Episode Transcript
[00:00:18] Speaker A: Well, good morning everybody and welcome to the September edition of the Chamber Chat. And welcome to my co host, Jen Sherwood.
[00:00:24] Speaker B: Good morning. He said this was an exciting program. I mean I'm excited to be called exciting.
[00:00:30] Speaker A: Well, you know, I don't think he said talking about us. Oh, he's talking about all these fabulous designs.
[00:00:35] Speaker B: We do have a room full. It's going to be a great program. Happy September everyone.
[00:00:39] Speaker A: You'll have to look on the chamber Facebook page today because I mean it felt like 100 people in here already this morning, didn't it? It was awesome.
[00:00:46] Speaker B: Who's counting?
[00:00:47] Speaker A: September? We're already almost at the end of the year. I'm planning Christmas already. All this Christmas event.
[00:00:52] Speaker B: I know it.
[00:00:53] Speaker A: Yeah, it's going by quick.
[00:00:54] Speaker B: It feels good to celebrate or to be planning Christmas on a heat advisory day.
[00:01:01] Speaker A: It does help to cool me down mentally.
[00:01:02] Speaker C: It's a little refreshing.
[00:01:03] Speaker A: It's a mentally thing to help me cool down.
[00:01:05] Speaker B: Cleansing.
[00:01:06] Speaker A: So we better start with all these fabulous guests. But you know, Jen, if I can at all, I love to start with our newest members.
[00:01:13] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:01:13] Speaker A: And look at happening.
We love that.
So with us first, Tanya Sullivan. Heather Centers. Did I say that right?
[00:01:23] Speaker D: Yes, ma'.
[00:01:23] Speaker E: Am.
[00:01:23] Speaker A: Censors with a square.
And Sabrina Curtzy. Oh, I love Sabrina. And we're gonna be talking about a couple of businesses here.
[00:01:31] Speaker B: And these ladies are just beyond radio. I'm just gonna say they look and sound fabulous.
[00:01:40] Speaker A: They've got TV faces for sure.
[00:01:43] Speaker B: So welcome.
[00:01:43] Speaker A: Good thing DTC's here this morning.
[00:01:45] Speaker B: Right?
[00:01:46] Speaker F: Right.
[00:01:46] Speaker B: And Tanya, you are here all the time as a new member. I don't get it.
[00:01:51] Speaker E: Me either.
[00:01:52] Speaker F: They keep saying you've got to come.
[00:01:54] Speaker A: Well, she keeps another business.
An entrepreneur like I've never seen before.
[00:02:01] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:02:02] Speaker A: So you know, sometimes you don't know what God's going to throw at you, but you've just had a whole lot of different things. When you're so multi talented, you can't help it though, right?
[00:02:09] Speaker B: And when you see a need, I
[00:02:10] Speaker G: don't know about that.
[00:02:11] Speaker B: And when you see a need, how great that you're like, oh, I can do that.
[00:02:15] Speaker F: So with Sullivan Walter Homes, we did see a need to be able to spawn some other avenues for us. And that's kind of how these ladies are involved as well. So.
But with Sullivan Walter Homes, we've got some projects going on. We've got homes going on a new subdivision, Miles Place. And we're just so excited to bring this to DeKalb County.
[00:02:38] Speaker A: Well, we are excited to have it and so which business do we want to talk about first? We want to start off with Center Hill excavation. Okay, so Brina's gonna take that one on.
[00:02:49] Speaker B: I am, Yes.
[00:02:50] Speaker C: I do all the work with the guys on Center Hill. Exc.
We do a lot of things. We do all your general excavation work. We do commercial and residential grading. We do all your undergrounds, electric, septic, all that.
And one thing that people may not realize is that we have a dump truck now. And so you may see that on the road, but we can haul things for you or we can bring you dirt, you know, topsoil, fill dirt and rock.
[00:03:16] Speaker A: All those things you need.
[00:03:17] Speaker B: Yeah, those big trucks are tricky. So that's great. That's a lot of times people will sell you something, but they can't get it there.
[00:03:24] Speaker C: Right.
[00:03:24] Speaker B: So that's great to know.
[00:03:26] Speaker C: Great to know. We've got a lot of options out there for you.
[00:03:28] Speaker A: Well, so how do they find out? How do they. Are you online or where. Phone number.
[00:03:34] Speaker C: Online. Actually, I don't even know the phone number off the top of my head.
[00:03:36] Speaker B: I'd have to grab it.
[00:03:37] Speaker A: Everybody Googles it anyway.
[00:03:39] Speaker F: Sabrina's personal number.
[00:03:42] Speaker D: We have a website, we've got a Facebook page. So follow that and you'll find it. Yep.
[00:03:48] Speaker A: Or call the chamber. I will get you there.
[00:03:50] Speaker C: That's right.
[00:03:50] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:03:51] Speaker C: And the name of your business is Center Hill Excavation.
[00:03:54] Speaker A: Center Hill Excavate. And remember, center. Not center.
[00:03:59] Speaker B: No, Center. Center.
[00:04:03] Speaker C: About everywhere. Instagram. I think you can find us about anywhere.
[00:04:06] Speaker A: So we've got a ribbon cutting coming up there for that. We're going to be. Jen, you're going to love this Tuesday.
Yeah. Well, go ahead and do the date.
[00:04:13] Speaker B: September 22nd. So that's where I.
[00:04:15] Speaker A: But you know where we're gonna be? We're gonna be at the big red Barn on Goodwill Highway.
[00:04:19] Speaker H: There.
[00:04:19] Speaker B: Oh, yeah.
[00:04:20] Speaker A: I don't even know the address. We just say big red barn and
[00:04:22] Speaker B: everybody can find it. I mean, it's hard to miss.
[00:04:25] Speaker A: I love that barn. And when they were fixing it up, I went, oh, I bet you anything Tanya has bought this. Cause it looks fabulous.
That's what I thought.
[00:04:32] Speaker F: Well, we did fall in love with the barn. We could have probably pushed it down cheaper, but my brother and I, we fell in love with it and said, let's just restore it. Cause we just love the history.
[00:04:41] Speaker B: Well, and I'm so glad you kept with because, you know, it's easy to choose a different color, but we love that red.
[00:04:49] Speaker A: Now, for another business you have, we got A ribbon coming up. So let's talk about Sullivan Walter Homes.
[00:04:55] Speaker F: Yep, Sullivan Walter Homes. And we're located downtown at 182 N. College St. We purchased a building there and just loving our location. It's right down by Healthish.
She rents from us and it's just a wonderful asset to Smithville and we just are enjoying being in that location.
[00:05:14] Speaker A: It looks fabulous. You've done a lot enclosed.
[00:05:16] Speaker F: Now it's all enclosed. And so anyways, that's just kind of our cornerstone right by our church at First Baptist and Good Neighbors. Good neighbors. And so we're excited to be there and look forward to offering any type of new homes. We do new homes, we do signature homes. We do custom homes, we do remodeling.
If you need anything, we got it.
[00:05:39] Speaker A: You do it all.
[00:05:40] Speaker F: We try.
[00:05:41] Speaker B: Mr. Haynes.
[00:05:42] Speaker A: I don't think she ever gets to sleep anymore. I don't know. She's always been sleeping. No sleep.
[00:05:47] Speaker B: Just keep going.
[00:05:48] Speaker A: It's overrated. Well, Heather, have you got anything to add to it? You're my.
[00:05:51] Speaker B: You're my contact.
[00:05:52] Speaker D: Yeah, just. So the. September 22nd or. Yeah, the ribbon cutting is for mid 10 disposal. That. So that's for our portable toilets and our dumpster side of our company.
[00:06:03] Speaker A: Well, that's where I got mixed up
[00:06:05] Speaker B: on a couple of things.
[00:06:05] Speaker A: Okay, so we'll get that.
[00:06:07] Speaker B: Yeah, we will.
[00:06:08] Speaker D: That will be out at the big red barn on Smithville Highway.
[00:06:11] Speaker A: Okay. So that's the one that's going to be at The Big Rainbow 10.
