Get it done

The 365th day of the year is nearly over - oops, 366.  This is a leap year, almost forgot.

It's been a good year, a busy year by all accounts.

Some highs and some not so, with most in-between.  Typical in that sense.

Much has gotten done - but much more to do.

So let's get on with 2013.

Memory

A journey of a 1,000 miles starts with the first step - but never forget the path that got you to the starting line.

Give thanks

Did you get a chance this week to thank folks for all they mean to you?

If not - get on with it.  There's still plenty of time.

Winner

We had a great October for retail sales in the city - the latest month reported to us by the Department of Revenue.

So good in fact that it bested every other month since July 2004 when I first started tracking it - and probably well beyond that too.

Let's hope the trend continues as it's a great indicator of how things are going in the community.

Silence

Waiting on a return phone call, email reply, or visit that are slow in coming?

If so, don't fill the temporary void of silence with negative thoughts or connotations.

Almost without exception the delay will be innocent - and you'll fret needlessly along the way.

A new era

At the stroke of midnight on December 21, 2012 a new day will start and the current day will end.

And this cycle will repeat on the next day and the next day and on and on and on.

So the Mayans had it right - we just read more into it than we should.

Presence

Act like you've been there before - and you will be again and again.

Pipe line

In April 2012 the Downtown Bristol Redevelopment Loan Program was launched to stimulate redevelopment in downtown Bristol on both sides of the state line.

Since its inception, 6 loans have been approved.  Statistically, the average loan is $12,000 for 40 months at a 6.25% interest rate.

Importantly, the 6 loans are credited with the creation of 17 new jobs and the retention of 9 existing jobs in downtown - thanks to the vision of the Bank of Tennessee, Citizens Bank, First Tennessee Bank, Green Bank/Capital Bank, BB&T, Highland Union Bank, and Wells Fargo.

And more applications are in the pipe line for consideration.

Call

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Sprint customer resolution center took place today in Bristol.

Over 600 employees call this new location home.

It was nice to hear that in its first month of operation, the Bristol facility was the most productive of the 28 or so Sprint call centers across the nation.

Now that's a testimonial to be proud of.

TML

The Tennessee Municipal League District 1 meeting took place in Bristol to discuss legislative policy issues and initiatives for the upcoming first session of the 108th Tennessee General Assembly.

Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend, District 1 Director, welcomed a room full of local elected officials, city staff, and TML staff to the meeting. The size of the crowd underscored the importance of the event.

Thanks are in order to the TML staff for an outstanding presentation of the issues facing Tennessee cities - as well for the good work they do in representing the interests of Bristol and other cities in Nashville.

Job fair

A Greater Bristol Job Fair was held in downtown Bristol yesterday with over 700 persons in attendance in hopes of matching their skill sets to the needs of numerous area employers that set up booths seeking qualified candidates for employment.

The event was a huge success thanks to the event sponsors - Networks Sullivan Partnership, the Foundation Event Facility, and the City of Bristol.

Milestone

Each year in December an employee service recognition luncheon is held in honor of employees reaching the milestone years of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service with the city.

The luncheon was held today for 50 employees with a combined 680 service years.

Four employees - Danny Bains, Jim Graham, Reford Lunsford Jr., and Clayton Smith - were recognized for 35 years of service.

And Johnnie Gorley Sr. was honored for his 40th year of service to the city.

Thanks to all employees - and in particular Johnnie, Danny, "Cracker", Reford, and Clayton - for your long and outstanding service to the community.

Flag

In December 2006, the City Council formally adopted a city flag - the same design that was used by the Sesquicentennial Committee during the city's 150^th anniversary that ended on December 31st of that year.

The flag is flown at all major city buildings each and every day.  But unless you're here to see it - you probably don't know that one exists.

So for those of you from places far away, presenting the Bristol city flag:  

Act

Knowing how to handle success is more important than defeat.

So go out and be successful - but handle it with class.

Exactly 181

The 31st annual Christmas Parade took place last night with a record number of entries - 181 to be exact.

