EXIT 196

By Betsy Thorpe

Thanksgiving Day Dinner Volunteers, Nashville Rescue Mission, November 26, 2009


Dozens of travelers leave I-40 at Exit 196 everyday, some to visit friends and family, others for fuel, refreshment or lodging. They all have a story to tell and we are here to share a tale or two that we heard at Exit 196.

Thursday evening after volunteering at Nashville Rescue Mission several family groups who lived near Exit 196 stopped by to talk about how they spent Thanksgiving Day. One community member who was unable to volunteer her time shared how after making a donation to help purchase food for the holiday dinner , she received a phone call from a resident of the shelter, personally thanking her for the donation.

In 1953, Dr. Charles Fuller led a revival in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. As he walked from his hotel to the Ryman, he passed numerous homeless men. Some asked him for money, all touched his heart. Seeing the state of homelessness moved Fuller in such a way he incorporated it into his sermon. By the end of his visit, the radio preacher from California was given a love offering for his service, which he then returned to the people of Nashville to care for the city's homeless and hurting.

Thus in 1954, with the signatures of eleven hundred Nashvillians supporting it, the Nashville Union Mission, now known as the Nashville Rescue Mission, opened its doors to serve Middle Tennessee's hurting and homeless men, warm beds, hot meals and Christian guidance. Since the beginning, they have desired to provide not only meals and beds, but also support and long-term treatment for men and women with addictions and other debilitating problems.

In 1967, a Ladies Auxiliary began to work with the Men's Ministry and in 1968, through various fundraisers, a women's division opened on the second floor of the Men's Mission. Seeking space for the children to play and privacy for the women, the Women's Mission later moved to a separate location.

Today, the Men's Mission is located at the corner of 7th Avenue and Lafayette Street in the old Sears building and the Women's Mission, which includes the Hope Center and the Family Life Center, on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard.

All of the Mission's services are free of charge, and being a faith-based organization, their ministries subsist without relying on any governmental funding. As a result, the Nashville Rescue Mission operates almost entirely from donated foods, materials and the generous contributions from individual donors.

At Exit 196 we are very proud that so many families in our community,leading bountiful lives, expressed their gratitude by working to serve others who have not been so fortunate this year. Thanks to their work and the financial support offered by others the Nashville Rescue Mission provided more than eight thousand Thanksgiving day dinners to families and individuals in need.

Disbanded Bellevue Rotary District Donates Funds To Several Local Charities And Community Organizations

Former Bellevue Rotary President, Lisa Cumming With Jay Richiuso, Archivist, At Tennessee State Library And Archives, April 2009


At a meeting on June 30, Bellevue's Rotary Club voted to disband their local district chapter. This fall, under the leadership of President In Exile Arthur McKew the club distributed their funds to several local charities and community outreaches. Dividing more than six thousand dollars among organizations such as Faith Family Medical, The Bellevue Food Bank, Saint Lukes Community House, The Bellevue Public Library, The Homework Hotline, Fifty Forward and the Bellevue Community Center, the good works of the now defunct local Rotary Club, will continue to benefit their city and their community.

The world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on 23 February 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to capture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The Rotary name derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices. In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics adopted by the Rotary eleven years later. The test, which has been translated into more than one hundred languages, asks the following questions: Is it the Truth?, Is it Fair to all concerned?, Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?, Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?, questions that remain central to all Rotarians. Today, more than one million Rotarians belong to over thirty two thousand Rotary clubs in more than two hundred countries and geographical areas. Internationally the Rotary has raised over eight hundred million dollars to help eradicate Polio world wide. Internationally, Rotary Districts also work to provide thousands of graduate (masters degrees) scholarships to students to attend school in a country other the their own.

Rotarians are business and professional leaders who take an active role in their communities. A Rotary club contains a diverse group of professional leaders from the community that the club serves. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the local Rotary District should contact the Green Hills Rotary Club, they meet on Friday Mornings for Breakfast at 7:00 am at the historic Elliston Place Soda Shop, located in Nashville at 2111 Elliston Place.

ACT! West Nashville Leader Daniel Barnes To Address Bellevue Repbulican Breakfast Club

By Betsy Thorpe

On Saturday December 5th Daniel Barnes, local leader of ACT! West Nashville, will address the Bellevue Republican Breakfast Club during their monthly meeting. ACT! is a national organization that was founded to educate Americans on political Islam. Mr. Barnes presentation will include an outline on the challenges our society faces in understanding political Islam.

