Goal Setting for 2009

I have to admit that my updating of the AAB website is going slowly. After spending a few days at Christmas doing absolutely nothing, I am having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. But I am working on it and hopefully by this weekend will be able to upload the new calendar.

Of course with today being New Year's Eve all the talk is about resolutions. I have one resolution I make every year and so far have been able to keep it year after year. I'm sure you've figured out what it is by now - "I resolve to make no resolution." Hey, at least I don't have to worry about breaking it, or worse, feel guilty about not keeping it.

Seriously, I have a great lack of willpower and therefore know it fruitless to resolve anything. Instead I find it easier to set goals. So, my goal for 2009 is to get more organized and find time to do the things I really love - like gardening and painting. (One of the last things I painted is on the wall of my home office. I looked at it last night; it's dated 1995.) Yep, 2009 is going to be a great year!

Happy New Year! And may you accomplish all your goals in '09.

Business & Service Directory

If you are familiar with the All About Brownsville website, you already know about the Business & Service Directory listed on the site. I try to add sites as I learn about them and hope that you will use the directory when looking for something in Brownsville and Haywood County.

My goal is to have a complete listing of all businesses, services and local individuals and organizations in our community. I've just learned of some and am sure there are many more who are not listed. Please help me update these listings. Take a look, www.allaboutbrownsville.net/bsd, and let me know about the sites you are aware of. I'll create categories as needed to accomodate the additions. Even blog sites are welcome. Just remember they must be Brownsville or Haywood County-related sites

Merry Christmas

I hope this Christmas finds you blessed with health, family and much happiness.

Merry Christmas!
Sonia

What do you look forward to in 2009?

As we near the end of another year, I'm wondering what your thoughts are about 2008. What will you remember most? And, maybe more importantly, what do you look forward to in 2009?

An industry for the new Megasite would be a huge boost to our local economy. And I can't help but wonder what changes will take place when the new director of schools takes over in January.

We all have hopes for our community in the coming year. What are yours?

Hometown Christmas

After finally thawing out from Saturday’s activities on the square, I’ve had a chance to look back and think about it. Yes, the weather was bitter at times but that didn’t keep children from visiting with Santa and sharing their Christmas wishes. Nor did it keep them from jumping in the bouncy house, eating cotton candy and playing with the miniature horses. We lit the community Christmas tree and waited patiently for the parade to travel down Main Street. And it was a great parade — floats, antique cars, the bands and Santa. All in all, it was a fantastic day. What an appropriate theme for a day so filled with good things. And, what a perfect finale for a year that has been fun and exciting in so many ways.

Event-full life

It seems I've been measuring my time in "events.” Not the usual hours, days or months, but the activities themselves have been my calendar. There was no October, November or December this year – only Hatchie Fall Fest, Holiday in Haywood and Hometown Christmas. I've found myself saying that once this is over or that is over, I will have time. But in reality, that's not true. There will always be other "events" that will focus my attention. And to be perfectly honest, I enjoy it. And not just public events, but the private “events” that fill all of our lives. Moving forward, making a difference, taking a stand - whatever it is that drives us to the “events” in our lives … I love it! Who needs to measure time with hours, days or even years, when our lives are filled with so many wonderful “events”?

Huge Crowds at Holiday in Haywood

Over 1,000 people walked through the doors of the Wyatt Duke National Guard Armory this weekend for Holiday in Haywood. Christmas music was playing, prices were right, Santa was a big hit with the kids and everyone seemed to enjoy their time there.

The merchants are already talking about next year's event, so there is not doubt that this was just the first of what is sure to become an annual event.

Did you attend? What did you think?

Holiday in Haywood

This weekend is it. The biggest shopping event of the season. If you can't find something for everyone on your list at "Holiday in Haywood," then they don't need it. Sounds like a commercial, doesn't it? Maybe that's a little extreme but I'm looking forward to a huge selection of one-of-a-kind gifts that literally can't be found anywhere else.

I have my concerns about the economy just like you do, and what better reason can you think of than to at least try to shop locally. Wouldn't it be spectacular if all the merchants were to sell out?

I simply hope that everyone will come out to the National Guard Armory and see what's happening this weekend. It's all inside, so if the weather is "frightful" - the shopping inside will be "delightful." Let's just hope it "doesn't snow," "doesn't snow," "doesn't snow."

