Crime Report, Part 2...

It's not everyday you get two crime reports. Nope, crime's not rampant in the big city. Instead you can chalk up the delay in posting the first one to the recent vacation days I took for our big family wedding.
Here is the latest report, released just minutes ago by Capt. Jeff Hughes of the Brentwood Police Department:

• A computer, jewelry, cash and other items were taken from a residence on Bunkerhill Road in the Brentwood South neighborhood on Wednesday (July 1).
• Our local YMCAs were again targeted. At the Brentwood Y on Concord Road, a purse and its contents were taken from a car after the passenger side window was broken out. At the Maryland Farms Y, a driver's side window was broken out of a car and a camera, purse and contents were taken. The victim reported to police she saw two white males and one white female walking around the parking lot upon arrival. Both thefts were reported on June 25th.

Several cases of vandalism have been reported in the past week:

• Sometime June 24-25, garage doors were spray painted on a Devens Drive home in Brenthaven.
• On Church Street E. during the night of June 25-26, a rock was thrown through a second-floor window..
• A wallet and its contents were stolen from a purse while the victim attended a June 27 party on Beauregard Lane in the Brentwood Hills subdivision.
• And two cars at Landrover of Nashville on Cadillac Drive were egged on consecutive nights, June 29 and 30.

Four general thefts were reported:

• A Toshiba projector was taken from rental property on Childe Harolds Circle between June 18 and 21 in the FountainBrooke subdivision.
• Jewelry was reported taken from a residence on Atherton Court between December '08 and June 25. Workers are suspected.
• A deposit was missing from a safe at the Red Roof Inn on Moores Lane. Employees are listed as suspects.
• And between June 22 and July 1, money was taken from a safe on Arcaro Place in Maryland Farms. Five victims are listed; five people have access to the safe.

If you have information on any of these crimes, or are yourself a crime victim, call the Brentwood Police Department at 371-0160. If you experience a true emergency, call 9-1-1.

Please remember to always lock your car doors and to take all valuables with you, or lock them out of sight and in your trunk.

Firecracker 5K and other July 4 news

With Saturday's weather forecast for a high of only 85 degrees and just a chance of scattered thunderstorms, it looks like the Fourth of July is going to dawn just beautifully. And speaking of dawn, don't forget the annual Cadillac Firecracker 5K Race/Walk benfitting the Maryland Farms YMCA that kicks off at 7 a.m. Andrews Cadillac is its primary sponsor.
Advance registration closed Wednesday, but race-day registration is available for $30.
The race begins and ends at the Y, 5101 Maryland Way, with a route that weaves itself through Maryland Farms. For the younger set, the Luken Investments Kid's Race starts at 8 a.m. Designed for children age12 and younger, the cost is$5 for child.
All participants are invited to join the Y for its Independence Day pool party from noon-2 p.m.
For complete details, visit http://tinyurl.com/fire5K.



Chamber says "wear red!"
Just an fyi: today's the last day you can buy the bright red Fourth of July T-shirts the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber wants everyone to wear to Crockett Park on Saturday. Well, make that the last day you can buy them at the chamber office.
Lynn Tucker shares that sales have been brisk at the office, which is open until 5 p.m. today but closed tomorrow for the holiday. However, you can buy them at Puffy Muffin today through Saturday, and at the park on Saturday.
The shirts commemorate the city's 40th anniversary and the 20th year for Leadership Brentwood. The are $15 each.
For more information, check out my previous post at ttp://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/06/red-white-and-you-t-shirts-on-sale.html



Webb to wave, wave, touch pearls
The annual Carondelet Fourth of July Parade presented by BrentWord.blogspot.com (OK, I just added the last part) is ON.
Parade organizer Michelle Lasley told me it was touch and go for a bit, but indeed the neighborhood parade will take place as it always has on Saturday morning, complete with red, white and blue Popsicles at the end of the route.
This year's Grand Marshal is Commissioner Paul Webb. Last year it was Vernon Winfrey, Oprah's dad. And let's see. A few years before that it was ... well, that's right. It was me!
"I'm currently working on getting Paul a convertible to transport him in style. Unfortunately, we lost our 65 'stang," Michelle shares. Have a really neat convertible they can us? Let me know and I'll pass it on.

