Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Where the Real America Lives


This was written by  Norm Rourke, freelance author from Beggs. Ok., who stopped over in Brownsville a couple of weeks ago. We're thankful to him for his kind words and sharing his writings with us.

A scene from the August Concert on the Porch. "His Voice" is performing.

Where the Real America Lives 
Returning from a trip to East Tennessee, we stopped overnight in Brownsville; a small town of 10,000 or so, but with the heart and friendliness found only in Small Town America.

After getting settled, we wandered about outside. Across from our motel, we noticed folks gathering with their lawn chairs in the parking lot behind the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. As a former reporter and still freelance writer (and being nosy), I wandered down the street to see if I could find out what was going on.

Following introductions we heard music…real, down home music. Old time, never-to-be-forgotten Baptist gospel music was being belted out like we’d not heard in many years. We stayed back out of the way behind the seated group tapping our toes and my wife even sang along (My singing would quickly chase everyone away!).

“I remember those songs mom used to sing,” she said.

Folks invited us to sit, but we had been sitting and driving so long it felt good just to stand. A young man at a table offered us bottles of water. Another lady came up and asked where we were from (Oklahoma). Smiles, greetings and friendliness poured forth. We felt like we belonged.

We were invited to tour the heritage center and had planned to do so, but we thought it was closed. There we met a lady whose name unfortunately I’ve forgotten (sorry) who gave us a brief tour and explanation of the various venues. I gave her my business card and later Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the center came out and introduced herself. She provided more information about the center, Brownsville and suggestions for sights. We told her we were leaving the next day to continue our return home, but we might squeeze in a quick trip downtown to the square (I like small town squares with their classic court houses).

While touring the Heritage Center, we learned of Sleepy John Estes and other early day bluesmen. We learned that Tina Turner was born not far away—one of my most favorite entertainers! We saw the school she attended that was to be refurbished and placed on display.

The next day before leaving we did make a quick trip to the town square and in the process were able to help a man changing a tire for an elderly lady. Actually, he had pretty well finished before I finally figured out which way to go around the square and could only offer a little last minute help. More friendliness thanks and “have a safe trip home.” We also saw the Mind Field sculpture…what a sight (I mean that positively). It’s hard to get pictures of it all.

As I listened, learned and talked with some of the folks in Brownsville, it was clear this was America at its best. And these are the folks who are the backbone of this great country. No matter which political party they support, no matter the color of their skin, no matter what church they attend, they are all what makes America great.

I thought how sad it was that politicians could not experience this brief visit as we had. If they did, they would see what makes America great. These were not fast talking manipulative hucksters. They were not special interest groups seeking power and influence and wealth.

No, these Brownsville folks were ordinary people enjoying an evening of music and friendship and sharing it with a couple of strangers who were just passing through.

Thank you Brownsville for reminding us there are still good and decent folks in our country. And thank you for sharing your kindness, smiles, handshakes and pride of your town. I don’t know when or if we’ll be back, but the memory of our pleasant short visit washed away some of the weariness of the road.

God bless you all!
Norm & Connie Rourke
Beggs, Oklahoma

Brownsville Police Department Sobriety Checkpoints set for Labor Day Weekend


The Brownsville Police Department will be increasing enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of the citizens of Brownsville and Haywood County.  Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted Friday, August 31, through Monday September 3,at three locations within the Brownsville city limits:  Highway 76/Anderson Avenue, Bypass and Hatchie St. and Bypass at Highway 19.

The checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted between 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.  Officers will concentrate their enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from the roadways.  Officers will also be enforcing non-compliance with the safety belt law, as well as child restraint laws.

This event is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.

Auditions for “A Century of Broadway”


It was 100 years ago that the American Theater opened for business on 42nd Street in the heart of Manhattan.  It was to be the first of many theaters in that part of town, the area now known around the world as “Broadway.”  Celebrate the history and heritage of musical theater from Tin Pan Alley to today’s blockbuster “Memphis—the musical.”