Kids of all ages lined State Street for this much anticipated event - and another good reason to live in Bristol.

Networks

Networks Sullivan Partnership held its December board meeting and year-end review with a number of very special guests - namely, the members of the Sullivan County Commission, Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman, Bluff City Board of Mayor and Alderman, and the Bristol City Council.  These elected leaders had the vision to create, fund, and sustain this important economic development organization.  It represents the best in a collaborative partnership where local government works together to enhance the economic well-being of the entire county.

This past year much success was recorded in creating jobs, private sector investment, and in growing the tax base - thanks to the good work of the Board of Directors and CEO Richard Venable and his staff.

Technology investments

Two major projects received the green light by City Council last evening that will significantly enhance city technology and efficiency going forward.

The purchase of a police wireless field reporting system was approved that will provide a seamless, wireless interface between officers in the field and law enforcement computer networks.  Personnel will be able to instantly check for warrants and personal information of contacts made while performing their duties.  This system will enhance productivity and will officer safety by providing real-time information on traffic stops and police-related incidents.  This system will be 100% grant funded.

The second technology investment will result in the automation of our meter reading process, with a drive-by system to be instituted over a three-year period.  Staff productivity will be significantly enhanced with this automated process allowing for the reassignment of meter readers to other duties.

Both projects were identified as objectives in the Fiscal 2013 Goals Program.

Now on to the other 166 objectives to get done this year.

Digging deeper

The City Council honored the 15 participants in the fall 2012 Citizens Municipal Academy today with a reception and recognition ceremony at the Slater Center.

The participants showed great interest and attention during the 6-week course for which the thanks of our staff are collectively extended - it's always nice to present to a group that truly wants to be there.  They weren't shy about asking questions and digging deeper into the operations of city government.  Good for them.

Presenting the fall 2012 CMA graduates (drum roll please):

Richard D. Allison, Dale Carrick, Sara Carrick, Jennifer Carrier-Berkley, John F. Cartwright, Chris Connally, Tammy Connally, Charlotte Duncan, Julian Hernandez, Kenny Hopkings, Kathe Rainwater, Robert Rainwater, David H. Ring, Joshua Shaffer, and Mary Lou Sproles

Sugar hollow

Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol Virginia is a great public space - just as is Steele Creek Park on the Tennessee side of town.

With warm temperature and sunny skies on Sunday, Sugar Hollow became the destination for a long dog walk that included the Black Forest Trail, the wetlands area, and the top of the dam.  Many others recognized a great place on a great day to appreciate this special place.

Thanks Bristol Virginia for Sugar Hollow Park - its never looked better.

Attention

Process and results - two very different things with equal importance in local government.

Pay attention to both and your community - and you - will be better off because of it.  

Cycle

Each year city crews inspect, flush and flow test all public fire hydrants in the water system.  And why do you ask?  To ensure their operation for fire suppression activities, to enhance water system quality, and to comply with various National Fire Protection Association, American Water Works Association, and Insurance Services Office standards.

So how many you ask?  At last count, 1,147 of the 1,299 hydrants were tested - as were 668 hydrant blow-offs.

So we're also almost there - until next year, when the cycle begins again.

CDBG

Each year the city receives a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

It's not a lot of money - but a lot is done with it.

This past year the funds were used to complete a major rehab on an owner-occupied home and to undertake emergency repairs on 2 others; 10 first-time home buyers received forgivable grants to assist them into home ownership; 12 families received affordable childcare assistance; 3 dilapidated structures were demolished; support was provided to 2 emergency shelters to assist the homeless; and 480 residents received instruction and services at the literacy academy.

Importantly, 95% of the funds expended benefited low- and moderate-income persons.

Yes, a whole lot was done with it - thanks to the good work of Jan Detrick and Shari Brown and the Department of Community Development.

Opportunity

I had the opportunity to visit with several residents this week with requests on issues as varied as can be.

Not all of the outcomes were perfect for the requester, but in each case the city helped where it could, and how it could.

And that's the way government is supposed to be.

