T-shirt Design Contest

I know for a fact that the creative juices flow freely in our community. The talent is just unbelievable. The Hatchie Fall Fest wants to give those creative types a chance to shine by designing a t-shirt for this year's festival. Which, by the way, is October 18.

This year marks the 5th Annual Hatchie Fall Fest. Each year we have seen our attendance almost double. Last year over 4,500 enjoyed a day full of fun, music and food. The winner of the design contest has the opportunity to see their design on the back of over 5,000 festival goers, plus win a grand prize of $100.

There are some rules and regulations, so visit the website:
www.allaboutbrownsville.net/hatchiefallfest
for complete information.

Taking a look at downtown

According to comments on the previous blog entry, the look and feel of downtown is on our minds, so let’s talk more about what we would like to see happen there. The plantings have always been a positive for downtown. At one time Brownsville was listed as the "prettiest town in West Tennessee" in the Tennessee vacation guide book. So it seems to be a given that we want and appreciate the flowers and hard work of the city workers who keep our flower beds looking so nice.

Period lighting would be great. But what period? And will brick crosswalks really make our downtown more appealing? It seems to me that some of these things are just plain out of character for Brownsville. Which brings up another point: What is the character of Brownsville?

Wouldn't it be more appealing to make sure our buildings are in good repair and cosmetically pleasing? That in itself should attract more businesses to locate on the square. Which is, afterall, what we are after. Or is it?

What Can I Do?

A question on the radio this morning has gotten me on a tear. The conversation was about the 3-Star strategic plan and the question was what is the Chamber going to do to implement it? What is the Chamber going to do? The question should have been this. What can I, as a member of this community, do to help implement this?

Who is the chamber? The director and a board? No, in reality, the Chamber is its members. And it’s those members whom the responsibility of change and action fall on. Those members determine if the chamber is successful or not. The chamber can only act as a clearinghouse, a gatherer of information, a coordinator of events. The chamber is only as good as its members.

I, as a member of this community, have to take responsibility for the implementation of any plan designed by the chamber, the business association, government, or anyone, to make Brownsville and Haywood County a better place.

If we want our town to be pretty, then I have to do my part to make it that way. If we want the local hospital to thrive and provide more services, or more importantly continue to operate, then I have to use the services already provided. If downtown businesses are going to continue to exist, then I have to patronize them.

It’s not what the Chamber is going to do that will determine the success of the 3-Star Strategic Plan of Action. It’s what the community does. It is each of us asking ourselves, “What part can I play to make this happen?”

Leadership Haywood County

Isn't it funny how time goes by so quickly? And how it can seem like only yesterday, but actually have been 13 years ago? That's a realization I had last night while attending the Leadership Haywood County graduation banquet. Here were 15 men and women who had spent at least one Thursday a month together since August and it was evident that they had formed some lasting relationships. But I couldn't help but wonder if 13 years from now what would they remember from this experience.

Why 13 years? Because that's how long it has been since I graduated from Leadership Haywood County. Sitting at the table with one of my former "classmates," we tried to remember who all were in our class. And, after a few minutes, we did remember everyone. We also remembered that our class split into two teams to come up with class projects. Today the whole class works as one. I'm glad. I think that's a better plan.

I'm wondering if maybe it's time to implement a refresher course for graduates. Say every five years. After all, a lot can change in 13 years.

Here's a call to all 1995 Leadership Haywood County graduates - Let's have a reunion!

Anyone interested?

Miss Hatchie Pageant planned for April 26

Plans for the Hatchie Fall Fest are beginning to take shape. We began seriously planning in January and many things are beginning to take shape. One big addition to this year's activities actually takes place in a few weeks - The Miss Hatchie Pageant! Crestview Healthcare will sponsor this pageant and all proceed will benefit Relay for Life. I know there are lots of people interested in the pageant circuit and this one promises to become an annual event. The pageant is Saturday, April 26 at College Hill. Learn more about the details. (pdf)

Town Hall Meeting - Haywood Coalition

Haywood Coalition is inviting everyone, especially youth, to attend a Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., at the Ann Marks Center. He also invites comments on the subject of alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse in Haywood County. Here a personal invitation from Rev. Brent Porterfield.

"I am posting this as an invitation for comments on "youth culture" and the influence alcohol has in our community. The Haywood Coalition is a network of institutions and individuals trying to reduce the impact of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Haywood County. A community Town Hall meeting will be held on April 1st at 7:00 PM in the Ann Marks Center--College Hill. If you can be there....if not, share your thoughts here and we will offer them at the meeting."
Rev. Brent Porterfield

To leave your comments, click on the comments line below.

Connected TN features AAB

I'm excited to tell you that All About Brownsville has been featured in Connected TN's March eCommunity Newsletter. I was a little scared when I received an e-mail asking me to do this. Those who know me, know I'm not much for tooting my own horn. But it was such an honor that I agreed. And I have to admit, it was good for me. It made me think about how AAB came about and just how far it's come since 2005. Anyway, here's the link - just in case you're interested in reading it. While on the site, look around and see what Connected TN is all about. There's a public Kick-off meeting Tuesday, April 1, 5:30 p.m., at Southwest TN Electric to begin the initiative in Haywood County.