AUGUST 2021
Your Monthly News & Updates
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Greetings NTMCA Members!

Did you know that August 6, 2021 is National Root Beer Float Day? I never knew there was such a thing!
 
According to wincalendar.com, National Root Beer Float Day promotes the consumption of the fizzy beverage. Root beer floats are typically made with vanilla ice cream and root beer. The beverage is made by adding one scoop of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass. Root beer is then slowly poured into the glass until the foam rises.
 
The owner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing Frank J. Wisner is credited with being the first person to create the first root beer float in 1893. It’s said he drew inspiration for the dessert while looking at the snowy peaks of Colorado’s Cow Mountain. On August 19, 1893 he combined root beer and vanilla ice cream. He called the creation the black cow.
 
The number one brand of root beer in America is A&W. According to rootbeerrespect, the root beer company got its start in 1922 when Roy Allen partnered with Frank Wright, hence the name A&W. For those of us who count calories, A single root beer float from an A&W restaurant has about 331 calories. I think it’s worth the splurge! Enjoy!!!
A BIG THANK YOU
to our Professional Seminar Committee Shelley Scazzero Major – Chair, City Secretary, Hudson Oaks and Alicia Smith, City Secretary, Willow Park. I have heard great feedback on “Are you On-Brand?”
 
Lacey and Kristen talked about “Branding Resources” and how the various social media platforms are used to provide information to the public as well as reinforce the City’s “brand.” The presenters shared that it is important to provide good customer service on social media in the same way that you would if a resident called, e-mailed, or visited City Hall in person.  The goal for good customer service on social media is 5-1-24: respond to a comment within five minutes, maximum time one hour, and completely resolve the comment/request within 24 hours. The presenters discussed ways to handle “keyboard warriors,” the social media commenters who post negative or snarky comments to the City’s account. They talked about using judgment to distinguish between the keyboard warriors and the tough, but genuine questions and to engage publicly with the commenter at least twice before taking the discussion to a private message format.
 
The group also talked about centralization and branding. It’s important to have all City departments using the City’s brand in their graphics designs, business cards, etc. to emphasize that it is one organization working together. Thank you Kristen and Lacy!   
 
Thank you to our Professional Seminar sponsors as well! We couldn’t do it without you! 
Be sure to join us for our joint meeting with the Lone Star Chapter! TMCA President Aimee Nemer will be our speaker/ presenter and I know she will have a lot to share with us! Hope to see you at:
 


Richardson Civic Center/City Hall
411 W. Arapaho Road
Richardson, Texas 75080
Richardson Room
Alyce Deering Scholarship recipient Aimee Nemer
submitted the following article for the June 17-18, 2021 – TMCCP seminar in Granbury.
 
Speak your mind; also, be mindful of those that may not.
 
We all want to be heard, but not all of us are able to articulate our thoughts and feelings as well, or as loudly as others. Those that do easily speak their mind should consider quieter personalities and encourage them to share their opinions – and give them that chance by being quiet.
 
Just because you can speak your mind, doesn’t mean you should – always. Consider the timing, your audience, the setting, and what you have to say. Does it really need to be said? Sometimes, YES! And sometimes, it’s okay to let the moment pass or keep that thought to yourself. It’s also okay to let others speak while you remain silent.

When I was younger, I was one with a quieter personality. Some of my friends and colleagues would say that I am still today. That’s because I am drawn to big, bold, personalities…bigger and bolder than mine; so, in comparison, I am typically less outspoken than my friends. Yet others may think I’m one to easily share my opinions. Whether you consider me an introvert, or an extrovert depends on the lens you are looking through. But my perception of myself is my reality. And in my opinion, I’m no longer a quiet one! Some days, I wish I was, some days I still think I am, and some days I wonder who is this person speaking her mind?
 
When I interact with various groups socially or professionally, I strive to seek out those voices that have something to say but struggle to be heard. I recall the times in my life when I did not speak up and why. Sometimes it was fear, lack of confidence, or lack of knowledge. But sometimes, it was because the other voices around me were louder and spoke easier and more often than me. “I have something to say…give me a chance!”
So, I encourage those that speak easily to stop, listen, and look around. Who else has something to say? Give them an opening. And I encourage those who have something to say, look for those opportunities, and don’t let the moment pass! If you have to create your own moment, do it!
 
I felt led to write this article for those that need some encouragement, but it is not meant to shed a negative light on those who are quiet. There is nothing wrong with being quiet and most of us could surely benefit from some quietness. To borrow a phrase from Miranda Lambert, “It takes all kinds of kinds.”
 
Sometimes we have to speak for ourselves. Other times, we have to speak for those who cannot. But whenever possible, we should inspire those who can speak but don’t – so they can be heard too.
 
Aimee Nemer
 
I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.
Malala Yousafzai
Here is your Kindness Korner encouragement for August.

I always thought of “kindness” as a verb. You have to take action to be kind, provide an act of kindness. Although it is easy to do, it does take an action, just saying.
 
I like that “kindness” is a noun as well. It is defined so when we act there is meaning and value behind the act itself.
 
Have an Awesome August!

Sincerely, Traci Henderson, President
Brief Reminders for Important Dates & Events
  • August 12, 2021 – NTMCA Business Meeting – Scheduled for in person in Richardson
  • September 8, 2021 – NTMCA Business Meeting – Scheduled for in person in Roanoke
  • October 13, 2021 – NTMCA Business Meeting – Currently Scheduled as Video Conference
North Texas Municipal Clerks Association | ntmca@ymail.com | www.ntmca.org

President: Traci Henderson, North Richland Hills | 817-427-6062

Vice-President:

Treasurer: Christine Green, University Park | 214-987-5302

Secretary: Lindsay Wells, Euless | 817-685-1434

Historian: Alice Holloway, Joshua | 817-675-1405