Public Employee Press

Union honors longtime employees

DC 37’s 20th annual Employee Recognition Ceremony took place right before the annual holiday party in a room that had been transformed into “That ’70s Show!” by ghosts (cardboard icons) from “The Me Decade.”

Sandra Davis celebrated reaching 35 years on staff with a walk down memory lane. Thirty-five years ago, in 1971, Sean Connery was James Bond in “Diamonds are Forever,” and the #1 TV show was “Marcus Welby, M.D.”

“Tonight’s star is being honored for her many years of service. She began her career at DC 37 as a Secretary in 1971,” said Executive Director Lillian Roberts. Davis became a Council Rep and Assistant Division Director and is now Director of the Schools Division. “She’s contributed a lot of hard work and I think she’s enjoyed it,” said DC 37 President Veronica Montgomery-Costa.

As employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years were honored, a hit parade of memorabilia was presented to evoke their first year at DC 37. “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters” was the top song and Richard M. Nixon made his historic trip to China 30 years ago, when Kathleen Fitzgerald, Vincent Gagliardi, Charles Houser, Dennis Sullivan, Patricia Taluy, Aurea Toledo, and Arthur Waka began their DC 37 careers.

In addition to honors for longevity, many employees were honored for Perfect Attendance and for Academic Achievement. This year’s ceremony also included a first: the welcome of new employees by Amy Kadlub, who chairs the Employee Recognition Committee.

— Jane LaTour