SUGARCREEK – The 2025 DHG Employee Awards Banquet for Amish Country was held on April 15th at Carlisle Inn.
Three team members were surprised with Excellence Awards for exemplifying six outstanding traits: a desire to serve, dependability, enthusiasm, a great work ethic, problem-solving skills, and organization:
Gabby Russo (pictured above on the left) is beginning her third year with Berlin Farmstead Restaurant where she greets every guest with a welcoming smile, taking the time to ask about their day and never rushing them to their table. When Gabby’s not interacting with guests and ensuring their needs are met, she helps keep the dining area clean and organized. Three co-workers nominated her for the award, citing her positive attitude and dedication to exceptional service. They describe Gabby as a treasure and a blessing to work with.
Carrie Jones is a full-time laundry attendant at Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek where she has been part of the team since October of 2023. Housekeeping Supervisor Dena Hershberger, Assistant Supervisor Dawn Clark, and the rest of the housekeeping staff nominated Carrie for the award, describing her as a team player and innovative thinker with a real heart for service who volunteers to come in early, stays late, and sacrifices days off for the good of the team, working without complaint even on the busiest days. While not a lead, Carrie happily takes new hires and struggling teammates under her wing and is the first to donate money or her time to help someone in need.
Dencil Coleman has been part of the team at Dutch Valley Gifts since January 21, 2020. He received two nominations from co-workers, who say he has a genuine and infectious passion for providing amazing guest experiences, greeting everyone who walks through the door with a warm and inviting smile. They say he’s always willing to pick up shifts, come in early or stay late, also taking care of all the “dirty jobs” like trash and restroom checks so they don’t have to. Dencil happily participates in special activities and is so popular that some guests call ahead to see if he’s working.
Also during the banquet, Milestone Awards were presented to the following individuals for their years of service:
Berlin Farmstead Restaurant
Devin Williams – 5 years
Kayla Spitler – 5 years
Mary Ann Yoder – 5 years
Larry Mizer – 5 years
Mary Brubaker – 10 years
Rachel Yoder – 10 years
Erin Schrock – 10 years
Carlise Gifts Walnut Creek
Judith Conrad – 5 years
Carrie Foster – 10 years
Der Dutchman Walnut Creek
Louann Miller – 5 years
Marilyn Hershberger – 5 years
Melissa Gessner – 5 years
Morgan Marchand – 5 years
Darius Rouse – 5 years
Regina Haney – 5 years
Betty Miller – 30 years
Regina Miller – 30 years
Carlise Inn Walnut Creek
Dena Hershberger – 20 years
IT Department
Zach Lewis – 5 years
Corporate Office
Pam Crilley – 5 years
Dutch Creek Foods
Peggy VanNatter – 5 years
Rebecca Burke 5 years
Dutch Valley Gifts
Staci Knisely – 5 years
Laura Figuly – 5 years
Samantha Knisely – 5 years
Dutch Valley Restaurant
Douglas Miller – 5 years
Lindsay Braun – 5 years
James Renicker – 10 years
Erica Miller – 20 years
Kristina Kuntzman – 25 years
Lorene Raber – 25 years
Angela Lahm – 35 years
Edna Miller – 50 years
Carlise Inn Sugarcreek
Keith Montgomery – 5 years
Alma Mclandsborough – 5 years
Kaye Gottshall – 30 years