Monday, December 21, 2009

Billy Jim, Grandmas and more....

Merry Christmas week! I can't believe 2009 is almost over. It will definitely go down as one of the most memorable in my life. If I had the time to sit down and do a timeline from beginning to end, I don't think I'd believe it all myself.
Brentwood Home Page's biggest story today is a sad one: The passing of Billy Jim Vaughn, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 1 for almost 75 years. He died Saturday at the age of 97 and no doubt is smiling down on everyone from the Boy Scout camp in the sky.
Son Martin had ACL surgery on Friday so the Leathers will be sticking close to home this holiday season, and loving every minute of laying low (well, between trips to Vandy for rehab, that is).
Our Sunday School class is hosting Room at the Inn on Christmas Eve. It's one of the most special things we do, and truly makes you remember the "reason for the season."
That's it, I just wanted to post an update here and direct you to BHP. Hey, Mere Bulles has donated a $100 gift certificate for this week's BHP member drawing. Make sure you sign on as an official member so you will be eligible!
Take care out there over the next few days, and remember to smile!
Susan
www.brentwoodhomepage.com

Monday, November 30, 2009

A busy December ahead....

Greetings all!
I just wanted to stop by here and say Hi! and to remind you to please check out Brentwood Home Page -- and share it with your friends. It's been an amazing three-month run already, with steady readership and advertising growth. Can't wait to see where we'll be in another three months, year, and onward.
We have posted a Holiday wrap of events that we'll be adding to as we get them. Please be sure to bookmark it and to check back often for new additions. As well, the city's Morning with Santa, annual tree lighting and luminaria display are just ahead.
Fires have destroyed three Brentwood homes in as many months. Today we offer fire-prevention tips from Asst. Fire Chief Brian Goss. And coming up later this week, exclusive interviews with Cal Turner, former CEO of Dollar General and owner of the farm we all claim as our own, and Jo Dee Messina who is giving TWO free benefit concerts in Brentwood this Saturday.
Brentwood High didn't make it to the state finals in football, but we still salute them, as well as Brentwood Academy for their great runs toward the titles this year.
Read stories on the above, plus much, much more at www.brentwoodhomepage.com.
Oh, and are you a BHP Facebook fan yet? Our goal is 1000 by the New Year. If you're a Facebook member, please "friend" us today!
Happy Holidays!
Susan

Monday, November 2, 2009

Beautiful Monday, and one full of news

Good Morning! It's a glorious day in Brentwood this Monday, Nov. 2. If you haven't checked out Brentwood Home Page today, you should. Here's a sampling:

Proposed school calendars already creating buzz

Leve: Discussion begins on Thursday

On Saturday, school board member Terry Leve shared with his District 6 constituents an email outlining three proposed 2010-2011 Williamson County Schools academic calendars. By Sunday, many Brentwood parents were already heating up the internet, passing emails back and forth about the proposals.

Brentwood shops say 'Happy Holidays' early

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. That means holiday specials and promotions are just around the corner. For many stores, it also means the time has come for this season’s open house events – with several planned as early as this week.

Fifth annual Hoover Run's Saturday

The Hoover Run for Hope 5k and children’s one-mile run is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7 at Kenrose Elementary School in Brentwood. In its fifth year, this event has raised more than $100,000 to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

And my own BrentWord column:

Respect the past but let's move on with the future
I think Brentwood, and Williamson County as a whole, are at an important crossroads. Must we always hold on to the past or might we take a chance to see what exciting things the future might hold?
The question has been heavy on my mind for the past several days. It doesn't stem from one event but several I experienced in the last week.

Are you a BHP member? Sign up for our email alerts and you become automatically eligible for our free giveaways! We'd love to have you follow us on Facebook and Twitter too.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

A few updates....

I sure hope you've made Brentwood Home Page (www.brentwoodhomepage.com) YOUR home page, or at least signed on as member. We have fresh stories every day, breaking news as it happens and the best columnists in the state of Tennessee. Truly.
We send our thoughts and prayers to the Mott family, whose Highland Park home was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Sunday. We send our congratulations to the Owen Chapel Church of Christ for celebrating 150 years, and to the City of Brentwood for earning an A for its part organizating and orchestrating the record-setting Greater Nashville Race for the Cure on Oct. 10.
You can find out more on all of these stories by visiting www.brentwoodhomepage.com -- The Go To Place for Everything Brentwood.
Don't let those imposter sites fool you: We're the only one for Brentwood, by Brentwood.
Have a great day!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Happy Columbus Day!

It's Monday, Oct. 12, Columbus Day. Guess that means the BHP post office box won't be filled with any big checks today. So sad.
But if you are one of the lucky ones who get the day off, celebrate by catching up on the all the news at Brentwood Home Page, www.brentwoodhomepage.com.
Take a few minutes to check out our sections, read past columns and submit your group's upcoming events on our community calendar.
And if you participated in, or know someone who participated in, the 2009 Greater Nashville Race for the Cure held on Saturday right here in Brentwood, be sure to check out all the stories, slide shows and photo galleries. You may just see someone you know!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

One month anniversary of BHP start today

Can you believe it's Oct. 1? My dad turns 82 today, Emory & Henry is undefeated in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in football, the weather is beautiful and Brentwood Home Page is officially one month old.
Life is good.
In the past month, I have written 22 BrentWord columns and at least that many news stories. We've established ourselves as Brentwood's media leader in timely and complete coverage of public safety, government, local sports and more.
Our ad sales are increasing and more and more people are learning that www.brentwoodhomepage.com exists.
We're exhausted. And pumped.
Please continue to send your ideas and feedback, support our advertisers (and tell them you saw their ads on BHP!) and to share our address with everyone you know who works and lives in Brentwood.
AND, if you sign up to be a member by Oct. 7, you'll be automatically entered in our first promotional drawing! This time we're giving away a Nike Sport Watch, courtesy of Fleet Feet. Already a member? Don't worry, your name's already in the pot!
Have a great day!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Get thyself to the library!

It's raining and dreary outside, but let's just enjoy it for a while.
Want to make sure everyone in Brentwood knows the Brentwood Library is unveiling its major expansion and renovation project this Saturday, from 10am to 1 pm.
You can find out all about it, plus get a sneak peek with our slideshow, at Brentwood Home Page (www.brentwoodhomepage.com) today. And while you're there, see how many Brentwood entrepreneurs are being honored tonight by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, catch up with our columnists, check out our Race for the Cure page (you know the huge event is moving to Brentwood this year, right??!), the latest school news and more.
Oh, and don't forget your umbrella if you're headed out. The Brentwood forecast, according to the Accuweather forecast at BHP calls for a thunderstorm around noon Wednesday!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

A king is coming to Brentwood!

Greetings all!
I hope you've been following BrentWord over at www.brentwoodhomepage.com but if not, thought I'd share a few highlights from columns I've written this week:
  • A real King (and his queen) is coming to Brentwood next month. You learn amazing things when you spend a Happy Hour with Mayor Betsy Crossley.
  • The 'Secret Life' of teen sex, teen pregnancy and teen parenting threw a loop in plans to get ready for a teen flower party.
  • The city's Parks Director Dave Bunt and his bride Jennifer celebrated Labor Day the old-fashioned way: By celebrating the labor and delivery of son Parker.
  • Brentwood lost a talented treasure last week but her friends at The Martin Center are going to make sure she's not forgotten.
  • And my most recent: Did you know mastodons once roamed Brentwood? It's true!

Follow this link to BrentWord columns on BHP. And please help us spread the word about Brentwood's only independent, exclusive news source by and for people who live here.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Today at Brentwood Home Page

Happy Thursday!
The sun returned this afternoon, just in time for some Thursday night football. Ravenwood's playing at home; the Titans are playing downtown, and college ball is on TV. And, of course, the 'Dores are going to take it to Western Carolina on Saturday!
Today at Brentwood Home Page, you'll find our second slide show. We may just get good at it if we keep trying. This one features pictures of the incredible new library at Brentwood High School. OK, it's not entirely new but it could be. Check it out.
In BrentWord, I share a few of my favorite Facebook friends thoughts. Hope they don't mind.
Dr. Jim Wellborn starts his new parenting column that's all about parenting TEENS. Yes, we still need some help and advice even when the kids get older. In fact, we need more of it.
Jill Burgin has new column on what she didn't do over summer vacation.
And there are lots of new postings on our inside sections, many of them contributed by readers like you.
So, there you have it. If you haven't checked out www.brentwoodhomepage.com, you can now. We're putting new stories up everyday. Please sign in so you can start getting our email blasts. Actually, sign up even if you are already getting the email blasts. You'll then be eligible for contests and giveaways of things like tropical vacations and gold bars and Titans PSLs and season tickets. And if you believe that ...
But please do sign up, and spread the word about "the go to place for everything Brentwood."
And, of course, thanks for reading

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Have you checked out BHP today?

