TownNewsNow

ROC SOLID BRINGS PLAY IT FORWARD TO BARTLETT

Virginia-based nonprofit to build playset for 3-year-old cancer patient

Bartlett, TN - Nonprofit Roc Solid Foundation will host its first Play It Forward build in the Memphis area on May 18 and 19 for Aidan Conway, a three-year-old battling Pilocytic Astrocytoma, a brain cancer, at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The pre-build event will take place on Friday, May 18 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at Aidan's grandparents' home. The onsite Play It Forward build will begin Saturday, May 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Conway home - 3243 Oak Road, Bartlett. Aidan will be surprised with his new playset!

Founded in 2007 by pediatric cancer survivor, Eric Newman, Roc Solid Foundation has become known for its many efforts to support children battling cancer. During each Play It Forward build, the children and their families are taken out by limo for the day, and they return to find brand new wooden playsets in their backyards.

Roc Solid was first introduced to Aidan less than three months ago, when Rena Mangum, a friend of the Conway's and founder of Memphis-based Butterflies for Brandi (a nonprofit with a similar mission) contacted the organization through Facebook. Within days, Roc Solid received more than 50 emails from Aidan's supporters, pleading for a playset for the toddler, who is described as "always smiling" and "an inspiration."

"After hearing his story and witnessing the outpouring of community support, we knew we had to figure out a way to make it happen," said Newman. "Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of every pediatric cancer patient in the country, and we won't stop until we've done so. This is a great step in that direction."

Roc Solid's other programs include the Ready Bag, which provides all the necessities a family might need during an unexpected hospital stay; iPad Projects, given to teenagers battling cancer; and Cancer Free Parties.

"We build hope by allowing these kids to be carefree for the day, without the worries of chemo and other cancer treatments that prevent them from enjoying ‘normal' childhoods," says Newman. "The pure joy on their faces when they see their new playsets for the first time makes it worthwhile for everyone involved."

Roc Solid has developed a number of programs to support and encourage from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. For more information about Roc Solid, visit http://www.rocsolidfoundation.org/.

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder regretfully announce the loss of Tennessee soldier, Sergeant Jacob Michael Schwallie of Clarksville.

Schwallie and two other paratroopers were fatally injured when their military vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb on May 7, in Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Schwallie was serving with C Troop, 3^rd Squadron, 73^rd Cavalry Regiment, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Specialist Chase Marta of California and PFC Dustin Gross of Kentucky were also killed in the explosion.

The 22-year old Clarksville native, graduated from Rossview High School in 2007. Schwallie enlisted in the United States Army in 2008.

"On behalf of the state of Tennessee, we extend our deepest condolences and continuous prayers for the Schwallie family," Haslam said. "We are proud of Jacob's service to his state and his country and will not take his sacrifice for granted."

Schwallie is survived by his parents, Thomas C. and Melinda Schwallie, sister Rachel Schwallie, brother Stuart (Nasharyra) Schwallie and grandmothers Etta Schwallie Roach, Bettye Pyron.

"It is with great sadness that we receive the news of Sergeant Schwallie's ultimate sacrifice to his state and his country," Grinder said. "This is the time to surround the Schwallie family with prayers and support as they mourn the loss of their heroic loved one."

Sgt Schwallie will posthumously receive the Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal and has posthumously been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.

Sgt. Schwallie's Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12^th at Madison Street United Methodist Church, 319 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN. A private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

SCS Superintendent John Aitken Recognized by Tennessee PTA as State's "Outstanding Superintendent" of 2012

The Tennessee PTA has recognized Shelby County Schools (SCS) Superintendent John Aitken as the state's "Outstanding Superintendent" of 2012. This award is presented every year to a superintendent who not only demonstrates exceptional direction of student achievement and staff excellence, but is also committed to a positive and productive partnership with the PTA.

"I am honored to receive this special recognition from the Tennessee PTA," Aitken said. "This award is truly a testament to the wonderful support we have from parents, and I am humbled by the recognition. The partnership Shelby CountySchools has with its parents has been absolutely crucial to the success of our system, and the same is true in school systems throughout the state. As we move toward the 2013-14 school year, I am committed to increasing parental involvement in order to make the merger a success."

Aitkenwill begin his fourth year as superintendent of SCS in July. He has guided SCS to consecutive State Report Cards with all As in Academic Achievement in each of his first three years. Earlier this year, Superintendent Aitken was credited by a national review team from for fostering "a culture of collaboration, respect and trust throughout the district and among its stakeholders" - a key commendation in SCS becoming Tennessee's largest school system to be recommended for District Accreditation. Additionally, SCS has met all Race to the Top (RttT) performance goals this school year under Superintendent Aitken's direction and is one of only two large systems in the state to meet all RttT benchmarks for third grade Reading and seventh gradeMath.

Aitken regularly attends and participates in local school-level PTA meetings and functions, as well as Shelby County Council PTA meetings and the annual State PTA Convention. Furthermore, the PTA acknowledges and appreciates Aitken's efforts to meet with and hear from parents on various issues, to allow parents to have a voice in important district decisions and to fully support the district's policy requiring all schools to have a functioning PTA.

In February, Aitken received the PTA's National Lifetime Achievement Award during 2012 PTA Founders Day festivities. He is also a past PTA State Principal of the Year and PTA Lifetime Membership Award winner.