Inspection

Steele Creek Lake overlooking the dam from
the Lake Ridge Trail

For many of us in the states, we were treated to a four-day Thanksgiving Holiday.

I took a field trip to Steele Creek Park to conduct an inspection.

Work, work, work.............. it just never ends.

Porch

State Street - the Birthplace of Country Music scored it big yesterday with the announcement that the Appalachian Cultural Music Association will relocate its Mountain Music Museum to downtown Bristol with a Spring 2013 opening.

The weekly live Pickin’ Porch music show will take place on Mondays starting in January and will also be broadcast live on the radio and Internet.

More good news on top of good news for the birthplace of country music - the hits keep coming.

Good health

The city team completed the 2012 Health Challenge recording 768, 30-minute workouts.  This equals 384 hours of physical activity or 16 straight days of cardio-pulmonary, stretching, and weight-training exercises.

We salute the members of our team including Shari Brown, Tim Eads,  Mandy Hall,  Kristi Hensley; Jaime Johnson, David Metzger, Chris Poulin, Tim Robinson, Darlene Rosenbalm, Virginia Smelser, Charlie Thomas, David Vencill, Stephen Wagner, and Jeff Worley.

Thanks for supporting the home team - and good health.

Southern tip

Lucky number 6 happened this week - the Republic of South Africa on the southern tip of Africa weighed-in adding Africa to the list of continents that have taken a look at this blog.

Six of 7 - just Antarctica left.

As mentioned on October 12, Antarctica was excused as it has no permanent inhabitants.  But heck - just one more to go.  So no more excuses.

Perhaps a researcher at Vostok Station will be mindlessly googling one cold night and stumble onto this site.



And then success.  Anybody out there?  I hear it is -45 degrees F but feels like -65 degrees F.

Tonight could be the night.

Top notch

Juvenile (note yellow-green legs)

Adult black-crowned night heron

Well, the consensus of our top notch naturalist staff is that the bird featured in my post the other day is a black-crowned night-heron.

These herons do not fit the typical body form of the heron family.  They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their more familiar cousins the egrets and "day" herons.

What I photographed the other day was an immature bird - a juvenile with its numerous pale spots and yellowish-green legs.

Glad that's settled - and that it's Friday too - aren't you?

Cardinal

This little guy - actually he was pretty big - was seen fishing on the new spillway near the Beaver Creek Plaza downtown.

I'm told that he is a Kingfisher - but is she/he?

Legs are too long and the beak is too short, I think, to be a Kingfisher.

But what do I know - I'm not an ornithologist after all.

Now if it was a cardinal - that I could identify.

Success

According to the First Tennessee Development District's 2012 annual report, the City of Bristol was the most successful government in the eight-county region in acquiring economic development grants from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to promote private sector growth.

Bristol received, or is in the process of acquiring, three grants totaling $1.63 million in state funds for three significant projects bringing more than 1,200 jobs to the city.

Not bad work - thanks to Deputy City Manager Mike Sparks and Networks Sullivan Partnership CEO Richard Venable - in partnership with the staff of the First Tennessee Development District.

Traffic flow and safety

The Volunteer Parkway median improvement project was completed last week which included the installation of a raised concrete median from State Street to Anderson Street, improved drainage, and surface improvements.

This project will significantly improve traffic safety and flow at the Volunteer Parkway/State Street intersection, which is the worst ranked intersection in the city with a 1.13 critical rate factor and 23 crashes last year.

The improvement extends the left-lane storage lane from 125 to 500 feet that will allow 20 cars to queue.  Because of the high volume of left turns onto West State Street and a left turn lane with a maximum queue of only five vehicles, left turn traffic routinely blocks the left through lane which has been significantly improved with this project.

Most of the work was performed by Public Works Department crews for which our thanks - and those of the motoring public - are extended.

DC-2

Chairman Ken Maness

The Tri-Cities Airport Authority became operational this morning with the election of officers, adoption of bylaws, and other related actions to transition the former unincorporated joint venture to a non-profit, public benefit corporation.  Ken Maness was elected as the first chair.

