Free Lunch For Children

It won’t make front page news, but today some children got a free lunch. Several ladies came together with pots of homemade soup, some PB & J sandwiches, as well as cookies- baked from scratch, to feed children they did not know. They did it just because they wanted to make a difference in someone’s life, to do something nice for a stranger.

Dale Spicer, Director of the HELP Center in Dickson, stated that he is seeing new faces come in to the Help Center seeking assistance. Men and women, who have held regular full-time jobs for years, suddenly find themselves unemployed and in need of help. They NEVER thought it could happen to them; they never dreamed they would be at the local food pantry having to ask for money to keep their lights on or food to feed their children. With the economy as it is, many people are finding themselves in similar circumstances: unable to find a job.

Curious about how joblessness has effected the good people of Dickson County, I have spoken with organizers of local church food pantries as well as people from the Dept of Children’s Services and the School Board and realize that there are, indeed, hungry children in Dickson. They may not be living under a bridge or in a car, but the need is very real just the same. Rachel Carter, director of Dickson Housing Authority’s Community Center, sees children come into the center after school because no one is home and they are hungry. Like many of the local food pantry organizers, Rachel has heard that often children who receive free lunch at school do not have enough to eat on the weekends. Although a Back-Pack program has been started in local schools, whereby students are sent home with some non-perishable food on Friday to get them through the weekend, Rachel has seen generous children sharing their Back-Pack food with friends on Friday afternoons.

It can make a person feel so small while considering how huge the problem is nation wide and so helpless in doing anything about it. One person’s effort can not change the tide for the nation, but can one person help change things in his or her own community? What about several people working together?

Wondering what could be done to help families in troubled times; I decided that I could work within my sphere of influence and revive the spirits and hope of a few families by doing something unexpected and kind. I knew I could not make vats of soup to feed masses of people, but I could make one pot of soup and one plate of sandwiches and feed a few hungry children. I asked a few other women to each make one pot of soup and one plate of sandwiches, and another friend to make cookies, and together we made enough food to feed many children. I wanted this to be a united effort, I wanted to cross denominational lines in the Dickson community, so the womenI invited to join me  are  from different church denominations: Lisa Glaser of Hope Park Church in Nashville, Linda Eppers of Cross Point Church, Dickson , Tawnya Pezzi of Dickson First Assembly and Sandra Chatham of Dickson’s First Baptist Church and I did what we could to reach whom we could. We set up at the DHA Community Center on East Walnut and served what we had to those who showed up to receive it. And it felt GREAT!

I am reminded not to despise small beginnings as we dished out only 25 bowls of soup this time. But with only 4 days notice, I consider that a huge success! Did we change the world? No. Did we stomp out hunger in Dickson? No. We put smiles on faces of children and their parent’s by showing them what the love of a stranger can look like. Just for today. And the leftovers were given to various families with in the community.

Next month, February 20th to be exact, from 11:30 to 12:30 ( or until the soup runs out) we, Soup For the Soul, will be back at the DHA Community Center dishing out more free soup & sandwiches-with a cookie on the side, to any hungry child, in search of more smiles. We will be doing our little bit for the community.

Now, ask yourselves: What can I do to make a difference in my community? Find some friends if you need to and change your corner of the world. Even if only for a day. Do what you can with what you have, nothing more and be satisfied with nothing less.

If you would like more information, you are welcome to e-mail me at soupforthesoul@live.com.

Susan’s mom, Doris walker ( played beautifully by Claudia’s mom, Jennifer Bennett), is plagued by the hassles of life common to every man or woman; trying to make a living and get the job done. In her harried and tainted life, Doris has no time or inclination to indulge in the fantasy that Santa Claus could be anything more than a nice man in a red suit. As the story unfolds not only is the very existence of Santa Claus on trial, so too is  childhood magic and wonder.

