She holds her own in the Hilton Public Works Dept.

Karen Strassner was a part-time worker mowing lawns for the Village of Hilton in 1997 when she heard of a full-time opening in the Hilton Public Works Department. Encouraged by her father, Dale Zarpentine, who had worked for the Town of Parma, to seek outdoor work, she applied for the job. Superintendent Tom Tilebein interviewed her and she was hired. Tilebein says, "It was the best thing we could have done."

Strassner has a Commercial Driver's License and takes her turn on the street sweeper, sewer cleaner, salt and stone spreaders, garbage packer, and an 11-ton recycling truck - her principle assignment.

Strassner and the Public Works Department are a good match. Assistant Superintendents Mike McHenry and Keith Brown agree that she has worked out well and is capable as are all the departments' employees. Co-worker Seb Burritt says, "She's as good a worker as anyone in the department."

In Strassner's view, "Life began for me when they hired me. I'm lucky to be in a job I love. I'd be happy to retire from this job if my health allows. Everyone in the department is helpful and easy to get along with. They're all good workers."

She is a single mom with four grown children.