Friday 5-9 p.m.; Satuday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m.

See ya there!

"Trick or Treat with Me" Success

I am sorry that I was not able to be in town last Friday night to see all the children who took advantage of the “Trick or Treat with Me” event planned by local merchants. I hear there was an excellent turn out and many business people were scrambling to find more candy.

I can foresee a new tradition in Brownsville. And why not, it gives merchants the perfect opportunity to give back to the community and provides a safe atmosphere for children to enjoy the Halloween holiday. I’ve also heard many parents who were very appreciative.

Two suggestions I have been told over and over are: start earlier and get more businesses to participate. What are your thoughts?

Does anyone have a good guesstimate as to just how many children did participate?

Giveaways at the Hatchie Fall Fest, October 18

Who doesn't like getting something for free? Several giveaways are planned for this year's Hatchie Fall Festival and I'm sure I only know about a few.

The BIG one is a 36" flat screen HDTV that will be given away around 7 p.m., Saturday evening during Mickey Utley's performance. Donnie Hatcher is sponsoring this and festival goers are invited to sign up at the Hatcher booth that will be next to the stage area. You must be present to win.

CareAll Home Care Services will be doing free blood pressure checks and will also give away 40 or more Glucometers during the festival with drawings every hour until 3 p.m. Go by their booth to register and then listen for the winners from the main stage or drop back by the booth to see if you've won.

Sign-up at Pat's Fabrics on Anderson Ave., between now and the festival for a chance to win a nice prize. The winner will be announced from the main stage around 3:45 p.m., Saturday afternoon.

I'm sure there are others. Post your comments and tell us about the ones you know of.

HFF Kick-Off Breakfast location change

The location for our first Hatchie Fall Fest Kick-Off Breakfast has changed from the Masonic Lodge to the WOW building. I know that this is not the ideal location, but the change is necessarry this year. Hopefully next year the location will move back around the court square.

At any rate, I can't wait to taste the omelets. Pancakes and sausage and biscuits will also be available, along with juice and coffee and more. Cost is $5 and advance tickets are available by calling Melanie Jacocks at 731-772-3356 or stop by Crestview Health Care on North Dupree. Tickets are also available at the door.

You can eat-in or carry-out. Light entertainment will be provided and the event will be from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, October 18.

I hope you will support this effort. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

CastingKids Comes to the Hatchie Fall Fest

New to this year's Hatchie Fall Fest is a CastingKids competition. Those who are familiar with the world of fishing know about CastingKids. It's an event where kids ages 7-14 flip, pitch and cast a hookless lure to a bull's-eye target. Scoring is based on a points system and the angler with the most points wins.

The Bassmaster CastingKids program is the most successful youth fishing program in the world, according to the ESPN website. Kids have been awarded more than $3 million in awards, prizes and scholarship resulting from the competition.

The event will be sponsored by the Haywood County Jr. BASS Club. Two winners, one in each age group (7-10 years of age and 11-14 years of age), will move on to the state competition.

This will be a great opportunity for future angler and just plain fun; and hopefully become an annual event at our festival.

Hatchie Fall Fest T-shirt Now Available

You can now pre-order your 2008 Hatchie Fall Fest t-shirt online.

This year's shirts feature the winning t-shirt design on the front left chest area and a specially-designed graphic on the back that follows the guitar theme of the winning design. We've also incorporated some paw prints as tribute to the Haywood County Tomcats.

This is the 5th annual festival and I hope you will make plans to attend on October 18. Check out the complete Schedule of Events.

Hatchie Fall Fest Full of Firsts

We're in the home stretch. A little more than a month and the 5th Annual Hatchie Fall Fest will be history. I'm amazed at how quickly our little festival has grown. The first year we estimated a few hundred attended. Last year our estimation reached about 5,000. And not only grown in attendance, but in activities, too.

This year we are adding several new features that we hope will become festival favorites. The Tennessee Trash Car Show joins the line-up this year making the festival a two-day event and includes a Cruise-In on Saturday night.

A Motorcycle Card Run and Community Breakfast are also planned (more on these next week). We've also added some vendor awards that will be presented to those participating in the festival. Several categories are planned including "Best of the Fest," to be presented to the vendor who really stands out.

