Science fiction fans don't miss sale!

Those zany Buzzells and all their BFFs over at the Brentwood Library are at it again: Working 24/7 in anticipation of the next Friends of the Brentwood Library used book sale.
Always on the ball, Pat Buzzell emailed last week reminding me that the summer sale opens at 1 p.m. July 22 and runs through the half-priced sale on Saturday, July 25. You'll find all the hours, etc. below.
While every sale is worth the stop, Manny Buzzell tells me this one will be special for several reasons. For starters, it's the last one that will be limited in size due to the library expansion's construction.
"Our new Friends room in the addition will be half again the size of the former so we should be able to store roughly 15,000 hard covers," he said.
A positive that has come from temporarily having a smaller space, though, has been the advent of the free cart and the wall of books available for purchase whenever the library is open.
"One woman said she had been searching for The Canterbury Tales and found it on the free cart!" Manny shared. If you or your child has summer reading that's yet to be completed, or has signed up for a great books or literature class in the fall, the book sale is a great place to snag classics for next to nothing.
One of the biggest coups this time around, however, is the donation by one person of almost 10 "berryboxes" of science fiction paperbacks.
"That's about out 500-plus paperbacks for any science fiction fan," Manny added.
Of course you'll also find plenty of ficture, non-fiction, children's books, videos, CDs and collectibles too. And if you have books to donate, it's not too late. Donations are welcome at the library whenever it's open.
For more information on the Friends, or the library, visit www.brentwood-tn.org/library.

Here are the sale dates and hours:
July 22, Wednesday, 1-7 p.m.
July 23, Thursday, 9 a.m. -7 p.m.
July 24, Friday, 9a.m.-5 p.m.
July 25, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Guns in parks; book sale, more

Heads up: The City Commission will discuss whether or not to ban guns in parks at its Monday meeting. If you have an opinion, please call or email the commissioners or come to the meeting and let your opinion be known. For more information, visit the city's website for contact information as well as a copy of the meeting's agenda, www.brentword-tn.org.

Also, mark your calendars now for the upcoming big (but last "little") Friends of the Library Book Sale. It will be the last one that has to be held in only one room. By the time the fall sale comes around, our beautiful library's new expansion will be finished and the sale will be bigger than ever.
I'll have more details on Monday, but just wanted to give you a reminder.
AND, I hear science fiction fans have something to look forward to on July 22!

OK, back to the vacation...Happy weekend.

A look at the week ahead...

A full report on the weekend's damp festivities is coming, but in the meantime, here's a peak at what's ahead:
New tenant soon for Comp USA site
The city's park board meets today at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 5211 Maryland Way. It's followed at 7 p.m. with the Brentwood Planning Commission meeting.
On the planning commission's agenda, shared by Mayor Betsy Crossley but not found on the city's website, are consent items concerning the former Comp USA location in Mallory Corners Shopping Center (where Barnes & Noble is located); and approval of the final plat for the Brentwood Lights subdivision off Wildwood Drive. (A reliable source tells me the Mallory Corners tenant should be great for Brentwood, but a loss for Franklin.)
Regular agenda items include a signage plan for Town Center Corner retail building; a revised site plan for Judge Beans Bar-B-Que (the old Church Street Pub building), and a revised preliminary plan for the Lombardy subdivision.
If you have interest or questions on any of the above, try to be there.


White will write, Day will 'Dream Big' at library
The Brentwood Library's Summer Reading Program continues to draw big crowds and this week should be no exception.
At 1 p.m on Tuesday, artist Michael P. White will present an interactive program for those age 7 and up. White will teach the audience how one idea can start a story and how authors and illustrators work together to bring a story to life.
And at 1 p.m. Thursday, musician Roger Day will perform a concert with "action-packed and interactive songs that will have kids jumping for joy.
For complete details on all the activities and events the library's scheduled for its Summer Reading Program this year, visit www.brentwood-tn.org/library.

All about Brentwood, brats and beer
Former Brentwood City Commission candidate Devin McClendon is putting his campaign email list to good use by compiling a monthly calendar of Brentwood events. You'll find it at http://www.allaboutbrentwood.blogspot.com/. Among the July events, Devin lists Thursday's
Brats N' Beer Tasting at the Fifty Forward Martin Center, 960 Heritage Way (just north of Concord Road. The tasting begins at 4 pm with a lecture provided by Jeff with Woody's Smokes and Brews.
Hmmmm. Brats. Beer. Think I'll be there.