Superintendent Aitken will receive his Outstanding Superintendent Award during the 99th annual Tennessee PTA Convention in Nashville on Saturday, May 5. For more information, visit www.tnpta.org.

Arlington High School Freshman Wins Trip to Washington D.C. to Represent Tennessee in National Poetry Contest

Arlington High School freshman Anita Norman was recently named state champion of the 2012 Poetry Out Loud Competition in Nashville. Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation competition that is sponsored in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Anita competed against 36 other finalists from across the state, winning $1,200 in cash prizes and an all-expense-paid trip to represent Tennessee at the National Poetry Out Loud Competition in Washington, D.C. next month. Anita presented poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Dudley Randall and Adelaide Crapsey. Anna Terry, Arlington High's lead Poetry Club teacher, also received an all -expense paid trip to join Anita at the national competition, along with $500 to be used toward the purchase of new poetry books for the school library.

Meth, crystal, crank, ice - call it what you want. It’s bad stuff. The Bartlett Police Department’s Narcotics Division is going to make sure Bartlett doesn’t turn into another “meth town” or “crystal city”.

It is happening all around West Tennessee, North Mississippi and Northeast Arkansas. Towns completely taken over by the powerful drug. If not for people using it; residents cooking the highly explosive drug have worked smaller police departments to the breaking point.

It won’t happen here. The Bartlett Police Department, from patrolman to narcotics, is in touch with the meth problem around the country and Bartlett is off limits.

The average age of a meth user is 25-45. Adults that should know better. The chances of rehabilitation from meth addiction is only about 10 percent. The lowest of any other drug. It makes your hair and teeth fall out and causes permanent brain damage. It is made from batteries, drain cleaner, ammonia and cold medicine. Can you imagine eating batteries to get high? Or injecting drain cleaner to get a buzz? What about snorting ammonia? But the most important ingredient is the cold medicine.

To make meth one must have pseudoephedrine, the cold medicine from products like Sudafed.

“Smurfing”, buying products that contain pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine cookers, is the number one cause of arrest related to the drug in Bartlett. Since 2006 there have been 62 arrests for promotion and manufacturing of meth, most of those were “smurfers.” People who have purchased Sudafed, and other drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, in quantities above which the law allows.

“This has increased recently. Arkansas has made pseudoephedrine available by prescription only. In Tennessee you have to sign for it and show ID, but you don’t have to have a prescription. It is all registered and we know who bought how much and when,” said Detective Halford with Bartlett Narcotics. “Our patrol officers have done an excellent job with the smurfers coming in from Arkansas and other places, buying Sudafed and attempting to take it back to cookers. They have done a real good job catching those guys. I can’t speak highly enough of them, they have done a great job.“

Halford doesn’t believe the smurfers know they have driven into Bartlett and that they are still in Memphis. Unfortunately, they soon find out they have driven into another municipality. One that frowns on drug manufacturing, no matter where it is taking place.

“Eighty five to ninety percent of the people coming in to buy the pseudoephedrine are from out of state,” said Halford. “I wish I could say these people are just coming from West Memphis or Marion; but we had a couple of girls that drove up from Southern Arkansas at the Louisiana border.”

Since 2006 Bartlett has only busted three in home meth labs. In a city of 54,000 people that is an impressive number. You maybe thinking ‘Well a lot of people are getting away with it.’ Don’t be fooled even for a second. The number of in home labs has shrunk because many cookers have gone on the road. Eight mobile labs have been busted since 2006. Seven of those were what are referred to as shake-and-bake labs. Everything is placed into a two liter plastic drink container and mixed. Highly dangerous and highly explosive.

“So easy to make – everything to make meth is readily available at a drug store or grocery store or hardware store,” said Halford. “They’ve gotten sneaky, there is no safe way to make it. Absolutely no safe way. Even these little one pot methods are dangerous. The gases, how flammable the materials are – they are just fools.”

Halford said fortunately the mobile lab cookers were often not from Bartlett, but just passing through. Until they were stopped by the BPD, they didn’t realize just how much trouble they had gotten into.

People get desperate for their drugs and smurfing is one way to get meth. Unless you make the mistake of trying to buy pseudoephedrine too many times in Bartlett.

“We have always taken what we consider as a proactive stance. If you come into this city specifically to buy precursors to make drugs – we are gonna get you; we are gonna charge you. If we don’t get you this time, we’ll get you the next time,” said Halford.

Haslam Proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today proclaimed April "Child Abuse Prevention Month," joining other states and organizations around the country in promoting child abuse awareness and prevention strategies.

"Acts of violence and neglect against children are intolerable," said Children's Services Commissioner Kathryn O'Day. "It is the collective responsibility of all Tennesseans to keep our children safe, and it can be as simple as lending an ear to a stressed mother or learning to spot the early warning signs of abuse and neglect. Everyone's participation is critical to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development."

Child abuse occurs when a child is injured or put at risk of harm as a result of neglect or mistreatment. Abuse includes physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or psychological harm. Last year, the Tennessee Department of Children's Services investigated more than 60,000 reports of child abuse and neglect. Tennessee law requires anyone with direct knowledge or suspicions of child abuse or neglect to report it to the Department of Children's Services or law enforcement.

