Who’s Awesome!

Who’s Awesome! Kelly Powell – November 2023

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Kelly Powell, business manager, is HCPL’s November winner for Who’s Awesome!  Kelly was one of 19 nominations for the honor this month.

Diana Lasky, administrative assistant to the director, nominated Kelly stating, “Kelly has a magic touch with decorating. The front of the building looks awesome for Christmas and when she sets her hand to food items for library receptions or an open house, everything looks polished and professional. Being able to see the inner workings of the library, I can appreciate her work on making sure payroll is on time and bills are paid. Thanks for being awesome!”

An anonymous nominator added, “Kelly is the library’s go-to person for outdoor decorations. Each year she comes up with a new way to bring the magic of Christmas to HCPL. This year she added Grinch elements. She also helped demolish the old coffee bar in the library and helped with that area’s new furniture arrangement. She is a hard worker and gives 100 percent to the projects she takes on. Kelly is awesome!”

Kelly received two other nominations this month. Savannah Wallace, youth services, wrote, “Kelly did a fantastic job decorating the front of the library! I especially love all the Grinch decorations she used. Great job, Kelly!” And JoBeth Mathes, reference, said, “She is always ready to lend a helping hand. She also decorates for Christmas outside of our library branch.”

Kelly joined the HCPL staff as business manager in January of 2005. For more than 18 years she has handled payroll, insurance, accounts receivable and payable and HR functions for the library. In 2021, after the Pandemic she came up with the idea to form a “Fun Committee” to boost employee camaraderie and morale.

Diana Lasky also nominated Kelly in May stating, “Kelly is very patient. She is positive, helpful and willing to stop and answer questions or help me resolve an issue, no matter how busy she is. I recently overheard that she is the “go-to” person in certain situations because she intuitively knows how to approach people in a non-threatening, positive manner. This is so important in human resources, which falls under her umbrella, even though she is really the business manager. Thanks, Kelly for all of your help and positivity.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in November include Ann Allen, Amanda Applegate, Amanda Embrey, Connie Gresham, John Kunsman, Diana Lasky, Debbie McClanahan, Pam Nemeth, Donna Seewer, Jessica Stroud, Kaitlyn Taylor, Savannah Wallace, Kelli Witsman, and Heather Wyss.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who's Awesome October winner Amanda Applegate

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Applegate – October 2023

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Amanda Applegate, patron services, is HCPL’s October winner for Who’s Awesome! Amanda was one of seven nominations for the honor this month.

Tiffany Thieneman, public services manager, nominated Amanda stating, “Amanda is always willing to help in any way she can! From carrying chairs and tables up and down stairs, to helping with programs, to answering any questions I may have – she always offers to help in whatever capacity is needed. I appreciate how she offers assistance to other employees and patrons regardless of the situation. Thank you for being awesome!”

An anonymous nominator added, “Amanda has been very active with the Fun, Staff Training Day and Employee Appreciation Luncheon committees. She is always positive and friendly with all staff and public.”

Amanda has been with the library for 24 years joining the youth services and circulation staffs in January of 1999. She then transitioned to patron services where she works handling the recovery of overdue and damaged materials. Now she also co-hosts the adult programs—Just Desserts and Cookbook Club.

Amanda has received multiple nominations over the months. In July another anonymous nominator wrote, “Amanda Applegate went above and beyond to make sure everyone at HCPL had a great Shark Week. She made shark-shaped blue-tinted Rice Krispie Treats for all staff and secured gummy sharks for a combo celebration of Shark Week/National Gummy Worm Day. Amanda always gives her all to Fun Committee activities, keeping the snack boxes filled and counting the money. She has a great attitude greeting all staff every morning and pitching in at public service desks when needed. She has taken on additional responsibilities helping with adult programming. Amanda is a team player and is eager to help anyone. Amanda is awesome!”

In May, Amanda was nominated by Kelly Powell, business manager, and Eden Ransdell, youth services manager, Kelly wrote, “Amanda does a great job with the fun committee. She always makes things look special when they are put out for staff, and she goes around to tell people what fun things are happening for the day.”  Eden said, “Amanda is always super nice and positive! I love seeing her every morning!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in October include Julia Phipps, Nikki Esarey, Bob Ohlrich, Alisa Burch and Eden Ransdell.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

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