It's Monday, Oct. 12, Columbus Day. Guess that means the BHP post office box won't be filled with any big checks today. So sad.
But if you are one of the lucky ones who get the day off, celebrate by catching up on the all the news at Brentwood Home Page, www.brentwoodhomepage.com.
Take a few minutes to check out our sections, read past columns and submit your group's upcoming events on our community calendar.
And if you participated in, or know someone who participated in, the 2009 Greater Nashville Race for the Cure held on Saturday right here in Brentwood, be sure to check out all the stories, slide shows and photo galleries. You may just see someone you know!
Showing posts with label Brentwood; BrentWord. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brentwood; BrentWord. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Introducing Brentwood Home Page
City's only exclusive news source
plans 'soft launch' this weekend
Sorry BrentWord the blog's been lacking in fresh material over the past few days. The kickoff party for Brentwood Home Page, our new independent, online "newspaper" exclusively covering Brentwood, took place Tuesday. The site, www.brentwoodhomepage.com, is going live in a few days with its official launch September 1. As you can imagine, it's been busy around the BrentWord/BHP home office.
What can you do, dear readers, to make Brentwood Home Page a success?
Read it, critique it and send us suggestions over the next few weeks to help us get all the kinks out before we tell the masses it's here.
Once the site is live, if you belong to a Brentwood-based civic organization with a meeting or fundraiser or lecture coming up, add it to our community calendar. Have a car or diamond ring to sell? List it in our free classified sections. Do you have a story idea to share? Send me an email at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com.
If you own a business or a professional office here, consider advertising with us, or listing your business in our business directory. We'll be happy to send you a media kit or meet with you to discuss all the possibilities. Email kelly@brentwoodhomepage.com for details.
If you see news happening, email news@brentwoodhomepage.com.
Follow us on Twitter @brentwoodhomepg and become a fan of Brentwood Home Page on Facebook.
And most of all, please tell others that http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/ is "The Go To Place for Everything Brentwood." Or at least it will be soon.
BrentWord will find a new home on the website too, along with Jill Burgin's "Joyride" and Dr. Bill Fleet's "Sawdust and Turnip Greens" columns. Dr. Jeff Wilson's unique look at how life and faith intersect will be featured in his weekly column "Ankle High in Deep Water." And Brentwood-based environmentalist Don Green will be writing on "green" issues that concern our city.
More regular features are planned and many other talented journalists will be contributing writers.
Thanks for being part of the amazing ride that's been BrentWord.blogspot.com these past six months. Brentwood Home Page will be much more.
Hop on the train and let's start this journey together.
plans 'soft launch' this weekend
Sorry BrentWord the blog's been lacking in fresh material over the past few days. The kickoff party for Brentwood Home Page, our new independent, online "newspaper" exclusively covering Brentwood, took place Tuesday. The site, www.brentwoodhomepage.com, is going live in a few days with its official launch September 1. As you can imagine, it's been busy around the BrentWord/BHP home office.
What can you do, dear readers, to make Brentwood Home Page a success?
Read it, critique it and send us suggestions over the next few weeks to help us get all the kinks out before we tell the masses it's here.
Once the site is live, if you belong to a Brentwood-based civic organization with a meeting or fundraiser or lecture coming up, add it to our community calendar. Have a car or diamond ring to sell? List it in our free classified sections. Do you have a story idea to share? Send me an email at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com.
If you own a business or a professional office here, consider advertising with us, or listing your business in our business directory. We'll be happy to send you a media kit or meet with you to discuss all the possibilities. Email kelly@brentwoodhomepage.com for details.
If you see news happening, email news@brentwoodhomepage.com.
Follow us on Twitter @brentwoodhomepg and become a fan of Brentwood Home Page on Facebook.
And most of all, please tell others that http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/ is "The Go To Place for Everything Brentwood." Or at least it will be soon.
BrentWord will find a new home on the website too, along with Jill Burgin's "Joyride" and Dr. Bill Fleet's "Sawdust and Turnip Greens" columns. Dr. Jeff Wilson's unique look at how life and faith intersect will be featured in his weekly column "Ankle High in Deep Water." And Brentwood-based environmentalist Don Green will be writing on "green" issues that concern our city.
More regular features are planned and many other talented journalists will be contributing writers.
