Parks & Rec Honor Their Own

For nearly 13 years, JoAnne Baldewicz worked for the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department as a fitness instructor and coordinator.

During that time, the department's 1999 and 2005 employee of the year spent nearly 7,000 hours helping the citizens of Greenfield become healthier and happier with a quality of instruction that went unmatched.

For her contributions and service, Baldewicz was inducted into the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department's Hall of Fame at the department's 20th annual hall of fame and staff recognition banquet at Knights of Columbus on Saturday.

"She came in and gave our fitness programs instant credibility with her heart, passion and dedication, her attention to detail, her quest to make sure all of our instructors were properly trained and certified and made she sure her classes were top notch," director Scott Jaquish said at the banquet. "As expected, those classes really began to flourish."

Baldewicz thanked her husband Mike and the participants of her classes, many of whom were in attendance. She was given a plaque, a copy of which will be on display in the Parks and Recreation Department's office.

Approximately 90 people attended the ceremony, including Alderpersons Pam Akers and Shirley Saryan, members of both the Whitnall and Greenfield school boards, and Mayor Michael Neitzke.

Other award winners who were honored Saturday were:

• Aaron Hyatt – Youth Sports Coach of the Year
• Nicole Breuning, Perry Perkins and Nick Yeutter – Employees of the Year
• Janet Haefemeyer, Jim Gableman and Dave Greenheck – Instructors of the Year
• Danielle Eidler – Parks Employee of the Year
• Rick Lesak – Official of the Year
• Veronica Wallace-Kraemer and Steve Skalecki – Volunteers of the Year

In addition, Special Service Awards were given to Joe Peterson of Chosun Black Belt Academy and Loretta Kleczka of River Falls Mini-golf Course.