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.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Automated call warns west BW residents

Police searching for three men
An update from earlier post this afternoon on police activity in and around the west Brentwood neighborhood of Highland View and nearby roads and subdivisions.

City residents who live near Brentwood's western border received automated phone notifications Sunday evening, informing them of police activity and safety concerns in the area.
"Area residents be on the lookout for three burglary suspects last seen on Manley Lane around 4:30. All three fled on foot from scene. Described as one black male wearing red T-shirt, one Asian male with two diamond stud earrings, one white male. All are young and all are wearing shorts and tennis shoes. If you see strangers in your neighborhood call the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160.
Mayor Betsy Crossley was one of the residents who got the recorded message. "I locked my doors, but felt safer for getting the warning. Way to go BPD!" she wrote me in an email Sunday night.
Local homeowners associations also responded. Holly Tree Farms HOA president Matt Smith sent the following email to neighbors about 9 p.m. Sunday night:
"HTF Neighbors,
"This evening the Brentwood police department has asked several of our neighbors to please be on the lookout for 3 suspects they are searching for in the west Brentwood area. ... The police have specifically asked us to notify them by dialing 911 if these men are seen. PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND CONFRONT THEM ON YOUR OWN. This is a police matter and should be handled by dialing 911.
"Per police description: the three men in question are thought to be wearing shorts, one is Caucasian, one Asian with diamond stud earrings and one African-American wearing a red T-shirt and black wire glasses.
"I don't want to be alarmist, but thought it was appropriate that we all be aware. The Brentwood Police can be reached at 615-371-0160 if you need more information or clarification. "
I have contacted the Brentwood Police Department for an update and will report as soon as I know more. In the meantime, please lock your doors and be aware and familiar with your surroundings. As noted above, if you see or hear anything suspicious or have information that could help the investigation call 911 if you feel you are in immediate danger or 371-0160 to talk directly to a police dispatcher who can direct your call to the appropriate person.

For information on recent home burglaries, please see my earlier post. Expect more details on Monday.

Police reportedly called to Highland View

Brentwood Police have confirmed something going on Sunday afternoon in or near the Highland View neighborhood off Murray Lane but report that the incident did not involve a weapon.
As details are released about exactly what happened there, and for updates on Saturday's arrest of suspects in a Wilson Pike home burglary, check back tonight or Monday as information becomes available.
If you have any details on these incidents, please email me at brentword@comcast.net.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: Burglary suspects apprehended

A large police presence at a vacant home behind the Shell Station at the corner of Old Hickory Boulevard and Franklin Road has ended in the apprehension of suspects in a home burglary, Capt. Jeff Hughes of the Brentwood Police Department has just confirmed. The burglary was reported on Wilson Pike.
The investigation is continuing.
At this point it is not know whether or not these suspects are connected to the rash of home burglaries reported in Brentwood and surrounding areas in recent weeks.
Check back to learn more as authorities release more details.

Past BrentWord stories of related interest:
Latest city crime report, posted Friday: http://tinyurl.com/BWcrmreport
Police notice on home burglaries: http://tinyurl.com/BWburglars

Friday, July 24, 2009

Good news: Crime light this week

After a series of recent residential burglaries and vandalism reports, this week's Brentwood crime report only lists one residential attempted burglarly and luckily for the Plantation Drive resident, nothing was taken.
In fact, the entire report, released this afternoon by Capt. Jeff Hughes, was light -- which is good news to report.
In general thefts, a GPS device and two flash drives were taken Monday from a room at the Residence Inn in Maryland Farms but the property was returned. A couple are suspected of shoplifting Coca-Colas from the Moore's Lane Mapco on Monday; and a utility trailer was taken from a Maryland Farms business on Harpeth Drive between Monday and Tuesday.
Two incidences of vandalism were investigated. The first involved a spray-painted stop sign on Gracelawn Drive in Hillview Estates; the second was a keyed vehicle on Heritage Drive in Brent Meade sometime on Wednesday.
A driver's side window was broken and a laptop, satellite radio and GPS were taken from a car in the Synergy Complex off Franklin Road on Thursday.
If you have information on any of these crimes, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160.

Next RAD course starts Aug. 3
Have a friend or daughter headed off to college next month? Consider signing her and her friends up for the Brentwood Police Department's next Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class which begins in early August.
The three-night, nine-hour course is free for women ages 13 and over. It runs 6-9 p.m. Aug. 3-6 at Safety Center East, 1300 Sunset Road (just across from the Governor's Club).
To register or for further information, call Officer Mark Wood at 615-371-2267 or e-mail woodm@brentwood-tn.org

Free lunch at BofA drive thru!

Who says there's no free lunch? I found one today at Bank of America's drive thru. And you can too if you have a check to cash, a deposit to make, or are just cheap enough to stop by the Franklin Road branch without even having an account there.
Turns out it's Customer Appreciation Day. Branch manager John Miller (who looks way too young to be in that position) is manning the Weber where hot dogs by the dozen are being grilled. Ken Larson, the bank's senior personal banker, is living up to his position by customizing the dogs to fit indvidual tastes (that would be ketchup and relish, in my case).
They also have free drinks. No chips, but hey, we're in a recession.
Thanks guys, you made my day!

TGIF Brentwood!

Wow, what a beautiful day to start out the weekend. In fact, it's so beautiful there won't be much fresh posting today unless I get the weekly crime report. But I do want to share a few links and reminders about fun things to do this weekend.