Ientifying the signs of abuse is the first step in helping an abused or neglected child. Common symptoms include malnutrition, poor hygiene, extremes in behavior, age-inappropriate knowledge of sex and unexplained bruises, burns or welts.

To report abuse and neglect 24 hours a day call Tennessee's child abuse hotline at 1-877-237-0004. When calling, be prepared with information including the names of the child and the abuser, as well as their relationship and location. For more information on how to prevent child abuse and neglect, visit www.childwelfare.gov/preventing. For more information on the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, visit www.tn.gov/youth.

Bartlett DECA Hits Milestone

Giving up their Spring Break paid off for a record number of 17 DECA students from Bartlett High School during the state competition in Nashville.Their hard work made Bartlett the highest winning Shelby County School this year. Members will advance to international competition in Salt Lake City April 27, 2012. Twelve of the 17 have committed to attend and will challenge students from eight countries and all 50 states to win top honors. These DECA students care about the local community and their detailed projects reflect that. While some projects like Shelby County Books from Birth, Putt-Putt Golf & Games and The Panther Bookstore promote current businesses in the community, other like Smiles on the Go: Destination Dentistry and Memphis Music Market promote future ones. Other students attending will take part in Senior Management Institutes and full-service restaurant management role-plays.Students participating are Sierra Beckwith, Zack Bratton, Grace Burgess, Brandon Carter, Amber Dalehite, Lauren Haley, Courtney Lindsey, Mariah Martini, Zach Maupin, Stephanie Pierce, Alanna Warrick, and Ryan Wilcox. The DECA organization is seeking sponsorship for these students. If you would like to make a tax deductable contribution or see them present their projects at "show day," contact their advisor, Cathy Bishop, at Bartlett High School. (901)-337-3812 or cbishop@scs.k12.org

A big high-five goes out to students and staff at Arlington Elementary School for surpassing their fundraising goal in this year's Math-A-Thon benefiting St. Jude. The school was hoping to raise $10,000 for the children of St. Jude, but wound up with a grand total of $11,148.81. Jim Stanko's fifth grade class raised $1,272, more than any class at AES. Principal Gina Gore is pictured here with Mr. Stanko and his students. Congratulations to everyone at AES who helped contribute to this great cause.

Exhibit-A, Inc., the premiere tradeshow exhibit company of the Mid-south took home two coveted awards at the 2012 Advertising Awards Gala at the Cadre Center in downtown Memphis on February 24. Exhibit A's winning designs included a gold Addy for best Tradeshow exhibit, Point of Purchase category as well as taking home a silver Addy in the Point of Purchase, Table Top category as well.

The displays came out of brainstorming various ways to reach readers with Don Furr's novel, Quest for the Nail Prints. "When I wrote Quest, I wanted to create a totally different point of purchase to attract readers' attention," said Furr. "By creating the cross and nail that pierced and supported each book, I believe we did just that! Then if seeing it published and on the shelf in Barnes and Noble wasn't enough of a thrill, to see the displays recognized and awarded...well, I am very humbled to be a part of all of this."

Exhibit- A's founder and CEO, Don Furr expressed his gratitude to the Memphis Advertising Federation for the awards while giving due credit to his Art Director, Demetria Hazlegrove for her part in the layout and design process.

Exhibit-A, Inc. is a 27 year old tradeshow exhibit company that Furr started with Ted Moyes in January, 1985. Exhibit-A designs and fabricates tradeshow exhibits worldwide from a 67,000 sq. ft. facility based in Arlington.

Tatum Parsons, of the Bartlett area, is 8 years old and in the 2nd grade at Immanuel Lutheran School. She began taking gymnastics at 4 years old and she fell in love with it. She trains at Gymstars Gymnastics in Collierville. This is her second year to compete. She has won several awards at scored a perfect "10" for this routine on the beam at the Aloha from Memphis gymnastics competition at the Cook Convention Center. In addition to the perfect 10 ,she scored a 9.650 on vault, a 9.725 on bars, and a 9.60 on floor. At this meet she won 1st all around gymnast and her team won 1st place. Her favorite events are the floor and the beam.

Photo: Coach Shannon Baroni with gymnast Tatum Parsons

Vision 20/20 Economic Development Golf Tournament

Friday May 11, 2012, 8:00AM

With annual attendance of 150, which included prominent business leaders, the BACC annual Golf Tournament has already established itself as one of the area's premier networking and business development events.

In 2012, this event will increase its reach and scope by revamping its focus as the VISION 2020 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Golf Tournament. The primary function of this tournament will be to support the economic development efforts of the Bartlett Area Chamber, with emphasis on Life Science initiatives, and the medical device industry in particular. The tournament-played at prestigious Colonial Country Club, will support job creation, capital investment, legislative efforts and education-all geared toward the growth and prosperity of this community.

Your support of this event is an investment in your business, an investment in your community and an investment in your future! Secure your sponsorship TODAY.

$175/Player; $650/Team. Sponsorships start at $200. Click Here to learn more and to download an application.

The new 96 room addition, with 56 beds opened immediately, to Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett was very much needed and is very much appreciated by the community. The rooms are state of the art and very welcoming. Each room has the feel of home with plenty of storage space. They also include flat screen televisions and sleeper sofas. The ribbon cutting on the new 83,000 square foot expansion was February 29.

