Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis announced that Georgia Pacific Packing Plant in Lebanon was chosen to receive the Volunteer STAR (Safety Through Accountability and Recognition) award.

• Three-year Total Case Incidence Rate (TCIR) is 0.00
• 100% below the current Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) industry average
• Three-year Days Away from Work and Restricted Activity and/or Transfer Incidence Rate (DART) rate is 0.0
• 100% below the current BLS industry averages

The Cumberland University cycling team recently formed a volunteer partnership program with Ride for Reading, an organization that aims to improve literacy for low-income children. The 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization was formed in Nashville in early 2008 and, in two years, has already distributed over 15,000 books to needy children in the Metro Nashville area. Cumberland cycling will become the Wilson County chapter for Ride for Reading and target Lebanon, Watertown and Mt. Juliet area schools.

"We are ecstatic to have the Cumberland University cycling team on board," says the Executive Director of Ride for Reading, Matthew Portell. "Giving a child a book is giving them the opportunity to go anywhere, see anything and experience everything, and the cycling team will help provide the means to those journeys."

"It inspires me as an educator to see university students getting involved in their community," says Portell. "These experiences will not only change the outlook of their lives as students but will also prepare them for future professional experiences."

Various drop-off points for the donation of books will be announced shortly, and team members will be available to pick up those donations through the book drive campaign. All types of books are accepted regardless of the wear and tear, subject matter or age appropriateness. The cycling team's first distribution event is planned to take place in mid-April 2010, and the squad's goal is to take in several hundred books prior to that date.

"Every cyclist on the team will volunteer time to acquire book donations, cultivate relationships with local businesses and educators, as well as coordinate regular book distribution events each semester," says CU head cycling coach Tim Hall.

Ride for Reading made a unique connection by not only addressing literacy concerns but also by adding a bicycle safety element to their presentation. On the day of distribution, the cycling team will make a delivery on their bicycles with books in backpacks, and just like a Tour de France race, the kids will be outside to cheer the cyclists as they arrive on school grounds. Each child taking part in the distribution will get an opportunity to choose his or her own book to read and keep.

"Carrying books on our bikes and being greeted by kids as we arrive, we are looking forward to that moment," says Coach Hall. "This is a natural fit for us and the community; to promote literacy for children in need while also addressing bicycling safety."

If you business or organization would like to become a book donation drop-off point, or if you have books you would like to donate, please contact CU cycling coach Tim Hall at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 615-547-1207. To learn more about Ride for Reading, please visit www.rideforreading.org.

Pictured: Ride for Reading Executive Director Matthew Portell (left) and CU cycling coach Tim Hall.

February 18, 2010

Meet Sheila! When Sheila says "hello," it's hard not to say it back! She's just so sincere. When you approach her, she wants to be petted, but sometimes it's hard not to be just so excited that talking to you worked! She'll do an extra prance and jump, as if to say, "Oh my gosh. It worked. You're coming to say 'hi' to me. I can't believe this." The staff at the adoption center says Sheila is a great dog and very obedient, but she is probably best suited for an experienced dog person who can handle her with a gentle but firm hand. She tends to go off when walking by the cages with the other dogs in them, but if you tell her to stop, she does. She's very obedient. Sheila is on her way to being house-trained, and she knows some commands. She would probably be better suited in a home without other dogs, although if someone was experienced and the dogs were introduced properly, they could work through initial jitters. Sheila was found as a stray, so we don't know if she ever had a family to love her and care for her and teach her good behavior. She's so sociable though! She's ready to learn. And she would just love to meet someone who would enroll her in the Good Dog training that is available with her adoption. Sheila needs someone who can teach her the ropes and guide her to success. And she longs for a home where she will be loved forever, just the way she is. (Pet ID #09D-440)

