The purpose of the department Employee Recognition Award is to formally recognize employees for outstanding performance in the workplace. The Employee Recognition Award is selected by a committee comprised of employee representatives from each of the divisions within the Logan Parks and Recreation Department.
2010 Employee Recognition Award
January 2010- |
June 2010- July 2010- August 2010- September 2010- October 2010- November 2010- December 2010- |
2009 Employee Recognition Award
January 2009- Launa Murdoch |
June 2009- Allison Christensen July 2009- Mo Heath August 2009- Calley McKee September 2009- Jay Spencer October 2009- Michelle Sagers November 2009- Coltin Larsen December 2009- Justin Allen |
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Justin Allen
Parks Division
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Justin has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since May of 1998. He currently works as a Parks Maintenance Crew Chief in the Parks Division.
His co-workers said “Justin is a great co-worker and team player. Even though he is in a different division within our department, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it, and he does it with a smile. He has all the qualities of a great leader.”
His work responsibilities include supervising the mowing and maintenance crew, helping install irrigation systems, playgrounds, and all other duties as assigned.
Justin says that the best part of his job is working with people and being outdoors.
He has certifications in forklift operations, pesticide application, backflow testing, small engine repair, and a CDL. His hobbies include hanging out with family, playing sports, coaching baseball, and riding his motorcycle. |
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Coltin Larsen
Parks Division
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Coltin has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since March of 2007. He currently works as an Equipment Operator in the Parks Division.
His co-workers said “Coltin does an excellent job mowing all the parks every week. He knows as soon as he is done mowing he will be assigned to additional job tasks but this never slow him down. Great attitude and work ethic”
His work responsibilities include operating a variety of equipment pertinent to construction projects and assists with grounds maintenance as needed.
Coltin says that the best part of his job is the awesome people he works with.
He has certifications in forklift operations, intermediate EMT, pesticides, and a CDL.
His hobbies include four wheeling, hunting, and anything outdoors.
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Michelle Sagers
Zoo Division
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Michelle has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since summer of 2008. She currently works as a Zoo Caretaker III for the Zoo Division.
Her co-workers said “Michelle is such a hard worker and when there isn’t something assigned to her specifically she will jump right in and start cleaning up, raking, etc. There isn’t a task that she avoids and she is extremely dependable. We rely on her a lot and now she is a weekend supervisor, responsible for the zoo operation on her assigned weekends. I always know she will be on the job, doing what she should, and that she will go the extra mile to make things work.
During the time following Susi’s departure, Michelle helped directly with the Boo at the Zoo organization, setup, take down, and then organized and put all the “stuff” away neatly in an amazingly short period of time. She is a great asset to the zoo.”
Her work responsibilities include weekend supervisor, feeding etc.
Michelle says that the best part of her job is working outside with the animals and the good people.
She is a junior in the Animal Science program at Utah State University.
Her hobbies include horse riding, camping, and hiking.
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Jay Spencer
Cemetery Division
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Jay has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since 2007. He currently works with the Grounds Crew at the Logan Cemetery.
His co-workers said “Jay has had several years of experience working on the grounds at Utah State University. He is very helpful and knowledgeable and shares his talent with his fellow workers. Jay is very punctual and well liked by others with whom he works. He is a valuable asset to the Cemetery operation and we are fortunate to have him.”
His work responsibilities include mowing, opening and closing graves, and raking leaves.
Jay says that the best part of his job is the people he works with.
He has certifications in sprinkler repair, landscaping, spraying, and pruning.
His hobbies include yard work, music, and carpentry. |
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Calley McKee
Recreation Division
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Calley has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since December of 2001. She currently works as an Assistant Youth Community Coordinator for the Recreation Division.
Her co-workers said “Calley is so great to work with! She is dependable, hard-working, very well organized. She has an excellent rapport with the kids and has a user-friendly personality. We are fortunate to have Calley as a co-worker.”
Her work responsibilities include assisting in the After School and Youth City Council programs.
Calley says that the best part of her job is the environment she gets to work in. She loves the people she works with.
She has a BS Degree from Utah State University in Family, Child, and Human Development. Her hobbies include being outside, camping, hiking, four-wheeling, and just being around friends and family. |
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Mo Heath
Golf Course Division
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Mo has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since April of 2009. He currently works with the Grounds Crew at the Logan River Golf Course.