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

'Cowboys' at Crockett and lots more ...

It's shaping up to be a busy week in Brentwood and for BrentWord.blogspot.com. ...


Tonight's Riders in the Sky concert in the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater at Crockett Park marks the real start of the 15th annual Brentwood Summer Concert Season. And fans of cowboy music and comedy should pack a picnic, lawn chairs or a blanket and head out to enjoy the free show. The weather.com forecast calls for 84 degrees and sunny skies at 7 p.m. so don't forget your visors and sunglasses for the first hour or so.
Remember that parking at Crockett Park can be tricky, so if you don't live close enough to walk or bike to the park, consider parking at the Y or River Park or the library and heading over from there.

***

Looks like we're getting a new restaurant in Maryland Farms. The city's beer board will convene before Monday night's City Commission meeting to consider a beer permit for the new business at 214 Ward Circle.
Can't wait to check it out and get details. I'll share as soon as I have them.

***

Next on Monday's agenda is the actual commission meeting. The agenda looks like a sleeper, but don't be lulled into thinking it's not important. The city's 2009-2010 budget and Capital Improvement s Program are both up for the second of three public hearings. Two weeks ago no one spoke out in favor or opposition. If you have any concerns or suggestions, this is your chance. You'll find links to them here: http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/05/have-say-in-citys-budget.html.

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On Tuesday, the Summer Reading Program gets under way at the Brentwood Library and it's not too late to register and take part in all the fun activities planned.
Chris Rumble kicks things off at 1 p.m. for an all-ages music program. Rumble uses upbeat songs to get kids excited about reading. According to the library website, "He takes classic songs and changes the words around to exalt the virtues of reading. In addition to the music, Chris incorporates art into the performance as he draws cartoons for the kids on a big sketch pad."
On Thursday, ventriloquist Ken Karter follows with his The Funny Dummy Show, also at 1 p.m. Designed for audiences age 6 and up, "Ken's comedy vocal impressionist act has thrilled audiences throughout the world, and that's no joke! His wonderful cast of characters offers a fantastic roller coaster ride of comedy, ventriloquism, and audience participation, making it the ideal performance."
With all the construction taking place at the library, seating is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis so get there early. For more details on the SRP and upcoming shows, visit brentwood-tn.org/index.aspx?page=558.

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Also on Tuesday, the city's green committee (officially the Environmental Quality Coordinating Committee) is hosting its public input session designed to gather input and ideas from city residents regarding environmental issues affecting our community.
It starts at 6 p.m. If you're a resident who recycles and has an opinion on the topic, this meeting is for you. If you are a small-business and/or property owner worried about new restrictions, this meeting is for you. If you're a proponent of all things green, this meeting is for you.
Let's have a great turnout. See you there.
ps: It's not too late to fill out the online survey the committee will use to help shape its recommendations to the city. You can find it at: www.brentwood-tn.org/greensurvey.

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Come back to BrentWord often this week for lots of other stories and updates. For instance, I want to nail down exactly what "House Cottages" mean for Ravenwood High School. Could that be a nice way of saying "portables"? Inquiring minds want to know.


Have a great story idea or Brentwood news to share? Email brentword@comcast.net

Coming up @ BrentWord ....

Coming soon to a blog near you:

• Pictures from Pete's special night! (see previous posting)
• News on Leadership Brentwood (apply with me. We can be classmates!)
• Details on big tax rate hike! (Just joking but that will teach you to miss commission meetings when they are voting on such things)
• Forget those high school seniors, find out what Brentwood firefighter was named valedictorian of his recent training class.
• Brentwood Library's Summer Reading Program has an entertainment lineup even the Sommet Center can't compete with
• Find out what commissioners will be on what committees this year
• And learn what NASCAR driver's daughter may, or may not, be living here now.

But in the meantime, check out Jill Burgin's blog about her family's recent trip to Disneyland. Jill, a former Williamson A.M. columnist, is a must read for Brentwood moms (and dads) of any age: http://seafoodchicken.blogspot.com/2009/05/footwear-above-all.html

"Citizens' honor late city historian

When Vance Little died in late March, the city lost its historian and one of its best friends.

Perhaps the saddest part about his death, which came too soon after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, was that he didn't live to see the Brentwood Room, the local history room planned in our expanded library, named for him. Luckily he did know about the plans and those that he told know how honored and proud he was about it.

