Month: September 2024

I would guess nearly all of us have had a family member or friend who have faced a substance or behavioral health challenge. Helping them face the challenge and hopefully get well is difficult. But the consequences of not addressing it can be devastating. That’s why I turned to one of our local experts for guidance and advice. I first met Chantell Harmon Reed when she applied to be the Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department last March. Her passion, compassion, experience and perspective impressed me. There was no question in my mind that she was the right person to lead the Health Department and our community to a healthier future. Since she assumed the role of the Director of Public Health last March, my initial perceptions have been validated! So, I…

Because Hispanic Heritage Month began this week I’ve asked Joy Sauer, the chair of the Juntos Employee Resource Group, to share with you a little bit of her personal story.  I am sure, like me, you will be thankful she agreed. Bruce ------------------------------------------------------- As a granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, I share a common story with American-born children with Mexican heritage. We are seen as Mexican by non-Mexican people and not Mexican enough by family and friends who were born in Mexico.  Ay ya yi! (pronounced ī-ya-yī)  (This term is usually followed by a head shake and a sigh.) Growing up in a Brown neighborhood in Southern California the idea of being “other” never occurred to me. My friends were predominantly Mexican, my classmates were predominantly Brown. The customers in the…

Technically the summer ends with the autumnal equinox on September 22.  But when I talk to people, I get very different answers.  For some, it ends on Labor Day weekend. For others, it hinges on when their kids go back to school.  Some are excited for the beginning of the new football season. In Puyallup, it often centers around the Washington State Fair - including recalling how to drive through town and avoiding the Fair traffic.  A good friend stands by his premise, that with our awesome late September weather, that summer ends on October 1st. Regardless of your answer, it definitely marks a transition from one season to the next.  The hot dry days are behind us and the heavy dew and changing leaves foreshadow a new season. We…

As Executive, I have several celebrations that I really look forward to each year. The list is long and includes New Employee Orientations and Sheriff’s Department Commissioning Ceremonies; our Volunteer Recognition event; our Job Fair; ribbon cuttings; and more! But no list would be complete without including the Employee Incentive and Recognition event! Honoring our employees with long-time service and celebrating great work done by our colleagues ranks at the top of awesome experiences for me.  It is all about living our values in the service of our community. This year is no exception and I think you’ll agree our honorees are amazing.  Please join me in congratulating this year’s Standing Ovation Award winners! Effective Government Individual Lisa Thornton – Budget & Finance Office (BFO) Leadership Leadership often requires stepping…