The Brownsville-Haywood County Arts Council will present “A Century of Broadway” Nov 3.  Auditions for singers will be Saturday, Sept 15, from 9 until 1, at the Ann L. Marks Performing Arts Center at College Hill, Brownsville, Tenn.  

Vocalist 6th grade to adult should have a prepared musical selection with either cd or simple piano accompaniment.
 
For more information contact Jay Walker at College Hill Center (731.772.4883) arts4@twc.com or Luke Churchill.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Whatif Monster Comes to Brownsville

Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

On Tuesday, August 28, children’s author/illustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt will visit the students and faculty of Haywood Elementary School in Brownsville, Tenn., kicking off her first week of school visits for the 2012/13 school year. Nelson-Schmidt will be reading and sharing from her newest book, Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster. 

Traveling with her is a very hairy green and worrisome Whatif Monster who communicates his thoughts by whispering them to Nelson-Schmidt, who then relays them to the students.

“In general, my presentation has a lot to do with hard work, perseverance and following your dreams!  I love what I do and I want to encourage everyone I meet to find their special and unique talent whatever it may be and go after it with everything you’ve got!  The World needs you to,” says Nelson-Schmidt.

An experienced speaker, she inspires students with personal stories and shares her artwork while actively engaging her audience.

Following art school, Nelson-Schmidt spent 10 years working as a graphic designer for Georgia Perimeter College. During this time she began painting pet portraits as a creative outlet and selling her work at local festivals.

After painting animal portraits for about seven years, Nelson-Schmidt began creating her picture books, Dogs, Dogs!and Cats, Cats! Since publication in September 2011, both books made children’s book publisher Kane Miller’s Top 25 best-sellers list, selling more than 3,500 of each title in just three months.

About her newest title she said, “I thought, ‘There is still a lesson to be learned from the Whatif monster. Why don’t I let him come to life and teach that lesson himself?’” 

While Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster is geared toward children, Nelson-Schmidt said it deals with two emotions everyone can relate to: fear and anxiety.

If you would like your own autographed copy of Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster, contact Haywood Elementary School ((731) 772-0732) no later than Wednesday, August 29.  All purchases will benefit the school’s library.

You can get to know Michelle Nelson-Schmidt by visiting her web site at www.michellepaints.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

CEO TO LEAVE HAYWOOD PARK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL


Jeremy Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Haywood Park Community Hospital, Brownsville, Tenn., is leaving his post effective September 1, 2012.

“I am proud of the work we have done together at Haywood Park and will miss the camaraderie with this outstanding team of board, employees, physicians and volunteers who provide personalized, quality care,” said Gray. “This decision was difficult because of the great working relationships we have here.”

Gray joined Haywood Park as CEO in 2010. During his tenure, the hospital has added numerous service lines, including sleep lab and alcohol and drug medical stabilization, as well as three new primary care physicians to the community – Theresa Woodward, M.D., Sonya Shipley, M.D., and Garrick Clouden, M.D.
“Haywood Park has a firm foundation for providing excellent patient care that will continue,” said Alan Callery, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Haywood Park Community Hospital. “We wish Jeremy much success in his new position and thank him for his many contributions to our community.”

The search for a new CEO is underway, and the hospital’s leadership team will ensure a smooth transition. Members of the Board of Trustees, medical staff and administration will be involved in the process to select a new chief executive.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Jackson State offers classes in Brownsville beginning Fall


Jackson State Community College (JSCC) will begin teaching classes at the Tennessee Technology Center in Brownsville starting this fall semester.

A variety of classes will be taught in an effort to extend Jackson State classes to residents in the Brownsville area. The classes are slated to be offered each semester saving local students drive time and gas expenses by avoiding the drive to one of Jackson State’s campuses located in Jackson, Humboldt, Lexington and Savannah.

There is still time to enroll and register for classes. Contact 731.425.8844 for more information and to begin the process of enrolling and selecting a schedule of classes.