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.