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.
Showing posts with label Jill Burgin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jill Burgin. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Arrests, new ass't principal, lots more...
It's going to be a busy day in the BrentWord home office :
Mayor Betsy Crossley tells me the three suspects west Brentwood residents were asked to be on the lookout for were arrested last night. Still awaiting confirmation from Brentwood Police, but Chief Ricky Watson says a press release is coming later today. I'll post it as soon as it arrives.
Barkley named BMS assistant principal
Williamson County Schools spokesperson Carol Birdsong has confirmed that Brandon Barkley has been appointed Brentwood Middle Schools' new assistant principal.
New principal, Bill Harlin, shared with BrentWord correspondent Jill Burgin last week that Barkley had been tapped. Barkley taught algebra and served as a basketball coach at Sunset Middle School.
"He is going to be a great addition to the Brentwood Middle School administrative team," Harlin told Burgin.
Birdsong told me she does not know of other new hires at the school yet.
Mark your calendar for school director interviews
Birdsong has also confirmed the interview dates for the five Williamson County Schools' superintendent finalists. The schedule is as follows:
Monday, August 3
6 p.m., Dr. David Heath, interim superintendent, Williamson County Schools.
8 p.m., Dennis Dearden, senior vice president, Partnership for Excellence, Ariz.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
6 p.m., Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, Ala.
8 p.m., Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
Wednesday, August 5
6 p.m., James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga.
The interviews, open to the public, will take place in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St.,in Franklin.
For background on all of the candidates, please see my previous post at: www.tinyurl.com/BWsupepics.
Need a laptop cheap? On agenda at tonight's City Commission meeting
The City Commission meets at 7 p.m. tonight and among the items on the agenda are approval of the sale of surplus city equipment. The Brentwood Police Department lists many items, including a slew of laptop computers. But not all of them, hopefully, will be up for bid to folks like you and me.
The department is recommending that "14 of the 33 lap-top computers proposed for disposal be transferred to the Ashland City Police Department. At the last auction in 2008, the City received between $10-$30 for each lap-top computer, therefore, the City will forgo between $140-$420 in potential revenue from this donation."
That's OK. The department has often sold or donated equipment it is replacing or upgrading to smaller departments with much smaller budgets. It's a win-win for public safety everywhere.
But back to the agenda item, the list of surplus equipment is interesting. You can see it at http://tinyurl.com/BWsurplus and learn more about the resolution to authorize the sale at the city's website, www.Brentwood-tn.org. Just click on the City Commission meeting link from the home page.
And while you're there, check out some of the other, not-so-fun items on the agenda too. Might just intrigue you enough to show up. Now that's a concept!
Lots more to share, so check back often.
In the meantime, if you missed any of last week's or the weekend postings, just scroll down. You'll find a story on Demetria Kalodimas, the most recent city crime report, my thoughts on Harry Potter and why you should go see it, or any movie at Thoroughbred 20 in Cool Springs, on Tuesdays.
Do you have news to share? Email me at brentword@comcast.net.
Mayor Betsy Crossley tells me the three suspects west Brentwood residents were asked to be on the lookout for were arrested last night. Still awaiting confirmation from Brentwood Police, but Chief Ricky Watson says a press release is coming later today. I'll post it as soon as it arrives.
Barkley named BMS assistant principal
Williamson County Schools spokesperson Carol Birdsong has confirmed that Brandon Barkley has been appointed Brentwood Middle Schools' new assistant principal.
New principal, Bill Harlin, shared with BrentWord correspondent Jill Burgin last week that Barkley had been tapped. Barkley taught algebra and served as a basketball coach at Sunset Middle School.
"He is going to be a great addition to the Brentwood Middle School administrative team," Harlin told Burgin.
Birdsong told me she does not know of other new hires at the school yet.
Mark your calendar for school director interviews
Birdsong has also confirmed the interview dates for the five Williamson County Schools' superintendent finalists. The schedule is as follows:
Monday, August 3
6 p.m., Dr. David Heath, interim superintendent, Williamson County Schools.
