Spring break

Here we are, mid-week during Spring break for students of the city school system.  And for the teachers too.  They all need a break I'm sure.

Traffic is down around Tennessee High - that's always an indicator.  Add to that the school message board  announcing the break and it's pretty much conclusive.

Although this week is no different for most us than any other, it's still is a time to grab a few extra moments of rest and relaxation by whatever form it takes.

So everybody enjoy the remainder of Spring break - you'll feel better because of it.

Donation

If you drove to Steele Creek Park in February, you were one of 3,293 vehicles that entered the park that month.  That's 113 vehicles a day that came to enjoy our premier city park.

In the not too long ago old days, you had to pay $1.00 at the gate for entry.  But a few years ago the gate was removed and the pay box no longer required feeding for entry.  All to encourage greater use of the park.

So while it's now free to enter, some folks still choose to voluntarily donate - to the tune of $53.95 during the month.

Thank you good folks for your contribution - we promise to use it wisely.

Ribbon

Police officer Shaun Antonino received the departments Distinguished Award with ribbon as the result of a recent arrest made of a suspect that had performed numerous vandalism's in the city.

The perpetrator was a professional graffiti artist that spray painted a number of private and public properties in Bristol.

Congratulations Shaun for your awareness and action in response to a situation resulting in this arrest.

Surround

Here's a little management tip - surround yourself with the very best and your success will be exponentially better because of it.

Works in life too.

Serve and protect

Police Captain Charlie Thomas and Detective Bobby Bedwell assist a stranded motorist at the Bristol race last week.

It's always nice to see our folks go the extra mile to help our visitors and guests.

I trust you see and recognize it too - because it happens all the time.

Thanks Charlie and Bobby.

Work plan

The city council focused on the draft Fiscal 2013 Goals and Objectives Program last night in work session.

Three hours later a greater understanding of the potential work plan for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2012 was had.

The draft included 164 specific objectives in the key areas of protecting health and safety and maintaining basic service levels; enhancing and sustaining the economic climate of the community; improving existing housing and protecting neighborhood quality; and enhancing city attractiveness and controlling the cost of government.

The work plan will be refined and presented for formal adoption of council in the budget later in the year.

And with its adoption, the staff will hit the mark running with clear direction as to the important tasks to be achieved next year.

Sunday evening

Sunday evening following another successful Spring race week in Bristol.  Despite morning rain, it just doesn't get any nicer.  Beautiful sunny skies ushered in the number 2 Miller Lite Dodge driven by Brad Keselowski who won his second consecutive Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

BMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell  and his staff again provided an outstanding race experience for the thousands that attended.  

Tomorrow things return to normal in town - until August for the night race.  Then we get to do it again - and we're sure glad to do it.  Thanks to our guests for visiting Bristol - you're always welcome - anytime of the year.