Today at Brentwood Home Page

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

Have you checked out BHP today?

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

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

Brentwood Home Page lives!

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

Need a job? Jefferson's is hiring!

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

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.

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!

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:

• Update on the Wooded Rapist case: http://tinyurl.com/BWwooded
• 'Pace and place guide Annandale forward': http://tinyurl.com/BWannan

A few recent BrentWord posts that you may have missed, and gentle reminders about some great things to do this weekend and early next:

• If you haven't seen Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince yet, consider waiting until Tuesday. Why? Find out athttp://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/popcorn-and-drink-for-1-each-really.html.
• Into the Woods continues at Towne Centre Theatre. I'm hearing good reviews and hope to catch it myself this weekend. www.townecentretheatre.com
• Have some time on your hands? Read up on the new set of finalists for the Williamson County Director of Schools position. http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/07/strong-contenders-for-wcs-director-post.html

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.

Beautiful morning in Brentwood

Good morning!
Thanks to all who left notes or sent messages about my posting on friends Sara and Anne. They all meant more than you know. Writing, and in turn sharing, their stories was the best way I knew to pay tribute to them both.
Now it's time to get back to Brentwood news, and there's a lot to share. Most will come as the day progresses, but let's start it out with some good news: a shout out to baby Reid Allen Smithson, new grandson of City Commissioner Regina Smithson.
Little Reid (8 pounds, 9 ounces) has no idea what he's about to be in for. Family is No. 1 for the large Smithson clan and from all accounts they are there to support each other whenever and wherever needed. So it was no surprise to hear his grandmother boast that he was at last weekend's Williamson County swim team championships --- on his 7-day birthday.
Congrats to all.

New City Judge starts Tuesday, and more...

If I can get myself up and out of here Tuesday morning, I hope to be in the Municipal Building's board room, aka Traffic Court, in the morning. Nope, wasn't pulled over by one of our city's finest. Our new city judge will take her seat for the first time and I can't wait to see how she compares to our former one.

Last night's Planning Commission meeting was a doozie. Aubrey Bean -- aka Judge Bean's Bar-B-Q -- may be the best thing to ever happen to a city meeting. Check back later for a complete report.

Electronic Express is coming to Brentwood, in a big way. The locally owned electronics and appliance retailer will soon be taking over the space vacated by Comp USA. Gotta love those new sales tax revenues we'll be getting instead of Franklin. Hope to touch base with the company owner today. Stay tuned.

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign. Signs -- and the city's various sign ordinances -- had a big presence at Monday night's Planning Commission meeting. I'll keep my eye on that one and let you know what's up.

If you want to keep guns out of city parks, the deadline looms for city action. Email or call your commissioners today and let them know what you think. You can find all of their email addresses and phone numbers at http://www.brentwood-tn.org/.

In the meantime, if you have news to share, please email me at brentword@comcast.net. And check back later for expanded versions of all of the posts above.

Tragic weekend drains fun from 4th

For once, I'm glad to write there's no close Brentwood connection, at least that I'm aware of.
I'm referring, of course, to the weekend deaths of former Tennessee Titan Steve McNair and 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi. Tragic is the word I keep repeating to myself whenever I see, hear or read a new account. The deaths -- and the circumstances that came before them -- are tragic not only for the victims but to those left behind. There is no "Bless their hearts..." or good way to spin this.
To McNair's and Kazemi's families, friends, former teammates (many of whom do call Brentwood home) and fans, my condolences and prayers.
Again we were so clearly reminded that life can be far too short. So let's all hug our kids, call our Mamas and make lists of anything we would like to do, or change, or take back before we leave this earth.
Let's hope, too, that the current run of celebrity losses gives way to some bright and happy news as we enter a new week. I'll be on the lookout for it. If you have some good news to share, let me know so I can spread the word.

Country club lights up sky tonight, more

Brentwood Country Club's annual fireworks extravaganza for club guests, and by default anyone who lives close to the club located off Franklin Road near downtown Brentwood, is tonight, says Courtney Cooper, the club's marketing director.
If you're not a member but want to take in the show, you might want to park on one of the hills near downtown or park in the Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church parking lot around 8:45 p.m. If you live nearby and have skittish pets, like my own Samantha, our 11-year-old golden retriever mix, make plans accordingly.