Today was also a day of celebration as it marks the 75th anniversary of TRI - the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.  A ceremony recognizing this milestone was held and was highlighted with guest speakers Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey and Commissioner of Transportation John Schrorer.

And in case you wanted to know, an American Airlines DC-2 was the first commercial airline to land at TRI back in 1937 - with its 14 passenger capacity and maximum speed of 210 miles per hour at 6,800 feet.  Now those were the good old days.

S.A.

On October 12th I posted that not a single page view had taken place from folks on 4 of the 7 continents.

North America, Europe, and Asia - yep; but not Africa, South America, Australia, or Antarctica.

Then on the next day, Australia showed up leaving three to go.

And now this past week, South America has weighed in from Brazil and Venezuela.

So five down and two to go -  and I'll keep checking. 

A good thing

Last night, the City Council amended the erosion and sediment control ordinance which has as its fundamental purpose to protect the waters of the state from the discharge of sediment and construction related pollutants from construction sites.

Importantly, the amendment included language empowering the city to assume full authority, on behalf of the state, to regulate this program within the city.   Bristol was one of a select group of only five local governments statewide chosen to participate in a pilot program placing this responsibility fully at the local level.

The advantages of being selected in the pilot program are many to our development community friends as it eliminates a duplicative review and approval process that now involves both the city and the state.  With state involvement removed a more efficient, timely, and less costly review and approval process results - and that is a very good thing indeed.

Home sweet home

I recently returned from a trip to a foreign land.

Wow, what a stark difference.

Be proud of what we have in basic services, infrastructure, and quality of life.

You don't really know what you have until it's gone - which in this case for me, was only a week.

It was a great trip that I'll never forget - and it's equally great to be back home.

Cluck

It's not often that Mayor Joel Staton lays an egg - but he sure did at the Pumpkin Palooza event.  

Accompanied by Colonel Peg and grand daughters Kaylee and Emily, the group posed for a photo at the 12th annual festival at the Downtown Center.

Thanks for being such a good sport Mayor Joel - cluck cluck cluck.

Mandarin

One of the great things about having a city school system is the diversity of classes that are offered.

Last year, Mandarin Chinese was taught for the first time through a cooperative program with the Confucius Institute.  The program was expanded this year with instruction now taking place in all of the schools.  Introductory classes are being provided to 5th and 6th graders with instruction continued for interested middle school and high school students.

Earlier this week, the school system hosted a reception for our Chinese friends and held an open house to showcase the newly renovated dwelling that serves as home to some of the visiting educators.

I was asked to pose for a photo - which is shared with you.

Left-to-right:  Lu Yuhua, me, Dora Chen, Sally Chen (7th Grader at Vance Middle School),

 Zhou Yugiao, and Ling Huang

Volunteers

Approximately 100 citizens volunteer their time and talents to serve on a city board or commission.

Their services are invaluable and  a necessary component in the effective governance of the city.

Once a year, we formally thank them with a reception in their honor - which took place last night at the lodge in Steele Creek Park.

Thanks again to our volunteer board members for all they do for their community.

Behavior

Never reward bad behavior - you'll just encourage more of the same.

Embrace

Show me an organization that doesn't make a mistake and I'll show you an organization that isn't doing anything.

Embrace mistakes as a good try that went awry - but learn from them too.

Service with a smile

Today marked the end of an era at city hall.   

Barbara Ryan, Executive Secretary, retired after 36 years of service to the community.

Barbara epitomized the best in a public employee - and in public service.  She was always there for the community and organization; always positive; always efficient; and always courteous and attentive to those she helped.

And help she did - in a big way.  For a lot of folks, and in a lot of ways - both inside and outside the organization.

We wish Barbara well as she begins a new life journey.  She is the best - and she will be missed.

The big picture

The Citizens Municipal Academy kicked-off tonight.  The topic - "The Big Picture."

Finance Director Tara Musick and I had the pleasure of providing a broad overview of Bristol and city government including its history, demographics, governance, finances, and goals. We also previewed economic development and our strategic initiative for economic sustainability.

The class is comprised of 13 citizens that will spend the next six weeks learning more about the functions and activities of city government.

