In addition to helping area homeowners and do-it-yourselfers with their home improvement projects, Wilson Bank & Trust's Construction Expo is undergoing a transformation of its own for 2011.

For the 18th installment of WB&T's annual Construction Expo on Feb. 5-6, the event will be moving to a new location at The Mill in Lebanon, located at 300 North Maple Street.

The new venue will offer a warm atmosphere, a more convenient layout and expanded floor space. Guests will also have access to displays, demonstrations and advice from even more of the area's top professionals in home-building, decorating, remodeling and finance. Visitors to the Expo can register to win a $500 cash prize. Admission is free.

Vendors from all fields of the construction community - including builders, contractors, supply stores, interior decorators, nurseries and more - will be on hand to answer building or remodeling questions and provide project ideas. Home-related businesses that wish to inquire about booth space can call Becky Jennings of Wilson Bank & Trust at 443-6635.

Wilson Bank & Trust mortgage and loan professionals will also be present at the event to answer questions, provide advice and offer special rates on construction and improvement financing.

The Expo takes place Saturday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 6, from noon until 3 p.m. For more information about the Wilson Bank & Trust Construction Expo, please call (615) 444-BANK.

PHOTO: Wilson Bank & Trust staff members have laid the groundwork for a new and improved Construction Expo with more space and more vendors in 2011, as the event moves to a larger venue at The Mill in Lebanon, Feb. 5-6. Now in its 18th year, the Construction Expo offers access to local experts in all areas of home-building, decorating and remodeling. Admission is free.

In my full-time job as a school counselor, I work with middle schoolers. I teach in the classroom, conduct small groups and even see them individually to help them in their personal, social and academic lives. Hearing their stories gives me a glimpse into what is happening in our community of Portland, Tennessee. There's a lot of good, but family fragmentation (divorce) is rampant. So much pain results from a girl whose dad does not show an interest in seeing her and from a boy who has no positive adults in his life outside of school. We can't ignore this issue.

Broken homes are all too common in our world today, particularly in Sumner County with our above-the-national-average divorce rate. In 2008, there was one divorce for every 1.3 marriages, and it's getting worse. In 2009, there was one divorce for every 1.15 marriages; moving ever closer to our community netting zero marriages in a calendar year. Most people have no idea of what this is doing to our community, our children and our future, but Project Family does, and we want to do something about it.

Divorce is a financial issue since it turns a two-income family into two one-income families, who quite possibly need social assistance. This is known as the fallout of divorce and very rarely is a correlation mentioned between divorce and tax revenue, but there is one. Sumner County accounted for three percent of Tennessee's divorces in 2008, costing Sumner County taxpayers $22,710,000. There's a cost to businesses as well. For an average employee making $20/hr, the projected cost of that employee divorcing is over $8,000 with time off work and lost productivity while on the job. Divorce takes its toll on a person and a business.

Divorce is killing our children. According to a 2003 article found in the 'Journal of Divorce & Remarriage,' students from intact families maintained grade point averages 11 percent higher than those of peers from divorced families. Teen pregnancy rises among girls in fragmented homes, and they are more likely to be single moms themselves. Teens with divorced parents are 50 percent likelier to drink. Want to rise to the top, curb teen pregnancy, drug use and alcohol use? Invest in marriages and the home. Simply teaching our fifth-graders to be nice to one another will not get it done.

There is good news for taxpayers and businesses. A study done by the Marriage CoMission in 2006 has proven that when companies invest in the physical and relational wellness of their workers, returns on investment can range between $1.50 and $6.85 for every dollar spent on these types of programs. Also, Texas has allotted $15 million over two years on programs to increase stable marriage rates. If this program succeeds by just three-tenths of one percent, it will be cost effective in its returns to Texas taxpayers. It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Democrat, Baptist or Catholic; this is uplifting.

Good news for couples and their children as well. Through the findings of a major national study, happily married couples had greater skills in areas of communication, flexibility, closeness, personality compatibility and conflict resolution. An important aspect of these five areas is that they can be improved through increased education and skills acquisition. Project Family wants to make this happen.

Project Family, Inc. believes that something can be done. First Things First of Chattanooga (FTF) began in 1997, when 33 percent of Hamilton County's population had been divorced. The national average was 22 percent. As of the 2010 FTF Report Card, divorce filings are down 33 percent.

Project Family hopes to provide classes, printed materials and special events that are geared toward saving marriages and increasing father involvement in the lives of their children to help strengthen families. Whether you're a church, an individual, or a business, we hope that you'll join our efforts.