Be careful with those backyard shows
If you're considering putting on your own fireworks show this year, a gentle reminder that backyard fireworks are outlawed within the city limits. That fact didn't seem to stop anyone last year, where we witnessed nearly professional shows while visiting with friends outside the Oak Hall subdivision clubhouse. Trust me, I'm not just talking sparklers and firecrackers here.
But be forewarned, just like the DUI, seat belt and texting laws that local police and sheriff's departments are ramping up enforcement of this sumer, if there's a complaint about your fireworks, you may be looking at a citation. If there's a fire, the Brentwood Fire Department will respond.
So let's just be careful out there.

Complete Fourth of July coverage:
For more information on the city's big show, see my previous posts on the Kadillacs (http://tinyurl.com/Kadillacs); the Firecracker 5K (http://tinyurl.com/Cadillac5K); and the Crockett Park celebration (http://tinyurl.com/BWfourth)

Want to head outside the city? Check out the Tennessean's comprehensive list at http://tinyurl.com/NVfourth

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.

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

Fabulous Fourth is just around the corner...

Brentwood throws its biggest party of the year this weekend, and since July 4 falls on a Saturday this year, expect it to be even bigger than ever. Here's the official press release so you can start making plans, but return soon to find more in-depth and original reporting!

The City of Brentwood will hosts its 22nd July 4th Celebration from 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater in Crockett Park. Admission is free.
As has become tradition, entertainment will be provided by Paul Ross and the The Kadillacs, a 13-piece band with four vocalists that includes powerhouse horn and rhythm sections.
The music begins at 7 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. followed by more music at 9:30 p.m.
Parking is limited in Crockett Park. The community is encouraged to park at the Brentwood Library or River Park and use the bikeway. Residents that live in nearby subdivisions are asked to walk or ride bikes to the park.
At 8:45 pm, to help with traffic control, the following streets will be designated as one-way traffic:
* Crockett Road from the park to Wilson Pike
* Wilson Pike from Crockett Road to Moores Lane
* Wilson Pike from Crockett Road to Concord Road
The following streets will be closed to traffic in the direction listed below:
* Wilson Pike at Concord Road closed to south bound traffic
* Wilson Pike at Moores Lane closed to north bound traffic
* Crockett Road at Volunteer Parkway closed to east bound traffic
Entry into Crockett Park by car will stop at 8:30 pm. The festival is planned as a family affair with music, dancing, food and fireworks for everyone. No grills or alcohol is allowed.
Rain date for fireworks: Sunday, July 5, 9 p.m. at Crockett Park.

Time out for romance

What's the word on BrentWord? I know, no new postings for a few days. But I have a good reason. On Saturday, my most-awesome sister-in-law, Linda Leathers, became a first-time bride just days after her 43rd birthday. She and Gary Tullock tied the knot at First Baptist Nashville.
Who would have thought a former Southern Baptist singles minister would find herself where she is today and meet her soulmate in meetings discussing prisons and such?
You see, Linda is executive director of The Next Door (www.thenextdoor.org), one of the nation's most successful faith-based initiatives. The non-profit organization provides a full-spectrum of services to women coming out of incarceration, including housing, medical and emotional support, job services, and so much more.
Gary is director of field services for the state's board of probation and parole.
Obviously the man upstairs knew exactly what he was doing throwing these two in the path of each other.
In lieu of wedding presents, Linda and Gary asked for donations to The Next Door. With 300-plus on hand for the nuptials, there's no telling how much money was raised. That's just another reason this wedding was so special.
As always, there were plenty of Brentwood connections, even though Linda and Gary call Nashville home.
Let's see, hairstylist and makeup artist extraordinaire Robyn Gilliam Rowell (a new bride herself) made Linda and her maid of honor Candace the most beautiful women in Nashville yesterday. Andrea Overby, longtime Next Door supporter and board member, read scripture. Son Thomas sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and "The Lord's Prayer" (and brought his grandmother and mother of the bride Marge to tears before Linda even walked down the aisle); Mary Weary and her Menu Maker catering received well-deserved kudos for the reception, and the cake by The Flour Shop was devoured. Really. Except for crumbs, only the top part saved for the bride and groom's first anniversary was left standing.
So as you can imagine, the family's had its hands full the past few days with all the wedding "stuff" going on. But now the wedding is over. Tomorrow is another day, and there will be lots of new Brentwood news to share. So check in and check it out. And if you have some news I may not know about, drop me an email at BrentWord@comcast.net.

An open letter to Hummer, Tenghzhong CEOs

An open letter to Yang Yi, CEO, Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Chengdu, China, and Jim Taylor, CEO of Hummer.