[00:06:13] Speaker D: So that's for. If you need any dumpsters, portable toilets. We have hand washing stations.
So we'll. We cover all of Middle Tennessee for that for residential, commercial, construction sites or if you just have an event on a weekend.
[00:06:28] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:06:30] Speaker D: So we do a lot of. For community as well, for soccer teams and. Yeah, different, different things in our community.
[00:06:36] Speaker F: So on that community note, we like to get involved with everything that we can and then we do provide those services there for the soccer leagues and. And we feel like giving back is important.
[00:06:49] Speaker B: And to that point, my husband's involved in the fishing, the youth fishing club. And he brought home his. His big fancy, many colors of jersey. And I was looking at the back of his shirt and I was like, oh, that's Tanya's. And that's Tanya's. And that's Tanya's. And that's Tanya's. So to your point, thank you for giving back to the community as well. I mean it. It is what, in a small town what keeps us going.
[00:07:15] Speaker F: So thank you so much as our roots.
[00:07:18] Speaker A: Oh, we're grateful. And I'll remind you that on what, Wednesday night of the fair, it was free admission because of, because of what we're doing. Yeah, we're very grateful.
[00:07:27] Speaker F: We feel a calling to give back. So we, we, we take that very serious.
[00:07:32] Speaker A: Well, we're so grateful for y' all and come back anytime.
[00:07:35] Speaker I: Yep.
[00:07:36] Speaker B: Thank you for being part of the team.
[00:07:37] Speaker A: Yes. Y' all are awesome. I'll get all that ribbon cutting straightened out here.
[00:07:42] Speaker F: We'll be back.
[00:07:43] Speaker A: I've been a little bit of a crazy week, I tell ya.
[00:07:45] Speaker F: Thanks.
[00:07:46] Speaker A: I said bye.
[00:07:47] Speaker B: Oh, Jim.
[00:07:48] Speaker A: What goodness.
[00:07:48] Speaker B: What other new members have we.
[00:07:50] Speaker A: Oh, my goodness. I just want to say this one because it's so fun to say yes. Dwell at Hoo La La. Yeah, I know Randy wanted to say that when he gets over here, but we'll let him repeat it.
[00:08:00] Speaker B: We'll say it a couple of times.
[00:08:04] Speaker A: So Fran, the owner, Fran Bennett, which I love, she's gonna be on our November program. She wanted to be on this morning, but she's in Maryville. She's got, like, business here.
[00:08:13] Speaker B: She's all over the place.
[00:08:14] Speaker A: Oh, she's awesome. So anyway, she'll probably be on in November, so go by and check them out. Christmas is coming up. Her birthdays, blah, blah, blah. Gifts, furniture and home decor right there
[00:08:23] Speaker B: on West Main street next to Flutie shoes.
And we've got all kinds of fun things that are happening downtown.
[00:08:32] Speaker A: Mandy's going to talk about that, but I got to take you, Jen. Okay, so you may think, well, Suzanne, when you tell me this, it's going to sound like you're slow, but certain things you have to do.
My mouth is not slow. My brain's slow.
[00:08:45] Speaker B: Okay, so no one would ever say that about you.
[00:08:50] Speaker A: So Alexandria, we have had, we've been, you know, me and this little Alexander Downtown comedian, which I love.
We have been working on for like five years. Plus we had to first get into the, you know, Tennessee Downtown's program.
And then we had to go through a year of training.
And then we got the first $15,000 grant and did quite a bit of things downtown. Four or five buildings. And. And now we're working. We've got a hundred thousand dollar one going.
But that's important. But let me tell you what's really important. People putting new businesses there. Because it doesn't matter how pretty it's gonna be, it's gonna be the cutest town in Tennessee. The cutest little town.
But, you know, we gotta have people who are Gonna put the businesses in there. And I've got a new business in downtown Alexandria. It is alpaca threads.
Oh my word. Mindy. Mindy with that M E E n D Y. And her husband Tom Stuart. And we're so glad to have y' all this morning. Thank you for having us. Oh my goodness, we're so excited about this.
[00:09:55] Speaker B: So tell us about alpaca threads.
[00:09:57] Speaker H: Well,
[00:10:00] Speaker J: we like to call it a farm to garment store.
[00:10:04] Speaker B: I love it.
[00:10:06] Speaker J: We have 18 alpacas Surrey alpacas, which are only 10% of the alpaca population.
So we're using our alpaca wool, having it turned into yarn and then using our new. Well, new to us, older machines and commercial knitting machines and we're making garments, accessories and we're gonna hopefully we're gonna have something for everybody. We've got scarves. We're doing spirit scarves for each of the high schools. Watertown, DeKalb county and Gordonsville.
And we're doing nesting balls. Of course we've got the socks, but we're really, really excited.
[00:10:47] Speaker A: Oh, my goodness. So you sell the yarn too?
[00:10:49] Speaker J: And we do sell skinny.
[00:10:51] Speaker B: Have you ever put alpaca wool up against you?
[00:10:55] Speaker J: It is the softest.
[00:10:56] Speaker B: Oh, it is the best.
[00:10:56] Speaker A: So I have some really awesome crocheters in my family.
[00:11:01] Speaker J: Okay. They need to come by.
[00:11:02] Speaker A: That's what I'm buying for Christmas.
[00:11:04] Speaker J: They need to come by. It's hypoallergenic. You can wear it in the winter, you can wear it in the summer.
Tom has worn his alpaca socks in 110 degree weather that we've had.
[00:11:15] Speaker A: Keeps you warm or keeps you cool. Whatever you need.
[00:11:17] Speaker K: Right?
[00:11:17] Speaker B: Right.
[00:11:18] Speaker L: Get you exactly where you want to be.
[00:11:19] Speaker A: Oh, I like that.
I do love some socks. I love socks. Good socks. I mean, it's a problem. I need to be in a 12 step program because my husband, I bought 14 pair last week.
[00:11:31] Speaker B: Oh my goodness. Came in a pack.
[00:11:34] Speaker A: Nothing but nothing, I'm sure like the alpaca.
[00:11:37] Speaker B: Oh, we gotta check it out. We must come check it out. So you when you open.
[00:11:42] Speaker J: We are opening. Friday is our grand opening.
[00:11:45] Speaker B: Yay.
[00:11:45] Speaker J: So this week we're open Friday and Saturday 9 to 4.
We will be open following that Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9 to 4.
And by appointment I'll be there most
[00:11:58] Speaker B: every day in the back, making things, doing stuff. Wow, nice.
[00:12:03] Speaker A: Oh, Jen, we've got a ribbon cutting.
[00:12:04] Speaker B: I didn't know we do.
[00:12:05] Speaker A: So that's gonna be on Friday at 11:30. That's Friday, September 4th.
[00:12:10] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:12:11] Speaker A: At 11:30 come down. Being part of the PICT, we love to have big groups in the picture.
[00:12:15] Speaker B: Well, thank you so much for investing in Alexandria in such a wonderful, unique way. That's really good.
[00:12:22] Speaker A: Made the building look beautiful. It looks fantastic. I love the colors, everything.
[00:12:26] Speaker J: Thank you.
[00:12:27] Speaker A: Thank you so much going on in our city.
[00:12:29] Speaker J: That's awesome. We'll see you then.
[00:12:30] Speaker B: Thank you so much.
[00:12:31] Speaker J: Thank you.
[00:12:31] Speaker A: Oh. Oh, Jen.
[00:12:33] Speaker B: And then we also have banner built homes.
[00:12:35] Speaker A: Why do you make Maddie? It's Madison.
Madison Kenny.
[00:12:40] Speaker H: Kenny.
[00:12:40] Speaker A: Madison Kenny. I just call her Maddie.
[00:12:43] Speaker G: Call me Maddie.
[00:12:45] Speaker A: She's adorable. And I tell you, we had so much fun when she came visit the chamber. But you've also got a neighborhood coming up, right?
[00:12:52] Speaker K: Yes.