Hi, my name is Bunny! I was living outside in the cold until a nice person rescued me and gave me a warm place to stay. Now I'm in a foster home, ready for adoption, and I would love to meet you! I am told that I am a seal point Siamese and white Manx mix. As you can see, I have the most beautiful markings and incredibly gorgeous blue eyes. Part of what makes me so adorable is that I don't have a tail. In case you don't know, Manx kitties don't have tails. So I just have the cutest little fluff ball where my tail would be, sort of like a bunny rabbit. Do you think that's why they named me Bunny? To add to my cuteness, I have the best personality, and I love to be held and will just purr and purr. I don't ask a lot - just to love you and be loved. If you adopt me, I will enjoy sitting in your lap and keeping you company on these cold days and nights. I will be the best friend you ever will have and will be your loyal companion for many years to come! I am looking forward to meeting you soon! If you want to find out more about me, contact my foster mom at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Did I mention that I love to sit in laps? (Pet ID #10C-031)

Sheila 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 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 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 until 4 p.m. at the Petsmart in Mt. Juliet at Providence Marketplace. For more information, call 615-444-1144 or visit www.newleashonline.org.

Do you have two hours to volunteer one day a week between 7 and 9 a.m. or between 5 and 8 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 per 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

New Leash on Life offers 24PetWatch microchips, which include free registration into the 24PetWatch 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.

A "who's who" list of companies that strongly reflect the commitment to our community have come together to bring a night of incredible entertainment to Lebanon. These local organizations are no strangers to supporting the community in local events and are enthusiastic about the event that brings some of Nashville's best songwriters alongside Wilson County's own Gretchen Wilson to Lebanon for "MCA's Music at the Mill."

HTK Wealth Management, Wilson Bank & Trust, University Medical Center, Performance Food Group, Cracker Barrel, Wilson Post/Main Street Media, WANT FM 98.9, Lebanon Democrat, Your Cup Counts Coffee, Lamar Advertising, Dr. Troy Long Dentistry and Lee & Lee Attorneys join together with their neighbors by bringing this singer/songwriter's night to Wilson County.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 at The Mill, 300 North Maple Street in Lebanon - doors open at 6:30 p.m. Limited tickets for the event are available by calling 615-444-2678 or by visiting any Wilson Bank & Trust location. Benefit proceeds go to support McClain Christian Academy.

"At HTK Wealth Management, we wanted to take this sponsorship opportunity to celebrate the life of Isabella Cadena, an MCA first-grader who tragically lost her life this January. Isabella's school and the school family played a very important role in her short life, and we find it fitting to support their efforts and are happy we can be the Platinum sponsor for the Second Annual MCA's Music at the Mill," stated Tab Kirkland, Partner, HTK Wealth Management.

The event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as Wilson County's own Gretchen Wilson, "Work Hard, Play Harder," "All Jacked Up," "Here for the Party," "Redneck Woman," joins an all-star singer/songwriter line-up featuring: Even Stevens: "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman," "I Love A Rainy Night," "Drivin' My Life Away;" Richie McDonald: "I'm Already There," "Let Them Be Little," "My Front Porch Looking In;" Leslie Satcher: "Troubadour," "When God-Fearin' Women Get the Blues," "For These Times;" five-time BMI Songwriter of the Year Paul Overstreet: "When You Say Nothing At All," Forever and Ever, Amen," "Some Beach;" Scotty Emerick: "I Love This Bar," "I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight," "Beer For My Horses," "Weed With Willie," "Taliban Song;" Alex Harvey: "Delta Dawn," "Rings," "Hell & High Water," "Ruben James;" Richard Leigh: "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," "Greatest Man I Never Knew;" 2004 BMI Songwriter of the Year Casey Beathard: "Don't Blink," "Cleaning His Gun," "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem," "Ready, Set, Don't Go;" Michael Loudermilk: Guitar Wizard (Chet Atkins Cuts); Rhean Boyer (Carolina Rain): "Isn't She," "Get Out of My Way;" and Keith Burns (Trick Pony, Burns & Poe): "Cowboy Stomp," "Whole Lotta Gone," "Pour Me" and many, many more songs that have visited the top of the music charts.

"We are lucky to live close to Music City, USA, where thousands of songs find their birth. At Wilson Bank & Trust, we are proud of the communities we serve and are excited to bring a showcase of extraordinary talent to share with our neighbors for an evening of incredible entertainment," stated John McDearman, Senior Vice-President, Wilson Bank & Trust. "We have always had a strong commitment to our local schools, with our in-school banking programs and sports sponsorships being some of the most recognizable."