Dear Sirs,

It has come to my attention you are searching for a new corporate home for Hummer, the sport-utility brand recently purchased from General Motors.
Look no further, your new home is Brentwood, Tenn., and we have a corporate headquarters building ready and waiting for you. In fact, it’s where bright minds like those you will employ to plot, plan and promote your tough-minded vehicles did the exact same thing for other tough-minded, four-wheel vehicles, albeit lawn mowers instead of armored vehicles for everyday use. I am, of course, referring to the long-empty Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company headquarters.
Why Brentwood? Let us count the ways:
1. There are probably more Hummers here than anywhere else in the nation.
2. Since you would be a large, corporate employer, the much-discussed Tax Incremental Financing option might be just the incentive you need to relocate here. Williamson County used TIFs to help bring Nissan to town. I’m sure Brentwood and the county could work together on this one.
3. The Murray site is one of the best commute locations in Middle Tennessee, with easy access to interstates, airports and, yes, more than a few good lunch spots.
4. Brentwood’s public schools again have been named among the nation’s best.
5. There’s plenty of Hummer-size housing available almost within walking distance, if you consider the six-mile Brentwood loop that so many of our residents stroll each and every day. Why on Murray Lane alone, there are houses, big houses, available for all of your top people.
6. Rumor has it that the adjoining Tennessee Baptist Convention building may be for sale at some point. Think creatively and there’s no telling what you could do with both parcels.
7. Because we’re the best city in Middle Tennessee, bar none. We have an AAA bond rating and are in fine shape financially compared to the rest of the nation.
Mr. Taylor (love the name, might we be related?), you told Bloomberg News that “We are building a new culture, looking around and benchmarking a lot of the cool companies, the Googles of the world, the places you read about and think ‘It would be cool to work there.’”
Well, BrentWord.blogspot.com is about to become one of the coolest, Google-like companies of the world and I’d be honored to let you be part of that.

Gentleman, please let me know if I can answer any questions for you about Brentwood or put you in touch with those who can help make this happen.

Sincerely,

Susan Taylor Leathers
www.brentword.blogspot.com
BrentWord Communications LLC

Big day for Brentwood news....

Not sure about your house, but the Leathers received a Williamson Herald in the driveway this morning, right along with The Tennessean. So glad we did. LOTS of interesting Brentwood news, and an exceptionally nice special section by the Herald in recognition of Brentwood's 40th birthday.
Here are some story links in case you haven't seen them:

Hardscuffle community reunion recalls city’s black community
http://tinyurl.com/hardscuffle

Ready to ride: Brentwood boys, cousin trek across America on bikes
http://tinyurl.com/bwbike

Town Center evolution awaits infusion of capital, cohesion
http://tinyurl.com/townctr2

And a related story off of last week's TIF meeting, Town Center financing meeting raises questions, some answers
http://tinyurl.com/townctr

City commissioners hear residents’ concerns on issues
http://tinyurl.com/bwcity

And in today's Williamson A.M.:
Do pay, benefits motivate municipal candidates?
http://tinyurl.com/boardpay

Can't help you with the special section, but look for Herald newsracks around town or give them a call at their office to see if they have extra copies.

Of course, I hope BrentWord is your first -- and favorite -- choice for our hometown news! And be sure to check out my earlier posts on the TIF meeting, City Commission meeting and more.

News from the biz front

Heart attack averted at Borders today
Well, I thought I might have one when I walked into the Brentwood Place book store a few minutes ago. Wide empty spaces. Tables and tables of sale merchandise.
I know the economy is bad, but certainly our Borders isn't about to go belly up? I still have last month's coupons to use.
Taking a deep breath after taking a 360-degree twirl to take in the changes, I saw two likely candidates for answers and said, "Do you work here?"
After an affirmative nod, and a "Can we help you?" I bluntly asked: "What's going on? You're not closing are you?"
I really didn't want to hear the answer.
Well, there's good news to share. Borders is not closing. It's remodeling. And I understand the young adult section is going to be interesting.
As soon as I have a chance to chat in detail with sales manager David Beddow I'll share all the scoop. Now, be still my beating heart ....

