Month: August 2021

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.  Additionally, it is a day to recognize women’s achievements, specifically in the efforts to gain equality with men. At Pierce County, we have many women leaders who are serving our residents extremely well in some of our most demanding roles! Without question, COVID has been one of the most significant challenges we have ever faced, and the three leaders at the forefront of our response are Heather Moss, Jody Ferguson and Betty Capestany (Directors of Human Services, DEM and Economic Development, respectively). Their teams’ pandemic responses and recovery work have been recognized at the state and national level! But our group of strong women department leaders doesn’t stop there! Dr. Karen Cline-Parhamovich…

You may have heard that the month of August is “Walk Everywhere Month” in Pierce County.  I’ve used that declaration as inspiration to walk more myself. I don’t know that I’ll win any prizes from the Pierce Trips Walk Everywhere Challenge, but it couldn’t hurt!  And, to be honest, walking more will help me a lot. Replacing some of the places I drive with a walk will help manage stress, improve my fitness, and even save money.  This week I walked to meetings I would have previously driven to, and even strolled to the site where I regularly donate blood. Walking is a great way to really see a community and this summer’s weather in another incentive to get outside. And if we’ve learned anything over the last year and a…

It’s been said that “teamwork makes the dream work.”  Unless you are Bruce Wagner, you probably never dream about roads, but I wouldn’t blame him if he did! Summertime means lots of things - kids out of school, time spent relaxing at beaches and in the water, and ... road work! That’s right.  While you are hopefully getting some time away for much needed R and R, our Roads maintenance crew springs into action to take advantage of drier weather. I must admit watching the Roads crew in action as they apply chip seal is inspiring!  It’s hard work that requires remarkable attention to detail, nonstop movement, and great skill. Thanks to Bruce W. and crew I recently had the chance to watch as a couple dozen of our colleagues…

As a kid growing up in University Place, I loved going to the Puyallup Fair.  Hobby Town, the Dairy Barn, the Pig Palace, scones, and exhibits – I loved all of it.  I also liked the rides – at least most of them.  Once, after visiting one too many food booths, I boarded the “Zipper” with my friends.  If you are unfamiliar with this ride, it had three different rotation movements – all simultaneously!  Not long after our ride started, I knew I was in trouble.  I felt dizzy, disoriented, and queasy.  I wanted to shout, “please stop the ride, I want to get off!”  I didn’t panic, but closed my eyes, focused on breathing, and soon the ride came to an end – without me embarrassing myself! As I watch…