We Will Meet You at the Starting Line
The term “busy season” calls forth images of CPAs working long hours handling clients’ financial reports and tax returns. Indeed, January through April is a very demanding time of year in the life of an accountant; however, many turn to training for organized runs, long distance bike rides and triathlons as a means to stay in shape, relieve stress and undertake personal challenges.
Spring in Houston offers a wealth of opportunities for these types of charity events. Several of Melton & Melton’s staff have joined the movement and are actively training for races such as:
Tax Manager Lauri Kay leads the way with a triple crown including the Lucky Trails Half Marathon in Seabrook, CB&I Triathlon in the Woodlands and Tejas Tri in Sugar Land. In addition, Lauri incorporates charity fundraising into her activities through membership in the Cherish Our Children International (COCI) race team. As a busy mother and tax manager, Lauri enjoys the stress release and personal time away from work afforded by weekend runs and rides through the Terry Hershey Trail and George Bush Park System.
Senior Tax Manager Julie Gray is participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life as a celebration of her own life. Julie had surgery for breast cancer this January and is grateful to be cancer free! The American Cancer Society promotes healthy living to reduce the risk of cancer, as well as, early detection when cancer is the most treatable.
Also participating in multiple events this spring is Tax Principal Mary Winkle. She plans to complete the Muddy Girl Obstacle Course & Mud Run and the Tri-Girl Super Sprint Triathlon. While these will be new challenges for Mary, she has been an active member of the race community through participation in previous triathlons, an MS-150 and a Warrior Dash.
From Melton & Melton’s audit department, Partners Jennifer Clark and Jennifer Patschke are teaming up as part of a six person unit to complete the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon. This event, held on Armed Forces Day, honors the men and women of the US Military. Jennifer Clark, who recently ran the 10k Bayou City Classic Fun Run, cites training for these events as a great way to keep stress levels down, and get the relaxation needed to stay focused when working. Jennifer Patschke is also running the Austin 10/20. This unique run has 20 local bands set up on stages throughout the 10 mile course.
Finally, Audit Manager Dave Ritz is training for his fourth MS-150 bike ride from Houston to Austin. This annual ride held shortly after the April 15th tax deadline, is a great way to celebrate the informal end of busy season with 10,000 other cyclists. Dave is an active member of the Urban Bicycle Gallery Cycling Club and a regular at the shop’s Wednesday night rides. What is the best part of training for the MS150? “A greasy cheeseburger on the way home from a long training ride!”
We hope to see you at the starting line!