The curtain opens and there he sits, Kris Kringle himself. Kringle, Mike Lyttle, is as jovial and charming as you would expect– both in character and out. It was quite enjoyable interviewing Santa as well as watching him make the whimsy that is Santa come alive on stage. Full-bearded Lyttle makes it easy to feel drawn into the very belief that Kringle is who he says he is. Declaring that playing Santa is his favorite role, Lyttle enjoys working with all the children. He is amused that in the month of December children look at him a little harder and a little longer and seem to improve their behavior .

The Renaissance Players,under the talented direction of Nathan Brown, bring joy to this Christmas season in this lighthearted play adapted from the novel Miracle On 34th Street by Valentine Davis. Nathan’s favorite part of each production is the sense of community, “strangers become friends and friends become family”. Forty percent of this cast is new to the stage for this play. Working with veterans of the stage to newbeeies that have no training let alone experience – Nathan instructed on the basics –stage direction, body placement, projection– and counted on his long time actors to help lead and support those who needed extra direction in the 5 weeks he had to pull this group together. The actors and stage personnel in community theater are volunteers who often hold down full time jobs and children who attend school full time. And yet they learn their lines ( little Claudia was the first “off Book” which means she knew her lines), show up for practice and enjoy the process.

Fred Gailey-or Uncle Fred- is played by newcomer Jeremy Hudgens, but you wouldn’t know he was one of the new kids on the block just by watching his performance. As a matter of fact he learned about the production the day before the auditions from his wife who wanted moral support so SHE could audition for the play. Obligingly, Jeremy accompanied his wife and joined her on stage to support her through her first stage audition. One reading from him led to another and he got a starring role. He is a natural and easily endearing. His reply when asked if he would do it again- “absolutely!”

Many people associated with the play are related – if parents or siblings have to hang around for practice, they might as well have a part in the play or be a part of the production! A popular play, 96 people auditioned for Miracle on 34th Street, Brown incorporated more roles to accommodate as many actors as possible. Jennifer Bennett and Claudia presented strong and enjoyable performances on stage as mother and daughter. Reportedly Claudia showed a strong singing voice from the early age of 2, belting out Somewhere Over the Rainbow to the astonishment of her parents. Claudia’s first role was playing a mouse in Cinderella and has enjoyed performing since then!

Tom Whiting, who plays Mr. Sawyer, met his wife Trudy who plays Dr. Pierce, while performing with community theater . There is a general consensus that community theater is a great way to bring people together who may not have otherwise met.

From charming children to snappy seniors, the stage was resplendent with talented actors and vocalists.  Entertained by humorous mail carriers and moved by  a little Dutch girl’s song, each performer brought great enthusiasm to make the Miracle on 34th Street a delight for this patron. For 2 hours I forgot all about the bills that need to be paid and the gifts that need to be purchased and just enjoyed the innocence of the possibilities and joy that believing in Santa brings.

Do yourselves a favor, gather your children and friends and support our local community theater by attending this most enjoyable play. You may just walk away believing…………..

For times, dates and ticket information: www.rcenter.org

According to the Office of Public Work’s director, Rydell Wesson, the lights are in blinking mode because the “signal-heads are dilapidated and obsolete” and our city maintenance can no longer find parts to repair them. They have “robbed the bone yard to keep them going” but that is no longer a viable option. The State regulations will not allow Dickson to just install a new traffic signal, the city would have to install a whole new $120,000.00 traffic light system .

Although Dickson has been awarded a 1 million dollar grant to improve downtown Dickson’s streets and sidewalks, “ do we really want to take $120,000 for that intersection” queries Mr. Wesson. It is a “matching grant” from the State of TN, which means that for every 20% of the funding Dickson provides, the State provides 80%.

This being one of twenty-five projects, Phase I is a “multiphase street scape enhancement to restore and beautify, as well as provide new components essential to public safety and comfort while encouraging private reinvestment in Dickson’s Historic commercial center”. It includes sidewalks, streets, signage, landscape, curbs, gutters, traffic signals and the like for pedestrians and bicycles as well as vehicle traffic. The Office of Public works is looking at keeping downtown alive while providing better traffic-flow and parking. Many ideas are on the table including making some streets one-way streets.