The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 8 am in the private dining room of Shoney's Restaurant on Highway 70S. Decembers's meeting will mark the Bellevue Repbulican Breakfast Club's tenth anniversary of meeting at this location.

It's 'DEJA VINCE' All Over Again!

By Chris Lambos



For many armchair General Managers, Matt Leinert was THE PICK in the 2006 NFL Draft. But for one reality NFL team owner, Vince Young was 'Numero Uno' (which spells 'Number One' in an Italian Dictionary and 'DA MAN' on Bud Adam's 2006 Draft Cheat Sheet).

I don't have to tell you what the initials VY mean to USC Trojan faithful, but that same sentiment is now shared by Arizona Cardinal fans and players. Those feelings are not felt any stronger than by Cardinal backup signal caller Matt Leinert.

The last time Leinert played against Vince Young was on January 4, 2006 in the BCS Champinship Game in the Rose Bowl. To recap what happened that evening, USC was leading 38-26 with 6:42 left in the 4th Qtr. Vince Young put together an 8-play 69 yard drive which the last 17 yards being a Vince Young rushing TD at the 4:03 mark. The Longhorn defense held the Trojans and Vince got another shot of winning the game trailing 38-33. After 9 plays and seconds on the clock, the Longhorns were looking at 4th down and goal (8 yards to the goal line). Vince pump fakes left and runs to the right, crossing the goal line with 19 seconds left on the clock. He also ran in the 2-point conversion, beating the Trojans 41-38.

Fast forward to November 29, 2009. The Titans host the Arizona Cardinals at LP Field and like 2006, VY must deliver nothing short of a miracle. With 2:37 left in the game and trailing 17-13, the Titans find themselves backed up to their own 1-yard line. Young takes the offense 99 yards in 18-plays. With the Titans ooking at 4th and 10 from the Cardinals 10 yard line, Young finds rookie Kenny Britt in the end zone with 6 seconds remaining. Britt holds on to the jump ball as he's hit by two Cardinals and the Titans win 20-17. Young completed 27 of 43 passes for 387 yards. That's no typo, Titan fans!!! His 387 yard performance - marks a career best. Just as surprising, he only rushed for 8 yards and was sacked 4 times (no typo there either).

Chris Johnson continues his journey to a 2000 yard rushing season adding 154 yards on 18 carries to his totals. Johnson's highlight reel contribution was a 55 yard TD score. Britt pulled down 7 catches for 128 yards and a TD to lead all Titan receivers.

VY Note: Vince Young spread the ball around, passing to 8 different players.

This Titan game was one of the best I've witnessed - second only to the Music City Miracle game with Buffalo. I've been very critical of Vince Young for a few years now but I must be totally honest: He is a totally different player. His maturity level has risen. His patience in the pocket is remarkable. His decision making....his passing accuracy...his entire game has improved by miraculous proportions. One must wonder if the loss of Steve McNair has affected Young in a positive way, or perhaps he is reaping the benefits of studying Kerry Collins and the game in general while spending one 'humbling' year on the bench. No matter which theory you ascribe to, Vince Young is back and better than ever! Enjoy!

Nashville Symphony Rings in Holiday Season

Chorus Director George Mabry will lead the Nashville Symphony and Chorus during this year’s presentation of Messiah

The Nashville Symphony will celebrate the holiday season with a trio of seasonal offerings. They include a holiday sing-along special, “Home for the Holidays,” on Thursday, December 10; Handel’s beloved Messiah, led by Nashville Symphony Chorus Director George Mabry, on December 17, 18 and 19; and the sold-out Ann & Monroe Carell Family Trust Pied Piper children’s concert, “Happy Holidays! A Winter Wonderland,” on December 19. All events take place in Laura Turner Concert Hall at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Thursday, December 10

Resident Conductor Albert-George Schram, the Nashville Symphony and Chorus and the Blair Children’s Chorus will usher in the holidays with this first-ever special featuring seasonal favorites. The program offerings range from traditional carols and a medley of Santa Claus tunes to festive international selections including “Brazilian Sleigh Bells.” Audience members will be encouraged to sing along.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH: Thursday, December 17, Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 19

For decades the sypmphonoy's presentation of Handel’s Messiah has been an anticipated Nashville tradition. No holiday season at the Schermerhorn would be complete without a performance of this beloved oratorio. Chorus Director George Mabry returns to lead this year’s concerts featuring the Nashville Symphony and Chorus.