[00:12:52] Speaker G: Yeah, we're super excited. So we're kind of right there by Sullivan Walter. We're Miles Place. And so we're off of Oconnors Street. Oh, goodness. Off of Oconnors street over by the Walmart. And yeah, we're super excited. We're hopefully going to be launching October.
[00:13:07] Speaker K: Oh, that's the plan?
[00:13:08] Speaker I: Yeah, that's the plan.
[00:13:09] Speaker G: We're super excited. Yes. Yes.
[00:13:11] Speaker A: And you're also gonna do like a fall festival kind of thing.
[00:13:14] Speaker G: Yeah, that's like the biggest thing. I'm super excited. We really have not even announced it yet, so this is really good.
[00:13:20] Speaker B: Wait, I saw it.
[00:13:21] Speaker A: No, no, I'm excited.
[00:13:22] Speaker G: We're excited.
[00:13:23] Speaker B: I saw it on Facebook. You announced it?
[00:13:25] Speaker A: Sort of, yeah.
[00:13:26] Speaker H: I'm checking.
[00:13:27] Speaker A: I put some feelers up.
[00:13:28] Speaker G: You're good.
[00:13:29] Speaker I: You're good.
[00:13:29] Speaker G: No, I want to announce it today.
I'm so excited. So it's gonna be October 3rd and it's gonna be from.
Yeah, it's gonna be great. So we're gonna, you know, have a fall festival out on our lots before we start building on them. And we'll have bouncy house, we'll have some face painting, lots of food trucks, some local vendors.
And yeah, I'm sure you saw my Facebook post. I'm looking for just like local, you know, vendors. Like the whole purpose of us being here is because we really want to invest in the community in Smithville. And I'm dedicated. I'm moving all the way from the other side of Nashville to come and just be a part of this community. So I really want to use some local people. And yeah, we're super excited about the fall fest for sure.
[00:14:15] Speaker A: We're excited to have you and excited about the new neighborhood and can't wait to hear more when it gets closer to time to get you back on?
[00:14:22] Speaker G: Yeah, absolutely. I'm super excited.
[00:14:24] Speaker B: Thank you so much. Thanks for, thanks for joining the Chamber.
[00:14:28] Speaker A: Yes, thank you.
Jen, Go ahead. I know you're, you're wanting to do this jumping in. I know you're wanting to announce it.
[00:14:35] Speaker B: This Saturday, the 4th, 4th, 4th annual chili and soup dinner and silent auction fundraiser for Last Minute Toy Shop. Let's talk about that for just a minute.
Last Minute Toy Shop is such a fabulous event, happens right around Christmas time where the the organizers of Last Minute Toy Shop provide a shopping opportunity for all the folks in need to make sure that there's a Christmas for everyone in DeKalb County.
What you're doing when you come for delicious chili, soup, crackers, hot dogs, tater tots, dessert and a drink is you're supporting the Last Minute Toy Shop, making sure all children have a good Christmas, a good Christmas. And they do things year round just so they have everything available for that event. So it's this Saturday 3 to 7 in the DeKalb County Complex.
[00:15:31] Speaker A: Well, Jen, you're going to be really happy about this. Coming up, we're going to have our 911 ceremony again.
[00:15:37] Speaker M: Yes.
[00:15:38] Speaker A: And chief, chief, fire chief of Smithville, Charlie Parker is here, the one and only to tell us about it. But he's brought it on.
But we got lots to talk about with you, Charlie. Yeah. So he's gonna start off with this before we get onto the other stuff.
[00:15:51] Speaker I: Oh, yeah. Well, this is the 25th anniversary of 9 11, so we hated not do something to make in remembrance of that.
So we are gonna have just a short event in Evans park right there behind the fire hall beside the post office. At 11:30, Representative Michael Hale is going to speak. We're also going to have our new mayors, city and county mayors to say a few words and we'll offer a prayer. And like I said, just a short remembrance of that. Like I said, it's around lunchtime, so stop in and like I said, we'll have a little remembrance of that.
[00:16:27] Speaker A: It's also, it's very impactful though it's a short, you've been doing this for a few years now, but it always just so touching.
[00:16:35] Speaker I: So we usually have several of the first responders that show up and one of the public does too. But it's very near and dear to all of our first responders, whatever agencies that they're with.
Some of them now you've got some of the younger generation that don't remember all that. And at the time it says we'll never forget. So that's something that we're trying to push on that we don't forget.
There was a big sacrifice made then and we just want to remember those people that did that also.
[00:17:07] Speaker A: Well, we're grateful for the effort of you putting that together.
And now let's talk about the next thing you're working on next day, the very next day.
Is this involving John Cabanero?
[00:17:18] Speaker I: Oh yes, Smithville Airport. Yes, it involves a lot.
[00:17:20] Speaker A: And you introduce this person right here.
[00:17:23] Speaker I: This is. Well, John, this is Regina.
[00:17:26] Speaker N: She works for Tennessee Flight training.
[00:17:28] Speaker K: Oh yes.
[00:17:29] Speaker N: She'll be giving rides during the summit.
[00:17:31] Speaker K: Yes.
[00:17:32] Speaker H: We will be doing airplane rides at the Expo next.
[00:17:35] Speaker A: Oh well, tell us what we're telling about the expo first. What is this?
[00:17:38] Speaker I: Well, we are.
This is the seventh annual for the Upper Cumberland Emergency Preparedness Expo.
[00:17:47] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:17:48] Speaker I: It's traditionally been held in Cookeville.
Candice McNeil is the.
This is her brainchild, I guess she wanted to Show because of 9 11, Homeland Security got money, healthcare got money. So try to put back into the community.
We bought quite a bit of equipment through, you know, federal assistance and stuff and she got the idea we needed to showcase that. So we've been going, we've been to Cookable a couple of times to the show, but this is for the general public to come out and see some of the equipment that we purchased, some of the preparedness things that we've done, how we're prepared, not just for like the 911 attacks, but for disasters that come too.
[00:18:35] Speaker B: So everyone with a four year old child wants to know if the fire truck is going to be.
[00:18:39] Speaker I: Oh yeah, we've got I think over 60 vendors right now.
[00:18:44] Speaker B: Over 70 year old. Yeah.
[00:18:47] Speaker I: Candice had come to me earlier in this year and she wanted to spread it around the Upper Cumberland counties to let all of them do.
[00:18:54] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:18:54] Speaker I: So she asked me if we would be willing to do it in Smithville. And, and about two days before, John with the airport manager here said, you know, I'd like to do some events at the airport. And I go, bam, there you go.
[00:19:07] Speaker A: Way to go, John.
[00:19:09] Speaker I: We loaded him up big time.
So it's gonna be September 12th. This is for all the public. We encourage them to come because we've got first aid events, we've got fire trucks.
The state fire marshal's office is bringing a side by side burn trailer.
So we'll do a live burn there that shows how sprinklers can affect your home.
We've got car seat checks, we've got hazmat trucks coming, fire trucks Ambulances, police cars, I've talked to all of those are gonna be there. So we've got medical helicopters coming.
[00:19:48] Speaker A: Is that where you come in, where you come out?
[00:19:50] Speaker I: She's coming in different.
She comes in with the.
John has expanded it even more. I'll let him tell about. We've got a special speaker coming.
John can tell you about him.
[00:20:03] Speaker N: We do have a gentleman coming from the Blue Angels. He's an old boss, Greg Wooldridge. He's one of the only Blue angel bosses to serve three terms. He's gonna come out and do a keynote speech for us around noon on September 12th. So he's welcome to come down, listen to what he has to say, talk to him.
[00:20:19] Speaker B: So in order to do that, should we bring our own chairs? If you're coming, we should have table
[00:20:24] Speaker N: and chairs set up.
[00:20:24] Speaker B: You'll have them set up.
[00:20:26] Speaker N: You're welcome to bring your own if you'd like to have a place to sit.
[00:20:30] Speaker I: If you've got a comfortable chair, bring it. Because I can guarantee it'll be a little metal one. Yeah, it'll be better than the hard plastic or metal ones that we'll have, but we'll have some there too.
