Gerry Myers
Aug 2026
The position title on Debbie Tobin's business card is "Community Relations Director." My translation: she is a salesperson, which could have a negative connotation, but in this case, it absolutely does not. She is one of the nicest sales people I recall dealing with--and like most octogenarians, I've seen lots of 'em. She explained the services offered at MG-Renton and is clearly proud to represent her employer to any and all who show up. She was prepared to answer questions. I could have taken offense at the fact that she had go to get various items during our interview, but those pauses in our conversation gave me and my wife a chance to compare notes--perhaps those were intended!<br><br>I have to mention Tanya Kovtunenko. She came and sat at our table--and on learning of my poor hearing, moved to the chair next to mine. I grew up in central Massachusetts, an area heavily populated by immigrants from Poland and some other central European countries. As Tanya talked, I realized that her facial expressions and accent were SO familiar--despite the fact that I left Massachusetts in 1973--and have been back there only for vacations, and none of those for probably 20 years. Her expressive face and accent were so reminiscent of people I knew as a child that I had to hold back the tears. Perhaps there was a subconscious feeling that this is...HOME!<br><br>We felt welcomed by all those we met and sensed that MG's effort to create a community is successful--perhaps amazingly so!
