Harwich Honors Dean Panko For Customer Service

HARWICH – Select Board member Jeffrey Handler was so impressed with the customer service experience he had with a Red River Beach town parking attendant that he took the time last week to honor the gentleman.

“I try to never miss an opportunity to recognize somebody who is doing a hell of a job, whether that be family, business, or the town of Harwich. That’s what I’m doing right now with Dean Panko,” Handler said at last week’s select board meeting.

Handler said he was heading into Red River Beach to investigate an issue raised to him when he reached the beach guard stand. The asphalt temperature was 130 degrees, humidity 100 percent, and the parking lot was packed.

“Good afternoon, what can I do to help?” the beach parking attendant asked Handler.

Handler did not have a beach sticker on his air-conditioned vehicle, but he proceeded to tell the attendant the nature of his visit and a 15-minute dialogue ensued, during which Handler learned how Panko conducted business there.

“Dean is an all star,” Handler said.

Panko holds discussions with beachgoers, Handler said, advising that they might not find parking. When vehicles come in without a sticker, Panko explains there is a $20 day pass, and when people are hesitant to pay that amount, he asks them how many days they will be in town. When they say five, six or seven, Panko recommends they purchase a non-resident sticker for $65, and provides a map that will direct visitors to the community center to purchase a sticker.

Panko will also encourage visitors unfamiliar to the town to explore the shops, restaurants, and walking village of Harwich Port. That is a bit of advice that gets a thank you from visitors, Panko said.

He has collected day passes at the beach to the point where sometimes he is overwhelmed, but he remains courteous to those seeking to access. The recreation and beach department recognized Panko’s contribution, a week earlier naming him parking attendant of the week.

“I learned a lot about what Dean does for the town of Harwich and just want to say thank you for what you do for our town,” Handler said. “You are such a fantastic employee, and it is time to recognize somebody who I never would have met if I wasn’t part of this select board.”

“First off, thank you for inviting me here,” Panko responded. “I’ve had a lot of big experiences in my life, but this is really special, and I will always remember this for the rest of my life. I want to thank the town of Harwich for recognizing people and honoring them. I think that’s very nice.”

This is the first year Panko has worked as a town beach parking attendant. He works three days a week, but Recreation Department Director Eric Beebe said they have plans to use Panko in additional programming capacities, including monitoring open gym sessions, aiding in adult programs, etc.

“The recognition he has received is well deserved. He has been exemplary as a seasonal town employee and gate attendant,” Beebe said. “He is very thorough with his daily responsibilities at the beaches and a great ambassador to the many visitors to our beaches. Dean has been a very valuable addition to the recreation department’s team and we hope to have him for many more summers to come.