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.

Two Rivers Ford presents the first-ever Turkey Trot 5K Race and Family Fun Run on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010. The one-mile Family Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. with the 5K Race starting at 8:30 a.m. from Two Rivers Ford (located at 76 Belinda Parkway in Mt. Juliet).

Registration for the one-mile Fun Run is $15 and $25 for the 5K Race. The 5K course is a USA Track and Field certified road course which will run through the Providence area and begin and end at Two Rivers Ford. Well-socialized, leashed dogs and strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Runners can register online at active.com where a course map is available. All runners who register by Sunday, November 14 will be guaranteed an event T-shirt and a special runner's packet. Online registration will be available through midnight on Sunday, November 21. Mail-in registration forms are available at www.newleashonline.org. Computerized race results will be provided for 5K runners. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 male and female winners in each category as well as an overall award.

"The race is a great way to start the holiday season. Come out and work off some of those calories that you'll eat later and celebrate the season by doing something that will bring your family together and help raise funds for homeless animals," remarked event organizer Amy Haverstick.

The event is sponsored by Two Rivers Ford, Total Family Physicians Center, Dr. William Nave Dental Studio, The Trailer Depot, Advance Signs and Graphics, Payment Express Systems, Vity-Mighty K-9 Gravy, Food Concepts, 103 KDF, The Lebanon Democrat, Mt. Juliet News, Wilson Post and Fox 17.

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (MTEMC) members will see their rates decrease when they get their bills in November, as the Tennessee Valley Authority has decreased its Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) for the first time since February.

"The actual percentage change in members' bills will differ depending on the amount of energy members use; however, it looks to be about a four percent decrease on average," MTEMC Communications Coordinator Todd Palmer said.

The FCA will move from October's rate of 1.173 cents per kilowatt-hour to 0.765 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The FCA is a billing mechanism TVA uses to help recover largely uncontrollable fuel and purchased power costs. Since TVA is the power supplier for Middle Tennessee Electric and the FCA is a TVA charge, all of the charge collected from Middle Tennessee Electric members goes back to TVA.

TVA cites lower than expected prices on coal, purchased power and natural gas as the reason for the decrease in the fuel cost adjustment.

After dusk on Oct. 31, our streets will be filled with ghosts and goblins seeking treats in our community. Your local emergency department at University Medical Center would like to share a few health and safety tips for trick-or-treaters and party planners.

COSTUME TIPS

• Purchase accessories such as knives and swords that are short, soft and flexible.
• Check costume packaging to be sure it is flame-resistant.
• Masks, costumes and shoes should fit well to prevent trips and falls.
• Reflective tape fastened to the front and back of costumes helps a driver see trick-or-treaters.
• Lower the risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

SAFETY TIPS

• Never trick or treat alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult chaperon.
• Carry a flashlight to help you see better and to help others see you.
• Look both ways when crossing the street and use established crosswalks when available.
• Use sidewalks at all times or walk on the far edge of the street facing on-coming traffic, if sidewalks are not available.
• Never enter the home of someone you do not know.
• Avoid eating home-made treats unless you know the person who made them.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and check for tampering before eating them.

TRICK OR TREATER & PARTY PLANNING TIPS

• Provide healthy treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of pretzels, raisins or trail mix.
• Keep candle-lit pumpkins and luminaries away from doorsteps, sidewalks and landings. Place them on a sturdy surface, out of reach for pets and small children.
• Turn your outdoor porch/entry light ON. This lets trick-or-treaters know they are welcome and prevents trips and falls.
• Clear all walking areas of obstacles that could result in a fall.
• Use party games as an opportunity for children to get their daily dose of exercise.
• For party guests, offer a health snack such as a variety of fruits, vegetables and cheeses.

Keep your family safe this Halloween and enjoy trick or treating!

University Medical Center's (UMC) Anita Farmer has worked in the nursing profession at UMC for 38 years. She was recently honored by the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) and presented the 2010 Nurse of Distinction Award at the 72nd Annual THA meeting.

A nurse who has transitioned into non-clinical positions, Farmer is described as "the epitome of a nurse." In her current role, she is responsible for ensuring quality care is delivered while fiscally responsible initiatives are met. With a focus on core measures, she checks everywhere to find the required documentation and then takes it to the next step - educating staff on the right thing to do and why.

Early in her career, Farmer was influential as a recruiter for the hospital, convincing many new nurses to become part of the UMC team. Although her primary position currently focuses on quality and performance improvement, she is always willing to assist staff, whether individually or by participating in hospital educational fairs and emergency drills.

