The entire appreciation committee consisting of Camille Hovmiller, Mindy Hawkins, Judy Andrasic, Colleen Carey, Mary Spyros and Ardie Rossi standing in front of the gift baskets that they assembled from the homeowner gift donations
Colleen Carey serving appetizers to Alex Meece, a very happy Tim Fudge, Director of Facilities and Operations, Andrea Marchus, Administration and Facilities Coordinator and Ray Parham
Judy Andrasic checking to see that employees Steve Baer, Dave Fosmire, Steve Andrasic and Mary Lou Hacket sitting at the table were having a good time
Steve Weiss
An appreciation dinner was given to all La Hacienda Club employees by the SaddleBrooke Ranch homeowners at the Bistro Viente on Wednesday, December 10. Appetizers made by homeowners were set out at 3:00, and Italian food from Vitellos was served at 4:00. The food included lasagna, chicken picatta, salad, garlic bread with marinara sauce and beverages. A variety of desserts made by the homeowners was served after dinner. Finally, at 5:30 gift baskets were distributed to each employee along with a monetary gift. The baskets were assembled by the appreciation committee consisting of six homeowners with gift donations from all of the homeowners. The baskets included items such as gift cards from local coffee shops, restaurants and variety stores, “pampering” supplies, cooking supplies and one homeowner donated 20 beautiful homemade scarves.
The first employee appreciation activity was given by the homeowners during the holiday season in 2011. That first year homemade cookies were served and gift gaskets and monetary gifts were given. The second year more cookies and desserts were served with baskets and monetary gifts. Last year the appreciation committee wanted to do more for the employees by sponsoring a luncheon. The executives at Robson Communities thought it was such a great idea that they agreed to pay for the luncheon with the homeowners providing desserts and gifts. This year the committee thought a dinner would be more appropriate, and with the help from Robson Communities for dinner and from the homeowners for desserts, appetizers and gifts, the appreciation activity was wonderful.
Colleen Carey was the motivating force behind the appreciation activities since 2011. She noticed after she moved to SaddleBrooke Ranch that the employees were especially helpful, courteous and always making an extra effort in serving homeowners’ needs at La Hacienda Club. The dedication in completing their tasks was consistently shown by the staff of not only the Bistro but also by the staff of the work out facility, of the pool, of the security group and of the grounds and building maintenance group by keeping the facilities clean and in good working order. The employees have been seen working early in the morning and late at night for special events while still showing a smile and dedication. This extra staff effort deserved a special homeowner thank you. The holiday appreciation dinner has become a wonderful way for the homeowners to thank the staff and to share the holiday spirit with the staff family.
Credit for the success of this activity should be given first to the committee members who helped organize the event, made wreaths, decorated the Bistro Viente and served food to the employees. The committee members include Judy Andrasic, Mindy Hawkins, Camille Hovmiller, Ardie Rossi, Mary Spyros and Colleen Carey. The dinner is credited to Robson Communities. But the main credit for the success is due primarily to the amazing response from the homeowners who supplied desserts, appetizers, gifts and money so that the employees were made to feel like the homeowners’ family. Some employees were heard to say that they look forward to this dinner next year where they can celebrate the holidays together with their La Hacienda Club and homeowners family. With such a great staff-family working relationship, it is understandable that 85 percent of the existing employees have worked at La Hacienda Club since it was built.