Visit dalesadler.net/projectfamily or our Facebook page to find out more. You can also call Dale Sadler (Executive Director of Project Family) at 615.513.3642 if you're doing something now or would like to do something to positively affect the family in Sumner County. Please, join us.

By DALE SADLER

Listen to Dale's live radio show Sundays at 4:30 p.m. (CST) at wqkr.com, 95.9FM or 1270AM. Dale discusses pertinent family issues with political activists, motivational speakers and fellow therapists. Visit www.dalesadler.net for more information on Dale's work with families and the non-profit, Project Family.

The merchants located on Lebanon's Town Square - or the Lebanon Commercial Historic District as it is called in the National Historic Register Application - are planning a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 5 until 8:30 p.m.

The historic buildings are decorated for the holiday season, Santa will be visiting and Historic Lebanon Tomorrow will have their Holiday Tour of Homes.

The merchants are opening their doors for holiday festivities!

Enjoy an evening of Shopping on the Square!

• The Historic Square will be lit by candle light to enhance the holiday spirit
• Enjoy the Holiday Open House from 5 until 8:30 p.m.
• Refreshments and holiday spirit!
• Santa will arrive on the Square at noon by horse-drawn carriage
• Visit with Santa at the Historic Cabin from noon until 3 p.m. (don't forget to bring your camera), and you can also visit with Santa at the Chamber from 6 until 8 p.m.
• Carolers will be strolling the Square
• Horse-drawn carriage rides available from the Cabin from noon until 8:30 p.m.
• Historical author Woody McMillin will be signing copies of his book, "In the Presence of Soldiers," at the Chamber of Commerce from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m.
• Historic Lebanon Tomorrow Holiday Tour of Homes will be held from 5 until 8:30 p.m., tickets are available at the Capitol Theatre.

For more information, please visit the Lebanon Town Square Celebrates website

The Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to bring you sample highlights of upcoming holiday events in our area. We have everything from parades to train rides with Santa, to holiday theatre musicals and amazing drive-thru light displays! Wilson County has something for everyone this holiday season!

Pack up your family and head to some of Wilson County's drive-thru Christmas light displays! The Festival of Lights is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., every Thursday through Sunday inside historic Fiddlers Grove at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center from Nov. 26 through Dec. 26. Admission is $5 per car. Then visit one of the nation's largest Christmas light displays at Chad's Winter Wonderland, located just off Hwy. 109 in Lebanon. Admission is $10 per car. View over two million lights and visit the live Santa while you're there!

Another holiday favorite is the Tennessee Central Railway's North Pole Express Train with Santa. The train will run Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 11. Tickets for the train sell out quickly, so get yours today! For train information and tickets, please contact the Tennessee Central Railway Museum at 615-244-9001, or visit www.tcry.org.

Experience the holiday cheer with marching bands, floats, Santa and so much more! Enjoy the City of Lebanon's Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, beginning at 2 p.m. The Jingle Jog 5K will take place prior to the Lebanon Christmas Parade. This fun run is sure to warm your heart! And don't miss the City of Mt. Juliet's Christmas Parade on Dec. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. The theme for this year's parade is "Toy Store Christmas."

If you love shopping during the holiday season, you're in luck! The Art Mill in Lebanon will host a Parent's Day Out "Shop 'Til You Drop" Kids Art Camp on Nov. 26 and 27. You can treat your kids to a fun painting class while you do some holiday shopping. Then head to Mt. Juliet for their annual Holiday Bazaar at the Mt. Juliet Community Center on Dec. 4 and 5. Get in the holiday spirit with caroling, carriage rides, hot apple cider and more at Providence Marketplace's annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Nov. 27. Also on Dec. 4 and 5, Providence Marketplace will host Snowfest. Enjoy outdoor ice skating and visit with Santa. You can also visit with Santa on the Watertown Square on Dec. 4 and 11.

Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way with the City of Watertown at their annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 11 and 12. You'll tour some of Wilson County's beautiful and historic homes. You also won't want to miss Historic Lebanon Tomorrow's 3rd Annual Tour of Historic Places on Dec. 4 and 5.

All dates and times are subject to change. For more information on these events and others, contact the Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau or visit www.visitwilsoncounty.com. You can also look for us on Facebook and Twitter!

PHOTO BY candrews

Shoppers at Mt. Juliet's Providence MarketPlace and Paddocks shopping developments can expect to see more men and women in blue on "Black Friday" as the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) kicks off Operation Safe Shopper - an initiative to help deter crime, increase response times and alleviate traffic congestion during the busy holiday shopping season.