Donnie Hatcher's Autoplex will be giving away a big screen TV during Mickey Utley's performance Saturday evening. You can register all day at the Hatcher booth, where the TV will be on display, and then be present to win that night.

We also conducted our first t-shirt design contest this year. So you see, the 2008 Hatchie Fall Fest is full of firsts. But we haven't forgotten your favorites and promise lots of children's activities, live music all day and a family-friendly atmosphere. And as always, admission is FREE. October 18 is the day ... mark the calendar now!

Deciding on a New Director of Schools

Whether you have children in our school system or not, the next Director of Schools is a hot topic. And all the more reason for all of us to attend the upcoming Community Forum on the subject. The Tennessee School Boards Association is hosting the forum Tuesday, August 19, at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Center. It begins at 6:30 p.m.

This is the time to say what we are looking for in a director and also to voice opinion on the system in general. You're going to agree with some things said, and disagree with others. Regardless, let's go in with open minds and plan to speak our peace.

If we can't effectively communicate our feelings and desires for our schools, why would we expect things to get better ... or different?

Those TSBA folks aren't mind readers, ya know.

2008 Days of Action

United Way of West Tennessee is looking for volunteers to participate in the "2008 Days of Action." Essentially, this is an effort to improve lives in our community, and across West Tennessee. The event is planned for August 10-17.

United Way is asking groups and individuals to perform a task or project in our own community. It's a lot like Make a Difference Day that happens in October. The hope is that the organized effort will have a ripple effect and that the common good of our community will benefit. The projects can be just about anything that benefits individuals or the community as a whole.

United Way is also looking for ideas for projects. So even if you have no idea what to do but want to help, contact United Way and they will hook you up with a project that you can give an hour, a day, or as much time as you can spare. Contact our United Way rep. Jennifer Wood at 731-422-1816 or download a Days of Action registration form.

Then, tell us about your project/idea.

Vacant lot purchase shows forward thinking of County/City

I want to congratulate the County Commission on its recent vote to help purchase the vacant lot on the square. I think this is very forward thinking of the group and is the beginning of what I believe will be the center point for downtown renovations and revitalization. The joint purchase shows our local governments are listening to the businesses and citizens who would like to see our downtown thrive and grow.

Creating an attractive, usable space on the court square will, in my opinion, help to bring people back to the square. I can't help but think of all the many photos I've seen of the hustle and bustle that used to be downtown Brownsville. It wasn't that long ago and I believe we can have that again.

Throughout the phases of development, community involvement will be vital. The governments are doing their parts. As we learn more about this project and phases are developed, I hope you will choose to get involved. This is but one of many positive changes happening in our town, and it's going to take all of us -- working together ... making it happen!

"Staycations" can be fun, too

Steve and I took a little road trip this past week. Originally we had planned to travel down Route 66. Start in St. Louis and head towards Oklahoma City. Just see how far we could get in our short time off. I was looking forward to seeing all the old tourist attractions and catching a drive-in movie. (Yes, one still exists along Route 66 in rural Missouri.)

But we were scared by the weather. Flooding and the threat of more rain kept us from taking that particular route. So, we enjoyed a “staycation.” No doubt you’ve heard the expression lately. It’s the new word for what families are doing this summer with gas prices so high — spending vacation close to home or at home. We stayed close and took mostly day trips with one overnight adventure thrown in.

Our one criteria for traveling is to always take the back roads. We are not much for interstate travel. Most times it’s not the destination, as much as getting there that we enjoy so much — finding the less traveled route and enjoying the scenery along the way. I drive Steve crazy with a little habit I have of critiquing every town that we come to. Comparing it to Brownsville and talking about the things that we can do to make our town more inviting. You’d be amazed at the communities who are the size of Stanton, or smaller, who go all out to make their towns stand out.

What stood out more than anything this trip were the towns who have added street banners to their light poles. Some stated a plain “Welcome,” while others were simply a friendly design. Nothing elaborate, but definitely noticeable and impressive. And something that I know the Brownsville Business Association is working on for Brownsville. As Martha Stewart would say “That’s a good thing.” And just in case you might be interested in sponsoring one of the banners, please call, 780-5144, or e-mail me for more details.

