Time for alittle education about Hirschprung’s Disease

Hirschprung’s Disease


Introduction

Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon or large bowel) and causes problems with passing stool. It's present when a baby is born (congenital) and results from missing nerve cells in the muscles of a portion of the baby's colon.

Children with Hirschsprung's disease can be constipated or have problems absorbing nutrients from food. In severe cases of Hirschsprung's disease, a newborn child experiences an obstructed colon and is unable to have a bowel movement. In mild cases, doctors may not detect the disease until later in a child's life.

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Silent Auction items....

Hey all here is a list of items already donated by people from around the area.


1. Brandon Brewer's 1st bowling ball

2. A nice piece of art work by his grandmother (retail $300.00)

3. Gold trimmed stemware ($50.00)

4. Logan's gift cert. (one entree and drink)

5. Hickory Falls gift cert. ($20.00)

6. O'Charleys gift card ($25.00)

7. Quiznos gift card ($10.00)

8. 2 gift cert for rocking chair cafe ($5.00 each)

9. 2 gift cert from Toot's ($10.00 each)

10. 2 cert for pizza or calzones from Cedars Italian & Greek Restaurant ($6.99 each)

11. Time Share for one week in June to Pigeon Forge Tn.

12. Tokyo Japanese Steak House- lunch for 2 or dinner for 1. ($15.00)

13. Sonic gift card from Sonic on ind blvd. (25.00) + melanie donated $10.00 from herself!!! thanks alot girlfriend!!



I also have all the printing being done by Smyrna printing plus I have more items being donated this evening and this weekend so stay tuned to the blog for more updates and I am going to place the bidding sheets up this weekend at the bowling center so stop by and see us and place a bid. If you are wanting to donate anything call me 995-2636. You will also get a years free advertising on the La Vergne blog. thanks again!!

But for the Grace of God!!

I am going to copy a post with permission by Kathy T. for today's post from This is lavergne. please read this and post comments.....


Sixteen years ago, a young woman was pregnant with her first child. The normal pregnancy was typical - the soon-to-be-mother was excited, anxious to see her baby’s face, and longed to hold the infant in her arms. On a crisp day in January, the young mother’s wait was over. She went to the hospital to welcome her new baby and she rejoiced when he came into the world.

Within a few minutes of his birth, however, the doctors knew something was terribly wrong. The baby almost immediately began throwing up bile. The medical staff pulled a curtain so she couldn’t see what was happening. That was the beginning of Brandon Brewer’s life. And for 15 1/2 years Brandon has had to fight every day for this life that is marred by Hirschprung’s Disease - a disease that prevents his body from absorbing nutrients.

I finally met Brandon yesterday at Quiznos in Smyrna. He is a tall, handsome young man who spouts off to his Mom just like any teenager. Only when he talked back, it was to say “Mo-oooom! Stop! Don’t say that!” He was embarrassed when she described the mere inch or two of his colon that works (and then only barely). Though Brandon ate about half his sandwich and sipped on his drink, his Mom has to supplement his meal every day by feeding him nutrients through a line. She is strong for her son - she’s learned she has to be strong because there have been times when doctors have urged her to stop fighting for her son’s life.

Do you remember your last visit to the doctor? You probably paid a deductible if you have insurance. Then you eventually got a statement in the mail telling you how much you would’ve paid had you not had insurance. Brandon is lucky they do have insurance, but it doesn’t come close to covering the expenses the Brewers have incurred.

This is a family in crisis. And but for the grace of God, this could have been your family. Brandon, his Mom, his younger brother, and his father live right here in LaVergne - in a small house on Fergus Road. A house they may have to sell soon so they can relocate for a couple of years to Pittsburgh to be closer to the hospital where Brandon will receive his second transplant, after his body rejected the first transplant of his small colon. Brandon is now at the top of the transplant list again and will only be passed over if a match is found for someone in critical condition. There was a match found last week, but it went to someone else because Brandon had a fever.

This family in crisis desperately needs our help. And you don’t have to help much … especially if a lot of people find it in their hearts to donate - $5, $10, or $20. A little bit by many adds up to a lot. I will be at Oldtimers Day this Saturday selling tickets to a fundraiser: Bowling for Brandon. The fundraiser is scheduled Friday (Saturday) September 28th from Midnight until 6:00 a.m. The Smyrna Bowling Center has kindly agreed to sponsor unlimited bowling during this time (shoes and food are extra). We are charging $20 for a ticket and at least half will go to Brandon and his family. If you buy a ticket and don’t use it, the full amount will be donated. If you can’t make it to Oldtimers Day, contact me at Bob Parks Realty on Sam Ridley Parkway or go to the Smyrna Bowling Center to buy a ticket.

