News 2012

6th and 7th grade participants in the 4H public speaking contest held Thursday December 13th 2012

4th and 5th Grade Participants of the 4H Public Speaking Contest held Thursday December 13th.

The Child Advocacy Center came alive with the true spirit of the holiday season on Friday,” said Executive Director Sharon De Boer. “After the sponsors delivered the gifts, the Child Advocacy Center looked like Santa’s workshop filled with presents for needy families.”  
On Friday afternoon, the families began picking up the gifts for their children and grandchildren.  There were hugs, laughter, and tears of joy as the parents and grandparents thanked Cannon County Coordinator Lemuel White and Rutherford County Family Services Coordinator Jennifer Gamble.   
 
“The holidays are a particularly stressful time of year for many of the needy families we serve at the Child Advocacy Center,” De Boer said, “It is such a great feeling for our staff and volunteers knowing that all these families are going to celebrate a wonderful Christmas. We are very grateful to all of the Secret Santa’s who have made children’s Christmas wishes come true this holiday season.”  
 
One of the Cannon County grandmothers smiled as her grandson rode his new bike in front of the Child Advocacy Center with a huge smile on his face.  His grandmother said to Cannon County Coordinator Lemuel White, “Please thank our Secret Santa for their kind and caring heart.  May God bless them this Christmas season.” 
 
One of the mothers got tears in her eyes when she picked up the gifts for her children.  She told the Rutherford County Family Services Coordinator Jennifer Gamble, “We were not going to have a Christmas this year.  But, because of our wonderful sponsor my children will experience the magic and wonder of the Christmas spirit.  The sponsors have provided more than gifts, they have given my children and I good memories to treasure forever.”
 
Lemuel White stated, “It was wonderful to see the smiling faces of the needy families that are receiving gifts.  The spirit of generosity is alive in our community.  It warms my heart to know that all these families will have a happy ending to a difficult year.”
When asked why their family chose to sponsor a needy family for the holidays, Loven and Margaret Hall said, “We were looking for an Angel Tree Family or someone to help at Christmas.  We have been blessed this year and wanted to share with someone less fortunate.  Our daughter, Devin, is an MTSU student and she was a Social Work intern at the Child Advocacy Center.  Devin told us that there were families at the CAC who were in need.  I was happy to get a specific list.  We had the best time for shopping for “our” family and feel like we have a new daughter and grandchild.”
 
Director Jody Barger from Stonebrook Day School said that they sponsor needy families every year because, “The Child Advocacy Center is near to Stonebrook’s heart because they work with children just like us.  For 4 years the parents and children of Stonebrook Day School have been delighted to give back by donating new toys, stuffed animals, books and other items to needy families. We cannot bear the thought of a child “going without” at Christmas.  We hope that our donations, as well as the donations of other families and businesses, make the holidays special for families in need.  We look forward to helping out again next year!  Merry Christmas from the families and employees of Stonebrook Day School!”
 
De Boer said, “It is the belief of the Child Advocacy Center that children deserve the best, especially in their times of crisis.  We want to thank all of the Secret Santa’s for sharing that belief and making the holidays a joyous season for the families we serve.”
 
It’s not too late to get involved and help child abuse victims during the holidays.  For information on how you can get involved,  contact Lemuel White at the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center at 563-9915.
 

The Department of Environment and Conservation is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2013 Environmental Stewardship Awards. The awards recognize Tennesseans who go above and beyond to protect the state’s diverse environment.“The continued health of Tennessee’s air, land and water is critical to keeping our communities strong,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said.  “It is important to recognize the innovative efforts and unique projects that conserve and protect our natural resources because they provide economic benefits and boost Tennessee’s overall sustainability.” 
The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards cover 10 categories: Building Green; Clean Air; Energy and Renewable Resources; Environmental Education and Outreach (business category); Environmental Education and Outreach (school category); Land Use; Materials Management; Natural Heritage; Sustainable Performance and Lifetime Achievement. 
Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible, provided they are located in Tennessee and projects were completed during the 2012 calendar year.  All nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years in overall environmental compliance with the Department of Environment and Conservation.  Self-nominations are encouraged.
“The environment significantly impacts our daily lives and today’s efforts to ensure our communities remain healthy will affect future generations,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau.  “Tennesseans continue to make great strides in protecting our environment and these annual awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organizations that work so hard to increase stewardship efforts across the state.” 
A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental and academic professionals will select award recipients based on criteria including on-the-ground achievement, innovation and public education.  The deadline for nominations is March 29, 2013.  Award recipients will be announced in May 2013. 
For more information about each category, judging criteria and nomination forms, visit TDEC’s website at www.tn.gov/environment/awards.

Motlow College will close for the Christmas and New Year holidays at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, and will reopen on Jan. 2, according to college officials. The closing applies to computer labs, libraries and other facilities at all Motlow College sites, which include the Moore County campus and the Fayetteville, McMinnville and Smyrna centers. Spring classes begin on Jan. 17. Students enrolled at Motlow this semester can register now for spring 2013 classes and are encouraged to do so, said Greer Alsup, director of admissions and records at the college. “Registering now will increase students’ chances of getting their preferred classes and schedules,” she said. “We also encourage new and readmit students to submit applications for admission or readmission as soon as possible because they can’t register for classes until admission requirements have been met.” New and readmit students must submit applications for admission or readmission by Jan. 9, with online applications accepted until midnight on that date. Online applications may be accessed from the “Apply Now” button on the college website. Students interested in earning high school and college credits for courses in the Dual Enrollment Program and those enrolling in the ACE Program (Adult College Express) also are required to apply by Jan. 9. For more information, call 1-931-393-1500 or 1-800-654-4877.  

