HOUSTON COUNTY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 5, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Betsy Ligon.
Members present: Betsy Ligon, Mayor Cecil Baggett, Jimmy Lowery, Melinda Conwell, Becky Averitt, George Alsobrooks, Linda Bratschi, Penny Clark, Dave Hardin, Shannon Harris, Diane Lynch, Allen McCampbell, Bettye McKinnon, and Lajuana Parchman, Philip Powell, Christy Ross, .Donna Underwood and Tammy Wimberly.
The minutes of the February 5, 2009 meeting were presented in written form by Melinda Conwell. The motion for approval of the minutes was made by Christy Ross and seconded by Linda Bratschi.
The treasurer’s report was presented with printed financial reports and statements by Jimmy Lowery. The motion for approval of the treasurer’s report was made by Philip Powell and seconded by Christy Ross.
OLD BUSINESS:
Debbie Schmidt and the other volunteers have been diligently working to get several quilts ready to be hung before Irish Day. Two signs have already been placed and two more will be placed today, one at Archie’s TV & Appliance Store and the other at the Houston County Recreational Club building. The chamber’s quilt designed for the Celtic Quilt Trail will be placed on the back wall of Accents by Bonnie at a later date.
Allen McCampbell is contacting the company to repair the Welcome Sign. All but 3 advertising spots have been sold. Betsy stated the increase in the advertising price will barely cover the expense of the sign. During the 24 month advertising period the chambers only profits from two months of rent, cost of maintaining the sign includes electricity, the States right to use fee, and repairs cost to cover damage to the sign.
Irish Celebration Committees:
The Kick-Off Breakfast is March 13 at 9:00 a.m. at Erin City Hall. The Emerald Award winner plaques and the Lord High Mayor jacket have arrived and are ready for presentation. Kay French is the chairperson for this committee and the City of Erin is sponsoring the breakfast.
Regions Bank is sponsoring the Lord High Mayor’s Breakfast on March 18th at 7:00 a.m. Byde Simpson is in charge of the breakfast arrangements and Allen and Suzanne McCampbell will assist Ms. Byde.
Linda Bratschi stated 63 tickets have been sold for the March 20th Irish Banquet, tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased at Erin City Hall. Linda reminded members that desserts will be needed. She would also like to decorate for the banquet Thursday; she will check with the high school for availability, volunteers will be needed to help with the set up. Approximately 20 meals are complimentary for guests, which include the Lord High Mayor and guest, Miss Houston County and guest, theme contest winner Seth Batten and guest and the meals for the Youth Leadership students who assist with the dinner.
Becky Averitt asked members to review a list of businesses that had donated to last year’s silent auction and asked members to select the businesses they would like to contact for donations. Becky suggested setting up the auction for the banquet only, due to the time involved in setting up a display of items for the breakfast and then later moving the items to the high school. Betsy suggested only bringing a few of the larger items to the breakfast to remind people of the auction.
Melinda Conwell and Shannon Harris reported approximately 110 vendor booths have been sold, there are spaces still available, however we are still receiving request for spaces on a daily basis.
Betsy stated the profits from the Irish celebration come from the vendor booth fees, parade entry fee, the silent auction and the $1000.00 newspaper insert. The Irish Banquet usually breaks even.
Diana Lynch reported the City of Tennessee Ridge is sponsoring the parade leprechaun and donated an additional $50.00 toward other expenses. Traditions Bank will assist with band travel sponsorships. Christy Ross has arranged for Channel 4’s Snowbird to be our 2009 Parade Grand Marshall and he will be available for pictures and autographs after the parade. Parade entries must be at the parade line-up by 9:00 a.m. on March 21st at the Houston County Middle School to be eligible for the parade float competition.
Christy Ross has arranged for two parade judges and will find one more. Channel 4’s Snowbird will serve as one of the judges in addition to his duties as Grand Marshall. Betsy and Christy will arrange for gifts for the parade judges.
Cecil Baggett, chairman of the exhibits committee, stated Perdue Industries will be the site of the car show, the antique tractors, the demolition derby, and the civil war encampment where the re-enactors will fire 5 cannons. Vans should be available to taxi between Perdue’s and the town area.
Philip Powell stated the float is in pretty good shape from its last use, he will procure a few items for necessary repairs to the float. Allen, Cecil and Chad Smith are assisting in the design and painting of the decorations. Philip will call for further assistance if needed. Someone will need to ride the float and distribute candy.
