The Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the launch of its new and improved website at www.visitwilsoncounty.com. Along with an enhanced design, the new site features many impressive interactive elements, offering something for everyone.

Visitors and residents alike can browse pages dedicated to accommodations, dining, shopping, attractions, calendar of events and much more. In addition, the Wilson County CVB will soon release a mobile version of the website for use on electronic mobile devices. New and enhanced features of the site include:

• Social media interaction
• A visual slide show with larger photos
• Various sharing capabilities through e-mail, social media, etc.
• Enhanced listings for attractions, hotels and restaurants
• Travel Bag - a custom itinerary builder
• Random advertising
• Features that give authentic experiences, such as "What the Locals Love"
• Enhanced calendar features

"With the popularity of social media and mobile technology on the rise, it becomes more important to enable or engage the conversation with our visitors," said the Wilson County CVB's Ricky Rodriguez. The destination has changed dramatically in the last couple of years, and visitors will find our web services helpful in planning their next visit."

According to travel researchers, approximately 90 million American adults have used the Internet to plan travel during the past year, with 76 percent of online travelers planning leisure trips online. Importantly, most travelers see the Internet as a very useful or essential tool for planning many/most aspects of a trip, including where to stay overnight, planning travel routes, potential places to visit, attractions to visit, as well as learning about what to do. (Source: Travelers' Use of the Internet, 2009)

The Wilson County CVB encourages everyone to visit them online and get familiar with the content and see why Wilson County truly is "THE Place to Be!"

Less than a month after most of its students left campus for the summer, Cumberland University is making plans for a new residence hall. The facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

Recognizing a desire to increase the number of students living on campus, the Board of Trust - at its summer meeting - voted unanimously to secure funding and begin the process of constructing a 150-bed residence hall.

"This hall will create a unique residential experience for our students," said Dr. Harvill Eaton, president of Cumberland University. "We feel the facility will increase the quality of life and create a greater sense of community for our students on campus."

The residence hall will be located on the southeast edge of campus on McClain Avenue and will feature four-person suites with double bedrooms, full wireless access and a learning space for instruction and group study.

The University hopes that the new residence hall will help foster better and more successful students, which will result in higher graduation rates.

"The design of the new residence hall will give the University the flexibility to better address the living-learning needs and expectations of the new generation of college students," said Kristen Gray, director of residence life. "The University strives to equip students with academic and personal skills that enable them to be successful not only in college but in their professional careers as well. This facility was intentionally designed for that purpose."

The construction of the residence hall and the renovations to the current dining facility are part of a strategic plan to provide Cumberland University students with the best in new facilities for living, learning and recreation. Long-term plans include the construction of the Cumberland Cafe for its students and the community as well as a state-of-the-art nursing/science facility and an expansion to the June & Bill Heydel Fine Arts Center.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of John W. Fisk, Jr., MD, Family Practitioner. Dr. Fisk is a board-certified Family Physician who treats a wide range of health concerns and specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes - being a diabetic himself.

A graduate of Mississippi College, John Fisk earned his medical degree from University of Mississippi School of Medicine. In 1989, he completed his internship in family medicine at Pensacola Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla. and his residency at Naval Regional Medical center, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He then served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1991 until 1996.

Dr. Fisk has enjoyed a successful private practice in Brookhaven, Miss. for the last 14 years. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Fisk and his family are relocating to the Lebanon area. They enjoy mission trips, traveling and photography.

Dr. Fisk's new practice is located at 1029 West Main Street, Suite O, in Lebanon. To schedule an appointment, please call 615-453-7824.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) contributed $1,000 to Cumberland University's Science Camps held recently at the school's campus in Lebanon. The week-long camps provided an opportunity for students in sixth and seventh grades to participate in hands-on activities designed to promote critical thinking skills and spark interest in science. The camps were held from June 7 through 11 and served students from Wilson and other Middle Tennessee counties.

Speakers included Bill Hunt, environmental program administrator for TVA's Gallatin Fossil Plant. Hunt discussed TVA's power generation and environmental stewardship programs. "Science education is extremely valuable for our future," said Emily Reynolds, senior vice president of Government Relations. "We think it's important to support the communities TVA serves."

