Stephanie Miller
CPA at Rodefer Moss & Co., PLLC, a regional
accounting and business advisory firm
Volunteerism:
I have always been extremely passionate about animals. I first
started volunteering at a local animal shelter by walking dogs when
I could on the weekends and soon realized I wanted to find a way to
help more. That is when I reached out to the Floyd County Animal
Rescue League (FCARL) and asked if I could join their board. I
effectively became a board member in 2018. Floyd County Animal
Rescue League is such a great organization and with the rest of the
board and our one staff person it is just an absolute amazing team.
We have put together free microchipping clinics, we help support
the New Albany Animal Shelter, we hand out medical vouchers to
those who may need them for their pets, and recently through the
COVID-19 pandemic, we have put together a Pet Food Assistance
Program for Floyd County residents that may be struggling during
this time to feed their pets.
How has the coronavirus outbreak impacted your life
most and what will you tell future generations about
COVID-19 from your perspective?
I am fortunate to work in an industry that is considered “an essen-
tial business,” so fortunately I am able to continue to work and
provide for my family during this crisis. I know there are many
people that have not been so fortune, including many of our firm’s
small businesses, not-for profits, and individual clients. As tax time
is normally our busiest time of the year, the extended tax deadline
of July 15 has provided time for our leadership team to regroup
and determine strategies for our clients. They depend on us for
financial guidance and during this time of tremendous fear and
uncertainty, need it now more than ever. Our responsibility is not
taken lightly as we are doing everything we can to quickly interpret
and understand how new
rulings, and assistance pro-
grams being handed down
by our state and federal gov-
ernments, might impact or
assist our clients during this
unprecedented time.
From a personal perspec-
tive, I believe during these
difficult times we all need
to be mindful of the people,
and even animals, who may
need someone they can
depend on for help. I think
everyone who is able should
begin asking, “How can I
help?” I know with social
distancing we have to be
careful in how we help, but there are ways we can still manage to
do so. For example, the elderly may be alone, scared and need food
delivered or medications picked up. Animal shelters are in need of
fosters; do you have room in your home to welcome a pet since
many of us now have the time at home? I know many people have
lost their jobs; is there a way you can help them find another one,
even if it is temporary to help them still provide for themselves and/
or their family? Medical supplies are running short; is there a way
for you to make masks at home and send them to local hospitals,
grocery stores, or law enforcement?
I would tell future generations that it greatly affected our com-
munity, our state, and our nation by threatening lives of citizens,
isolating people from friends and family members, shutting down
every aspect of our lives. It produced economic uncertainty that
has not been seen since the Great Depression. I hope I can also
add, while this has been a scary time, it has also been inspiring to
witness how everyone came together and by doing so, lessened the
death toll and economic impact to our nation because they asked;
“How can I help?”
Curtis Riddle
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
are doing everything we can to be safe for
their sake.
My story for future generations will not
only revolve around the new buzz words
of coronavirus, COVID-19, and social
distancing, but how the image of a hero
in our country transformed in a matter of
weeks. The virus forced the majority of
businesses to close, as well as cancelations
of sporting and social events throughout
our country (and the world). As the virus
spread in an unprecedented manner, fear
and uncertainty also spread as the number
of confirmed cases and deaths increased
daily. The medical professions became
the heroes on the front line of this deadly
battle. Despite the possibility of contract-
ing or spreading the virus themselves, they
worked as many as 14 hours a day, and
in many cases without the protection of
proper medical equipment. All in an effort
to provide medical care to patients infected
with the decease and limit the lives lost in
the Coronavirus Battle.
May / June 2020
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