"A dedicated orthopedic and spine unit, stroke and chest pain certification and expanded women's services will all be a result of this facility expansion in the future," said Kem Mullins, CEO of Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett. "It is fitting that we celebrated our expansion with the people of Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County. They have been extremely supportive of Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett. This facility expansion is a statement that the future is bright, as it will allow us to continue to provide area residents with exceptional care close to home."

These Girl Scouts were out Saturday trying to sell some cookies - let's not forget what wonderful things The Girl Scouts do for the young ladies in our community and around the world. The sales of cookies help fund many of the projects. And they are also yummy! Stop and buy a box or two or three - your not only helping the Girl Scouts, everybody at the office and at home will love you too!

The Bartlett Fire Department was on hand alonside the Bartlett Police Department for Krogers Safety Fair. Reminding customers of fire safety the Fire Department also answered questions about kitchen fires, grease fires, etc. And many other things one doesn't think of until they are in the grocery store.

The Bartlett Police Department shared tips on safe shopping and helped with car seats. Most car seats are actually not installed properly. If you are not sure about your safety seat, stop by the Justice Center and let one of Bartlett's Finest check it for you. It is carrying your most precious cargo!

You don't know this man. Neither did I. But he was my grandfather. Private First Class Alonzo Bell was Killed In Action in Italy on August 12, 1943. He is buried in Sicily. Sadly, no one from my family has ever been to his gravesite. But thanks to Diane Hight he was memorialized by his Veteran brothers in arms at the World War II Memorial in Washington DC on the Veterans first trip to their memorial. They said his name aloud and lay a flower in his memory. It was the first time anyone had ever paid tribute to the fallen soldier that was my grandfather, who died fighting for his country in a foreign land. So many lost friends, family and loved ones in World War II - so many came home with scars - emotional and physical. Now they are leaving us more peacefully; but they have wishes to be filled. They want to go back to where they fought so those scars may heal before they leave this Earth. To where they lost a friend to pay tribute to someone like my grandfather. Lets not deny them that - Please help Diane make the trip to Pearl Harbor with the Veterans. She only needs 299 other people to send $100. Because I am sending my check today. If I can do it, anyone can. I don't make a dime from this website - In fact it costs me money every month to run it, so if you enjoy it, take pictures from it, whatever, send Diane a few bucks - because it all adds up. Anything is appreciated! Her address is at the bottom of the letter I received below,or make your donation through the website at the bottom of the letter. Please help our Veterans before it is too late to say "Thank You!"

Dawn,

Anything you can do is a blessing for our elderly vets. We have changed our mission to
granting dreams for senior Veterans, since this is where my heart is. As you know, we grant wishes/dreams for Veterans, 65 or older.
We just returned from taking Europe World War II Vets back to Normandy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and a short cruise down the Rhine River in October 2011.
Now, we’re taking 26 Pacific World War II Veterans to Pearl Harbor to honor them for their service and we need help.
We never dreamed so many World War II Vets would want to return to the Pacific.

Here’s some info:

Our organization is working extremely hard to honor our World War II Vets while we still have the opportunity. Here are a few recent examples:

We have taken 7 trips to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial, taking over 200 World War II Vets (a few Korean & Vietnam Vets too)
We arranged for B-17 turret gunner Hulan Roberts, 91, to fly in a B-17 once again in December 2011.
We arranged for 95 year old Navy World War II Vet, Don Ballard, to throw out the first pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals in August 2011
We helped 90 year old Carl Coker, from Bartlett, return a Japanese flag he attained in Guam in 1944, back to Japan. They are looking for the family of the soldier who owned the flag.

Pacific World War II Vets

Now, we are taking our Pacific Vets to Pearl Harbor on May 15 - 23, 2012. As much as they would like to return to all of the islands where they fought, it’s just not possible. Therefore, we will be spending a week in Hawaii to honor them. These trips are healing. Many of the World War II Veterans have not faced the emotional wounds they suffered from the war. We’ve seen miracles take place in their lives.

How can you help? We need 300 people to give $100 to help get our Pacific World War II Vets to Pearl Harbor. (Any amount is greatly valued) It is simple. The more funds - the more Veterans we can honor.

Info
We are a 501©(3) all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. No one receives a salary, including me.
This organization is a “thank you” to our Veterans for our freedom.

Respectfully,

Diane

Diane Hight
Founder & President

Forever Young Senior Wish Organization

Forever Young, Inc.
PO Box 1381
Collierville, TN 38027

“Honoring Our Senior Veterans”
901.299.7516
diane@foreveryoungseniorwish.org
www.foreveryoungseniorwish.org

Sharp & Robbins Team Members Earn Highest Certification in Restoration Industry

Three members of Bartlett-based Sharp & Robbins Construction, LLC, recently earned the Certified Restorer® (CR) designation from the Restoration Industry Association, the oldest and largest non-profit trade association in the cleaning and restoration industry. The CR certification program is widely recognized as the nation's preeminent training program for damage repair and the pinnacle of achievement for restoration professionals. Only 600 such certifications have been issued worldwide in the 40 years since its inception.

