News 2015

Mother’s Day Weekend brings another Spring Fling on the square.  This is a great opportunity to shop the participating businesses for Mother’s Day.  Participating Stores will offer discounts, door prizes and some will have some surprises in store for shoppers this weekend Businesses participating during the Friday and Saturday event Antiques & More
Antiques On The Square
I’ll Be Back Antiques and Gifts
Jennings Jewelers
Old Feed Store Antique Mall
Reed’s Furniture

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s mobile Career Coach will be at the Goodwill in Murfreesboro located at 710 Memorial Boulevard on Thursday, May 7th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They will be setting up outside Goodwill recruiting candidates for multiple companies in Rutherford County. Career Coach staff will be on-site helping people to create resumes and register with Jobs4TN.gov where there are more than 90,000 jobs available. If you are interested in obtaining your high school equivalency diploma or interested in other training opportunities, come get on the Coach! Contact: Ron Hammontree, (615) 741-8892

The Big Payback, a 24-hour, online giving event, highlights nonprofit organizations’ great work and inspires community-wide giving. Starting at 12 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, May 5, 2015, the public has 24 hours to make gifts at www.TheBigPayback.org from a selection of 755 participating nonprofits, including schools and religious institutions, which are located in or provide services to the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee. Gifts from the public will be boosted with funds from sponsors of The Big Payback. Nonprofits will vie for financial incentives, bonus donations and additional prizes totaling more than $240,000. An online leaderboard will track donations in real-time.
Donors will be able to view and select from participating nonprofits based on location and focus area, such as animals, education, healthcare and more. Donors can support multiple nonprofits and make gifts of any size, from $10 and up.
Nonprofits and the general public also can participate in The Big Payback in person. Thanks to the Nashville Predators, the Smashville Plaza in front of Bridgestone Arena will turn into The Big Payback Party Plaza today
Participating Big Payback nonprofits will have the opportunity to showcase their organization and all who attend can enjoy food trucks, donation stations, giveaways, music and much more. The Predator’s Foundation also is joining The Big Payback movement. On May 5, The Predators will announce their 2015 nonprofit grant recipients. Grant funds can be used by the nonprofits toward their Big Payback goals. The Community Foundation thanks the Nashville Predators for their support of the Middle Tennessee community.
The Arts Center of Cannon County is taking part in THE BIG PAYBACK – May 5, 2015  Once the clock starts, anyone can visit TheBigPayback.org and make donations to The Arts Center.

May 6, 2015 has been proclaimed by Governor Haslam to be Tennessee School Nurses Day.  Governor Haslam has signed the Proclamation, recognizing school nurses across the state for their hard work and dedication.  Cannon County Schools would also like to take this time to recognize our school nurses, Joanie Blackburn, Betsy Hawkins, and Tanya Lewis and the important role that they play in our schools.    Please take the time to let our school nurses know how much they are valued and appreciated in helping to create and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.    

