Blarney Stone Times

2007-07-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed these new signs around town?

Updates on the County Courthouse are complete and a beautiful new clock adorns the front of the building.
It is clear now where Erin City Hall is located. Signs have been place over both the front and side entrances.
Also work will begin soon to repair the Welcome to Houston County sign they blew down early in the year during a storm. Additional advertising spaces will be added along with lighting and landscaping, when the repairs are complete. It is a historical sign for the county and many people miss it's presence. It will be a welcome return when renovations are complete.

2004-10-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

CHAMBER, LEADERSHIP GROUP BOAST
AT ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BANQUET

Chamber Banquet, Part Two

By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer
Photos by MIKE DAVIS

* When the Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership
banquet Oct. 21 at Tennessee Ridge National Guard Armory, there was much to
brag about.
* Chamber President Dana Miller welcomed over 200 attendees before Kathy
Parchman gave the invocation.
* “Thank you for this day... this gathering. We thank you, dear Lord, for this
group, this community. We thank you for the love and fellowship we all share,”
Parchman prayed.
* Everyone then enjoyed a prime rib dinner made by George Powell and the
Southernaire Restaurant, McKinnon. The meal included salad, baked potatoes,
bread, and dessert. Among the many desserts was homemade banana pudding by
Erin’s own Byde Simpson.
* Chamber members and guests also enjoyed Irish music and the
Leadership/Chamber Three-Star Display, along with fall colors and table
decorations of gourds, leaf and flower arrangements, and candlelit centerpieces.
* After the meal, Tonnie Trotter, with the Tennessee Department of Economic
Development, invited any interested members of the community to attend
“Strategic Planning Meetings” for continued three-star community re-
certification.
* There will be two meetings in November: one at Stewart Community Center on
Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. and one at Tennessee Ridge Elementary School on Nov. 22 at 7
p.m.
* Trotter said a five-year plan is to be drafted with goals, objectives and
steps outlined to reach the goals for our community. The public is encouraged
to attend. {See the bottom of this article for a survey you can complete to
help with this.}
* Phil Armor with the Greater Nashville Regional Council made a special
presentation to the Chamber for their Tennessee River Trails Association
partnership. The organization, composed of nine counties, promotes tourism on
both sides of the Tennessee River.

ENJOYING THE EVENING
* There was an eclectic cross-section represented at the banquet, from local
dignitaries, students, and retirees.
* Among the local dignitaries and business owners were Houston County Mayor
George E. Clark, Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent, 2004 Lord High Mayor Roland Roby,
Larry Rowlett, Chairman of the Stewart-Houston Industrial Park Board, Houston
County Trustee Anne Baggett, Houston County Highway Superintendent Gary Booker,
Standard Gypsum CEO Rick Daugherty, TVA General Manager Bud Hancock, Mitch
Mitchum of Mitchum Drug, and Tim and Bryon Cleghern of Cleghern’s Piggly Wiggly.
* There were also first-time banquet attendants. Willie and Sue Herron used to
visit Houston County when they had a fish camp near Danville. It was quiet and
peaceful, so they eventually retired from Hendersonsville and now call
Tennessee Ridge their home.

* Jim and Janice Byars, also of Tennessee Ridge, were first-timers as well.
* “We think it’s really good,” the Byars said about moving the annual event to
Tennessee Ridge instead of having it at Erin City Hall (where it had almost
outgrown the space). The couple enjoyed the event and were invited by Erin
Police Chief Tommy Parchman and his wife Peggy.
* [The event is a] good place to meet people,” said Peggy. Chief Parchman also
agreed that there was more space in the armory for the event.
* Jim is a member of the new 2005 Leadership Houston County class.
* “I think it’s a good program,” he said. “More people should get involved in
it.”
* Sitting not too far away from them was TVA General Manager Bud Hancock and
his wife, Fonda, who teaches at TRES. Bud is the President of the Leadership
2005 class, which will graduate in June.
* He took a moment to explain a little about the leadership class. They met
recently for a weekend retreat at the Shamrock Club on White Oak and have great
plans.
* “The focus [on the retreat] was team-building,” he said, adding that the 2005
Leadership Class is a diverse group with retirees, people with business
backgrounds, teachers, etc.
* “We’re getting to learn a lot about the community that living here I haven’t
been exposed to,” he said, such as getting a personal tour of the courthouse,
the water treatment plant, and the new jail.
* The group is currently trying to develop a project that will be beneficial to
the community.