As part of Operation Safe Shopper, MJPD's Crime Suppression Unit and other members of the department will be in marked and undercover vehicles, on foot and on bicycles to raise law enforcement visibility and promptly respond to calls for service in the shopping centers as well as surrounding areas. Operation Safe Shopper will run from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31 throughout the holiday season.

"Because the number of crimes and complaints often rise the day after Thanksgiving throughout the peak holiday shopping season, we'll be increasing patrols seven days a week," said Lieutenant Keith Youmans, MJPD's Patrol Commander.

Community Policing Director Cpl. Tyler Chandler added, "It's our goal that Operation Safe Shopper will keep people even safer as they choose to spend time in one of Tennessee's best and safest communities. We hope the time that visitors spend in our community is a positive experience."

In addition, the Mt. Juliet Police Department has taken steps to ease traffic congestion around the Interstate 40 shopping hub. The timing of the traffic light sequencing has been adjusted for all intersections near Providence MarketPlace and Paddock shopping centers.

MJPD reminds all residents and visitors that there are alternate routes to get in and out of Providence MarketPlace. The alternate route you choose may get you to your destination even quicker. You can view those routes on the MJPD website.

Police offer the following holiday shopping safety tips:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted spaces, lock car doors and place packages out of sight in the trunk or underneath seats.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.
• Carry purses close to the body, not dangling by the straps.
• Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Supervise children at all times. Teach children to go to a police officer or security guard if they get lost or separated.
• Take a holiday inventory. The holidays are a good time to take photos or videos of items in your home.

Because traffic also increases around the shopping centers during the holidays, police are also advising shoppers to take heed of the following driving tips:

• Don't block intersections. Blocking intersections causes frustrating and unsafe back-ups; that's why it's against the law. When the traffic signal turns yellow, avoid trying to beat the upcoming red light and pulling into and blocking busy intersections. Instead, drop back and wait for the next green light. When traffic lights are green, make sure there is adequate room to completely cross the intersection.
• Don't run red lights. Running a red light can have deadly consequences. As a result, Mt. Juliet has seven red-light cameras designed to deter red-light offenders. Red-light citations carry a $50 fine with an additional penalty if the fine is not paid within a specified period. Violators who run a red light and are cited by a police officer can face a higher fine as well as insurance points.
• Contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department in case of any accidents. If the accident is minor without injury, motorists should move their vehicles out of the travel lane and into a parking lot or onto the shoulder and call Mt. Juliet Police at (615 754-2550. For accidents involving injuries, motorists should call 911.
• Watch for pedestrians. Maintain a safe speed in parking lots and be on the lookout for shoppers exiting vehicles and walking to stores.
• At stop signs, come to a complete stop behind the white stop lines and not in the crosswalk. Especially when turning right on red, remember that a full stop behind the stop bar is necessary to give time to look both ways before proceeding. Look not only for cars but also for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Always use a turn signal to prevent accidents. A turn signal alerts motorists of your intended action and helps prevent rear-end crashes, which is why it's the law.
• Be patient. There will be a record number of motorists and pedestrians, so a little holiday cheer will go a long way for safety.

For everyone's safety, motorists can expect strict enforcement of these and other traffic laws as the Mt. Juliet Police Department works around the clock to make sure everyone has safe and happy holidays.

Nov. 18, 2010

Meet Xavier, the ultimate lap dog! Being held is one of his favorite things.  This small 5 year-old terrier mix loves to sit in your lap and will roll over for belly rubs.  He is neutered, current on vaccinations, laid-back and super sweet!!!  And did we mention he walks well on leash and is housetrained.  What an awesome little dog! Xavier came to Almost Home Adoption Center after being picked up by animal control.  You have to wonder how such a cute little guy ended up on the streets. Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month?  While Xavier isn't quite a senior, he is mature and has many of the attributes of a senior.  Seniors make excellent pets as they are often already housetrained, their personalities are more established, thus eliminating a lot of the guesswork that goes with a young animal, and there's much less chewing and other rambunctious puppy habits.  All of those benefits pale, however, to perhaps one of the main reasons mature pets are so terrific.  They tend to be more grateful for their homes.  They just want to be part of the family. So do you want to be a hero?  If so, consider adopting Xavier.  He'll be so thankful that you won't help but realize you've done something special.  Xavier has a really nice life ahead of him if only he can find a person to call his own.  If you're looking for a lap dog, please consider making Xavier your own.  You can adopt Xavier for only $75.00. (Pet ID - D10-403)