Vince Cherry, CEO of University Medical Center emphasized, "At UMC, we too celebrate the arts and support arts for education. Our involvement in this event allows us to expand this unique opportunity to the entire community and give our neighbors an opportunity to enjoy the performances of this all-star singer/songwriter line-up. We are excited about the evening and happy to give back to the community."

The venue features three seating opportunities with ticket prices ranging from $25 (Section C), $45 (Section B) and preferred seating (Section A) at $125 per person. The preferred seating package affords guests the opportunity for a pre-show VIP All-Access meet and greet reception, photos with the singer/songwriters, preferred parking and an intriguing 'tunesmith' souvenir gift package, in addition to front area seating. Donna Shaffer, MCA Director of Schools, added, "We thank all of our generous sponsoring partners for helping present this evening of entertainment. We salute their dedication to community and lifestyle and appreciate their support of McClain Christian Academy."

McClain Christian Academy is committed to academic excellence in a Christian environment. The Wilson County-based 501 (c) (3) organization continually analyzes the curriculum so that the advanced academic courses are providing the students the best possible education. MCA is focused on providing students individualized instruction within the small class size, ensuring that each student excels not only academically but socially as well. MCA educates students in grades Pre K3-12th grade. For more information, please call 615-444-2678.

Cumberland University will present the 1954 play, The Tender Trap by Max Shulman and Robert Paul Smith, as the spring production of the School of Music and the Arts on Feb. 25-28 in the auditorium of the June & Bill Heydel Fine Arts Center.

Shows Feb. 25-27 will begin at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee will start at 2:30 p.m. A special "Dinner and a Show" presentation in conjunction with the Castle Heights Chophouse is available on Friday, Feb. 26 as well. Please call 615-449-9800 for details.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children 12 and under for all shows. For reservations, please contact the CU Box Office at 615-547-1380 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The story deals with Charlie Reader, a young bachelor in New York who's living the ideal life - or so it seems to Joe McCall, an old friend of Charlie's from Indianapolis. Charlie has an elegant apartment, a good job, and millions of girls all eager to bring him food, tidy up his apartment and fall in with his every wish. The girls are all good-looking, all ladies and all slightly on the mature side.

Joe, who has come to New York because he thinks he's discovered a cure for the common cold, is very much taken with Charlie's set-up and more than somewhat envious. He finds himself becoming interested in Sylvia Crewes, the nicest of Charlie's girls, while Charlie, in the meantime, finds himself getting more and more involved with Julie Gillis, a luscious young morsel just out of college. Julie is in love with Charlie, but she's determined he's going to do things the way she wants them done, which Charlie isn't too enthusiastic about. Charlie juggles his girls until one frantic evening when he finds himself engaged to both Julie and Sylvia, and one amusing scene after another results until he finally manages to get rid of the wrong young lady and marry the right one.

The cast includes Cumberland students Nick Williams (Charlie), Martin Cooper (Joe), Mark Stone (Earl), Josh Brandon (Sol), Jessica Bailey (Poppy), Brittany Morrison (Jessica), Brendan Tramel and Lillian Davis (Sylvia), and Charley Hodge and Chelsie Hochradel (Sylvia).

Professor Larry "Doc" Menefee will serve as director with Christopher Byrd as assistant director and Tramel and Brandon assisting with props and costumes.

Feb. 13, 2010

Meet Kirk! When you look at his picture, you're probably thinking, what a cute little puppy! But the truth of it is, Kirk is 1-and-a-half years old. At just under 25 lbs., he's about as big as he's going to get, but doesn't he have the sweetest baby face? Kirk can be a little shy at first, especially around men and particularly if he feels cornered. But, if you make him feel safe, he'll be yours forever! He longs to be a forever friend for someone. Kirk was on his own as a stray, so it's no wonder he's afraid.He was picked up by animal control and then transferred to New Leash on Life. Now, he's hoping there's somebody who will take him in and show him the time and patience he needs in order to trust. Kirk is on his way to being house-trained, and he's very smart, so he should do really well in the Good Dog training that is available with his adoption. Plus, training will help with his self-confidence. Kirk longs for a forever friend to help him learn and grow. Will you be the one to give him that chance? Change two lives for the better, and take Kirk home today! (Pet ID #10D-008)