Becky Averitt is coordinating the entertainment for the festival. Regions Bank corner will stage country music entertainment and will include a Minnie Pearl impersonator.
The Navy Bank will perform at the City Hall/ Health Dept stage after the parade.
Celtic fiddlers and Celtic dancers have asked to perform at our celebration; Becky will try to find an adequate place for them to perform.
Advertising and promotional cost have totaled $2526.00, this includes the radio ads, the cost of the brochures, the two newspaper ads, the banners over Main Street, (the four Mountain Dew banners were free). The contract with the Stewart/Houston County Times goes through 2010 and is renewable for 5 years at the Chamber’s discretion; the contract states the Times will pay the Chamber $1000.00 for the privilege of doing the insert and selling ads for it. The insert will come out during the March 17th edition of the newspaper.
Parking situations were discussed; tour buses will be directed to Valley Drive and will be parked on the walking trail close to the Playground. Arrangements are being made for handicapped parking.
There will be meeting of Central Command Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
NEW BUSINESS:
Betsy thanked Ronnie Bratschi for the repairs he made to the Chamber office and for hanging the banners in front of the building. Betsy also thanked the office volunteers.
Allen suggested surveying celebration participants to see how they feel about the festivities. Survey forms could be placed at different locations.
Philip suggested contact the National Guard to assist with traffic control.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Harpist Shelia Mitchell-Hart will perform at the Erin United Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m. on March 17th.
Carnival opens March 17th, Thursday is Family Night.
The next scheduled meeting will be March 12th at noon to review Irish Celebration progress.
With no further business or announcements the meeting was adjourned.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Houston County Schools kick of new year with ‘Smartt’ address
By TERESA SETTLE NORRIS
Tennessee Express News Writer
Last Friday, July 25, employees with the Houston County School system dressed up for the annual kick-off breakfast at Houston County High School. The event serves as both a recognition of last year’s service and as a motivational “Go-Get-‘Em” speech to get the year off to a great start.
Employees wolfed down a buffet-style breakfast in the commons area as they chatted about what seemed like a short summer. Then they gathered in the HCHS forum for words from Director of Schools Cathy Harvey.
Harvey kept things brief by saying, “It takes everyone in this room to make up our system,” before recognizing departments specifically, including: bus drivers/transportation, night security; adult high school and alternative school; coordinated school health; family resource center; food service; and school nurse.
Harvey said there have been a few changes in the above departments. For instance, Jimmy Hughes has been named Transportation Director, with Bobby Day returning as Assistant Director. Sandy Shortt and Brenda Bryant are returning with Coordinated School Health, which was a new program last year. Betty Clark has been hired as the new school nurse.
Harvey also recognized school board members and commissioners for their role in Houston County Schools. School Board Member Kendall Felts was present at the breakfast.
Then it was time for the principals to report any changes in their schools. First off was Erin Elementary School Principal Elaine Hewitt. She introduced a new clerical assistant, Tammy Deason; a new first grade teacher, Billy Sue Lemmons; fourth grade teacher Brenda Hall; guidance Kathy Seay; and said the new P.E. Coach had been hired but was on his honeymoon.
Tennessee Ridge Elementary School Principal Judy Stephens introduced fifth grade teacher Laurie Cooksey; second grade teacher Angie Baggett; first grade teacher Nicole McMillan; preschool paraprofessional Kayla Stone; and new custodians Daniel Cox and Todd Ross.
At Houston County Middle School, in one of his first new jobs as principal, Ray Busey introduced teacher’s assistant Allie Stephenson and new librarian Kanina Davis.
New-Principal Linda Jolly bragged about her staff at Houston County High School, stating, “We are a team here, working together.”
She introduced her new librarian, Susan Hendry, who transferred from HCMS after the retirement of long-time HCHS librarian Helen Uffelman. Other new HCHS teachers include: Carrie Howell, Social Studies; Barbara Lynn, Art; and Teacher’s Assistant Sassy Rye, along with Greg Dillard.
At the central office, Harvey said there has only been one change this year. Malcolm Jernigan, who she said has worn many different “hats” over the years with the school system, has been named Director of Teaching and Learning 9-12, where he will assist the high school with the new curriculum standards, etc.
Next, Harvey introduced the speaker for the ceremony, Lisa Smartt.
