page 1
NABF Invades White House
The annual NABF Classic came to town last week. The annual 15-U tournament brought 23 teams from in and out of state for the games designed to keep kids active and competitive during the summer break.
The tournament kicked off last Tuesday with a Home-Run Derby and opening ceremonies introducing the teams and a meal.
“We had a great tournament this year,” stated organizer and White House High Baseball Coach Mark Mills. “Everyone who attends this tournament consistently gives us compliments on it and the community.”
Celebrates 50 Years
With the high cost of travel and the economy the way it is, many have cut down or cut out travel baseball such as the NABF Classic in White House. However, several returning parents who noted that they had cut their travel games down but had chosen to keep the White House event made comments. They stated that the organization of the event, the community and the beautiful White House field were the reasons they kept it on their schedule.
page 3
White House Gas Ripoff?
By Harvey L. Gardner
www.DiscoverWhiteHouse.com
White House drivers are being overcharged by every gas station in town! Same-brand stations in Springfield, Goodlettsville, Millersville, Hendersonville, Gallatin, and Clarksville are charging 6 cents to 14 cents less per gallon for the same brand gas. Compare these prices we observed Sunday, July 20:
Hendersonville Kroger: $3.859 White House Kroger: $3.999 14 cents
Hendersonville MAPCO: $3.879 White House MAPCO: $3.999 12 cents
Millersville Shell: $3.929: White House Shell: $3.999 7 cents
Millersville Raceway: $3.909 (This is where I filled up.) I saved 9 cents.
Last week, I filled up at Kroger’s in Clarksville for $3.879, using my discount card. That same day, White House Kroger’s was $3.969 after the 3 cents member discount.
It doesn’t pay to drive to another town just to buy gas, unless you are normally driving that way to work or for some other reason. But if you regularly drive to any of the aforementioned towns, buy your gas there. Furthermore, stop and tell these local gas stations you’re not buying gas from them, but are buying the same brand at another location because they’re charging you too much here in White House. They’ll get the message.
page 4
Sumner County Back to School Festival set for August 12-16
By Stacy Saunders
Admission is free and fun is certain at the Sumner county Back to School Festival set for August 12-16 on the campus of Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.
A full midway of carnival rides featuring twenty-one separate attractions from thrill rides to children’s rides will be in action each day of the festival, according to organizer Scott Chevalier of Power House Youth Project. There will also be carnival games with prizes, vendors, daily giveaways, live concerts and more.
Each community within Sumner County will have its own featured night from 3:00-10:00 p.m. During each school’s designated evening, special features such as “dunk your mayor” and “dunk your principal” will be added to the already exciting line-up. All of the area high school bands have been invited to play, and several have already committed. “At some point we want the marching band to come right down the midway playing their school’s fight song,” explained Chevalier.
All ages are welcomed, and the festival is not just for kids. Parents are encouraged to come along and learn about all of the resources available for youth in Sumner County. “We want to spotlight our kids and celebrate all the kids of Sumner County,” Chevalier expressed.
In addition to the games, food, rides, school spirit and local entertainment, several nationally known acts will be performing throughout the week as well. Seventh Day Slumber will take the main stage on Wednesday night at 7:30 with a well known improv team opening at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night will feature the Denver Mile High Orchestra, a big band/swing group that was a runner-up on Fox’ “Next Big Band.” Tickets for these concerts can be purchased for $5.00 and $10.00 respectively at the festival. Saturday the festival spans from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and will also include a classic car show.
White House’s night is Wednesday, August 13, though students and families are encouraged to attend each night. Organizers are still seeking volunteers since around fifty are needed for each day of the event. Also needed are talent groups to perform on the midway. Chevalier is especially looking for groups such as dance teams, karate demos, bands and other talent in White House that may not be spotlighted as often as solo artists.
Parking at the college campus is limited to around six thousand visitors, and as many as two thousand have already committed to attending on White House’s night. Watch for flyers and further information in school registration packets and take home folders during the first week of school. For more information, visit www.sumnerfestival.com. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Scott Chevalier by email at scott@powerhouse.org.
Friends of the Library request financial commitment from city
By Stacy Saunders
The White House Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a request from the Friends of the Library at Thursday’s board meeting to pledge financial support for the new library construction project.