Today at Brentwood Home Page (www.brentwoodhomepage.com), you'll find:

In BrentWord: How the Brentwood chamber speaker took second billing to the speaker he brought with him.
In City News: A report from last night's City Commission meeting that includes castles, Boy Scouts and speed bumps.
In School News: First there were 5, then there were 3 and now there are 2: Finalists for Williamson County Schools' Director of Schools position.
In Business News: Hot Pink celebrates its 5th birthday.
Coming up: Fall sports overviews for BHS, RHS and BA, and much more.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Brentwood Home Page lives!

Dear BrentWord readers,
It's been a pleasure sharing news and nuggets about life in Brentwood here at brentword.blogspot.com over the past several months. But today I'm happy to announce that Brentwood Home Page (www.brentwoodhomepage.com), Brentwood's only independent, online "newspaper" is now live and my blog will move over to that site immediately.
This site will remain active in case anyone wants or needs previous posts. Who knows, I may even post fresh news here once in a while just to keep life interesting.
In the meantime, please check out our new website. The official launch date is Sept.1, but we activated our beta site in order to get feedback, constructive critiques and suggestions from people like you, and to tackle technical issues we didn't know existed until the site went live. For instance, if you are on a Mac, we've learned the home page runs really wide, though inside pages seem fine. We hope to have that solved ASAP.
I'll still be twittering @brentword, but we have a Brentwood Home Page twitter account too, @brentwoodhomepg. Please follow us! We'd also love for you to become a Brentwood Home Page fan on Facebook. Our goal is 500 fans by Sept. 1.
Thanks to all who have mentored, coached, supported and second-guessed Kelly Gilfillan and I as we've undertaken this venture. More than one of you has told us we won't take a vacation for the next three years.
Good thing Brentwood's such a great place to live.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Need a job? Jefferson's is hiring!

Just got off the phone with Jeff Webb, owner of what will be Brentwood's newest restaurant as soon as it opens.
Jefferson's, part of a small chain of family-friendly sports bar and grill restaurants, could open its doors at 214 Ward Circle in Maryland Farms today except for one thing: employees.
Jeff told me that's the hang up right now and he'll open as soon as he has hired and trained wait staff and cooks. Unbelievably given the economy, he said he's had a hard time attracting staff.
So if you or someone you know would be interested in learning more, have them contact Jeff at 661-9464. What are the job requirements? "That they be polite," he said.
Love it.
The photo is from Jefferson's Lawrence, Kansas location. Can you picture yourself doing the same thing here?
In the meantime, check out Jefferson's website to get a sneak peek at the menu, which specializes in wings, burgers and oysters. It should be a nice addition to the ever-growing mix of eating options we now have. http://www.jeffersonsrestaurant.com/.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Introducing Brentwood Home Page

City's only exclusive news source
plans 'soft launch' this weekend

Sorry BrentWord the blog's been lacking in fresh material over the past few days. The kickoff party for Brentwood Home Page, our new independent, online "newspaper" exclusively covering Brentwood, took place Tuesday. The site, www.brentwoodhomepage.com, is going live in a few days with its official launch September 1. As you can imagine, it's been busy around the BrentWord/BHP home office.
What can you do, dear readers, to make Brentwood Home Page a success?
Read it, critique it and send us suggestions over the next few weeks to help us get all the kinks out before we tell the masses it's here.
Once the site is live, if you belong to a Brentwood-based civic organization with a meeting or fundraiser or lecture coming up, add it to our community calendar. Have a car or diamond ring to sell? List it in our free classified sections. Do you have a story idea to share? Send me an email at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com.
If you own a business or a professional office here, consider advertising with us, or listing your business in our business directory. We'll be happy to send you a media kit or meet with you to discuss all the possibilities. Email kelly@brentwoodhomepage.com for details.
If you see news happening, email news@brentwoodhomepage.com.
Follow us on Twitter @brentwoodhomepg and become a fan of Brentwood Home Page on Facebook.
And most of all, please tell others that http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/ is "The Go To Place for Everything Brentwood." Or at least it will be soon.
BrentWord will find a new home on the website too, along with Jill Burgin's "Joyride" and Dr. Bill Fleet's "Sawdust and Turnip Greens" columns. Dr. Jeff Wilson's unique look at how life and faith intersect will be featured in his weekly column "Ankle High in Deep Water." And Brentwood-based environmentalist Don Green will be writing on "green" issues that concern our city.
More regular features are planned and many other talented journalists will be contributing writers.
Thanks for being part of the amazing ride that's been BrentWord.blogspot.com these past six months. Brentwood Home Page will be much more.
Hop on the train and let's start this journey together.

Latest crime report just released

Capt. Jeff Hughes of the Brentwood Police Department has released the most recent crime report, with crimes investigated through Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Business burglary
* Glass on the south door of the Sonic at 208B Wilson Pike was broken and cash taken on Aug. 11. A suspect has been named.
* A rear door was forced open at a Sunset Road home between Aug. 8 and Aug. 10 when the owners were out of town.
* A front door was forced open at an Old Smyrna Road home on Aug. 12. Computers, jewelry, cameras and other items were taken. A neighbor saw a maroon sedan leave the residence.
Theft from motor vehicle
* Purses and their contents were taken from a car parked at the Brentwood Library on Concord Road after the passenger side windows were broken out on two vehicles.
Vandalism
* A Bridlewood Lane mailbox in River Oaks was damaged on Aug. 9 just after midnight.
* Car windows were broken out of a vehicle parked on Brookview Drive in Liberty Downs in the late night, early morning hours of Aug. 12 and 13. A juvenile has been named as a suspect.
General Theft
* Furniture and other belongs were taken from a self-storage unit on General George Patton Drive on Aug. 1. An acquaintance was named as a suspect.
* Cash, merchandise and Lotto tickets were embezzled from the Mapco Mart on Moore’s Lane. A warrant has been obtained on an employee.
* Credit cards and insurance cards were removed from a wallet at Valentine Interiors on Franklin Road Aug. 5.
* Employees of a mobile auto detailing company are suspected of filling their water tanks at Crouch Engineering at Wilson Pike Circle between May 28 and Aug. 6. Suspects have been named.
* Movie and video games were shoplifted from Costco on Seaboard Lane Aug. 8. A suspect was arrested.
* Toilet paper dispensers were pried open at Crockett Park between Aug. 8 and 9.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Fairest of the Fair? Scales students!

Proud mom Mary Ann Hernandez emailed this morning that the Little Miss Williamson County Fair pageant had two Brentwood winners.
Congratulations to Carly Clo who won the crown and Alicia Hernandez, right, who was second runner up. Both are students at Scales Elementary and "both girls were beautiful!" Mary Ann writes. No doubt.
Judges were Miss Tennessee and two past Miss Tennessee contestants.
Keep those fair accounts, pictures and blue-ribbon news coming!

Monday, August 10, 2009

City paves way toward new Pewitt Drive

Pigs can fly and Pewitt Drive might actually become a real city street -- or at least half of it could soon be fixed to public-road standards.
It's true. A face lift just might be in store for part of the private road that is a major connector in the heart of our existing Town Center.
The City Commission adopted two resolutions Monday night that would spur the project along. The first authorized a contract for the Pewitt Drive sewer relocation project, while the second authorized "an agreement with Ragan-Smith Associates for engineering services for roadway improvements to Pewitt Drive."
In a nutshell, old sewer lines that now split two parcels of land located between Pewitt and the railroad tracks basically into undevelopable property will be replaced by new and more beautiful sewer lines under the new street. We're talking the half behind the under-construction Pinnacle Bank and adjacent retail buildings.
This is something to celebrate folks. I foresee the inaugural Town Center/Mole Festival now taking place not only down Town Center Way, but across Pewitt Drive too. Unfortunately, however, we may have to put it off until 2011 unless everyone can get this project going and quick.
You see, the approved plans don't include sidewalks. City Manager Mike Walker said whoever develops those properties will have to put in sidewalks that meet the Town Center C-4 Zoning regulations themselves. And we can't have a festival without sidewalks. That's why I gave up on the idea of hosting it on Centerview Drive a few years ago.
And there's another rub. Bobby Campbell of Campbell Glass has put up small "For Sale" signs at his property located at the corner of Town Center Way and Pewitt. If the asking price I hear, but have not confirmed, is true, those sidewalks may be a long time coming.