Farmer's contribution to quality and performance improvement cannot be overstated. Her continuing efforts on compliance with core measures has not only made a substantial improvement in patient care, but has also had a significant impact on cost reduction and containment.

When talking with Farmer about the award, she stated, "I am extremely honored to have been selected for this award; however, the greatest honor is that it was in the category for nursing. I love nursing and patient care, and although the job I currently do requires a nursing degree, many people do not know that I am a nurse, because I don't do direct patient care. I am honored that there are those people like Janelyn Knowles, RN, who 'remember' the years I did spend doing direct patient care. Although we worked very hard during those days, I think nursing now is so much harder in some ways. There are so many entities that 'guide' patient care anymore, so not only do you have to have great nursing skills, but organizational skills, time management and writing ability to get everything you have done down on paper."

Farmer continued, "I have worn many hats over the years as a nurse from nursing tech to an interim as Director of Nursing at the McFarland Hospital. However, my heart has always been in the emergency room There, you can make an immediate impact on taking care of patients, and hopefully relieve their pain and suffering. I am honored to receive this award and hope to be able to represent all of nursing at UMC."

Named Nurse of the Year at UMC in 2009, Farmer received an associate's degree at Middle Tennessee State University. She and her husband, Glenn, live in Lebanon and have two children, Patrick and Lauren.

After a successful debut in 2009, 'Taste of Wilson County' organizers have added more icing on the cake for this year's edition, which is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 14 from 5 until 8 p.m.

'Taste' partners Wilson Bank & Trust, Performance Foodservice and the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce have added a number of upgrades in response to overflow crowds at last year's first-of-its-kind event. Among the improvements visitors will observe in 2010 are increased venue space, additional parking options, a new shopping area and activities for children.

'Taste of Wilson County' will occupy more than twice the floor space at The Mill in Lebanon, where visitors can sample food from many of the county's best eateries as they chat with the chefs themselves. A new marketplace area will allow guests to purchase gift items from both food and non-food vendors and will feature a book signing by legendary songwriter Curly Putman.

More parking options will make it easier for guests to get in and out at the event. Regular parking at The Mill and Liberty State Bank will be accompanied by a free trolley service to nearby parking lots at the Music City Star station on West Baddour, First United Methodist Church on West Main and Bank of America near the Public Square. Valet parking will also be available on a limited basis for a $5 donation.

There's also more for children to enjoy at 'Taste' this year. Kid-friendly foods will be offered by many vendors, and local artist Scott Harris will lead a workshop where children can create their own work of art for $10. Interested parents can pre-register their children for the art activity by calling The Art Mill at 444-8828.

Tickets for 'Taste of Wilson County' can be purchased in advance for $10 at the Lebanon Chamber and all area Wilson Bank & Trust locations. Tickets at the gate are $15. All proceeds from 'Taste of Wilson County' benefit Chamber education programs, including Wilson Books from Birth, TN Scholars, the Teacher Grant Program and area scholarships.

More than 1,200 tickets were sold last year for 'Taste of Wilson County,' with more than $9,000 raised. More information about the event is available at www.tasteofwilsoncounty.com.

Pictured, above: 'Taste of Wilson County' drew a large crowd and raised more than $9,000 for Chamber education programs in 2009. Several enhancements have been added for this year's event on Oct. 14 at The Mill in Lebanon, including increased venue space, more parking options, a new marketplace area and an activity for children.

Governor Phil Bredesen has officially proclaimed Imagination Library Week (sponsored by Nissan) in Tennessee September 19-25, 2010.  During this week, local Imagination Library affiliates in all 95 counties are bringing awareness to the free book program and hoping to boost enrollment across the state.

This year’s events are celebrating the 215,000 Tennessee children under the age of five who currently receive one free high quality age, appropriate book delivered to their home each month, and the fact that more than 10 million free books have been delivered to Tennessee children across the state since 2004.

“I encourage every Tennessee family with children under the age of five to enroll their children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library during Imagination Library week,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “During the past six years, this program has reached thousands of children and changed lives by providing them with tools to create a lifetime of learning, developing their vocabulary and school readiness. Our goal is for every child not currently enrolled to have their own library of books so that they can join the thousands of others who are growing and benefiting from this program.”

Please visit www.governorsfoundation.org to see a list of Imagination Library events happening in your area. The Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation encourage all Tennesseans to either enroll their child or give to their local county’s Imagination Library so that a child in your community can receive free books.  Donations to your county’s Imagination Libraries can also be made at www.governorsfoundation.org.

