By Mary O’KEEFE

Those who have been to the Harvest Market on Sunday mornings have seen Steve Pierce. He is the guy who is usually racing down Honolulu Avenue talking to vendors and, recently, making sure everyone has on face coverings, and measures and marks six feet spaces and entry and exit paths for vendor booths.

Pierce is also one of the guys who organized the annual Montrose Movie Night, and for years took care of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the corner of Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard (Pierce is a Vietnam veteran). He also helps oversee the seasonal decorations installed along Honolulu Avenue and is the film liaison for the area and the Montrose Shopping Park Association. None of these activities/events are without stress and yet Pierce has always taken a positive attitude when meeting every challenge.

On Sunday, he retired from his MSPA duties. He is taking time to spend with his wife, kids and grandkids. At an understated event on Sunday, representatives from Assemblymember Laura Friedman, State Senator Anthony Portantino, Glendale City Council and MSPA board all shared their praise for Pierce.

“Steve is one-of-a-kind. He is not only a terrific volunteer but also a terrific person with a kind heart,” said Paula Devine, Glendale City Councilmember.

She, along with fellow Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian, were at the event to thank Pierce for his collaborative work with the City of Glendale.

For five years Pierce served as the caretaker for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; he then worked with MSPA for three years helping on a variety of events the organization sponsored, along with taking on the role of Marketplace manager for the Harvest Market.

“Life has officially given you permission to splurge, so enjoy and relax,” said Andre Ordubegian, president of the MSPA board. “You are the person who gets everything done, the person who moves ahead and takes everyone else along.”

He praised Pierce for being a team builder, all the while with that positive attitude that Pierce is known for and “a smile even when things are not going so well.”

“You never let anyone down,” Ordubegian said. “It is not every leader who can accomplish so much with such grace, dignity and respect … We are so proud to have worked with an extraordinary person like you. Thanks for making everything extraordinary and brightening up every day for us.”

Pierce was surprised by the event celebrating his retirement and simply said “thank you.” The event was organized by Victoria Malone who will be taking Pierce’s place as Marketplace manager after he retires.

Pierce plans to continue helping the Shopping Park, even walking along Honolulu Avenue and picking up trash.

This is not the first time Pierce has stepped back from being a community organizer. He served on the Crescenta Valley Town Council for years, many of those as the Council president. When he left CVTC he said he would be stepping back from volunteer duties, but that didn’t last long. He soon began working with MSPA, joined the CV Fireworks Association, was on the committee for the Montrose Christmas Parade, volunteered with Prom Plus, contributed to the American Legion Post 288 as a member … just to name a few organizations he has been part of.

So though Pierce is “stepping back,” many of the people who know him well advise to keep your eyes open; most likely Pierce will still be found lending a hand where needed.

  Mary Okeefe