Connie Perez honored as Community Services employee of the month after expanding classes

Commissioners presented Recreation Leader I Connie Perez with the community services employee‑of‑the‑month award for August, praising her role in rapidly growing senior classes and helping to start adaptive recreation. Interim Deputy Director Alvin Tomala said Perez helped expand a seniors class from 10 people to a capacity of 30 within weeks and supported new adaptive recreation offerings.

Connie Perez accepted the award and described her motivation: "I just I just love my job. I love working with the community," she said, noting a recent packed session with "over 33 students yesterday" and current class sizes including 21 in one adult session and 27 in Tai Chi. Commissioners and staff said the department reallocated some classes to Veterans Memorial Park and expanded offerings to five days a week to meet demand.

Interim Director Gina Skibar and other staff highlighted Perez's enthusiasm and noted the department is promoting classes for residents of many ages and abilities. Perez and staff encouraged residents to try classes and said more opportunities will be advertised.