Friday, April 06, 2012

Exceptional Employee Performance

Every year we celebrate the great performance of our employees with the Employee Achievement Awards. Staff members nominate co-workers for going above and beyond just doing a good job. A committee of employees from different parts of the organization reviews the nominations and awards the top prizes. Below are some of the stand out performers of the last year. (In the photos, Stella Koch, Vice Chair, and Brian Knapp, Chairman are on the left, the award winner is in the middle, and I am on the right).

James D. Smith

Bull Run Regional Park

In the categories of Innovation and Programming: Doug led the efforts to construct two authentic
Civil War “Winter Quarter Huts” and soldiers’ camp at Bull Run Regional Park. The huts constructed by hand using natural materials and methods provide a unique opportunity to educate the visiting public about how the Civil War soldier lived.

Deborah A. Humphreys

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Debbie oversees all design, plant ordering, planting and volunteer management in the Potomac Valley Collection, the Virginia Native Tree Collection and the Lake Lena Virginia Native Wetland. She embodies a profound commitment to the conservation of regional plant diversity and fills a highly important role at the Park.

Arthur R. Rogers

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Bob has become an integral part of the Park staff, designing and installing gardens throughout the Park, including the popular Children’s Tea Garden; building and installing features for the Halloween Program; designing signage with complex software; maintaining the database of all plants at the Park and making photo records of major projects over the past 15 years, including the Korean Bell Garden.

Robert L. Beech

Brambleton Golf Course

In the category of Team Player: Bob’s willingness to step in and work in all aspects of the Pro Shop operation is extremely valuable to the golf course operations. Bob routinely takes on the training of new staff members and has set the standard for effective management of the golf course’s tee sheet. This ensures accurate record keeping of play and membership play.


Blythe B. Russian

NVRPA Headquarters

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Blythe took the lead in several key areas that helped make the high profile Special Park Districts Forum an  overwhelming success for NVRPA. From developing the complete forum schedule to assisting with the logistic and marketing needs, the forum’s success was a direct result of her exceptional efforts and hard work.



Dale T. Hook

Pohick Bay Regional Park

In the categories of Customer Service and Above-and-Beyond: Dale’s hard work and dedication at the Pohick Bay Camp Store and now as the headquarters’ receptionist are the perfect example of someone who cares about her job and the experience of our patrons. Dale is always on task and ready at a moment’s notice to go out of her way to assist others, including staff.


David W. Pinner

Algonkian Regional Park

In the category of Versatility: Dave is the first one to tackle new challenges, even if they are outside of his normal assigned duties. Recently, Dave came up with new and inexpensive ways to help with the Park’s ongoing waterpark theming project, creating “Hawaiian Paddles” out of scrap lumber and “Adirondack” style chairs out of old surf boards. These features had an immediate impact and add to the customer experience at Volcano Waterpark.

Eric E. Ferguson

Bull Run Regional Park

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Eric’s efforts in managing the Light Show have produced dramatic results. The show has grown in attendance while it continues to maintain its efficiency from a budget perspective. Eric has quickly developed a keen eye and level of creativity that has had a great effect on how the show looks and the overall customer experience. He is open to new ideas and has a clear vision on how he wants to continue to grow the show.


George E. Tabb, Jr.
Ball’s Bluff Regional Park

In the category of Programming: George worked tirelessly and effectively for more than a year to deliver the 150th reenactment event of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. He worked quickly to create buy-in by key stakeholders who would have a role in the day. The logistics of the entire weekend were flawless and, as such, the day of the event ran smoothly without issue and created what will always be considered a hallmark event of our organization.

Helen K. Wirka

Carlyle House

In the category of Programming: Helen has injected enthusiasm and interest in the form of several new programs for Carlyle House; including their first ever summer concert series. Helen worked with several diverse performing groups to put together

three special evenings of music for the people who live, work and play in Alexandria. Helen’s work to revamp some existing programs has led to increased attendance and renewed interest.

John D. Moore
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park

In the category of Innovation: John’s idea to create a new four mile equestrian trail within Temple Hall has added an exceptional feature to this diverse park. To accomplish this, John worked with NVRPA maintenance staff and recruited a local Eagle Scout candidate to assist with clearing of the trail, building of jumps and a trail sign plan.


Keith P. Tomlinson

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Keith volunteered to take on whatever role was needed during the Special Park Districts Forum. This included accompanying the group on offsite visits to local museums and into the city for the group’s “Big Night Out.” Keith also led a session on Connecting Kids with Nature, which proved to be one of the most popular sessions.


