SWTDD presents Impact Award to Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith and Community Excellence Award to City of Brownsville

 More than 220 people gathered at the Doubletree Hotel in Jackson recently for the Southwest Tennessee Development District’s Annual Board of Directors Meeting and its first ever awards program to recognize individuals and organizations who work cooperatively with SWTDD’s Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities (AAAD) and its Economic & Community Development (ECD) divisions. Winners were selected by way of nominations submitted from  throughout the region.  Brownsville-Haywood County was recognized in three different areas at the event.

Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith

Impact Award
For his untiring efforts to help the elderly and disabled in his county, Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith was presented with SWTDD’s Area Agency on Aging & Disability Impact Award. The purpose of the Impact Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made an observable or measureable impact on the quality of life of older adults by providing leadership in advocacy, public policy change, securing new or additional funding, program development and/or cultural enhancement. 

“Mayor Smith has worked diligently for many years to ensure that the elderly and disabled populations in Southwest Tennessee receive services that enable independence and dignity,” said Joe W. Barker, SWTDD executive director. “From being a county mayor, to an executive director at Southwest Human Resource Agency, to serving as the Chairman of the SWTDD Board of Directors, Mayor Smith has advocated not only for his community of Haywood County, but for citizens throughout the region… Mayor Smith is a true statesman with a gentleman’s heart.”

Other AAAD award winners were: Senior Center of the Year: Selmer Senior Center; Partnership of the Year: West Tennessee Legal Services; and Advisory Council Members of the Year: James Pearson of Parkers Crossroads and Bobby Hysmith of Henderson.

Sharon Hayes, Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne, Thomas Skehan

Community Excellence Award
The City of Brownsville won SWTDD’s ECD Community Excellence Award for its “Brownsville on the Move” program. The Community Excellence Award recognizes a community project within the SWTDD boundaries that shows initiative, reflects originality, demonstrates a collaborative effort, has long-term positive impact on the community, includes public participation and can easily be scaled or replicated in another community.

“With the Brownsville on the Move program, local officials recognized the need to create a new vision for their community that would set a course for the next 15-20 years and would impact the economic success of their city,” said Barker.  “Brownsville leaders contracted with the University of Memphis to generate and analyze a comprehensive plan and enlisted the help of local Planners to assist in their effort.  Composed of City leaders and residents, this group defined goals, principles and methodology.  The end product was a dynamic, well-documented and detailed blueprint for the future of their city that is based on extensive public input and creative ‘out of the box’ thinking.”

Regional Collaboration Award

Haywood County was also recognized as an important part in the SWTDD Regional Collaboration Award for its participation in the Tri-County College Summit hosted by Dyersburg State Community College. 

“This collective effort was all about helping the students connect to a college or another form of post secondary education,” said Barker. “The group worked together to host an enormous college fair that included students from the six high schools (400+ students) in the REDI counties of Haywood, Lauderdale, and Tipton Counties, 13 post-secondary institutions from across the State of Tennessee, and the entire 11-county REDI staff. It was of tremendous benefit to the students and has become a catalyst for what will become the new norm with REDI in our region.”

The other two SWTDD ECD awards were the Innovation Award to the Lexington Industrial Development Board for its Virtual Speculative Building Initiative and the Building Block Award to McNairy County for its extensive use of SWTDD services.

 

 “Southwest Tennessee Development District is an organization with a talented and compassionate staff, but it relies heavily on our city and county governments, volunteers and partners to carry out the organization’s mission,” said Joe W. Barker, SWTDD Executive Director. “Tonight’s awards program is a first step in publicly recognizing those who are working to improve the economic climate and quality of life in the SWTDD region. Although only eight awards were presented tonight, there are many other individuals and groups who are working hard for the citizens in this region every day. We look forward to recognizing them in the years to come.”

SWTDD provides services to individuals and governments in the counties of Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and McNairy. Also recognized at the event was Parsons’ Mayor Tim David Boaz, the outgoing SWTDD chairman, who passed the leadership gavel to Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis.

To learn more about the SWTDD, visit www.swtdd.org or call 731.668.7112.

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 42^nd 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 6^th 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.

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

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.

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.