Dale Sharp, President of Sharp & Robbins; Brent Easterwood, Manager of Operations for Sharp & Robbins' Nashville office; and Chris Popwell, Estimator and Project Manager for Sharp & Robbins' Memphis office join Dave Robbins, Vice-President of Sharp & Robbins, who earned his certification in 2007, as the construction company's Certified Restorers® (CR). The prestigious designation requires an intensive training in the preservation and restoration of building structures and contents. This advanced course of study addresses the nature of building materials damaged by fire, smoke, or water as well as the mechanisms by which residue and odors are removed. Other topics of study include: toxic contamination, allergic responses, water damage, contracts and insurance procedures and requirements. Upon completion, Certified Restorers® are required to maintain their status by periodic recertification and continuing education credits in damage repair and restoration theory.

Since 1991, Sharp & Robbins Construction has provided a comprehensive array of building services, including all types of restoration, renovation and new commercial construction. With offices in Nashville & Memphis and licenses to work throughout the Southeast, they have completed over 10,000 projects. The company has earned many awards, including a Phoenix Award in 2008 and the Big 50 Award in 2010. For more information, visit www.sharprobbins.com

Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Imaging Center Now Includes Digital Mammography

By Rebecca Priddy - Millington ES: The Arlington Cheer Elite Shooting Stars is unlike most other local cheer squads. The team is comprised of children and adults with special needs, all of whom are current or former SCS students. Together, they possess a truly unique and special spirit. The Shooting Stars recently participated in their first performances at the UCA Delta Blues Challenge in Tunica, MS and at the Cheer for Kids event at Arlington High School. Participation on the team gives members great opportunities for positive social and emotional interactions with typical peers, not to mention some great workouts. Adrienne Payne, the mother of one of the Shooting Stars, said, "People don't know how many lives have been changed because of seeing our cheerleaders." Payne said some of the people in attendance told her they were overcome with emotion by the courage and spirit demonstrated by the girls. The same goes for the team members, who were so proud of themselves that they could not stop smiling. Coach Stephanie Acton, a first grade teacher at Bon Lin Elementary, said, "I absolutely love every minute with the Shooting Stars." Stephanie says she is equally impressed with all of volunteers who work with the team. Volunteers range in age from 6-18. In addition to helping with stunts, props and routines, she said the volunteers have formed special friendships with all of the members. For more information about the Shooting Stars, contact Stephanie Acton at sacton@scsk12.org.

You may not realize it, but some world renowned artists live right here in our community. The best way to share some of their achievements with you is through their websites. Listed below are websites to visit that belong to members of our community who have achieved greatness through their work. Each week different websites will be listed. If you know someone you feel has achieved greatness, please Email me at dawnmemphis@yahoo.com.

WEEK 2

www.tomfoxphotography.com - Fine art photographer Tom Fox has taken some of the most beautiful pictures one could ever imagine - in fact some are so beautiful they look as if they have been imagined. His work is on display in museums and is sold around the world.

www.bigkphotos.com - Kevin Lewter can snap an excellent shot in a second. That is often all he has in sports photography. His shots of baseball, football and hockey are amazing!

It was the end of Red Ribbon week at Bartlett Elementary School. The kids celebrated by forming a giant Red Ribbon on the lawn of the school and had a basketball shootout in the gym. Red Ribbon week is designated to teach children the dangers of drug abuse and educate them about the horrible consequences of using drugs recreationally.

Meet The Bartlett Police Department's Motorcycle Patrol. On board BMW 1200 RTs they are here for our safety and to enforce the law. Both aspects of their jobs they take very seriously. From left: Patrolman Lucas Hines, Patrolman Colin Green, Patrolman Grant Young and Patrolman Jared Martin. These men are very proud to serve as patrolmen for the city of Bartlett and as citizens we should be very thankful to have them. Stay safe, guys! And thanks, from everyone in Bartlett!

Arlington Elementary School One of Three TN Schools Recognized for Healthy School Initiatives by Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Arlington Elementary is one of only three schools in Tennessee to be recognized in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's national Healthy Schools Program in 2011

Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals are awarded each year to showcase and acknowledge schools that have implemented significant changes to create healthier school environments. The Alliance awarded AES with a Bronze Medal for setting and accomplishing its goal to provide a new fitness-inspired playground for its students. With strong PTA support and numerous healthy fundraisers, the goal was met and surpassed six months ahead of schedule. The project was highlighted during the Healthy Schools Program Forum in Little Rock, AR over the summer and celebrated during a ceremony that included former President Bill Clinton and American Heart Association President Ralph Sacco.

From serving healthy foods in the cafeteria, providing 150 minutes of weekly physical activity and hosting health-inspired school and community functions, like the Tiger Crawl 5k, Freedom Walk and community health fairs, to inviting speakers from the community to talk to students about health and wellness throughout the year, the Arlington staff's strong commitment to a healthy campus is evident. Plus, through its partnership with the YMCA, Arlington Elementary is reinforcing its Healthy School plans with CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) recreational and nutritional programs.

By Sandra Mathias

For the past 39 years, Alexander Hilliard, from Bartlett, has offered his time, talent, and considerable expertise to his community by sharing his knowledge of radios and emergency communications.

An active amateur "ham" radio operator with an Extra Class License, Hilliard also has a commercial license, is a radio instructor, and a volunteer test examiner.

Knowing radios "like the back of his hand" as well as the ancillary equipment that makes them work, Hilliard has built five ham radio repeaters during his career, with three still in operation. Repeaters, electronic devices that receives a weak or low-level signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power, are essential for radio communications over long distances. The W4GMM 147.090 MHz HamTronics repeater Hilliard built in 1994 for himself and the local ARES ham radio club is still in operation. It is on loan to the Shelby County Office of Preparedness Reserve Program.