It's nice to know that these citizens - and many others before them - have enough interest in their community to participate in this academy and take precious personal time to join with us.

Thank you Fall 2012 Citizens Municipal Academy participants.  We promise to do our best to make your investment of time worthwhile.

Easy

If it was that easy, everybody could do it.  But it isn't - and they can't.

That's why we have trained specialists that operate heavy equipment and machinery proficiently; provide emergency medical care with compassion and skill; maintain a safe and plentiful water supply; keep financial records and books in proper order; and do the hundreds of other things that the city does each and every day.

No it's not that easy - and I for one am glad they're here to do it.

Homes

There are an estimated 12,616 housing units in the city of Bristol.

So when were they built do you ask?

Well, the largest growth period took place in the 1950's when nearly 1 in 5 units were built.

Every decade before and since has seen housing construction in a tight range of 11-14% of the total supply - until the 2000's.

The first half of the 2000 decade was plugging along in the normal range and then the great recession of 2008 and the housing economic bubble arrived.  With those sobering events as a backdrop, housing construction significantly slowed after 2004 with homes built after that date representing only 2.4% of all housing units in the city.

Interestingly, only 13% of all housing units were built earlier than 1940.

Home construction is again picking up - which is good news.

And now you know.

Canberra

A big shout out for Australia - mainland and the island state of Tasmania.

1 down, 2 to go.

Thanks mates.

Antarctica

Not one page view from four of the 7 continents.  Not a single one, at least as far as my stats reveal.

North America, Europe, and Asia - got it covered.

Africa, nope; South America, nada; Australia, no drama; and Antarctica, well Antarctica.  Can't really complain about that, now can I.

No indigenous inhabitants, only a few research encampments and former whaling stations.

So Antarctica - you are excused.  But the other 50% of continents -c'mon, help a bloke out.

History

Thursday, October 11, 2012 - today will go down as a banner day in Bristol history.

Officials of the Birthplace of Country Music announced that fundraising for the country music museum was complete and construction will begin in November with a 2014 completion date.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum will be a dynamic experience of the senses - so get your planner out - and we'll see you in downtown Bristol real soon.

Breakfast

Do you like a hearty country breakfast among your friends for free?

If so, stop by the State Street farmers market on Saturday for customer appreciation day.

This annual event - held now for 13 consecutive years - starts at 8:30 a.m. at 810 State Street.

And while you're there, pick up a free copy of the sixth and final 2012 State Street Farmers Market poster.  It's a keeper.

Execution

Walk to School day took place yesterday as planned.

It's always nice to see a plan executed - thanks to Director of School Gary Lilly and his staff.

Grant activity

Two grants totaling $306,409 were accepted by city council last evening.

The largest of the two - from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - will be used to purchase P25-compliant radio communication equipment for the fire department.  49 portable, 10 vehicle, and five base radios are planned to be purchased with a $266,400 grant that will be matched with 10% in local funds.

The second grant is from the Governor's Highway Safety Office and will be used to purchase five, hand-held Lidar radar units and for enhanced traffic safety activities.  This $40,009 grant is 100% state funded and requires no local match.

Fire Chief  Bob Barnes and Police Chief Blaine Wade, along with their staff, are commended for their grantsmanship efforts.

Wouldn't it be nice

Sometimes we have to implement regulations -and sometimes seek compliance.

But our objective is always to be remedial - not punitive.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone - and every organization - had that same philosophy.

Walk

The month of October is Walk to School Month with October 3rd designated as International Walk to School Day.

A proclamation recognizing the event will be read at the next city council meeting.

Our school system is fully participating with activities planned at the elementary level.  At last count, nearly 200 schools across Tennessee see the merit and importance of this healthy lifestyle and have activities planned.

And good for them.

16 tons

What do Bristol and Tennessee have in common?

Tennessee Ernie Ford, who was born in this white bungalow at 1223 Anderson Street in 1919.

His birthplace was recently recognized by the Tennessee Historical Commission with the installation of a historic marker thanks to the good work of the Bristol Historical Association.

