MmX Thanks You!

A reflection MmX 5 on Youtube

First off, before I start rambling, a great big THANK YOU  for every single person who did something to move this idea along. It took a whole bunch of us at different degrees, and everybody’s efforts made a difference. Sunday and today are kind of special days for me being after-the-stresses of the lead up to an event; waking up in the middle of the night knowing a t-shirt needs to be displayed differently, or we forgot someone, or someone needs parking, or do we have sandwiches – all of the small things! So Sunday was especially precious as I got to reflect and enjoy the calm after the storm. There were a few points at which it seemed impossible or at best foolhardy. Especially after talking with colleagues who are still firmly only in the online world, but online isn’t the kind of help Decatur needs, and I’m so pleased that we went ahead to move back to in-person. It took so many cascading tiny moments like saying hi to Taylor from Northeastern Community Fund who showed up at an event at Donnies with 2 friends and then whose partner’s band performed on Saturday! I try to communicate this stuff to students – how do you make a big successful event? It is an accumulation of outstretched hands in moments of interaction that go on to create another one and another one. 

 

Some people suggested panels, some people helped at 7AM or 9PM, whatever your contribution was, the most important thing is that you all showed up and really showed out! It made me believe that the future of the community is firmly in our hands, together. One of the late additions, Bennie of Suite 704, suggested an artist, Blazo GotBars, and Blazo brought about 25 people along with family members to be on stage and enjoy the afternoon. Then, Darrin at Oakwood created a 5 minute spot for him, and ultimately, an indelible memory of a community working together and making a difference! We welcomed back ffriends and supporters and started new relationships with INCSpot, 217 Babs, and more – we hope to make more new alliances as the year progresses! So from early support from the Decatur Economic Development Council, Decatur City Visitors Bureau, Decatur Hotel and Conference Center, Neill at Donnies opening up at 8 to make coffee for us, Brian running to get his step ladder, Peggy reaching  out to friends to be on a panel (not to mention assembling an amazing booth!), Nick Smith making himself available and all the help with WSOY, and Shani doing the redo of the final redo of the last final FINAL redo of the FINAL Final program – to every single person who helped in any way – THANK YOU! 

 

I am excited to look at the possibilities in November and getting onto MmX 6, 7, and 8; because, as some of you have heard me say, “If they can do it in Millersville, we can do it in Decatur!” 

 

Of course, at some point soon there will be a document for the 5 things you think were done well, the 25 things you think could be done better (HAHA), and we will take all of that into consideration to reach out to the community as we move forward. Again, thank you with the deepest sincerity!