Meet Coco! This cuddly calico is looking for a forever home where she can be the center of attention. She's been on this quest a while but believes that the right home is out there for her. A grown-up kitty at seven years old, Coco knows exactly what she's looking for - a home where she can be the only fur child and spend her days indoors, as she is declawed. Coco has a luxuriously long coat of coral, ebony and ivory and is a friendly girl with plenty of life and love to share. Come visit The Almost Home Adoption Center today and meet Coco! (Pet ID #10C-025)

Say hello to Bandit! This easy-going little guy seems to spend all of his time trying to convince us he's still a puppy, but his great manners give him away. He's house-trained, is learning basic commands, walks on a leash and loves to make new friends. We see through your disguise, Bandit; no puppy would be so well-behaved. He's one friendly boy, especially considering he was picked up as a stray. This handsome little guy gets along well with everyone, so bring out your whole family, furry or not, to meet him, and we'll be happy to make doggy introductions. Bandit is a sweet little dude who just can't wait to find his new best friend! One thing's for sure, if you come out to meet Bandit, you'll have a hard time not falling in love! (Pet ID #10D-001)

Kirk, Coco, Bandit 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 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 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 until 4 p.m. at the Petsmart in Mt. Juliet at Providence Marketplace. For more information, call 615-444-1144 or visit www.newleashonline.org.

Do you have two hours to volunteer one day a week between 7 and 9 a.m. or between 5 and 8 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 per 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 include free registration into the 24PetWatch 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.

Natural beauty and man-made artistry will be combined and celebrated at the 21st Annual Nashville Lawn & Garden Show on Thursday, March 4, through Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Staged to the them Artistic by Nature, the show will feature an acre of live gardens, 26 free lectures, a floral design gallery and more than 250 exhibit booths filled with plants, products, services, equipment and information offered by horticultural experts and vendors from 15 states.

"During the past 20 years, gardeners and garden lovers have made the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show the most popular horticultural event in Tennessee. We are very proud that the 21st anniversary show has been named a Top 20 Event by the South East Tourism Society of the USA," said Randall Lantz, co-manager of the event, which is produced by the Horticultural Association of Tennessee.

Gardens are the show's centerpiece. Created by Middle Tennessee professional landscape designers and horticultural groups, the gardens at the 2010 show will focus on the artistry of combining thousands of varied, colorful plants and flowers with man-made features such as stonework, gazebos, fountains, ponds, sculpture and fire pits. The show's Artistic by Nature theme is reflected in garden names such as Artful Inspirations; A Stroke of Color - A Splash of Thyme; Mother Nature's Paintbrush; and Artistry in Motion.

A series of 26 free lectures will cover a wide range of topics, many of them exploring the show's theme. Acclaimed Nashville photographer and native plant expert, J. Paul Moore will share his award winning photographs that reveal the artistry of nature on Thursday, March 4, at 3 p.m. during his presentation, The Art of Seeing: A Photographer's Perspective. Patricia Kyritsi Howell, who calls both northern Georgia and the Greek island of Crete her home, will celebrate the art of healing with medicinal herbs on Friday, March 5, at 2 p.m., when she will discuss Mad Dog Skullcap, Puke Weed & Faerie Torches: Medicinal Plants of the South. On Friday evening, she will present a workshop session from 6 until 8 p.m., Our Living Apothecary: Native Medicinal Plants of the South and Their Uses; there is a $20 fee to participate in the workshop. On Saturday, March 6, at noon, Howell's topic is The Sustainable Herbs that Everyone Should Know & Grow. Award-winning artist Sherri Warner Hunter of Bell Buckle, Tenn. will demonstrate and reveal the beauty and versatility of concrete during her lecture on Saturday, March 6 at 3 p.m., Concrete in the Garden: Yard Art, Sculptures and Ornaments.