Christmas comes early to principals


The bigger-than-normal crowd at Monday night's City Commission meeting was on its best behavior before the mayor hit the gavel and got things going.
Turns out most of the individuals filling the right-hand corner of the board room weren't citizens upset over last month's rise in sewer rates, or Boy Scouts working on government merit badges.
Every principal of a Brentwood public school was on hand to receive a gift from the city -- gifts in the forms of checks approved as part of the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.
Maintaining excellence in our local schools is a priority, Mayor Betsy Crossley said, as she shared that over the years the city has donated more than $3.6 million to local schools. This year's donation totals $225,000 "or almost a quarter of a million dollars."
Each elementary school principal received a check for $10,000, while each middle school principal was handed an envelope with a $15,000 one. Kevin Keidel and Dr. Pam Vaden, principals of Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools respectively, each gratefully accepted checks written out for $60,000.
Keidel said he wanted to thank the board "not only for the donation, but for all your support." He specifically mentioned the city's recent ban on guns in city parks which allowed schools to continue to use park facilities for school athletics and other programming. Brentwood High, which is just completing a $3.8 million renovation, will use the money to buy computers for its new library, he said.
In addition to the principals, school board members Pat Anderson, Susan Graham and Terry Leve, who all represent Brentwood districts, attended.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Graham
Speaking of the school board, Graham sure earned some brownie points for being there. The mayor noted to one and all that it was Graham's 50th birthday. She had delayed celebrating with her family in order to see the check presentations.
I knew I liked that woman. But gosh, I would have sworn she was 38 like me.



Former BHS QB packs on pounds, talent

Check out this story by Jeff Lockridge in today's Tennessean Sports section ...

By Jeff Lockridge
Thomas Welch has told his teammates on the Vanderbilt offensive line that he was once a lean, mean quarterback at nearby Brentwood High.
Not everyone is buying his sales pitch.
"I can't believe that," senior center Bradley Vierling said. "That's what I hear. He can still throw the ball a little bit, but I like his hand on the ground."
Welch was the Bruins' quarterback as a junior but he spent his senior season as a 6-foot-7, 220-pound tight end/defensive end in 2004.
As he readies for his senior year at Vanderbilt, he weighs 310 pounds. He has moved from tight end to right tackle to left tackle since arriving on campus.

Read the entire story at http://tinyurl.com/BWwelch.

Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics.

Kids: Let the countdown begin

Bruins will start right on time
I just love a good rumor. So, apparently does Carol Birdsong, Williamson County Schools spokesperson. I could almost see her smiling about the most recent one I sent her to dispel.
Sorry Bruins, Brentwood High starts bright and early Thursday morning, right on schedule.
Apparently some had heard it was opening a week late because of construction delays.
Not so, says Carol. "I just love a good rumor but I have to say that there is not one bit of truth to it. We are looking good at BHS. .. I hope to head over that way this week to see the new TV studio and classroom."

RHS population tops 1900
Over at Ravenwood, the rumors of a growing student population are true. Dr. Pam Vaden, RHS principal, told the Brentwood City Commission Monday night that as of this morning, enrollment there has topped 1,900. Luckily for her, she was at the meeting to receive a check from the city for $60,000. She said it will go in part to the additional instructional materials needed to keep up with the growing number of students.
As for the rumor that the increase at Ravenwood can be attributed to the growing number of private school students who are switching to public given the economy, well, Carol shoots that one down too ... to a point.
"Regular growth is the reason for portables at RHS,"she said. "We knew well in advance we would have to have them there.
"I don't have any numbers to give you regarding private school enrollment although we know we have had some increase (from private school and home school students) across the county."

And on a final note...
Two days and counting kids: Have you finished your summer reading?

Calling all Brentwood fair winners!


Congratulations to Lisa Rusche of Nashville Needleworks (and The Brentwood, a Bed & Breakfast), who won a Blue Ribbon for her Lamb & Eggs needlepoint at the Williamson County Fair.
If you win a contest or ribbon, let me know so I can blog about you! Just send an email to susan@brentwoodhomepage.com and put Fair Winner in the subject line. Feel free to attach a photo too!

Mayor: Fairview pig went gangbusters

Don't ever think Mayor Betsy Crossley is one to make excuses. No sirree, she gives credit where credit's due, and in this case, she gave it to a little brown pig that put her piggy to shame.
The second annual Mayor's Pig Race Friday helped kick off opening night activities at the Williamson County Fair and our Brentwood mayor tried her best to retain the crown won last year by then-Vice Mayor Paul Webb. Alas, it wasn't to be.
County Mayor Rogers Anderson's pig brought home the bacon, by winning two of the three heats.
"My pig was doing great, and I really thought we had it until right at the very end when that pig just held up," she said. "The Fairview mayor's pig just came up gangbusters." And beat hers by about 25 snouts, she said.
Since she was just elected to a two-year term, she said she looks forward to coming back and trying again next year. She added she will spend the off-season in training. Not sure exactly what she means, but when she puts her mind to something look out.

Speaking of the fair, check out its website to see what's happening out there today and the rest of the week. Plus, here's a link to a Tennessean story about how corporate sponsorships help keep our local fairs afloat.
Maybe the 2010 edition will be the "Williamson County Fair presented by Brentwood Home Page." It has a nice ring to it.

Williamson County Fair website: http://www.williamsoncountyfair.org/
Middle Tennessee fairs find ways to stay afloat: http://tinyurl.com/BWcountyfairs


Not giving in to bum knee

Speaking of the mayor, Betsy let her friends on Facebook know that she is having knee surgery on Thursday.
What's the matter, I asked her.
What's not the matter, she replied, rambling off a long list of things like arthritis, a torn meniscus, something about a burr and a this and a that; well, you get the picture.
So how long are you going to be out of commission? I asked.
"Well, I'll probably miss Rotary on Friday," she said, but noted she expects to be back in the office on Monday, albeit on crutches.
As for tonight's City Commission meeting, she said it should be "pretty mundane and boring," but hinted by the time September rolls around, things should liven up again. I think that's good news...

Friday, August 7, 2009

Fair weather ahead! Cotton Candy too

If it's hot, it must be time for the Williamson County Fair, which opens this afternoon for a nine-day run.
But the heat can't be helped, County Commissioner and one of Brentwood's best people, Tom Bain, told me Thursday. As the baby of the Tennessee fair circuit, Williamson County had "to get to the front of the line or the back of it" when it rejuvenated itself after a 50-year lapse four years ago.
The powers that be decided August was a better bet than late fall, so the second week in August it is, come searing temps or drenching rains or a combo of both. But don't let that deter you. In fact, the 10-day forecast looks pretty good. Sure, there's a chance of isolated thunder storms most days, but what summer days aren't like that? And temps are supposed to max out in the mid-80. Can't ask for much better this time of year.
Sounds good to me. And I can't wait. I need a new set of Ginsu knives. Now, I'm not sure if I'll find them there, but I've got my fingers crossed. The best knives I've ever owned I bought at the Sonoma County Fair in a pavilion packed with hawkers who sold everything from dusting wands and Orange Glo cleaner to waterless cookware.
Tom couldn't promise I'll find a pavilion full of purveyors, but he did say several will be found on the top level of the air-conditioned arena. Can't wait to check them out!
And should anyone get tired at the fair, just be on the lookout for Mayor Betsy Crossley, Commissioner Paul Webb, John Lackey, Tom Allen and Arley Henry who are among the Brentwood volunteers Tom has lined up to be "Fair Ambassadors." He's got Police Chief Ricky Watson and Fire Chief Kenny Lane on call. They'll be driving courtesy carts around the fairgrounds to give a lift or a hand to anyone who needs one, taking up tickets at the Elvis show and more.
Commissioner Joe Reagan, a CPA by trade, has worked the fair from the start as a money counter. And Sonnie Bain, one of the talented women who run Brentwood Baptist Church, is a roving ambassador, doing whatever husband Tom says needs to be done.
You have to love these folks. And all the other volunteers that make the fair happen every day.
Hope to see them, and you, there!





Warning: Think twice before attacking

Since January of 2005, about 400 Brentwood women haven't gotten mad. They've gotten RAD.
The Brentwood Police Department offers free Rape Aggression Defense classes several times a year. The most recent class graduated Thursday night.
BrentWord intern Shanna McHenry took the class to write a first-person story on the RAD program. But even if she wasn't "working" it, as a college student, she was a great candidate. In fact, several mom and college-age daughter teams took this most-recent class together.
On Thursday, they put together all the tips, moves and defensive actions they had learned earlier in the week. Good thing their would-be attackers, aka Brentwood Police Officer Mark Wood and RAD volunteer Jeff Knutson, were well protected though they looked like red Michelin men. These ladies didn't hold back.
I won't steal any more of Shanna's thunder, so look for her story, video and a slide show when Brentwood Home Page launches in coming weeks.
And if you're a lady, age 14 or older, give serious thought to signing up in the future. I know I am!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Three candidates make cut

WCS board to invite Carroll, Dearden
and Looney back for full-day visits


This just in from Carol Birdsong, Williamson County Schools spokesperson...
The Williamson County Board of Education met in special session Thursday night to narrow the field of candidates in its Director of Schools search. The Board voted to invite three candidates to return to the district for a second interview.
Those candidates include:
* Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, AL
* Dennis Dearden, senior vice-president, Partnership for Excellence, AZ
* Mike Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, AL
The candidates are expected to visit the district, each for one day, Aug. 18, 19 and 20. Those visits will be scheduled through the search firm, Ray and Associates. More information regarding the visits and second interview will be released when dates, times and locations are confirmed.
The next regular meeting of the Board will be Monday, Aug. 17, in the auditorium of the Administrative Complex.