Hello! May is here and it’s starting to be an exciting springtime at the Library.  You don’t want to miss this Saturday, May 9, for the first official Gathering in the Reed-Rogers Garden.  This garden was dedicated on Mother’s Day 2013 by Greg and Lisa Rogers to honor their mothers, Ladye Ruth Reed and Myrna Rogers.  This year to celebrate we’re having a special Gathering in the Garden.  Starting at 10:30 a.m. we will have family story time followed by potting plants you can take home.  Story time will appeal to children up to 7 years old and potting plants will appeal to everyone and you get to take your plant home to enjoy all summer.  This event will be held rain or shine so don’t let a little rain hold you back. May Story Time continues all month at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at Auburntown and at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at Adams.  Story times are for children 18 months to 5 years and are a great way to introduce you child to the lifelong fun of reading.  Bring your children to the library to start them on a lifelong reading adventure.
Remember our program One Thousand Books before Kindergarten continues all year.  If you have a child of pre-kindergarten age, stop by the circulation desk and sign up.  You’ll get a packet of materials to keep a record of your child’s progress as well as fun games and activities.  This will be a wonderful addition to your child’s memory book.  Someday your child will be astonished at all the books he read when he was little and too young to remember reading.
Teens don’t forget to come in and sign up to volunteer at the library during the summer.  Help the library with summer reading as well as our many other summer projects to have fun, gain experience and have an excuse to get away from the house in a parental approved manner.  It is true that giving is the best way to receive.  Rumor has it that those who volunteer will have a training meeting with pizza, just saying.
Tuesday, May 12, we have an exciting and unusual program to offer called Watermelon Wine: The Poetry of Southern Music.  This event is a mixture of music, poetry and stories.  Join Anne E. DeChant as she plays acoustic music to accompany author Frye Gaillard as he reads from his award winning book, Watermelon Wine.  Please come and enjoy this mix of music, poetry and stories that explore the depths of the human heart with subtlety and feeling.
Thursday, May 14, at 11:30 a.m. come to the library to learn all about R.E.A.D.S the downloadable library.  Want a book on your Nook or Kindle and can’t figure out how to get it downloaded?  This is for you.  When you leave, you’ll have some electronic books to read.
If you came for the program on May 2, Life in Quilts: One Woman’s Journey, you won’t want to miss the event on Saturday, May 16.  In this sewing/quilting workshop, you’ll learn how to make a string piece quilt.  Plan to spend all day since this program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., but when you leave you will have learned an art form that is quickly passing away.  Plan to bring a bag lunch and a sewing machine if you have one.  There will be a few machines available and these will be offered on a first come first served basis.  This is fun and creative and both advanced beginners and experienced quilters will enjoy this workshop.  There is a limit of 10 for this class.
Summer reading is about to start.  Watch this space for more information in the coming weeks.  Please let us know if there is something you’d like to see presented at the library.  We will do everything we can to make it happen.  The library is for you so let us know what you want.  Read on!

Annual Meeting Planned for May 9th    Cattle Producers throughout the County are invited to attend the upcoming Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association meeting planned for Saturday, May 9th at the Woodbury Lions Club Building beginning at 6:30.
Bring a favorite desserts, we will have a lucky judge pick their favorite sweet. Please bring an auction item to be sold during our annual fundraiser immediately following the business meeting. Meal will be sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
We need a head count, so if you plan to attend please contact the  Extension Office 563-2554, Davy Sneed 563-4056 or Shirley Dennis 563-4123.
Farm Day Scheduled for May 8th
The 13th Annual Farm Day hosted by the Cannon County Farm Bureau and University of Tennessee Extension is scheduled for Friday, May 9th at the Cannon County Fairgrounds. Farm day is a fun filled, exciting opportunity for 4th graders throughout the County. This hands-on event will give them a feel of life on the farm. Local Farmers are urged to drop by at 8 A.M. for a biscuit and cup of coffee prior to the “Kick-Off” of Farm Day.
4-H’ers will see and learn about exciting things such as: Animals, Animals, Animals!!!, Creek Creatures, Forestry, Planting Plowing and Harvesting, Farm Equipment, Barnyard Olympics, Soils and much more.
Of course, the event would not be possible without the continued support of the Community. Please feel free to drop by and enjoy the activities and our way of celebrating Agriculture in Cannon County. For more information, contact Lou Nave 970-8065, Shirley Dennis 563-4123 or Bruce Steelman at 563-2554.
If You Have Brush to Burn, Don’t Forget the Permit
If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, log on to www.burnsafetn.org to secure a permit.
For a larger burn, apply for a permit by calling your local Division of Forestry 615-765-7373burn permit phone number Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Current BQA & Premise Needed to Apply for TAEP
• BQA certifications must be renewed every three years and CURRENT at time of application.
• BQA is a two-hour educational course on cattle management and care sponsored by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA). See upcoming events on first page for scheduled trainings.
Several have asked if their Master Beef Producer has expired to maintain their 50% cost share. The table below illustrates the MBP renewal process. Cannon and Warren will host an Advanced Class this fall. Please contact the Cannon County Extension Office at 615-563-2554 to register. We will finish the class before December 1, 2015.
 
