News 2015

Lori Todd of Woodbury is the recipient of the inaugural Megan’s Bridge Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Program Scholarship. Friends and family of Megan Sharpton recently funded the nursing scholarship in memory of Megan, a nursing student, whose life was tragically ended three years ago. They described Megan as a compassionate and caring soul.
Candidates for the scholarship must be a licensed LPN in Tennessee and must demonstrate financial need as evidenced by FAFSA.
Todd has been employed as an LPN at Woodbury Health & Rehab since February 2013 and previously worked at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. With the help of the scholarship, she will be able to transition to a new career as an RN and plans on using her position to improve her community.
“Nursing has always been a passion of mine,” said Todd. “It is not just about helping people; it is about healing, science and education. I want to gain more knowledge and further my career so that I may continue to provide the best medical care to patients.”
Megan’s Bridge Scholarship awards up to $1000 per semester for the three-semester LPN to RN Transition program at Motlow.
Anyone interested in contributing to this scholarship fund should contact Jan Rogers, director of advancement, at the Motlow College Foundation (a 501c3) at 931-393-1692 or by email at jrogers@mscc.edu.

The Arts Center of Cannon County is proud to present GHOST: THE MUSICAL, August 7 – 22, 2015 Friday and Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm and tickets are $15 with discounts for seniors, students and groups.Much like its cinematic counterpart, GHOST: THE MUSICAL is built on a foundation of romance, mystery, and mayhem. Sam and Molly are the perfect New York couple: he’s in finance, she’s an artist, and they’re both head-over-heels for each other. And then, while out on the town, the couple is mugged and, in the struggle, Sam is killed. There’s no spoiler alert, here, people. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, it’s not called GHOST because there isn’t a ghost in it. Sam finds himself trapped between two worlds, living and unliving, and learning the new rules of existence. Guided by a spiritual medium, Sam realizes that all is not what it seemed, and he’s forced to unravel the mystery behind the most confusing event of his life: his own death.
GHOST is sponsored by First Bank and directed by Scarlett Turney with music direction by Tiffany Sweeley, choreography by Matthew Hunter and produced by Sherri Garrett. The cast features John Goodwin as Sam, Brittany Goodwin as Molly, Cavender Lane as Carl, Jessica Hunter as Oda Mae, Michael McGee as hospital ghost, Gerald Oliver as subway ghost, Scott Shamborough ad Willy, Kellie Cunningham as Clara, and Emily Dennis as Louise. The ensemble includes, Josh Miller, Haley Ray, Rachel Cole, Riley Rollins, Jenni Lee Merritt, Rufus Walsh, Savannah Gannon, and Kinley Rae Hughes. This production is appropriate for ages 10 and up.  Tickets are $15 with discounts available for students and seniors and can be purchased by calling (615) 563-2787 Tuesday through Saturday 10AM-4PM or online at artscenterofcc.com and (subject to availability) at the door one hour prior to show time.
 
The Arts Center is located on 1424 John Bragg Highway, just west of the town of Woodbury, approximately 20 minutes from Murfreesboro, Manchester, and McMinnville and one hour southeast of Nashville. Office hours are 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 615-563-(ARTS) 2787 or you may purchase tickets online at your convenience at artscenterofcc.com.