His co-workers said “Mo has done an outstanding job keeping the sand bunkers in tip top shape. He has also gone out of his way (not being told) keeping a list of which bunkers need more attention and which bunkers need round up.”
His work responsibilities include mowing fairways and tees; raking bunkers and changing holes.
Mo says that the best part of his job is the guys on the crew.
His hobbies include golfing, long boarding, boating and skiing. |
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Allison Christensen
Recreation Division
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Allison has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since December of 2008. She currently works as a Recreation Coordinator III for the Recreation Division.
Her co-workers said “Allison has taken ownership of assignments given for the Department Accreditation process and been extremely instrumental in helping staff complete crucial tasks.”
Her work responsibilities include coordinating youth activities and customer service responsibilities and assigned tasks at the Logan Community Recreation Center and the Logan Aquatic Center.
Allison says that the best part of her job is her great passion for recreation. She loves her job because she is able to provide recreation opportunities for the community. She also has awesome co-workers that make the work environment enjoyable.
She has a BS Degree in Parks and Recreation and a minor in Family, Consumer, and Human Development. She is also First Aid and CPR certified.
Her hobbies include playing all sports (especially softball) and making desserts! |
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Anne Francis
Recreation Division
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Anne has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since the fall of 1995. She currently works as a Group Fitness Instructor for the Recreation Division.
Her co-workers said “Anne is awesome. I love her enthusiasm for fitness and creativity. Her love for people is awesome too.”
Her work responsibilities include teaching classes for the Group Fitness Aerobics program.
Anne says that the best part of her job is the people she meets in class and the people she works with.
She is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Group Fitness Instructor. She is also First Aid and CPR certified.
Her hobbies include dancing and teaching children at her studio and adults at USU. |
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Tonya Petersen
Administration Division
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Tonya has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since August of 2007. She currently works as the Secretary III for the Administration Division.
Her co-workers said “Tonya has a tremendous work attitude and is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. She has also worked extremely hard on the accreditation process. She is great to work with.”
Her work responsibilities include being a liaison between the public and division managers; program and event coordination for Willow Park Zoo.
Tonya says that the best part of her job, besides the people she works with, is the variety of work responsibilities she performs each day.
She certified in CPR and First Aid and has a certificate of completion in Management Development Program, Cultural Competency and Effective Teams.
Her hobbies include cooking, artwork, crocheting, horses, and playing the piano. |
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Debbie Harvey
Administration Division
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Debbie has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since 1985. She currently works as the Program Information Representative for the entire Department.
Her co-workers said “I would like to nominate Deb Harvey for the Employee Recognition Award for this month. She always goes above and beyond the call of duty and is always there when you need her.”
Her work responsibilities include informing the public of all City of Logan Parks and Recreation programs, activities, facilities, and special events using a variety of resources including newspaper, radio, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and the web. She also provides special event support.
Debbie says that the best part of her job is learning new things, being active in the community, and working with her co-workers.
She is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Utah Recreation and Park Association (URPA) and an Associate Park and Recreational Professional (APRP). She has certifications in web design, project management, brochure and newsletter design, desk top publishing, Microsoft FrontPage, adult/child/infant CPR and first aid, public information officer, and is a certified interpretive guide.
Her hobbies include reading, family, grandkids, and jeeping in Moab. |
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Kevin Reading
Parks Division
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Kevin has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since September of 1980. He currently works as an Irrigation Specialist for the Parks Division.
His co-workers said “Kevin is a great employee – solid, dependable, never complains, has a great attitude and takes pride in his work – 28 years of service.”
His work responsibilities include repairing restrooms, installing and repairing irrigation systems, preparing irrigation systems for the spring and summer season, and winterizing irrigation systems in the fall.
Kevin says that the best part of his job is working outside and working with good people.
He is certified in plumbing and irrigation. His hobbies include family, fishing, hunting, and boating. |
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Dave Amussen
Recreation Division
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Dave has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since 1994. He currently works as the Head Custodian for the Logan Community Recreation Center.
His co-workers said “Dave is hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. He is always willing to go the extra mile and does it with a smile. His great attitude is contagious and we are fortunate to work with him.”
His work responsibilities include keeping the Logan Community Recreation Center clean and in excellent working condition.
Dave says that the best part of his job is his association with co-workers, fixing things, and keeping the building running smoothly.
He is has a BS Degree from USU and is a certified pool operator.
His hobbies include old cars, camping, and associating with family and friends. |
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Dorothy Watts
Recreation Division
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Dorothy has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since April of 2000. She currently works as a Fitness Instructor for the Recreation Division.
