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Name: Denise

Posts by Denise:

    Gearing Up For AARP

    April 16th, 2012

    80's Day 2011

    This Friday is our Annual Associate Recognition Program, jokingly named AARP. At this event, we celebrate, well….. us! All 160 full time associates of the Morey Companies: piers, hotels and Seapointe Village get together, celebrate associate’s years of service to the company and kick off the season.

    Currently, we have 15 associates in our Quarter Century Plus Club. Yep, that’s right, these folks have worked here more than 25 years. We are so fortunate to have such longevity! Any guesses as to which beloved associate has the most years of service?

    This year is also unique in the number of new hires. Since last April we have brought on 19 new full time associates. Some were replacing folks who decided to move on (we miss you Lindsey, but know you’re enjoying DC) and some were hired in newly created positions. We are excited for our new folks to experience AARP.

    Playing Minute to Win it Game at AARP in 2011

    Our theme this year is Summer Olympics (perhaps you saw us filming the torch run on the boards?) Leading up to the event we have spirit week (think back to your high school days and you get the picture). We celebrate Bill reaching 20 years and Geoff reaching 25 years, but that’s all I can say….., the rest is top secret and a surprise to Bill and Geoff and all our associates.

    I’d like to thank the committee for all the planning, prep work and execution. Its a big event to produce each year in addition to our regular duties.

    Finally, As we go prepare for this process each year, I am left with 2 thoughts:

    1. I hope we are able to pull this off and that it’s even better than last year… I have been known to lose a little sleep worrying about this! (or working on a presentation with Tim till 3am).

    And, most importantly,

    2.  What a pleasure it is to work for a company that values its associates and encourages us to have fun at work and with each other. That’s what makes it so easy for us to enjoy our jobs and provide a spectacular experience for our guests.

    Thanks for reading!

    Denise

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    Tips for Getting Hired by Morey’s Piers

    April 4th, 2012

     

    Tips for Getting Hired

    We have been collecting applications for several weeks now and we are about the begin setting up interviews. During my professional career, I have interviewed literally tens of thousands of applicants and have a few tips for  those of you looking for employment with Morey’s Piers.

    1.       Remember, everything you put forth is a reflection of you. Make sure you don’t have typos, misspellings or slang in your application or email correspondence. This is not the time for text language (i.e. LOL, IDK, “U” rather than “you”). Proof read your materials before you send them. We are looking for people who pay attention to details and will represent us well to our guests.

     

    Actual example of a poor email communication:

    From: XXXXX
    Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2011 6:02 PM
    To: XXXXX
    Subject:

     

    hey i sent you an email last week and u nerver responded so did u not get it or u  just dident respond?

     

    Actual example of good email communication:

    From: XXXXXXX
    Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 4:29 PM
    To: XXXXXXXX
    Subject: Employment
    Dear  Ms  XXXXX,

    Thank you for the opportunity to work at Morey’s Piers this upcoming season. I am available to begin training the week of June 19th . I will also be able to attend the orientation on May 14th. I look forward to it.

    Thanks again,   XXXXXXXX

     

    2.       Phone skills – Be polite. How you communicate with our hiring managers is a direct reflection of how you will communicate with our guests.

    3.       Be on time! If you have an interview, don’t be late. It creates a horrible first impression and leads employers to believe you are not reliable or that you don’t really care about getting the position.

    4.       Dress the part. If you don’t dress for success, chances are you won’t be successful. Our grooming motto is “Image Counts.” When you come for the interview, you want to portray a neat, clean and orderly image. Coming in hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants, and tank tops does not convey a professional image to us and may impact our decision to hire you.

    5.       Know your work availability and schedule conflicts. If you have a summer trip planned, or can only work until the beginning of August, now is the time to discuss it.

    6.       Do your homework. Know why you want to work for Morey’s Piers and make sure you can express it. Understand the basics of the job and ask good questions.

    7.       Most importantly, relax, be yourself and be friendly! We are selecting folks for our team who will provide our guests with exceptional service. Attitude is Everything – make sure to portray a positive one.

     

    Remember, we want to provide our guests with the best possible experience and that depends heavily on the staff we choose to represent us each and every day on our facilities. Good Luck!

    Apply online for one of our many positions today!

     

    4 Comments "

    NOW HIRING

    February 3rd, 2012

     

    Work with us!