The Ann & Monroe Carell Family Trust Pied Piper Series presents “Happy Holidays! A Winter Wonderland”: Saturday, December 19

A lively mix of holiday selections, including music from The Polar Express and The Night Before Christmas, are on tap for the Nashville Symphony’s family holiday concert, “Happy Holidays! A Winter Wonderland.” Demetria Kalodimos of WSMV,Channel 4 will serve as guest narrator, and Assistant Conductor Kelly Corcoran will lead the orchestra in what promises to be a fun-filled celebration of the holiday season.

Beginning one hour prior to each of the three concerts, the Schermerhorn lobbies will be filled with a festive mix of handbell performers, Fannie Battle carolers and various student instrumentalists.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Symphony Center Box Office at 615.687.6400, or by going online to NashvilleSymphony.org.

Weekly Address By President Barack Obama, Novemeber 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Given the holiday the President's weekly address was released on Thanksgiving Day. In this video, President Obama calls to our attention the men and women in uniform who are away from home sacrificing time with family to protect our safety and freedom. He also talks about the progress of health care reform, the Recovery Act, and job creation to ensure that next Thanksgiving will be a brighter day.



Weekly Address: President Obama Delivers Thanksgiving Greeting

In the midst of these challenging times for our nation, President Barack Obama used his weekly address to express gratitude to America’s military men and women and their families, and give thanks for our nation’s many blessings. He also discussed the steps his administration is taking to repair the damaged economy, so that next Thanksgiving, Americans across the country can give thanks for a brighter and stronger economy.


Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Thursday, November 26, 2009

For centuries, in peace and in war, in prosperity and in adversity, Americans have paused at this time of year to gather with loved ones and give thanks for life’s blessings. This week, we carry on this distinctly American tradition. All across our country, folks are coming together to spend time with family, to catch up with old friends, to cook and enjoy a big dinner – and maybe to watch a little football in between.

As always, we give thanks for the kindness of loved ones, for the joys of the previous year, and for the pride we feel in our communities and country. We keep in our thoughts and prayers the many families marking this Thanksgiving with an empty seat – saved for a son or daughter, or husband or wife, stationed in harm’s way. And we say a special thanks for the sacrifices those men and women in uniform are making for our safety and freedom, and for all those Americans who enrich the lives of our communities through acts of kindness, generosity and service.

But as much as we all have to be thankful for, we also know that this year millions of Americans are facing very difficult economic times. Many have lost jobs in this recession – the worst in generations. Many more are struggling to afford health care premiums and house payments, let alone to save for an education or retirement. Too many are wondering if the dream of a middle class life – that American Dream – is slipping away. It’s the worry I hear from folks across the country; good, hard-working people doing the best they can for their families – but fearing that their best just isn’t good enough. These are not strangers. They are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Their struggles must be our concern.

That’s why we passed the Recovery Act that cut taxes for 95 percent of working people and for small businesses – and that extended unemployment benefits and health coverage for millions of Americans who lost their jobs in this turmoil. That’s why we are reforming the health care system so that middle-class families have affordable insurance that cannot be denied because of a pre-existing condition or taken away because you happen to get sick. We’ve worked to stem the tide of foreclosures and to stop the decline in home values. We’re making it easier to save for retirement and more affordable to send a son or daughter to college.

The investments we have made and tough steps we have taken have helped break the back of the recession, and now our economy is finally growing again. But as I said when I took office, job recovery from this crisis would not come easily or quickly. Though the job losses we were experiencing earlier this year have slowed dramatically, we’re still not creating enough new jobs each month to make up for the ones we’re losing. And no matter what the economists say, for families and communities across the country, this recession will not end until we completely turn that tide.

So we’ve made progress. But we cannot rest – and my administration will not rest – until we have revived this economy and rebuilt it stronger than before; until we are creating jobs and opportunities for middle class families; until we have moved beyond the cycles of boom and bust – of reckless risk and speculation – that led us to so much crisis and pain these past few years.