Crime report: Donation jar among victims

Police still offering $1000 reward
I hope George Whobrey, arrested for taking a donation jar with cash from the Moore's Lane Mapco on July 29, really needed the cash.
The crime was just one of several included on the just-released Brentwood Crime Report covering the last two weeks. Capt. Jeff Hughes has been in training and unavailable to file the report until today.
He was still in town, however, and in the office preparing for his conference, when the call came in July 25 for a burglary in progress on Brentwood Parkway. It turned out to be the burglary that stopped life in Brentwood at the corner of Franklin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard that afternoon for several hours while lookie loos kept watch on the police action and response from both BPD and Metro officers. The officers' actions led to the arrest of Thomas Stoll.
The crime report also includes the previously reported actions on July 26 that led to the arrest of Mitchell Clemons, Abanzer Tsegaye and a juvenile for a residential burglary on Manley Drive. A search for the suspects in west Brentwood neighborhoods and an automated telephone call from the police department had residents on alert. (http://tinyurl.com/BWarrests)
Chief Ricky Watson told me last week that he thinks at least one other burglar or team of burglars is responsible for some of the recently reported burglaries. Capt. Hughes told me on Tuesday, however, that all has been quiet in the last week, so either they are laying low after learning about the all-out police response relating to the other cases, or perhaps they have moved on. Both officers stressed the importance of citizens staying on alert, locking homes and cars, and always calling the department if you see any suspicious activity. Quick action by the victims in the July 25 and 26 cases helped lead to the subsequent arrests.
Other recent crimes reported include:
Power tools and camera equipment were taken from a Davis Drive home. Two suspects have been identified. Power tools and a generator taken from a garage in a vacant house on Brunswick Drive late July 30 or early July 31.
Five thefts from motor vehicles were reported between July 26 and Aug. 4. In four cases, the vehicles were unlocked.
A GPS, USB cable transmitter were taken from a vehicle on Southerland Place in the Mayfield subivision. A radar detector and CDs were taken during the same time frame from a vehicle on nearby Meadowlawn Drive. A GPS and iPod were taken from a vehicle parked on River Oaks' Paddock Place between July 30 and July 31, and a purse and checks were taken from a car parked at the Franklin Road Exxon in north Brentwood on Aug. 4.
On July 27, two vehicles parked at 200 Powell Place in Maryland Farms had their catalytic converters cut off .
No robberies were reported, but eight incidences of general theft were. They include:
A pipe cutter, wrenches and a bucket taken from an unlocked garage between July 13 and July 27 at a Woodland Hills home; credit and debit cards taken from a purse in the Pear Tree Avenue office on July 27; a wallet and its contents taken from a purse while the victim shopped at the Franklin Road Kroger.
Arrests were made and suspects named in two separate shoplifting cases at Ross Dress for Less on Galleria Boulevard and suspects have been named in two cases involving theft of company funds.
The city itself was a victim, when someone forced open the front door of the building at Crockett Park. Nothing was reported taken. And between July 29 and 30, a lawnmower was taken from a storage unit behind Glover and Glover on Wilson Pike Circle following a forced entry. It was later recovered.
Recent vandalism cases still under investigation
The city is offering at $1000 reward for information leading to the arrests of suspects in several vandalism crimes included in the report.
Twenty-nine mailboxes were damaged on Moores Lane, Gordon Petty Drive, Maryland Lane and Covington Drive in Brenthaven between July 27 and July 29. During that same time period, windows were broken out of several cars in the Brentwood Pointe condominium complex. A window was also broken out of a vehicle on Shady Place, also in Brenthaven, between July 27 and 28.
And in yet another disgusting report of vandalism in Oak Hall, feces was spread on another Ansley Drive resident's front door.
If you have any information about these incidents, please share it with the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160 (http://tinyurl.com/BWreward). It seems like only arrests and prosecution will stop some of these "pranks" that are not funny at all.

BW exclusive: TCT 2010 season

Though Towne Centre Theatre has two performances plus two more shows to go before concluding its third season, BrentWord has the scoop on what's ahead in 2010.
Our very own community theater will open its fourth season with Moon Over Buffalo, followed by I Remember Mama, Gypsy, Once Upon a Mattress, Exit the Body and A Christmas Story.
But until Feb. 5, when the curtain rises on playwright Ken Ludwig's comedy that earned Carol Burnett a Tony Award nomination, local theatergoers have lots of other opportunities to enjoy the restored Frierson Street theater.
Into the Woods, the musical which offers alternative endings to familiar fairy tales, ends its run this weekend, with final performances tonight, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (60+); and $16 for students with ID. You can reserve tickets by calling 221-1174.
After talking with Julie Murphy, the theater's office manager (and frequent TCT cast member!) on Wednesday, I can't wait for the next show, Dearly Beloved, which sounds like Steel Magnolias on steroids. It opens Sept. 25 for a three-week run, but Julie shared that a really fun fundraiser is being planned on Sept. 24 that will not only include the play but a Texas-sized wedding reception as well. Stay tuned for details.
The 2009 season winds down with the Rogers and Hammerstein family classic, The King and I.
Its run is Nov. 20-Dec. 12 and lots of children and youth will be needed for the cast so keep an eye out for audition notices later this fall.
Hmmm, maybe I could be one of the kings many wives?
I'll share 2010 season ticket info as soon as it's all squared away. I know I'll be getting one. This sounds like the best season yet.

A few links for your reading pleasure...

If you have a few minutes, take the time today to read Bonnie Burch's lovely story in today's Williamson A.M. on 15-year-old Grace Gregory of Brentwood and her special relationship with Opie, the horse taking her to prominence in the world of dressage, but more importantly opening up her personal world in a most amazing way. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/BWfriends

And in today's Williamson Herald, sports writer Donnie Conley has a story on the BHS Bruins' football program and coach Ron Crawford, who he describes as "a model of consistency." Read more at
http://tinyurl.com/BWbhsfb

Five interviews down, WCS decision ahead

James Wilson, former Fulton County, Ga. superintendent who during a brief tenure with Williamson County Schools was Centennial High School's first principal and oversaw its construction, was the final of five candidates interviewed this week for the open Director of Schools position.
The school board will meet at 6 p.m. tonight before its regularly scheduled work session to discuss the candidates and decide on its next course of action, which reportedly will be to select who they want to bring back for a final round of interviews.
I wasn't able to make the Wilson interview, but both Williamson A.M. education report Maria Giordano and Williamson Herald reporter Donna O'Neil have spent the last three nights at the county's administration building and have filed stories on the proceedings.
Here are links to check out their reports:

From Williamson A.M.:
School board could narrow director pool tonight: http://tinyurl.com/BWwcssupe5
From the Herald:
School board completes first round of director interviews: http://tinyurl.com/BWsupewh1
School Board faces tough decision after interviewing five superintendent candidates: http://tinyurl.com/BWsupewh

Scroll down to find more links in past postings and my own report from Monday nights interviews with Interim Superintendent Dr. David Health and Dennis Dearden.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Final superintendent interview tonight

Candidate gives Marines credit for success
I wasn't able to make Tuesday night's interviews of Barry Carroll of Limestone County Schools in Athens, Ala., and Mike Looney of Butler County Schools in Greenville, Ala., finalists for Williamson County Schools' Director of Schools' position. But Williamson A.M.'s Maria Giordano was there and reports the dark and stormy night didn't keep the school board from the task at hand.
Read her report at http://tinyurl.com/BWwcssupe.
The interview process ends tonight at 6 p.m. with James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga. in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St., in Franklin. The school board will decide who to bring back for final interviews at a public work session Thursday.
For background on all the candidates, visit http://tinyurl.com/BWsupebios.