Tennessee Ernie Ford is widely recognized for his hit song Sixteen Tons and his popular TV shows in the 1950's-60's.

Ernie began it all at WOPI Radio in Bristol in 1937 - and is an important contributor to our country music heritage that is so relevant today.

Quarter

Today marks the last business day of the first quarter of our fiscal year, or the third quarter of the calendar year - depending on your measurement focus.

A stopping point to reflect on what's happening, where you are, and the likelihood of getting where you want to go.

So what's happening? A lot.
Where are we? In a good place.
And how likely are we going to get there?  No question about it.

A nice way to end the first or third quarter, or any quarter for that matter - for sure.

Expired

The Police Department will be hosting its fourth annual “Prescription Drug Take-Back” day on Saturday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm in the City Hall parking lot at 801 Anderson Street.

Now is the time to bring old, unwanted, unused or expired medications (prescription, over-the-counter and supplements) to this secure drop-off site.  No questions will be asked and no identification is required.

All items will be properly incinerated which is an environmentally friendly method of disposal. 

Progress

There are two ways to measure organizational progress.

One is where you are today compared to where you were when you started.

The other is where you were when you started compared to where you want to be.

So while we've come a long way from where we started - we still have a long way to go.

Think

Think before you throw - please don't litter.

We all live here.

Photo

I just returned from a conference that included a session on the use of social media.  One thing I took away from the session is that everybody likes cute photos - like a kitten wearing a hat.

So here you go - I'm told you'll like it - much better than my words.

CPA

Kudos are in order for Finance Department employees Hollie Verran and Jaime Johnson for successfully passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.  This challenging test is comprised of four testing sections related to auditing, business and economic concepts, financial accounting, and regulation and taxation.  

Jaime and Hollie take a break from crunching the numbers

Achieving the certification of a CPA is a very time consuming and difficult process.  In addition to passing the exam, candidates must pass an ethics test, comply with relevant work experience requirements, and must have completed a minimum of 150 college credit hours in related courses.

Congratulations to Hollie and Jaime in receiving this prestigious certification.

Clean as a fiddle

I saw a different side of our Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival this weekend.

Yes, I saw the bands, the thousands of fans, and all of the festivity that accompanies a great festival like always.

But early Sunday morning - I experienced something different.  I saw the night crews at work readying the festival grounds for the final day.

Public works crews from both sides of town were busy until 4:00 a.m. sweeping the streets, emptying trash bins, and sprucing up the area.  It was clean as a fiddle when they were done.  Police officers were also busy checking the area with regularity to ensure that everything was ready for the final day.

I too saw the closing staff at several of our great venues finishing their night chores and locking up - only to open up again in a few short hours.

Yes, a different side of the festival - but just as important.

Wildflowers

Do you like Fall wildflowers?

If so, come to the Steele Creek Park Nature Center Saturday when Naturalist Don Holt will lead a walk through the park looking for short-blooming wildflowers only found in the fall.



The walk will start at 4:00 p.m. - and it won't be too strenuous.

For more information, please contact the Nature Center at 423.989.5616

Thank you

Have you thanked anyone today for doing a good job or a good deed, or just for being a good friend?

Do it daily - it will make that person feel good - and it will make you feel good too.

Foundation

The H.P. King Building is sporting a new marquee thanks to owner Allen Hurley and the Foundation Event Facility.

The marquee was installed yesterday and was lit for the first time last night  - or was it this morning?

A 12:15 a.m. text from Allen told me the whole story  - "It's alive!"

Grand opening

At its September meeting, the City Council approved an amendment to the sign ordinance to establish new provisions for special signage for a new business grand opening or for the re-opening of an existing business.

As approved, any and all signage and devices will be allowed for a period of 30 consecutive days surrounding a business opening or re-opening.  For purposes of this provision, a "re-opening" means the construction of a significant real property improvement as evidenced by the issuance of a building permit.

The sign amendment was presented with the goal of assisting new business and business re-openings in creating customer awareness of their presence with a special sign package.  