Next week, I’ll be meeting with owners of large and small businesses, labor leaders, and non-for-profits from across the country, to talk about the additional steps we can take to help spur job creation. I will work with the Congress to enact them quickly. And it is my fervent hope – and my heartfelt expectation – that next Thanksgiving we will be able to celebrate the fact that many of those who have lost their jobs are back at work, and that as a nation we will have come through these difficult storms stronger and wiser and grateful to have reached a brighter day.

Thank you, God bless you, and from my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Christmas Tree Arrives At The White House

Yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama was presented with the Official White House Christmas Tree, which this year comes from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Following a long held tradition the 18 ½ ft Douglas-fir was delivered to the White House's North Portico by a horse drawn carriage. The tree will be on display in the Blue Room throughout the holiday season.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

Titans Fans 'Grateful' for 4-Game Win Streak

By Chris Lambos


Titan's Coach Jeff Fisher In Housten, November 23, 2009


After watching the Titans beat division rival Houston 20-17 on Monday Night Football (and taking into consideration the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday), I decided to make a list of 5 things I am most thankful for.

1. The Second Coming of Vince Young: We all knew Vince Young could run the ball in Austin, but some of us were skeptical as to whether VY could pass the ball in Nashville. Once in Titan Town, the 6' 5" scrambler was making plenty of headlines with his feet, earning the NFL's 2006 Rookie of the Year Award. But as time passed, his passing game (or the lack thereof) was making more headlines. After last year's first Jacksonville game, Vince was benched in favor of a more seasoned passer, 12-year veteran Kerry Collins.

Notwithstanding his maturity level, I really thought Vince Young was finished - surely as an NFL 'starting' quarterback. But sporting a 0-6 record, Titans owner Bud Adams told Coach Jeff Fisher that he wanted Vince Young making the calls. Fisher did not think Young gave the Titans the best chance of winning - many agreed. But most of those who sided with Coach on that argument (including yours truly) also felt VY would be a much needed breath of fresh air.

After 4 games, Vince is undefeated. His stats are more than respectable, completing 56 of 84 passes for 585 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. He has been sacked just once and has run 33 times for 146 yards and another TD. His performance Monday Night (12 of 22 for 116 1TD 0 Int. and 73 rushing yards on 11 carries and 1 TD) was his worst game statistically through the air, but as Mike Heimerdinger retools the offense for a more option-oriented attack, expect lower passing #s and higher rushing yardage. Having a 2006 Vince back makes me grateful in 2009.

2. RB Chris Johnson: The 4.2-speed dasher from East Carolina leads the NFL in rushing in his 2nd season in the league. He has compiled 1242 yards in only 10 games. In comparison to 2008, he rushed for 1228 yards in 15 games. With the return of Vince Young, defenses have 2 major ground gainers to contain vs. 1 a year ago. This is somewhat reminiscent of the NcNair/George threat a few years back but with more speed and agility. Chris Johnson is on his way to the running back's holy grail - the 2000 yard season. He has proven to be one of the best draft picks in recent memory, to which all Titans fans are grateful.

3. The 'D': I have been critical of the defensive unit since pre-season. From blotched assignments, poor tackling and extinct blitzing packages to a defensive coordinator's questionable game philosophy, The D has been under scrutiny. It started with the departure of Albert Haynesworth and trickled down from there. Add a rookie defensive coordinator who thinks 'Blitz' is one of Santa's reindeer, and you have all the makings of an 0-6 NFL start. But let's give these guys credit. They had some key injuries in the defensive backfield which led to many of problem (see Week 6 Stats vs. New England). Though Haynesworth left a big void in the defensive line, a few players have stepped up including Williams Hayes, who leads all linemen in tackles. The guys seem to be in-sync. Even Chuck Cecil is running more blitzes. My favorite defensive play in Week 11 was when Vince Fuller came into the game to replace Michael Griffin for a few plays, We were expecting the Houston QB Shaub to pass the ball Fuller's way - but that's hard to do when Fuller is blitzing (who happened to sack Shaub for a loss on that play). It's for calls like that make me very grateful!

4. Rob Bironas: He's making big kicks again. It was his game winning kick that put the Titans over the top with seconds left to defeat the Houston Texans in Houston. Ironically, Houston was the site where Bironas broke the NFL record for most FGs in a game (and kicked the game-winning FG as well). What is it about the city of Houston that brings out the best in Bironas? I'm not sure, but whatever it is, this Titan fan extremely grateful!