Meet Snowflake!  This sweet 8 year old kitty came to the shelter after her pet parent passed away.  Snowflake is a laid-back lady of a cat with very mellow and gentle personality.  Like many of us, Snowflake is fighting the battle of the bulge.  She currently weighs a bit over 20 pounds and is trying to lose weight.  But it isn't easy!  She's currently on a low calorie diet and will need to continue the diet in her new home.  Snowflake is friendly, spayed, litter box trained and current on vaccinations.  Come out to the adoption center to meet this feline - she likes to hang out in the front lobby and greet the visitors to the Almost Home Adoption Center!  You can adopt Snowflake today for just $75.00.  (Pet ID - C10-285)

Meet Yukon!  This stunning 10 year old male American Eskimo Dog is housetrained, neutered and current on vaccinations.  He and his best pal Jasmine were abandoned by their owner but fortunately this sweet duo is at Almost Home Adoption Center where they're looking for a 'new leash on life'.  American Eskimo Dogs are described as intelligent, alert and friendly.  Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!  Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month?  Seniors make excellent pets as they are often already housetrained, their personalities are more established, thus eliminating a lot of the guesswork that goes with a young animal, and there's much less chewing and other rambunctious puppy habits.  All of those benefits pale, however, to perhaps one of the main reasons mature pets are so terrific.  They tend to be more grateful for their homes.  They just want to be part of the family. So do you want to be a hero?  If so, consider adopting Yukon. He'll be so thankful that you won't help but realize you've done something special. You can adopt him for just $75.00. Or how about this bonded pair for $100.00 - Yukon and Jasmine will be so appreciative and you'll be glad you did it! (Pet ID # D10-441 & D10-442)

Meet Trixie!  Trixie is a gorgeous three-year-old Calico.  She and her best buddy Oreo came to the adoption center after their pet parent had to move due to an illness, and could no longer keep them.  It was a very hard thing for Trixie and Oreo's human mom to do, because she loved them very much.  She wanted them to find a home with the love and care she could no longer give them.  Trixie currently weighs about 10 pounds, is spayed, current on all her vaccinations and is litter box trained.  You can adopt Trixie today for $75.00, or adopt her and her buddy Oreo for $100.  (Pet ID - C10-287 and C10-288)

Xavier, Snowflake, Yukon, Jasmine, Trixie, Oreo, and many other wonderful dogs and cats are available for adoption at New Leash on Life’s Almost Home Adoption Center located at 507 West Baddour Parkway in Lebanon.  The Almost Home Adoption Center is open for adoptions Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, noon until 5:00 p.m.  We are closed on Wednesday.  Please also visit the Luv-A-Pet Center at the Mt. Juliet Petsmart store during regular store hours to meet more of our fabulous felines available for adoption.  We also have dogs available for adoption every Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Petsmart in Mt. Juliet at Providence Marketplace.  For more information, call 444-1144 or visit www.newleashonline.org.

Do you have 2 hours to volunteer one day a week between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. or between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.?  Then we need you!  New Leash on Life CAT Team volunteers care for the wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption in the Mt. Juliet (Providence) PetSmart Luv-a-Pet Center.  Just a couple of hours a week can mean so much!  Weekday and Weekend times are available.  For more information, contact CAT Team Coordinator, Debbie Moore, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

New Leash on Life offers 24PetWatch microchips, which includes free registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service.  For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424.  All pets also come with 30 days of pre-paid pet health insurance.  For more information please visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-PETS.

On Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, some of the country's best songwriters will join country music superstar Gretchen Wilson for the Third Annual "MCA's Music at the Mill." Tickets for the event are on sale now - great for Christmas gifts! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 615-444-2678 or online sales are available at http://www.mcclainchristian.org/mca-store/online-tickets.

The star-studded line-up is hosted by Wilson County's own Gretchen Wilson ("I Got Your Country Right Here," "Work Hard, Play Harder," "All Jacked Up," "Here for the Party," and "Redneck Woman"). Performers include some of music's most accomplished and wide-ranging talents.

The venue features two seating opportunities: Section A "VIP" - $125 - includes mix & mingle with artist, dinner, gift bag, preferred parking and upfront seating. Section B - $50 - is table seating with dinner plates available. The event will be held at The Mill, located at 300 North Maple Street in Lebanon, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

"MCA is so fortunate to have talented and fabulous artists join in our MCA's Music at the Mill event line-up," stated Donna Shaffer, Director of Schools for McClain Christian Academy. "We thank these legendary artists who are graciously giving their time to make the school's event a success. We are grateful for their involvement and look forward to an unforgettable evening."