    It’s that time of year! Spring is around the corner and we are about to start accepting applications for the 2012 summer season. If you are interested, or know someone who may be interested, please visit: www.moreyspiersapplyonline.com to submit an application. Please note, we do not accept paper applications, only online applications. If you don’t have access to a computer, many libraries offer free computer services or you could visit an internet cafe.

    If you have worked for us before, you will notice some changes to our site. We have completely revamped our hiring pages. We are very excited to be working with AcquireTM who developed and is implementing our online application software. Applicants will now be able to view a short description and photo for each position as well as some basic requirements. They will create a user name and password and will be able to log in at any time and see the status of their application. On our end, we can easily forward applications between hiring managers and different departments. We can also send emails to applicants right from the site.

    We will begin accepting applications today. Please don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. Many of our hiring managers are not yet returned to work for the season and will not actively begin contacting individuals until mid/late March. But, don’t let that keep you from applying early. We do review applications in the order they are received.  And don’t forget, as an associate of Morey’s Piers, you get many perks, including a free Season Pass! Good luck!

     

    5 Comments "

    Recipe: Hash Brown Egg Bake

    December 16th, 2011

    Perfect Breakfast After Opening All Those Presents!

    This recipe is easy, really tasty and can be completely prepared in advance; keeping you out of the kitchen Christmas morning!

    You will need:

    - 1 pkg (32 oz) frozen potatoes (any chunky type: cubed hash browns, roasted potatoes, etc.), thawed.

    - 1 pkg sliced bacon (or turkey bacon), cooked and crumbled.

    - 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

    - 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt

    - 8 eggs

    - 2 cups milk

    - dash paprika

     

    Preparation

    1. In a large bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. Spoon into a greased 13in x 9in baking dish. In another large bowl, whisk egg and milk until smooth, pour over hash brown mixture. Sprinkle with paprika.

    2. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-50min until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Yield: 8 servings.

    Can be prepared in advance, covered and refrigerated overnight. Remove from fridge 30 min before baking.

     

    2 Comments "

    Hurricane Irene Employee Evacuation

    September 7th, 2011

    Hmmm, where to start? I guess it began when we took out the Hurricane Readiness Plan and began to review it and put it into action. On Wednesday we began discussing possible evacuation, including transportation and shelter for our associates. We spoke with Cape May County OEM, Red Cross, and individual shelters. When we told them how many people we had, they said they couldn’t accommodate us; we had to make our own arrangements.

    Keeping Our Eye on the Storm

    We began racking our brains and making phone calls: schools, shelters, hotels…. Anywhere we thought could possibly take us. After several hours, we still had no options. When I went back to the waterpark, I mentioned it to John Famiano. John has worked for us for 17 seasons. He is a physical education teacher, but spends his summers in Wildwood as a Waterpark Manager. He immediately called his school’s Business Administrator, who in turn called the Superintendent who called the insurance company and a contract and insurance were quickly provided and signed.

    Our "Home" During the Hurricane

    Brookfield Academy in Cherry Hill and Brookfield Elementary in Haddon Heights became our lifesavers and our temporary home. Ok, we had a place, we had made busing arrangements on Wednesday…. Now we needed supplies.

    Our food and beverage department arranged for Sysco and Coca Cola to drop off meals, snacks and beverages. Sysco was extremely helpful, leaving refrigerated trucks and even ordering a refill on gas for the next morning. Joe from Sysco checked in with me throughout the time we were there.

    Lining up for the Evacuation Busses

    We bused out on Friday. The first employees left around 2pm and the last not until almost 6:30pm. I followed the last of the students up in my car. John had already been at the school in advance of the employees to unload the supplies. When I reached the schools, I was so pleasantly surprised. They were very well equipped. The schools did not confine us to the gymnasiums; they allowed us to use classrooms. We had wifi, computers, movie projectors, a basketball court and a stage where we had a talent show. Our associates made me very proud; they made the best of an unusual circumstance and choose to have a positive attitude. They treated each other and the school with respect. They helped us make meals, clean up and keep things orderly.

    Indoor Entertainment

    CIEE, the state department sponsor of most of our international students flew in two representatives from Portland, Maine to assist us with running the shelter. The international students were so pleased to see that their sponsor was there for them.

    Moreys Reps with CIEE reps and Haddon Height Mayor Alexander and Congressman Andrews' wife Camille

    One issue we did encounter, we did not have any cots. We had told employees to bring pillows and blankets and we brought matts from the waterslides to use as a cushion, but we still didn’t have enough. When the school found out we had a shortage, they put out word through their communication system. It went to the teachers and parents. From there, Mayor Alexander of Haddon Heights heard about us. He stopped by the shelter several times and put out a call to residents in Haddon Heights. The outpouring of pillows, blankets, and games was amazing and overwhelming. Haddon Heights is one of the nicest, if not the nicest, communities I have ever encountered. Residents also brought flashlights, radios, and one woman stopped by with her dog for the employees to play with.