Year UT Master Beef Course was Completed:    UT Master Beef Course
is Good Through:    Advanced UT Master Beef Certification Required by:       
2004 – 2007    May 1, 2015    December 1, 2015       
2008 – 2011     May 1, 2016    December 1, 2016       
2012 – 2014    May 1, 2017    December 1, 2017    
2015 TAEP Application A Booklet
NOW available!
 The 2015-16 TAEP Application A (Genetics, Livestock Equipment, Livestock Working Facility Cover, Hay Storage, Grain Storage & Livestock Feed Storage) & B (Producer Diversification Application and Supplement) application booklets are available at the University of Tennessee Cannon County Extension Office.
    Please feel free to drop by the Extension Office is you need assistance in filling out your application or reimbursement forms.
    New Options Offered with 2015 Ag Enhancement
TAEP is a cost-sharing program. Producers fulfill requirements to defray the costs of strategic investments in their operation. Farmers can qualify for up to 50 percent cost share, with a maximum reimbursement of up to $15,000, depending on the project. Producers may apply online or submit an application by mail, which must be postmarked June 1 through June 7.
A few of the Changes for 2015/16 include:
Bull cost share program increased to $1,600 for eligible bulls with enhanced EPDs
Limit to 4 lifetime grain bin reimbursements
Reimbursement documents can be uploaded online
Eligibility rules simplified to one application per person per schedule F
New bred beef heifer cost-share
Remember, the application period if June 1st thru June 7th 2015. Applications completed online or mailed prior to June 1st or after June 7th will not be accepted.
 

As announced at the April meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now soliciting comments for its 2015-16 hunting seasons’ regulations proposals. This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA staff. At the April meeting, Agency staff presented the TFWC Wildlife Management Committee with recommendations including increased deer hunting opportunities in Claiborne and Rhea counties.  The Wildlife Committee passed a motion directing TWRA staff to develop a proclamation for a two-buck limit; which allows for public discussion and comment on this potential change in deer harvest regulations.  An increase in elk zones from 5 to 7 with no increase in permits issued was proposed to reduce harvest pressure on certain zones.
There was also a recommendation to change turkey regulations on bottomland Wildlife Management Areas in West Tennessee by moving 14 WMAs from quota hunts to non-quota hunts and five WMAs from statewide regulations to non-quota hunts.  Fall turkey hunting in Middle Tennessee was proposed to be closed in four counties and reduced in 16 others due to hunter concerns over population levels in the specific counties.
A date change to the bear dog training season and a zone expansion to include all of Hamilton County were proposed.  New regulations were recommended for the recently acquired 1,800 acre Happy Hollow WMA in Hickman County.  Several other minor WMA regulations were proposed and a copy of all the regulation proposals can be found on the TWRA website, by clicking here.
Public comments will be considered by TWRA’s Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes.  Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2015-16 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife Management Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or emailed to twra.comment@tn.gov.  Please include “Hunting Season Comments” on the subject line of emailed submissions.  
The comment period concerning the 2015-16 proposed hunting seasons regulations will be open until May 18, 2015.