Sonic news hard to swallow
Also in the news, today's 'A Closer Look' column in The Tennessean's business section includes information on what fast food restaurants are "Tasty" in this recession -- in other words doing well, and what one's are "Nasty."
Included on the Nasty side was Sonic. "It specializes in things like cherry limeade and tater tots, which hard-pressed consumers have cut back on," the features states.
Obviously no one talked to the folks at our three Brentwood Sonics. It took me three circles to find a spot at the Wilson Pike Circle restaurant during Happy Hour last week, and it wasn't the first time. But I'm never deterred, nor does anyone else seem to be.
Guess I'm not the only one with a passion for Route 44 diet cherry limeades.

Other Brentwood stories to check out:

Concord Road closure put off until 2010

Work on Sunset to Crockett portion starts soon
Concord Road will not be closed for widening this year. But it will be closed for 120 days, instead of the anticipated 90, next summer.
This much-anticipated construction update, released Tuesday by Brentwood’s Assistant City Manager Kirk Bednar in an email to Homeowners Association presidents, came after Monday’s pre-construction meeting with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Bednar highlighted the most significant items that will affect Brentwood residents and others who use the state road for travel. Many reflect changes in what the city anticipated. They include a proposed schedule that will start on the Sunset Road to Crockett Road phase first, according to contractor, CBM Enterprises Inc.
This means Concord Road will not be closed for the Crockett to Edmondson phase until late spring of 2010.
“While it is different than what the city expected the schedule to be and what we have been communicating, it is the best course of action given all of the circumstances,” Bednar stated. The primary reason for the change is the later-than-anticipated start. A closure during the summer months of 2010 is more desirable than a late summer start now that could lead to a mess over the winter months if there were any construction delays.
“Unfortunately, we also learned that the contract calls for a 120-day closure of the Crockett to Edmondson segment when it does occur, not 90 days like we had believed,” he wrote. The extension apparently was a condition agreed to by the state after the plans were turned into TDOT for bidding.
Construction staking and erosion control installation along the Crockett to Sunset segment will begin in the next week or so. Construction work will start soon after. The road will remain open with two-way traffic throughout the construction project with occasional temporary lane closures possible during the non-peak traffic periods of the day.
The City will have a Concord Road Construction Update page on its website at www.brentwood-tn.org by next week, Bednar wrote.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Brentwood welcomes new banks


Red Mountain Bank makes it official
Movement from inside the cool confines of Red Mountain Bank out into the 90-degree weather for the bank's official ribbon cutting Tuesday took a while. No one seemed in a hurry to step outside to the parking lot.
But when everyone got there, Market President Rick Archer Jr. made quick work of it, introducing the bigwigs from the Birmingham home office, his Brentwood staff and special guests.
"You've made a big improvement to this corner," Mayor Betsy Crossley told Archer and the crowd of about 40. "It's absolutely beautiful."
Then not half as slowly as they came out, everyone filed back in, where a serious buffet of goodies and cold drinks waited.
I could grow to like ribbon cuttings, I think, with grow being the operative word.
Weight Watchers. The Martin Center. Tomorrow.

Reliant opens first Brentwood branch
And this news just arrived in the BrentWord home office:
Reliant Bank has officially opened the doors in Maryland Farms. The bank acquired the Brentwood location of Magna Bank making it Reliant’s third location and second expansion within just 10 months.
The new location at 5109 Peter Taylor Park, is located just off Maryland Way in Brentwood. The full-service branch offers consumer, business, investment and mortgage services.
Branch Manager Mike Buffler previously served as the assistant branch manager for the bank’s main office. Sarah Johnson the location’s commercial lender, joins Reliant from Magna Bank.
“This is a great opportunity for Reliant to further our footprint and meet the needs of those looking for a better banking experience. We have a great team of employees who are ready to serve the area,” Buffler stated. “Being located in Maryland Farms also provides excellent growth opportunity for the bank.”
A big open house celebration is planned later this month.

Heath, Dearden a study of opposites

Three remaining WCS superintendent
interviews planned today, Wednesday
The interviews were black and white, top down and bottom up.
That's my impression of the first two of five public interviews of finalists for Williamson County Schools' Director of Schools position.
Dr. David Heath, interim WCS superintendent, and Dennis Dearden, senior vice president for the Partnership of Excellence, each answered 25 questions from school board members Monday night at the Williamson County Administration Building in Franklin.
The two candidates' respective styles and responses couldn't have been more different.
Heath consistently pointed to reinforcement of the message and staying on task as a way of reaching district goals. Dearden took a far more visionary stance, saying a great district must have buy-in from all parties involved, from the bus driver to the local business community.
Dearden was asked to describe what management and leadership qualities are needed to be successful in the position. He said a good manager gets things done day-to-day, and "they're very good at that." Leaders are visionary, he said, and see beyond the first step. He said a successful leader must have people skills, be politically savvy and have common sense. But of all great leaders, he said,"none did it alone."
Heath, who has served the past six years as WCS' deputy superintendent, was asked if he thought he could easily move from his past role as a manager to a new role as leader.
The former Brentwood High School principal said he had demonstrated that in a school setting, and was prepared to "get us going where we need to go."
Listing reasons he should be considered for the job, Heath noted he would have less of a learning curve than an outside candidate and that he could help "fast track" the system to where it wants to be. "We've developed the goals and we're on our way there," he said.
Both candidates were asked what they see as the most critical issue facing WCS in the next five years.
Heath said getting every student to pass algebra II, which is part of the No Child Left Behind standards. He also mentioned science education and adapting that curriculum to ever-changing technologies and environments.
"Funding" was Dearden's one-word answer, and he added "I think it's going to get worse." He mentioned how the economy has been "devastating" to many districts the size of Williamson County. "This is when you have to uplift people."
When asked why he should be the top candidate, Dearden said with concerns about morale, trust and funding at the top of everyone's mind, a unique leader is needed. "Williamson County is attractive to me ... It has the potential to be an absolutely great school district."
One of the most striking differences between these first two candidates was noted on how they answered a question about promoting diversity and their experience working with diverse populations.
Heath said Williamson County Schools have used the month of February to study different cultures, especially those represented in individual schools.
Dearden cited his time in Fairfax, Va., where over 100 different languages and 150 nationalities were represented in the student population. "You had to be a great listener to be able to come into a community like that."
It was an evening in contrasts. No doubt the three other candidates with interviews tonight and Wednesday will add even more to the mix. If you're interested in seeing for yourself, the remaining schedule is as follows:
Today
6 p.m., Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, Ala.
8 p.m., Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
6 p.m., James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga.
The interviews, open to the public, take place in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St., in Franklin. I learned last night that you have to go to the doors to the left of the main entrance for entry.
On Thursday, the school board will meet for a called session to select finalists for the position, who will be called back for another round of interviews.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Post 200: Breaking and exclusive news from the BrentWord home office

This is my 200th BrentWord post! Hard to believe that's possible.

On April 13th, I started BrentWord in order to cover the Brentwood City Commission race and Brentwood in general (http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-day-dawns.html). Over the past four months, the blog has grown into something much more. But I've also experienced a growing frustration with it. The format is too limiting, and the pay ... well, suffice it to say the Leathers' last emergency fund is on its last leg.

So this seems like a most appropriate time and place to share what I hope is big news. My business partner, Kelly Gilfillan, and I have formed BrentWord Communications LLC and will launch Brentwood Home Page -- http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/ -- "the go to place for everything Brentwood" in the weeks ahead.

I'm a professional reporter, editor and 27-year veteran of the newspaper business. Kelly has an impressive background in marketing and sales. Our goal? If you live or work in Brentwood, we want to be your home page. We want to be where you come to find news stories and pictures and party news about Brentwood. We'll have business news and obituaries and tomorrow's weather forecast. Sorry, no comics, but for at least a time after we launch, I expect there will be a few funnies to laugh about. Please laugh with us, not at us, as we learn the ways of the Web and grow our content.

Already you've gotten a taste for what we hope to include on a regular basis -- information about what's going on in your neighborhood. I toot my own horn that BrentWord was the news leader in coverage of the recent home burglaries that have taken place here and the subsequent police investigations and actions that led to the arrest of five suspects. Expect more of the same in the months ahead.

And remember Jill Burgin, whose column was long a favorite of Williamson A.M. readers every Sunday morning? She's going to be one of our featured columnists, along with a few others I'll wait to surprise you with.

But we can't do it alone. Brentwood Home Page will need input and information from every corner of the city, and every club, sports team, house of worship and school to truly make it a community "newspaper" --- without the paper, that is. If you have news or a calendar item to share, mail it to Brentwood Home Page, P.O. Box 3704, Brentwood, TN 37024-3704. Our new email system will be set up soon but in the meantime, feel free to email items of interest, story ideas and party pics to brentword@comcast.net. Just put Brentwood Home Page, or BHP as we've started calling ourselves, in the subject line. Don't forget to include your name and a daytime telephone number.

