Shush! with Debi - Puyallup Library Podcast

Episode 42: Comic Books and Literacy Discussion with Officer Chad Pearson and Tech Services Librarian Paul
Debi talks comics, manga, and graphic novels with Officer Chad Pearson of the Puyallup Police Department and Paul, the library's own Technology Services Librarian.
Chad and Paul have been reading and collecting comics for most of their lives. They shares thoughts on the evolution of the medium, favorite characters and stories, and the value of comics in encouraging children to read. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special visit from a certain caped crusader.
To learn more about Free Comic Book Day:
https://www.freecomicbookday.com/

Episode 41: Roger Nix - Retired Educator, Peace Corps Volunteer, and World Traveler
Debi chats with retired educator and world traveler Roger Nix.
Roger is a longtime Puyallup resident and loyal patron of Puyallup Public Library. He shares stories of his time volunteering for the Peace Corps in the Middle East and teaching in public schools. Through his tales, he promotes the value of education, lifelong learning, and staying curious about the world.
To learn more about volunteering for the Peace Corps:
https://www.peacecorps.gov/serve/
 

Episode 40: Chad Pearson, Puyallup Police Department's Community Resource Officer
Debi sits down with Chad Pearson, Puyallup Police Department's Community Resource Officer.
Officer Pearson has spent years with Puyallup PD and has grown strong roots in the local area. He shares stories of the city he loves and helps to protect and of the heartbreaks and inspiring moments of working with vulnerable members of the community.
To learn more about Puyallup Police Department:
https://www.puyallupwa.gov/2437/Police-Department

Episode 39: Mona Zeller and Jack Chaffin from Johnston Architects of Seattle
Debi talks interior design and architecture with Mona Zeller and Jack Chaffin from Johnston Architects of Seattle.
Johnston Architects is a women-owned architecture and design firm that created the new Teen Zone and its adjacent new study booths and study room in the library. Mona and Jack share their library stories and influences and discuss the importance of engaging young adults directly to learn their needs and interests.
To learn more about Johnston Architects' story:
https://www.johnstonarchitects.com/our-story

Episode 38: Kathy Stancik, Retired Employee of Woodbine Cemetery in Puyallup
Debi sits down for a chat with Kathy Stancik, retired employee of Woodbine Cemetery in Puyallup.
Kathy shares her experiences helping families through the process of death, grieving, and burial. She also shares tales of the history of Puyallup found in the cemetery, including graves of many of the city's founders and original citizens.
To learn more about Woodbine Cemetery:
https://www.puyallupwa.gov/164/Cemetery

Episode 37: Leaders from the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber Of Commerce
Debi talks to leaders from the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber Of Commerce. Alison Schaffer is the President and CEO and Diana Collins is the Executive Vice President.
Alison and Diane, both long-time Washington residents, discuss the importance of the Chamber to local businesses big and small and the value of collaboration between entrepreneurs and Chamber representatives. They also offer wonderful learning opportunities for local business owners via their Leadership Institute.
To learn more about the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.puyallupsumnerchamber.com/
To discover more about the Leadership Institute:
https://www.puyallupsumnerchamber.com/leadership-institute

Episode 36: Tricia Smith and Elizabeth Ferrier of Mountain View Community CenterDebi sits down with Tricia Smith and Elizabeth Ferrier from Mountain View Community Center in Edgewood, WA. Tricia is the Executive Director and Elizabeth is the Senior Programs Manager.
Tricia and Elizabeth discuss all the wonderful free services offered by their Community Center to improve the quality of life for all ages, including senior activities and the Seeds of Change community meal program. Working with seniors and children has given them both wonderful stories to tell, some of which they share.
To learn more about Mountain View Community Center:
https://www.mtviewcommunitycenter.org/
To learn about their free Study Buddies tutoring program for children:
https://www.mtviewcommunitycenter.org/study-buddies-tutoring-program
To learn about the Seeds of Change meal program:
https://www.mtviewcommunitycenter.org/community-dinner

Episode 35: Dulce Cafe and Chicanos Mexican Food Truck owner Yonilda "Yoni" Morales
Debi chats with Yonilda "Yoni" Morales of Dulce Cafe and Chicanos Mexican Food Truck.
Yoni shares her experience opening her first coffee shop, Dulce Cafe, in downtown Puyallup in May of 2025. She brings a Mexican flare to traditional Pacific Northwest coffee, crafting exciting fusion drinks as well as offering novel takes on Mexican sweets. Her family runs a long-standing Mexican food truck just down the street and she discusses juggling two small businesses.
Learn more about Dulce Cafe:
https://www.dulcecafewa.com/

Episode 34: Puyallup Daffodil Princess Kennedy Boyd
Debi sits down with Kennedy Boyd, one of Puyallup's very own Daffodil Princesses.
Kennedy shares her academic aspirations of becoming an OB-GYN, the people who most inspire her, and the quest to become a Daffodil Princess, where winning the title is only the beginning.
Learn more about the Daffodil Festival and becoming a princess here:
https://thedaffodilfestival.org/so-you-want-to-be-a-princess-everything-you-need-to-know-about-daffodil-selection/

Episode 33: Christine Seymour and Laura Ross of The Ethel Gathering Group
Debi chats with Christine Seymour and Laura Ross of The Ethel Gathering Group.
The Ethel promotes social connections and organizes activities to help senior women combat loneliness and isolation. The Ethel Gathering Group of Puget Sound covers the west side of Washington from the Canadian border to the Oregon Border. Christine and Laura plan events and offer outreach to new members of The Ethel and infuse their efforts with the experience and hope they have from overcoming hardships in their own lives.
To learn more about The Ethel Gathering Group of Puget Sound:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ethelgatheringpugetsoundwa/
To learn more about The Ethel project itself:
https://www.aarpethel.com/gathering-groups