[00:20:39] Speaker N: Be a food vendor, one of the fire companies. We bring in a food trailer.
[00:20:44] Speaker I: Yeah, we are gonna have food trucks there.
So we'll. Like I said, we won't come make a day of it. It's from 10 till 2, like I said, with our Blue angel pilot speaking at noon.
[00:20:56] Speaker B: That'll be so interesting.
[00:20:57] Speaker N: Yeah, be pretty cool to hear him talk. We also have the commemorative Air Force out of Lebanon coming, bringing a historic airplane. You can take a ride in as well.
[00:21:05] Speaker A: Is that where you come in?
[00:21:09] Speaker B: There's just so much going on.
[00:21:12] Speaker I: It's gonna be a full day of events.
[00:21:15] Speaker N: And then we have Regina, Tennessee flight trainer, and they're bringing.
[00:21:18] Speaker A: Is this you, Regina?
[00:21:19] Speaker H: This is me.
[00:21:19] Speaker G: Okay.
[00:21:21] Speaker H: I am one of the base managers with Tennessee Flight Training. We are bringing airplanes and we are going to offer flights that day for anybody that would like to go up.
So we'll probably do about a 20 minute flight. 15, 20 minute flight to go over and see this gives an opportunity to people that may have never been up in an airplane.
And then also I will give the information if anybody's interested in starting training. Yeah, it's a big. It's a big deer deal breaker for people.
So it's called an intro flat. So we're going to be there, set up.
[00:22:00] Speaker B: I will say you can have lived in DeKalb county, your whole life. And it will give you a completely different perspective to be aerial and looking down at the lake and how beautiful DeKalb county is.
[00:22:13] Speaker A: So it does look different.
[00:22:15] Speaker N: Yeah.
[00:22:15] Speaker B: I hope people take real advantage of that because that's fantastic.
[00:22:19] Speaker I: And we also want to promote a little bit Mr. Lee Bridges, who works at the airport there fixing planes.
But he has a World War II memorial set up in his hangar.
If you've not seen it, it is fantastic. He's got medals, uniforms. He's got dummies, mannequins.
[00:22:40] Speaker B: And stories.
[00:22:41] Speaker I: And stories. Yeah.
[00:22:42] Speaker B: I mean, this is.
Both he and Jeannie had had family, their dads, that these things come not just as memorabilia that they've bought on Etsy. They're actual family heirlooms with. With the stories. It's amazing.
[00:22:59] Speaker I: So he's been gracious enough that he's gonna open that up so we can tour that, too. So, like I said, there's gonna be fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, food trucks.
We're going from all over the region.
[00:23:11] Speaker A: The whole thing. It's pretty fabulous for the cab cat,
[00:23:14] Speaker B: you do not want to miss this event.
[00:23:15] Speaker I: So we're trying to get everything lined out and in the space, but we're going to make it big.
[00:23:20] Speaker B: Well, I hope you run out of space. I hope that's your problem.
[00:23:24] Speaker E: It's free to everybody.
[00:23:25] Speaker I: Everybody. It is free.
[00:23:26] Speaker A: No cost Free event.
[00:23:27] Speaker I: Yep.
[00:23:28] Speaker A: Just unless you want to buy some food, that's all you got to have.
[00:23:31] Speaker I: Yep. Food's the only thing you'll have to pay for. So.
[00:23:33] Speaker B: So are you still looking for food vendors? Are you looking for anyone from the community?
[00:23:37] Speaker I: We could use a couple more. Yeah. So if anybody.
[00:23:41] Speaker B: And how would they reach out to you?
[00:23:42] Speaker I: If they get in touch with me, just call Charlie Parker. My number is 615-517-2631. You can contact me if you're still interested in being in an event. You can call me or Candice McNeil.
She has been super. This is her brainchild from years ago. I can't brag on her enough. She puts all this together. She has contacted over 70 vendors coming.
So I can't brag on her enough. She's.
She's awesome when it comes to that. You can call her at 931-300-3578 or candice.mcneilln.gov she's been working on this since January anyway.
And like I said, this is the seventh one. This is what she really does. She loves it.
She's talked me into coming over there a Couple of times.
[00:24:39] Speaker B: Well, I've been to a couple of them in Cookeville and say she does a fantastic job. It is a great event. So I hope everyone takes advantage of the fact that it's right here in Smithville this year and it won't be here next year. It'll rotate around.
[00:24:56] Speaker I: We don't know where it's going to be next year, but we got the privilege of starting it around Upper Cumberland. So we just want to make it more accessible to everybody in Upper Cumberland because we utilize these resources all over.
[00:25:10] Speaker B: Well, and, and to say a word also about how when we talk about our emergency personnel, how much you all share and cooperate and are willing to be a part of in a small community, it takes all of us. And in a big town like Nashville or Chattanooga, they have all this stuff and it's just in their backyard.
But here we have to cooperate. We have to stay connected with each other and to have these resources now that are available. It's really awesome a thing to celebrate.
[00:25:46] Speaker I: And we do coordinate it, like I said, with all the counties around, whether it be ems, fire, ema, we utilize
[00:25:55] Speaker B: water rescue, rescue, you know, all those things.
[00:25:58] Speaker I: We, we utilize each other a lot just in, in day to day emergencies.
And last note that I'll make that September is emergency preparedness month. Softima is recognizing that. So we'll be working on a proclamation to get that signed here this week.
[00:26:17] Speaker B: So make sure you're looking at your emergency kit in your basement or your safe spot.
[00:26:23] Speaker I: Yeah.
[00:26:23] Speaker A: Just for batteries, all that stuff.
[00:26:26] Speaker B: Right.
[00:26:26] Speaker I: That's snow. Comes the prediction right now in El Nino is going to have us a little more snow.
I do love a good snow this year. So above average saying, I don't, I don't know what the woolly worms and the, the persimmon pits.
[00:26:43] Speaker B: Have not seen the pits yet, but I don't know. There's a spinner van.
[00:26:47] Speaker A: I didn't know about the pits.
This had nothing to do with the groundhog though, right?
[00:26:51] Speaker C: No.
[00:26:53] Speaker B: Couple months later,
[00:26:56] Speaker A: all confused. Okay, so this reason Charlie is where he is and I am right here.
[00:27:01] Speaker B: Well, thank you so much for bringing this really interesting event. September.
[00:27:05] Speaker A: Looking forward to it.
[00:27:06] Speaker B: We're really looking. Yeah, we're really looking forward to it.
[00:27:08] Speaker A: Thank y'.
[00:27:09] Speaker E: All.
[00:27:09] Speaker I: Encourage everybody to come out. Like I said, bring the whole family. Plane rides, food trucks. We're gonna.
[00:27:15] Speaker A: It's a day.
[00:27:16] Speaker J: That's right.
[00:27:17] Speaker I: Yeah.
[00:27:18] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:27:18] Speaker I: Thanks.
[00:27:19] Speaker N: Thank you.
[00:27:19] Speaker A: That was september twelveth, right?
[00:27:20] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:27:21] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:27:21] Speaker B: Saturday.
[00:27:23] Speaker A: So. Oh, Jen, we love this next guest too.
[00:27:28] Speaker I: Is there Anybody?
[00:27:28] Speaker A: We love Sharon.
[00:27:29] Speaker B: No. But Sharon, you need to come more often. We love you all. Every time you hear you're here. Sharon Evans is here with the Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity talking about our own local chili cook off and bake sale.
[00:27:42] Speaker M: It's coming up.
[00:27:43] Speaker B: It's coming.
[00:27:44] Speaker M: It's not until October, so I know there's a lot of things coming before this happens, but Friday, October 23rd, is that the Upper Cumberland Habitat chili cook off. And we want to let you all know so that we can get cook people to cook.
[00:27:59] Speaker A: You gotta get all your people.
[00:28:01] Speaker L: Yes.