A toast to the Governors Club
Here's a shout out to The Governors Club golf course, which as recognized by The Tennessean at last night's Toast of Music City Awards as one of the favorites in Middle Tennessee. The Governors Club placed third, just behind Vanderbilt Legends Club (first) and Hermitage Golf Course.
At first I was a little upset that Brentwood didn't have more winners, but then again, we don't really have many (if any) honkey-tonks, art galleries, music venues or dance clubs. But IF we had a Town Center/Mole Festival, we could at least compete in the festival category. No doubt it will someday knock the CMA Music Festival or at least the East Nashville Tomato Festival off the winners' podium..
We do, however, have parks, places to see a play (especially if you count our high schools!), local actors/actresses and local bands.
I foresee a BrentWord Readers' Favorites competition in our future.

Interesting stories in this morning's Williamson A.M. in case you haven't seen it include:

A few recent BrentWord posts that you may have missed, and gentle reminders about some great things to do this weekend and early next:
Plus, scroll down to learn more about Channel 4's Demetria Kalodimas; this weekend's Friends of the BW Library book sale (half-price on Saturday!); and Brentwood's new Firefighter of the Year.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Regional bike trail study under way

July 28 meeting planned in Franklin
Those interested in and concerned about our bike trails might want to mark a July 28 meeting at the Williamson County Library in Franklin on their calendars. Found this posted on the city’s website:

The Nashville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will host a series of public meetings between July 27 and July 30 to report on the development of a Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study: A Strategic Vision for Walking and Bicycling in the Greater Nashville Region.

This study relies on information gathered and priorities identified at community meetings held earlier this year and will incorporate input from the upcoming public meetings. After a presentation on the progress of the MPO report, attendees at the July meetings will have the opportunity to ask questions and to provide feedback on prioritizing needs for future bicycle and pedestrian projects.

The meeting in Williamson County is scheduled as follows: Tuesday, July 28 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Williamson County Public Library, 1314 Columbia Ave, Franklin, 37064.

The Nashville Area MPO is the regional planning organization federally established to carryout transportation planning within the greater Nashville region. The MPO policy board is comprised of local elected Mayors and County Executives and guides federal and state funding of transportation projects such as roads, bridges, sidewalks and bikeways, and transit within the greater Nashville region.

Additional information on the project can be found by logging on to the MPO website.

Stop the presses: Book sale back to normal

Library expansion's pace allows Friends
to fill two rooms ahead of schedule
You never know what treasures you'll find at the library, especially when the quarterly Friends of the Brentwood Library book sale rolls around.
Today I walked out with Page One: Major Events 1920-1975 as Presented in The New York Times and Virginia, The New Dominion, a history from 1607 to the present by Virginius Dabney. Got both for $5.
The book of front pages was a happy find, and a sad reminder of what we'll lose if and when newspapers as we know them disappear. Newspapers are such tangible, permanent records of everything from moon walks to chicken dinners and obituaries. The Times' June 11, 1940 page told the world that ITALY AT WAR, READY TO ATTACK, STAB IN BACK, SAYS ROOSEVELT, GOVERNMENT HAS LEFT PARIS. And on November 23, 1963, KENNEDY IS KILLED BY SNIPER AS HE RIDES IN CAR IN DALLAS; JOHNSON'S SWORN IN ON PLANE.
But enough editorializing, let's get back to the book sale.
By Thursday noon, the Friends had made about $5000, said sale guru Manny Buzzell as he pointed out the new and improved children's book display. Some are going for as little as 10 cents each.
A pleasant surprise was seeing that the sale again filled both of the library's multi-purpose rooms. Manny told me the volunteers were surprised too. They found out Monday that the library expansion's construction was far enough along that they could open the partition and spread out once again. They expected to be cramped into one room for this sale before getting back to normal this fall.
If you haven't been by yet, the sale continues today until 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday -- when everything is half-price! -- 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Demetria's next career? Comedienne

Emmy-winning anchor entertains and informs
I didn't plan to report on today's Women in Business luncheon. I was using it as an excuse to put on a dress and get out of the BrentWord home office for a few hours.
But as soon as the guest speaker, Channel 4 anchor Demetria Kalodimos, started talking, I pulled out a pen, folded the flyer announcing "Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber Day at Costco" and started writing.
More than 100 businesswomen turned out to hear Kalodimos' presentation at the Fifty Forward Martin Center and I doubt if anyone went home disappointed. How could they when she shared her life history with one liners that entertained as well as informed.
The Illinois Wesleyan grad attended college on a flute scholarship and at one point dreamed of leading an orchestra. When she started working at the university's radio station, however, she found a new love.
"My mother would say I fell in love with the sound of my own voice," she quipped.
Of her early years in broadcast news, she talked about working at a small station where the daily Trading Post feature was as important as the daily news. After earning a graduate degree in journalism, she had job offers from WSMV here and from a new upstart network called CNN in Atlanta. She chose Nashville, she said, because she was convinced that CNN "will never go anywhere."
A fun fact to know and tell is that she keeps her Illinois teaching credential up to date -- a Plan B in case this broadcasting gig doesn't pan out. And her professional name hasn't always been Kalodimos.
At her first TV job, she became "Demetria Kay" much to her chagrin. Apparently the name her grandfather brought with him from Greece was a bit much for the tiny station in the heartland.
"Is that stupid or what?" she asked the crowd.
Channel 4 turned out to be a bit more progressive about Kalodimos. "They said 'We like that name. You can use it if you want to.'" And she has for all but that one small blip of time .
Demetria shared that the past year had been a tough one both personally and professionally. Her dad died last year, and more recently, her longtime co-anchor Dan Miller. Both her mother and sister received breast cancer diagnoses. And yet she smiled her way through her address, shared two favorite news stories via DVD and told those attending that she still loves what she does.
Someone asked if she'd had job offers elsewhere over the years. She said yes, including one with a major network. But in the end, Nashville's kept her here.
"What's not to love about this area?"