Thanks for being part of the amazing ride that's been BrentWord.blogspot.com these past six months. Brentwood Home Page will be much more.
Hop on the train and let's start this journey together.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Warning: Think twice before attacking
Since January of 2005, about 400 Brentwood women haven't gotten mad. They've gotten RAD.The Brentwood Police Department offers free Rape Aggression Defense classes several times a year. The most recent class graduated Thursday night.
BrentWord intern Shanna McHenry took the class to write a first-person story on the RAD program. But even if she wasn't "working" it, as a college student, she was a great candidate. In fact, several mom and college-age daughter teams took this most-recent class together.
On Thursday, they put together all the tips, moves and defensive actions they had learned earlier in the week. Good thing their would-be attackers, aka Brentwood Police Officer Mark Wood and RAD volunteer Jeff Knutson, were well protected though they looked like red Michelin men. These ladies didn't hold back.
I won't steal any more of Shanna's thunder, so look for her story, video and a slide show when Brentwood Home Page launches in coming weeks.
And if you're a lady, age 14 or older, give serious thought to signing up in the future. I know I am!Monday, August 3, 2009
Post 200: Breaking and exclusive news from the BrentWord home office
This is my 200th BrentWord post! Hard to believe that's possible.
On April 13th, I started BrentWord in order to cover the Brentwood City Commission race and Brentwood in general (http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-day-dawns.html). Over the past four months, the blog has grown into something much more. But I've also experienced a growing frustration with it. The format is too limiting, and the pay ... well, suffice it to say the Leathers' last emergency fund is on its last leg.
So this seems like a most appropriate time and place to share what I hope is big news. My business partner, Kelly Gilfillan, and I have formed BrentWord Communications LLC and will launch Brentwood Home Page -- http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/ -- "the go to place for everything Brentwood" in the weeks ahead.
I'm a professional reporter, editor and 27-year veteran of the newspaper business. Kelly has an impressive background in marketing and sales. Our goal? If you live or work in Brentwood, we want to be your home page. We want to be where you come to find news stories and pictures and party news about Brentwood. We'll have business news and obituaries and tomorrow's weather forecast. Sorry, no comics, but for at least a time after we launch, I expect there will be a few funnies to laugh about. Please laugh with us, not at us, as we learn the ways of the Web and grow our content.
Already you've gotten a taste for what we hope to include on a regular basis -- information about what's going on in your neighborhood. I toot my own horn that BrentWord was the news leader in coverage of the recent home burglaries that have taken place here and the subsequent police investigations and actions that led to the arrest of five suspects. Expect more of the same in the months ahead.
And remember Jill Burgin, whose column was long a favorite of Williamson A.M. readers every Sunday morning? She's going to be one of our featured columnists, along with a few others I'll wait to surprise you with.
But we can't do it alone. Brentwood Home Page will need input and information from every corner of the city, and every club, sports team, house of worship and school to truly make it a community "newspaper" --- without the paper, that is. If you have news or a calendar item to share, mail it to Brentwood Home Page, P.O. Box 3704, Brentwood, TN 37024-3704. Our new email system will be set up soon but in the meantime, feel free to email items of interest, story ideas and party pics to brentword@comcast.net. Just put Brentwood Home Page, or BHP as we've started calling ourselves, in the subject line. Don't forget to include your name and a daytime telephone number.
Remember I mentioned that almost-empty emergency fund? Brentwood Home Page is the perfect place to advertise your business, your sports team, your professional practice. For more information, email Kelly at Kelly@brentwoodhomepage.com.
So there it is. A scoop from the BrentWord home office. Stay tuned for details as they develop. And in the meantime, if you have news tips, ideas or comments, please don't hesitate to share them. Until the launch of Brentwood Home Page, BrentWord.blogspot.com, and Kelly's blog at www.outsidethebrentwoodbubble.blogspot.com are still alive and well.
Thanks for being part of this wonderful ride. We are truly blessed to live here.
Susan
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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:
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 13, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
BrentWord 'vacating' for a few; other news
Today's posting will be short, as the BrentWord office is closing for a few days in order to help best friend Eve Solomon celebrate her 50th on the campus of Emory & Henry college in southwest Va. It could be dangerous. Good thing the ol' campus cop Casey is no longer prowling the place. Or maybe it would be a good thing.