Another featured speaker will be Harvey Cotten, chief operating officer at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Ala., a weekly home and garden columnist in the Huntsville Times, and a weekly guest on a Huntsville noonday TV show. Cotten is the co-author of Easy Gardens for the South, the topic of his presentation on Saturday, March 6 at 4 p.m. He will discuss how to create gorgeous gardens with the easiest, colorful, low-water plants the South has to offer. Click here to view the complete schedule for the series of free lectures - many lecturers will sell their books and products after their presentations.

The show's spectacular floral design gallery, featuring the work of more than 25 of the best designers in the mid-south region, delights show attendees of every age. Items offered in the show's 250 exhibit booths range from tractors to tulips and sundials to seeds. If it has to do with gardening and outdoor living, it probably can be found at the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show.

FEATURED NASHVILLE LAWN & GARDEN SHOW PARTICIPANTS FROM WILSON COUNTY (as of Feb. 11, 2010)

Speakers

Jim Garrison, Tennessee Beekeepers Association (The Beekeepers Association is based in Watertown).

Date and Time of Lecture: Thursday, March 4 at 5 p.m.

Lecture Topic: Beekeeping

Gardens

Living Stone, Brush Creek

Garden Title: Tranquil Retreat

Ponds by David, Inc. Aquatic Nursery and Supplies, Mt. Juliet

Garden Title: Artistry in Motion

Roots Outdoor Designs, Mt. Juliet

Garden Title: Where Plants and Art Combine

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Mt. Juliet

Garden Title: Saving Tomorrow's Wildlife Today

Exhibitors

Eastman Hardscape Construction, Mt. Juliet

Garr's Rental & Feed, Mt. Juliet

Kathy Chester Studio, Mt. Juliet

Lynch Tree Service, Lebanon

Moss Florist & Garden Center, Mt. Juliet

Needhams Nursery, Mt. Juliet

Unique Product Sales Co., Mt. Juliet

Watermelon Moon Farm, Lebanon

Floral Designers

Scott Graham - S.S. Graham, Lebanon

Cary Ann Misamore - Fresh by Carry Ann, Mt. Juliet

Brenda Moss - Moss' Florist, Mt. Juliet

Special Offers & Events: In celebration of the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show's 21st anniversary, anyone who presents a photo driver's license to prove a birthdate in 1989 will receive one (1) free admission to the show. $2 discount coupons for the show are available at participating branch locations of Regions Bank, the show's sponsor. On March 4, 5 and 6, beginning at 5 p.m., all tickets are buy one get one free. In addition, $1 discount coupons for show admission are available on the Nashville Lawn & Garden Show website. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more adults when purchased in a block at the ticket window. Discount coupons and offers cannot be combined.

In celebration of the show's 21st anniversary, there will be a 21st Anniversary Celebration Reception in the gardens on Friday, March 5, and Saturday, March 6, from 5 until 8 p.m. The reception will feature tastings by Barefoot Wines.

Proceeds from the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show are used by the Horticultural Association of Tennessee to fund horticultural projects throughout Tennessee. For more complete information, call the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show office at 615-876-7680 or visit www.nashvillelawnandgardenshow.com.

The 7th Annual Walton Trail Boy Scout Luncheon hosted by University Medical Center will be held on Feb. 17 at noon inside Baird Chapel at Cumberland University. The keynote speakers for this year's event are Lieutenant General (Ret.) John A. Bradley and Eric Sorrels.

"On behalf of University Medical Center and the Boy Scouts, I invite you to attend this event that is slated to both entertain and inspire," stated Vince Cherry, UMC Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for the event. "University Medical Center is proud to sponsor the 7th Annual Boy Scout Luncheon and excited to present Lieutenant General Bradley and Eric Sorrels."

Lt. Gen. Bradley was born in Lebanon, Tenn. and is a graduate of Castle Heights Military Academy. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He was commissioned in 1967 upon completion of the Air Force ROTC program. During the Vietnam War, Lt. Gen. Bradley flew 337 combat missions. His other roles have included serving as Deputy to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve, Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force - Computer Network Operations and the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters.

Most recently, Lt. Gen. Bradley and his wife, Jan, co-founded the Lamia Afghan Foundation. The organization is dedicated to helping the children and mothers of Afghanistan and provides support to the humanitarian aid missions of U.S. military and civilian personnel.

