Page 6 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - December 2023

6

RETIREMENTS

44 years of dedicated work

Wellness Center’s Debra Shortman
recognized by tribal members, staff

By Bobbie Bush
More than 30 people gathered on Dec. 20 to
express gratitude and well wishes to Tribal Health
Care Facilitator Debra Shortman, who retired after
an impressive 44 years of service to the Chehalis
Tribe. The Wellness Center was packed with
supporters.
Wellness Center Office Manager Megan Walker
thanked Debra for her dedication with a wonderful
speech: “Hello everyone. Thank you for coming
to help us celebrate Deb’s 44 years of service at
the Chehalis Tribe. As everyone knows, no one is
more reliable or hardworking than her. When we everyone knows where she lives, they should stop
say someone works 24/7, that’s Deb. Deb always by anytime. She also said she holds many phone
ensures that things get done. Her unwavering numbers in her memory.
commitment to her duties has often meant that I Assistant Tribal Manager Chris Pickernell
have had to practically force her to take her well- wrapped a Pendleton blanket around Debra.
deserved time off, going as far as threatening to Presents were given with gratitude from Chehalis
take away her access to the building! Deb never tribal members and staff. The cake was cut and Debra Shortman is congratulated on
thinks twice about the clock on the wall or the eaten. her retirement after 44 years of service.
day of the week because her mind is always on Debbie Gardipee from SPIPA was there to thank
serving the community. We are saying goodbye Debra for years of collaborative effort in meeting
to an irreplaceable part of our team. We will miss the needs of tribal members and community. More
her steady presence, can-do spirit and unwavering people stopped in to visit, eat cake and wish Debra
dedication. Deb, you’ve given 44 incredible years. well on her journey into retirement.
We are so grateful. Now it’s time to relax and have Our community has been blessed by the
fun with your grandkids and family. We all wish dedication and problem-solving skills Debra has
you the best. Thank you, Deb.” used to serve. We will all miss her very much but
Debra said thank you for the kind words look forward to seeing her at community events
and was visibly moved. She joked that because with her grandchildren.

Tribe bids farewell to longtime employee

Penny Gleason
appreciated by family,
friends and co-workers Penny
Gleason’s
By Bobbie Bush family
surrounds her
Chehalis tribal elder Penny with love and
Gleason marked a milestone on support as she
Jan. 4 when she was recognized retires from
for almost 35 years of service to the Chehalis
the Chehalis Tribe. Tribe’s
Director of Tribal Facilities Facilities &
and Infrastructure Chuck Infrastructure
Burnett, the Chehalis Tribal department.
Business Committee and fellow
staff members all acknowledged was gifted presents to celebrate her tacos, spinach dip, vegetables and Penny’s family gathered around
Penny’s years of dedication. retirement along with a bouquet of fruit trays with a chocolate cake for photos to remember the day.
Chehalis Tribe General Manager flowers, a little plant, a gift bag and and apple crumb pie! The milestone of retirement is
Long Liu and Chairman Dustin Lottery scratch-off tickets. Penny said she appreciated that a huge achievement and we wish
Klatush wrapped Penny in a A buffet meal featured Penny’s the folks who chose the food know Penny well on her next phase of
beautiful Pendleton blanket. She favorites: split pea soup, street her tastes well. life free from the 9-to-5 workday.