TVA's donation was used to purchase supplies to upgrade some of the science experiments during the camps. Jonathon Hawkins, executive director for Development & Alumni Relations at the University, said, "This gift helped provide a terrific opportunity for young girls and boys to experience science education in a fun and exciting way. We truly appreciate TVA's partnership with Cumberland University."

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development.

Mt. Juliet's Dr. Sara Clariday has been named Assistant State Veterinarian, Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Ken Givens announced on Wednesday, July 7, 2010. The assistant state veterinarian works to protect and monitor animal health in Tennessee.

"We're excited to welcome Dr. Clariday as she brings valuable experience in both small and large animal care that will help guide our animal health programs," said Givens. "Her background in education and her knowledge of beef farming make her uniquely qualified to work with the state's livestock industry and other stakeholder groups to improve animal health in Tennessee."

Clariday graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in the first graduation class of 1979. She married a fellow classmate, Dr. David Clariday. They established Hartsville Animal Clinic, a mixed animal practice, in 1979. In 1984, they moved to Mt. Juliet and established Mt. Juliet Animal Clinic. They also run a beef operation on their family farm in Mt. Juliet.

Clariday also worked at Vanderbilt Animal Research Facility for more than 11 years. In 1996, she received a teaching certificate from Middle Tennessee State University and began teaching honors biology at Lebanon High School in Wilson County. She became department chair and was awarded "Teacher of the Year" for 2002-2003. She transferred to Metro Nashville Public Schools in 2005 and has taught at both Antioch and Cane Ridge High Schools.

As assistant state veterinarian, Clariday will serve as the field coordinator working with field staff in TDA's Animal Health Section. She is also charge with managing dog and cat dealer licensing and coordinating the disaster animal response teams across the state.

"I'm happy to join the Department of Agriculture staff," said Dr. Clariday. "I am committed to continuing their excellence of service in the state of Tennessee."

An exciting new restaurant concept called Deckers - the first anywhere in the United States - is being launched in Lebanon, according to the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Deckers is located at 636 South Cumberland Street, under the same roof as the recently renovated White Castle restaurant.

A grand opening celebrating the debut of Deckers is scheduled for Saturday, July 10. The day-long festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local officials and personalities such as David Rife, the White Castle family member who was featured in the CBS hit series "Undercover Boss." (see video at bottom of page)

Both Deckers and White Castle are owned and operated by the same company - White Castle System, Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio.

Immediately following the ribbon-cutting, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free Deckers sandwich each week for a full year!

The grand opening will feature family-oriented activities, including an appearance by country music artist Jason Meadows, runner-up on the TV talent show "Nashville Star."

Here's the schedule for the day's events:

• 9:30 a.m. - Ribbon-cutting ceremony, immediately followed by give-away of free Deckers sandwich each week for a full year to first 100 customers in line.
• 10 a.m. - Other free give-away prizes for as long as they last.
• 1 until 4 p.m. - Balloon artist and face painter.
• 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. - Live performance with country music artist Jason Meadows from 1:30 until 2 p.m., followed by a Meet 'n' Greet with Jason.
• 5 until 7 p.m. - Live performance with country music artist Danielle Peck from 5 until 6 p.m., followed by Meet 'n' Greet with Danielle.

The celebration of Deckers' opening continues during July with the give-away of a "Decorate Your Deck" prize package from Lowe's. The public is invited to stop by Deckers any time and register for the summer-time prize package, which includes a deluxe gas grill and a five-piece outdoor furniture set. The drawing takes place at Deckers on July 24, and no purchase is necessary.

For more details about Deckers, visit www.deckerssandwiches.com.

Have you ever seen flashing blue lights in your neighborhood and wanted to know what was going on? Do you want to find out how safe your neighborhood really is? Now you can through a new partnership between the Mt. Juliet Police Department and CrimeReports, creators of the National Crime Map at www.CrimeReports.com.

"Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities, says Chief Andy Garrett. "And partnering with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in their community. Our residents can access the crime map 24 hours a day through the website or through the CrimeReports iPhone app. The new service even lets local citizens sign up for free customizable e-mail alerts, so they can stay on top of crime in their neighborhood. Information is power, and we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhoods."