Of course, the biggest event of the day will be the city's Fourth of July celebrate at Crockett Park featuring The Kadillacs. In case you missed yesterday's post listing fun trivia about the band, visit http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/kadillacs-who-knew.html. For information on the event itself -- and traffic plans, road closures and the like, check out http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/06/fabulous-fourth-is-just-around-corner.html.

Know of other fun Fourth of July activities in town? Let me know so I can share them with readers. Just email me the who, what, when and where to brentword@comcast.net.

Crime report: Handgun taken from vehicle

Here are the latest crime reports, as shared by Capt. Jeff Hughes of the Brentwood Police Department:

• A glass was broken in a rear door of Bank of America, 1800 Mallory Lane, sometime between June 18 and 19. Jerry Esaw was arrested.
• A residential burglary was reported at a home on Split Log Road sometime between May 24 and June 14. Cash was taken from an unlocked basement.
• On June 18, two attempted thefts were reported in Maryland Farms: Vehicles at businesses located at 111 Westwood Place and 110 Winners Circle both had attempts made to force locks open. Nothing was reported as taken and there are no suspects.
• A Glock handgun was taken from a car on Delmere Creek Lane between June 22 and June 23.
• Vandalism was reported on June 18 at the Sportsman's Lodge when a paint was scratched on a vehicle.
• And at Enterprise Rent-A-Car near 9660 Boswell Court, a passenger side window was broken out.

Leadership Brentwood deadline today

With only about 18 hours to spare, I submitted my Leadership Brentwood application for the Class of 2010 Wednesday afternoon. I'd love to have you as my classmate (that is, if I'm accepted. This feels a lot like applying for college -- a selective college. Only 15 will be accepted).
Entering its 20th year, Leadership Brentwood, sponsored by the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber, and its alumni have been the catalysts for many of the city's most dynamic, needed, and, yes, fun, initiatives. For instance:

• Town Center redevelopment plan: Class of 1999
• Frisbee golf course at Crockett Park: Class of 2005.
• Citizens Fire Academy: Class of 2003
• Wrote grant that resulted in Boiling Spring Academy restoration: Class of 2004.

To learn about more projects completed by past Leadership Brentwood classes, visit http://www.leadershipbrentwood.org/lead-brent/project.php.

The alumni lists reads like a Who's Who of Brentwood, though not everyone is household name. In fact, most graduates are local government, business, civic and community leaders who do their work -- and leading -- behind the scenes.

If selected, the program costs $500. (Many businesses will sponsor their employees. It never hurts to ask.) The deadline to apply is noon today. So get to it if you're interested. The application is available online at www.leadershipbrentwood.org.

Harlin named BMS principal

This just in from Carol Birdson, spokesman for Williamson County Schools…

Brentwood Middle Assistant Principal Bill Harlin has been named principal of the school effective today. Dr. David Heath, interim superintendent, made the announcement.
“Bill has great expectations for Brentwood Middle students and the school community, and he brings a high level of energy,” Heath said. “He is already vested in Brentwood Middle and will work hard to build on the current successes of students and staff.”
Harlin is beginning his 10th year with Williamson County Schools. He had served as assistant principal at Brentwood Middle for the past three years. He started his career at Centennial High six years prior teaching AP European History and world history and also coaching track.
“I have been fortunate to work with an outstanding group of students, staff and parents over the past three years as an assistant principal,” Harlin said in a statement. “I look forward to serving this school and community in the years to come, and I certainly look forward to building on the standard of excellence that has been set.”
Harlin earned a bachelors in history degree from the University of Mississippi and a masters of arts in teaching from Belmont University.
He and his wife, Kelly, have two young children.

Interesting reads worth sharing

It's going to be busy around the BrentWord office today, lots of reporting and writing to be completed. In the meantime, check out my new post on The Kadillacs, Brentwood's favorite and almost famous Fourth of July band. And here are links to a few other stories from today's Brentwood Journal and elsewhere to keep you occupied until you get new scoops right back here!

As previously reported by BrentWord, the city's new budget includes $225,000 for our local public schools. Check out Williamson A.M. reporter Maria Giordano's expanded report at http://tinyurl.com/BWschools.

Speaking of schools, WCS has expanded its summer Encore program to include Brentwood's Kenrose, Lipscomb and Scales elementary schools. To learn more, read the Brentwood Journal's http://tinyurl.com/BWencore.