Smartt, who hails from Dresden, began with a very humorous account of her drive from Dresden to Erin, beginning at 5 a.m. When she mentioned the current “one-lane” bridge, she had everyone rolling in the aisles.
“It is a joy and a privilege to be here,” Smartt said. “I want to pay homage to everyone of you in this room. I know it’s not an easy job, and it’s getting harder every year.”
Smartt kept the audience riveted, even after she stated, “I have no qualifications for being here, but isn’t that refreshing!”
As a motivational speaker, Smartt said, “I’m not an educator. Both of my parents were life-long teachers, and they cured me of that desire!”
She proceeded to pull out a bag of goodies as “door prizes,” and she handed them over to Mrs. Faye Schmidt, who this year celebrates 45 years of service with Houston County Schools.
When Schmidt happily took the squash and no-salt beans presented to her, Smartt said, “See her happy attitude. If you want to be here 45 years, you better start taking notes!”
In all of her anecdotes about naughty kids, school, mashed potatoes, and bus drivers, Smartt got a serious message across when she quoted Proverbs 17:22. “A merry heart is good medicine.”
Smartt said there are three “Joy-Drainers” to avoid during the upcoming school year.
Joy-Drainer #1. Lack of Gratitude;
#2. Lack of Forgiveness; and
#3. Gossip.
On the flipside, she said there are three Joy-Bringers:
1. Thankfulness;
2. Freedom to be flawed (by telling the truth if you mess up); and
3. Being a balcony person.
On the last point, she was quoting from a book entitled Balcony People by Joyce Landorff Heartherly.
Balcony people will cheer you on, while basement people will be negative and critical.
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle,” she said.
At the end of her talk, Smartt got a standing ovation for her light, funny, and uplifting message.
Finally, it was time for the recognition. Members of the school calendar committee got certificates (and a little laugh about last year’s Memorial Day mix-up), then service awards were given as follows:
Ten years of service in Houston County: Lisa McCarson, Amy Ross, Terri Singleton, Barbara Skelton, and Ann Tiffany.
Fifteen years: Jamie Bruce, Norma Cherry, Sue Craver, and Darla Mahoney.
Twenty years: Carolyn Barker, Alice Clark, Marian Dunn, and Robin Hammer;
Serving for 25 years were: Beth Abrams and Lynn Mobley.
30 years: Dixie Clemmons
35 years: Cathy Harvey (Director of Schools); and
45 years: Faye Schmidt.
Teachers retiring from the system were also recognized: David Bell, 29 years. Bell was not present, because he has gone to work in Kentucky schools. Fonda Hancock, 24.5 years; Nancy Nave, 22 years; Steve Phillips, 6 years in Houston County, but 30 years in Tennessee. Helen Uffelman, 31 years; and Sylvia Vinson, 31 years.
Support Staff of the Year Awards for the 2007-08 school year went to Teresa Roby and Jerry Beechum at Erin Elementary School and Suzette Whitaker at Houston County Middle School.
Last, but not least, Jeff Rye with Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative gave out the Teacher of the Year Awards. These coveted awards went to:
EES—Lisa Finley;
TRES—Dixie Clemmons;
HCMS—Nicole McCollough; and
HCHS—Marian Dunn
With the kick-off breakfast behind them, Houston County School are gearing up for the first full day of school, Wednesday, Aug. 30… Don’t miss the bus!!!
By TERESA SETTLE NORRIS
Tennessee Express News Writer
Last Friday, July 25, employees with the Houston County School system dressed up for the annual kick-off breakfast at Houston County High School. The event serves as both a recognition of last year’s service and as a motivational “Go-Get-‘Em” speech to get the year off to a great start.
Employees wolfed down a buffet-style breakfast in the commons area as they chatted about what seemed like a short summer. Then they gathered in the HCHS forum for words from Director of Schools Cathy Harvey.
Harvey kept things brief by saying, “It takes everyone in this room to make up our system,” before recognizing departments specifically, including: bus drivers/transportation, night security; adult high school and alternative school; coordinated school health; family resource center; food service; and school nurse.
Harvey said there have been a few changes in the above departments. For instance, Jimmy Hughes has been named Transportation Director, with Bobby Day returning as Assistant Director. Sandy Shortt and Brenda Bryant are returning with Coordinated School Health, which was a new program last year. Betty Clark has been hired as the new school nurse.
