Together Again

An evening of food, fun and music at The Ledge Amphitheater

After 2+ years of masks, social distancing and remote working for many, more than 2,000 employees gathered at The Ledge Amphitheater on the last day of August. The reason: to be together. It was a chance to reconnect with coworkers, enjoy food and drinks, and take in an evening concert by Mick Sterling and his band performing hits by Billy Joel and Elton John.

The sunny afternoon was made even brighter by countless conversations as people caught up, in person, with their colleagues. Several people talked about how good it felt to finally be together once again.

Tammy Totz, who works in Finance, was soaking up the evening surrounded by a table of her smiling coworkers and friends. “I have missed these ladies,” she said. “I’ve missed seeing them in the office because we had our little morning chat sessions every day. And I miss that.”

My coworkers are my friends, my confidants, and my free therapy sessions.

Melissa Pribyl, community health and wellness nurse, was one of the coworkers at the table who reflected on how good it felt to be together after the last couple years.

“I love transitioning back to more in person and what feels like more normal,” said Pribyl. “I’ve always had the luxury of being out and meeting people – I mean that’s the best part of my job. So when we had to go remote, I really suffered. I’m a people person and I did not have anybody to talk to. My coworkers are my friends, my confidants, and my free therapy sessions, so I really missed my people.”

I’m seeing people I haven’t seen in forever.

For Jennifer Doyle, who works in HR, working from home has its benefits, but she was happy to see her colleagues in person.

“For the most part I enjoy being at home, but I miss seeing people every day, which gets tough sometimes,” she said. “So this opportunity is great. I’m seeing people that I haven’t seen in forever plus we’re not wearing masks, so we actually get to see each other’s faces. It’s awesome.”

People just enjoying summer. I love it.

Hani Jacobson, a community health and wellness nurse, felt the same way and appreciates any opportunity when her team can get together.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “For example, today our team had an in-person meeting. It was so refreshing to just see everyone smiling and having a good old time. One of the things I missed during the pandemic was, you know, large gatherings and people just enjoying summer. I love it.”

Getting back in person has been one of the highlights of this summer.

Heidi Blommel, who works in HR, had been looking forward to this event. “I work in HR recruitment and I love interacting with people,” she said. “So getting back in person has been one of the highlights to this summer.”

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that a good time was had by all and the Together Tour finale was indeed a highlight of summer.