When asked how he got started in ham radios, Hilliard said, "My dad was a ham and I have been around radios since I was able to understand them. I built my first radio in the tenth grade, but didn't get my license immediately.....girls became more important! During the Army I was in the Signal Corps as a Radio Relay and Carrier Team Chief rank of Sgt E-5. After service, I was hired by South Central Bell as an installer-repairman and attended Bell and Howell Schools. I earned my Novice License in 1972, passed the General License in 1974, then got the Advanced License and began teaching ham radio. I followed up with obtaining my commercial radio license. In 1983 I took over the Radio Shop at Bell South installing two-way radios, repairing personal pagers, and maintaining transmitters. After 1989, I was a Special Services Tech working on high speed data which included video and T1. And finally, before retirement, I worked on fiber optic equipment with speeds up to 1 GB."

Even before retirement, Hillard gave freely of his time with such organizations as Civil Defense, the Shelby County Health Department, and the American Red Cross. He is currently a volunteer for Air Force MARS (United States Air Force Military Affiliate Radio System) and holds the position of Tennessee State Training Officer and South East Area / Region Four Emergency Coordinator. He is also an active Reserve with the Shelby County Office of Preparedness and holds Thursday evening ham radio training sessions in the Emergency Operations Center.

To sum up Hilliard's motivation for staying active in emergency communications, building repeaters, and training citizens to become ham radio operators, he said, "I am involved with Air Force Mars and the Office of Preparedness as a volunteer because I realized if the time came, I could best serve my community by helping to provide emergency communications. I build repeaters for the express use of the local ARES group for their exercises and if needed, during an emergency."

Never one to rest on his success and accomplishments, Hilliard is now working on a new system that will utilize a digital voice and data program developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League called DStar.

Hilliard's friends and colleagues know and respect him as "Ham" Hillard, call sign W4GMM.

Future Amateur Radio "Hams" during their Thursday evening class at the Emergency Operations Center. Here they are learning about antenna systems. Center is their instructor, Alexander "Ham" Hilliard

The Bartlett Festival was a huge hit again this year. The weather was fantastic, although a little too windy for the hot-air balloons, the temps stayed in the high 70s and it felt great. Everyone was fittingly festive from vendors to the crowd. Music filled the air constantly from talented bands and performers. Everything from Bluegrass to Rock-n-Roll was offered. The kids loved the rides as parents got a chance to check out local businesses, while the BPD and BFD were on hand to councel parents and children alike about safety and community service. For more fun pictures from the festival go to Bartlett Festival 2011 pages

The Shelby County Historical Society and The Bartlett Historical Society were both represented at the uncovering of the Gabriel Maston Bartlett Memorial located at the annex beside City Hall in Bartlett. Mayor McDonald and Alderman Elliot and Young were present as the unveiling took place on Sept.11 to dedicate the plaque which tells about the man which Bartlett has the honor of carrying on Gabriel Bartlett's name.

Office Of Preparedness Staff Member Headed to TEMA

The Shelby County Office of Preparedness HLS/EMA, under the direction of Bob Nations, Jr., has announced that they will be losing a valuable member of their staff.

Cheryl Yarbro, Interim Manager of Operations / Training Officer, from Bartlett, has taken a position in the Planning Division of the West Tennessee Emergency Management Agency or TEMA.

During her tenure with the Office of Preparedness, Yarbro wore many hats at the agency.

As Training Officer, she lead the popular Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. She not only coordinated these two-day CERT classes, both at the Emergency Operations Center, and the "on the go" sessions held at schools, businesses, churches and community centers throughout the county, she was also a CERT instructor herself.

Additionally, Yarbro planned and instructed during the CERT "Train the Trainer" classes to teach new CERT graduates how to start their own CERT programs.

She was also responsible for training other emergency professionals throughout the county in areas of communications, sheltering, and damage assessment.

Yarbro was instrumental in leading the Shelby County Citizen Corps Council. She chaired this group of Shelby County emergency professionals and citizens whose primary purpose was to promote emergency preparedness volunteerism throughout the region.

On many occasions, Yarbro could be found at businesses, faith-based organizations, schools or neighborhood associations as the keynote speaker talking about the importance of personal disaster preparedness.

When the Office of Preparedness began its innovative project to work closely with faith-based organizations to train them in sheltering citizens in the case of a disaster, Yarbro helped develop the guidelines and trained the leaders in those organizations.

Yarbro was also the staff member overseeing the Office of Preparedness Reserve Program, which includes CERT instructors, a speakers' bureau, and other emergency professionals who assist the agency as needed.

And furthermore, Yarbro served as the Interim Manager of Operations of the agency and was in charge of scheduling and training staff, attending meetings at City Hall, and assisting with budget issues.

Yarbro worked tirelessly in her various roles at the Office of Preparedness and was an invaluable asset to the county during her three years as Interim Manager. She set an example of hard work, creativity, and tenacity that will be hard to follow.

The Office of Preparedness and the Reserves who served under her wish her the best in her new position at TEMA. She will be missed.

Youth Leadership Bartlett got a warm welcome at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, August 23. These young people represent the future of our town, our country and our world and were very deserving of the round of applause they received.