Harvey also recognized school board members and commissioners for their role in Houston County Schools. School Board Member Kendall Felts was present at the breakfast.
Then it was time for the principals to report any changes in their schools. First off was Erin Elementary School Principal Elaine Hewitt. She introduced a new clerical assistant, Tammy Deason; a new first grade teacher, Billy Sue Lemmons; fourth grade teacher Brenda Hall; guidance Kathy Seay; and said the new P.E. Coach had been hired but was on his honeymoon.
Tennessee Ridge Elementary School Principal Judy Stephens introduced fifth grade teacher Laurie Cooksey; second grade teacher Angie Baggett; first grade teacher Nicole McMillan; preschool paraprofessional Kayla Stone; and new custodians Daniel Cox and Todd Ross.
At Houston County Middle School, in one of his first new jobs as principal, Ray Busey introduced teacher’s assistant Allie Stephenson and new librarian Kanina Davis.
New-Principal Linda Jolly bragged about her staff at Houston County High School, stating, “We are a team here, working together.”
She introduced her new librarian, Susan Hendry, who transferred from HCMS after the retirement of long-time HCHS librarian Helen Uffelman. Other new HCHS teachers include: Carrie Howell, Social Studies; Barbara Lynn, Art; and Teacher’s Assistant Sassy Rye, along with Greg Dillard.
At the central office, Harvey said there has only been one change this year. Malcolm Jernigan, who she said has worn many different “hats” over the years with the school system, has been named Director of Teaching and Learning 9-12, where he will assist the high school with the new curriculum standards, etc.
Next, Harvey introduced the speaker for the ceremony, Lisa Smartt.
Smartt, who hails from Dresden, began with a very humorous account of her drive from Dresden to Erin, beginning at 5 a.m. When she mentioned the current “one-lane” bridge, she had everyone rolling in the aisles.
“It is a joy and a privilege to be here,” Smartt said. “I want to pay homage to everyone of you in this room. I know it’s not an easy job, and it’s getting harder every year.”
Smartt kept the audience riveted, even after she stated, “I have no qualifications for being here, but isn’t that refreshing!”
As a motivational speaker, Smartt said, “I’m not an educator. Both of my parents were life-long teachers, and they cured me of that desire!”
She proceeded to pull out a bag of goodies as “door prizes,” and she handed them over to Mrs. Faye Schmidt, who this year celebrates 45 years of service with Houston County Schools.
When Schmidt happily took the squash and no-salt beans presented to her, Smartt said, “See her happy attitude. If you want to be here 45 years, you better start taking notes!”
In all of her anecdotes about naughty kids, school, mashed potatoes, and bus drivers, Smartt got a serious message across when she quoted Proverbs 17:22. “A merry heart is good medicine.”
Smartt said there are three “Joy-Drainers” to avoid during the upcoming school year.
Joy-Drainer #1. Lack of Gratitude;
#2. Lack of Forgiveness; and
#3. Gossip.
On the flipside, she said there are three Joy-Bringers:
1. Thankfulness;
2. Freedom to be flawed (by telling the truth if you mess up); and
3. Being a balcony person.
On the last point, she was quoting from a book entitled Balcony People by Joyce Landorff Heartherly.
Balcony people will cheer you on, while basement people will be negative and critical.
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle,” she said.
At the end of her talk, Smartt got a standing ovation for her light, funny, and uplifting message.
Finally, it was time for the recognition. Members of the school calendar committee got certificates (and a little laugh about last year’s Memorial Day mix-up), then service awards were given as follows:
Ten years of service in Houston County: Lisa McCarson, Amy Ross, Terri Singleton, Barbara Skelton, and Ann Tiffany.
Fifteen years: Jamie Bruce, Norma Cherry, Sue Craver, and Darla Mahoney.
Twenty years: Carolyn Barker, Alice Clark, Marian Dunn, and Robin Hammer;
Serving for 25 years were: Beth Abrams and Lynn Mobley.
30 years: Dixie Clemmons
35 years: Cathy Harvey (Director of Schools); and
45 years: Faye Schmidt.
Teachers retiring from the system were also recognized: David Bell, 29 years. Bell was not present, because he has gone to work in Kentucky schools. Fonda Hancock, 24.5 years; Nancy Nave, 22 years; Steve Phillips, 6 years in Houston County, but 30 years in Tennessee. Helen Uffelman, 31 years; and Sylvia Vinson, 31 years.
