June 16, 2023
MDA Staff – Real People. Real Lives.
While I happily tout the skills and commitment of the MDA staff team in this space, there’s also occasion every now and then to highlight some scenes from their personal lives. We’re a small team, and we follow and support one another through the different seasons of life. I’m sure it’s the same way in your practice setting. This week just happened to include several big news items so I thought I would share them with you.
Off to the Races – Bachelorette Style
Vicki Wilbers’ daughter, Macyn, is getting married on July 1, and last weekend was the long-awaited bachelorette party. Macyn loves horses so the entire event was designed to be a Derby Day at Church Hill Downs in Louisville, KY. Much secretive planning had gone into it including the arrival of a large group of friends and family. At the last minute, they learned that due to recent horse deaths, the track in Louisville was closed and the races were moved to Ellis Park Racing in Henderson, KY—same state and sport, but more than 120 miles away. Vicki frantically worked on a last-minute bus rental to accommodate the transportation needs. What looked like potential disaster turned into an unforgettable event. The ladies were decked out in their derby dresses and fancy hats and absolutely stole the show at the races. Three different local news crews interviewed Macyn for a story, and the track treated her like royalty and gave her access to special places like the Winner’s Circle. Vicki was beaming in her retelling of the weekend and how happy Macyn was. Just goes to show you that it’s not how you start the race but how it finishes that matter. Congrats to all, and I will be boots on the ground at the wedding in a couple weeks to bring you an inside report. Let’s see how the mother of the bride holds up then!
Off to the Races – High School Rodeo Style
Melissa Albertson’s family is a ranching and rodeo family. Everyone can ride and rope and tend to livestock. They traverse the backroads of Missouri and beyond competing in high-stakes rodeos. I love to hear these stories because it’s a life that city boy, Paul, knows nothing about. Melissa’s daughter, Kate, is quite accomplished in several rodeo events, and this last weekend was her MO High School Rodeo Finals. The highlight reel included Kate and her horse, Dollar, winning two of the three rounds and setting a personal record in pole bending. And for the third year in a row, she won the All-Around Cowgirl title. In addition to bragging rights, she received some good loot to like a custom saddle and more than $2,500 in cash and prizes. Next up is a family trip to Wyoming in July for the National High School Finals Rodeo—her success at the state level helped her snag qualifications in three of her four events. Kudos and good luck, Kate!
Shhh, It’s a Surprise Baby Shower!
This was the title of an email a few weeks back when Stacey and a few others began to plan a baby shower for our own, Halie Payne, who with her husband, Kaleb, is expecting her first child in August. The women in this office love little babies and soon to be little babies, so you know this was going to a grand event. I loved that we actually surprised Halie and that we got to spoil her with gifts and love. There’s more to come on this story as well.
Bittersweet Departure
Amid all this excitement, came the news this week that Denise Lehmen will be moving on from her accounting manager role with the MDA to work for the family business. While this is great for her and we cheer her future success, she will be dearly missed. Denise joined the MDA very shortly after I did so we learned together and have worked together often on Foundation and MOMOM projects. Her attention to detail and her work ethic are high level and have saved the MDA money and time on countless occasions. Denise does a lot of work with HR and the building as well, so her institutional knowledge is strong. We will draw down that knowledge as best possible until her final day in mid-July. And we will welcome the next team member who steps to the plate. Transitions are part of life, but for now the news makes me sad. All the best to you, Denise!
The Week Ahead
It’s C4S conference week, finally, so hopefully we see many of you at Margaritaville for a wonderful event (you can still register online through Sunday night). I need to sell just 4 more tickets to reach our C4$ goal. Recently “Money Bags” Margie Kunze decided to challenge my Paul “Big Money” Roberts team to sell more tickets. Well, I’m not threatened but I do hope you choose team Big Money Roberts when you snap up your chance for $1,500 cash. As for the blog, it will be on hiatus next Friday until I can deliver a full C4S report, plus some photos from the KCU School of Dental Medicine ribbon cutting ceremony.
Quote of the Week
“Life is one big transition” – Willie Stargell