But, like any city or state project, there is always red-tape tying it up somewhere. While there is currently an engineering company advising and preparing the Phase I conceptual drawings, there are many “steps, hoops and hurdles”  in complying with Federal Regulations as well as the  TN  Dept. Of Transportation ~ or TDOT. The steps are methodical in allowing progression to the next phase from transportation, to enhancement and historical restoration for the City Counsel of Dickson to move forward with the projects.

However, there is still the need and issue of traffic control in Dickson on Main Street as well as College Street. At some point the city can decide that we need a traffic light or lights in the downtown area and may have to release funds to pay for the new traffic light system.

I find there is a hazard in the blinking light system- as, after going through two traffic lights that were blinking red for me to stop and then proceed as traffic allowed- I went to the next light, and after stopping at the red light, turned left EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT A BLINKING LIGHT! My mind was on auto pilot and I just went through the routine. You can’t get a ticket AFTER the fact, can you?

*Rydell Wesson is the director of the Public Works Department. Kimberly Givens is Mr. Wesson’s administrative assistant. The Public Works Department office is located at 600 East Walnut Street. Normal office hours are Monday- Friday 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. The office can be reached by calling (615)441-9506 or by e-mail at kgivens@cityofdickson.com.

The Rules of the Game:

*No outs are counted

*No runs are counted

*Everyone gets a turn to hit

*Everyone plays the field

*Games Last at least an hour

*No Practices

What kind of game is this where no outs are counted? It is Miracle Ball of course! As stated by their President Aggie Laughery: “Miracle Ball of Dickson County is for kids and adults starting at the age of 4 and up with special needs, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and so on. Our goal is to increase their physical fitness by developing their self-esteem and confidence. Also by teaching them self-awareness while they play with others like them. We will always view our kids as athletes, not as kids with disabilities. We want to give them the freedom to enjoy the spirit of the game.” Miracle Ball is in it’s second season and consists of baseball, basketball, soccer and cheerleading. A League all their own, they have no connection with Special Olympics or Little League.

In Miracle Base Ball, everyone plays and swings until they get a hit and runs the bases no matter where the ball lands. The end result is that each child gets a home run every time! AND everyone wins! Sounds like a great game to me!

Buckner Park hosted gladly made accommodations for Miracle Ball to be played  on their fields.  Unfortunately, the rain only allowed one game this year for this fully uniformed and sponsored group. They split into two teams and play each other: the Orange Team is coached by Robert Laughery and sponsored by Gosseet Insulation, and the White Team is coached by Shane Hunter and sponsored by White Bluff Car Care. It’s all friendly and everyone cheers for everyone else.  Volunteers called “Angels” help these athletes run the bases ( pushing the wheelchairs when necessary) and assist and give direction in the outfield as well. Most of the players swing and hit the ball off of the T stand, but for those youngsters in wheel chairs there is a metal stand with a bat on a hinge-type device they are wheeled up to allowing the batter to pull back on a giant rubber band and release which causes the bat to swing and clobber the ball.

Glenn, father of Alyssa, who plays ball while in her wheelchair, says that she is his “special baby. She doesn’t know the world as we know it, she knows her own world and it makes her happy.” He considers Miracle Ball to be positive stimulation for Alyssa , and he sees great benefit in the stimulation and her being around other kids. It is a delight to see Alyssa’s excitement and hear her joy as she is whisked around the bases.  She enjoys the applause and now thinks that any applause, even at her sibling’s soccer games, is meant for her!  Stormie, Alyssa’s mom, says “Mircale Ball is a real blessing to us.” Glenn adds that parents get involved and are reminded that they are not alone. Faith, Benji’s mom, echoes that sentiment and includes that  “The benefits are getting to know other families with similair struggles and sharing ideas on how to overcome them or even getting opinions about other things that are available for the kids. Plus forming friendships.” Faith and her husband Jeff are happy their son gets to play and has coaches that know the children’s limits. Faith added. “ Seeing Benj have fun while playing brings the joy of knowing that for an hour he feels like a normal kid playing ball.”

