In the photo above, former Pasadena City Manager Phil Hawkey emerges on the "bridge" at City Hall as Hawkman during a Halloween event for city employees on Oct. 27, 1994.
Hawkman stood for truth in government, justice for all employees and the Pasadena Way.
Every year Phil, aided by the inspiration of his wife Dena, would don a different getup and entertain employees who gathered in the courtyard at noon for a costume contest, refreshments and fun. It was a great employee appreciation event that continued throughout Cynthia Kurtz's tenure as city manager.
There was always a little skit. Here's Phil and yours truly in 1994:
Phil's other costumes over the years included Count Hawkula rising from a coffin ("I'm not dead -- I just got a two-year contract!"). . .
When Cynthia was city manager, she incorporated a contest for the best-decorated office lobby into the mix and even served as one of the judges.
Those days are gone now, but so many city employees have happy memories of Halloween fun.
Phil is executive vice president and professor of public administration at the University of LaVerne. Cynthia is president and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership.
Our current city manager is Michael J. Beck, who hosts an ice cream social for employees every summer.
Many thanks to Pasadena Museum of History and Dena Hawkey.
2 comments:
Well, that's a hoot. Our city employees work hard and they deserve a good time every once in a while, as long as they don't drink too much and jump from the tower. You know, maintain some control.
I recall seeing that photo before, but just couldn't remember where.
Nice story, Ann. They don't make city managers like they used to anymore. Sadly, I may have to say the same thing about PIO's after you're gone too.
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