By the way, E&H is included in the Colleges That Change Lives directory (http://www.ctcl.org/; http://www.ehc.edu/). The CTCL college fair is coming to Williamson County Thursday, Aug. 20. It will be 7-9 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin. If you aren't enamored with UT or other big state schools and are looking for a unique college experience for yourself or your child, mark your calendar and check it out.
Here are a few Brentwood-related news links to check out:
From today's Williamson Herald:
Don't miss Kiri Walton's story on Alecia Venkataraman. This young woman graduated from high school at age 16, Belmont University at 19, and at only 24, is working on her MBA and already out of an abusive marriage. She also just started Make It Beautiful, a Cool Springs non-profit. http://tinyurl.com/WHbeauty.
Kiri also has a Brentwood business story: Fox+Kolb accounting firm brings a woman's touch, strong skills to the bottom line. http://tinyurl.com/fox-kolb
And in today's Tennessean, check out John Glennon's story on Brentwood ice hockey player -- and Preds prospect -- Blake Geoffrion. http://tinyurl.com/TNhockey
Speaking of the Herald, I learned yesterday that Kiri is no longer writing for the Franklin-based weekly. This is a huge loss for Brentwood. She's really covered the city well during her brief tenure and was responsible to a large degree for the recent 40th anniversary special section the paper published. However, I know that she has far better things in front of her and I look forward to seeing how far she can go.
(Another) sad day for journalism
And on personal note, though I don't know if the paper will report it, The Tennessean is laying off another round of employees today. In December, I lost my editing job there, ending a 27-year career that spanned four papers in four states, during a previous round. This will affect my friends and former co-workers. As a person who loves newspapers and the vital role they play in society, I'm heartbroken. There is no way no matter how they spin it that news coverage will be better, streamlined, more efficient, whatever.
That's why I started this blog (see my first post for details: http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-day-dawns.html. In coming months it will take on a new life as an online "newspaper" for our city. If you have thoughts about what you would like to see included and covered in this new venture, please email me at brentword@comcast.net, or leave a comment below. This will be YOUR community newspaper, just online instead of in print.
By the way, E&H is included in the Colleges That Change Lives directory (http://www.ctcl.org/; http://www.ehc.edu/). The CTCL college fair is coming to Williamson County Thursday, Aug. 20. It will be 7-9 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin. If you aren't enamored with UT or other big state schools and are looking for a unique college experience for yourself or your child, mark your calendar and check it out.
Here are a few Brentwood-related news links to check out:
From today's Williamson Herald:
Don't miss Kiri Walton's story on Alecia Venkataraman. This young woman graduated from high school at age 16, Belmont University at 19, and at only 24, is working on her MBA and already out of an abusive marriage. She also just started Make It Beautiful, a Cool Springs non-profit. http://tinyurl.com/WHbeauty.
Kiri also has a Brentwood business story: Fox+Kolb accounting firm brings a woman's touch, strong skills to the bottom line. http://tinyurl.com/fox-kolb
And in today's Tennessean, check out John Glennon's story on Brentwood ice hockey player -- and Preds prospect -- Blake Geoffrion. http://tinyurl.com/TNhockey
Speaking of the Herald, I learned yesterday that Kiri is no longer writing for the Franklin-based weekly. This is a huge loss for Brentwood. She's really covered the city well during her brief tenure and was responsible to a large degree for the recent 40th anniversary special section the paper published. However, I know that she has far better things in front of her and I look forward to seeing how far she can go.
(Another) sad day for journalism
And on personal note, though I don't know if the paper will report it, The Tennessean is laying off another round of employees today. In December, I lost my editing job there, ending a 27-year career that spanned four papers in four states, during a previous round. This will affect my friends and former co-workers. As a person who loves newspapers and the vital role they play in society, I'm heartbroken. There is no way no matter how they spin it that news coverage will be better, streamlined, more efficient, whatever.
That's why I started this blog (see my first post for details: http://brentword.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-day-dawns.html. In coming months it will take on a new life as an online "newspaper" for our city. If you have thoughts about what you would like to see included and covered in this new venture, please email me at brentword@comcast.net, or leave a comment below. This will be YOUR community newspaper, just online instead of in print.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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.
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.
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