Updates on forum, Joe and, yes, the prom

A forum for the rest of us
Despite the rumor mill, tonight's 7 p.m. candidates forum at Ravenwood High School is definitely on, organizer Chris Bosen tells me. The confusion started with a paperwork snafu, but all is good. Eight of the 10 candidates will be there. Want to know what they'll be asked? Here's a preview of some of the questions:

• Students today are technologically savvy and communicate via the Internet, text messages and other web-based tools. ... would installing wireless hot spots in city parks and other prominent public places around the city ... be something you would support?
• The Brentwood City Commission has recently created an environmental committee. Brentwood's young people already know the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling and want to put it into practice. Which candidates can say they will make it a top priority to arrange a recycling bin beside each trash can in all public parks?
• The wonderful Crockett Park concert series is Brentwood's signature festival-type event and attracts large crowds every year. Since Pear Fest no longer exists, are there things that you would like to see the city pursue in terms of further building our town's identity among resident families and visitors?...

I promise I didn't write the last two but could have. Readers of my former newspaper column will know that recycling and a Town Center Festival were two of my favorite topics. Other questions concern the city's supplemental funds for Williamson County Schools; the city's 2020 plan and new amenities for members of the Class of 2020 -- who will graduate from first-grade this year. Anyone who has been to previous forums will recognize these are not your Grandfather's questions. Thank Goodness.

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Update on Joe Lassus

It's now confirmed that our planning director, Joe Lassus, does have a brain tumor (see previous post). Treatment will begin in a few weeks. Fire Chief Kenny Lane is the point person for information and is doing all he can to help Joe and his family remain connected and served during this trying time.

If you would like to help, please email the chief at lanek@brentwood-tn.org. And keep those prayers coming.

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Practice hair

I thank God every day I have sons. Popped into Starbucks this afternoon and ran into Donna Doggett, another BHS junior mom, who also is daughterless. The girls behind the counter, however, gave us all the scoop on girls getting ready. Who knew there was such as thing as "practice hair." Wonder if they pay as much for a practice updo as the real thing?

Whatever. Brentwood's prom is Saturday night at The Factory. The theme is Emerald Enclave and despite my protestations last year when son Thomas was elected junior class president, I find myself "Prom Mom" (read that: volunteer coordinator). Still looking for a few hearty souls to work the midnight-2 a.m. shift. Feel free to contact me if you just happen to be available.

Have Brentword-worthy news to share? Email me at brentword@comcast.net