We are also holding a silent auction at this event. Many restaurants have agreed to donate dinners for two. Brandon is donating his first bowling ball. Yvonne Moon, writer for the Rutherford Reader, is giving up her family’s vacation time share next June (in Pigeon Forge) for the silent auction. Brandon hasn’t decided yet, but he might give up his tickets to Sea World for the auction. We hope he doesn’t have to. We hope instead that LaVergne and Smyrna residents will find it in their hearts to help the Brewers - even if it’s just a little bit. After all, but for the grace of God, it could be you or me that this post is written about.

Photo courtesy of the Daily News Journal. Visit Brandon’s page of hope here.

Brandon Brewer has made a donation as well

Tonight's meeting went well folks and this young man showed up and seemed excited about the fundraiser we are holding for him. He told his mother to go out to the car and to give to me his very first bowling Ball he has ever bowled with and I am to place this in the silent auction to help raise money. This is so amazing that this young man is doing this. He was in great spirits tonight but got alittle tired after sitting there. I want to say thank you to the Brewer family and may god bless you all!!!


If anyone wants to place a bid please do so here or come by the bowling center starting Monday am and write your bid in. there is going to plenty of items to bid on so stop by and see what we have to win.

Growing bigger everyday

Turns out the Kohl's that is coming to town is of a new layout that they have found works well.

The new store is one of nearly 200 nationwide featuring Kohl’s newly enhanced look.

An inviting exterior welcomes customers with outdoor seating and music. Glass storefront entrances with showcase windows display the latest Kohl’s fashions and automatic doors allow for hands-free entry into each store.

Interior amenities include an expanded juniors’ department, spacious fitting rooms with lounge areas, updated restrooms and redesigned customer service and checkout stations.

Kohl’s began introducing new store designs with fall 2006 grand openings — the transformations were made to integrate increased comfort and convenience for today’s shopper

Also the news of two new establishments coming to town has hit the gossip mill.

At least two more dining options will be available by year's end as the Smyrna Planning Commission approved plans for Applebee's and IHOP restaurants at last week's meeting.

Applebee's will be located on 1.25 acres at the corner of Team and Industrial boulevards, near the Colonial Town Park development that will house SuperTarget and Kohl's. A company spokesman attending the meeting said the casual dining restaurant and bar is expected to open by the end of the year.

Known for its breakfast fare, IHOP will be located just down the road on a 1.3-acre parcel at the corner of Grammer Drive and Team Boulevard.

Bigger and bigger Smyrna grows.

Meeting tonight to help a great cause....

NOTE: The meeting is two doors down at the sub shop. Brandon has made an appearance for those who wish to meet him.

I am holding a meeting tonight at 6pm at Espresso Joe's off of Sam Ridley, for those that want to help in the Bowling for Brandon Brewer fundraiser. If you are interested just bring yourself and we are going to get our minds together and see what all we have worked up and what else we can get working. I have had a time share donated to help this cause and this time share is from Pigeon Forge Tn. We are not sure what we are going to use this for yet. We wont be able to raffle this off but maybe put this in the silent auction. I also have Jack 96.3 FM working on a few things as well for the auction plus they are going to post this event under jack cares on their website. The Rutherford Reader is also doing an article on Brandon and the fundraiser. All we need now is for our ticket sales to start. If you are wanting a ticket please feel free to leave a message here or email me at bearroller9640@yahoo.com or call my cell at 995-2636.


UPDATE: I have talked with Brandon Brewers one grandmother and she is going to try to attend this evenings meeting. Also the bowling center is going to let us put up our silent auction bid sheets as soon as we get everything donated so that all the leagues that bowl there can bid and we can get more money raised.( we have full house of leagues everynight now so this is really going to help). Any donations can be brought to this meeting tonight or drop them by the bowling center ASAP!! Leave me a message here to let me know if your going to donate something.