[00:28:02] Speaker M: We've already got seven teams signed up to cook. That includes First Bank, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, Gammon, Druick and Watson. They're going to be new Caddyshack of Smithville is coming back. DeKalb county elected officials.
So maybe a new recipe.
[00:28:19] Speaker B: Yeah, maybe a new recipe.
New mayor, new recipe.
[00:28:23] Speaker L: Right.
[00:28:24] Speaker M: Mallory Finchler's office and Wilson bank and Trust. But we have room for more teams. So if you are interested in cooking, please let us know. You can go to uchabitat.org or you can let us know locally. Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is who's putting it on.
Yeah.
[00:28:42] Speaker B: And it's a big fundraiser for the next house.
[00:28:45] Speaker M: It's a big fundraiser. And we keep saying it, but the. The lots have been approved. We've got land here.
We have a partner family who is working on their sweat equity. So building will start this fall. Yay for a DeKalb family.
[00:29:02] Speaker H: Yeah.
[00:29:02] Speaker B: Very exciting family. Very exciting. Thank you so much. Hopefully you can come back next month. We can talk a little bit more about it.
[00:29:08] Speaker A: I just want to let you know
[00:29:10] Speaker M: the date, save the date. Friday, October 23rd, that coincides with off the beaten path. So if you're out touring, you can do that. You can take a little break and. And get some lunch, but we need folks to cook. So. Yeah, let us know if you want to.
[00:29:23] Speaker H: Thanks.
[00:29:24] Speaker B: Thank you, Sharon.
[00:29:25] Speaker A: I love that event. It's such a good feeling when you're there.
[00:29:27] Speaker B: It's the best.
Okay.
[00:29:29] Speaker A: Oh, talk about the best.
[00:29:31] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:29:32] Speaker A: Randy Caldwell's here from downtown Smithville.
[00:29:35] Speaker B: Randy is the best of the best.
[00:29:36] Speaker A: He's the best of the best.
[00:29:38] Speaker J: Yeah.
[00:29:39] Speaker E: Give me too much credit.
[00:29:41] Speaker A: As much work as he has to do for the chain.
[00:29:43] Speaker B: Yeah, we're just. We're just. We're just buttering you up next time.
[00:29:48] Speaker A: I'm always like, randy, can you do this? Randy, can you do this? He never tells me no. I'm like, I have.
[00:29:53] Speaker E: It's not my vocabulary.
I shouldn't say that on.
[00:29:57] Speaker B: Right, right.
[00:29:59] Speaker A: No, don't anybody steal Randy from me.
[00:30:01] Speaker B: So first Friday is coming up.
[00:30:03] Speaker E: Yeah, first Friday. Well, this Friday actually. So, yeah, a lot of exciting things happen downtown. We're having a farmer's market.
So from 4 to 7, basically we'll have Main street and Walt West Walnut closed down. So you'll see some vendors out in front of the shop. So, yeah, fun night. Bring our local producers down here and, you know, hopefully people come down and discover them, you know, there. So. So we're really excited about it. So, yeah, hopefully. Hopefully a great event. Last time we had a farmers market, we had a really good show up, you know, for.
So, yeah, so add some energy down.
Add some energy to the street. We'll have it closed down. Very pedestrian friendly. Very family friendly as well. So come down and support your local.
[00:30:45] Speaker B: I may have come down and get some tomatoes.
[00:30:47] Speaker A: Believe it or not, I'm still growing tomatoes.
[00:30:49] Speaker B: Believe it or not, they're still coming. But the other day I was down there and three tobacco hornworms had done a number on a couple of.
[00:30:59] Speaker A: Oh, those evil little bugs.
[00:31:00] Speaker B: I know. And I actually looked at them and there was a kind moment in my heart and I'm like, maybe I'll just buy some tomatoes. I'm just gonna let them.
[00:31:09] Speaker A: Just let them eat them because those
[00:31:11] Speaker B: Goliath moths are beautiful and, you know, they turn into pretty things.
And they'd already done a number on the plants. I'm like, all right. And so I'll have to come to the farmer's market to get my tomatoes.
[00:31:22] Speaker E: Yeah. And just offset those vegetables. We'll be having local bakers too. So you got a chance to get some sweets. Sourdough A little.
[00:31:30] Speaker B: Yeah, sounds great.
[00:31:31] Speaker A: Well, I know you got more going on than that.
[00:31:33] Speaker E: We do. On September 19th, the Bacon Festival will be downtown again. That's from 3 or that is from 10 o' clock to 4 o'. Clock.
[00:31:41] Speaker A: Angela Ludwig.
[00:31:42] Speaker E: Angela does a great job with those. So a lot of vendors, of course, that's usually around the square there. So that. That will be shut down. So come out and support them as well.
[00:31:52] Speaker A: And then run over to the shops.
[00:31:53] Speaker E: And who doesn't love bacon?
Yeah, so it makes everything. Yeah. So fun event. She always puts on great events and always has great vendors and all that. So come down and support.
[00:32:02] Speaker I: Come down.
[00:32:03] Speaker E: She always has food trucks as well. So. And support your local businesses while you're down there.
And then September 26th is our favorite 5th annual.
[00:32:13] Speaker B: I believe it's 5th annual so wonderful.
[00:32:16] Speaker E: Yeah. So for something to survive for five years and still keep momentum going is something special and grown. And we do think we have something special there. So, you know, this year we've done a little bit of a change. We've moved it from a Friday to a Saturday, you know, in an effort, we know we were always of kind competing with the local football game and all that. So we made a conscious decision to change it to Saturday this year, hopefully to give more local people a chance to attend it. Right now, as of the other day, we've got 35 artists, you know, lined up for it. We'll have West Main and Walnut close down and college as well, in front of First Bank.
So again, come out and support those local artists. People don't realize that artists usually, you know, it's not like they have things prepared for these things. So they have to do a lot of preparation. They have to prepare a lot of
[00:33:01] Speaker B: pieces to bring things right now.
[00:33:03] Speaker I: Yeah.
[00:33:03] Speaker E: So they're working to have stuff there. So, you know, they will come back if you come out and support them. So please keep that in mind. Come out and do that. And we could not do this alone. We have some great sponsors this year.
First bank has done it for about four years for us, so they are sponsored. DTC is a sponsor this year for us. Center Hill Realty, Ascension Health, the hospital is a sponsor. We've got Playland and we've also got Home Services that is donating some things. And I've got a great team as far as putting this together too. I don't know if you all know Paul Roney, who's our local British author.
He's been really instrumental in throwing out our net to capture some regional artists as well and get word out regionally too to get people to come here. We're starting to get kind of known as a good art festival and all that. And we got the mailroom, Shannon over there, we've got Sherry over at Rocky. James has been helping quite a bit. And Summer has been doing kind of our social media as well. So. So, yeah, so we're really looking forward to it. I think our. If it rains, our makeup weekend will be the next weekend, October 3rd. So we still want to still try to hold it because. Because the effort that the artists put into the. Into the event. So. So, yeah, so. So fun time. Hopefully. Hopefully everybody can come out there. Family friendly event as. As well. Three to eight. We do it in the evening just to kind of. We like that kind of vibe as far as the evening you watch the sunset go down. We got the great. We got a couple bands that we're going to be playing. We've got a jazz band that's going to be.
And then we're going to have some things going on out of Button Willow, coming out of their little new windows that open up. So if you're going to kind of have that New Orleans, Nashville vibe of music, you know, playing out into the.
[00:34:52] Speaker B: You mean Smithville vibe, but a little bit of.
[00:34:56] Speaker E: Yeah, the Smithville vibe. Local. Local vibe. Yeah.
So a lot of fun. So it's going to be fun event. We'll have T shirts for sale too. We'll have some posters that we've done as well. So, you know, Lucas Atoniak has. He's kind of done our artwork for this year's done a fantastic job. So we'll have that. That you can take home as a memorabilia too for the event.
[00:35:15] Speaker I: So.
[00:35:15] Speaker B: And so that's the last Saturday.
[00:35:17] Speaker E: That's the last Saturday of.
[00:35:18] Speaker B: And then there's one more event that we want to talk about.