Performances include yesterday's hits and tomorrow's #1 smashes - straight from the tunesmiths who crafted them. The one consistent thread of the evening is its definitely entertaining, always inspiring, funny, and crosses all stylistic borders from many multi-platinum international hits. Tickets are limited, so purchase early, and then get ready for an intimate evening and an up-close and personal experience that is always a crowd pleaser.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 12, Garr's Rental & Feed in Mt. Juliet invites the community to its annual Open House, where pets (and families) can have their photos taken with Santa. The popular event will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 and from noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12.

"This year, we have a wonderful outdoor Christmas scene complete with elves and reindeer," said Roy Garr, president and owner of Garr's Rental & Feed. "Many families use the photo for their holiday greeting cards. All families, with or without pets, are welcome to participate. It's great fun for everyone."

The pet (and family) photos will be taken by a professional photographer. A variety of photo packages will be available for a cost of $5 to $20, plus a $5 sitting fee. Photo packages can include photos on a CD, and numerous "backdrops" will be available with the Christmas scene for a wide variety of photo opportunities. Families can bring their own cameras and take their own photos for a sitting fee of $10. A percentage of the proceeds from the photo sessions will be donated to Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Mt. Juliet.

"Santa loves animals, and so does everyone at Garr's Rental & Feed," remarked Garr. "All kinds of pets and their people are welcome to our Open House."

Pets and their families will be photographed on a first-come, first-served basis. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

While Santa will only visit Garr's on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 12, the Christmas scene will be available for use as a backdrop for holiday photos beginning Friday, Nov. 26, for all customers to use for their personal holiday photos. A $10 sitting fee will apply to those wishing to use the holiday backdrop, with a portion of the fee also benefiting Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation.

Garr's Rental & Feed, a family-owned business, is located at 11620 Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is open Sundays seasonally.

Pregnancy is a magical time. To prepare for your new little one, University Medical Center is offering three series of Childbirth Education classes. The first three series of five classes will be held on Tuesdays at the medical center from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. on the following days: January 11, 18, and 25, Feb. 1 and 8; then March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and finally April 19, 26, May 3, 10 and 17. There will also be a marathon day for refresher class on Saturday, March 12.

For more information, please contact Karen Clairday, RN, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 453-8188.

As the weather cools and the leaves change, I begin to mourn the departure of summer with its grilled food and time outside. Late September to mid-October is particularly difficult, as it's too cool to play in the sprinkler but too warm to enjoy the changing leaves; unless of course they're drying to a crisp. However, by the time Halloween rolls in, I've accepted it.

Now begins the time of year that we term, "The Holidays." So much is crammed into the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas that by the time we throw away the last of the wrapping paper, we wonder where it all went. Take pictures, make dinner plans now and drink up this festive time because January and February will soon be here and unless it's a snow day, don't bother me.

One of my joys of the season is watching Christmas movies. I'll be purchasing Mickey's A Christmas Carol soon, adding it to Rudolph, Frosty and Charlie Brown. Elf with Will Ferrel is a favorite in the Sadler household, too. Ferrel's character, Buddy, meets a girl (played by Zooey Deschanel) who says, "I'm just trying to make it through the holidays." Buddy is dismayed by this and begins converting her to his belief in the Christmas spirit. For some, Deschanel's take on this time of year mirrors their own. The feeling I have in late September doesn't end for these who must bear a month of turkey dinners and yuletide cheer. What to do?

This state of bah-hum-bug can come from many sources. With the focus on family during this time of year, many are thrust beside cousins, siblings, or even parents that they don't care for very much. What to do? Make the most of it. Conversation can be had with almost anyone depending on the level that you want to take it. Don't have much in common with cousin Jeb? Talk about sports or some other interest that both of you have. You're a hard worker, but your in-laws are lazy? Talk about the dinner plates or your gun collection. You're bound to have something in common. These mundane topics may seem pointless, but they keep everyone civil and the holiday atmosphere comfortable.

It's not only the present that can get people down, but like the Ghost of Christmas Past, events long gone can make a joyous time of year one to be dreaded. The weather doesn't help either. With less sun and people staying inside, the things that normally make us feel good are a little harder to come by. Chocolate can only do so much to make us feel good.

What may be the culprit here, besides the weather, is that the holidays are made up of traditions and when those traditions change because of the passing of a loved one or some other event; it may be difficult to move on. While the person can't be replaced, new traditions can be established. After all, there are grandchildren who want what you had so many years ago; holidays and traditions to remember and pass on to their children. You can make it happen.

By DALE SADLER

Listen at wqkr.com, 95.9FM or 1270AM, on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m. when Dale will be discussing the holidays. Visit www.dalesadler.net for more information on Dale's work with families and the non-profit, Project Family.