seek advice from her.”
“Dar takes on additional duties without complaint.”
And they were all right and more. She is hardworking, knowledgeable, and dependable. Not only is she a wonderful employee but she has become a great friend. She is enjoyable to have around the office! The last year she cut her hours down to 30 hrs a week and we miss her! Not only for her work ethic but we miss having her around although we are very happy that she is able to take the much deserved time to enjoy with her family. Thank you Dar for all you do and I hope I am standing up here acknowledging you for another 20 years!
West CAP Executive Director Peter Kilde, a 23 year employee himself, adds a hearty “Amen” to these words of well-deserved praise. He also notes that West CAP is blessed with many employees who come to work for the agency and stay for many years in this challenging but most rewarding work. Of West CAP’s 65 employees, 9 have put in over 20 years of service. West CAP recognizes employees in 5 year increments, and this year’s employee appreciation event also honored Tom Kalina and Russ Drury, 30 and 25 years respectively, for their hard work in our low income housing Weatherization Program, and West CAP Associate Director, Robyn Thibado, for 15 years of exceptional service in several capacities while rising through the ranks to program leadership. Bruce Thorud and Derrick Doyle were honored for their 10 years in Weatherization, and Dave Horton for 5 years in our affordable housing maintenance.