This past Friday night was the end of the season party for these two teams and included fun, food, 2 innings of a wiffle ball game and trophies. Hearts and Hands,  a ministry under the leadership of Judy Overton and Mary Bernard, exists to assist and encourage people with disabilities and is a part of Dickson First Assembly Church where the party was held. Some of the Hearts and Hands volunteers assisted in running bases and playing the outfield as well as serving the food donated by Subway. At the end of the evening, to the delight of the children and parents, each child received a trophy. Of course there were team pictures made as well.

It is heartwarming to see parents and siblings cheering for these special athletes  as they play their hearts out and wear their joy where everyone can see it.  Aggie and Robert have created and environment where these children can do what other kids do and their noise and exuberance is widely accepted! Although they are learning new skills, no one is telling them not to be who they are….which is nothing but pure happiness.

www.miracleball.org

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Operation Christmas Child, under the leadership of Franklin Graham ( Billy Graham’s son) through the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief  Organization ( from the story of the Good Samaritan), asks individuals to fill shoe boxes full of good gifts to send to children affected by poverty, war, and natural disasters. Working for over a decade, they have sent over 68 million shoe boxes to children in 130 countries around the world.

I have been packing Christmas shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child for so long I don’t even remember when I started! I do know that when my children were young, before there could be any “getting” at Christmas, they had to do their GIVING first. Each of my 5 children would pack a shoebox full of toys, pencils, paper, tooth brush and tooth paste, hats, gloves, candy… whatever they could fit in their box…for some child around the world that they would never even meet. But at some point each Christmas, my children would wonder if that little boy or girl was happy with the gifts they had received and could feel good knowing they had made someone’s Christmas special .

Every shoe box counts because it meets the needs of some child who would otherwise get nothing for Christmas. The boxes travel by plane, boat, donkey, scooter, canoe, ox-cart and elephant to reach children in remote villages who are often forgotten. These children are amazed that someone they do not know cared enough to send them a gift.

How can you get involved and change someone’s Christmas? It’s easy…pack a shoe box or plastic box about the same size with non-perishable candy (nothing that can melt), toy cars, stuffed animals, socks, hats, flip-flops, etc ( we find great things at the dollar store) but no liquids, breakables or war toys please. You can find specific instructions for packing a box at www.samaritanspurse.org, as well as the labels you will need to put on your box. If you would like to track your box and receive information about its destination , follow the EZ Give Donations instructions.

You can pack a box alone, as a family, with your church or other organization. The local MOPS group and some individuals are  having a packing parties to fill many boxes at one time.

One of the most important things you can pack in your box is a picture of you and your family or group as well as a note to the child who will receive your gift to make a personal connection. You may include your address in your note so that perhaps you will receive a letter in reply. I know one family who received a note from the recipient of their box, a little boy in India, and they have remained in contact.

The filled shoe boxes can then be dropped off November 16th through the 22nd at the Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 500 Highway 70 E Dickson TN 37055 or call (800) 788-6859  for more information. Chris Holman, the contact person at the church, said that they have been participating in this program for the past 12 years, and shared why they became involved:  “The Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian Church has always been active in the community as well as striving to be a light in the community, we felt that this would be another opportunity for us to help local churches and organizations with a centralized drop off point while at the same time furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” There are other drop off places in Waverly and Clarksville, that information may also be found on the website.

Who knew a shoe box could change heartache into delight as a child discovers the treasures you have packed into it? Why not make packing shoe boxes and changing the lives of children around the world one of your Christmas traditions?