MORE ON LEADERSHIP
* During the chamber program, Randall French, President of the Houston County
Leadership Alumni, spoke briefly about the goal of the Leadership Classes. He
recognized Vice-President Tim Cleghern, along with members of the Board of
Directors.
* He also recognized all of the 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 Leadership Class
members. There are 45 alumni and 15 students.
* “This fourth year has activited a number of people that wanted to become
involved [in the community],” he said, adding that Mary Chappell serves as
coordinator.
* He took a moment to remember Bobby Pitts, a respected member of the community
who passed away last year and was a Leadership alumni.
* “One of the major projects of the alumni has been the three-star program,”
French said, recalling that when state officials first came to Houston County
to discuss the possibility of participating, the officials were doubtful that
Houston County could do it.
* “Kathy Parchman jumped up and made a motion [to go for it],” French said, and
the rest is history.
* French also bragged about what a great presentation Houston County had at the
Governor’s conference recently.
* Other leadership endeavors have included beautification at the courthouse and
landfill, cleaning up an area of the lime kiln, music on the square, and plans
to put picnic tables and a walking trail at the lime kiln/quarry area.

NEW OFFICERS
* Finally it was time for Russ James to give a report from the nominating
committee for next year’s officers and board of directors. Stepping down as
President this year is Dana Miller, who was recognized with a plaque and a very
touching poem read by Bettye McKinnon.
* “This has been a wild, wonderful year,” Miller said. “I thought I knew what I
was getting into... but this has been the most difficult, but most rewarding
year.”
* Miller said it was a group effort and that this has been a labor of love for
her.
* Stepping up at Chamber President is Becky Averitt.
* I do appreciate your confidence,” Averitt stated upon accepting the
nomination. “I am going to count on all of you.”
* Averitt encouraged anyone, whether or not they are a member of the Chamber,
to volunteer to help with community events they might be interested in.
* “Don’t be bashful,” she said. “We need you all year long.”
* Diane Lynch will serve as Chamber Vice-President; Teresa Mitchell will serve
as secretary; and Anne Baggett will remain the treasurer.
* Kristy Spurgeon addressed the members at the close of the banquet to explain
and recognize membership dues. Individual memberships are $25. Silver business
memberships are $25 plus $5 per employee ($50 maximum); Gold members are $75;
and Emerald are $100.
* Becky’s husband Phil auctioned off a five-gun cabinet (donated by Furniture
Warehouse of Cumberland City) to benefit the banquet, then door prizes were
awarded. Many went home with Houston County-grown mums or other fall
arrangements and items donated by area businesses and individuals.

*******

What do you envision for the future of Houston County?

You are encouraged to respond about the following categories:

1. Jobs; 2. Education; 3. Beautification;
4. Economic Development; 5. Tourism;
6. Retail Development; and 7. Agri-Tourism.

What steps should we take to achieve your vision in the above areas?

Send your comments to the Houston County Library, P.O. Box 183, Erin, TN 37061,
or contact the Houston County UT Extension Office at 289-3242 for more
information.

MORE PHOTOS

2004-02-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL LEPRECHAUNS!!!!!

BY Kay French
In a surprise visit, authentic Irish leprechauns arrived at the Houston County Chamber of Commerce office to help finalize plans for this year's Irish Celebration.

Legend has it that leprechauns have been know to pull a trick or two, but not this happy band! They promised Chairman Dana Miller and her executive committee to bring good luck and fair weather to the valley this year.

The wee lads and lassies were pleased to be invited to the opening kick-off breakfast on Friday, March 12, 2004, at 9:00AM at the Erin City Hall. That's when they'll learn who this year's Lord High Mayor will be.

The leprechauns then divulged the big secret that more and more leprechauns will be arriving soon in jolly old Erin to assist with the festivities. The growing band of the Little People will be touring Erin, and can't wait to see the place they hear looks so much like ole Ireland. "Oh, begorra" they were heard to exclaim and were last seen darting through the streets of town. The entire community is urged to be on the lookout for the little tykes and give them a friendly Irish Welcome.

And to everyone else, spread the word---we are "Calling all leprechauns" to help participate with the Irish Festivities. For more information about how to be involved, call the chamber office at 289-5l00 or the library at 289-3858.

Check back later for more adventures with the band of leprechauns!

MORE PHOTOS

2004-01-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

2004 Irish Celebration Schedule

Friday, March 5th

Historical Society Wells Creek Basin Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony

3215 State Route 149, Erin, TN, 2:00 p.m.

Reception immediately following at Highland Rim Head Start

Sponsored by Houston County Historical Society"

Saturday, March 6th

Tiny Prince and Princess & Little Miss Houston County Pageants

Houston County High School Forum

Sponsored by Houston County Recreation Club

For more information contact Lorrie Ann Cooksey (931) 289-2888."