Remember I mentioned that almost-empty emergency fund? Brentwood Home Page is the perfect place to advertise your business, your sports team, your professional practice. For more information, email Kelly at Kelly@brentwoodhomepage.com.

So there it is. A scoop from the BrentWord home office. Stay tuned for details as they develop. And in the meantime, if you have news tips, ideas or comments, please don't hesitate to share them. Until the launch of Brentwood Home Page, BrentWord.blogspot.com, and Kelly's blog at www.outsidethebrentwoodbubble.blogspot.com are still alive and well.
Thanks for being part of this wonderful ride. We are truly blessed to live here.

Susan

Superintendent interviews start tonight

The BrentWord home office is closing early today so I can race down to the Williamson County Schools administrative offices to hear the first two of five interviews taking place this week to help select our new Director of Schools.
Up first is Dr. David Heath of Brentwood, who has been serving as interim school superintendent since Dr. Rebecca Sharber resigned last spring. His interview begins at 6 p.m., followed by one at 8 with Dennis Dearden of Arizona, currently senior vice president for Partnership for Excellence.
The rest of the schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Aug. 4:
6 p.m., Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, Ala.
8 p.m., Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
Wednesday, August 5
6 p.m., James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga.
The interviews, open to the public, will take place in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St., in Franklin.

For a more detailed look at the candidates, check out Maria Giordano's story from today's Williamson A.M. at http://tinyurl.com/BWsklsupes, and a previous BrentWord posting at http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/strong-contenders-for-wcs-director-post.html

Valet parking Tuesday, and down the road

Red Mountain Bank makes it official

Red Mountain Bank, which opened two months ago at the corner of Franklin Road and Maryland Way, is ready to make it official. A ribbon cutting is planned Tuesday at 4 p.m. and everyone's invited.
Worried about parking? No need. Market President Rick Archer told me today they'll have valet parking and everything for the special event.
"We've had a great first two months," he said. "We've been blessed, especially in this economy. We're very happy."
He's not the only one.
The Birmingham-based bank performed a miracle at that very visible corner that makes me happy every time I drove by. It, along with other redos in the city's commercial district are slowly but surely making the area look brighter even without a lot of new development, or redevelopment as the case may be.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, the open house will feature hors oeuvres, Red Mountain Bank's signature coffee and visitors from its home office.


***
More valet on the way
Speaking of redos in Town Center, did you see Vicki Stout's feature on Judge Bean's Bar-B-Que in Sunday's Williamson A.M.? If not, here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/BWbean.
Speaking of valet parking, Aubrey Bean mentioned to me on Friday he hopes to offer valet parking soon to alleviate some of the parking and traffic flow headaches being experienced at the Brentwood Court shopping center off Church Street.
The addition of Beans to the mix of already successful established businesses (Sweet Pea's, Sugar Drop, Amy's Gifts) and new ones (Nashville Needleworks) is becoming an issue. The lot has not been improved in ages. Check back later for more on this topic.




Tale of the Tabby Cat, part II

In case you've ever wondered, apparently a lot of tabby cats have gone missing in Brentwood over the past few months, including one belonging to City Commissioner Paul Webb and his lovely bride, Pat.
Several folks whose cats have gone astray had a bit of hope after seeing a posting for a found cat a few weeks ago. The sad news is that the kitty that decided to homestead on Betsy Davis' one acre in Meadowlake didn't turn out to be any of theirs.
"I appreciate everyone's effort to get this cat home -- I am surprised at how many people have lost gray tabbies and this one is not one of them!" Betsy shared with me this morning.
The cat is now residing at a new home outside of Brentwood.

Big week ahead...

Good morning!
Believe it or not, August has arrived, with school, college football and tax-free shopping days ahead. What might be on your calendar this week? Interviews with the five finalists for Williamson County Director of Schools, tonight's planning commission meeting, the last performances of Into the Woods at Towne Centre Theatre or maybe a last-minute vacation before all the madness of real life starts to take over again.
Whatever, it promises to be a busy week here. Check back often for news and updates.

Friday, July 31, 2009

UT picnic RSVP deadline extended

If you missed my earlier post on Sunday's send-off ice cream social planned for all incoming UT freshman, here it is again, with an update: The deadline to RSVP has been extended until Saturday, Aug. 1. So if you are, have or know a freshman headed to any of the University of Tennessee campuses next month, email Dawn Dietrich and plan to attend.

Summer send-off Sunday at Granny White Park
BRENTWOOD --The Williamson County University of Tennessee Alumni Chapter invites all incoming freshman from Williamson County who will be entering one of it UT campuses this fall and their families to attend a Summer Send-Off /Ice Cream Social at Granny White Park, 610 Granny White Pike in Brentwood, from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.
“Come meet and greet with fellow incoming and current student/parents and enjoy ice cream provided by Edy's Food Service, Williamson County UT Alumni Chapter and the UT-Knoxville Parent's Association. All Williamson County UT alumni are welcome too! Door prizes and T-shirts will be provided,” Dawn D. Dietrich, who with her husband, Norman, chairs the Membership and Events Committee of the UT-Knoxville Parents Association.
Incoming UT students and their families get in free, while $5 covers UT alumni and friends. Reservation are requested by Aug. 1at dddntn@aol.com. Checks can be mailed to Dawn Dietrich, 2734 Rock Wall Road, Nashville, TN 37221-4372. Please make checks payable to "Williamson County UT Alumni Chapter."
To download a reservation form, visit the UT Alumni chapter website at http://alumni.tennessee.edu/eblasts/090802-williamson.html or contact Dawn for details. For information on the Williamson County UT Alumni Chapter, please visit http://www.williamsonvols.net/.

Oscar's worth trip across city line

Did you see Ms. Cheap's Tennessean feature package on eating, shopping and doing in Williamson County earlier this week?
Though I tried to steer her toward several of Brentwood's best lunch spots, she insisted on checking out Oscar's Taco Shop in Franklin. I had to go with her, of course, in the name of research.
While I love Mazatlan, Chile Burrito and our other Mexican restaurants in town, I've got to tell you that Oscar's was worth the drive. Anyone who's ever lived or traveled in California will recognize the style.
The good news is that Oscar's going to open a Cool Springs location soon, though it won't be in "Brentwood's Cool Springs." We'll have to work with him on that one. The more local restaurants in Brentwood the better I say.
Speaking of Ms. Cheap and her piece (http://tinyurl.com/BWmscheap), I was happy to point out to her that two of my favorite Cool Springs' bargain stores are in Brentwood, not Franklin. Those would be Habitat for Humanity's Habitat ReStore on Bakers Bridge Road, right across from Costco (my all-time favorite) and Mallory Station Storage Consignment, located just across Seaboard Lane. Mallory Station also has a consignment store on Church Street E. just as you crest the hill past Wilson Pike.
Check them both out!
Her series unfortunately came out too late to include the best entertainment bargain in the county -- our Summer Concert Series at Crockett Park -- but our bike trails did make the grade.
What are your favorite cheap places to eat, shop and "do" in Brentwood? Send me an email or comment here. Would love to hear from you.
***
Speaking of bargains, don't forget that next weekend, Aug. 7-9, is tax-free weekend in Tennessee. You can find out what qualifies, what doesn't and other details at http://www.tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday/).

Wow, BHS wrestlers wrap up nationals

A reader just shared this from Vicki Youngman's Brentwood High email blast:

"Blake Thomas and Cameron Croy earned All American honors at the Asics Junior National Freestyle Wrestling Tournament in Fargo, N.D. This is the second year Cameron has earned All American status. He finished seventh last year. This is Blake's first time competing in the tournament.
"The Cadet/Junior National Tournament is the premier high school tournament in the country and the largest in the world based on the number of overall participants. Blake started out with 58 wrestlers in his bracket. Cameron had 71 in his. To my knowledge, no other high school in Tennessee has ever had multiple All Americans in the same year at this tournament.
"Blake finished in eighth place at 112 pounds. Cameron finished in sixth place at 189 pounds. They were the only place winners from Tennessee."

Congratulations!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Two inches of rain and other news

The rain gauge at the BrentWord home office shows just shy of two inches of rain in the last few days. Just thought you might care deeply.

Fair prospects next month
And if it's rainy, and then gets really, really hot, it must mean the Williamson County Fair is just around the corner. It is.
The now not-so-new summer extravaganza opens Aug. 7 for a nine-day run and includes something for everyone. There won't be a Brentwood booth this year I'm told but look for several of our commissioners, city and county, and other notables to be driving parking vans, golf carts and helping out in other ways.
Last year's Ms. Senior Williamson County Fair went on to when the national crown. The "singing granny" was from Nolensville. Surely we have a Brentwood contender this year?
Details about all of the events, the pageants, the midway and more can be found at http://www.williamsoncountyfair.org/.
I'm on the prowl for Brentwood-related fair news, stories and pictures. If you have some to share, please email me at brentword@comcast.net.