Her co-workers said “Dorothy plays a key role in encouraging physical fitness with her positive attitudes and energy. She demonstrates dependability and knowledge within the fitness industry. She is dedicated to motivating numerous individuals to bettering their quality of life through exercise. She is fun and she welcomes and encourages everyone in class. She maintains an awesome professional fitness attitude for the group fitness programs.”
Her work responsibilities include teaching and creating exercise workouts that give participants a safe, well balanced fitness program.
Dorothy says that the best parts of her job are that she loves it; loves the people who come to classes and her fellow employees; loves the challenge of creating new routines and having variety; and loves to move to music and exercise.
She is certified by ACE (American Council on Exercise). She has BS Degree in Elementary Education.
Her hobbies include her family, cooking, dancing, playing games, watching movies, and reading a good book. |
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Launa Murdoch
Administration Division
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Launa has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since 2001. She currently works as the Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Secretary.
Her co-workers said “Launa is always a big help whenever you need a quick questions answered. If she doesn't know the answer, she is always quick to get back to you with a response. She is always so polite and very knowledgeable with any item pertaining to our department. We think she is a joy to work with and be around. The Parks and Recreation Department is very lucky to have such a person working for us”.
Her work responsibilities include administrative duties. Currently the entire department is working together to meet the national requirements for the Agency Accreditation Program through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).
Launa says that she feels fortunate to be part of the City of Logan and that the accreditation process has served as a reminder that each department plays a significant role fulfilling the mission of the City to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Logan.
She is a certified Associate Park and Recreation Professional, certified Flagger, and a certified Interpretive Guide.
The City of Logan Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to being a part of hosting the 2009 National Park and Recreation Association Congress in Salt Lake City later this year. |
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Tara Alder
Recreation Division
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Tara has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since December of 2006. She currently works for the Recreation Division as the Youth Community Coordinator.
Her co-workers said “Tara is always on top of her job. She is very professional in working with the After School Program and staff. She is always going the extra mile”.
Her work responsibilities include supervision of the Logan City After School Programs and the Logan City Youth City Council. She also provides youth activities for department sponsored special events.
Tara says that the best part of her job is the love she has for all of her staff and co-workers. She appreciates having the wonderful opportunity to participate in helping the Logan Parks and Recreation Department receive accreditation through the Agency Accreditation Program sponsored by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).
She has a BS Degree in Family and Consumer Science and certifications in First Aid and CPR.
Her hobbies include all sports, collecting and examining insects and reptiles, and serenading her husband by playing the sweet sound of her 1932 brass accordion. |
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Dick Creek
Golf Course Division
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Dick has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since May of 2008. He currently works for the Golf Course Division helping with maintenance.
His work responsibilities include mowing grass and other details that take care of the Logan River Golf Course.
His co-workers said “Dick has put in numerous hours at the golf course while building our number 8 tee box retaining wall. He has been the best help not just in this project but many others as well. He is always the first one to work and one of the last ones to leave. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. This man goes well beyond the call of duty at the golf course.”
Dick says the best part of his job is work.
He enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, and life in general.
Dick was previously self-employed for 25 years with his own construction business. |
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Skylar Harvey
Recreation Division
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Skylar has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since March of 2004. He currently works for the Recreation Division as a Sports Coordinator.
His work responsibilities include organizing, promoting and implementing adult and youth sports.
His co-workers said “Skylar is very dedicated, responsible, and hard working. He is always helpful and friendly while working at the front desk. He knows how to relate to people and works very hard in establishing and maintaining a great rapport with fellow employees and all those around him. He has also helped with sports programs and has done an outstanding job in coordinating and facilitating the adult softball program. He works very long hours in serving not only the public patrons but Logan High students as well. He goes above and beyond the call of duty and is always willing to do extra projects and assignments. He is very deserving of this award and is a very valuable asset to our department.”
Skylar says the best part of his job is the people he works with.
He enjoys snow boarding, golfing, and the love of his life-his wife Ashlee. Skylar will graduate next spring from USU with a BS degree in Finance. |
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Nathanial Nelson
Cemetery Division
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Nathanial has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since 2006. He currently works for the Cemetery Division as a Labor III.
His work responsibilities include mowing lawns, trimming trees, weed eating, and customer service.
