Key Staff

Music soars throughout the night in the Great Dane Downtown’s Billiards room.  However, on any given weekday morning you can hear the cornet of Louis Armstrong reaching toward the ceiling at an almost uncomfortable volume.  No Britney Spears during the midmorning, but the place is hopping with “Mack the Knife,” or “What a Wonderful World.” The music selection and control over the jukebox is the one demand made by one of the “three Amigos.”  With a total of thirty-four years of combined employment, the downtown Great Dane’s employees of the year, or better said, employees of the decades, run the show.

“Get to work Johnson” seems to be the favorite catch phrase of the seventeen years Chris has been employed.  Sometimes seen as self-motivating, it is also ironic and unnecessary, as Chris strategically wipes the chairs and tables, in an almost military frenzy.  With his nose to the task, sanitizer bottle in one hand, and a towel in the other, he sings and dances even after the music has stopped.

A favorite of the other employees, Chris’ demeanor resonates with the staff, young and old.  “He’s an honorary original Daner,” and “one of the most reliable employees we have had since we opened,” according to Ted Peterson, director of operations.  

Goodwill Industries in partnership with Community Support Network provides the successful employment and coaching for Chris, Kasi, and Andy.  All four Madison Dane locations utilize these programs.  The relationship with their coaches often times blurs the lines of who is in charge, however, a spirit of dignity and respect is always present.  These work services provide experience and on-site employment for persons with severe and multiple disabilities or who may have various cognitive barriers to employment. Extensive partnerships with businesses of all sizes offer individuals opportunities to learn many different types of jobs.

While those outside of the Dane family might not know it, the affection and joy Chris, Kasi, and Andy bring to the workplace is contagious.  Their cheerful nature and ability to share their enthusiasm in work situations allow any obstacles to be overcome.  The three amigos constantly remind us “Daners”, and most everyone that they come in contact, to look on the bright side of life.

So if you happen upon Andy’s exuberant kinetic energy with his daily  “Howwww are Youuuu” greeting, or Kasi’s self-encouragement and constant sports up-dates, help us celebrate all that these three bring to the Great Dane and Madison!