Support Staff of the Year Awards for the 2007-08 school year went to Teresa Roby and Jerry Beechum at Erin Elementary School and Suzette Whitaker at Houston County Middle School.
Last, but not least, Jeff Rye with Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative gave out the Teacher of the Year Awards. These coveted awards went to:
EES—Lisa Finley;
TRES—Dixie Clemmons;
HCMS—Nicole McCollough; and
HCHS—Marian Dunn
With the kick-off breakfast behind them, Houston County School are gearing up for the first full day of school, Wednesday, Aug. 30… Don’t miss the bus!!!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CLARKSVILLE – The Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council
invites organizations seeking funding for artistic and cultural
projects that benefit the community to apply for an Arts Build
Communities (ABC) grant. A free grant workshop and information
session will be held in the auditorium of the Customs House Museum
(200 S Second Street, Clarksville TN) on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at
3:00pm for interested applicants. While this workshop is not
mandatory for applicants, first-time applicants are strongly
encouraged to attend.
Arts Build Communities (ABC) is a program funded by the Tennessee
General Assembly and administered by the Clarksville Arts & Heritage
Development Council (AHDC) in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts
Commission (TAC). ABC grants offer financial support for arts
projects in all disciplines such as dance, music, opera/musical
theater, theater, visual arts, design arts, crafts, photography, media
arts, literature, interdisciplinary, and folk arts.
Funds awarded to a single organization in this grant category range
from $500 to $3,000. Eligible organizations in the counties of
Montgomery, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys and Stewart can apply for
these grant funds. In order to be eligible, applicants must be
state-recognized non-profit (501c3) organizations or government
entities (including public schools and libraries) and must be able to
provide a dollar-for-dollar match toward the single proposed project.
In addition, the proposed project or program must occur between
October 15, 2008, and June 15, 2009.
Interested applicants can download grant guidelines and an application
form on TAC's website at www.arts.state.tn.us/community_arts_abc.htm.
Completed ABC applications can be either mailed or hand-delivered to
the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council; mailed
applications must be postmarked by 4:30 pm on Friday, August 29, 2008.
A representative from the applying organization should be present at
an open panel review on Thursday, October 2, 2008, at the Customs
House Museum in Clarksville to answer questions that may arise about
the application or proposed project. Awards will then be announced in
mid-October.
Last year, twelve groups in Montgomery, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys
and Stewart counties received some $16,159 in funding through these
grants (although the Arts & Heritage Development Council received
nearly $30,000 in requests, making it a very competitive year). Since
ABC awards are not restricted to arts organizations, this grant
program brings the arts to a larger segment of the community through
arts projects at public schools, libraries, and other service
organizations.
For more information, please contact Diane Batson-Smith, Executive
Director of the Clarksville Arts Heritage Development Council, at
(931)551-8870 or artsandheritage@charter.net.
invites organizations seeking funding for artistic and cultural
projects that benefit the community to apply for an Arts Build
Communities (ABC) grant. A free grant workshop and information
session will be held in the auditorium of the Customs House Museum
(200 S Second Street, Clarksville TN) on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at
3:00pm for interested applicants. While this workshop is not
mandatory for applicants, first-time applicants are strongly
encouraged to attend.
Arts Build Communities (ABC) is a program funded by the Tennessee
General Assembly and administered by the Clarksville Arts & Heritage
Development Council (AHDC) in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts
Commission (TAC). ABC grants offer financial support for arts
projects in all disciplines such as dance, music, opera/musical
theater, theater, visual arts, design arts, crafts, photography, media
arts, literature, interdisciplinary, and folk arts.
Funds awarded to a single organization in this grant category range
from $500 to $3,000. Eligible organizations in the counties of
Montgomery, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys and Stewart can apply for
these grant funds. In order to be eligible, applicants must be
state-recognized non-profit (501c3) organizations or government
entities (including public schools and libraries) and must be able to
provide a dollar-for-dollar match toward the single proposed project.
In addition, the proposed project or program must occur between
October 15, 2008, and June 15, 2009.
Interested applicants can download grant guidelines and an application
form on TAC's website at www.arts.state.tn.us/community_arts_abc.htm.