When a dog types, expect mistakes
Sally the Dog was so kind to mention Samantha, our 11-year-old golden-retriever-who's-not in Wednesday's Brentwood Journal. Sam has a torn ACL, a bad hip and is starting to feel her age.
Sally also sent condolences to Skip and Debbie Heibert of Brentwood, who lost their beloved dog Tinkie recently.
Unfortunately Skip became Steve in the newspaper. But I guess these things happen when a dog starts typing.

City's tourism site woven with intrigue
Speaking of the Brentwood Journal, two stories yesterday are connected but only I know the scoop. I'll let you know as soon as I have to sit down and type up the tale. In the meantime, check them out for yourself. You may remember reading about Nashville Needleworks here last month (http://tinyurl.com/NashNeedle). Great shop, so if you love needlework, check it out!
Here are links to the BJ stories:

*Sisters turn craft hobby into Brentwood business: http://tinyurl.com/BWnneedle
*Brentwood opts for in-house promotion: http://tinyurl.com/BWtourweb

Crime update
Chief Watson emailed this morning that there are no new developments in either the remaining unsolved home burglaries or recent vandalism cases. A $1000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the vandalism, which took place in Brenthaven, Brentwood Pointe and nearby areas earlier this week.
Hopefully the reward will lead to the apprenhension of those responsible -- and serve as a gentle reminder that a few minutes of "fun" can have very serious consequences.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

WMC calendar features Brentwood's best

At last week's Women in Business luncheon, I picked up the just-released Academic Calendar 2009-2010 published by Williamson Medical Center.
If you're not familiar with it, the annual publication includes important dates and numbers parents with students in Williamson County Schools, Franklin Special School District and most private schools in the county, need to know. In other words, it allows you to never be like me -- the one parent who never seems to know that school is out tomorrow, or for the next two weeks, or whenever.
But one of the best things about the free calendar is the artwork, all created by county art students. And this year's edition features works by several Brentwood artists.
They are Jennifer Grant of Ravenwood (artwork, right), Ryan Minnigan and Lauren Baker, Brentwood Academy; and Sarah Porter and Sarah Christie of Brentwood.
Congratulations to all.

Looks like our clunker's a real turkey

Been out of the BrentWord home office most of the day, working in the field so to speak.
And it was from one field to another, with a dangerous crossing of Holly Tree Gap Road, that partner Kelly Gilfillan and I were stopped dead in our tracks -- well, make that her Pathfinder -- by seven wild turkeys.
Obviously they knew that "pedestrians" get the right of way, because there was no stopping them. But I have to wonder if all the stories I've heard about our native birds' intelligence isn't on the mark. No way did they look right, left, right before crossing.

***
It's just like the government to get me all excited about something then burst my bubble almost as fast.
For weeks we've been hearing and reading about Cash for Clunkers. Talk about music to my ears. Though we don't have money for a new car, even a new cheap car, if we could get $4500 for our clunker -- the boys' '91 Plymouth Acclaim -- I figured it might just be worth a trip down to my cousin's Chevrolet dealership in Columbia to try to take advantage of the limited-time offer.
The fact that the speedometer stopped at 156,000 miles about six years ago wasn't even a concern. From what I've read, they aren't going to resell them, but instead send them straight to the smash factory.
I started dreaming. Thomas could have the 2000 Nissan Sentra, Martin could keep the '04 Spectrum and Larry would have some new wheels with great gas mileage for his daily commute to Vanderbilt.
(Sorry Andrews Cadillac, Gary Force Acura and Lexus of Nashville -- as much as I like to shop Brentwood, I just don't think we can afford anything you sell this year. But when BrentWord takes off and starts bringing in the big bucks, let's talk hybrids!)
Anyway, my bubble burst when I couldn't find the Acclaim on the "approved" Clunker list. Knowing it must be an oversight, I looked up its gas mileage -- a combined MPG of 22, four over the limit.
Who knew? Our Clunker's a keeper. At least it has a new paint job and lots of personality.
And we don't have another car payment. I guess that's something to celebrate.

Joe Lassus update

Friends,
Just received this update from City Manager Mike Walker concerning our planning director, Joe Lassus. Many of you will remember that Joe has been on medical leave following the discovery of a brain tumor this past spring.

"Things for Joe have turned for the worse in the past week. Apparently Joe was starting to have coordination problems again. They went to the doctor and went ahead with a MRI. It appears spinal fluid is draining into and building up in the area where the tumor was removed. This area of his brain is near where spinal fluid enters the brain. They still need to determine exactly where the fluid is coming from and if it the fluid can be removed and stopped from leaking into the former tumor area. Joe is going to see the neurologist and oncologist next week so hopefully, they will have a better handle on his condition and what to do. In the interim, they have put him back on steroids – I assume to relieve the pain and discomfort. As soon as I receive additional information, I’ll let you know."

As we've done before, let's keep Joe, his wife Naomi and their family in our prayers.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Fun things to know and share

Feeling the need to take a break from crime news and such, here's some fun stuff to share:

Talk about book work: Last week, 41 different people volunteered a total of 303 3/4 hours to help make the summer Friends of the Brentwood Library Book Sale a success. Just how successful was it? Try $10,860 successful. What a great bunch of volunteers they are. Thanks too to the hundreds of people who donate books to make the quarterly sales possible, and those that come to buy.

Sweeney's loss, scout's gain: It wasn't quite a full house at the City Commission meeting last night. Commission Joe Sweeney took a rare night off, so the invocation he was down to give was offered instead by Commissioner Paul Webb. So who did that leave to lead the Pledge of Allegiance? Commissioner Webb was down for that one.
No concerns. Mayor Betsy Crossley tapped Boy Scout Andrew Wilson who was in the audience to lead the unusually large crowd. Wilson, a member of Troop 1 and a rising 8th grader at Brentwood Academy, did a fine job.

How about those chairs! Anyone who's visited the Municipal Center's board room in the past month or so couldn't have helped but notice that something was missing -- the permanent chairs. They have made their return, each recovered in royal blue upholstery fabric and accented in metal trim dressed up with a fresh coat of black paint.
The commissioners went on and on about how great they looked and how "green" they were, despite their eye-popping blue. The city saved a bundle of cash by refurbishing instead of replacing.
"We didn't throw the old ones away, we didn't take up any landfill space," Commissioner Regina Smithson noted.
All true. But after sitting in one of them for close to 90 minutes, I wish the city had invested a little more to have them restuffed.
At least they're easier on the eyes, if not the seat!

Chief Watson lauds his team, public

4:28 p.m. update: This just posted at Tennessean.com: http://tinyurl.com/BWqbarrested

***

'We want to try to send a message,' and that message is: If you're crossing into Brentwood to commit a crime, you're 'making a big mistake.'
-- Police Chief Ricky Watson

Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson didn't get to bed until almost 2 a.m. Monday morning. He had it easy.
Not so his detectives. "They didn't turn in until about 4 a.m.," he told me Monday night in an interview at the Brentwood Municipal Center, headquarters of the 72-member department he oversees.
He and his staff worked into the wee hours Monday, work that resulted in the arrests of three individuals charged with an attempted burglary Sunday afternoon in Hillview Estates. During the investigation, items were discovered linking the suspects to more than 15 other burglaries in Brentwood, south Nashville and elsewhere in Williamson County. More charges are expected.
"We are very fortunate here," Watson said. "It took a real team effort, from dispatchers to officers to the detectives. All of them turned out."
It was the second day his staff turned out in force.
On Saturday, one of the most visible police actions in recent history took place near the busy intersection of Franklin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard. Both Brentwood and Metro police officers responded after a burglary in process call was made to 911. Two suspects were discovered in a nearby abandoned home.
Asked why so many units responded, Watson said "We're going to send everyone we can. We want to try to send a message." And that message is: If you're crossing into Brentwood to commit a crime, you're "making a big mistake."

It takes teamwork
Watson was quick to share credit with the Metro Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff's Department, the Tennessee Department of Safety and others who contributed to the investigations and responses over the weekend.
He also gave a nod to what he termed a "triangle of law enforcement," the police, local district attorneys and judges who work together to make sure justice is served.
The recent arrests do not mean Brentwood residents should get complacent, the chief said. He believes at least one other set of burglars remains on the prowl, and the number of car burglaries continues to rise.
"We need the eyes of the public to help us, help everyone be safe," he said.
Later Monday night, he told city commissioners that the public plays an important role in fighting crime. "We need that immediate call," he said if suspicious activity is witnessed. "Don't call two hours later."