Thursday, March 11th

Lions Club Talent Show

Gospel Night

Houston County High School Forum, 6:30 p.m

Sponsored by Houston County Lion’s Club

For more information, contact Joel Nolen (931) 289-4318">

Friday, March 12th

Kick-off Breakfast

Erin City Hall 9:00 a.m.

Naming of Lord High Mayor and Emerald Award Winners

Lions Club Talent Show

Country and Blue Grass

Houston County High School Forum, 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Houston County Lion’s Club

For more information, contact Joel Nolen (931) 289-4318."

Saturday, March 13th

Rotary Golf Tournament

Paris Landing, 8:00 a.m.

Sponsored by Erin Rotary Club.

For more information, contact Ray Fussell (931) 289-5500.

Young Miss Houston County, Junior Miss Houston County, Miss Houston County, Ms. Houston County Pageants

Houston County High School Forum

Sponsored by Houston County Recreation Club

For more information contact Regina Hudson (931) 721-3071.">

Sunday, March 14th

Irish Bass Tournament

Danville, 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

$50/boat + optional Big Fish fee of $10. 90% Payback.

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

For more information, contact Kristi Basey (931) 827-4521.."

Monday, March 15th

Carnival Begins

Betsy Ligon Park & along Front Street."

(March 18—Family Night-Weather Permitting)

Sponsored by Houston County Recreation Club."

Thursday, March 18th

Irish Luncheon

Erin City Hall, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Tickets $6.50

Baked potato bar, salads, and homemade desserts

(Group rates available)

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

Irish Café and Market Place

Erin City Hall, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Come sample various flavored coffees and hot chocolates while sampling some of the best homemade desserts in the South! Bring some extra money to purchase various souvenirs and many other Irish “must haves.”

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

Music in the Square

Public Square, Downtown Erin, 7:00 p.m.

Take a quick break from the carnival to indulge your ears with rhythm, country and blues. Local bands will be performing to the delight of fans. Don’t forget your lawn chair and a blanket!

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

For more information, contact Dana Miller (931) 289-5500. ."

Friday, March 19th

Irish Banquet and Silent Auction

Erin City Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Come feast on a delicious meal and purchase unique and valuable items with a flare for anything and everything Irish. Harpist Sheila Mitchell-Hart will be performing. All moneys raised go to benefit Chamber of Commerce sponsored programs.

Tickets—$17 per person

(All ticket holders are eligible for door prizes donated by local and area businesses.)

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce."

Saturday, March 20th

Arts, Crafts and Food Booths

Public Square, Downtown Erin, 8:30 a.m.-until ?

Arrive early for the parade and shop with vendors from all over the United States. Come hungry and forget that diet! There will be plenty of food to please any appetite.

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

Leprechaun Parade (Kiddie Parade)

Line up at Erin Church of the Nazarene, 10:30 a.m.

Judging begins at 10:45 a.m. No registration needed, however, late entries will not be eligible for prizes. Toys R’ Us gift cards donated by Traditions First Bank.

For more information, contact Dana Miller or Ray Fussell at (931) 289-5500.

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

Grand Parade—11:00 a.m.

Line up at Houston County Middle School, 8:00 a.m.

Judging will begin at 9:30 a.m. sharp!

For more information, contact Diane Lynch (931) 721-3100.

Sponsored by Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce

The Great Irish Fish Fry

City Hall, Immediately following the parade.

This long-standing tradition is as popular as the parade. Don’t miss out on some of the best fried catfish this side of the Tennessee River!

Sponsored by the Erin Church of God of Prophesy

Dana C. Miller

2003-12-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Now what

Pop Quiz: If membership has its benefits, then what are your benefits? Last year, as membership and publicity chair, I was surprised to learn how many people did not fully understand the actual function of the Chamber, nor understand their benefits as a member. Hopefully this newsletter will clarify any confusion and help make your chamber membership more valuable to you.
For starters, let's take a look at the officers and board of directors. The board of directors meets on a monthly basis unless there is an upcoming event. Weeks and sometimes months prior to the Christmas Celebration and Irish Celebration we meet more frequently. The board coordinates other events including the 4th of July celebration, Business and Industry Luncheon, HCHS Academic Banquet, Annual Membership Banquet, and many others. The Chamber tries to expand and improve Houston County's tourism efforts, as well as provide educational and growth opportunities for county businesses