Jim "Papaw" Minga poses in front of a picture called "Sweetpea" at the new restaurant in Bartlett

Sweetpea's Table

5826 Stage Road

Did you ever have one of those days when all you wanted to do was to go to your Aunt Juanita's or Grandma Jenny's house and laugh for a minute, eat something really great, have a glass of sweet tea and chill out?

Well, now you can whenever you want - even if Grandma lives 450 miles away. Sweetpea's Table is opening a location in Bartlett. Mamaw and Papaw decided it was time to expand and chose Bartlett as the lucky town to open their newest restaurant. Why grow beyond their successful 300 seat venture in Olive Branch?

"We enjoy what we do. We enjoy serving the people," said Jim Minga, (more commonly known as Papaw) owner of Sweetpea's.

Minga and his wife, Gail (more commonly known as Mamaw) opened the restaurant on Tuesday, July 26. The restaurant looks great and everything is in place for a grand take-off. The new location is in the middle of the Municipal Shopping Area right next to the train tracks on Stage Road.

The walls of the restaurant are decorated with acrylics, watercolors and photographs from the Bartlett Arts Association that are not only on display but for sale also.

"We will sell them and display them for the Bartlett Arts Association - we sold a bunch of things last year in Olive Branch for the community. We try to do a lot for the community. The community does a lot for us," said Minga. "We haven't gotten all of our plans in place for what we are going to do (in Bartlett) yet, but we are looking forward to it."

Minga's son Mark and daughter-in-law Bettina will eventually manage the Bartlett restaurant, but Mamaw and Papaw will be hanging around quite a bit to get the feel of Bartlett and become part of the city.

So along with the country cooking came the country nicknames? No, that was just a fluke.

"When we first opened in Olive Branch our grandkids were helping us and called us Mamaw and Papaw and then our staff started calling us that. Then customers, so we just became known as Mamaw and Papaw," said Minga with a laugh.

I personally stopped by Friday for lunch and found the menu held a lot of favorites from my childhood, like fried bologna sandwiches, which I orderd and loved! Great food and and a down home feel - what more could you ask for. My husband Kenny had fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes,(with gravy) and fried okra, which he said was DELICIOUS!

Sweetpea is the nickname Minga has had for his wife Gail, as he says "as long as I can remember."

Go to www.sweetpeastable.com for a sample of the menu at Sweetpea's. Sweetpea's will be closed on Mondays but will be open for lunch and dinner the rest of the week. No alcohol will be served and the restaurant welcomes families.

For more pics from the Fourth of July celebration in Bartlett see page - Bartlett Celebrates the Fourth

Each year, the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall tours the country, making 10-14 weekend stops in communities served by Dignity Memorial providers. Since its inception in 1990, the traveling monument has been displayed in more than 200 cities across the country, allowing millions of visitors to experience the healing power of the memorial.

The South turns out another fine Christian author in Don Furr

By Dawn Boone

When Don Furr published his book “Quest for the Nail Prints” last year, he had accomplished a dream. Check one off the bucket list, right? No, not when it comes to Don Furr. The owner of the wildly successful Exhibit A, located in Arlington, with customers around the globe has a need to make everything better.

That includes his first novel. He had great displays for them. The books have a very unique design with a nail hole driven completely through the read and they hung on a wooden cross, handcrafted by Furr. It was selling. “Maybe,” Furr thought, “it just needed a little more tweaking.” It had only taken him decades to write. What could another year hurt to make it perfect?

So, being Don Furr, that is exactly what he has done; with a new publisher and editor. His first novel, “Quest for the Nail Prints” was re-released March 1, with some changes that surprised readers.

"Changing a character from male to female – it changes a lot in the book. Dr. Bill Stewart became Dr. Elizabeth Stewart,” said Furr. “It added some things that really needed to be in the book. It changes the dynamic of things. Now it is about two men and a woman back in time. It really is a better book.”

The reviews for the new print have been pouring in from established authors and book critics alike who have had sneak previews.

“Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys endorsed the book! William Paul Young who wrote ‘The Shack’, Ann Graham Lotz (Billy’s daughter), and my favorite Robert Powell is reading it. Robert Powell is the actor who played Jesus of Nazareth in the 1978 mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth”,” said Furr. “I am really excited about that.”

Furr said he found out getting into the bigger stores was going to be harder than he thought when he self-published the first print a little over a year ago. He keeps a framed letter on his wall from Barnes & Noble saying they wanted the book, but that he needed a distributor. Just as a reminder.

So he got online to find a distributor, started at A and proceeded from there. He wound up back at the first place he called, APG Distributors. They were intrigued. He took APG representative Cary Johnson a cross full of books. Johnson liked the book and the uniqueness of the display, but their policy was to only distribute books from publishing houses. He left the display and the books at APG and Johnson set out to find him a Christian publisher.

Johnson contacted Sheaf House Publishers out of Charlotte, TN. (http://sheafhouse.com)After some negotiations, Furr signed with Sheaf House Publishers in August of 2010. He wouldn’t be publishing himself anymore.

Having a publisher meant a re-write and a new cover. Joan Shoup had been an editor for 20 years before opening Sheaf House Publishers. There was some work to be done. “So we went ahead and moved forward. I went with the re-write and she moved forward with the editing and we worked on it, made it better, and it was ready to re-publish,” said Furr.

