I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. Thinking about gratitude is one of the themes of this holiday (the other is eating)! Peter Currier did a great article on Thanksgiving for which I expressed my thanks for my family, friends and good in this world. I also gave a much-deserved shout-out to Robin and Kerry Plourde of the Whip City Animal Sanctuary, along with all the volunteers and animals.
My thought for this week’s column was to thank our city Health department as well as all the other city employees. Mayor Mike McCabe said it well in Peter’s article when he called them “truly unsung heroes.”
The Health Department, led by Joseph Rouse, director, and Debra Mulvenna, assistant director, has settled into a strong team working hard to address all of the jobs that took a back seat during COVID-19. They have also filled some of the holes in staffing. As they read this, if they read it, I am sure they are all cursing me for putting them on stage. This humble crew prefers to have their work done efficiently and behind the scenes. The attention drawn to the department because of the politics of COVID-19 was difficult for all of us. Many public health professionals across the nation quit in droves during the ugliness in the midst of the pandemic. I am thankful ours persevered.