***

On a positive business note, Reliant Bank's marketing director, Marion Ingram, announced at the meeting that the bank's new Maryland Farms branch will open August 3. With this and other expansions, Reliant has made 14 new hires in recent months, going against the trend.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A salute to 'Salute' finalists

The Center for Nonprofit Management has announced finalists for its 2009 Salute to Excellence Awards -- the "Academy Awards" for the nonprofit world of Middle Tennessee -- and I shamelessly want to offer this shout out to two of the nominees.
It's with great pleasure I share that Brentwood resident Andrea Overby, right, and my wonderful (even if Nashville-based) sister-in-law Linda Leathers, have both been nominated for their work with The Next Door.
I don't believe any of the other nominees or organizations are from Brentwood, but if you know otherwise, please let me know so I can toot their horns as well.
Learn more about Andrea, Linda and The Next Door at http://tinyurl.com/BWlinda.

Lost & Found: Is this tabby yours?



This beautiful tabby cat was found in the Meadowlake neighborhood. Might he (she?) be yours? If you're missing one, email me at brentword@comcast.net and I'll get you in touch with the rescuer.

Strong contenders for WCS director post

And then there were five.
The Williamson County School board of education will interview five new Director of Schools candidates early next month.
On Monday, search firm Ray & Associates presented the five finalists in its second round of national search to the board. Two of the finalists have Williamson County connections – Dr. David Heath, now serving as interim superintendent, and James Wilson, former superintendent of the Fulton County School System in Atlanta who previously spent 10 months here as the first principal of Centennial High School.
The other finalists are Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County, Ala.; Dennis Deardon, former superintendent of Marana County, Ariz.; and Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
School board member Terry Leve, who represents District 6 which includes east Brentwood, shares this information on each candidate:
Barry Carroll, Ed.D
Carroll received his B.S. from Alabama A&M, and two M.A. degrees and his Ed.D. from the University of Alabama. He has been superintendent of Limestone County Schools, headquartered in Athens, Ala., for the last eight years. While his contract was recently extended through 2012, it is terminable on 30 days notice.
Limestone, with 8,735 students and an $80 million annual operating budget, has averaged about 1.5% annual growth in enrollment during Carroll’s tenure.
Carroll holds himself out as one who is data-driven, and believes in order to narrow an academic achievement gap there must be a "change of mindset concerning expectations.
Carroll believes extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are vital for students. He also believes that individualized learning plans will provide the necessary data and information to help teachers understand individual students’ needs.
Prior to Limestone, Carroll spent 10 years in Huntsville Public Schools, a district of 23,000 students, the last four as Director of Secondary Education and Professional Development. He was named the 2006 Alabama Superintendent of the Year, and in 1996 as Alabama's Most Outstanding Secondary Principal. A former health teacher and coach, he has been a public educator since 1981.
He lists as his references the Alabama State Superintendent, the past President of the American Association of School Administrators, the Executive Director of Alabama School Superintendents, the Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, as well as other county superintendents and current school board members.
Dennis Deardon
Deardon received his B.A from Simpson College and his M.S from Drake University, both in Iowa. As senior vice president for the Partnership of Excellence, his responsibilities include mentoring superintendents across the nation and helping school districts implement strategic plans.
Previously, Deardon spent three years as the superintendent of Marana Unified School District in Arizona, a suburb of Tucson. Marana has 13,000 students and a $78 million annual operating budget Deardon states that when he arrived at Marana, the district had gone through several years of turmoil. In a two-year period, he led the alignment of all district improvement efforts, including the implementation of the following initiatives: full-day kindergarten, professional learning communities, elementary school instructional coaches, essential learning standards, and formative and summative assessments based on aligned state standards. Nine of the district's schools were either rated Arizona A+ schools (meaning they ranked in the top 3 percent of the state) or were awarded with National Blue Ribbon of Excellence status.
Before Marana, Deardon spent two years as an assistant superintendent in Fairfax County (Va.) public schools, a district with more than 166,000 students.
A public educator since 1974, he has been a principal, an assistant principal, a social studies teacher, a special education teacher and a coach. wards include being named the national Principal of the Year in 2000, and as a finalist for Teacher of the Year in Colorado in 1990.
His references include the Executive Director of the American Association of School Administrators, the Director of Schools of Fairfax County Public Schools, as well as other county superintendents and Marana school board members.

David Heath, Ed.D
Heath received his B.S. and M.S. from University of Tennessee, Martin. He earned his Ed.D. from the University of Southern California. For the past six months he has served Williamson County’s interim Director of Schools, a position he also held for seven months in 2004.
Williamson County Schools has more than 30,000 students and an annual operating budget in excess of $200 million. Heath spent the last six years as deputy superintendent at WCS.
He considers keeping a sense of urgency and better accountability to be the greatest challenges and obstacles in narrowing the district’s achievement gap. He describes a good board-director relationship as one where "the board is the 'what,' and the director of schools is the 'how.'" He writes that "[t]oo often schools have exerted independence in individual directions that have focused dollars and energies away from the primary objectives and vision of the district."
As deputy superintendent, Heath has coordinated budget preparations for the transportation, maintenance, facilities and operations, human resources and cafeteria departments; gas led rezoning plans; and served as hearing officer for student disciplinary hearings.
Following a six-year tenure as principal at Brentwood High School, Heath served as director of the Assessment Center for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in the Germany Region. He has also been a high school principal, junior high school principal, assistant principal and teacher in Tennessee, Germany, Korea and Japan.
In 1998, he was named the Tennessee Secondary Principal of the Year. His references include two former WCS superintendents, Drs. Terry Grier and Dallas Johnson, the Chairman of the Weakley County Board of Education, the Dean of Fine Arts and Media at the University of Colorado, Denver, and County Mayor Rogers Anderson.