8 p.m., Dennis Dearden, senior vice president, Partnership for Excellence, Ariz.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
6 p.m., Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, Ala.
8 p.m., Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
Wednesday, August 5
6 p.m., James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga.
The interviews, open to the public, will take place in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St.,in Franklin.
For background on all of the candidates, please see my previous post at: www.tinyurl.com/BWsupepics.
Need a laptop cheap? On agenda at tonight's City Commission meeting
The City Commission meets at 7 p.m. tonight and among the items on the agenda are approval of the sale of surplus city equipment. The Brentwood Police Department lists many items, including a slew of laptop computers. But not all of them, hopefully, will be up for bid to folks like you and me.
The department is recommending that "14 of the 33 lap-top computers proposed for disposal be transferred to the Ashland City Police Department. At the last auction in 2008, the City received between $10-$30 for each lap-top computer, therefore, the City will forgo between $140-$420 in potential revenue from this donation."
That's OK. The department has often sold or donated equipment it is replacing or upgrading to smaller departments with much smaller budgets. It's a win-win for public safety everywhere.
But back to the agenda item, the list of surplus equipment is interesting. You can see it at http://tinyurl.com/BWsurplus and learn more about the resolution to authorize the sale at the city's website, www.Brentwood-tn.org. Just click on the City Commission meeting link from the home page.
And while you're there, check out some of the other, not-so-fun items on the agenda too. Might just intrigue you enough to show up. Now that's a concept!
Lots more to share, so check back often.
In the meantime, if you missed any of last week's or the weekend postings, just scroll down. You'll find a story on Demetria Kalodimas, the most recent city crime report, my thoughts on Harry Potter and why you should go see it, or any movie at Thoroughbred 20 in Cool Springs, on Tuesdays.
Do you have news to share? Email me at brentword@comcast.net.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Skinny jeans dangerous for you
Good morning Brentwood!
Just saw on the Today show that skinny jeans can be dangerous for you, constricting nerves and such. Of course, I don't have to worry about that. Can't wait for tomorrow's report on plus-size ones, however. Now that's something I care deeply about ...
As I get ready for the day, want to share some links for you in case you haven't seen today's Brentwood Journal:
Jill explains it as only she can: Clearly and to the point. Here it is, in case you missed it:
I have been on both ends of the spectrum, and living in an affluent community involves more than just whose house is bigger and who's a snob or not.
If you don't "have" as much as your friends, it limits how much you, your friends, your kids and their friends can socialize together. Hitting restaurants four times a week or attending fundraiser luncheons that are $50 or $100 a plate may be out of the question. So are $50 concert tickets and $75 hockey tickets. Girls weekends in Atlanta or spring break trips to the Caribbean aren't just a few phone calls away. If you're watching your budget, $3,000 school trips to Europe are not a given. Neither is Disney twice a year. So shared experiences with your "richer" friends can be few and far between.
Sure, you can do free stuff together and bond through a book group or Bible study. Yes, volunteering at a soup kitchen reminds you of your own blessings. But it doesn't change the fact that a limited budget means you have to limit yourself, even when it seems others never have to, and maintain the constant, exhausting gut check you go through whenever your friend or your kid's friend gets something or goes somewhere new.
Do you have news to share? Thoughts on recent posts, story ideas? Please let me know at brentword@comcast.net.
Just saw on the Today show that skinny jeans can be dangerous for you, constricting nerves and such. Of course, I don't have to worry about that. Can't wait for tomorrow's report on plus-size ones, however. Now that's something I care deeply about ...
As I get ready for the day, want to share some links for you in case you haven't seen today's Brentwood Journal:
- Half-done homes in trouble: http://tinyurl.com/BWabandon
- Economy can't keep youth football down (story on the Blaze): http://tinyurl.com/BWblaze
Jill explains it as only she can: Clearly and to the point. Here it is, in case you missed it:
I have been on both ends of the spectrum, and living in an affluent community involves more than just whose house is bigger and who's a snob or not.