Samaritan’s Pure Mission Statement: “Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Cheered on by family and friends, participants of this event ranged in age from 14 year old twins to the over 65 set. Each walker or runner faced the challenge of rough terrain and many hills. “Not a speed course, but it was for a good cause and it is really pretty”, commented Brandon Corlew of Dickson , winner of the 10K in his age division  of the race. Friends Debby Cantrell and Jackie Yarbrough of Burns, also runners in the 10K, enjoyed the run but Jackie shared that there were some “butt kicker hills!”

Think you are too old or too young to try a race like this? Patrick and Emma Ragan, 14 and the youngest runners of this race, run with Dickson Middle School’s Cross Country team and said of their first 10K, “the hills were tough but the views were awesome!”   Richard Edelstein, 67 years of age, walked this, his first 10K, with his wife Judy, a few days shy of 66, who has had some experience with a 5K. Judy said her initial training consisted of 3 mile walks and that she walked this 10K just to see if she could do it. Anita Berky, who took First Place in the 20k 65 and Over division , finished her run  in2 hours 22 minutes and 18 seconds even after being out of the running circuit for 20 years!

The race began at 9:00 am at Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Road, Dickson TN, for 75 registered participants, with the official ending time of 12:00 for the 20k runners. Door prizes and awards were presented after 12:00 noon. First place in each age division ( male and female) received $50.00 and each second place finishers received $25.00 as well as certificates to document their win and commemorate the event.

For the 12 year to 34 year old 10k division: First place for the 10k women’s- Holly Bishop ; first place men’s- Brandon Corlew. For the 35 to 65 division 10k:First place women’s- Michelle Scott and first place men’s- Mark McNabner.

For the 12 year to 34 year old 20k division : women’s first place Abigail Bauman and men’s- Alex Moore. For the 35 to 65 20k division: first place women’s- Jeanine Lynd and first place men’s John Zardiss.   65 and over 20k: first place women’s- Anita Berkey and first place men’s – Randy Andheim. Check out www.dicksonrotary.com for official winners ( 1st and 2nd places) and times.

According to the Rotary’s web site, www.dicksonrotary.com, and Breeze and Leaves Run organizer Tiffany Bernard, “The Proceeds from the Run will benefit various charities that the Dickson Good Morning Rotary actively participates in. These charities address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment.”

The first Annual Montgomery Bell Breeze and Leaves  Run was a huge success and enjoyed by runners/walkers as well as the cheering crowd. Contact the Dickson Rotary Club for information on next year’s run. You won’t want to miss it!

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Local stores and restaurants posted signs and the excitement was high as men, women and children lined the return route with flags and signs welcoming the 267th home.

At 1:46, during a live interview with National Guard recruiter Sgt. Paul McCallister, we learned that the 150 soldiers of the 267th were returning in 4 busses escorted by police and motor cycles. Sgt. McCallister also stated that they had arrived in Fort Dix , New Jersey, a week ago and after completing a project were flown  to Nashville Airport last night, transferred to Smyrna and had been “out processing” since 6 a.m.

Phone interviews continued live on-air with WDKN throughout the trip from Nashville to Dickson. Lt Gross , when asked, said that his unit provided security for high ranking military in Iraq and participated in the training of Iraqi police forces. When asked what he did during his down time…he shared what he had heard from a General….you join the 300 pound club- you either bench press it or eat your way to it. In reality , Gross said most of them spent time reading, watching movies or the Armed Forces TV network or working out in the gym. Most soldiers could communicate with their loved ones via the internet and could keep up with our sports if they were willing to get up at 2 or 3 in the morning.

Upon arrival at the Armory, after a few minutes to connect with friends and family, the soldiers of the 267th were called to a final formation and addressed by Captain Jackson one last time before being dismissed for leave. He stated that his number One priority had been to bring all of his soldiers home…and he had. And his second priority was to encourage the men and women of the 267th , now that they had arrived home safely, to not do anything foolish to endanger themselves now.