    Donated Pillows and Blankets

    Sunday morning, Camille, the wife of Congressman Andrews, came over with breakfast for everyone. She and the Mayor also gave me their personal numbers in case we needed anything at all. Luckily, I didn’t need to call them. We got word to call the buses and arrange for an afternoon return to Wildwood. When the announcement was made that we were returning home, the group let out a loud cheer! They let out an even louder cheer when I was able to report that damages seemed to be very limited and we would all be returning to work imminently.

    Enjoying Breakfast

    Everyone was safe, well fed, maybe not well rested, but returning to an almost completely intact island….. all in all it was a positive experience that will stay with me and certainly with our employees for a very long time.

    I’d like to thank the following staff who assisted with shelter operations (all of whom had other options, but choose to help):

    Ethan Chai

    Anthony Chrzanowski

    John Famiano

    Luis Gerena

    Ivy Gregory

    Tania Hamaneyeva

    Trish Lyons

    Will B Morey

    Bill Oakley Jr.

    Sam Shurgott

    Anthony Sinnerard

    Mike Weimar

    Matt Wilson

    And our staff/partners who came by to serve meals:

    Andrew Haenchen and friends

    Kathy Santiago and Family

    Anne O’Boyle Emmer

    Paul Bakey and Family

    3 Comments "

    The Waterpark Bell

    August 22nd, 2011

    “Ding Dong”….. nope, that’s not someone at the door for dinner. It’s the sound you hear about every 5 minutes in Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Waterparks. When guests ask me what “that sound” is for, I like to have a little fun…. I have used the following reasons for what we affectionately call “the bell”:

    - Helps keep the seagulls away.

    - Marks the 100th guest into the park.

    - Lets us know it’s time to check the bathroom cleanliness.

    - My favorite, “What sound?”

    While I may tease, I do always tell the guest the real reason for the sound. The bell is an audible reminder of what is known as “The Five Minute Scanning Strategy.” Developed by Tom Griffiths of Penn State University, the simple yet effective system requires lifeguards to change their posture every 5 minutes. Physiological and psychological research has shown that after 15 minutes of performing a simple task, a person’s performance on that task diminishes. By simply changing posture, the lifeguard “resets” their attention span (think back to that statistics class in college…. head nodding and then the professor says “everyone stand up and stretch”… you’re good as new…. for about 5 – 10 minutes). Basically, it’s the same principle. The bell reminds the lifeguards it’s time to move. If you are sitting, stand; if you are standing, rove, etc.

    Now…. If I could invent a sound to keep the seagulls away…. I’d really have it made!

    5 Comments "

    Scanning 201

    August 17th, 2011

    One of my best friends (and an absolute waterpark groupie) recently asked me, “Why do the lifeguards bob their heads? Is it to see the water from different angles?”

    This was a very good question, and a pretty good guess at the answer. A few weeks ago my colleague Maggie, posted a blog on scanning (as this is a frequent question). I thought I would use the answer I sent to my friend to shed even more detail on the purpose of scanning and the bobbing heads:

    If you don’t move your head, and instead look from the “corner of your eye,” you are using your peripheral vision. Peripheral vision generally only shows motion, not detail. Someone drowning can easily look like someone playing from the corner of your eye.

    For example, if you had to cross over Interstate 95 would you look for traffic using only your peripheral vision? Hopefully not! You would probably turn your head both ways, likely multiple times before you ran across. Yet, very often we see lifeguards who aren’t moving their heads to cover their zone of responsibility. We can safely assume these lifeguards would look both ways before crossing the street, but why don’t they scan the pool like they would look for traffic?

    The difference is, crossing the street by relying on peripheral vision can result in your OWN injury, when lifeguarding, you are watching someone else’s life. We don’t instinctively treat both scenarios the same, even though both can result in death. We teach and train the lifeguards to cover the whole area with the same visual intensity they would use crossing the highway. We illustrate to them through activities that the best way to see detail, is to look at an area directly (that includes directly below their feet).

    So, if you ask a lifeguard a question, and he/she doesn’t look at you while answering; remember, if he is looking at you, he is not looking at the water. You can’t save what you can’t see!

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