And to make it even better - there is no permit fee.  

Law enforcement challenge

The Bristol Police Department placed 2nd in the 2012 Tennessee Law Enforcement Challenge, a program under the auspices of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.  

The Law Enforcement Challenge is an innovative program designed to stimulate traffic law enforcement activities. The program targets three major traffic safety priorities: (1) occupant protection, (2) impaired driving, and (3) speeding.   Ultimately, the Law Enforcement Challenge is about saving lives and reducing injuries.

Congratulations to Captain Austin and the police department for receipt of this great award.

Captain Matt Austin accepts the award from Kendall Poole,
Director of the Governor's Highway Safety Council

12th RRR

The 12th annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival is here!

Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16.  Always the third weekend in September - place this great festival as a reoccurring event on your Outlook calendar.

Over 160 acts will perform on over 20 stages  - inside and out - during this highly acclaimed 3 day festival.

Build your schedule in advance - the festival app is #BristolRhythm@BristolRhythm

If you haven't been here before - you'll be amazed what a good time it is.  And if you have - you'll leave this year knowing that it keeps getting better and better and better.

For more information:  bristolrhythm.com

See you downtown this weekend - all of your friends will be here.

It's a dog's life

 32 K9 swimmers have enjoyed Haynesfield Pool so far this year.

There's still time to enjoy a dip with your best friend, but you need to be fast.

The final three days of the 2012 Dog Swim conclude this Saturday.  Hours are 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; and 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Bring your favorite squeaky toy (and your dog too).

Better yet, bring your dog's favorite squeaky toy - and leave yours at home.

Fortify

The Fortify the Castle: Stone Castle Rejuvenation Project was officially launched today.

The goal:  to renovate the interior and exterior of the venerable stadium that has served the community since 1936.  The estimated cost of the project is $3.2 million.

A jump start to the fundraising efforts took place with the presentation of a $10,000 gift by Aaron Brooks of First Tennessee Bank. Aaron challenged other businesses - and all citizens - to contribute to the project that will benefit the entire community.  Thanks Aaron and First Tennessee Bank.

The Stone Castle, with its unique medieval Gothic design built from local limestone, has been labeled as the most architecturally significant stadium in the state by the Tennessee Historical Society.

For additional information or to contribute, please visit: www.StoneCastle.org

Land use plan

Are you interested in contributing to the city's future land use plan and policies?

If so, a number of open houses will be held in September to gather input on the draft plan.

The land use plan provides guidance on the future development of the city in a coordinated and efficient manner.  The process will culminate in the adoption of a new plan to replace the current plan that was adopted in 2006.

Meetings will take place on September 11, 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 6:00 p.m.

For further information about the process and meeting locations, please go to: http://www.bristoltn.org/landuseplanopenhouse.cfm

Good news

Yesterday was another banner day with the announcement that U.S. Solutions Group, Inc., a teleperformance company, will be opening a call center in Bristol.

The announcement represents an investment of over 4 million dollars and the creation of 548 jobs.

The decision of U.S. Solutions underscores what we have always known - that Bristol is a great place to do business.

Thank you U.S. Solutions for your confidence in our community.

Memory lane

Today was another good day with the ribbon cutting ceremony for Memory Lane Cafe, the latest restaurant to open its doors in downtown Bristol.

Located at 616 State Street, Connie and Tom Swadley have restored the old Woolworth's lunch counter back to its glory days of yesteryear.

With glimmering chrome and historic photographs and mementos adorning the walls, the cafe is sure to be a breakfast and lunchtime hit with the shoppers, visitors, and employees that frequent our downtown.

We wish the best of luck to the Swadley's and Memory Lane Cafe - and thanks for your confidence in downtown Bristol.

Helmet throw

145,000.

145,000 fans returned to Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday to see a great race at a great track.

A tweak here and a tuck there this past summer and elements of the old Bristol emerged, much to the delight of the crowd.

22 lead changes, 13 caution flags, and 1 helmet throw - and a few choice driver words along the way.

