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