McMinnville held their Historical Society Awards in May
Guest speaker was our wonderful friend,
Lee Curtis, Special Projects Director with the State of TN Dept. of Tourist Development.
Sparta - White County Leadership Class Members got a crash course in Tennessee State Government when they traveled to Nashville for State Government Day.
We sat in on several committee meetings, listened to a representative from the Fiscal Review committee, learned about lobbying and how it works from a respected lobbyist, visited with State Representative Charles Curtiss and Senator Charlotte Burk, and toured the State Capitol.
It was a packed day and while walking across Legislative Plaza, came upon Gov. Bill Haslam and he graciously asked to have his picture made with us.
The Leadership White County Program is administered through the Sparta - White County Chamber of Commerce, and classes begin in January and go through July, with graduation in August. For more information about this or any other Chamber program, please call 931-836-3552
Tour the Sparta - White County Quilts on Barns Trail. Download the map guide, or visit the Chamber office for a copy. New information updated as available.
Stitching the world together, one block at a time.
Northfield Elementary School in Sparta Tennessee has designed and constructed a garden at the school. The dedication service was held on last week and I created a video with some of the pictures and video. Their song at 3 minutes is very cute.
Exciting news for Sparta and White County health care.
Several changes have been taking place at the hospital in Sparta over the past few years. Some of the wonderful local doctors purchased part of the hospital, Capella Healthcare has improved the quality of services provided and now the hospital has . . .
finalized the partnership with St. Thomas Health.
Highlands Medical Center, formerly known as White County Community Hospital, is entering a new phase of healthcare -
"This is a landmark partnership for us and the communities we serve," said Mike Schatzlein, M.D. Saint Thomas Health president and CEO.
According to the official announcements made on May 1, 2012, Capella hospitals included in this joint venture are River Park Hospital in McMinnville, White County Community Hospital in Sparta, DeKalb Community Hospital in Smithville and Stones River Hospital in Woodbury. These hospitals will operate as part of the St. Thomas Health Network.
The changes will be soon evident and on May 1, 2012, not only did White County Community Hospital become Highlands Medical Center, renovations were launched with more than a $1 million investment that will focus on interior and exterior improvements - all with the goal of improving patient care.
Additionally the partnership will include: A new standard of Quality and Service Enhanced Cardiac Care; A new investment in expanded cardiac service lines at all four hospitals, development of a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, as well as dedicated cardiologist coverage.
When we had an opportunity, on a day Noah was out of school, we took a field trip for a fun history lesson. He and I spent some time touring the Tennessee Capitol Building in Nashville, walking around downtown Nashville, and checking out things at the Tennessee State Museum.
We saw so many wonderful things, historic and special - the historic Capitol Building, with original chandeliers - legends about marble staircases, but the most interesting (from Noah's point of view anyway) is the fact that . . . their are people buried in the walls!!!! Too cool!
All I can hope is that my constant stream of information (he kept on telling me I was talking and talking, like he was not going to listen) found some place to hide in that quick brain of his just waiting for the right time to make an impact. Of course I bought a book and some other history trivia cards and games that we will need to play. Sounds like fun to me - I will probably have to bribe him. Oh well.
There was a light drizzle going on that day, but it wasn't too cool and we had a great day.
Happy Birthday Mary Elizabeth Patrick Smith - my precious big sister!
Today is January 13th
Thirteen is my lucky number, and my sister's . . . and my other sister's . . . and on some days my mother's . . . and although he would question it . . . I think my brother is pretty lucky on the 13th. At least on the 13th day of January, July and August. You see, all three of his sisters were born on the 13th of the month (January, July and August). Of course it is his lucky number, three SISTERS, all older than him, all born on the 13th! Please wish my sister a Happy Birthday today and read the story of 13 below.
I am enjoying my days off this week so very much. During the summer, I had a vacation scheduled and life happened, so instead I was off one day.
So here it is, the week before Christmas and I have never taken off at this time before - however, I worked Monday and have been off now three days.
All I can say is wonderful! I had no idea how great it would be to take off a few days the week before Christmas. It has rained and I don't care, because I have several projects I have been wanting to accomplish around the house. I am feeling a huge sense of accomplishment right now.
Not only that, all of the Christmas presents are wrapped.
The kitchen is clean, clean
And my sewing / quilting room is nearly finished.
Watch out fabrics, here I come with my rotary cutter.
MeRRY ChriSTmaS Simply Southern Quilts and Gifts on Liberty Square in Sparta had a little December Show and Tell last Friday . . . here are a few of the items these talented ladies shared with us.
If you have always wanted to learn to quilt, call Cheryl. If you enjoy quilting, and are looking for great fabrics, call Cheryl. Have a technique you want to learn how to do? Call Cheryl. You have a quilt top you started, now what? Call Cheryl.
I don't know what you did last night, but if you missed the Chamber Holiday After Hours at the Bank of White County . . . you missed a great party!
Thanks to all those who donated door prizes, those great Sergio fellas with Calfkiller Brewing Company and of course, the crew at the Bank of White County.
We had a wonderful time
The food was fabulous, and absolutely beautiful - and a chocolate fountain. yum yum yum
And spending time with friends, well - it doesn't get any better.
A beautiful day for a parade. Traditionally held the second Saturday in December, the Sparta Rotary Christmas Parade was held Dec. 10, 2011, with approximately 100 entries. Classic Automobiles, Horses, Tractors, Custom Autos, Floats and Firetrucks (and more) traveled across town tossing candy to the hundreds of spectators who lined the streets from WCHS to Liberty Square. Many children then shared their wish lists with Santa at the White County Courthouse.
O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree . . . how lovely
2011 Gracemoor Trees of Christmas and Chamber Open House was a great success. Thanks so much to US Bank, Susan Kirby and Randy Carlile [and the rest of the crew] The food was wonderful, the company incredible, the evening was spectacular.
Roy Whited did a great job again with the Tree and Wreath Auction. A great big thank you goes to all those who decorated and donated trees and wreaths to sell, and to those who brought their checkbooks and bought them.