Michael Looney
A doctoral candidate at the University of Alabama, Looney earned his B.S. and M.S. from Jacksonville State University in Alabama and his Ed.S. from the University of Alabama. He is superintendent of Butler County School District, headquartered in Greenville, Ala, a position he has held for four years.
Butler has 3,500 students and a $31 million annual operating budget.
In answer to the question of his experience in working with students and parents in high-achieving school environments, Looney cites his development of a K-12 magnet school for "high-end learners." His application also speaks to the partnerships he has forged with city and county government officials, and their cooperation in funding the largest school construction campaign in the county's history: nine separate projects – projects completed on time and within or under established budgets. He has also developed career academies and a comprehensive, tiered acceleration policy for high-achieving students. He also led efforts that resulted in his district being awarded with State Department of Education funds in excess of $2 million to design Alabama's first "pay for performance" plan.
Prior to Butler, Looney served two districts as an assistant superintendent for Montgomery (Ala.) Public Schools and Calhoun County Schools, located in Anniston, Ala. In Montgomery, a district with 61 schools and 31,000 students, he was responsible for evaluating, coordinating and administering curricula for all K-12 programs. He has also been a principal, assistant principal and elementary school teacher.
Prior to education, he served for seven years in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.
His references include Alabama's State Superintendent, the Mayor of Greenville, Ala., newspaper editors and reporters, the former president of the Board of Education for Montgomery County Public Schools, as well as current board members.

James Wilson
Wilson earned his B.S. from Tennessee Tech, his M.A. from West Georgia College, and his Ed.S. from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Last year. Wilson became president of Education Planners, a business management firm serving school districts across the Southeast. For the three years before that, Wilson served as superintendent of Fulton County (Ga.) Schools, a district with nearly 90,000 students and a $940 million operating budget.
Wilson considers maintaining a focus "on kids and not statistics" as one of the greatest challenges and obstacles to closing the achievement gap among students. In 2007, eight Fulton County High Schools ranked among Georgia’s top 11 schools for the highest average SAT scores.
Prior to his time in Fulton County, Wilson spent 26 years in the Cobb County (Ga.) School District, where he started as a middle school teacher. His tenure later included serving as Community School Director, assistant high school principal, middle school principal, high school principal, executive director of high school operations, assistant superintendent of human resources, deputy superintendent, interim superintendent and chief operations officer.
During a short break from Cobb, Wilson spent 10 months with Williamson County Schools when he was hired to be Centennial High School's first principal. He was named at the commencement of the school’s construction project, and was responsible for hiring the staff, setting curriculum and purchasing furniture and equipment. The summer before CHS opened its doors, Cobb County enticed him back by offering him the position of executive director of high school operations, which made him responsible for directing the supervision of 13 high schools.
He now serves on U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson's Education Committee and has presented at three different national conferences on "Utilizing Technology in the Classroom." His references include the Board Chair of Fulton County Schools, the Cobb County Superintendent, and other business and education leaders, including from the Georgia School Board Association.



Chamber announces 2010 Leadership class

This just in from BrentWord news services (OK, make that Lynn Tucker at the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber). I learned last week I had been selected to participate but only learned through this release who my classmates will be. I consider myself lucky to be included!

Participation, leadership key in selection process
BRENTWOOD -- Fifteen Brentwood leaders have been selected for the Leadership Brentwood Class of 2010. These participants represent a cross-section of the community and were selected on the basis of their past and present leadership within the community.
The class members are: Maurilio Amorim, president/owner, The A Group; Steve Dycus, senior marketing coordinator, Williamson Medical Center; David Fox, vice president, customer and technical Support, Passport Health Communications; Rod Freeman, manager/owner, Rocking R Companies; David Green, owner, David Green Communications; Mike Knotts, district director, U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn; Susan Leathers, owner/publisher, BrentWord Communications; Greg Lemon, president, Axis Accounting Systems; Dr. Dan McHugh, physician, Premier Orthopaedics; Kelli Nelson, director, HCA, Inc.; Angela Nordstrom, regional director, NIC, Inc.; Vicki Smith, senior manager, Global Communications, Nissan North America, Inc.; Anna Stotts, account manager, business development, Century II; Amy Tanksley, owner, Uncle Classic Barbershop; Liz Wilson, owner, Monarch Advisory Group.
“While their backgrounds are diverse, these 15 individuals clearly share a commonality of leadership experience that is representative of the outstanding quality of all of this year’s applicants. Their selection is a tribute to our alumni and the commitment they have made to the continued excellence of the Leadership Brentwood program,” said Chris Bosen, chair of the Steering Board.
“Two of the main objectives of Leadership Brentwood, established 20 years ago, are to foster an attitude of increased participation in the community and to promote a free exchange of ideas and concerns among the various segments of Brentwood. This class, like those before them, will be challenged both individually and as a team to embody those goals for the long-term benefit of the Brentwood community in the coming year and beyond.”
Leadership Brentwood, a program administered by the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce to identify and educate present and future leaders and integrate them into the Brentwood community, is entering its 20th year with the announcement of the Class of 2010. The program runs from August to March and consists of monthly one-day itineraries featuring panel discussions, visits to local areas of interest, question and answer sessions, and small group projects. Participants are given opportunities to enhance their own leadership skills, learn useful strategies for teamwork, and discover ways to give back to the Brentwood community.
For additional information, visit www.LeadershipBrentwood.org.