[00:35:21] Speaker E: October 10th is the vintage owl. We're doing their fall into French, their first fall French market there. So again, if you're familiar with Chase's little courtyard there, he'll have that going on. He always does a great job with that.
[00:35:32] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:35:32] Speaker A: Oh, his shop is so pretty.
[00:35:36] Speaker E: So you'll have some beautiful finds there. You know, some great fall touches. You know, he always does such a great job decorating everything and all that.
[00:35:43] Speaker I: So.
[00:35:43] Speaker E: So, yeah. So like that's almost every weekend you've got something going on.
[00:35:47] Speaker B: Just, just come on down over and over. Or Alexander, eat at a different restaurant every time you come. Your view will be good to go.
[00:35:55] Speaker E: Yeah, absolutely. So, yeah. So fun times.
[00:35:58] Speaker B: Thank you so much.
Hey, Randy. Well, you're not going to be here when we talk about leadership DeKalb, but. Well, while I got you be thinking about.
[00:36:06] Speaker E: Yeah. And for those out there, I'd really encourage you to participate in it. I participated in it. You, you know, if you've even lived here a long time, you will find things out about DeKalb county that you never do. You do a great. My. The most interesting part is when you do your little history.
Got your little wall there.
It's probably a 20 foot long thing and it's just fascinating. And I'll tell you, it's a great, great opportunity to meet new people, to network, make new business connections, make new friends.
So I would highly encourage anybody to participate in that because it's very much worth your time. It's only once a month. You know, it's only once a month you can set aside the time to participate that meet new people and learn a little bit more about your community.
[00:36:49] Speaker N: Awesome.
[00:36:50] Speaker E: Great.
[00:36:50] Speaker A: Thanks for.
[00:36:51] Speaker E: Absolutely. See y'. All.
[00:36:53] Speaker A: Okay, well, let's see what we got. Oh, the 2026 DTC Communications annual meeting.
[00:36:59] Speaker B: This is the best. This is the best event in.
They take. They take over. DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria, Saturday, September 26th. The gates open at 7:45, but I assure you the parking lot will be full by about 7:30. No, I'm just kidding. You know, it's all good.
Cast your vote between 8 and 10am it's actually membership voting.
One vote per member customer. So it's not like voting for elected official with just one vote per. Per membership.
But it's a great event.
[00:37:44] Speaker A: Event.
[00:37:45] Speaker B: It's really meant to celebrate dtc what it brings to the community and for DTC to be able to.
[00:37:53] Speaker A: You mean the world class broadband and technology solutions to improve the quality of life for its members and the community served in the region.
[00:37:58] Speaker B: You guys, that is exactly what I meant to say.
[00:38:01] Speaker A: I was reading your mind there.
[00:38:03] Speaker B: But this is.
[00:38:04] Speaker A: Nick is saying.
[00:38:05] Speaker B: Yes, this is a great event every year.
[00:38:07] Speaker A: Nick, our cameraman.
[00:38:08] Speaker B: And yeah, DTC is right there.
[00:38:11] Speaker G: He's right.
[00:38:11] Speaker B: We keep pointing and the people don't know what we're pointing at. We're pointing at dtc.
[00:38:16] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:38:16] Speaker B: As represented by Nick today.
So that again, that Saturday, September 26th. That's the. An annual event and we're so excited to celebrate. DTC Communications.
[00:38:28] Speaker A: For more information call 615-529-2955. I'm hoping because I forgot my reading.
[00:38:33] Speaker B: Yeah, it is 295.
[00:38:34] Speaker A: Okay, just check it. All right, so we got another last minute toy shop.
Yeah. The fourth annual Ride for the Kids. Saturday, September 19th. Registrations at 9am Kickstands up at 11am Enjoy a ride through 45 miles of beautiful countryside through DeKalb, White and Warren counties.
I'm not even sure where you meet.
Call the Smithville Review and they will give you all the details.
[00:39:02] Speaker B: Yes. Or, or check they. They have a great Facebook page that has all kinds of information.
[00:39:07] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:39:08] Speaker A: And you know, if Angie Meadows didn't have enough to do, there's another thing.
[00:39:11] Speaker B: Ms. Pumpkin Queen pageants. And those are Saturday the 26th is going to be a popular day. You're gonna have to just get your calendar out and schedule hour by hour by hour on the 26th. But Ms. Pumpkin Queen pageants are starting at 9am at December Cab County Complex. And again, for more information, contact Smithville Review. And those proceeds also support Last Last Minute Toy Shop.
[00:39:39] Speaker A: We're going to come back to this in case, so don't let me forget to come back to that. So the Joe Hearn Poker Run Memorial Scholarship fund is Saturday, September 19th. Registrations at 8am $25 per entry and $10 per passenger. And that includes a barbecue lunch. Oh, I do love some good barbecue.
[00:39:57] Speaker E: You?
[00:39:57] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:39:58] Speaker A: Rod leaves at 9am 300 Fairgrounds Road in Alexandria is where you meet. Is sponsored by the Alexandra.
Alexandra. I've got Alexandra Club. I don't think that's right. Alexandria. Something's close.
[00:40:10] Speaker K: Is it the Lions Club?
[00:40:12] Speaker A: That's what I thought. For more information, contact Brad or Chris at 615-529-2580.
Did I get it right?
[00:40:20] Speaker B: You're doing great.
[00:40:21] Speaker A: You're doing great.
[00:40:22] Speaker K: You're on a roll, girl.
[00:40:23] Speaker A: Well, lean back enough I can sort of.
[00:40:25] Speaker B: And also in Alexandria, this is, this is really great.
[00:40:28] Speaker A: I know. I told you.
[00:40:29] Speaker B: Alexandria all throughout the whole county.
Alexandria Oldtimers day is Saturday, October 3rd. So this is going to be before our next, before our October show. So make sure you're making note of that. Saturday, October 3, 9 to 3 at the Alexandria Public Square. And Old Timers Day is, is so fun. They're going to have people in costume. They're going to be celebrating all the local stories and people and traditions that make Alexandria so special. So there's going to be local vendors and shopping and great food. Alexandria volunteer fire department will be cooking on the square. It's a little fundraiser for them. I mean we gotta, we gotta support our volunteer fire departments and it's just going to be a great day. So to support local small businesses.
For more information, contact Susan at the Junk and Jewels.
[00:41:23] Speaker A: I love Junkin Jewels store.
[00:41:24] Speaker B: I love every, every store in Alexandria. If you haven't been there or if you haven't been there lately, it's. There is. You can spend a day there.
[00:41:33] Speaker A: You can.
[00:41:34] Speaker B: It's really coming along and I love it.
[00:41:36] Speaker A: So Kathy, do you want to say Dancing through the decades Adult prom. An adult prom, Dan.
[00:41:41] Speaker B: I know. It's another one of the bars.
Last minute.
[00:41:44] Speaker A: Again. Angie Meadows at the smith Review, Saturday,
[00:41:47] Speaker K: October 17th at 4pm at South Congress Boulevard. Tickets are pre sale only. $30 or 2 for 50. No refunds event by last minute. By last minute. Toy shop attire should be Sunday best or formal attire only.
[00:42:01] Speaker B: Yep.
[00:42:01] Speaker K: Go visit with friends, dance and have some fun. For more info Contact the Smithville Review.
[00:42:06] Speaker A: So I wonder if it's mandatory to be able to dance. My kids have said, mom, do not dance at the public. You don't dance nearly as you think you do.
[00:42:12] Speaker K: Just act like you can.
[00:42:13] Speaker B: I think. I think you come in a prom dress, I won't care.
[00:42:18] Speaker A: Okay.
I'm sure I'll fit in my prom dress.
[00:42:21] Speaker B: This being proper attire, not the prom dress.
[00:42:24] Speaker A: A prom dress?
[00:42:26] Speaker K: Yeah. Not the one from.
[00:42:27] Speaker A: Yeah. Okay. Okay. So I know you're not going to believe this. The next event is also Angie Medicine.