Completed ABC applications can be either mailed or hand-delivered to
the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council; mailed
applications must be postmarked by 4:30 pm on Friday, August 29, 2008.
A representative from the applying organization should be present at
an open panel review on Thursday, October 2, 2008, at the Customs
House Museum in Clarksville to answer questions that may arise about
the application or proposed project. Awards will then be announced in
mid-October.
Last year, twelve groups in Montgomery, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys
and Stewart counties received some $16,159 in funding through these
grants (although the Arts & Heritage Development Council received
nearly $30,000 in requests, making it a very competitive year). Since
ABC awards are not restricted to arts organizations, this grant
program brings the arts to a larger segment of the community through
arts projects at public schools, libraries, and other service
organizations.
For more information, please contact Diane Batson-Smith, Executive
Director of the Clarksville Arts Heritage Development Council, at
(931)551-8870 or artsandheritage@charter.net.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce 2008 Membership Banquet was held Thursday, October 25, 2007 at Erin's City Hall. Newly elected officers for the upcoming Chamber year are left to right Susan Bell President, Jimmy Lowery Treasurer, Betsy Ligon Vice President, Bettye McKinnon Secretary. Newly elected Board Members Christy Ross and Melinda Conwell joined the slate of renewing Board Members.
Philip Powell was recognized for his hard work as Chamber President for the past two years as well as Teresa Mitchell for her dedicated work as Secretary for the past three years and Robin Freeman for her organizational efforts as Treasure this past year.
The banquet dinner was a tasty prime rib catered by Cleghrens and numerous door prizes were donated by local merchants. It was a pleasant evening of fellowship and pride of the past year's accomplishments, with an optimistic outlook for continued growth and development.
Philip Powell was recognized for his hard work as Chamber President for the past two years as well as Teresa Mitchell for her dedicated work as Secretary for the past three years and Robin Freeman for her organizational efforts as Treasure this past year.
The banquet dinner was a tasty prime rib catered by Cleghrens and numerous door prizes were donated by local merchants. It was a pleasant evening of fellowship and pride of the past year's accomplishments, with an optimistic outlook for continued growth and development.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Nashville Area Singing About New Quail Forever Chapter
Chapter kicking off autumn with clay shoot on Saturday, October 13th
Nashville, Tenn. – September 24, 2007 – Conservationists, quail hunters and
bird dog enthusiasts in the Nashville, Tennessee, area have formed the
state's newest Quail Forever (QF) chapter, the Nashville Basin Chapter of
QF.
The chapter will work to boost local quail populations by improving quail
habitat in Nashville's surrounding counties. "Currently, there are
essentially no wild quail to speak of, and that's because quality quail
habitat is nearly non-existent" said Chris Sarkowski, a resident of
Christiana and the chapter's newly-elected president. Just last fall, the
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – whose members
manage wildlife in 16 states, including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency - suggested the bird could disappear from some areas of the South by
2010.
"We have a group of people who enjoy the outdoors and want to make sure
that there will always be wild quail to hunt – and places to hunt them,"
Sarkowski said, "Nothing against the Midwest, but we don't want to have to
travel there to do our upland hunting."
The Nashville Basin chapter plans on improving habitat on public land,
including local Wildlife Management Areas. "By working on public areas, we
have opportunities to allow many more people to benefit from our work,"
Sarkowski added." The chapter also plans to work with private landowners on
the benefits of conservation practices.
"Creating habitat is the answer for bringing back quail in this area, and
the Nashville Basin is a group of dedicated Quail Forever members that
understand this and will do everything it takes to make it happen," said
Andy Edwards, QF Regional Wildlife Biologist in Tennessee.
The Nashville Basin chapter has also elected Todd Foutch of La Vergne as
treasurer. The chapter will hold its next meeting on Thursday, October 11,
at 6:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Smyrna. The chapter will
also be holding a sporting clay shoot on Saturday, October 13th from 10 AM
to 2 PM at Long Meadows Farm in Greenbrier. The event is free, and open for
all to attend. For more details on both upcoming events, contact Chris
Sarkowski at (615)306-8565 or via email at sharpointe@comcast.net.
For more information on QF in Tennessee, to start a chapter or join one of
the state's seven existing chapters, contact Andy Edwards at (931)424-3211
or via email at aedwards@quailforever.org.