Skinny jeans dangerous for you

Good morning Brentwood!
Just saw on the Today show that skinny jeans can be dangerous for you, constricting nerves and such. Of course, I don't have to worry about that. Can't wait for tomorrow's report on plus-size ones, however. Now that's something I care deeply about ...

As I get ready for the day, want to share some links for you in case you haven't seen today's Brentwood Journal:
Finally, Jill Burgin, one of Brentwood's best writers, responded to my posting about Tuesday's Dear Abby column on the challenges of living in an affluent community. It's something I've struggled with for years but never have been able to put it on paper.
Jill explains it as only she can: Clearly and to the point. Here it is, in case you missed it:

I have been on both ends of the spectrum, and living in an affluent community involves more than just whose house is bigger and who's a snob or not.
If you don't "have" as much as your friends, it limits how much you, your friends, your kids and their friends can socialize together. Hitting restaurants four times a week or attending fundraiser luncheons that are $50 or $100 a plate may be out of the question. So are $50 concert tickets and $75 hockey tickets. Girls weekends in Atlanta or spring break trips to the Caribbean aren't just a few phone calls away. If you're watching your budget, $3,000 school trips to Europe are not a given. Neither is Disney twice a year. So shared experiences with your "richer" friends can be few and far between.
Sure, you can do free stuff together and bond through a book group or Bible study. Yes, volunteering at a soup kitchen reminds you of your own blessings. But it doesn't change the fact that a limited budget means you have to limit yourself, even when it seems others never have to, and maintain the constant, exhausting gut check you go through whenever your friend or your kid's friend gets something or goes somewhere new.

Do you have news to share? Thoughts on recent posts, story ideas? Please let me know at brentword@comcast.net.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

New York Times and Brentwood connections....

Love me some Facebook. How else would I know that one of Brentwood's most talented young singer-songwriters, Dylan Taylor, caught the interest of a New York Times reporter in the audience at 12th & Porter the other night?
Not familiar with Dylan? You can hear her at http://www.myspace.com/taylorbraunmusic.

And heard last week about another upcoming Times' piece with a Brentwood connection.
Dr. Jeff Wilson, a pastor on staff at Brentwood United Methodist, is uncle to Tandy Wilson, one of the nation's hottest chefs. The younger Wilson (sorry Jeff) co-owns and is the chef at The City House restaurant in downtown Nashville's Germantown section. He's already a James Beard award semi-finalist and generating a lot of buzz in foodie circles.
Jeff told me the Times sent a crew down to interview Tandy for a future piece. I'll keep my eye out for it and let you know when it runs.
Have you been in the Times lately? If so, let me know. Always looking for those Brentwood connections, wherever they show up!

Popcorn and drink for $1 each! Really!

Latest 'Harry' film not for under-6 crowd
So, it's like this. I was working away here at the home office when one eye started to twitch and the other started to do other funky things. I took it as a sign I needed to leave the computer screen and do something else.
So I borrowed a few kids (and their mother) and went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at Thoroughbred 20 in Cool Springs. The 1:40 p.m. matinee saved some cash but the big surprise came at the snack bar, where on Tuesday's the Carmike chain is offering its own economic stimulus package -- personal-sized bags of popcorn and small soft drinks for $1 each.
Now this is a stimulus incentive I can get behind. Really hungry? Splurge and get TWO bags. You still come out ahead!
As for the movie, I've read all the books and seen all the films so was anxious to add this to the collection, especially with all the good reviews it's received. Sadly, I came away a bit disappointed and antsy. I think a review of the book beforehand would have helped me enjoy it a bit better. Or maybe it's just that Harry is the only one who hasn't seemed to age. Poor Daniel Radcliffe is vertically challenged. He can't help it I know, but it's too bad he's not at least as tall as his new love Ginny Weasley.
A word to the wise, however. There were lots of young children, say age 5 and under, in today's matinee. And this is not the movie for them. Really. It's long, a little dark and I really just doubt any of them really enjoyed it. The little girl in front of me definitely didn't; she and her grandmother took several side trips during the 2-hour, 33-minute film.
On a positive note, the pre-show advertisement featuring race-car driver Danica Patrick is almost worth the admission price itself. To her pit crew: I know just how you feel about those panties that ride up and bad tan lines. But you're looking marvelous, boys. Just marvelous.
What was she selling? I can't remember. But the short piece was hilarious.

Five new finalists for WCS superintendent

Position, not Heath, previously banned from applying
Five new finalists have emerged in the search for a new Williamson County Schools superintendent. They include: Barry Carroll of Athens, Ala.; Dennis Dearden of Oro Valley, Ariz.; David Heath of Brentwood; Mike Looney of Greenville, Ala.; and James Wilson of Atlanta. Two have Williamson County ties.
Heath currently serves as interim superintendent. Wilson has previously worked for the district and oversaw Centennial High School's construction.
I was out of town and could not attend Monday night's called board meeting, but have emailed Brentwood school board reps Pat Anderson (board chair), Susan Graham and Terry Leve for comments. Williamson A.M. education reporter Maria Giordano has posted a short story online with details, http://tinyurl.com/WCsklbrd.
After the July 13 Brentwood City Commission meeting, Graham and Anderson also clarified for me a misunderstanding by some concerning Heath's application. It has been reported that Heath personally was barred from applying for the job during the search's first round. In truth, the board decided -- before Heath was named interim superintendent -- that whomever held that position could not apply. There were concerns that an internal candidate would be perceived as being preferred over outside ones, which could dissuade others from applying.
On May 11, after rejecting the first two finalists brought forward by the search firm Ray and Associates, the board voted to allow the long-time Williamson County educator to apply along with other candidates during a second search.