The request was made on behalf of the Library Focus Committee, an extension of the 501(c)(3), charged with the task of raising an enormous amount of capital for the project. “The Friends are requesting that the City will agree to match funds up to $500,000.00 for private sector donations,” the letter addressed to City Administrator Angie Carrier stated. The arrangement will create a formal partnership with the city “in order to realize the completion of a modern, state of the art public library.”
“This is a signature and red letter day,” Mayor John Decker proclaimed as he introduced the request. According to Decker, the library will be “the keystone” to kicking off the town center project long planned by officials and community leaders. “We need a catalyst to make this happen, and the library is going to be that, I believe,” he stated.
As a result of Thursday’s decision, the Library Focus Committee will be moving forward with fundraising efforts buoyed by local government sanction and endorsement of their endeavors. The city’s pledge will take effect once the group’s initial goal of $100,000.00 is reached.
At the culmination of the matching agreement, approximately two thirds of the revenue needed for the library’s construction will have been secured. With possible grant dollars, foundation donations and county and corporate support, the final third can feasibly be raised as well.
Alderman Jim Bracey added a stipulation to the request to place all funds raised into a restricted city-established account so that the money could be included in the city’s annual audit and so that it cannot be touched for any purpose other than library construction. The proposal was heartily accepted both by the board and by representatives of the library, friends and focus group. Alderman Darrell Leftwich further proposed that the city commit to matching the money raised on an annual basis rather than waiting until the entire amount was secured. Both stipulations passed along with the original request, giving the Library Focus Committee the green light to move forward.
page 5
New Heritage school site to be annexed by city
By Stacy Saunders
“On behalf of Robertson County Government, I wish to officially request the annexation of the property situated at 7744 Highway 76 East, White House, Tennessee,” stated Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley in a letter to White House Mayor John Decker on July 1. The county’s request, made at the prompting of city officials during the month of June, was officially presented at the July 17 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.
In exchange for annexation, the development will be able to access the city’s sewer services, a vital step to the progress of the new school’s construction. The request passed its first reading unanimously with Alderman Mike Arnold absent.
Although the property will be a part of the city of White House, the development itself will not be bound by city codes. “We will welcome the non-binding inspection of your codes department at the site should they wish to do this for no fee,” Bradley explained. City leaders including Mayor Decker and city staff including Planning and Codes Director Addam McCormick and City Engineer Ron Bailey have already issued a preliminary round of comments and requests and have pledged to continue to monitor the project to ensure safety and quality to the extent they are able.
“The fact that the County is granted the right of independence from the city’s codes, does not give us the protection we, as a City, desired,” commented Mayor Decker in a press release issued prior to the meeting. “The board would like our respective planning organizations to communicate as often as possible and necessary for the exchange of information and ideas,” he expressed. “We would like to contribute and benefit when invited.”
There are several concerns regarding drainage, ADA compliance and accessibility, traffic safety and esthetics all of which officials hope the county and its developer will address before the project is completed. These concerns were listed in detail as part of an official plan and site review by McCormick and Bailey and covered thirty-one items.
In addition, the city has issued a list of nine requirements for the new school to be granted access to city sewer. With the first hurdle, annexation, nearly cleared, the county will now invest time and money, including $27,450.00 in fees, to meet the remaining prerequisites.
page 9
In 1958 the Sycamore Creek Black Angus Farm was acquired by Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and transformed into Camp Sycamore Hills. It is situated on 742 scenic acres adjacent to Sycamore Creek. More than 6,300 girls and adults use the camp annually for camping, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.
Recently Camp Sycamore Hills started a major renovation process that will result in a $6 million capital campaign to upgrade facilities, provide for camp maintenance endowment and increase accessibility in preparation for its next 50 years. These renovations will enhance the camp’s programs, attract more Girl Scouts and strengthen its ties with Cheatham County. For information or to register for this event visit www.gsmidtn.org or contact Theresa Carl at (615) 460-0207.