On Thursday, the Citizens for Brentwood Green Space announced a donation to the Brentwood Library for the T. Vance Little Room in the amount of $1,125.

“Vance Little was a treasured resource in Brentwood and a tremendous friend to our organization,” founder Stephen Prince said. “Whether it was allowing us to use his facilities for meetings, or providing us with invaluable insights on ways of preserving green space, Vance was always there when we needed help. It’s an honor to be able to help preserve his legacy in the community.”

Formerly known as the Brentwood Room, the T. Vance Little Room will be a place where visitors will be able to conduct research about Brentwood’s history on their own. “The donations we received for this new addition at the library were above and beyond what we expected or hoped for,” Gil Hutchinson, the group's president added. “We thank all those that donated in honor of Vance’s memory.”

“Vance Little was a great friend of the Brentwood Library, and the many contributions we have received in his memory show that he was a great friend to the whole community. The contribution of the Citizens for Brentwood Green Space is especially significant because Vance helped that group get started by providing them with meeting space," Library Director Chuck Sherrill said. "The T. Vance Little Room at the Brentwood Library will continue his tradition of providing an elegant setting for community activity. We are most grateful to the members of Green Space for making this generous gift to the library.”

Limited numbers of Vance's final book, Gently Flows the Harpeth, published right before his death, is now on sale at the Brentwood Library and at the Brentwood Municipal Building. The book, published in conjunction with the city's 40th anniversary is $40.

The Citizens for Brentwood Green Space, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving open space in the form of parks, trails, historic sites, and flood plains while being sensitive to the rights of landowners and developers. For more information, visit http://www.brentwoodgreenspace.org/

In photo, from left: Gil Hutchinson, Chuck Sherrill, Bert Bosse

Twitter me up Devin

A few final thoughts on Tuesday's election:

Personally, I'm so glad Devin McClendon lost the election. Now he'll have time to teach me to Twitter. But unfortunately for me, I have an idea he won't be twiddling his thumbs, or teaching me to Tweet anytime soon. I hope there's a 2011 Brentwood race in his future, or maybe even something bigger. After yesterday, I wonder if he's not too progressive for us. And that's a shame.

Have you ever seen the 1998 movie Pleasantville starring Nashville's own Reece Witherspoon? Since we're supposed to have another 19 inches of rain in the next few days, rent it, Netflix it or check it out from the Brentwood Library (just make sure you return it on time! This I know from experience -- see yesterday's post). Settle in on the couch, pop popcorn and enjoy. Then let me know what you think.

Speaking of rain, the Leathers’ rain gauge currently shows just shy of an inch of rain from overnight and this morning. Sigh.

And speaking of the library, you have to love Library Director Chuck Sherrill. He said he would have loaned me cash or his library card yesterday. As to why he would be late to the gathering at the library to hear who vote tallies, you must love his excuse: “I’m going out to dinner with my parents, celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary (!). I will be back at the library after that.” Congratulations to them!

Could 2011 bring a Joe and Joe showdown?
Last year, longtime commissioner Joe Sweeney announced at a city commission meeting he did not plan to run for re-election. In a Brentwood Journal story following up on the statement he confirmed that was his thinking at that time, leaving the door cracked for another run. If he decides to open the door in two years he will face Brentwood's other Joe --longtime commissioner Joe Reagan who came in fourth Tuesday. Both have celebrated 80th birthdays but both still love the city with the passion they had when they first ran for office.
Will be interesting to see what happens.

Old home week at Otter Creek

You learn amazing things when you listen. Here are just a few of the things I picked up today visiting the precincts:

• When the new children's area of the Brentwood Library opens in early fall, the kids won't walk in through a door. They'll get to their special place through a spectacular entry made just for them.
• There's a new "giving circle" in Nashville, a group comprised of 35 women of means working together to give their money where it can do the most good.
• Pete Schutt, one of my all-time favorite people, is moving out of Brentwood. He's giving up his swanky digs at The Heritage for a two-bedroom condo in a 50-plus community in Franklin. When he leaves, we lose one of our most engaged city residents. Brentwood really must find a way for seniors to independently downsize that doesn't involve buying a $750,000-plus townhome or having to choose an assisted living or continuing care facility.
• Speaking of The Heritage, I hear residents there can't understand why they can't vote at the Brentwood Library, located hardly half a mile from their senior residential community. Instead, they must travel to New Hope Church on Wilson Pike. Good question.
• Boyd Fulton, who does more to promote organ donation than anyone I've ever met, told me he knew "one old man who got out of the hospital on Monday and is voting today." Good thing. With turnout as low as it has been, that vote might be a tie breaker. (Research the 2007 city commission election for context).