5. Bud Adams: Though Mr. Adams owns the team, he still shares the same appreciation of the game as fans do....he's looking for 'entertainment value' just like you and me. But after the New England massacre, Bud called 'timeout'. He wasn't being entertained anymore. Vince Young entertains. The rest is history.

I won't blame Coach Fisher for wanting to stick with Collins, but I will applaud Bud Adams for appreciating the term 'change-of-pace', and to this I am MOST grateful!

First Macy Parade, November 27, 1924

Modeled after European holiday traditions Macy's first parade was held on November 27th 1924. Walking in the parade were costumed Macy employees, many of them first generation immigrants who wanted to include Old Country traditions into their New World Thanksgiving celebration. Live bands, floats and live animals accompanied the stores employees as they marched from New York City's 145 Street to 34th Street.

Held on Thanksgiving Day, the first parade was called "Macy's Christmas Parade", in 1925 it was renamed "the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a name it still holds.

EXIT 195

By Betsy Thorpe




The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth By Jennie A. Brownscombe



Dozens of travelers leave I-40 at Exit 196 everyday, some to visit friends and family, others for fuel, refreshment or lodging. They all have a story to tell and we are here to share a tale or two that we heard at Exit 196.

All week happy holiday travelers, making their way across the country to share a day of national Thanksgiving with loved ones, stopped by Exit 196.

In 1621, following a difficult year the Plymouth Colonists celebrated the first American Thanksgiving. Setting aside a day to commemorate the bountiful fall harvest, the Colonists invited their native neighbors, members of the local Wampanog tribe, to attend the festivities. That first Thanksgiving gathering was celebrated as a traditional English harvest feast.

On October 3, 1789, in New York City, President George Washington issued the following proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me `to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation, or the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
George Washington

In 1941 the United States Congress passed a joint resolution decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall every year on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains.

As our various visitors expressed their excitement in the upcoming national Day Of Thanks we shared how thankful we are to be part of this community. At Exit 196 we give thanks for all the good things we witness everyday. We are thankful for the West Side Police Department, they expertly protect us when we are in danger. We are thankful for the ministry outreaches provided by our community's churches, where congregations such as the Bellevue Church Of Christ work with city wide organizations like" Room At The Inn" to help care for Nashville's homeless population and others who are in need. We are thankful for the young men and women form our area who answered our country's call to duty. We pray for their safety . We are thankful and proud that so many military veterans choose to live in our community. We are thankful that we can enjoy nature at its finest by visiting the beautifully preserved Warner Nature Parks. We are grateful to the numerous civic groups that work so hard to better our community, and we are especially thankful for all of our friends and neighbors who visit us everyday and who help make the area surrounding Exit 196 a wonderful place to call home. We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and hope everyone will enjoy this special day and take time to give thanks for the good things we are blessed to partake in everyday.

Saint Lukes Community House Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

By Betsy Thorpe



Members Of West Nashvlle's Fire Department Share A Thnksgiving Dinner With Neighbors At Saint Lukes Community House


On Saturday November 21st, Saint Lukes Community House hosted their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteers from Saint George Episcopal Church observed more than three hundred dinners to members of West Nashville's community. The event also included a health fair, petting zoo and numerous children's activities.

Saint Lukes Community House, located at 5801 New York Avenue serves West Nashville by helping low income working families, seniors and individuals achieve their potential. They strive to prevent problems that threaten the stability of families and the local community. They offer Meals on Wheels to seniors and are a Second Harvest Food Bank distribution center. They also offer programs that enrich the lives of young people by instilling the importance of education, and they help educate adults to improve their employability. They also work to help adults over sixty lead full independent lives. Holistic in their approach, Saint Lukes brings in numerous community agency partners to provide specialty services to empower residents living in the 37209 zip code the ability to improve their standard of living.

For more information on Saint Lukes Community House, its programs and its volunteer opportunities please call 615 350-7895.

World AIDS Day, December 1

LEARN YOUR STATUS TO HELP PREVENT HIV/AIDS
World AIDS Day is December 1


The Tennessee Department of Health is collaborating with community partners across the state to call attention to the importance of HIV prevention and treatment through planned activities for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2009. This year’s theme is "Universal Access and Human Rights,” promoting the message that to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS people must know their HIV status, feel empowered to access treatment and know their rights to take action against stigma and discrimination.