Sports links and a Dear Abby plug

During a quick perusal of Williamson A.M. this morning, I discovered two sports stories by Chip Cirillo I thought Ravenwood parents and students might like to read in case you missed the printed version. I'd also like to take this opportunity to say so long to Chip, who is leaving the Williamson County sports beat to return to The Tennessean's home office on Broadway in Nashville.
Chip's sports feature writing brought a wonderful dimension to Williamson County sports coverage and will be missed. The good news is that he will be covering prep sports so I'm sure we'll be seeing Brentwood datelines a lot when he covers Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools along with Brentwood Academy and the other private schools that draw student athletes from our city.

In the meantime, here are Chip's stories today:

Dear Abby, Dear Abby I have no complaints....
John Prine is my all-time favorite singer-songwriter bar none. Sometimes I wonder what he would write about life in Brentwood. We'll have to wait and see. But in the meantime, Dear Abby herself has an interesting series of letters today, page 5D of The Tennessean's Life section, that provide a perfect reflection of our life in the bubble.
The topic, living in affluent communities, really hits home. This is a constant source of discussion among my friends, my Parents of Teens Sunday School class, and my family.
Check it out. Would love to know what you think. Don't have the paper? I also found it online at http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/

Busy week ahead in Brentwood

Who has time for the mid-summer doldrums when there is so much to see and do? Here are just a few suggestions to help fill your week. If you know of more, please let me know!

The Friends of the Brentwood Library's quarterly book sale opens Wednesday and runs through Saturday at the library. As mentioned in an earlier post, science fiction fans will be happy to know one patron made a huge donation that will be available. This is also a great opportunity for students to find last-minute required Summer Reading books and books for next fall's literature classes at real bargain prices.
Check out my previous post for details: http://tinyurl.com/BWscifi (just remember that any references to NEXT week are now THIS week!)

Speaking of the library, the Summer Reading Program's far from over, with award-winning songwriter and recording artist Katherine Dines presenting an interactive program at 1 p.m. today. It's designed for kids from toddler age to 6.

Just a head's up: The River Park playground and shelter will be closed today through Thursday for playground maintenance. This would be a good time to check out one of the city's other parks and playgrounds, like the newest, Owl Creek Park, between Concord Pass and Chestnut Springs Road in east Brentwood. You'll find a picnic shelter, playground, basketball courts and walking paths.

It's supposed to rain on Wednesday, so you may want to settle on the sofa and watch WC-TV's Classic Football Game of the Week: Brentwood vs. Franklin, September 26, 2006. It will be aired on Comcast Channel 3 at 9 a.m. and 2 and 7 p.m. Also, Brentwood High's 2009 graduation ceremony will air Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 and 8 p.m.

About a zillion years ago I wanted to be Good Morning America's Joan Lunden. A newspaper career won out over a broadcasting one, but I still can't wait to hear Channel 4 news anchor Demetria Kalodimos at Thursday's Women in Business luncheon. Sponsored by the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber, it begins at 11:15 a.m. at the FiftyForward Martin Center. Noon today is the deadline to register. It's $12 for chamber members, $15 for guests. You can register online at http://www.brentwood.org/ or call the chamber at 373-1595.






King named Firefighter of the Year

More details will be coming, but in the meantime, here are highlight's from Saturday night's Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department's annual awards ceremony:

Congratulations to Engineer Ronnie King, pictured top right, named Brentwood’s 2009 Firefighter of the Year. He was honored for his outstanding contributions in the area of Water Supply ISO Compliance and Recruit Firefighter Development. King joined the department in 2002 and was promoted to engineer in 2005.


Firefighter Chris Shore, bottom right, received the department’s first ever Meritorious Service Award for his rescue of a fellow firefighter following a floor collapse at a structure fire in October of last year. No injuries were reported as a result of Shore’s actions.
Four different Medical Service Awards were presented for crews or individuals whose intervention directly saved a life. This honor is awarded to recognize successful resuscitation of a patient found not breathing and/or in cardiac arrest. Assistant Chief Brian Goss stated that the four lives saved this year were a direct result of new technology, superior training of fire personnel, and a greater awareness of the public resulting in increased bystander CPR.

Other award recipients included Engineer Ron Woodmansee, Letter of Commendation; Firefighter Katie Williams, Civic Award; and a Unit Citation for Station #2, B shift.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Latest BW crime report released