Eagle Scout Eric Sorrels is a sixteen-year-old junior at Friendship Christian School. He is a member of Troop 643 in Lebanon, where he has served previously as Senior Patrol Leader and currently serves in the position of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He is an Eagle Scout, having earned the Eagle medal in December of 2008. That year, he and his twin brother, Reed, became the first twins (as far as anyone can tell) in the history of the Walton Trail to earn their Eagle Scout ranks. He has two other brothers who are also involved in scouting; his older brother is an Eagle Scout, and his younger brother, Jameson, is a Life Scout. Eric is very involved in music: he sings in the choir at his church, plays piano and has had major parts in several musicals at school. He plays on the tennis team at Friendship Christian and has participated in cross-country. Eric is a member of the Student Council and is on the Yearbook Staff. He is considering pre-med as a major in college.

"Guests to the annual luncheon are in for a real treat as these gentlemen share their stories of motivation and determination," Cherry added. "We are glad that Lieutenant General Bradley is traveling to Wilson County to speak to guests at our event."

Walton Trail served over 1,200 youth in 2009 through a variety of programs including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing and Exploring. From camping, fun activities and civic service projects, the youth in the Walton Trail District have greatly benefited from scouting. Funds raised from the Feb. 17 luncheon go to help improve scouting in Wilson, Trousdale, Macon and Smith counties.

Persons wishing to attend the event may request an invitation by calling Lindsey Sublett at 615-305-8278 or e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Organizers behind Sherry's Run, a 5k run/walk held to benefit those affected by cancer, have announced the seventh annual Sherry's Run will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 8 a.m. in Lebanon. The event will kick off beside the main office of Wilson Bank & Trust, 623 West Main Street. Mark your calendar and make a commitment to become involved this year.

"Working for God on earth doesn't pay much ... but, His retirement plan is out of this world. In Wilson County, we are blessed with folks who are storing up treasures in heaven thanks to the selfless efforts of all of the Sherry's Run sponsoring partners, participants and volunteers that make a difference in the lives of local cancer victims," said Gary Whitaker, Sherry's Run Board Member. "I have said over and over - if we can help one person in the whole world it will be worth it; because, one person is the whole world to somebody - this is at the core of our mission, helping one person at a time."

In 2009, Sherry's Run raised a record of $201,000 in one of the most challenging economies in recent history and fielded more than 3,100 participants.

Register today to participate at www.sherrysrun.org. Visitors to the website can download forms to register for the run/walk, make donations or join volunteer teams. An inspirational video is available online to consistently convey what Sherry's Run is all about.

"Please call us. We'd love to talk with you about how you can help make a difference. There are opportunities year round," Whitaker noted.

Sherry's Run co-chairs Tamara Lampsa and Tonyia Watson can be reached at 615-975-1081 or 615-218-8810.

The mission of Sherry's Run is to benefit those affected by cancer, with an emphasis on colon cancer. 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. Funds received also serve to help those locally who suffer with cancer. For more information on Sherry's Run, please call 615-975-1081 or 615-218-8810 or visit online.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, Wilson County Hyundai will host a special event to unveil New Leash On Life's brand new mobile veterinary clinic, The Spay Station, and also celebrate the 40,000th surgery performed through that program. The Spay Station, a program of New Leash On Life, is Tennessee's first mobile spay/neuter clinic and began operations in 2000. The original clinic is being retired and, thanks to a generous grant from the Patricia and Edward J. McGavock Humane Treatment of Animals Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a new vehicle will be hitting the road in March 2010.

The celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Wilson County Hyundai, located at 1506 West Main Street in Lebanon. The event will include free food, prizes, activities for kids, pet demonstrations, pet tag engraving and more! The unveiling will take place at 2:30 p.m. Wilson County Hyundai will also make a donation to New Leash On Life for each car sold in the month of February.

The Spay Station provides free spay/neuter surgeries for low-income pet caretakers in order to curb pet overpopulation. In honor of the 40,000th surgery, New Leash On Life is challenging the community to help raise $40,000 to support this wonderful community service. Throughout the month of February, donors can visit www.newleashonline.org and click the 'donate' button to make a contribution and be automatically entered to win prizes that will be given away during the event. Contributions can also be made in person at the event.