Chris Newton Chosen As December EOM

He's quiet, but inquisitive. He's friendly, but reflective. He's busy, but takes time to help if you need him. That's what the staff and patrons know about Chris Newton, who has been a shelver with the library since March 11, 1993. That's for 14-1/2 years, nearly half
of his age.
I first met Chris through his mother, Jean, who worked as the bookkeeper for the library. She and her son would come to work every morning and go home together. Like his mother, Chris is a person everyone likes. Just kind, sweet, friendly folk. Both always with smiles on their faces. Then Jean retired, but she continued to drive Chris to and from work.
There's many a time on the days Chris works that he will stick his head in our office door to say hello. And we often drop what we are doing to find out how his dogs are or what he has been doing lately. Chris will tell you his favorite interests are his two dogs, Mickey and Lucky, and singing in the choir at his church.
When Chris came to work the afternoon of November 28th, our director called the staff into the workroom, saying she had an announcement to make. Chris followed her into the room and waited patiently with the rest of us.
Melody said she was going to present the December Employee of the Month to a person who is always friendly and helpful, a person who has made her feel better on days when she would be down, and a person who's been a dedicated worker at the library. It was then she announced that Chris was the Employee of the Month.
Needless to say, Chris was surprised when Melody handed him a certificate of appreciation and a gold peach-designed Georgia Libraries bookmark. Then she pinned the boutonniere on his jacket and he got the biggest smile on his face. But the best part was when he said, "I bet Mama will be surprised."
The December EOM appreciation could not have gone to a better person. And for that reason, we say congratulations to Chris Newton. We're so glad to know you.