The Brentwood Police Department on Monday released its most recent crime report, for the week ending July 18.
At the top of the list are four residential burglaries between July 8 and July 15 that included thefts of jewelry and other valuables. Three of the properties all had front doors that were forced open. They include burglaries at 509 Dekemont Lane in Belle Rive; 1199 Retreat Lane just off Concord Road in Willowmet and 6034 Murray Lane. No suspects are listed on the report.
In a separate incident, a family member is suspected of gaining entry into a home at 1078 Highland Road in Highland View. Nothing was reported taken.
Two actions involving motor vehicles were reported. A '97 Nissan van reported stolen out of Mississippi was recovered and Cesar Varzques-Morales arrested on I-65 on July 10.
And on July 13, a 1994 Mercury van was reported stolen from the southbound side of I-65 between Old Hickory Boulevard and Concord Road.
Four thefts from motor vehicles were reported last week, including three in Brookfield subdivision in east Brentwood. Between July 10 and 11, at 3108 Kottas Court, a passenger side window was broken out. During that same time period, a laptop computer and printer were taken from an unlocked vehicle at 2516 Shays Lane. On July 11, a window was reported broken out and a Garmin GPS device was reported taken at 2496 Ann Julian Court.
Between July 12 and 14, Tennessee license plate 502VNB was taken from a vehicle at 1749 Mallory Lane.
Vandalism was reported at the Maryland Farms YMCA, the Governor's Club, River Park, the Oak Hall subdivision and in Raintree Forest.
At the Y, a vehicle was keyed between July 6 and 9. A knife or tool was used to carve on the walls of the Winstead Mansion at the Governor's Club, which is owned by the Property Owner's Association, between July 10 and 13. A wall and urinal in the men's restroom at River Park were spray painted on July 15. And on July 16, a bulletin board maintained by the Raintree Forest HOA had its glass door broken.
In Oak Hall, feces was left on the door and in a can on the front porch of a home that also was rolled. In response to a question I asked and posted previously in BrentWord, Captain Jeff Hughes stated at this time there is no evidence that it was a hate crime. It is being treated as a prank.
Nine instances of general theft include four seperate instances of shoplifting, from Best Buy on Galleria Boulevard, Mapco Express on Moores Lane, Home Depot on Moores Lane and Ross Dress for Less on Galleria Boulevard. Gregg Gentry and Carl Gentry were arrested in the Best Buy case and a warrant has been issued for the Home Depot theft of tools. A white male is being sought in the July 10 theft of cigarettes from the Mapco. He was reported driving a green Mercury with a Tennessee tag.
Other thefts include two laptop computers from a Flowerwood Court residence in Mooreland Estates; a ring taken from an unlocked locker at the Brentwood YMCA; a pressure washer taken from a pried-open storage shed on Wilson Pike Circle; jewelry taken from a Shenandoah Drive resident during a move; and laptop computers and clothes taken from a residence at Manassas Court in River Oaks.
Two of the more intriguing crimes reported last week include four 8-foot teakwood umbrellas taken from outside picnic tables at the Tennessee Society of CPAs' Maryland Farms offices at 201 Powell Place, and water. Yes, water taken from FedEx Kinko's in the Brentwood Hill Center shopping center "stolen from over a period of months from rear facet."
If you have information on any of these crimes, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160.

In case you missed previous posts concerning recent crimes, see:
http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/update-from-bpd-on-burglaries.html
http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/ransacked-home-stuns-brentwood-family.html
http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/vandalism-in-oak-hall-subdivision.html

Have a great day...

The BrentWord home office is closed today as I'm in North Carolina for friend Sara's memorial. But we'll be up and running again bright and early Tuesday, so send news, happenings and anything else to brentword@comcast.net and I'll include it tomorrow.
If you missed posts from last week, take a few minutes to scroll down and catch up.
And, as always, thanks for reading.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The buzz on Beans

Good news and bad news.
The good: If you got into Judge Bean's Bar-B-Que's special Thursday night "soft opening" you enjoyed brisket wraps, Diablos (jalapenos stuffed with smoked shrimp or chicken and chicken, then wrapped in bacon), cowboy beans, barbecue beans, all the beer you could drink and music by Trent Wilmon and Wade Hayes.
The bad: If you didn't go or didn't get in, you'll have to wait until the official grand opening on Monday. There's no time for another "softie." There's an outdoor patio to be built and last minute renovation's to be finished.
All this came not from the man himself, but his longtime catering director Mary Louise Haley. I met Mary when I stopped by today to get the scoop.
I also picked up a menu. Looks good. But I don't think Corky's or Stroud's need to worry. Judge Bean's specializes in Texas-style beef barbecue. There's hardly any pork on the menu. And as Southerners, there is always room in our lives for all kinds of barbecue.
And I love this, the "Skinny Jenny": "We even added salad for the Brentwood people. Leaf lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, bacon bis, sprinkle of cheese w/ blue cheese, balsamic or ranch on the side. $5. Add buzzard or armadillo and the price goes up to $8.50. You figure it out.
OK, enough free advertising. Check it out yourself starting Monday and let me know what you think.
Judge Bean's is located at 7022 Church St. E.

Headed to UT for freshman year? Party!

Don't worry Mom and Dad. I'm not talking about THAT kind of party. Received this from Brentwood PR person extraordinaire Lucinda Hall earlier this week:

Summer send-off, ice cream social
planned Aug. 2 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 July 29 at 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 at dddntn@aol.com for details..
For information on the Williamson County UT Alumni Chapter, please visit http://www.williamsonvols.net.

Update from BPD on burglaries

The Brentwood Police Department has released the following press release concerning the residential burglaries reported here earlier this month. If you missed the earlier posts, I've added the links below.

BRENTWOOD -- The Brentwood Police Department is currently investigating a string of residential burglaries. These crimes have occurred approximately during the last six weeks with the majority of them since July 1st. These unknown suspects are committing these crimes during the daylight hours. Based on the crime scenes, we believe there are multiple suspects involved and the burglaries are probably all committed by the same suspects.
The suspects are taking primarily jewelry and have taken one gun safe containing several weapons.
We’re asking Brentwood citizens that see anything suspicious, whether it be an unfamiliar car cruising or parked in the neighborhood, or an unfamiliar person(s) on foot to please call the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160 to have a car dispatched to check it out.
We’re asking the general public if they have any information concerning these crimes or suspects to call Williamson County Crimestoppers at 794-4000.

Previous links: http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post.html
http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/ransacked-home-stuns-brentwood-family.html

Bean's smokin' Thursday night; Jefferson's opening soon and fried fish too

That's right, Judge Bean's Barbecue, our newest Town Center restaurant had a soft opening Thursday night and it was hot. Real hot. In fact, so hot that it was too hot for me. But not because I didn't try.
Every parking spot in the Manor House parking lot and even some made up ones were taken during both of my attempts to check it out. I'm on the case, however, and promise to pop in today to get the scoop and let you know how it went. In the meantime, if you were one of the lucky ones to get in, please comment below or send me an email to let me know what you thought.
The official grand opening in Monday, July 20. Good luck finding a parking spot!