May is designated as national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol joined today to share a unified message: Share the Road.“As the weather gets warmer, more and more motorcyclists will be on the road,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “It takes everyone working together to stay safe. Motorcyclists take extra precaution with protective gear and being aware of their surroundings. We are asking all other drivers to do their part and take the extra time to look twice.”
According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 2,710 known crashes involving a motorcycle in 2014 that resulted in 121 deaths.
“When a car collides with a motorcyclist, it is much different than a crash between two cars,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott. “A motorcyclist has little defense against the tons of steel that will hit them. While traffic fatalities statewide are declining, motorcycle fatalities have continued to rise. Over the last decade, we have seen an approximate twenty-five percent increase.”
Among those speaking at the press event included motorcycle crash survivor Wayne Fielder. In 2008, Wayne was riding his 2005 Harley Davidson “Fatboy” in Lebanon when a car cut in front of him. He hit the bumper and side wheel of the other vehicle and was thrown several feet upon impact. “I am living proof of the consequences that can occur when drivers don’t take the extra second to look twice. There are countless others that don’t survive a crash like mine. If I can communicate one thing today, it’s please share the road.” Wayne suffered extensive nerve damage and injury required him to have below the knee amputation.
Dr. Brad Dennis, Director of Trauma Outreach and Education at Vanderbilt Medical Center, attended the event to discuss his experiences in the critical care unit. “The biggest threat to motorcyclists today is other drivers.  I encourage all drivers to be aware of those around them on roadways, especially motorcyclists.  The most important thing motorcyclists can do to protect themselves is to wear the appropriate gear.  Without a doubt, the most essential piece of protection is a full-face helmet.  There is overwhelming research that demonstrates that helmet-use is the best chance for survival in motorcycle crashes.”
There are additional steps that even a seasoned motorcycle rider can take to become more experienced. “The Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) can teach everyone to ride a motorcycle safely.  It also teaches experienced riders to ride safer.  We have a learn-to-ride program that fits everyone, from people who have never ridden a motorcycle to people who are experienced,” said MREP Instructor T. J. Tennent.
For more information about motorcycle safety, please visit the Governor’s Highway Safety Office website at www.tntrafficsafety.org.

“Children should never be left alone in cars. Children should never be left alone in cars. Children should never be left alone in cars.”That’s the message Michael Warren, MD, repeatedly stresses and wants all Tennesseans to start thinking about now. As director of the Tennessee Department of Health’s Family Health and Wellness office, he studies ways to keep children safe and believes “parents can never be too vigilant in protecting their children from heatstroke in vehicles.”
“It’s important to be vigilant throughout the year—but even more so with our warmest months approaching,” Warren said. “The sunny days and rising temperatures of May can quickly increase the temperature inside a vehicle.  In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside an average car or truck can increase 20 degrees.  While that might not seem like a lot, it’s important to know a child’s body can heat up three to five times faster than an adult.  Heat can quickly damage organs, causing severe harm and even death.”
To prevent accidentally leaving a child in a safety seat, parents may consider placing something beside the child that is needed at the final destination, such as a purse, briefcase, cellphone or other important belonging.  They may also tape notes to the dashboard or consider a commercially available electronic warning device.
“A momentary lapse can create a tragedy,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH.  “We know this can happen to anyone; we all need to do our part.  Don’t let it happen to you.”
Everyone, not just parents, should keep their vehicles locked.  This will prevent a child from entering when no one else is around and accidentally locking themselves inside.  Persons who see an unattended child in a car and are concerned about the child’s health should immediately call 911.
A good Samaritan law went into effect in Tennessee July 1, 2014; it gives protection to those attempting to remove a minor from a vehicle for the sake of saving a life.  That law, T.C.A. § 29-34-209, allows those who have a reasonable belief a child is in danger and have contacted law enforcement/fire department for assistance, to forcibly enter a locked vehicle without fear of civil liability. 
 “Vehicles can become ovens quickly, even when parked in shady areas or when there are clouds,” Warren said.  “Young children, the elderly and those with health issues cannot tolerate heat and may be at great risk for heatstroke.  A timely intervention by a caring person could certainly save a life.”
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at http://health.state.tn.us/.
 

Carl Quakenbush is from a rural farm community in central Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Carl worked for nearly 40 years in the food manufacturing industry including General Foods, Kraft and General Mills before retiring in 2014. Carl has moved many times throughout his career allowing him to be involved with many local community efforts. He and his family relocated to Murfreesboro in 2005. Carl and his wife, Wanita, their two sons and three granddaughters, consider Rutherford County their home.Carl and Wanita’s decision to stay in Murfreesboro was the opportunity to be involved in this dynamic community. Carl served on the finance committee for United Way in Michigan as well as the Board of Directors of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in El Paso, Texas. Carl and Wanita deliver meals and currently work with several faith-based groups. At present Carl is an active member of the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties Board of Directors and was a vital part of making the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program a success this year. He has also provided invaluable service to many of the United Way program partners.
Carl said, “Serving on the United Way Board allows me to do simple things that deliver big things to others.”