Created in 1996 by Dolly Parton as a gift to the children in her hometown of Sevierville, TN., the Imagination Library mails a new, age-appropriate, high-quality book every month to registered children, from birth until age five – at no cost to the family, regardless of income.  Just $24 annually provides for the purchase and delivery of 12 books to one child.  This cost is split evenly between a non-profit sponsoring organization in every Tennessee county and a state budgetary allocation administered by the GBBF.

Currently, 57 percent of all Tennessee children ages 0-5 are registered in the Imagination Library and are receiving free books in the mail.  More than 188,000 Tennessee five-year-olds have already “graduated” from the program.  The statewide program has helped deliver more than 10 million books to Tennessee children since the creation of the GBBF in 2004.

Thousands of red, white and blue balloons were sent to the heavens at the shotgun start of the 2010 Sherry's Run. The tribute honored the memory of those affected by the events of September 11 and those who are battling or lost their lives to cancer.

An unprecedented 3,581 runners, walkers and supporters filled West Main Street in Lebanon from Castle Heights Avenue to North Greenwood and beyond. Through generous sponsorships, donations and participants, an unprecedented $220,800 was raised to help those who are suffering with cancer right here at home.

"On behalf of the Sherry's Run Board of Directors, we offer our gratitude to all the Sherry's Run sponsors and participants. We owe the success of this event to our sponsors, volunteers, teams and all the runners and walkers who participated. With their commitment and support, we are truly making a significant difference in the lives of local cancer patients," a statement issued by the Sherry's Run organization read.

There were a record number 108 teams. Thanks to all those who formed and joined a team, the Team Chairs and all of the Team Captains!

The following teams received awards:

• Most Participants on a Team - Velma's Team
• Most Money Raised (Over Entry Fees) - Maple Hill Church of Christ (raised over $15,000)
• Most Team Spirit: Team Climer
• Sherry's Run Spirit Stick: Jim Goodall's Office
• Best Team Sign: Karen's Krew

A surprised and humbled Mike Johnson received the 2010 Sherry's Run Volunteer of the Year Award. Thanks to Mike for his tireless hours dedicated to helping those with cancer throughout the year.

Thank you to the more than 250 volunteers who work so diligently and contribute countless hours to make this event successful. This year's event featured a new course and true chip timing. The 'Paint the Town Green' initiative helped elevate awareness with green ribbons on display throughout our communities. Cancer survivors were honored with complimentary green survivor bandannas and were able to enjoy the beautiful 5K course on the Survivor Trolley.

Congratulations to the race winners:

• Female Overall Winner - Nancy Throckmorton
• Male Overall Winner - Marcus Lavender
• Female Masters Winner - Amy Breedlove
• Male Masters Winner - Kerry Dickerson

For a full list of winners by age category and runner times, please visit www.sherrysrun.org/5-k-results.

The mission of Sherry's Run is to benefit those affected by cancer, with an emphasis on colon cancer. Sherry's Run will help any family affected by any kind of cancer that lives, works, goes to church or seeks treatment in Wilson County or the surrounding communities that has a true need. Sherry's Run is a 501 (c)(3) organization. It was started in memory of Sharon "Sherry" Patterson Whitaker, who died at the age of 44 from colon cancer. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online. For more information on Sherry's Run, please call 615-975-1081 or 615-400-2032.

Following the historic floods of May 1 and 2, 2010, volunteers inundated the Lebanon Commercial Historic District (the Lebanon Town Square) with help in cleaning, moving and sorting through debris and items damaged during the floods.

Now that the repairs of the affected buildings have been completed, the Town Square merchants want to give back to those who willingly gave time, money and muscle to aid in the clean-up and recovery efforts. Volunteers, business owners, workers, high school students and so many more came to The Square to lend a helping hand.

On Sept. 11, 2010, following the annual Sherry's Run, the Town Square merchants will celebrate the volunteers with a day of FUN! Food, games, entertainment and sidewalk sales are only a few of the events scheduled as the Lebanon Town Square celebrates giving back to the volunteers who meant so much! The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

For more information, please contact Michael Ezsol (Michael's Cover-Up) at 444-8329, Helene Cash (Crystal Couture) at 627-8487 or Colleen Taylor (Historic Lebanon Tomorrow) at 934-7927. You may also visit the celebration's official website at www.LebanonTownSquareCelebrates.org.