His co-workers said “Nate is great to work with, works hard, and gets along with others. He finishes his work on schedule and is dependable, efficient, and willing to take on difficult projects. He is an asset to the Cemetery and Logan City.”
Nate says the best part of his job is the people.
He enjoys wakeboarding, snow boarding, golfing, and long walks on the beach. Nate has an associate degree in computers. |
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Karl Kallmeyer
Zoo Division
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Karl has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since July 2004. He currently works for the Zoo Division as a Zoo Keeper.
His work responsibilities include general animal husbandry, financial records, and grounds maintenance.
His co-workers said “Karl is very dedicated to his job. He loves the zoo, and especially loves animals. It is very important to him to do as good a job as possible. He is always willing to help others and go the extra mile.”
Karl says the best part of his job is working around and with animals, being out doors, and having great co-workers.
He enjoys health and fitness, martial arts, classic cars, sports, animals, and motorcycles. Karl has a BS degree from USU in Interdisciplinary Studies in Wildlife Sciences. He is Zoo Tec certified, a certified National Interpretive Guide, and a member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. |
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Jon Knott
Parks Division
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Jon has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since May 2008. He currently works for the Parks Division as a Labor III.
His work responsibilities include assisting with parks irrigation systems.
His co-workers said “This is his first summer with the Parks Division. Jon was hired to help the irrigation crews and has done an excellent job. Jon has taken a real interesting learning all he can about irrigation and has proven to be very valuable and effective in this position. Jon has a great attitude and is always on time for work. He is a model seasonal employee.”
Jon says the best part of his job is learning about irrigation systems and the non stop conversations with Kevin.
He enjoys biking, skiing, and most outdoor sports.
Jon is CPR certified and a certified ski instructor. |
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Kim Arnell
Recreation Division
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Kim has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since 1993. He currently works for the Recreation Division as a Recreation Coordinator.
His work responsibilities include adult softball and customer service at the Logan Community Recreation Center.
His co-workers said “Kim has done an exceptional job with the Adult Softball program! He is very organized, thorough and keeps staff and players informed about updates and changes. He also works the front desk and is very helpful to the patrons and customers. He is a valuable asset to our organization and his contributions are greatly appreciated.”
Kim says the best part of his job is the people he works with.
He enjoys softball, dutch oven cooking, all sports, water skiing, and anything in the sun.
Kim is a certified EMT, CPR Instructor, EMS Instructor, Fire I and II Instructor, Officer I, Inspector I, Safety Officer I, and Water Rescue.
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Cam Thomas
Golf Course Division
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Cam has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since spring of 2003. He currently works at the Logan River Golf Course as a 2nd Assistant.
His work responsibilities include attending to customers and managing money.
Cam says the best part of his job is the environment.
He collects Scotty Cameron memorabilia.
Cam is also the Assistant Golf Coach for Logan High School.
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Dan Blakely
Recreation Division
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Dan has been employed by the Logan Parks and Recreation Department since February of 2006. He currently works at the Logan Community Recreation Center as a Recreation Coordinator.
His co-workers said “Excellent Work! Good Programs! He is nice to the kids and he doesn't put up with messing around.”
His work responsibilities include organizing all youth and adult programs, assigning staff to help with these programs, and special event support.
Dan says the best part of his job is the people he works with and those he deals with daily.
He enjoys golf, baseball, football, basketball, fishing, camping, music, and his kids.
Dan has over 30 years experience with all aspects of sports from playing, coaching, umpiring, and refereeing. He is CPR and First Aid Certified.
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Susan Bracewell
Zoo Division
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Susan has been employed by the
Her co-workers say she is reliable, dependable, and always cheerful. She follows through and does a great job in everything. She has good rapport with children she works with.
Her work responsibilities include educating the public about wildlife, conservation, and animal husbandry.
Susan says the best part of her job is working with the animals and seeing kids get excited about them.
She has a BS Degree in Zoology from
Her hobbies include snowboarding and spending time outdoors.
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Amanda Alleman
Recreation Division
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Amanda has been employed by the
Her co-workers say at 5:30 am she is always smiling and excited to see you.
Her work responsibilities include opening the
Amanda says the best part of her job is she loves the people and enjoys interacting with everyone around her.
She is certified in First Aid, and Adult, Child and Infant CPR. Amanda is skilled socially and at the computer.
Her hobbies include anything outdoors, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Participating in sports or just watching. She likes country swing dancing, exercising, and coaching Jr. Jazz Youth Basketball. |
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