If you don't "have" as much as your friends, it limits how much you, your friends, your kids and their friends can socialize together. Hitting restaurants four times a week or attending fundraiser luncheons that are $50 or $100 a plate may be out of the question. So are $50 concert tickets and $75 hockey tickets. Girls weekends in Atlanta or spring break trips to the Caribbean aren't just a few phone calls away. If you're watching your budget, $3,000 school trips to Europe are not a given. Neither is Disney twice a year. So shared experiences with your "richer" friends can be few and far between.
Sure, you can do free stuff together and bond through a book group or Bible study. Yes, volunteering at a soup kitchen reminds you of your own blessings. But it doesn't change the fact that a limited budget means you have to limit yourself, even when it seems others never have to, and maintain the constant, exhausting gut check you go through whenever your friend or your kid's friend gets something or goes somewhere new.
Do you have news to share? Thoughts on recent posts, story ideas? Please let me know at brentword@comcast.net.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Our 'tony' town adds a bank
On Nov. 11, 2007, The Birmingham News published a story that stated, "Birmingham's Red Mountain Bank applied to open a branch in Brentwood, Tenn., a tony suburb of Nashville, signaling the boutique bank's first move outside the state."
I just hate it when someone calls us "tony," though my friend Jill Burgin did blog last week about moms wearing $250 sandals to the Civitan ball fields (http://www.seafoodchicken.blogspot.com/).
But what the Birmingham article predicted less than two years ago came true Monday with the opening of the Birmingham-based bank's first true Tennessee location.
Except for watching the transformation from crud to cream over the past few months, I knew little about the bank now at the corner of Franklin Road and Maryland Way. I walked in as a stranger and out as a potential customer, at least of their Red Mountain Bank coffee (keep reading for details).
Don't look for teller stations and "the rail" as we used to call it when I worked as a United Virginia Bank teller during college. As Rick Archer Jr., market president, explained it, Red Mountain has a "three-step rule" all staffers are trained to follow. That would be that before any customer has taken three steps into the branch, someone will be there to greet them.
"Our goal is to get to know you as an individual," he explained while standing in the taupe lobby that's still in progress, but already features leather chairs, big-screen TVs and a coffee and water bar adorned with fresh sunflowers.
Which brings me back to the coffee. In its Alabama branches, RMB sells two kinds of coffee, The Daily Grind, featuring beans from Indonesia and Central America, and an Investment Blend, with beans from Indonesia and East Africa. All proceeds go to local charities.
It seems that the city of Brentwood has some ordinance that prevents the bank from selling the coffee, so here it will make the bags available for donations. Where will those donations go? The staff is still trying to decide. Why don't you make a suggestion? I think it should stay right here in Brentwood or at least Williamson County. How about Happy Tales Humane perhaps, or what about Bridges of Williamson County?
Unfortunately, even our "tony" city and home county are home to many non-profits helping more people -- and animals -- than ever before.
I didn't sign up for anything today -- when I asked if they were offering an interest-free, opening-day loan special they looked perplexed. But I'll definitely be back for more coffee.
I just hate it when someone calls us "tony," though my friend Jill Burgin did blog last week about moms wearing $250 sandals to the Civitan ball fields (http://www.seafoodchicken.blogspot.com/).
But what the Birmingham article predicted less than two years ago came true Monday with the opening of the Birmingham-based bank's first true Tennessee location.
Except for watching the transformation from crud to cream over the past few months, I knew little about the bank now at the corner of Franklin Road and Maryland Way. I walked in as a stranger and out as a potential customer, at least of their Red Mountain Bank coffee (keep reading for details).
