Alliteration

Belk, Bass, Birthplace, BMS, and Bristol - are you sensing a pleasing pattern here?

Signs

Things remain very busy around city hall these days - much is underway.

A number of commercial construction projects are about to launch after a number of lean years following the great recession of 2007.

Importantly, the Belk groundbreaking takes place tomorrow at the Pinnacle.

Signs of recovery are in the air - and everywhere.

Housing assistance

Through the good work of the Community Development Department, the city has accessed new grant funds for emergency housing repairs under the Federal Home Loan Bank's Accessibility Rehabilitation Program.

The city, through the Bank of Tennessee and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, may access up to $75,000 for emergency repairs and accessibility modifications to owner-occupied homes.  Up to $7,500 may be spent per home.  These are private bank funds that do not require a local match.

This new program serves as a valuable addition to our housing assistance efforts as the spending requirements of the other programs are very limited for emergency repairs. 

Emergency repairs include items such as a roof or heating system replacement; while accessibility modifications may involve installing grab bars/handrails, widening doors, erecting handicap ramps, and others.

Interested persons may contact the Department of Community Development to discuss qualification requirements.

Nicker

An archaic definition for the word Orb is to encircle- and boy did he.

Orb was winner of the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

I hear he was heard nickering with happy anticipation in the stable after the race:  "I'll have another."

And perhaps he will - at the Preakness in two weeks - just like the chestnut a year ago.

Do it

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.

The second best time is today.    Chinese Proverb

Market

Saturday marks the opening of the 2013 season for the State Street Farmers Market - 8:00 a.m. sharp.

The first in the series of 6 free market posters will be available while supplies last.  

This year the posters will feature gardeners and cooks from a simpler time.

Stop by the market - you'll be glad you did.

And so will be your farmer friends.

Encore

The fashion department store Belk announced today that it will be building a new two-level, 132,000 square foot store at the Pinnacle at Exit 74.

A grand opening is set for the Spring of 2015.

Belk joins Bass Pro Shops as the second anchor tenant to commit to the 250-acre Pinnacle, a 1.2 million square foot open-air, mixed-use regional destination center.

Great news during this, the 125th anniversary of Belk.  Welcome to the Volunteer State!