With an official dismissal and a grand Hoorah!, the solders rejoined the people they had missed while in Iraq.

Seeing a mature woman in uniform carrying a full pack, I had to know how she came to find herself returning from deployment. Staff Sgt. Doris Wood was happy to tell me that she had enlisted at 52 years of age in 2008 and had deployed with the 267th in November. She was permitted to enlist at that age because she had served 13 prior years and could reenlist to complete her 20 years for retirement. Having passed the physical requirements, Sgt. Wood passed the physical fitness test and wound up losing 30 pounds while in Iraq. Wood carried her M4 and wore her 35 lb IBA ( Interceptor Body Armor) everywhere and was quite often honored by local Iraqis for her age and ability to keep up with her younger contemporaries . As a Human Resource NCO and a Public Affairs Officer, Wood said she returned to the states with 25,000 photographs.

I spoke with one young soldier whose family was in California and still had a 3 day drive ahead of him to get home!

The return of the Tennessee National Guard 267th Military Police Company was a highly anticipated and well attended event. It was heart warming to see the soldiers re-unite with family and friends after such a long time away and gratifying to know that they had done their jobs well even in hostile territory and terrible heat.

We are proud of our soldiers and welcome them home with great appreciation .

Members of the 267th and their families will be the grand marshals for Dickson County’s Veterans Day parade set for 2 pm Sunday, Nov. 8.

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After many months of debate and sometimes heated arguments over the 2.8 million dollar county budget deficit, the vote – 9 yes and 3 no- approved raising property taxes and cutting the county budget in order to keep Dickson County operating and schools open. The bottom line is that property taxes have been raised $.19 to $2.85 per $100.00 of the assessed property value ( 25% of the appraised value)* and there will be a 2.5% budget cut for Dickson County at large. That means the owner of a house valued at $100,000 who paid $665 in the past will now pay $712, which is an increase of $47. It also means that the county will have to cut its general budget by 2.5 percent which may result in layoffs.

The meeting opened with a motion to raise the Wheel Tax $20.00 per vehicle which was quickly shot down by the Attorney General since such a proposal would have to go through 2 readings, public scrutiny and then a vote – no time for that. It was followed by discussion about landfill user fee increases- which, when paid in January , would be too late to help the current emergency. The next proposal was to raise property taxes by $.24 with no budget cuts. However, even after discussions and concerns about how businesses and struggling homeowners may be gravely effected by a property tax increase, the approved $.19 increase with budget cuts seemed to be a compromise that , although helpful, brought no joy. It was apparent that the cheers emitted from the crowd stemmed more from relief that school closings were averted rather than any happiness or belief that the solution was the best for everyone.

The Board of Education has been asked to fund the county deficit with its 5 million dollar education fund but the request has been repeatedly denied. The county budget problems have come as no surprise and have been up for discussion for almost a year with no resolve, resulting in missed state deadlines of July 1st and then October 1st. Dickson County would have faced numerous problems this week if a decision had not been reached; the county school system would have come to a screeching halt and the county jail would have had to relocate 230 inmates to other counties– just to site a few.

In a County Commissioner’s meeting held 9/22/09 the public was invited to express opinions on the mounting crisis. Many citizens of Dickson stepped up to the microphone to plead with the commissioners to take seriously the predicament of school students , most especially seniors and how school closings and schedule changes for graduation would effect their ability to get into colleges next year. Many people just wanted to express their frustration with the situation and how they expected the commissioners to do their jobs and fix the problem.

Prior to this county crisis the court house has been quiet and quite empty for the most part, but this public dilemma not only stirred up local attention, it also caught the attention of major news stations in Nashville. A budget shortfall is not big news, but the threat of schools closing for lack of funding makes headlines and grabs the attention of county residents who, rightly so, want to weigh-in on the operation of their local government.