Furr said accolades have been coming in each day for the re-work of his time-traveling novel. Some he says are very moving personally. Furr shared one.

Once in awhile a great book comes my way that I not only enjoy reading and reviewing, but desire to promote and share with everyone I know. This is one of those books. I will be pointing bookstore owners that I know your way. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read “Quest for the Nail Prints”. This is the best Christian book I have ever read. Signed, Allen R. Cook / Random Sites Book Review. I received that one yesterday. It means so much to hear reviews like that,” said Furr.

“I want (the book) to be good, I want it to change peoples’ lives. I want it to create a more intimate relationship with Christ. That is the number one purpose,” said Furr.

A sequel to “Quest for the Nail Prints” is underway and should be released sometime next year.

For more information on Quest for the Nail Prints and to read Chapter One visit Furr’s blogspot:

http://questforthenailprints.blogspot.com/

His Brother's Keeper

By Sandra Mathias

When you first meet Kenneth Brown his unhurried, joking manner and easy smile paints the picture of a contented person.

One would be hard pressed to guess how this laid back man spends his time - the many hats he wears professionally and spiritually.

Kenneth Brown, a true servant leader, lives his life to serve his community - Shelby County.

By profession, he is a proud fire fighter. Ken has been saving lives for the Memphis Fire Department for 13 years. He is a state certified fire instructor, and rotates from riding the ambulance, to manning the pumper trucks, to working in the fire station. In 2010, Ken was appointed as the Memphis Fire Department Chaplain. He is on call 24 / 7 to minister to fellow fire fighters injured on the job or to citizens at a fire scene who may need spiritual comfort. The Fire Chaplain is an unpaid, volunteer position. Ken is also the SouthWest Tennessee Crisis Response Team Coordinator, is on the State Fire Chaplain's Ethics Board, and is in the process of becoming an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation instructor.

As some fire fighters do, Ken has a second job. He runs a small business repairing automobiles called, "Brown's Mobile Services" to bring in extra money to support his family. When he is not fire fighting or answering the page as the Fire Chaplain, he might be found with his head under the hood of a vehicle and grease beneath his fingernails.

Add to his full time job, his part time business, and volunteering as the Chaplain, Ken is a also dedicated husband, father, friend, and active church member. He fills in as substitute pastor for his congregation when needed.

With all of these responsibilities and commitments, most of us would use any down time to rest and relax. Not Ken Brown.

Ken volunteers his talents for public speaking, experience with fire fighting, and knowledge of search and rescue and medical first aid as a Reserve with the Shelby County Office of Preparedness HLS / EMA. He serves as the Reserve Training Officer for the group. He spends many of his days off teaching the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes to help citizens from all around Shelby County prepare for disasters.

Stretching his time even further, Ken is a volunteer for the American Red Cross Mid-South Chapter. He has earned the rank of Disaster Action Team Captain and Disaster Shelter Human Resources Leader. In times of disaster, if he is not on duty fire fighting, he can be found managing shelters for the American Red Cross when housing must be provided instantly for evacuees. He also drives the Emergency Response Vehicles to disaster scenes to provide food and water to victims. Additonally, Ken has become an American Heart Association instructor for basic life saving and medical first aid.

This whirlwind of activity would tire anyone, even a robust fire fighter.

When asked why he volunteers so much of his free time, Ken replied that he lives this kind of life intentionally so he can help others.

He said, "It's simple, I am my brother's keeper. One day I might just be the one needing help and encouragement. Anything I can do to spend my time well here on earth, that's what I'm going to do. Fortunately, I have an understanding family that supports my volunteer efforts. I believe God put me here to be used for good."

On one of his days off, Kenneth Brown can be found instructing students during the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) fire suppression module. Here Ken shows the class how to use an ABC fire extinguisher.

Shelby County Schools not to be overlooked for Straight A report card

As you probably noticed over the weekend, The Commercial Appeal missed an opportunity to deliver a pretty great story to the parents in suburban Shelby County. Hopefully, you can give your readers the story in your next issue, as it certainly seems worthy of some prominent coverage.

The attached release details Shelby County Schools’ results on the 2010 Tennessee Report Card, which came out Friday. Shelby County Schools was one of only 10 school systems among the 136 systems statewide to earn all A’s in Achievement this year. It also marks the fifth year in a row SCS has earned all A’s in Achievement.

This might not seem like all that splashy of a story, considering we’ve been sending out this headline for several years now. But it is especially noteworthy this year because the state has made its performance standards much more rigorous. In fact, the increased standards caused scores to drop for a large number of systems statewide. The Achievement scores for the entire state fell to three C’s and one B, and two systems that earned all A’s in Achievement a year ago were not able to repeat in 2010. Still, SCS was able to remain a straight-A system. Parents have been calling us steadily today, most of them rather upset that SCS was not credited for the work it has done to again achieve straight-A’s. I think a front page headline would surely please a lot of readers in your area.

Also attached is a trend chart, which tracks SCS Achievement scores dating back to 2000. The chart also includes a breakdown of our demographic makeup and percentages of economically disadvantaged students to help offer a clearer picture of the system.

Shawn Pachucki | Communications Specialist, Shelby County Schools

EASTER EGG HUNT & EASTER BASKET CONTEST WAS A GREAT TIME! CHECK OUT ALL THE PICS ON EASTER 2012 PAGE