“HIV has not gone away. The first step in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS is to ensure that everyone knows his or her HIV status,” said Veronica Gunn, MD, chief medical officer for the Department of Health. "Everyone who is sexually active needs to learn about and practice effective methods to prevent receiving or transmitting HIV to others.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are now about 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV, and that of that number, one in five is unaware of his or her status. People who are unaware that they are HIV-positive are responsible for transmitting 50 to 70 percent of new infections.

Tennessee has not escaped the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, with cases reported in every county of the state. Figures through the end of 2008 show 20,305 Tennessee residents have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Of this number, 14,901 Tennesseans are currently living with HIV/AIDS, and to date there have been 5,404 deaths among Tennesseans infected with this virus. Department of Health statistics show that African Americans are the most disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in Tennessee; 64percent of the the 1,071 new reported HIV/AIDS cases in Tennessee in 2008 were among this population.

The Department of Health and many community partners throughout the state are committed to reducing the number of new HIV infections in Tennessee. “Routine HIV testing for all sexually active people is critical. It’s the first step in controlling the HIV pandemic,” said Jeanece Seals, Department of Health HIV/AIDS/STD section director. “I encourage everyone to take a leadership role in his or her own health by getting tested and by encouraging their friends, neighbors and family to
get tested. Know your status.”

A person may feel perfectly healthy for several years after becoming infected with HIV, and may be at risk for passing the virus on to others. The only way to know for certain if an individual is infected with HIV is to be tested.

The Department of Health offers confidential HIV testing at all county health department clinics, which also provide counseling with a trained health care provider on ways to reduce the risk of HIV infection. To find your local county health department, visit the TDOH Web Site at http://health.state.tn.us/localdepartments.htm

Other sites that offer HIV tests can be found online at www.HIVtest.org. Mobile phone users can send a text message with their zip code to “KNOWIT’ (566948); within seconds they will receive a text message identifying a testing site near them.

For more information about planned World AIDS Day activities across the state, call the HIV/AIDS Hotline toll-free at 1-800-525-2437, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Central time.

Christmas Tree To Be Delivered To Public Square In Nashville Today

On November 28, 2007 a 35 foot Blue Spruce was delivered to Nashville's Public Square

CITY’S CHRISTMAS TREE TO BE DELIVERED TO THE PUBLIC SQUARE TODAY

Tree lighting ceremony to be held the same night as the Nashville Christmas Parade

The city’s Christmas tree will be delivered to the Public Square today in preparation for next week’s tree lighting ceremony. The 30-foot Norway spruce will be installed between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the south side of the Public Square near the intersection of Second Avenue and Union Street. The tree has been donated by Nashville resident Tina Marie Brookes. Nashville Electric Service will remove the tree from her property at 5137 Amalie Drive and transport it to the Public Square.

Metro Parks will decorate the tree with several thousand colored lights. The tree will be lit by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Warner Brothers recording artist John Rich during the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. After helping the mayor light the tree, Rich will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade, hosted by Piedmont Natural Gas, which starts at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Broadway and Sixth Avenue.

"The first Friday in December will mark the official start of the holiday season in Nashville,” Dean said. “I can think of no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with music, lights, and the excitement of the parade. I hope everyone will come out and help us celebrate the holidays in Music City.”

Entertainment at the tree lighting ceremony will include a performance by Country music trio Carter’s Chord, made up of sisters Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson. A quartet from the Barbershop Harmony Society will sing “The Chipmunk Song,” among other holiday classics.

Starting the program, actors from the Tennessee Repertory Theatre will present a scene from this year’s holiday production A Christmas Story adapted by Phillip Grecian from the most popular Christmas movie of all-time. A Christmas Story runs Nov. 21 – Dec. 19 at TPAC’s Johnson Theater.

Moments Of Tragic Disorder, The Death Of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Weekly Address By President Barack Obama, November 21, 2009

Weekly Address: Traveling Abroad for Our Economy at Home

In an address recorded in Seoul, South Korea, the President discusses his trip to Asia. He talks about his push to stop nuclear proliferation in North Korea, Iran, and around the world. He talks about promoting America's principles for an open society in China while making progress on joint efforts to combat climate change. And talks in-depth about the primary objective of his trip: engaging in new markets that hold tremendous potential to spur job creation here at home.