The Brentwood Library expansion has received another significant gift, this time a donation from the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. http://tinyurl.com/BWlibrary

And on Tuesday, Williamson A.M. reporter Harriet Vaughan had this story on plans for the city's new tourism-related website: http://tinyurl.com/BWtourism

And here are some recent BrentWord postings to read in case you missed them!

St. Jude Dream Home Winners have Brentwood connection!
http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/06/theres-always-brentwood-connection.html

Hello Hummer: How about Brentwood for your new corporate home?
http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/06/open-letter-to-hummer-tenghzhong-ceos.html

The Kadillacs: Who knew?

City's favorite Fourth band shares all

The Kadillacs, led by Brentwood’s own Paul Ross, has headlined the city’s Fourth of July celebration for more than 20 years. And over the years, thousands of residents have enjoyed the show.

But do you really know the band? That’s what BrentWord thought. So here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know … and more … about The Kadillacs. And remember: If you want to hear them Saturday, make your way to the park early to reserve your spot in the natural grass bowl that is the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater. “Seats” are always at a premium.

So, how did the band get its name, and where did it almost meet its demise? Read on…

A little history: The band formed in January 1984 as the house band on Music City Live, a live TV show on WKRN, Channel 2. “When the show went off the air, folks loved the band and kept calling to book us,” Paul says. “We’ve never looked back since then.”

Coolest venue every played: The “Yellowstone Club” in Big Sky, Mont. Ross says it’s one of the country’s most “exclusive” club with member such as: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Warren Miller (US Olympic star), Greg Lamond (bicycling star), and several other anonymous billionaires. “Our ‘emcee’ for the evening decked out in jeans and Eddie Bauer attire, was ‘nearly a billionaire.’”

Farthest venue played: San Diego, Calif. (on several occasions)

Most fun gig: A Derby party with Dan Akroyd (who performed his show with the band).

Longest-lasting gig (besides Brentwood, of course): Cherokee Town & Country Club’s Wassail Ball, 15 consecutive years. The club is in Atlanta.

And here at home: The Kadillacs first played the City of Brentwood’s Fireworks Celebration in 1988. “In the early days, pre-1995, we used to do Brentwood pre-fireworks, then jump into a limo and rush to play Metro’s ‘after party’ after their fireworks. We had to stop when Brentwood moved out to Crockett Park,” Paul said. “It was too far away.”

Most interesting gig: New Year’s Eve in Savannah, Ga. As part of the show, the “Flying Wallendas” did a tightrope act in the hotel atrium, 10 floors up at midnight, Paul shared.

Most scary experience: This one’s a tie. Once the band nearly froze to death (“literally,” Paul says) on a broken down bus on top of Black Mountain in N.C., in February. Another time, the band’s bus rear ended a stopped tractor trailer on I-71 on the way to a job in Cincinnati.

Longest-tenured member: Phil Rugh is the longest tenured player in the band, "but more importantly the OLDEST member of the band. That's why I keep him in the band,” Ross said, winking. Hmmm. That must make Paul the second oldest member ...

Newest member: Eric Stephens (bass player), at 2 years, 8 months

Average tenure of today’s Kadillacs: 12 years

About the name: The band had a few different names before settling on “Kadillacs” in 1987. “We once had to change our name (for one day) to the Continentals, because we played a Ford motor convention; they couldn’t bear to book the “Kadillacs!’” Paul said.

Loving those classics: The band only plays “classics.” Of course, that now includes music through the ’90s.

There she is, Miss …: One of the original “Kadillac Girls,” was Nan Kelly, former Miss Mississippi and current on-air personality on CMT.

One impressive bunch: Today band members include a nurse on the Cardiac Bypass operating team at St. Thomas Hospital; president of the Nashville Toastmasters Club; head of the Jazz Department at Tennessee Tech University; a certified adolescent drug abuse counselor; the on-air promotions manager at Fox News and, of course, the former Brentwood Chamber of Commerce board chairman.

Broadway bound? The Kadillacs’ horn section has performed for over 75 touring Broadway Show productions at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Well-traveled: Today the band travels around 16,000 miles on the road, per year in addition to several trips by airplane.

For all the scoop on the city’s Fourth of July festivities, read the previous post, or just click here: www.tinyurl.com/BWFourth