Around the world dining
Speaking of food, after being disappointed about not getting into Bean's, I decided to drive to Maryland Farms to see if Jefferson's had opened yet. Unfortunately no, but it looked like it as close.
So this morning I gave owner Jeff Webb a call to get the scoop. He tells me the family-friendly sports bar should open in about two weeks. They're just waiting on equipment.
This will be Webb's seventh restaurant in the small chain, but the first in his native Tennessee. Wings, burgers and oysters are specialties, along with plenty of appetizers.
Jefferson's is the latest restaurant to open in the little strip center off Ward Circle that may just offer Brentwood's most diverse dining. It joins Joey's House of Pizza, China Wok, The Mediterranean Cafe, Hanabi Japanese restaurant and Jersey Mike's subs.
Can't wait to check out the menu? Check out www.jeffersonsrestaurant.com

All-you-can-eat catfish tonight!
If fried fish is more to your liking than brisket, consider heading due west to the 35th annual Bethlehem United Methodist Church Fish Fry today.
All-you-can-eat catfish and fixings will be served from 4:40-8 p.m. today at the church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop in Grassland (just off Hillsboro Road). For our purposes, we'll call it Brentwood West.
Not only will there be great food, you'll find a bluegrass band, kid's games, a bake sale and more.
Tickets are $12 ($5 for those age 9 and under). Need more info? Call the church at 794-6721 or visit the church website at http://www.bethlehemumc.com/

Thursday, July 16, 2009

This just in...

The Nashville Post is reporting that Brentwood-based restaurant chain Sante Fe Holding Co. has filed for bankruptcy. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/SFrest

Another link you may be interested in if you missed earlier coverage from Monday's Brentwood City Commission meeting comes from The Williamson Herald: http://tinyurl.com/WHguns.

Weekend events; the chamber and more

So, whatcha doing this weekend? Now that the summer Brentwood Concert Series has concluded, are you feeling a bit lost?
Here are a few suggestions, though for a few you'll have to cross the city limits.

School's open, dunces need apply
If it's the third Sunday of the month, school's in session on Moore's Lane. One of the city's most prominent historic sites, Primm Historic Park featuring the restored Boiling Spring Academy and a Native American Mound, is open free for guests from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Even better, Sunday's forecast calls for a high of 75 degrees and partly cloudy skies, so why not bike or hike to the old one-room school house using one of the city's many bike trails? You could finish up the day with a picnic in Crockett Park, in the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater with music from your iPod or at the huge community playground.
For a bike trail map and/or information on Primm park, visit the city's website at www.brentwood-tn.org. Go to "About Us" then click on "History." If you have younger kids, download the Primm Historic Park Activity book before you go! http://tinyurl.com/kw92fr.
Also, I just learned of another site that's packed with information about having fun in Brentwood. It's www.CometoBrentwood.com and was a Leadership Brentwood project two years ago. Check it out for more information and ideas for things to do here.

Travel 'Into the Woods' at TCT
Towne Centre Theatre opens Into The Woods Friday night for a three-week engagement that runs through Aug. 8. If you're a grown up who still likes fairy tales, this is the show for you.
Based on Bruno Bettelheim's 1976 book, The Uses of Enchantment, the musical brings together several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them further than the story lines you're used to.
This weekend's shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. matinee Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, ages 60-plus; and $16 for students with ID. Get a group of 20 or more together and the price is only $16 each.
For reservations or information, call the box office at 221-1174 or order online through the website at www.townecentretheatre.com.
This community theater is a jewel in our town. The building, located at 136 Frierson Street, just north of Church Street, has a great history as both a former school and church and was carefully restored and renovated to be Brentwood's premiere location for live theater just a few years ago.

The magic continues at the movies
And then there's Harry Potter. I wasn't woman enough to stay up for Wednesday morning's midnight show, though several of my contemporaries, including Brentwood moms Mary Braun and Angie Miller, did.
But hopefully this weekend I'll be able to snag a ticket what's expected to be the summer's blockbuster. I plan to buy my own personal bag of buttered popcorn (what South Beach Diet?) and enjoy Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at a time more conducive to my ever-more aging self. (Read that one of the mid-day matinees on Saturday for $7 versus the high-dollar showing later in the day. Ms. Cheap would be so proud!)

Hey cheapos: Need your suggestions
Speaking of Ms. Cheap, I'm having lunch with her next week to help her find all the cool and cheap places to shop, eat, and have fun in Williamson County. I, of course, want to keep her focused on Brentwood. So if you have suggestions you want me to pass along, leave them here or email me at brentword@comcast.net. And if you have other ideas for fun this weekend, let me hear those as well.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Vandalism in Oak Hall subdivision

This isn't pretty to write, or read. I learned today about an overnight incident in the Oak Hall subdivision that made my blood boil. Oak Hall is located in southeast Brentwood near Ravenwood High School and Kenrose Elementary.
A family there was targeted by vandals who not only TP'd their yard, which by itself could be considered typical teenage behavior, especially in the summer time. But this crew also left human feces on the home's front steps and strung fishing line between the front porch posts, obviously hoping someone would come out and trip or otherwise take a tumble.
Last week's Brentwood crime report included a case of vandalism at nearby Kenrose Elementary School. And I'm familiar with similar events in and around the area in the past.
I've contacted the Brentwood Police Department about the incident above and asked if it is being investigated as a hate crime. There are circumstances I understand that might warrant it.
If you have any information concerning the vandalism, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160.
There is no place for activities like this in Brentwood, or anywhere for that matter. It's not funny. It's destructive. And I truly hope that whoever is responsible is punished for their actions.