In this week’s address, President Barack Obama described the progress made during his trip to Asia, and detailed steps the administration is taking to spur job creation. The President explained how increasing exports to Asia Pacific nations can create hundreds of thousands of jobs in America and described the upcoming jobs forum which will host CEOs, labor unions, economists, and nonprofits.


Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, November 21, 2009

Hi. I’m recording this message from Seoul, South Korea, as I finish up my first presidential trip to Asia. As we emerge from the worst recession in generations, there is nothing more important than to do everything we can to get our economy moving again and put Americans back to work, and I will go anywhere to pursue that goal.

That’s one of the main reasons I took this trip. Asia is a region where we now buy more goods and do more trade with than any other place in the world – commerce that supports millions of jobs back home. It’s also a place where the risk of a nuclear arms race threatens our security, and where extremists plan attacks on America’s soil. And since this region includes some of the fastest-growing nations, there can be no solution to the challenge of climate change without the cooperation of the Asia Pacific.

With this in mind, I traveled to Asia to open a new era of American engagement. We made progress with China and Russia in sending a unified message to Iran and North Korea that they must live up to their international obligations and either forsake nuclear weapons or face the consequences. As the two largest consumers and producers of energy, we developed a host of new clean energy initiatives with China, and our two nations agreed to work toward a successful outcome at the upcoming climate summit in Copenhagen – an outcome that leads to immediate action to reduce carbon pollution. And I spoke to young men and women at a town hall in Shanghai and across the internet about certain values that we in America believe are universal: the freedom of worship and speech; the right to access information and choose one’s own leaders.

But above all, I spoke with leaders in every nation I visited about what we can do to sustain this economic recovery and bring back jobs and prosperity for our people – a task I will continue to focus on relentlessly in the weeks and months ahead.

This recession has taught us that we can’t return to a situation where America’s economic growth is fueled by consumers who take on more and more debt. In order to keep growing, we need to spend less, save more, and get our federal deficit under control. We also need to place a greater emphasis on exports that we can build, produce, and sell to other nations – exports that can help create new jobs at home and raise living standards throughout the world.

For example, if we can increase our exports to Asia Pacific nations by just 5%, we can increase the number of American jobs supported by these exports by hundreds of thousands. This is already happening with businesses like American Superconductor Corporation, an energy technology startup based in Massachusetts that’s been providing wind power and smart grid systems to countries like China, Korea, and India. By doing so, it’s added more than 100 jobs over the last few years.

Increasing our exports is one way to create new jobs and new prosperity. But as we emerge from a recession that has left millions without work, we have an obligation to consider every additional, responsible step we can take to encourage and accelerate job creation in this country. That’s why I’ve announced that in the next few weeks, we’ll be holding a forum at the White House on jobs and economic growth. I want to hear from CEOs and small business owners, economists and financial experts, as well as representatives from labor unions and nonprofit groups, about what they think we can do to spur hiring and get this economy moving again.

It is important that we do not make any ill-considered decisions – even with the best of intentions – particularly at a time when our resources are so limited. But it is just as important that we are open to any demonstrably good idea to supplement the steps we’ve already taken to put America back to work. That’s what I hope to achieve in this forum.

Still, there is no forum or policy that can bring all the jobs we’ve lost overnight. I wish there were, because so many Americans – friends, neighbors, family members – are desperately looking for work. But even though it will take time, I can promise you this: we are moving in the right direction; that the steps we are taking are helping; and I will not let up until businesses start hiring again, unemployed Americans start working again, and we rebuild this economy stronger and more prosperous than it was before. That has been the focus of our efforts these past ten months – and it will continue to be our focus in the months and years to come.

Thanks.

HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS

"New Moon" part two of the Twilight saga Opens in Nashville, tonight at Midnight at the Bellevue Regal Theatre on Highway 70 S

Also in Bellevue, at 9:00 pm tonight, a "flashback event" a reshowing of Twilight the first movie in the popular series.




In THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested

Then Came Michelangelo, Review

I'd barely reached consciousness when I was
told my aim in life was to be a boy
who seemed to me a god, whose light I was
to follow, who'd always care for me most
tenderly.

Why then am I now exiled
from the welcome retreat, sanctuary.
What stern decree has forbid my support,
daylight; lost, I stumble like one gone blind.

