15th Annual Relay for Life Kick-Off

Relay for Life Co-Chairs Carolyn Flagg and Alan Callery welcomed over 100 attendees to the 15th annual Relay for Life Kick-Off event held Tuesday, February 22, at the new Criminal Justice Center.

The program, conducted entirely by cancer survivors included familiar faces such as Robert Rooks, County Mayor Franklin Smith, Dr. Jack Pettigrew, John Duckworth, Debbie Sterbinsky, Emma Delk, Ray Dixon, Hope Cannon, Donald Lee, Thalice Kinnon and Johnny Walker.

This year's Honorary Chairpeople were announced. They are John Simmons and Audrey Blue.

The HHS Show Choir performed their rendition of "Celebrate," adding to the spirit of the kick-off and the commitment to continue the fight against cancer.

This year's theme is "Rock n' Rollin' for a Cure." The big Relay event will be Friday, June 17, at the football field.

After the event, attendees were treated to a tour of the new Criminal Justice Center by Mayor Franklin Smith and Solid Waste Director Clinton Neal.

Here are a few pictures from the kick-off ....

Attendees enjoyed a continential breakfast in the lobby of the Criminal Justice Center before the kick-off program.



Dr. Jack Pettigrew talks with Attorney Michael Banks before the program begins.



County Mayor Franklin Smith and Robert Rooks talk during breakfast.

Relay Co-Chair Carolyn Flagg greets guests as they arrive for breakfast.

Honorary Chairman Alderman John Simmons with his wife, Jane.

Brownsville Radio personalities Jerry Wilson and Drew Mcgruder broadcast live during the event.

HHS Show Choir, under the direction of Michelle Tillman, filled the front of the courtroom to perform "Celebrate."

Mayor Jo Matherne talks with some of the younger attendees at the event.

Exit 56 Blues Fest planned for Memorial Day Weekend

A new event is planned for Memorial Day weekend in Brownsville. It's the Exit 56 Blues Fest and will be held at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

The fest will include arts and crafts, a Quilt Show, cookbook signing, classic car cruise in and concerts from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home. Plans are in the works and more details will be released soon. In the meantime, save the date .... Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Input needed for Spring Tour of Homes

Habitat for Humanity and Hope for Haywood are teaming to bring you a Spring Tour of Homes this year. The tentative date is Sunday, May 1. They need your help to determine which homes will be best to spotlight. Please take this short 2 question survey and help Habitat and Hope plan for Brownsville's Spring Tour of Homes.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5P92GXY

Seminar discusses disease and diet

Haywood Park Community Hospital will be hosting a seminar on gall bladder disease and how it is affected by diet, Thursday, February 24 from 6 – 7 p.m.

The gall bladder can be affected by several diseases or infections such as gallstones, inflammation and tumors. These and other issues will be discussed by Dr. Michael Saridakis, a board certified general surgeon. Saridakis is the founder of the Jackson Regional Surgery Center and a member of the medical staff at Haywood Park Community Hospital and Regional Hospital of Jackson.

The seminar will be held at the Delta Room behind Backyard Barbecue at 703 E. Main in Brownsville, Tenn. Reservations can be made by calling the hospital administration at 731-772-8432. Light refreshments will be served.

"Brownsville On The Move" Community Meeting

Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne, the Board of Aldermen, and the Brownsville Regional Planning Commission, are asking local citizens to help guide the growth and development of Brownsville over the next decade. This is an opportunity for all citizens to shape their shared future.

The first “Brownsville On The Move” community input meeting will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, at the National Guard Armory, 221 Morgan Street. 

This meeting is one of a series of community input opportunities occurring over the next 6 months in Brownsville.

Residents are encouraged to come prepared to discuss not only the positive aspects the City can build on, but also discuss issues that might hinder future progress. The meeting will include small group exercises designed to gather detailed input from each attendee. Everyone is welcome.

Want to learn more? Visit www.brownsvilleonthemove.com

Vendor Applications Available for the 8th Annual Hatchie Fall Fest

Plans for the 8th Annual Hatchie Fall Fest in Brownsville, Tenn., are well underway and everyone is invited to be a part of this growing festival. This year's date is Saturday, October 15.

Each year the festival has continued to grow and we know that this is because of all the great folks who choose to participate, whether by being a vendor or just attending the many events, contests and concerts. Last year the Hatchie Fall Fest drew over 8,000 festivalgoers.

This year's Vendor application is now available on the festival website: www.hatchiefallfest.com.  Remember that booth assignments are made on a first come, first serve basis and are also dependent on electrical and other special needs. Deadline is September 15, but your fast action will help insure you a spot and any special requests can be met.

Local Business Owner Honored with Community Service Award

February is Community Service Month for the Brownsville Exchange Club and they are celebrating by honoring local leaders who are making a positive difference in our community.

Albert Campbell (left) and Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Director Joe Ing.

Albert Campbell, owner of Lock, Stock and Barrel in Brownville, Tenn., was honored with an Outstanding Community Service Award Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at a meeting of the Brownsville Exchange Club.

Chamber Director Joe Ing presented the award and thanked Campbell for all he does for Brownsville and Haywood County. Moments earlier Campbell had presented a program on the benefits of belonging to the Brownsville Business Association.

Campbell speaking about the Brownsville Business Association.

Campbell currently serves as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Chamber Ambassadors, Board of Director of the Brownsville Business Association, and is a member of the Tennessee Downtown - Brownsville Steering Committee.

"He cares about our community and the people in it and he helps wherever he is needed," says Marty Williams, member of the Exchange Club Program of Service Committee.