***

Sisters get right to the point
Speaking of businesses, renovations and such, I popped into Nashville Needleworks grand opening last week.
Only wish I had seen the shop before the three formidable Thorman sisters (and one husband-brother-in-law) went to work transforming it into the light, white workspace and retail store it is today.
From the tales they shared, it's night and day literally in the Brentwood Court storefront where they've put up their shingle. The sisters are Lisa, Emily and Jennifer.
Lisa Thorman Rusche's husband Bud did the bulk of the renovation. Lisa and Bud recently relocated from New England where they ran a bed and breakfast to take over management of The Brentwood, the B&B on Murray Lane, from Lisa's dad Dick Thorman and his wife, Ly Anne.
Jennifer Thorman is a natural-born entrepreneur, with her hand not only in the needleworks store as its main tech person, but also as a teacher and small business consultant, webmaster and Microsoft Office specialist.
Store manager Emily scouted out and found the store's location and has transferred her management skills from The Brentwood to Nashville Needleworks.
The sisters are convinced their business has a ready clientele. For years, the Green Hills needleworks store Metamorphosis owned the market. When Lisa learned that the shop had closed, she saw an opportunity, talked with her sisters and a business was formed. They opened in mid-May.
I don't do needlework, but have always admired those who create beautiful works of art with a needle, canvas and fibers. Sitting with Emily for five minutes last week made my appreciation grow deeper. For instance, I had no idea that certain canvas artists have followings just like best-selling authors.
"All the canvases we sell are hand painted, not machine painted," she explained of the racks of designs in the store. "That's a big deal."
In addition to canvases, Nashville Needleworks sells amazing fibers and materials. It also hosts sit and stitch events, classes, and trunk shows. Don't be surprised if "Meet the Artists" nights aren't on the calendar soon as well.
For more information, check out http://www.nashvilleneedleworks.com/, call 377-6336, or drop by the store, located at 7020 Church St., 5 Brentwood Court.

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Big idea to come

Expect one more business-minded post to come soon. I've been crafting an idea in my head all day and just need to get it on "paper." Always dangerous.

It's big. Real big. It involves four wheels, big money and big thoughts. It may also involve Baptists.

Stay tuned.

A sign of the times: Hardscuffle Road

The Historic Commission recently announced plans to post new street signs on Brentwood's historically significant roads. The new signs will be designed to include a road's current name as well as its historic one.

Those attending Monday's City Commission meeting got a sneak peek of what the first new sign will look like. They weren't the first people to see it, though. That honor went to those gathered last Saturday for the 25th annual Summer Reunion held at Nashville's Sevier Park.

The reunion brings together former neighbors and landowners of Hardscuffle, the mostly African-American community that was located where east Church Street is today.

“The Hardscuffle Community has played a significant role in Brentwood’s past. These new historic road signs are the first of their kind. The Brentwood Historic Commission is pleased to be able to recognize the many contributions the Hardscuffle Community has made in shaping our history," shared Gil Hutchinson, chair of the Historic Commission's marker committee.

"The feedback we received at their reunion was very positive. You could tell they were both pleasantly surprised and deeply appreciative of the recognition. It felt really good to be able to share the news with them.”

City Commissioner Anne Dunn, the board's longtime representative on the Historic Commission, introduced Hutchinson at Monday's meeting and recognized him for his efforts on behalf of the city.

DARE you to eat pancakes Saturday!

As always, it's a big weekend in Brentwood.

And to get your carbs for all the energy you'll need, may I suggest you start the weekend at O'Charleys bright and early Saturday morning.You see, the Maryland Farms' restaurant is hosting a pancake breakfast to raise funds for the Brentwood Police Department's D.A.R.E. program.

Now, the good news is that I'm pretty sure O'Charleys staff and not Brentwood D.A.R.E. Officers Sam Bady and Mark Wood doing the cooking. The great news is that Bady and Williams will be there to share the good news about the program which gives kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs, and violence.

So set your alarm early: The breakfast opens at 6 a.m. and only runs to 9, so if you snooze you lose. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased from Officer Wood or Officer Bady. Call 371-2267 or email woodm@brentwood-tn.org for more info.

Community Band at Crockett

The Summer Concert Series returns Sunday with a change of pace from the past few weeks. The Williamson County Community Band performs in the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater this week, beginning at 7 p.m.

Sunday's forecast calls for a high of 94 degrees and only a 10% chance of rain so unlike the Nashville Symphony a few weeks ago, I have no doubt our own symphony of sorts will play a concert worth remembering.

Southern Summer Jam

With the line between Brentwood and Nolensville blurring more and more these days (not to mention the "Brentwood" portion of Metro Nashville where the "east Brentwood" Kroger and Publix are), I'd be remiss for not mentioning the weekend's Southern Summer Jam festival held at the Winters family farm at 829 Vernon Road just outside Nolensville. Hosts Lynda Winters swears to Williamson A.M.'s Bonnie Burch that this will be the last year for popular gathering. Read all about it in Bonnie's story: http://tinyurl.com/l5matj