New automated alert system
Parents with children in Williamson County Schools are familiar with getting automated telephone calls when schools close for inclement weather or if a PTO meeting is coming up, but west Brentwood residents were surprised Sunday afternoon to receive an automated warning call from the police department. It stated that three suspects were being sought in the area and gave descriptions of each.
It was the first time the department had utilized the city system, available when emergencies arise.
He told the commissioners that public response to the call was mostly positive, though a few people complained or wanted more information.
"One hundred percent of the bugs aren't worked out yet," he said. For instance, "one call went to one person in Nolensville." Residents who use Vonage or other alternative phone services may not have received the message.
Before stepping away from the podium, the chief shared one last thought to the board.
"I want to offer an apology for being in sandals and shorts with my pistol in hand," he said of his appearance at the abandoned home on Old Hickory. "I was close by and responded directly."
Given the arrests at the end of the day, not to mention the ones that followed Sunday, the board members just laughed. No one seemed to mind.

City offers $1000 reward

Vandals strike in Brenthaven,
Brentwood Pointe
neighborhoods


This just in from Police Chief Ricky Watson following a BrentWord query this morning on reported vandalism in Brenthaven:
We had approximately 30 mailboxes in the Brenthaven area and several cars windows broken in Brentwood Pointe. The City of Brentwood is going to offer a $1000 reward for information that results in the arrest and conviction of these suspects.

For those who are not familiar with the events, here is information I received this morning from several readers regarding the vandalism:
The Brenthaven entrance sign on Moores Lane at Covington was damaged, Jill Burgin emails. "It is intact but I can see a spot at the bottom where it looks like it was hit as they came in from Moores Lane. ... I can see cracks and damage from something like a bat."
And from reader Marie Ashburn, who shares this note from Dean Power:
"...There have been several mail boxes vandalized over the past few weeks around Maryland Lane and Covington Drive. ... On July 18 around 2:30 AM, I heard what sounded like teenage boys outside. By the time I got up I did not see anyone but the next morning I noticed our mail box and our neighbors mail boxes had been damaged. I did let Brentwood police know about this.
"Then this morning as I was leaving for work I noticed several mail boxes on Covington had been completely torn off their mounts.
"So parents if you have any young children out at night running around the neighborhood, remind them that destroying mail boxes is a serious offense."

If you have any information on these incidents, contact the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160.

It's Tuesday morning and all is well

Good morning Brentwood!

Coming later today is an exclusive interview with Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson on his department's work over the weekend that led to five arrests in our rash of home burglaries. But he tells me residents should not let their guards down. Check back to find out why not.

Also coming, a report from last night's City Commission meeting, where it was announced a jury ruled against the city in an eminent domain case, a decision that will cost the city some big bucks if it decides not to appeal.

And while you're waiting for these postings, I need you to be thinking about what you would like to see and read in an online "newspaper" for Brentwood, whether you are a resident or someone who works here. Big things are happening at the BrentWord home office but we need your input and ideas to make them the best they can be.
Perhaps you have story idea to share. Maybe you're involved with a religious, civic, sports or community group that needs its events and honors publicized. What is other local media not covering that you want to read about? What about business coverage? How would you like it presented and what most interests you?
Please send your thoughts to brentword@comcast.net or feel free to leave a comment below. Pass along this link to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses and coaches for their input.
And stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.

Here are a few interesting links from today's Williamson A.M. and The Tennessean's Sports sections with Brentwood ties:
  • Dog fight isn't over in gated Brentwood community; Owners sue homeowners' board members who wanted pit bulls banned http://tinyurl.com/BWpitbulls
  • For scuba instructor, job is never-ending adventure
    For past decade, Brentwood man has happily made a living underwater http://tinyurl.com/BWscuba
  • Ron Crawford faces a new challenge as he heads into the 2009 season at Brentwood. (Don't be fooled by the "Hillsboro" headline. Scroll down to find news on BHS team.) http://tinyurl.com/BWfootball

Monday, July 27, 2009

Home burglary suspects in custody

Two days, two crimes, five arrests
The Brentwood Police Department has released details on two crimes, and subsequent arrests, from incidents occurring this past weekend.
Three arrests were made late Sunday night in connection to a burglary earlier in the day in west Brentwood's Hillview Estates subdivision. During their investigation, Brentwood investigators recovered a large quantity of stolen property believed taken during more than 15 recent home burglaries in Brentwood, Metro Nashville, and Williamson County.
Mitchell Henry Clemons, 18; Abanzer Tsegay, 18, and a 15-year-old juvenile, were arrested in South Nashville with the help of the Metro Police Department. All were charged with aggravated burglary.
Sunday's crime was reported at approximately 4:30 p.m. when Brentwood Police responded to a “burglary in progress” call at 1020 Manley Lane. Upon returning home, the victim observed three male subjects standing near a vehicle backed up to the home's garage. The subjects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
A rear door to the home had been forced open. Property taken from the residence was recovered in the vehicle left at the scene.
The Brentwood Police would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Metro Police Department K-9 unit and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit. Both assisted in the initial search of the area.
On Saturday afternoon, again with the help of Metro Police, two arrests were made, one in connection with a home burglary earlier in the day on Brentwood Parkway. Taken into custody were Thomas Eugene Stoll, 38, and Joy Dawn Ennis, 46, both of Bowling Green, Ky.
The Brentwood Police Department charged Stoll with aggravated burglary and theft. Ennis was charged by the Metro Police Department on unrelated charges.
The two were arrested at 800 Old Hickory Blvd. after Brentwood investigators, the Metro Police Department Patrol, K-9 Division, and the Tennessee Department of Safety narrowed their search to the vacant house just west of the Shell station near the intersection of Franklin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard.
Saturday's crime, a "burglary in progress call," was reported just after noon, when the victim observed a male subject exit her residence and flee the scene on a bicycle. She also recognized that a bag he was carrying. A rear door had been forced open for entry.
Property taken from the residence, and the bicycle the subject was riding, was recovered, at the Old Hickory house.

Arrests, new ass't principal, lots more...

It's going to be a busy day in the BrentWord home office :
Mayor Betsy Crossley tells me the three suspects west Brentwood residents were asked to be on the lookout for were arrested last night. Still awaiting confirmation from Brentwood Police, but Chief Ricky Watson says a press release is coming later today. I'll post it as soon as it arrives.

Barkley named BMS assistant principal
Williamson County Schools spokesperson Carol Birdsong has confirmed that Brandon Barkley has been appointed Brentwood Middle Schools' new assistant principal.
New principal, Bill Harlin, shared with BrentWord correspondent Jill Burgin last week that Barkley had been tapped. Barkley taught algebra and served as a basketball coach at Sunset Middle School.
"He is going to be a great addition to the Brentwood Middle School administrative team," Harlin told Burgin.
Birdsong told me she does not know of other new hires at the school yet.

Mark your calendar for school director interviews
Birdsong has also confirmed the interview dates for the five Williamson County Schools' superintendent finalists. The schedule is as follows:
Monday, August 3
6 p.m., Dr. David Heath, interim superintendent, Williamson County Schools.
8 p.m., Dennis Dearden, senior vice president, Partnership for Excellence, Ariz.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
6 p.m., Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, Ala.
8 p.m., Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
Wednesday, August 5
6 p.m., James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga.
The interviews, open to the public, will take place in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St.,in Franklin.
For background on all of the candidates, please see my previous post at: www.tinyurl.com/BWsupepics.

Need a laptop cheap? On agenda at tonight's City Commission meeting
The City Commission meets at 7 p.m. tonight and among the items on the agenda are approval of the sale of surplus city equipment. The Brentwood Police Department lists many items, including a slew of laptop computers. But not all of them, hopefully, will be up for bid to folks like you and me.
The department is recommending that "14 of the 33 lap-top computers proposed for disposal be transferred to the Ashland City Police Department. At the last auction in 2008, the City received between $10-$30 for each lap-top computer, therefore, the City will forgo between $140-$420 in potential revenue from this donation."
That's OK. The department has often sold or donated equipment it is replacing or upgrading to smaller departments with much smaller budgets. It's a win-win for public safety everywhere.
But back to the agenda item, the list of surplus equipment is interesting. You can see it at http://tinyurl.com/BWsurplus and learn more about the resolution to authorize the sale at the city's website, www.Brentwood-tn.org. Just click on the City Commission meeting link from the home page.
And while you're there, check out some of the other, not-so-fun items on the agenda too. Might just intrigue you enough to show up. Now that's a concept!

Lots more to share, so check back often.
In the meantime, if you missed any of last week's or the weekend postings, just scroll down. You'll find a story on Demetria Kalodimas, the most recent city crime report, my thoughts on Harry Potter and why you should go see it, or any movie at Thoroughbred 20 in Cool Springs, on Tuesdays.

Do you have news to share? Email me at brentword@comcast.net.