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Volunteers Make A Difference In Denton County
VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
IN DENTON COUNTY
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by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
Recently, we had the opportunity to thank the many volunteers who donated their time and energy to help make our Denton County Vaccination Hub at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) a tremendous success.
We gave more than 371,700 vaccinations to residents across the region, providing a good base toward herd immunity following more than a year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
These volunteers came from across the U.S. – from Alaska to Arkansas as well as from many of our neighboring counties and the communities within the county. The Texas National Guard, FEMA, and other organizations sent volunteers to our hub. recipient shed tears of relief at receiving a much-desired vaccine.
On May 14, we recognized their valiant efforts on the last day at TMS, providing a barbecue meal, music, a slideshow of photos, giveaways including challenge coins, tumblers and t-shirts, and, most importantly, an opportunity to meet each other and collectively celebrate their commitment to helping others.
In the 16 weeks at TMS THESE from Feb. 2 through May VOLUNTEERS 14, we were able to create Police officers, firefighters, CONTRIBUTED a system that ensured and EMTs spent countless hours directing traffic, drawing vaccine into syringes, giving shots, and monitoring vaccine recipients for reactions. 47,424 HOURS, SAVING COUNTY TAXPAYERS AN ESTIMATED $1,145,757. efficiency, easy access, and equitable distribution of a vaccine that would set the foundation for a return to normalcy. Each of the estimated 8,120 Our volunteers welcomed volunteers who assisted in this effort can individuals with a smile, dancing as they take credit for their contributions to the directed traffic to stay warm in wintry good of humanity and to helping their weeks and offering comfort when a fellow residents in a time of need. These volunteers contributed 47,424 hours, saving county taxpayers an estimated $1,145,757. Never before in the history of our county, which is celebrating 175 years of existence this year, have we come together in such a fashion for a common purpose.
This effort demonstrated how a county of almost 1 million residents reached for the stars in setting a goal of vaccinating as many individuals as possible in a manner that has caught the attention of not only the White House but even national and international media.
Agencies across the U.S. as well as from neighboring counties visited our operation to determine how they could replicate our efficiencies in vaccinating large groups of individuals safely.
Our clinics set national records, we believe, vaccinating first 15,000-plus and then 17,003 individuals in a single day. With careful precision, we were able to avoid injuries in spite of moving thousands of cars into the clinic, through 16 lanes and back out every hour.
While we are no longer at TMS, these efforts continue on a smaller scale in neighborhood clinics across Denton County to ensure those who want the COVID-19 vaccine receive it. Recently, we opened the appointment system to provide more options for recipients to schedule their own dates and times among the available clinics in an attempt to make it more accessible for all.
We will never be able to thank our volunteers and staff enough for their outstanding efforts. However, we can all know that in this 175th year of existence, Denton County proved without any doubt that, together, we are all
#DentonCountyStrong.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. 940.349.2820 | andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup
CREATING CURB
APPEAL
by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign
The first impression of a home that is most critical is setting the stage for a potential buyer. It sets the tone for how the buyer sees the home, creating a perceived posture toward the home. Within 15 seconds of driving up to a home, the buyer will develop an attitude and expectation for what they will see on the inside based on its exterior curb appeal. Sometimes, a buyer will even drive away and forego viewing the inside of the home based on the exterior appearance and perceived care of the home.
First impressions are challenging, especially when you have been in your home for a while. It is hard to look objectively at your own home’s exterior, but it’s crucial to view it with buyers’ eyes. A good way to gauge your home’s curb appeal is to take a walk down your street and compare the exterior of your neighbors’ homes to your home. Look at the maintenance of bushes and trees as well as floral accents. You can also source quality drive up appeal in home decorating magazines.
Throughout a potential buyer’s visit, they will be looking for other items in the home to reinforce the attitude created by your 5. Shine — All windows and light fixtures should be clean and sparkling.
And finally, believe it or not, certain yard styles can appear dated; ie, reddishorange rocks for a front yard.
curb appeal. One way to make a nice first impression is to create an emotional connection point. Add a simple bench with pillows and some fresh blooming flowers. Adding a tea cup and saucer will punch up the emotion just a bit more.
Five key ingredients to creating positive curb appeal are:
1. Plants — Assess your yard and plant flowers in areas with low appeal. This is an economical way to add value to your home and pump up the curb appeal. Not sure what to plant? Many local nurseries have individuals who can assist and even come to your home for a small fee and help with suggestions. You want fast growing, striking, and long-lasting plants. 2. Fragrant Florals — Fresh, sweet fragrances have a dramatic impact on one’s perception and mood. Flowers are relatively inexpensive, and a small amount can go a long way. Also, check around for some colorful pots to make the flowers pop.
3. Fresh Bark — Cover up bare areas in planters and give your beds a manicured look. This is an inexpensive way to give the yard a clean and freshened appeal.
4. Power Wash — The front door, patio, driveway and sidewalks should all be cleared, cleaned and power washed. This will help in making your home feel and look new. For any tough stains, try Dawn dishwashing liquid or Coca-Cola to eliminate it.
Below is a quick way to update your curb appeal and bring more buyers across your front door threshold.
1. Invest in a new, oversized and natural bristled doormat. This gives the doorway a larger and cleaner feel. One can be purchased rather inexpensively at Target or Lowe’s.
2. Consider purchasing furniture in the form of a bench, rocker, or bistro table and chairs so that buyers can imagine a front yard resting place.
3. Consider replacing or repainting the mailbox.
4. Update or add house address numbers under light fixtures. This helps to ensure buyers and realtors can find your house!