The current emergency has been abated but not resolved.  It is my hope that serious work will be done by our county commissioners to slash spending rather than jobs and do what ever it takes  to keep us from getting to the brink of disaster again.

To calculate your property taxes visit:

http://www.tennesseetrustee.com/node/51          Tax Calculator

Recently this amusement was voted ‘Best Agritourism’ operation in Dickson County by the UT Extension Agency, after only one year in operation! Brian and Tonya Keller started Keller’s Corny Country in October 2008 with the help of family and friends after years of hosting Harvest Festivals on their farm. A huge success from the start, cars lined up at the gate every Saturday in October once the signs went up announcing that Keller’s Corny Country was open for business.

Corny Country offers rides on the Niblett Express Barrel Train as well as Hay Rides that will take you to ( and from ) the pumpkin patch and the Corn Mazes. Don’t worry, there is a fenced in Jr. Corn Maze for small children or people who are afraid they may get lost in the 5 acre Corn Maze!

Children will find hours of fun in the playground area– they may slide into the Corn Crib landing in a sea of corn for their scooping and pouring enjoyment ( you might want to check their pockets and overalls as they exit as they may be full of corn!) , play in the sand boxes and whoop down The Corn Cob Pipe- a 40’ monster slide -that is also fun for adults! And for the country in all of us, who wouldn’t have tons of fun in the Tractor Tire Playground?

Don’t worry if all this activity makes you hungry, there is plenty of good eating at the Corncession stand! Something mom’s seem to like is the clean-up station and the many bottles of hand sanitizers available for use. There are also plenty of places to stop and rest a spell.  On the cooler days the campfire usually beckons  folks to sit and visit.

One of the most enjoyable and memorable activities at Keller’s Corny Country is going to the 5 acre Pick-Your-Own- Pumpkin Patch to pick your own, exact-right, pumpkins ( don’t forget to have them weighed before you leave, that’ll be $.50 per pound-ma’m!) to carry home.

While there, be sure to stop by the Country Store to purchase a T-shirt, a souvenir or some homemade jams and jellies. There is a vast array of colorful mums and gourds available to purchase as well.

Be sure to bring your camera for the staged and un-staged photo ops, you will find pumpkins, cornstalks, hay bales and corn hats to enhance your Country photographs. You may want to return each year for your annual Fall Photos!

To get a REAL feel of this a attraction watch the video on www.kellerscornycountry.com.

Keller’s Corny Country is open Saturdays in October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Children under 2 are free while admission for adults is a reasonable $7.00. Seniors Citizens may get in the attraction for $5.00. If you bring a group of 15 people or more ( not counting the under 2 set) your admission price is reduced to $6.00 per person- so get a group of your friends and enjoy a day of fun. ( Just a note- cash and debit or credit cards are accepted, but no checks). If you choose to pick a pumpkin they are .50 cents per pound.

School and other large groups may call for a discounted rate and reservations to attend on Thursdays and Fridays in October. Children in school groups will receive a small pumpkin as a part of their admission price.

Where is all this autumn fun? Keller’s Corny Country : 542 Firetower Road, Dickson, TN 37055 is 8 miles west of Dickson off of Hwy 70 West. Signs are visible from Hwy 70 and Firetower Road.

You are welcome to call 615-441-4872 for information or visit www.kellerscornycountry.com.

Half BBQ chickens and BBQ plate lunches are each $6.00. The plate lunches will include a barbeque sandwich, baked beans, potato chips, slaw, and a drink. Hot dog plate lunches include the same sides, and are $5.00. Ice cream sundaes are also available for dessert.

Also, don’t miss the bake sale which will be held on Friday, October 30th at Horizon Medical Center. Again, the proceeds will be going to help local families. By coming out and making a donation or buying a plate lunch, you are joining the community to help others. To learn more about upcoming events from “Hope on the Horizon Dickson County EMS Mission 2009″ join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=269585400213