"Mt. Juliet Police is a leader in law enforcement innovation," says Greg Whisenant, founder and CEO of CrimeReports. "They are demonstrating their commitment to the community, to proactive policing and fiscal responsibility."

The Mt. Juliet Police Department joins a list of nearly 800 other law enforcement agencies of all sizes across North America who are sharing their crime information with the public through the map, like Baltimore, Boston, San Jose, San Francisco, Portland, Washington D.C., Los Angeles County and more.

The public can access local crime maps and sign up for daily, weekly or monthly e-mail crime alerts at www.CrimeReports.com or at the Police Department website at www.MJPD.org.

The Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that the pioneer spirit of Wilson County will be recaptured by visitors at Founder's Day on Saturday, June 26, through bluegrass music, whole-hog roasts, tall tales, quilting, blacksmithing, weaving, a stump rally, Victorian dress, tin-type photography and greased watermelon races at Fiddler's Grove Historic Village.

Founder's Day will also be the grand re-opening of the Stringtown General Store, where everything from corn cob jelly to scuppernog cider can be tasted at Fiddler's Grove inside the 1872 mercantile. Besides pork barbecue plates, there will also be hot dogs, cookies and lemonade for sale. Admission will be free from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to Fiddler's Grove, which is now in its 19th year of operation at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center which includes the Wilson County Fairgrounds. Cakes will also be auctioned to raise money for its preservation.

"My grandfather and my daddy came in the early 1900s from Granville in a horse and wagon to Lebanon with all the belongings they had," said resident Jimmy Crawford, who will discuss hand-weaving at Founder's Day on an antique loom. "Many of my relatives were employed at the Lebanon Woolen Mills, including my two grandmothers, my father for about 38 years, my mother for a short while, my son for around three months and me for 40 years."

Ladies and gentlemen can enter the "Best-Dressed Victorians" competition for prizes at Founder's Day, along with young boys and girls. Tin-type-looking portraits will be made in the village, which will also have croquet matches, horseshoe pitching, sack races and other games. The Fiddler's Grove Blacksmith Association will be making "courting candleholders," which fathers would light in the Victorian Era so that male suitors romancing their eligible daughters would know to go home after the wax burned down in the front parlors.

An "Old-Time Political Stump Rally" will be waged at Founder's Day, just months before Tennessee's new governor is elected. From atop fallen logs and tree stumps, Wilson County native James C. "Lean Jimmy" Jones debated incumbent Gov. James K. Polk around Lebanon. For the state's highest office, Jones upset Polk in 1841 and 1843 to become a two-time governor of Tennessee.

Visitors can also see two historic landmarks of prominent Americans - Sam Houston's Law Office and W.E. Du Bois' one-room Wheeler School - which were relocated to Fiddler's Grove. Houston was the only man to ever serve as governor of two U.S. states - Tennessee and Texas - but he started as an attorney in 1818 in Lebanon where he rented this original log cabin for $1 per month for a year and a half on the city's Public Square. The founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), W.E. Du Bois was the first teacher in the 1860s at Wheeler School to educate African-Americans near Alexandria after the Civil War. During Founder's Day, chalkboard lessons can be heard inside the Wheeler School.

The title of Fiddler's Grove came from one of Wilson County's first settlers, Edward (Neddy) Jacobs, who often played the instrument at his cabin in Lebanon at the Town Spring. Since its dedication on April 17, 1991 with seven buildings, Fiddler's Grove has expanded to more than 50 structures in Lebanon, where the Wilson County Fair will also be held this August 13 through 21 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center.

PHOTO BY BluegrassAnnie

On June 15, Governor Phil Bredesen announced Safe Routes to School funding for the City of Lebanon totaling $239,639 for improvements at Walter J. Baird Middle School. The Safe Routes to School program is a statewide initiative designed to make bicycling and walking to school a safer, more appealing an healthier alternative for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"The Safe Routes to School program is a great opportunity for schools, communities and government officials to work together to promote a healthier lifestyle for Tennessee children," Bredesen said. "The program helps create safer walking and biking environments for students and funds activities to encourage children and their parents to consider walking and biking to school for a more active lifestyle."

