City employees show their support for one of their own

On Wednesday, July 13, anyone entering City Hall or spotting many of the city employees around town were greeted with an amazing sight. Many of the city employees were decked out in wonderful hats and white t-shirts with bright pink lettering that read, “Team Tammie” and in red lettering, “Fight For A Cure.” Tammie Schmitz was hired as the city’s Court Clerk in January 2013 and according to City Clerk, Barbara O’Connor, her spirit and personality has become infectious in the city offices.

O’Connor stated, “She is a valuable employee, always positive, dedicated and goes the extra mile with her position.  Tammie is one of those refreshing people, who is full of faith and good from the inside out!!”

“When she shared with us that she has breast cancer, we decided to support her and her positive attitude became contagious! We have weekly placed “something” (fairies, angels, wind chimes, stepping stones etc.) in her home garden on the day of her chemo treatment.  The first one was a surprise and it is our hope that the thought on the way home from a treatment of “what have the girls done this time?”  has helped keep her thinking the positive thoughts that are needed to battle the ugliness of cancer.  She loves the surprises she finds when she returns home from a treatment.

 Her first three month round of chemo went very well and the second round was beginning last Friday.  Tammie dresses each day to the tee with scarfs and hats, all very coordinated and fun!  So we decided to wear the Tammie shirts and hats to surprise her and again show her how much she means to us!  Our surprise was a success and brought tears of appreciation from Tammie.  We followed the “greeting” with a brunch for Tammie.

The battle against cancer is easier with a positive attitude and Tammie is the epitome of positive-ness.  In all our trying to help her, she has shown us the dignity and grace of a woman strong beyond belief!  She has helped us!!!  Having said that….. who knows what City Hall will come up with next for Tammie!”

The smiles, laughs, and attitudes of the city employees was infectious on that Wednesday and it was apparent how well they work together and how much they care about each other. The city seems well served by such a caring staff.