Farmers markets across Tennessee will be celebrating the week of August 2–8 as National Farmers Market Week. Farmers markets play an important role in our local food economies as a source of fresh, local and organic food and this week recognizes the farmers who bring this food to market. The number of farms with direct sales to consumers has increased steadily since 1997 says Hal Pepper, a specialist at the University of Tennessee Extension Center for Profitable Agriculture. Census of Agriculture data reports that overall, from 1997 to 2012 the number of Tennessee farms with direct sales to consumers increased from 2,694 to 3,679, a 36.6 percent increase. And the value of agriculture products sold directly to consumers increased by 128.9 percent, from $8.4 million to $19.2 million. The average value of direct sales per farm in Tennessee has also steadily increased and in 2012, the latest year data are available, was $5,214.
Amy Tavalin, farmers market specialist with Tennessee Department of Agriculture, notes that Tennessee was number one in the nation in 2014 for farmers market growth. There are 154 farmers markets listed on the department’s Pick Tennessee Products website. The new Pick Tennessee Mobile App makes it easy to find farmers markets with location, hours and days of operation and contact information.
The Cannon County Farmers Market is also observing the National Farmers Market this week.  The market will be open Thursday with some fruits and vegetables and also on Saturday with a much wider participation from area producers.  The Cannon County Farmers Market is located at the Farmers Market Pavillion on the grounds of the Arts Center Of Cannon County.

The Town of Woodbury Board of Mayor and Aldermen meet in regular session Tuesday night at 7:00.  On the agenda will be to hold a public hearing regarding proposed ordinance 474 an ordinance to authorize the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office to handle all duties with regard to permitting and inspecting new construction within the town of Woodbury including setting amounts for fees and costs of permitting and inspections.  After the public hearing is held the Aldermen will consider the adoption of Ordinance number 474 on second and final reading.  City Engineer Anthony Pelham will discuss wastewater treatment plant options.  The meeting will take place tonight at the Dude Northcutt building formerly known as City Hall.  

The Department of Revenue reminds Tennesseans they can buy certain items without paying sales tax August 7 through August 9. During these three days, Tennessee shoppers can save nearly 10 percent on clothing, school supplies and computers, as they prepare for the back-to-school season.
“This holiday offers Tennesseans great savings on important back-to-school items, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity,” Gov. Bill Haslam said.
By law, Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday is held every year, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending at 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday night. This year, the sales tax holiday begins Friday, August 7 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m.
During this weekend, consumers will not pay state or local sales tax on clothing, school and art supplies that cost $100 or less per item and computers that cost $1,500 or less.
“We hope Tennessee shoppers will take advantage of the tax relief offered by this year’s sales tax holiday,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said.
For more information about the sales tax holiday, please visit www.tntaxholiday.com

Nearly 35 MTSU student-veterans awaiting commencement later this week will be recognized at the second Graduating Senior Stole Ceremony. The event will be held starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Cantrell Hall of the Tom H. Jackson Building. The public and MTSU community are invited.
University President Sidney A. McPhee, Provost Brad Bartel and Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for Veterans and Leadership Initiatives, will preside at the ceremony, instituted in the spring to honor graduating veterans.
“The Stole Ceremony demonstrates a clear commitment to recognize and appreciate the selfless service and sacrifice of our veterans and their precious families,” said Huber, a former U.S. Army lieutenant general who served nearly 40 years in active duty.
“This Stole Ceremony is quickly becoming a tradition symbolizing academic achievement and service,” Huber added.
Also during the ceremony, officials will unveil a rendering and share renovation details of the planned 2,600-square-foot Veterans and Military Family Center to be housed inside Keathley University Center this fall.
Family and friends will join the student-veterans at the ceremony.
Commencement will be held starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in Hale Arena inside Murphy Center.
 

An altercation turned up the heat at a bonfire on Hollow Springs Road  recently and resulted in a Chattanooga woman being arrested for assault.  According to Cannon County Sheriff’s Department reports, deputies were called out to a residence on McMinnville Highway and spoke to Mr. Pat Parton.  Parton got a call from his granddaughter that her mother had jumped her at a party and she wanted her and her sister to be picked up.  Both were juveniles.  The mother who happened to be Parton’s daughter was asleep in the back bedroom.  The deputies woke the mother later identified as Allison Blair.  Blair explained that she had gotten into an argument with the oldest of the two after she claimed her daughter jumped her while getting her keys from her car.  Blair admitted that she had been drinking before her daughter took action.  Deputies then got a statement from the younger daughter a little later.  The daughter said that Blair took her and her sister to a party along with Blair’s boyfriend.  A couple hours into the party, all three were ready to leave.  The older daughter knowing Blair had been drinking and was under the influence was in the drivers seat when the fight broke out.  Deputies interviewed the 15 year old girl and after seeing signs of assault probable cause was established and Blair was arrested and charged with Simple Assault.  She will answer to the charge in Cannon County General Sessions Court on Sept 1st at 9 in the morning.