A note from Miguel Palmer...

Yesterday I offered candidates in the Brentwood City Commission race the opportunity to send a post to readers. This morning, after I'd left to spend a few hours at the Brentwood Library polling station, Miguel Palmer sent this email. I share it with you now....

Miguel Palmer:
I am a good candidate to lead Brentwood forward because I am a good listener and objective, practical person who is cautious is making decisions, ask many questions and gather information before any major decision is made.
Having a BS, MS in Chemistry and MBA has afforded me a broad experience in analytical thinking and the many years of Quality Management has also provided me with a knowledge of how high quality and efficient organization operate and would like to bring this experience to the City. All of the work related to the City is important because it affects thousands of people, I take that responsibility seriously and will do my very best to make sure the very best outcome results from every decision.
I look for a Win-Win of all parties, balance approach and try to understand issues and as well as the intent of individuals. I favor high quality education for our children, green spaces, safe streets, good roads, current lot size , and look forward to improve on the environmental issues, traffic , and the technology and efficiency of the City, and bring the many residents together enjoying the parks and many outside activities.
As a fairly new resident I share many interests of other residents who have been here less than 10 years and look forward to many years living in Brentwood. Thank you for the opportunity to share my time with all of you and hope you support me.

Four votes cast, final goes to Freeman

Today at 11:43 a.m. I became the 936th voter at the Brentwood Library and 1277th overall in the City Commission election.
That means there are still 24,738 votes to be cast on or before Election Day, May 5.
At least that's what my new friends, Election Commissioner Elaine Hughes and poll workers Wanda Graham and Stephen Argalas told me when I made it to the Teen Central area to cast my votes.
Brentwood has 26,015 registered voters, Elaine shared. Let's see if we can't at least top 20 percent in this important local election.

***

After a lot of thought, and a great meeting over coffee last Friday, Rod Freeman has earned my last vote.
The decision did not come easy. It meant not voting for two incumbents who have served the city long and well. It meant not voting for a female candidate after being so pumped during last year's election cycle when women made great strides in political arenas. Natalie Mertie has really grown as a candidate over the course of the election and deserves consideration.
But in getting to know Rod, I was so impressed that he is not a politician. Far from it. He almost apologized for running and is the first to admit he's uncomfortable in the political arena, though he has the best resume of all the candidates in another type of one.
The former NBA and Vandy basketball player is quiet and thoughtful. He has been active in the community for over two decades, through schools, Rotary, youth sports and his church. He's owns his own company and understands how the current economy is affecting small businesses.
I left our meeting assured that he had no hidden agendas and is not running to represent any particular group or constituency.
So my four votes went to incumbent Paul Webb, and newcomers Devin McClendon, Rhea Little and Rod Freeman.
Your votes are yours. No matter who you support, the important thing is to become an informed voter and participate in the process. If you haven't yet voted -- and that would include almost 24,000 Brentwood citizens -- take some time evaluating all of the candidates. Think about your priorities and concerns about the city in the coming years. Give the candidates a call. Review newspaper stores that have already been published. Talk to your friends and neighbors.
Then vote.
Seven of the 10 candidates have websites. Here are links if you'd like to learn more:
http://www.votemclendon.com/
http://www.votepaulwebb.com/
http://www.votereginasmithson.com/
http://www.voterodfreeman.com/
http://www.rhealittle.com/
http://www.joereagan.net/
http://www.nataliemertie.net/

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So happy to report that an unplanned contribution to Rhea Little's campaign was averted today, through the quick action of AAA.

Son Thomas' 1991 Plymouth Acclaim had been acting up again. It would crank but not start.
Trying our best to keep the auto club in business during the economic downtown, I called, once again, for help, expecting it to be towed, once again, to Little Brothers Shell on Franklin Road.
Amazing things happen though when a car that's gas gauge reads almost empty is pushed onto level ground.
Another miracle to add to the books.

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Coming tomorrow: Move over Starbucks, there's new competition in town