The point is this. You do not have to travel far to find interesting things to do and see. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to travel at all. We have 3 museums (College Hill, Dunbar-Carver and Delta Heritage Center) and the Hatchie Wildlife Refuge that can keep you entertained for quite some time. Plus scores of other things. If you’re planning a “staycation,” be sure and check out the local attractions.

Enticing Small Business

There is no doubt that everyone would like to see the court square buildings filled to capacity with thriving businesses. Brownsville should be a destination ... for shopping, eating and strolling. And not just downtown, but all over the county.

PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) programs and other incentives have long been offered to industry, but as far as I know there are no small business incentives in place in our community.

I would like to see a plan that offers small business people and entrepreneurs some of the same opportunities the big businesses get. After all, small business supposedly makes up 90% of the work force in America.

I'd be interested to know what incentives you think are valuable to offer someone wanting to start, expand or relocate a small business to Brownsville or Haywood County.

Want to talk about something different?

Sometimes I feel badly that I am not posting on a regular basis. Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be deterring you from commenting on previous posts. And that's what this blog is all about. It is our space to talk about what's on our minds and to share ideas. So if you log on and don't find a new entry, please don't click away. Read the comments on previous posts and let's keep talking.

If you'd like to start a new conversation or subject. E-mail me your comments and I'll put them in a new post for you and start another comment stream. Everyone's opinion is important here and we want to talk about what's on your mind.

Right now the future of downtown and renovations are the hot subjects. Check out the comments on "Taking a look at downtown" and "What can I do."

I'm really excited about the traffic and interest that the blog has attracted. Thank you for being open and honest and willing to talk about our strengths and weaknesses.

Sonia

How do you show appreciation?

You can say ‘thank you’ and 'what you do makes a difference,' until you are blue in the face and the recipient may never really feel appreciated. How do you show tangible proof that someone’s hard work is appreciated? How can you be a part of the most successful project in the world and still have the perception that no one cares whether it gets done or not? Why am I even asking these questions?

Recently I heard someone concerned about what would happen to a certain project when the committee becomes "burned out," or when it’s not "personal" anymore.

Which in essence brings up the real question here: How do you recruit volunteers who will make a project ‘personal?’ Someone who will love, nurture and care for it as much as you have.

What if there really is no one who cares whether it continues or not? What if they really do care, they just don't want to be the ones doing it? And in that case, what would make you feel so appreciated that you remain excited about the project year after year?

The questions continue to pile up without any real answers in site.

Why do you volunteer? What makes you feel appreciated?

TN Trash joins festival weekend

Good news for car enthusiasts. This year's TN Trash Car Show will be the same weekend as the Hatchie Fall Fest - October 18. I'm excited about this. Our festival is on the move and growing.

I have to admit, I know nothing about car shows, and I hope coordinators, Wayne McCool and Tim Sills, are not tiring of my many questions. Here's what I know, so far.

There will be a Cruise-In Saturday night at the festival on the court square beginning around 6 p.m. Then Sunday morning, October 19, the show will begin at 9:30 a.m., at the WOW building on Boyd Ave. Registration is from 9:30 until 1:30; judging will take place from 1:30 to 3; and an awards ceremony will be at 3:30. As always, all proceeds from the car show will go to the Haywood County Disabilities Class. For more information, and to pre-register, call 731-780-6061 or 731-432-9014.

This year will mark the 29th year for the TN Trash Car Show. The Hatchie Fall Fest is very excited that the show will be included in the festivities. Thank you TN Trash for wanting to be a part of our community's annual celebration.

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.

Let me know what you think

Welcome to the new All About Brownsville Blog. One thing I love about publishing All About Brownsville each week is the never ending flow of comments and suggestions from readers. Everyone has wonderful ideas. And even more gratifying is the fact that everyone sincerely wants to make a difference in our community. I want to initiate all your suggestions, but, unfortunately, I can't. I can, however, allow you an opportunity to communicate with each other and perhaps collaborate on projects and ideas. After all, what have we got to lose? Brownsville and Haywood County are already the best place in the world to live, what can it hurt if we try to make it better?

So, here's your chance to comment, suggest, editorialize, etc. - on all things Brownsville and Haywood County. What are YOU thinking?

Sonia