Kelly A. Koster

Upton Hill Regional Park - Temple Hall Farm Regional Park - Bull Run Regional Park

In the category of Versatility: Kelly exemplifies the term versatility. In the past year, she has assisted with the operations at Upton Hill and, as part of her responsibilities, worked at the Corn Maize at Temple Hall and the Festival of Lights at Bull Run. Kelly even managed to find some time to help manage the reenactment event at Ball’s Bluff. Kelly has done all of this with unmatched enthusiasm and commitment.

John M. Woods

Algonkian Regional Park

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Matt has taken on the challenge of helping to coordinate the pool committee for the upcoming season. Transferring to a new park with new responsibilities, Matt also led a review of the agency-wide boat and RV storage contracts, producing a better, more detailed process that protects NVRPA’s interests.

Pohick Bay Golf Maintenance Team
Sean Q. Owens

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Sean has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Corey R. Hall

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Corey has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Quan T. Do

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Quan has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Michael T. Rogers

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Michael has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Cory W. Stiftar 
Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Cory has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Charles A. Blevins

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Tony was instrumental in the decision to take on a number of golf course improvement projects using his existing crew, that have had far reaching effects on the overall golfer experience, without resulting in large capital dollar expenditures. Tony has effectively balanced accomplishing these improvements with his crew and the daily operational needs of the course. The results have been improved conditions for the course and significant savings for the Park Authority.


Greatest Reduction in Energy Consumption: Headquarters

Greatest % Improvement in Net Finanical Performance: Algonkian Regional Park 

13 Bedar at Bull Run

Last Sunday nearly 10,000 people came out to Bull Run Special Events Center to celebrate Sizdah Bedar a Persian celebration for the 13th day of the new year. It was a truly great day and great celebration with lots of food, families, and dancing.

For years many in the Persian Community went to Algonkian Regional Park for 13 Bedar, but soon the size of the group outstripped the ability of that park to host the festivities, which is why the event has been moved to Bull Run where the facilities can accommodate this size group. For years to come we anticipate that the 13 Bedar festivities in Northern Virginia will be centered at Bull Run Special Events Center. In Maryland, Black Hills Regional Park also hosts a large 13 Bedar celebration.

Here are some of the comments from people who attended the 13 Bedar festivities at Bull Run in 2012:

"I want to to thank you and your colleagues at the Regional Park Authority of the Northern Virginia for your efforts in making this 13 Bedar a wonderful occasion for my family and thousands of Iranian Americans who celebrated 13th Bedar in Bull Run Park this year. The event was extremely well organized. The employees of the Park were very friendly and helpful. Your preparations and management of the logistics from facilities, tents,first aid crew to games was stellar. The accessibility and efficiency of Parking was great. We also had the good fortune of having a beautiful day.


 Everyone felt secure, happy, and comfortable. This is an important annual event for the Iranian Americans and this year's event was a great success and a source of joy and pride for all of us due to your efforts.

Congratulations to you and your team and thanks again for your recognition and support of the Iranian American Community living in the Washington Metro Area."


"On behalf of my group, that included my husband, children and two other families with their children,  would like to thank you and your staff for having arranged a well organized place for the last day of our Nowruz celebration.  We had ample parking space, beautiful surroundings, appropriate posted signs to make navigation easy and above all, lots of fun.  We do appreciate your efforts for making it happen the way it did."



"Just wanted to drop a note and say what a great event that was yesterday!  You and your team at the park did a wonderful job accommodating such a large group and making it a great day.  From my personal experience, it was the best 13 Bedar celebration I've been a part of and heard from many more who have been celebrating for much longer and who told me the same.  Big round of applause all around for Bull Run park and staff."

"Everyone felt secure, happy, and comfortable. There were nothing but smiles on all the families faces while they were enjoying the good weather in a impeccable organized facility!"

The Special Events Center is becoming "the" place in Northern Virginia for large events, with its ample parking, large amphitheater "bowl", center stage, and area for food concessions. It is the home of many ethnic festival, concerts, and other large events like the largest wine festival in the region. Northern Virginia is a multi-cultural place and the Bull Run Special Events Center give us an area to celebrate that rich diversity of cultures that we have. http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run/content/special_events_center

The Special Events Center is a separate area of Bull Run Regional Park with its own entrance off of Bull Run Drive in Centreville Virgina. The Special Events Center shares the same entrance as the Bull Run Shooting Center (a skeet, trap & archery facility).