The City of Lebanon will utilize the Safe Routes to School funds for sidewalk construction. Funds will also be used to provide a safety educational program and promotional activities to encourage walking and biking as a safe and healthy initiative.

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

"The Safe Routes to School program is an innovative program that integrates health, safety, traffic relief and environmental awareness under one umbrella," TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said. "Funds may be used for infrastructure projects and for other programs that directly support increased safety and encourage elementary and middle school children to walk and bike to school."

This year, TDOT provided more than $2.6 million in Safe Routes to School funds to 15 municipalities for projects across the state.

Senator Mae Beavers and Representatives Stratton Bone and Susan Lynn represent Wilson County in the Tennessee General Assembly and helped secure these funds.

The projects awarded through these grants are funded through $10.8 million in federal funds made available through 2009. The funds were provided specifically for this purpose through SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users), the federal surface transportation program. The Safe Routes to School program is 100% federally funded and does not require a local match.

The Safe Routes to School program is comprised of five elements referred to as the 5 E's. The selection process was driven by the following:

• Engineering - creating operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and potential conflicts with motor vehicle traffic, and establishing safer and fully accessible crossings, walkways, trails and bikeways.
• Education - teaching children about the broad range of transportation choices, instructing them in important lifelong bicycle and walking safety skills and launching driver safety campaigns in the vicinity of schools.
• Enforcement - partnering with local law enforcement agencies to ensure traffic laws are obeyed in the vicinity of schools (including enforcement of speeds, yielding to pedestrians in crossings, and proper walking and bicycling behaviors), and to initiate community enforcement such as crossing guard programs.
• Encouragement - events and activities to promote walking and bicycling (bike rodeos).
• Evaluation - monitoring and documenting outcomes and trends through the collection of data both before and after the intervention.

To learn more about the Safe Routes to School program at the Tennessee Department of Transportation, please visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/bikeped/saferoutes.htm.

Castle Heights Upper Elementary School's Debbie Vaughn is among nine finalists for the Tennessee Department of Education's 2011 Teacher of the Year Award, according to a statement released on Wednesday, June 9. The nine finalists are comprised of elementary, middle and high school educators from each of the state's three grand divisions. Grand Division winners and Teach of the Year will be chosen from the group this fall.

Vaughn teaches English As A Second Language (ESL) at CHUE and, during her 20-plus year career, has taught English As A Second Language to all ages, from adults to Kindergarten. She holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida and is also a National Boards Certified Teacher. Vaughn serves as the Lebanon Special School District's ESL Specialist and assists other ESL teachers in the district with methods, strategy and planning.

"I am very proud to have such outstanding teachers in this state," Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. "These teachers were instrumental in implementing the Tennessee Diploma Project this year and are examples of the kind of support we will need to successfully implement our Race to the Top efforts statewide. Teacher of the Year is about just one teacher, but I want to thank all of our teachers for the tremendous work in ensuring the success of every single Tennessee student."

The nine finalists for 2011 Teacher of the Year are:

• Debbie Vaughn:  Castle Heights Upper Elementary, Lebanon Special School District
• Lisa Bell:  Camden Elementary, Benton County
• Deborah Chancellor: Minglewood Elementary, Clarksville-Montgomery County
• Cheryl Deaton: Pigeon Forge Primary, Sevier County
• Davis Falvey: Snowden School, Memphis City
• Janey Jackson: Germantown High School, Shelby County
• Karen Kelley: Pigeon Forge High School, Sevier County
• Jason Robinson: Ocoee Middle School, Bradley County
• Dianne Sawyer: Tullahoma High School, Tullahoma City

The Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation. A partner for nearly seven years, the foundation provides $21,000 in monetary awards to encourage professional development, graduate study, higher student outcomes and mentoring. As a show of appreciation and encouragement for teacher excellence, the foundation sponsors a banquet each fall for finalists.

The final winner will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and is an ambassador for education throughout the year. To qualify, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least five years, have a proven record of using creative, research-based teaching strategies resulting in measurable achievement and be effective school and community leaders. A panel of professional educators from across the state scored applications to identify these finalists.