I have the time share, some things from the Titans cheerleaders, Carrabba's hot spot tanning, the bowling center, fine glasswear, artwork from several people, and much more things coming in daily so make plans to attend and bid on items you want!!


UPDATE#2: Just talked with Brande Brewer and she is going to bring Brandon by this evening to meet all of us at Espresso Joe's. She told me he is soo excited about this bowling fundraiser we are holding for him and he is going to be there unless he is in Pittsburg for the transplant. This young man really doesnt know how many of us are supporting him and I want to make sure we fill all 52 lanes for him. If anyone has any questions about sept 28th please call me at 995-2636.

Graffiti ordinance coming to town

The infamous graffiti ordinance is going into effect soon.

Beginning next month, a new graffiti ordinance will take effect in Smyrna .

Anyone with graffiti on their property will have to clean it up or pay a fine.

A lot of laws are passed at all levels of government. No matter how much an issue is studied, a side effect of laws raises it's head pretty regularly. This is called the Law of unintended consequences. The government sees problem A and feel solution A will fix it. The problem is that solution A creates problem B and C.

A good example.

Michael Jenkins works in downtown Smyrna
.........

“It hurts my paycheck at the end of the year ‘maam. I get a bonus at the end of the year. My bonus is strictly based on profits so that’s coming outta my profits,” Jenks told News 2.

This person will now take home less pay, but since the town looks prettier, then that just jim-dandy with some. This is an unintended consequence.

I like this line.

City leaders said they consider cleaning or covering graffiti just another part of property maintenance, just like mowing the lawn.

But if I don't do maintenance on my car, it will not fine me money, it simply breaks and loses value. You end up punishing yourself.

The city we live in isn't

My editor just told me he had to make a few changes to my column for next week. Seems I referred to Smyrna as "city" when the techinical title is "Town".

Now you know.

Silence is NOT golden.

I'm in a bit of a position and it involves the city government here in Smyrna. because of that I'm openly asking for some advice here.

There is an issue bothering me and it is going to involve several posts on this site, and at least one, and maybe two columns in the Smyrna AM.

The current problem I'm in started back in May. I had a question on a proposed ordinance that the city was thinking of passing. It seemed that the town attorney was the one to call so I left two requests to talk to her. I never got called back from her, but the next day I did get a very interesting phone call from Town manager Mark O'Neal. In what I best described to my wife as a "pissy attitude" he told me that I should address ALL questions to him in the future and not to anyone else. I did not mention this online in May because I figure that maybe he was having a bad day. We all have them.

He wants to be the wellspring of all information in the city hall. I can live with that.

One problem. Last week I emailed his office two times with a request for information. I received from his office nothing. No reply. No "Bug off!". No nothing.

The issue is slightly time sensitive, so I can move forward in other areas without the need of talking to him. I'm just less then thrilled that this situation seems to have arisen up over a perceived slight against him.

My question is this. Should I ask for an official meeting with him? Should I go forward without a comment or more information from him? Should I ask the people who may know, but that means I pass by the "wellspring" in the city hall?

1450 WGNS Radio Show 9/7/07

From YouTube.

This is a short clip of Brian Barrett's radio show Rutherford Issues, with guests Mike Sparks, Shawn Tinsley, and Kendra Cooke. They are discussing the process of starting a new business and the challenges involved.

My "imposing" figure can be seen in the back ground talking to Mealand Ragland-Hudgins from the Smyrna AM.

Sullivan's Sports Bar

The UT game was only available on pay-per-view this weekend and while I love the Vols, the thought of paying for the cable box plus an additional thirty plus bucks to watch the game at home, alone didn't sound that exciting to me. (Though I'm sure had I purchased the game, I'd have become immediately very popular among my UT friends). And even though I had several opportunities to purchase tickets at a good price to go, I wasn't able to go due to other commitments this weekend and not wanting to call my best friend the day of the game and impose upon he and his family's hospitality.

So, instead of purchase the game at home or going to God's House (Neyland Stadium), I decided to catch the game at a sports bar.

And wouldn't you know it? One has just opened up in Smyrna!

The new sports bar is called Sullivan's and it's off Sam Ridley. I don't know the exact road name, but it's the same shopping center as the new steak-house and the Sir Pizza. (It's right behind the Bob Parks building on Sam Ridley).