Effective August 1, 2015:  Dr. and Mrs. J.F. Adams Memorial Library is open 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday; and 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  Auburntown Branch is open 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays each week. Upcoming Events:

Tuesday Afternoon Movies:  08/11; 08/18; and 08/25 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Jennings Community Room at Adams Memorial Library. Call the Library to find out what is being shown.

Preschool story times will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Auburntown Branch and 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at Adams Memorial Library.  This is an ongoing event, so mark your calendars and come join the fun!

Resume Writing Workshop @ Adams Memorial Library, August 18 @ 10:00 a.m. Registration required.  Limit 10. 
 BOOK SALE!!!  The much anticipated Adams Memorial Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held in the Jennings Community Room, August 13-15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. 
 Food for thought….
Did you know that studies have shown that vocabulary gaps develop in children by the age of 4, and those gaps are hard to overcome? 
 
From birth to 3 are critical years when children are building their vocabulary.  By the age of 4, children whose parents’ converse with them regularly may have heard 30 million more words than their peers. Reading to your child is an opportunity to introduce them to so many new, interesting, and fun words.  Reading is a memorable activity between a parent and a child, and you don’t have to do all of the reading!  Children, even those who do not know how to read, can still “tell” the story.  Encourage their imagination, expand your own!  Make it interesting!  Make it fun! Use different voices, speak softly or loudly, read fast or read slow.  Just read! 
 
READ, READ, READ to make memories and build literacy skills.  All those words you are reading and those conversations you are having with your child are building a foundation for their future success!
 
 

Cannon County 4-H Members grades 4-6 enjoyed camping in Crossville, Tennessee. With the support of volunteer adult leader, Cassandra Hughes, teen leader, Leah Hyatt and Reece Wisdom, and summer intern, Mawiyah Hayes, 26 campers enjoyed the week at 4-H camp. Junior 4-H Camp allows youth to meet new friends from other counties in Middle Tennessee.  Junior 4-H Camp offers young people the opportunity to canoe, fish, swim, compete in contests, make crafts, study wildlife, learn safety techniques, and play various sports and games. Camp would not be possible without supportive parents, wonderful volunteers, energetic youth, Cannon County School Transportation, and UT Extension. This year Junior 4-H Camp was a very enjoyable and exciting experience.  The University of Tennessee Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you would like more information about the 4-H program, contact Sarah Malone at the Cannon County Extension Office at 615-563-2554 or snmalone@utk.edu

Tote Bags are still available at the Cannon County Farmers Market this coming Saturday while supplies last.  Those looking for locally grown farm fresh vegetables can find a great selection of tomatoes, okra, cucumbers along with squash and more.  There’s also a great selection of fruits available.  Other items you’ll find at the Cannon County Farmers Market this week includes homemade fried pies, and an assortment of jams, jellies and baked goods along with local honey The Cannon County Farmers Market is located in the Farmers Pavilion at the Cannon County Arts Center (1424 John Bragg Hwy, Woodbury, TN 37190) every Saturday beginning at 6:00 A.M. Our producers are proud to offer locally grown farm fresh produce. Most Saturdays the market is open until noon or until the farm fresh fruits and vegetables have been sold. During the week, drop by the Market on Tuesdays and Thursday from 7A.M. until 11:00A.M for locally grown fruits and vegetable at the peak of freshness.
If you need more information concerning the market or would like to become a vendor, contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County Extension Office (563-2554), bsteelman@utk.edu or Cannoncountyfarmersmarket.com.