Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Tiffany Schaefer was recognized for the hard work she puts into the concession stands at the gym, baseball diamond and football field.
Even though she doesn't get paid, she still puts in the time and the work.
The New Rockford Chamber has selected Tiffany Schaefer as the August Employee of the Month. This mother of four keeps three concession stands at local sporting events operating efficiently year-round, a role she gladly fulfills.
Schaefer began her tenure on the Rocket Boosters board of directors in 2016, when her oldest son Connor was in fifth grade. She and her husband Mike later joined the SNR Baseball board in 2020. Now her youngest is in sixth grade, and she has just begun her ninth year as New Rockford's capable concessionaire.
SNR Baseball parent Dusti Nystrom nominated Schaefer for the award.
"Tiffany always makes sure there are enough volunteers to work concessions. She gets everything ready and orders all the supplies," Nystrom said. "All the fans appreciate having the concessions available."
Over the past few weeks she's been busy preparing for the fall sports season. With the first home football game this Tuesday and home volleyball match Thursday, Schaefer has spent several hours scheduling workers, cleaning and stocking the stands and ordering the supplies needed for the full slate of contests on the schedule for the coming weeks.
Once the season begins, Schaefer said it takes about six to eight hours a week to take inventory, reorder and restock for upcoming games. She practically runs on autopilot, as she has detailed notes on the size of the crowd from each opposing team and knows exactly what their fans are most likely to purchase on game day.
She has also coordinated the hospitality room for state volleyball and basketball, and kept the team tent stocked for state track. When SNR made it to state baseball, she was also there to make sure the team and fans had their fill.
Many others before her have freely given their time to keep the concession stands running smoothly. And likewise, there will come a time when she will pass her knowledge and notes along to the next volunteer.
Until then, she will keep ordering the burgers and buns, preparing the taco meat and stocking the drink coolers to keep Rocket fans and their guests content on game day.
"I like to be able to give back and support the kids," Schaefer said.
She appreciates all the great parents, who are always willing to pitch in when needed to keep the concession stands running for the dozens of games held at the gym, football field and ballpark each year. "It takes a village most days," Schaefer said.
With that kind of help, her load gets a lot lighter, and the work even more enjoyable. "Everyone has one goal in mind – to help the kids. That's what matters," Schaefer said.
Schaefer said Rockford Theatre volunteers will be manning the food stand in the cafeteria for the 2024 Rocket volleyball season, with all proceeds going to rebuild New Rockford's iconic downtown theatre. The E-sports team will also take their turn for a couple of matches, with proceeds to go toward competition expenses.
Do you know someone who takes pride in their work, and who shows genuine care and concern for others? Nominations for Employee of the Month are always open. Employee of the Month is a program sponsored by the New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize local people for customer service excellence. Pick up a nomination form at the Transcript office or Miller's Fresh Foods, or fill out the form online at https://shorturl.at/vBSV3. Send written nominations to P.O. Box 67, New Rockford, N.D. 58356 or email newrockford[email protected].