Applications for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 2013 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts are being accepted now Applications are available and will be accepted at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office, or online at the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org. Applications will be accepted now and will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 6, 2013. Mailed applications will not be accepted. 
The areas available for the hunts are listed on the instruction sheets. Hunters have up to 12 choices, but will be drawn for only one. Applicants may not use the same hunt code more than once. There are a total of 19 hunts listed. No person may apply more than once.
A permit fee will not be charged to Annual Sportsman (Type 004), Lifetime Sportsman (Types 402-405) license holders or Senior Citizen Hunters (Type 166) with an Annual Senior Citizen Permit (Type 167). TWRA will pay the agent fee for these transactions. For all other license holders, the cost is $10 per permit, plus the agent fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed. Hunters will receive a receipt with a confirmation number when the application is complete. 
Hunters with Internet access may apply now for a spring quota turkey hunt. Hunters can click on Buy a License On-Line. Once the Internet site has been accessed, hunters can follow the on-screen directions. 

Kimberly Frazier, RN, BSN, has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for DeKalb Community Hospital (DCH) and Stones River Hospital (SRH), according to Sue Conley, Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2. 
Frazier has worked at DeKalb Community Hospital since 1998, serving since 2011 as Director of the Medical Surgical nursing units as well as ICU and ER. She has been serving as Interim CNO since September. She has also served as Director of Implementations / Clinical Informatics for both DCH and SRH.
 
“Kim is an outstanding leader who brings significant clinical experience to her new role,” said Conley. “Having her assume expanded responsibilities as Chief Nursing Officer for our two facilities will benefit our patients, our staff and the community. This is a well-deserved promotion for Kim.”
 
Frazier earned her bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Middle Tennessee State University and is in the process of completing her master’s of science degree in nursing administration. She has earned certifications in Chemotherapy, Advanced Continued Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support, Crisis Prevention Intervention and Emergency Preparedness.
 
A native of Smithville, Frazier was born in DeKalb Community Hospital. She and her husband Will have four children – Gavin, Isabella, Mackenzie and Alex. She is very involved with DeKalb County High School, having spearheaded DCH’s involvement with the school’s Athletic Department. She also coaches Junior Pro basketball and fast-pitch softball. Additionally, Frazier has served on the Smithville Chamber of Commerce Board.
 
About DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospitals
DCH and SRH are a part of the Capella-Saint Thomas system of hospitals, a joint venture between Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health, along with sister hospitals Highlands Medical Center in Sparta and River Park Hospital in McMinnville. There are approximately 80 physicians on the combined medical staffs, representing nearly every medical specialty.  Both are accredited by The Joint Commission.  Established in 1969, DCH is a 71-bed hospital located in Smithville offering 24-hour emergency services and comprehensive diagnostic, medical, surgical and rehabilitative services.  Established in 1980, SRH is a 60-bed hospital located in Woodbury.  The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care as well as surgical procedures, same day outpatient services, cardiac rehabilitation services, and comprehensive imaging services.  Through the Riverside Center, a full range of mental health services for older adults is available, with intensive inpatient services at a 22-bed gero-psychiatric unit at the hospital.
 
About Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health
Capella Healthcare partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for quality patient care and exceptional service. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Capella owns and/or operates 15 acute care and specialty hospital facilities in seven states. For more information, visit www.CapellaHealthcare.com Saint Thomas Health is the market share leader in Middle Tennessee with 6,500 associates serving the region. Saint Thomas Health’s regional health system consists of five hospitals and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices, clinic and rehabilitation facilities. Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.sths.com
 

Keeping your cut Christmas tree fresh so that it lasts longer is relatively simple. Make a fresh cut on the trunk when the tree is purchased and keeping it watered. 
Bring their trees home and immediately make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk before the tree is set up and decorated. The cut should be about one-quarter to on-half and inch above the original cut, and place the tree in a tree stand that holds about a gallon of water immediately.
 
Keep the tree stand filled with water. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. If you keeping the tree watered it prevents the needles from drying and dropping and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant.
 
And if you don’t add enough water? A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in 4 to 6 hours if the water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled.
 
It is not recommended to add additives to the water. Advertisements on television, radio and newspapers sometimes suggest products that you add to the water in the tree stand that will prolong the “freshness” of the tree. Some of these concoctions include water-holding gels, commercial additives, bleach, syrup, aspirin, floral preservatives, sugar, soda, honey and even vodka or gin. Research at several universities has shown that these additives tend to deter water absorption and may actually accelerate needle loss.
 
Just plain tap water is all that is needed to maintain freshness.

A Cannon County woman recently found trouble when she was caught attempting to smuggle contraband into the Cannon County jail.  Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt Albert Summers received information that Ms. Beverly Adamson from Woodbury had several prescription pills that she was trying to sneak into the jail.  After she arrived at the jail, Sgt Summers along with Jail Administrator Ed Brown and Correctional Officer Keri King questioned Ms. Adamson about if she had any contraband on her person.  After Adamson denied that she did, she was taken into the booking bathroom by officer King to be strip searched.  It was then that the prescription pills in a plastic bag were found on her body.  The prescription pills included Lyrica, Neurotin and Percocet.  A warrant was issued to Ms Adamson for introduction of contraband into a penal institution.  Ms Adamson made bond and is scheduled to answer to the charge in Cannon County General Sessions Court Tuesday February 5th

Registration for a Tennessee Hunter Education course will be required to be made online beginning Jan. 1, 2013 on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website. On the TWRA website, those wishing to register for a class will click the “register for a hunter education class” link. Once clicking the link, there will be directions to search for hunter education classes closest to your area.
Registration must be completed prior to the starting date of a class to ensure a spot in a particular class. For those persons without computer access, they are encouraged to visit a local library or call a TWRA regional office for further assistance.
Advance registration provides more time for instructors to devote to students. It also provides a quicker method for the registration process.