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the
continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail
population decline. QF chapters promote local, state, and federal
conservation programs that help landowners protect environmentally
sensitive acres for quail and other wildlife. They also employ the
organization's unique model of empowering local chapters with 100 percent
control of the chapters' locally-raised funds to complete habitat and youth
education projects in the chapters' own communities. Since the
organization's inception, 90 QF chapters have formed in 26 different
states. The QF mission is accomplished through habitat improvement, land
management, public awareness, education, and conservation advocacy.
-30-
For additional information about Quail Forever, please visit
www.QuailForever.org
Chapter kicking off autumn with clay shoot on Saturday, October 13th
Nashville, Tenn. – September 24, 2007 – Conservationists, quail hunters and
bird dog enthusiasts in the Nashville, Tennessee, area have formed the
state's newest Quail Forever (QF) chapter, the Nashville Basin Chapter of
QF.
The chapter will work to boost local quail populations by improving quail
habitat in Nashville's surrounding counties. "Currently, there are
essentially no wild quail to speak of, and that's because quality quail
habitat is nearly non-existent" said Chris Sarkowski, a resident of
Christiana and the chapter's newly-elected president. Just last fall, the
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – whose members
manage wildlife in 16 states, including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency - suggested the bird could disappear from some areas of the South by
2010.
"We have a group of people who enjoy the outdoors and want to make sure
that there will always be wild quail to hunt – and places to hunt them,"
Sarkowski said, "Nothing against the Midwest, but we don't want to have to
travel there to do our upland hunting."
The Nashville Basin chapter plans on improving habitat on public land,
including local Wildlife Management Areas. "By working on public areas, we
have opportunities to allow many more people to benefit from our work,"
Sarkowski added." The chapter also plans to work with private landowners on
the benefits of conservation practices.
"Creating habitat is the answer for bringing back quail in this area, and
the Nashville Basin is a group of dedicated Quail Forever members that
understand this and will do everything it takes to make it happen," said
Andy Edwards, QF Regional Wildlife Biologist in Tennessee.
The Nashville Basin chapter has also elected Todd Foutch of La Vergne as
treasurer. The chapter will hold its next meeting on Thursday, October 11,
at 6:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Smyrna. The chapter will
also be holding a sporting clay shoot on Saturday, October 13th from 10 AM
to 2 PM at Long Meadows Farm in Greenbrier. The event is free, and open for
all to attend. For more details on both upcoming events, contact Chris
Sarkowski at (615)306-8565 or via email at sharpointe@comcast.net.
For more information on QF in Tennessee, to start a chapter or join one of
the state's seven existing chapters, contact Andy Edwards at (931)424-3211
or via email at aedwards@quailforever.org.
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the
continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail
population decline. QF chapters promote local, state, and federal
conservation programs that help landowners protect environmentally
sensitive acres for quail and other wildlife. They also employ the
organization's unique model of empowering local chapters with 100 percent
control of the chapters' locally-raised funds to complete habitat and youth
education projects in the chapters' own communities. Since the
organization's inception, 90 QF chapters have formed in 26 different
states. The QF mission is accomplished through habitat improvement, land
management, public awareness, education, and conservation advocacy.
-30-
For additional information about Quail Forever, please visit
www.QuailForever.org
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The Stewart Houston Times
The Stewart Houston Times: "Saturday, July 28, was a day full of fun and excitement at Betsy Ligon Park in Erin that signaled the end of summer vacation and the beginning of the school year.
Truth Tabernacle Church, located at 72 Arlington Street in Erin, sponsored a “Back to School Bash” for local students and their families.
With support from church members, area businesses, and friends, free school supplies were given to all students who attended. The turn out was very good, with more than three hundred people filling out a registration form, and perhaps more who did not."
Truth Tabernacle Church, located at 72 Arlington Street in Erin, sponsored a “Back to School Bash” for local students and their families.
With support from church members, area businesses, and friends, free school supplies were given to all students who attended. The turn out was very good, with more than three hundred people filling out a registration form, and perhaps more who did not."
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
LOWELL THOMAS PARCHMAN JR MAKES EAGLE SCOUT
The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting?citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness?remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank. In a small ceremony at the Erin Methodist Church on the 5th of December with Scout master friends and family Thomas joined the ranks that only one president has achieved Gerald Ford. The list of greats that have achieved this is small but they have and are doing great things in this country and we expect no less out of Thomas. We were pleased to take a few
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