I stopped in Saturday afternoon and was informed yes, the game would be on. When I first walked in, I was impressed by Sullivan's. They have a good number of HD flat-panel TVs evenly distributed throught the bar. From where I sat Saturday evening, I could have at least two in my line of sight at all times, which in a sports-bar is a good thing. They also had a couple of pool tables and some dart boards. But I wasn't there to play games, I was there to watch the UT game.

Now, when I arrived, the game was supposed to start in about two minutes, but there were some issues with the feed. At one point, the manager told me that the game wouldn't be seen due to a paperwork snaffu on DirectTV's part and gave us the opportunity to go elsewhere. At this point, a few of the UT fans left, though I stayed. Why you ask? Well, I'd already ordered by burger and had a frosty adult beverage. I stayed, figuring I'd eat my food, watch the other games and then either go home and listen to the game on the radio or find somewhere else to hang out after half-time.

But I will give the management credit--they didn't let stop them. They were able to get the game about the start of the second quarter--or as I call it, when UT stopped playing around and got serious about playing some football. As a UT fan, I appreciate the extra mile the staff and management went to to get the game as promised. Definite points in the favor of Sullivans.

That said, getting my food took forever. Which at the time it seemed like a bad thing, but in the end was good. It kept me there long enough so that I could see the game. So, a negative turned into a positive.

The bar got progressively more crowded as the night went along. It's 21 and up only, so smoking is permited. My food was good, the service was nice and the prices were very reasonable. I noticed they have a ladies' night on Tuesday, karoke at various times during the week and the NFL Sunday Ticket package on Sundays.

So, if you're looking for a place to hang out and see your favorite team out of market, this might be somewhere to consider. I know if I don't get tickets to the game in two weeks, I'll be there again to watch the Vols.

The Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group Meeting

Thanks to all who came out today. I appreciate the friendships I have developed over the years. Our get togethers are always something I look forward to.

Now, we discussed today scheduling the next meeting for Saturday, November 3. However, I would like to propose something else this time around. I've noted that many have been asking for weeknight meetings. I think this would be a wonderful idea but would propose it on a Friday. What say you about meeting on Friday, November 2nd at the Smyrna Bowling Alley at 7:30? I know one of my fellow MTBPG Members has some awful hours and may not be able to stay awake that long but it would be fun if we could get together, have a few brewskies and maybe even throw a ball or two down a lane though mine would probably end up in the gutter.

Looking forward to your response.

In the end we only get one

I was really excited with the idea of two movie theatres in Smyrna. The competition between them and the chance for a wide varieties of movies had me waiting with a certain level of excitement.

I wondered why neither seemed to have started construction. Now we know.

The two companies planning to open 14-screen movie theaters about a mile away from each other have decided to partner on one theater.

Eric Thornton, co-owner of the Roxy Theater in Dickson, said his company and Memphis-based Malco Theater will build on the 16 acres Roxy purchased behind the Starbucks on Industrial Boulevard off of Sam Ridley Boulevard.

"We decided it was in the city's best interest and our best interest if we were able to make that a destination area for families. We're able to put in several nice restaurants and have them close to the SuperTarget and all that that's going in over there," Thornton said, adding the structure's frame should be visible in 30 to 60 days.

While it probably is in their best interest, I really don't feel this is in the best interest of the city. With two competing against each other, they would have to go beyond the regular array of movies and garner our attention with movies normally played at the Belcourt theatre.

At least we will have one. Maybe enough requests for a wider selection, or maybe an independent film night would get some "fringe" movies in. Here is a fine example of what a theatre could do to draw in viewers.

I can at least hope. Anybody want to write a few letters with me to the Malco company requesting special film nights?

Pancake aftermath

Well the numbers are in, and the pancake breakfast, that I accidentally slept through, raised $750 for the RCCRA.

The Rutherford County Christian Relief Association (RCCRA) held a Pancake Breakfast Aug. 18 at the Smyrna Rescue Unit Building to raise funds of more than $750 to obtain additional tools and materials. More than150 citizens enjoyed the breakfast and fellowship.

The RCCRA was formed in 2006 by a group of concerned Rutherford County citizens who formed the association to assist in disaster relief and other missions to help alleviate suffering, when and where the opportunity presents itself in Rutherford County.

Good luck on your charity endeavours.

Saturday, Sept. 8: Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group Meeting

Time once more for that monthly thing we all look forward to.... The Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group Meeting.

This month's meeting is being held same time and place as last's.