New Membership Rates
Many chamber members have expressed questions regarding the new membership rates. Individual memberships have remained unchanged at $25.00. However, business memberships have been divided into 3 categories: Silver ($25 plus $5 per employee fora maximum of $50), Gold ($75.00), and Emerald ($100.00). The Chamber has experienced a great deal of growth with regards to new responsibilities within the community, including the new office. The former rates did not support this growth, therefore we created these new rates. To reward those who choose the higher tiers, we will publicly acknowledge these businesses at all Chamber functions, indicating their level of participation.

and residents. Leadership Houston County and Youth Leadership Houston County fall under the umbrella of the Chamber, and the Chamber will be responsible supervising all 3 Star development activities. The board definitely has their hands full!
There are 2 common misconceptions regarding membership. #1--0nly Board of Directors members can attend Chamber Board meetings. #2-Only Board of Directors members are allowed to work on Chamber projects. Wrong, and wrong! Anyone is invited to attend a Chamber Board of Directors meeting. In fact, I encourage every member to try to attend at least one just to see what is discussed and what we do. Only board members can vote on Chamber business. However, every chamber member can express their opinions and suggestions to members of the board individually or they can come to a meeting and have their views heard there. We are always open to suggestion. Regarding Chamber projects, ANYONE can help. In

fact, we are seriously looking for a committee of volunteers who will be willing to assist with our activities. The Irish Celebration is quickly approaching, and we are going to need as much help as possible to ensure another successful week. Although the Irish Celebration is a lot of work, it is one of the most fun and rewarding things we do. In fact, the board is very excited about our 42nd Irish Celebration and this is a personal invitation to help. If you are interested in v.olunteering with the Irish Celebration or would like to learn more about it, feel free to contact the Chamber Office at 289-5100. You can also contact Dana Miller at (931) 289-5500 or danamiller@peoplestel.net.
The Houston County Chamber has an amazing membership. Numerous businesses and individuals volunteer their time and resources to make Houston County a special place through Chamber of Commerce projects and events. We are very appreciative of these people and businesses, and we will do more to recognize our shining stars throughout this year.

2003-12-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

New Office, New Officers, New Board

Thursday, October 23rd, the Chamber elected new officers and new board members. Officers for the 2003-2004 year are Dana Miller, President; Becky Averitt, VicePresident; Judy Stephan, Secretary; and Anne Baggett,
Treasurer. Members of the 2003-2004 Board of Directors are: Paul Bailey, Meredith Baggett, Kristi Basey, Gina Bell, Linda Bratschi, Mary Chappell, Robin Freeman, Kay French, Ray Fussell, Russ James, John Law, Diane Lynch, Dr. Dan

Martin, Bettye McKinnon, Teresa
. Mitchell, Emily Mitchum Lajuana Parchman, Dewain Pryor, Stephanie Roper, Natalie Short, Drew Taylor, Donna Underwood, and Freda Whitaker.
In case you have not noticed, the bright yellow building at 16 Court Square is the new Chamber Office. The one question that most people have been asking is, "Why did we paint the building Big Bird Yellow?"
We wanted the Chamber Office to stand out and be very eye catching not

only to the residents of Houston County, but visitors as well. .
Various business have been gracious enough to donate furniture and equipment, and several local artists have loaned their masterpieces for decor.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The office is staffed with volunteers, and we are always looking for additional help. If you are interested in volunteering your time at the office, call 289-5100, or contact Bettye McKinnon or Becky Averitt.

If you have questions, comments or concerns regarding this newsletter or your membership status, feel free to contact Dana Miller at (931) 289-5500 or email her at danamiller@peoplestel.net.

2003-11-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Business Lighting Contest

Business Lighting contest, Business Outdoor Decorating Contest and Business Indoor Decorating Contest. Due to lack of participation, the Chamber has suspended the residential contest for this year. In each category, winners will receive the following:
1st Place--$100, 2nd Place--$75, and 3rd Place--$50. Judging will take place on Friday, December 12th for the Indoor Business Decorating, and Saturday, December 13th for everything else. All applications will be available at the Chamber office and City Hall.

2003-11-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

December 6th, Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday,
Parade will begin at 3:00 pm, with the Tree Lighting Ceremony following immediately after in Betsy Ligon Park. Parade line-up will be at the HC Middle School at Noon. Float judging will be at 1:30 p.m. at the middle school prior to the parade. Parade applications will be available at the HC Area Chamber of Commerce Officeor call Call 289-5l00 for details.
Once the parade is over, everyone will need to venture over to Betsy Ligon Park Christmas Carols and performances by the HCHS Fighting Irish Band. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be there, and numerous hams have been donated by area businesses for door prizes.

