A new day dawns

On December 2, my life changed dramatically. The headlines and stories that had been recording the nation's economic downtown suddenly became personal.

At a little past 5 p.m., I was called into my editor's office at The Tennessean's Williamson A.M. office and informed I was one of the 2,200 employees being laid off that day throughout the Gannett Corporation. I didn't see it coming. Like a growing number of friends and acquaintances in Brentwood and beyond, I found myself applying for unemployment and wondering, what now?

Since the start of the year I have enjoyed reconnecting with the Brentwood community in ways never possible as a member of the official press. I seriously considered a run for City Commission in the current race but opted -- at least this time around -- to be an active citizen participant by publicly supporting candidates, writing letters to the editor and speaking out on issues that concern me. I have become much more active in my church, neighborhood and in community affairs. I enjoy walking around "downtown" Brentwood and Town Center and am amazed at what I see and the people I meet.

Unfortunately, with local media's cutbacks we've experienced an increasing lack of indepth news coverage of our very dynamic, well-educated and incredibly interesting suburb of Nashville. So after a few months vacation, I've decided it's time to start writing again. Today, BrentWord the blog begins. Have an idea, suggestion or issue you want me to look into? Have some fun news to share? Drop me an email or post a comment.


Now, about that Town Center Festival no one's planned yet ...