Classic cars, motorcycles, shopping, and funCruise-In For Hope Set for July 26
Ag Enhancement application deadline August 1Agricultural producers are encouraged to apply for Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share funds through the August 1 deadline. Cost share opportunities fall into several major categories, including Livestock Equipment & Handling Facilities, Livestock Feed Storage, Cattle Genetics, Hay Storage, Grain Storage, and Producer Diversification. Certain requirements apply in each category. Producers are reimbursed either 35% or 50% of applicable costs incurred, with maximum amount limits in each category.
page 12
Producers can apply for more than one cost share program, as long as they meet program requirements, using the same application for all categories except Producer Diversification. Producer Diversification cost share programs include Agritourism, Aquaculture, Bees, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, Organics, Value-Added Products, and Viticulture. Applications are evaluated and approved in each category.
Sumner County agricultural producers have received more than $250,000 in cost share funds during the past three years. This year's opportunities have been expanded to include more money for investing in long-term equipment and facilities.
The cost share program is funded by the Tennessee Legislature and administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The mailing of approval packets for all categories except Producer Diversification is underway. Producers who plan to complete projects with or without TAEP approval are encouraged to go ahead and make purchases. Program information is available online at www.picktnproducts.org. Applications and program information are also available at the Sumner County Extension (452-1423) and Farm Service Agency Offices.
page 14
The Merchants of Greensboro Village along with Faces of Hope Children’s Therapy Center are proud to announce the inaugural Cruise-In for Hope on Saturday, July 26 at the Greensboro Village Shopping Center across from Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.
The event will feature classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles, prizes and discounts throughout the shopping center. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. with a cruise-in of classic cars and motorcycles from the Sumner County Vintage Vehicle Club and various other local clubs and owners.
Vehicles will be on display for public viewing until 3:00 p.m. concluding with an awards presentation hosted by FOX 17 News’ Scott Couch. Local car owners who would like to showcase their cars are invited to participate by bringing their automobiles to the event. Cars will be on display for public viewing with judging beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Faces of Hope Board Members will be in attendance and selected members will serve as judges for the event. Donations will be accepted from participants upon entering the staging area with designated collection points throughout for the public to donate. All proceeds from the Cruise-In will benefit Faces of Hope. Along with these collections the merchants will also offer donations.
Faces of Hope is a Children’s Therapy Center in Sumner County for children and families with Autism and other Special Needs serving Sumner, Robertson, Wilson, Macon, Trousdale, Northern Davidson counties, and Southern Kentucky.
For more information about Faces of Hope Children’s Therapy Center or this event contact Megan Summers at (615) 828-9918.
Faces of Hope, a beacon of hope for families struggling with autism. “Our goal is to lend and restore hope to families and children with special needs in a warm, caring, Christian environment,” the mission statement of Faces of Hope simply states.
Faces of Hope Children’s Therapy Center began in the heart of our Executive Director, Leslie Face. Leslie is a single mom and has two young sons— both with autism. The youngest of the two was also born with a congenital heart defect that caused him to go into congestive heart failure at 3 weeks of age and required open heart surgery only 7 weeks later. After struggling to find therapists, spending all of their savings on therapy, and watching her marriage crumble under the strain, Leslie began to feel an incredible burden—not only for her own precious children, but for all of the children and families facing autism and other special needs.
“I have two little boys with autism, one of which had heart surgery at ten weeks of age. I have felt the heartache, the loss, the stress, the hopelessness that so many parents of special needs children face. I can think of no greater opportunity to reach parents, families, and children for Christ than in the midst of their special, often seemingly unbearable needs.” Leslie Face, M.Ed.
Faces of Hope strives to maximize the potential of children with special needs by providing individualized, family-centered therapy services as well as a skilled nursing program for medically fragile children in a Christian environment. Programs offered include occupational, physical, speech/language, feeding and behavioral therapy as well as social skills groups, autism consultations and a parent resource program and center.
The program reaches out to families and children with disabilities including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, speech and language disorders, spina bifida, Down Syndrome, feeding disorders and sensory processing difficulties. Faces of Hope works to help the children we serve achieve maximum independence so that they can experience the same opportunities and quality of life as other children. The organization also offers support to families through ongoing training, encouragement, and community referrals and assures that no child or family will be turned away for inability to pay.
To learn more about Faces of Hope, visit www.facesofhopetn.com or contact Executive Director Leslie Face at 615-206-7958 or Board Chairman Bob Atkins at 615-347-8653. Opportunities to help include prayer support, volunteers to serve in support capacities, operating and capital funding, suitable property/building and becoming a local mission partner.