[00:42:33] Speaker B: She should be here.
[00:42:34] Speaker A: She should be here.
No, no. We would have to have the host show would just hurt.
[00:42:39] Speaker B: Well, that'd be all right.
[00:42:40] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:42:40] Speaker B: It'd be fun. But this is also an October event, so we'll be. We'll be talking a little bit more about this next time, but Sunshine Celebration Special Needs Recognition event. And that's Friday, October 23rd, at 5:30pm at the DeKalb County Complex.
You do need to register, and those registration sheets are at The Smithville Review, 315 N. Public Square. The deadline to participate is Oct. 2.
And this is just a really neat event.
An opportunity to support our special group of young ladies and gents with special needs.
It's sort of a pageant, but it's sort of what anything goes for folks who have individuals in their family with special needs.
It's a time to let their light shine.
[00:43:35] Speaker A: Oh, and their light shines every day.
[00:43:37] Speaker K: Absolutely.
[00:43:38] Speaker B: We love this event.
[00:43:39] Speaker A: So, Jen, the reason I have Kathy and Ed Graven State park on at the end, I wait, number one.
[00:43:46] Speaker B: Hello.
[00:43:47] Speaker A: Well, I know at Graven State park they have a long ways to drive, right? But Kathy, she is organizing this whole program.
[00:43:52] Speaker B: I know we're sitting here, the show
[00:43:55] Speaker A: while we're sitting here and just acting like. Like we're in control. We have no control.
[00:43:59] Speaker B: One time someone said, why do you call Kathy Coco? Is that a name? And I'm like, I don't know where that came from.
[00:44:05] Speaker A: Coco host.
[00:44:06] Speaker B: She's the Coco host of Kathy.
[00:44:08] Speaker A: I'm.
[00:44:09] Speaker B: She's the behind the scenes person that makes it all flow.
[00:44:12] Speaker F: So.
[00:44:12] Speaker A: And plus, she's organizing everything. Well, that's what I mean. I throw the. I throw the program at her. And she says, huh? She ran out the car this morning. She said, oh, some changes.
I said, I don't.
[00:44:26] Speaker K: You.
[00:44:26] Speaker A: You got it.
[00:44:27] Speaker B: You did.
[00:44:28] Speaker K: I had my right, left, right, left all worked out last night.
[00:44:31] Speaker H: So this.
[00:44:31] Speaker K: It was left, left.
It all worked out.
[00:44:36] Speaker B: So just in case those at home are wondering how it Happens. Well, how happy is how it happens.
[00:44:41] Speaker K: I'll just have to tell you, you're on your own next month.
[00:44:44] Speaker B: Oh, no.
[00:44:44] Speaker A: It's gonna be like cats.
[00:44:47] Speaker K: It's going to be awful. It'll be interesting.
[00:44:49] Speaker A: Good luck next month. Okay?
[00:44:51] Speaker K: Y' all will do fine.
Well, at the library, we have started our story times back. And because we had a summer of summer reading and things like that. So we are getting back into the groove again. So our next story time will be September 25th at 10 o'.
[00:45:05] Speaker A: Clock.
[00:45:05] Speaker K: And it's for the preschool children. And. And then of course, we'll be in the Boo Bash in October since we won't be here next month. And then Christmas on the square. So lots of things coming up and we're getting. We always get ready for that. Then we do the Head Start open house and then we do the senior health fair over at the doctor's building. So we, you know, we're participating in a lot of different things. So I have boxes sitting around with. I already start putting my things in the boxes for the different events. So. So all that stuff.
[00:45:33] Speaker B: Our head librarian is very organized. Our director of library services is very organized.
[00:45:38] Speaker K: Sometimes. Sometimes I want to.
[00:45:39] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:45:41] Speaker K: But all the services that we offer at the library, and I don't know if people realized, but we have about 10,000 registered patrons. We have about 21,000 people in the county. So about half the county is registered.
[00:45:51] Speaker B: What a good number.
[00:45:52] Speaker A: That is great.
[00:45:53] Speaker K: We have about 17,000. Over 17,000 visitors who borrowed 41,000 books this last year.
[00:45:59] Speaker H: Wow.
[00:45:59] Speaker K: We had 24 programs with 2,500 people attending. Those. We have, of course, we have magazines, we have DVDs, audio books, books.
We have the Smithful Review back in the studio.
[00:46:10] Speaker B: Now, when I use my digital reads, does that count toward the campus? Oh, good.
[00:46:15] Speaker K: We have about 1500 downloads a month. People downloading. There's some changes coming to Reeds, so if you have some issues, they're gonna have to have a PIN number, I think, as well as your library card number. So that's some transition coming in October. So we're probably gonna get a lot of phone calls.
[00:46:30] Speaker B: Yep.
[00:46:31] Speaker K: So, yeah, so if you get on there, you can't get on your reads, then call us and we'll. We'll try to. Wendy will do all that.
[00:46:39] Speaker A: Please ask for Wendy.
Do not say is Coco that.
[00:46:42] Speaker K: Do not ask for me.
But that's coming. But you know, that'll be in October. I think some changes coming. It has to be changed over. But we do have computer, Internet Access. We had 3,651 computer users last year.
We have the AWE early literacy computers. That's for ages 2 to 8.
We have English and Spanish. We have 85 educational programs and titles on that that is not hooked up to the Internet. So children can get on that and just. It's just safe. Oh yeah, they just educational programs on there. It's beautiful. Graphics kids love that. I've seen adults over there playing on it. So yeah.
And we have about 7,700 wireless sessions each year. We have a wonderful genealogy department with history. And that's all because of Mr. Tommy Webb and some other Earl France and Jorine Parsley and different people.
We have black. We do black and white copies, faxes, enter library loans. If we don't have a book there, we can borrow it maybe from another library.
We have voter registration forms. We have, in fact, I just ordered the tax forms. We're the only place in the county that carries the tax forms. We do notary public and we also do scanning to email.
And then of course all the programs. We have Older Americans Day summer reading. We do have book signings for local authors.
So a lot of things going. A lot of things going on at the library.
[00:47:59] Speaker B: It's not just about the books, although it is fun to have the books.
[00:48:02] Speaker K: I do the Imagination Library also. I do the database for that. I do not do donations at the library. So if you have a donation for the Imagination Library, you would go to the county mayor's office because they handle that part of it. And we just hand putting the children in and out of the databases.
[00:48:19] Speaker B: But it is important to note that if you sign up and then you
[00:48:23] Speaker K: move, let me know.
[00:48:25] Speaker B: You gotta contact the library because if
[00:48:27] Speaker K: not the books at the post office, they cannot keep the books. And I don't get the books and I know they're not receiving unless. Unless it comes on Imagination Library. That child has moved. And they give me an alternative address and then I can change it to that. But sometimes they move and they don't leave a forwarding address. And so those children do not get their books. So please, if you move, contact me so I can change their address in there.
[00:48:48] Speaker A: And speaking of Imagination Library, oh my goodness, we're all heartbroken over losing our sweet Dolly.
[00:48:53] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:48:53] Speaker A: And I have a cutout of Dolly and she's got it signed. It's signed by Dolly.
[00:48:57] Speaker B: So you got to come by the camera.
[00:48:58] Speaker A: We came in to bring it. Jim would have reminded me. I would have brought her this morning
[00:49:03] Speaker B: so she could have been with us.
[00:49:05] Speaker A: Oh, my goodness. But we're so grateful for all she did for the. The state of Tennessee and really for everywhere she went, everywhere. Positive influence.
[00:49:13] Speaker K: She was always giving back. I mean, she was, you know, like some people, they. She just saw a need she didn't want anybody to be without.
[00:49:21] Speaker H: Right.
[00:49:21] Speaker A: And always so positive and not negative comments.
[00:49:24] Speaker B: One of the things that I love, I mean, nobody is happy about her passing, but one of the things that is so endearing and that I love is that so many people have these stories about their own exchange with Dolly and there are connections throughout. I mean, I think we should change that. Seven separations to Kevin Bacon to Dolly Parton. Because in Tennessee, she has.
