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Cincinnati Museum Center volunteers recognized for hospitality and service

CINCINNATI – Two individuals from Cincinnati Museum Center were recognized for their years of service committed to delivering the highest level of hospitality. Gerald (Gerry) Pfarner and Delores (De) Washington were celebrated at the Tourism Council of Greater Cincinnati 21st annual ROSE Awards on April 24. Pfarner and Washington represent Cincinnati Museum Center and Greater Cincinnati itself to visitors every day.
64 individuals from 33 companies in the Greater Cincinnati area were nominated by hospitality and service industry companies for the ROSE Awards, which stands for Recognition Of Service Excellence. Amongst the 64 nominees were three from Cincinnati Museum Center, including ROSE Award finalist and Edgewood resident Pfarner. Bruce Bishop of Milford and Lee Schmidt of Middletown were also nominated.
Pfarner, one of six finalists, was nominated for his eight years and over 2,000 hours of volunteer work in the Museum of Natural History & Science. “Gerry interacts with visitors of all ages while providing an educational and engaging experience by leading hands on science activities and interpreting exhibits,” says Regina Hall, director of the Museum of Natural History & Science.”He is excited to share his vast science knowledge and experience with visitors and before they know it, they are enjoying a conversation about science and asking questions to learn more.”

The evening also featured a special ceremony for past ROSE Awards recipients who are still serving in the hospitality industry. Two individuals were inducted into the Jim Knippenberg ROSE Awards Hall of Fame, including Cincinnati Museum Center’s Washington. Washington, a resident of North Avondale, has been with Cincinnati Museum Center for 21 years in various hospitality roles, including her current position as the main receptionist and operator. She is truly the voice of Museum Center to so many who call in and, according to her colleagues, “the most important person to her is the person who is currently on the phone or standing right in front of her. I am proud to call her a colleague and friend.” She has received numerous thank yous from both internal and external customers for her warm and genuine personality.
Cincinnati Museum Center has more than 550 volunteers who have contributed a total of over 73,000 hours in the past year. “They are the faces of hospitality that greet visitors and enrich every department at Museum Center,” says Douglass McDonald, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Gerry and De are examples of the level of service and dedication that all Museum Volunteers give. We’re truly honored for Gerry and De to represent to the greater community the level of hospitality that people can expect from Cincinnati Museum Center.”
Cincinnati Museum Center honored its volunteers at a special banquet on April 8, at which its ROSE Awards nominees were announced.

For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org