Bob Parks Realty in Smyrna, TN
2:00 PM
Saturday 9/8

Be there or be... well, not there.

Fifth annual Wings of Freedom Fish Fry

Looks like this is going to be a big one for all who attend.

Members of the Smyrna Rotary Club and anyone else planning to attend the clubs fifth annual Wings of Freedom Fish Fry can expect three things: fun, good food and the knowledge that they gave back to their community.

The event takes place Saturday at the Corporate Flight Management hangar at Smyrna Airport. Proceeds from this year's event will go to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County, Sam Davis Home and the Smyrna/La Vergne Food Bank.

The article ha tgimes and event information for those who wisht o attend.

An announcement's announcement?

Fred Thompson has announced that he will announce an announcement this coming Thursday. This announcement's announcement may be the announcement announcing his candidacy. If this is the announcement we have been waiting to have announced.

We will post all future announcements here for your reading pleasure.

Bowling for Brandon Brewer

As most of you know, there is a young man, named Brandon Brewer over in our sister city of Lavergne. We are planning a bowling fundraiser for this young man on Sept 28Th from midnight to 6am. We will be having alot of fun on this Friday night and we hope that you support this great cause. The tickets are on sale now for $20.00 and half of the proceeds go to this young man. Now if you can't make it that night or don't use the tickets then all of that ticket will go to this young man. We are hoping to fill the house with supporters and if we do so then he will get more than half of the ticket sales.

Also we are having a silent auction this night and so far we have the Pistachio Patch donating a gift cer. and also the famous CARRABBA'A is donating a meal for 2. So if you like good food, friends, and fun bring the family out and help support this very sick young man on Sept 28th. Brandon is going to try to stop by for he loves the game of bowling and is looking forward to meeting all of those that show up!!If you need more info please contact me at 995-2636 or you can stop by the bowling center or Bob Parks reality on Sam Ridley to purchase your tickets but hurry they wont last long!!!

Smyrna library classes

The fact that you're reading this implies a certain basic level of computer knowledge, yet there might be some programs you may want to learn more about, without the major investment of returning to school.

Well lucky for you the Smyrna library is offering a series of computer classes that may satisfy your needs.

Classes at Smyrna Library

Smyrna Library will offer the following free computer classes. Because class size is limited, advance registration is required. You may register over the phone or in person; registration for each class begins on the Monday prior to the class. You must have a valid library card in good standing. A $2 materials fee will be charged if you do not attend and fail to cancel your registration 24 hours in advance of the class.

For more information, please call 459-4884.

Computer Basics
This class will introduce users to the various parts of the computer, including the keyboard and mouse, and the Windows environment. Designed for people with no or very little computer experience.
Friday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. - noon

Introduction to the Internet
This is an introduction to using the Internet efficiently and safely. Topics covered include what the Internet is, how to use Internet Explorer, and how to search the Internet, plus an overview on how to keep your computer safe while going online.
Friday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. - noon

Introduction to E-mail
This class will introduce users to the various free e-mail services. It will cover how to get an account; how to compose, send, forward, reply to, and store messages; and e-mail etiquette and safety.
Friday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - noon

Introduction to Microsoft Word
This class introduces the main components of Word, including how to change / format text, working with files, page formatting, tables, and more.
Friday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. - noon
Saturday, Oct. 13, 9-11 a.m.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel
This class will introduce users to the main components of Excel. It will cover spreadsheet basics, menus and toolbars, worksheet modification, formatting cells, and formulas and functions.
Friday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. - noon

Enjoy.

I heard a rumor today!

I was attending the "Meet Murfreesboro" event at M.T.S.U. today and was talking with different vendors and heard the new Publix will be opening up next year over at exit 70 in Smyrna. I was also chatting away with someone with Sam's club and I asked them about a club coming to Smyrna and he told me " There will not be one coming because there are two clubs so close and that would hurt those clubs if they opened one up here but the district mgr is best friends with the district manager with Costco's and they are planning to open one up next year on Sam Ridley Pkwy." I found out tonight that the land behind the Peterbuilt building off the interstate is being clear for something. Could this be where the new Costco's is going? I remember when Sam Ridley was only 2 lanes and there was nothing here. Now it looks more and more like Old Fort Pkwy. If anyone knows about this please comment and let us all know what is coming to our area...thanks