She has touched everyone in so many ways.
[00:49:56] Speaker A: Yeah, well, that's true. So anyway, before I start tearing up.
Well, thank you, Kathy.
[00:50:03] Speaker B: Anything else for the library?
[00:50:05] Speaker K: I think we're good with it. Of course, our book sale is ongoing, so, you know, we keep books for sale all the time. So just come by.
[00:50:10] Speaker A: My husband's banned me from getting any more books.
It's like I have to sneak and buy them now. I mean, I've got. I don't even know how many books.
[00:50:17] Speaker K: Just hide them in the closet.
[00:50:18] Speaker A: Yeah, they're everywhere.
[00:50:19] Speaker F: Oh, yeah.
[00:50:19] Speaker K: Under the bed.
[00:50:20] Speaker B: And here to talk about the fabulous outdoors at Edgar Evans State park is Ranger Lee. Thank you so much for being here.
[00:50:28] Speaker L: Pleasure to be here.
[00:50:29] Speaker B: And we know that as the weather starts to turn and the leaves are turning and maybe we'll get a reprieve from this heat, it'll be great to be outdoors. What's going on at the state park?
[00:50:42] Speaker L: Well, of course, we've got a busy weekend coming up just like everybody else.
So we'll have several different programs. We have our seasonal interpretive ranger. He'll be doing some craft programs, I think a hotel or two. And then we'll be doing our boat rides as well for our sunset cruises on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
And then we are kind of gearing up and planning for what seems like a slow day in the county.
Saturday, September 26th. Yeah, doesn't seem like much is going on that day.
[00:51:14] Speaker B: It's the perfect day to have an
[00:51:16] Speaker L: event, you know, so we will have our event. It'll be a combination of the history hay ride and the chili cook off.
So we're gonna have a few teams that I know for sure they're gonna be coming to compete for the title of the best chili. And then.
And I think that'll start at 11:30 and then at 1:00 clock we have our first history hayride now. We used to do a lot of these and then 19 was last year. Covid kinda quieted everything down and so we're trying to get it restarted again.
So we'll have eight loads going out. They'll be at 1, 132, 230 and so on up to the last loads at 4:30. And you can find all that information on our website at 10.
Edgar Evans State Park's website under happenings. We've got a new website so I try to remember.
[00:52:13] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:52:15] Speaker L: And then also the day after that on 27th is National Public's Land Day.
And so for that we are working on one of the trails and we're putting up signage. So we've got a volunteer opportunity for people to come out and help help us accomplish that.
And that'll be on Saturday the 27th.
It's going to be more in the morning time, but I forgot the time to be honest. But it is on our website and you go underneath volunteer volunteer opportunities and it'll be listed there.
[00:52:47] Speaker B: That's awesome. So I get the question all the time from the Tennessee Promise Tennessee achieves of those volunteer hours that high school students are required to do is is this a good place to direct someone on that day?
[00:53:02] Speaker L: State parks is great to come and get those hours.
[00:53:06] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:53:07] Speaker J: Great.
[00:53:08] Speaker A: That's awesome.
[00:53:08] Speaker B: And also since we're talking about books and dolly, what about the Storybook trail?
[00:53:15] Speaker L: We are looking at trying to do a new book for next year which will be the first Saturday in June. I always try to make sure it's June and not July, but it is June.
[00:53:27] Speaker B: So this may be your last time to be able to walk through and see the Storybook Storybook that's there right now. This one is going to start plan. The plans are in.
[00:53:37] Speaker L: Planes are in gear. We'll keep our fingers crossed and hopefully everything.
[00:53:40] Speaker B: But that's also a great, a great trail.
You read one page and then you hike a little and then you read another page if you haven't done it. It's a great event to do with little.
[00:53:50] Speaker A: How long is that trail?
[00:53:51] Speaker L: It is a half mile long trail and it is right there by the interpretive center where our aviary is at right now. We do have two barn owls that are in the aviary and everybody always asks, are there birds in here? And I like they're in there.
[00:54:04] Speaker B: Yes indeed.
Houdini the turtle is still there.
[00:54:07] Speaker L: He's still in there.
[00:54:08] Speaker A: Love it.
[00:54:09] Speaker B: So lots of things to do at the state park.
[00:54:13] Speaker L: Plenty of hiking to do on the trails. Now, we do have one trail that's currently closed due to storm damage, and that is the Merritt Ridge Trail.
Hopefully, within the next couple weeks, we'll have all the chainsaw work done and have it back open.
[00:54:29] Speaker A: And hopefully we won't have any more storms like that. That was rough.
[00:54:32] Speaker B: That was a crazy one.
[00:54:32] Speaker L: That was a crazy storm indeed.
[00:54:34] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:54:36] Speaker L: One other thing I'll say is if you're looking for a place to cool off right now with the heat wave that we're having in the next two weeks, come down to the lake and jump in.
[00:54:45] Speaker B: Oh, that's great. That's right. Very refreshing.
[00:54:50] Speaker A: Now, talk about refreshing. Jen, one quick thing. We're almost out of time, but we are recording recruiting for leadership DEKALB Class of 2027.
[00:54:58] Speaker G: Yeah.
[00:54:59] Speaker A: And all you got to do is go on the the chamber Pay web page, www.dekalbtn.org, click on Leadership.
[00:55:08] Speaker B: Leadership DeKalb is right there.
So Leadership DeKalb is for anyone who lives or works in DeKalb County. And it is intended to bring emerging all ages, all walks of life. Whoever you are, if you want to contribute to the success and future of DeKalb county, this is the program for you. It runs from September to May, once a month. We do have a graduation. We do have a class project.
And it is an opportunity, if you're new to the community, to really dig in and get an opportunity to, to meet our current leaders and make, make friends and connections. But just as Randy said, there are opportunities for all of us. So if you, even if you lived here every year. Every year.
So it's a, it's about success stories and trying to do what's best for DeKalb County.
[00:56:08] Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. And before we get into there, a little finish up, I want to say congratulations to all our new elected officials. And I got.
[00:56:16] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh, your own Beth Chandler, mayor of Smithville. I mean, actually, we're. It was, I will say it was a rough election season.
[00:56:29] Speaker A: It was.
[00:56:29] Speaker B: It's hard for a community to hear some of the things. But I have been so, so excited to see how both Beth and Mayor Ray have approached how they're going to take leadership and that I feel this is a time for us to really come together and be thinking about solutions, not just complaining.
[00:56:57] Speaker A: Yes. Let's work together, figure out it's a tactical problem.
[00:57:01] Speaker B: I have great faith.
[00:57:02] Speaker A: Take the problem, not each other.
[00:57:03] Speaker B: I have great fish. Faith in all the folks who have been elected.
[00:57:05] Speaker K: All things are possible.
[00:57:06] Speaker A: Well, Nick's gonna give me the I here if I don't get going.
[00:57:09] Speaker B: I know.
[00:57:09] Speaker A: So the Chamber was gonna promote your news or special events called.
[00:57:13] Speaker B: Pretty sure that was the I.
[00:57:14] Speaker A: That was i615-597-4163 or email me at directoracalbcountychamber.org or tag me on Facebook. I'll be glad to help you spread the word.
[00:57:25] Speaker B: And thank you to all our fabulous guests this morning. We are so grateful for WJLE Radio and DTC TV for sponsoring this crazy little thing we call Chamber Chat every month.
[00:57:37] Speaker A: Chamber Chat.
[00:57:38] Speaker L: Love.
[00:57:39] Speaker K: You can watch chamber chat on DTC3 as well as their website. Just go to DTC3TV and click on Chamber shows to view the program anytime you want.
[00:57:48] Speaker A: Oh, you did good on that.
[00:57:50] Speaker L: We appreciate all our listening and viewing audience and hope you're hope you tune in next month.
[00:57:56] Speaker B: Month same chat time, same chat channel.
[00:57:59] Speaker A: Thanks for joining us and happy almost fall y' all.