Congratulations to Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 car for winning an exciting race - and congratulations to the folks at Speedway Motorsports Inc. too for their vision and actions in maintaining BMS as the fans favorite NASCAR track.

Bass Pro

Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops, came to town today to throw a little dirt around - in a really good way.

Johnny Morris addresses the
crowd at the Bristol TN groundbreaking

The newest Bass Pro Shop will open in Bristol in a little more than a year - and today was the day to celebrate the occasion.

Bristol - the Birthplace of Country Music, the home of Bristol Motor Speedway, and Bass Pro Shops - now what could be better than that!

No. 88

Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a visit to Tennessee High this afternoon thanks to the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Dale Jr. at Tennessee High School

Dale Jr. and local Tennessee Army National Guard soldiers visited with a select group of high school students who have excelled in academic, athletic and leadership roles.  The entire high school student body was also assembled and participated in a Q&A session during his visit.

We wish the best of success to the No. 88 National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet this weekend at BMS - and thanks for visiting the Stone Castle.

Values

Values - it all comes down to values.

Never lose sight of what's right and what's wrong and keep your moral compass true and intact.

We'll all be better off because of it.

Race week

August race week at Bristol Motor Speedway is right around the corner.

Activity around the world's fastest half-mile is already picking up and has been for some time.

City crews are sprucing up the thoroughfares and other public spaces and everything is nicely coming together for the premier event in NASCAR - the night race at BMS.

What changes to the race will happen on the reconfigured track you ask?    Get your tickets and watch firsthand - we know you won't be disappointed.  

Someday

Some days are better than others - hoping you had a good one too.

Final

My final post - on Mumford & Sons, that is.

What a great weekend - starting with the antique car show on Friday and continuing through Sunday.

Thousands of visitors graced our city and took away something very special - both from the event and the community.

Downtown embraced them with welcoming arms and the cities did their typically fine job in handling the logistics for such a major event.

I had the opportunity to visit with several business owners - "great" and "best day ever" were included in the feedback from both sides of town.  Nice words to hear for sure.

Also had a chance to meet several visitors that made their first trip to Bristol.

Kelly (l) and Alyssa (r) pose under the
Union Jack and GOTR banner on State Street

Alyssa Lage from Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Kelly Carrico from Louisville Kentucky were included in that group who summed it up best:

Bristol is a great place to visit. The city opened its arms and hearts to fans of Mumford & Sons and to the Americana music genre. We came for the music but will come back for the warmth and soul of Bristol.  Bristol did everything right this weekend.  We made new friends and reacquainted with old ones. We can't wait to plan another visit. 

They also were kind enough to pose for an early morning photo before things picked up.  Cheerio

Lilly

Don't have tickets for Mumford tonight?

Not to worry - there's plenty of music before and after the main show.

And does free sound particularly enticing?

Come to the country music mural stage at the Downtown Center starting at 3:00 p.m. and you won't be disappointed.

Headlining the lineup is the Black Lillies at 10:35 p.m.

Another good reason to live in Bristol.

Union Jack

The Union Jack is flying in downtown Bristol so that can only mean one thing - the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the Road Stopover is here.

Come to the Birthplace of Country Music this weekend and mingle with 20,000 of your closest friends.

Busy

A wise old man once told me that if you have time to complain about being too busy then you're really not busy at all.

Always try to do more - you'll be surprised how much you can do.

9946

Have you hiked the trails in Steele Creek Park yet?

If not - you should.

13 miles of trails await - ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced.  Bike trails too - sorry equestrians, horses are not permitted.

Spent 2 hours, 3 minutes on Saturday enjoying the Lake Ridge Trail, Overlook Trail, and a short section of Hemlock Hollow Trail - then back to Rooster Front on the Lakeside Trail.

5.1 miles, 1,034 foot elevation gain, and 9,946 steps.

And no - I didn't count them.

Eagle

The Downtown Center was packed last night to enjoy the Eagles tribute band - 7 Bridges.

The overflow crowd required the closing of State Street - not a planned activity but one necessary to enhance safety for the thousands in attendance.

Come enjoy what others have already learned - and its always free.