If we found ourselves inseparable through
passion and our vows, why have we parted?
what malign enemy has cut us off?

If his life fed my frail woman's body,
if I was born for him, was his, and he's
taken from me, with his death I must die.
Vittoria Colonna


Italian Renaissance poet Vittoria Colonna, was born into Rome's powerful Colonna family in 1490. In 1509 she married Francesco Ferrante D'Avalos, the Marquis of Pescara. Six years later D'Avalos, a Roman General known for his bravery and valor died from injuries sustained at the battle of Pavia. Despite pressure from her family and from the Pope, Vittoria refused to remarry, instead she devoted her life to, religion, reform and literature. The first woman of her day to have prose and poetry published, her writings give today's readers an unusual and rare glimpse into the mind of an Italian Renaissance woman.

Vittoria Colonna was a friend and patron to some of the most renowned philosophers and artists of her time and she was the object of Michelangelo's greatest and most enduring love affair. Joanna O. Long's "Then Came Michelangelo" tells the story of that love affair and how it affected the art and spirituality of Michelangelo. First meeting when the artist was 62 and Vittoria was 47 their love for each other grew and endured throughout the remainder of their lives.

Already fascinated by Vittoria Colonna for her influence on Michelangelo, Joanna Long was inspired to write "Then Came Michelangelo" after visiting Rome and the Sistine Chapel in 2001. After touring Rome and Florence with a Christian art study group she encountered several sites that at one time would have been familiar to both Vittoria and Michelangelo. After arriving home to Tennessee she was able to "channel" the two lovers as she researched and wrote this book.

Author, Joanna Long who is also a visual artist wrote that "sometimes words on paper spill over into images, demanding a life in another medium." Mother to daughters, Ann, Margie and Kate, Ms. Long lives in Nashville Tennessee where she is a member of the Tennessee Art League.

Published in Nashville, "Then Came Michelangelo" can be purchased online at Publishedbywestview.com

EXIT 196

By Betsy Thorpe


Clover is 5 months old she is a spayed Lab-Chow mix and is available for adoption at the Nashville Humane Association


Dozens of travelers leave I-40 at Exit 196 everyday, some to visit friends and family, others for fuel, refreshment or lodging. They all have a story to tell and we are here to share a tale or two that we heard at Exit 196.

Last week a lonely, hungry, furry four footed visitor found his way to Exit 196. Abandoned, the friendly yellow Labrador was eventually rescued and placed in the care of Nashville's Humane Association, where after his health is restored he will await adoption with numerous other homeless cats and dogs.

The Nashville Humane Association is one of the oldest service organizations in Nashville, their roots can be traced back to a society founded in 1887 to protect children from inhumane working conditions and draft horses from mistreatment. The non-profit organization was incorporated in 1946 to protect the well being of all animals in Davidson County.

The Nashville Humane Association is committed to promoting the humane treatment of animals, finding good homes for stray or abandoned dogs and cats, educating the public about their responsibility to help control the pet population, and providing treatment and care to ensure the well being of animals throughout the community.

Through the agency's adoption program more the 2,500 healthy and temperamentally sound animals are placed into loving homes every year. Prior to adoption many sick and injured animals that require a nurturing environment are fostered in the homes of community volunteers. Fostered animals are returned as healthy, well-adjusted pets ready for placement in the adoption program.

Through the "Pet Therapy Program, volunteers accompany shelter dogs to local nursing homes, hospitals and other institutions to provide a pleasurable visit to residents and patients. Utilizing a colorful recreation vehicle, volunteers working in the "Rover Program" travel around Nashville and throughout the county to provide free spay and neuter services for those who need to have their pets altered but can't afford a regular veterinarian visit. Rover's mission is to educate the community about proper pet care, in order to keep Davidson County pets healthy and decrease the population of unwanted animals.

At Exit 196 we miss seeing our wandering canine friend but we are glad that he found refuge at the Humane Association located in West Nashville at 213 Oceola Avenue. We take pride in knowing that our community is so animal friendly and that with the help of dedicated volunteers and through the financial support of local individuals and organizations the Humane Association will continue to provide a safe haven for our city's homeless animal population.

For information on how to help support the Nashville Humane Association, or to find out about volunteer opportunities please call 615 352-1010 or visit http://www.nashvillehumane.org/index.php