Don't look for teller stations and "the rail" as we used to call it when I worked as a United Virginia Bank teller during college. As Rick Archer Jr., market president, explained it, Red Mountain has a "three-step rule" all staffers are trained to follow. That would be that before any customer has taken three steps into the branch, someone will be there to greet them.
"Our goal is to get to know you as an individual," he explained while standing in the taupe lobby that's still in progress, but already features leather chairs, big-screen TVs and a coffee and water bar adorned with fresh sunflowers.
Which brings me back to the coffee. In its Alabama branches, RMB sells two kinds of coffee, The Daily Grind, featuring beans from Indonesia and Central America, and an Investment Blend, with beans from Indonesia and East Africa. All proceeds go to local charities.
It seems that the city of Brentwood has some ordinance that prevents the bank from selling the coffee, so here it will make the bags available for donations. Where will those donations go? The staff is still trying to decide. Why don't you make a suggestion? I think it should stay right here in Brentwood or at least Williamson County. How about Happy Tales Humane perhaps, or what about Bridges of Williamson County?
Unfortunately, even our "tony" city and home county are home to many non-profits helping more people -- and animals -- than ever before.
I didn't sign up for anything today -- when I asked if they were offering an interest-free, opening-day loan special they looked perplexed. But I'll definitely be back for more coffee.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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
Monday, May 4, 2009
Election Day dawns; Mother's Day not far behind
It’s finally here! Brentwood Election Day 2009.
If you haven’t voted and are registered, please help mold the city’s future by taking advantage of your right to help select those who govern you. Remember that this is not a partisan race and whoever is elected represents the city, the entire city. We are blessed with a fine group of candidates, incumbents and newcomers to the political process alike.
The polls, located throughout the city, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check this spot throughout the day for updates and news from around the city. And if you see or hear something interesting or funny or otherwise newsworthy, please comment and share.
If you haven’t voted and are registered, please help mold the city’s future by taking advantage of your right to help select those who govern you. Remember that this is not a partisan race and whoever is elected represents the city, the entire city. We are blessed with a fine group of candidates, incumbents and newcomers to the political process alike.
The polls, located throughout the city, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check this spot throughout the day for updates and news from around the city. And if you see or hear something interesting or funny or otherwise newsworthy, please comment and share.
***
Last week’s post about Brentwood’s role in the Wooded Rapist arrest and subsequent first Davidson County conviction included information about the city’s Rape Aggression Defense class for women.
Brentwood Police Department’s Community Resource Officer Mark Wood has let me know that the next RAD class will begin Monday, June 1, and run through Thursday, June 4, from 6-9 p.m. It will be held at the Brentwood Safety Center East, 1300 Sunset Road, which gives east Brentwood residents a chance to participate without having to come all the way into the city’s Maryland Farms Municipal Building.
Former Williamson A.M. columnist Jill Burgin commented on the previous post that she took the class about two years ago “and I would recommend it to every female I know.
“There was a mom taking the class with her teenage daughter because she said she wanted her daughter to be prepared for any situation she might encounter in college and beyond. I cannot say enough good things about the Brentwood officers who led our class.”
Sounds like a great Mother’s Day present to me – registering Mom and daughter(s) age 13 and over to take the class together.
For more information, call Officer Wood at 371-2267 or email him at woodm@brentwood-tn.org.
***
The news about Brentwood’s Planning and Codes Director Joe Lassus’ post-surgery progress continues to be uplifting.
He got to go home Sunday – two days after his operation to remove a brain tumor. While he still has trouble with his speech, City Manager Mike Walker reported Monday, “the pressure in his brain has been relieved and he has improved control over use of his right hand for eating and writing. The stitches will be removed on Friday. They will not know if the tumor is malignant for 10 days (from this past Friday).”
“Ironically, Joe broke a tooth Sunday at the hospital. When he arrived home, (his wife) Naomi called his dentist, Dr. Gilliam who allowed Joe to come to the office on Sunday night where he did the needed repair. Wow – I am impressed,” Mike writes. “Needless to say, we live in a great, caring community!”
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