MAA President's Message
May/June Message
Dear Colleagues,
With March’s Board of Review behind us and April’s reports neatly filed away, we can now return to our regular activities without the pressure of looming deadlines and heated debates (though, let’s be honest, they’re never far away). This time of year I find myself particularly energized as an assessor. The call for fieldwork beckons, and it offers a welcome escape from the monotony of office life.
In my area, there is a new subdivision boasting stunning views of Red Mill Pond and architectural designs that rival those of luxury properties. Recently, I had the pleasure of touring a renovated schoolhouse originally built in 1920. Its soaring twenty-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and grand woodburning fireplace transported me to a chalet in the Alps. Truly awe-inspiring!
I have always been captivated by architecture. Every property improvement, no matter how small, catches my attention. Whether it’s a dilapidated house transformed by dedicated new owners, or a commercial property repurposed with creativity, like the old auto garage in Tecumseh turned into an ice cream shop. I am continually amazed.
Of course, our work as assessors brings its own set of challenges, particularly in 2024. Safety remains paramount, and we must exercise caution in our fieldwork, especially given current circumstances. That is why I am looking forward to the 2024 Annual Summer Conference, where MAA is offering the course “2TheRescue: Communication Skills & Personal Threat Assessment.” It promises to equip us with safety precautions to navigate our work effectively.
As I embark on this year’s assessment journey, I take pleasure in the tasks that bring me joy, particularly outdoor inspections during the seasons of spring, summer, and fall.
Here’s to all my fellow assessors in the field, may you discover that one diamond in the rough that brings a smile to your face.
Amanda Lacelle, President