2003-10-31T11:06:00.000-08:00

CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE

The Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce will host an Open House, Sunday, November 2, 2003, at its new office located on the square in downtown Erin. Mark your calendar to see the new space between the hours of l:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Officers and Board of Directors will be present to welcome everyone and discuss upcoming events sponsored by the Chamber. Everyone in the county is encouraged to come see the new office and learn more about the Chamber.

2003-10-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

LEADERSHIP HAS NO AGE BARRIER

Leadership has no age barrier and one of the criteria for the 3 star program is a leadership class for youth that mirrors the regular class. Wednesday this years Youth leadership class made up of highschool student's had their lesson in civics as they toured the Courthouse with County Mayor George Clark as their guide. Accompanying the group was the past president of the chamber Christy Basey and Darrell Wright Jobs for Tennessee graduates instructor at Houston County High School. After their tour it was off to lunch and back to school. Later in the day we ran across the first class of leadership school cleaning up the road on Hy 49 next to the new signs . Showing us as a three star community. Chad Smith was there to take photos for the chamber CD which has been two years in the making. Me I just tookMORE PHOTOS

2003-10-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Chamber Banquet 2003

The 2003 annual membership banquet was held Thursday, Oct. 23, at Erin City Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees were greeted by wonderful fall decorations, both on the exterior and the interior of the building. Area organizations had displays in the foyer to boast all that is good in Tennessee Ridge, Erin, and Houston County. Among the displays were Workforce Essentials, Erin Rotary Club, Highland Rim Economic Corporation, Erin Police Department, Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, Houston County Lions Club, Houston County Health Council, Houston County Public Library and Friends of the Library, and the University of Tennessee’s local Agricultural Extension Service. There was even a display showing how Houston County High School received the 2002 School of the Year Award for excellence in architectural design.
All in all, it was a great night, and Houston County shown like a bright star anyway.

THE STORYAND THE PHOTOS

2003-10-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

LEADER SHIP CLASS STUDIES GOVERNMENT

The class met at Erin City hall where Russ James hosted a presentation by area government officials It started with a excellent presentation from County Mayor George Clark and was followed by Linda Bratchi Erin City recorder who was standing in for Mayor Largent who unable to attend and ended with a presentation on where the Metro government committee was at and some of the pluses and minuses of the program By John Law who is chairman of that committee. There was to be a presentation by the Mayor of Tennessee Ridge who declined. The next step was a tour of the Jail facility and a first for me a trip to our water treament plant and then lunch. A busy Morning I must say. After lunch the class went to the old jail and the rock quarry to make decisions on their class project. The cost of transforming the jail into a Museum was more than the class wished to tackle. Its appears we will try to turn the rock quarry into a park and from my opinion long overdue. As usual I took a few MORE PHOTOS

2003-09-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

LEADERSHIP NEWS

Hope everyone enjoyed the retreat as much as I did!!
We need to meet before the next class date. Please everyone check your schedules and let me know what dates are a great big NO, and also the date that is best for you.
We need to select a date when everyone can attend.
Think about a lunch date, maybe. We could bring a sack lunch and maybe meet at city hall or we could eat out at one of our great restaurants in town. Let me know what you want and I will set it up.
P.S. Word on the street---You are the best class yet!!! This is from those in the know.
Jeannie Roper

2003-02-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

1ST Annual Rhythm and Rubbish--a countywide trash pick-up

Sponsored by Erin Rotary Club

Help the Rotary Club clean-up Houston County in preparation for the Irish
Celebration! You will be amazed how much fun picking up garbage can be!
Guaranteed dirty fun for people of all ages!

Saturday, February 22, 2003
8:30 a.m.-Noon
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Betsy Ligon Park
**In the event of rain or snow, the pick-up will be March 1st**

Traditions First Bank will provide pizza and entertainment.

Let's take pride in our Irish paradise. For more information, contact Dana
Miller at 289-5500 or email her at dana.miller@traditionsfirst.com.

Now, this is where things get crazy and fun. Everyone will meet at 8:30
a.m. at Betsy Ligon Park to gather gloves and trash bags before departing to
the various designated sites. The Meriwether Lewis Lightening will be
performing at Noon. During the pick-up, the band will be transported via
pick-up truck to the various trash sites for an acoustic performance and
quick break. Everyone will return to Betsy Ligon Park to turn in their bags
of garbage, eat pizza and listen to the Merewether Lewis Lightening perform.
Pizza will be served only to those who have participated in the Rhythm and
Rubbish Trash Pick-up!