When 6-year-old Elena Desserich was diagnosed with brain cancer, she began hiding hundreds of little love notes around the house for her parents to find after she was gone. Here’s the story:
Just before her sixth birthday, Elena Desserich (right) was diagnosed with brain cancer and given 135 days to live. She lived 255 days, passing away in 2007. After her death, Elena’s parents, Brooke and Keith, found hundreds of notes from Elena hidden around the house — in between CD cases, between bookshelves, in dresser drawers, in backpacks….
"It just felt like a little hug from her, like she was telling us she was looking over us"
To view her picture and read some of her 'love notes', click here
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Be Fair to the Fairgrounds
Councilman Crafton believes Fairgrounds should remain open
by Eric Crafton, Metro Councilman
I am sure most people have heard by now that Mayor Dean wants to close down the fairgrounds and have the property redeveloped as an office park or as a corporate headquarters by private business. HCA is one corporation that has expressed an interest in buying and redeveloping this property. While I would obviously be in favor of an "HCA-type" corporate expansion in Davidson County, I just don't feel that the fairgrounds is the right place for this to occur for a few reasons.
First, the original owners of the property gave it to Nashville for the express purpose of having a Tennessee State Fair and associated fairgrounds for exhibit space and other related activities. Later, a racetrack was built to help sustain interest and attendance at the fairgrounds. I can even remember as a child, riding the wooden roller coaster that once stood there with my grandmother. The point is that the fairground offers an entertainment venue everyone can enjoy, regardless of income level.
Also, many people, especially in today's economic climate can't afford Titans or Predators tickets. They may not be interested in seeing a show at TPAC or a performance at the Schermerhorn. At the fairgrounds people can pursue other interests like watching a car race, attending an antique show, entering a cake contest at the county fair or shopping at a flee market. While these activities may not seem as glamorous as going to the symphony and having dinner at The Palm afterwards, they are just as important to many people.
The major argument by Mayor Dean for closing the fairgrounds is because its reserve fund has gone down over the past few years. He also said that if the fairgrounds can't sustain itself financially, then we have to shut it down. Well, the reserve fund has gone down because many needed repairs and upgrades were completed the last few years. Money for the repairs was taken from the reserve fund, which is what the fund is for.
Furthermore, to say that something "must pay its own way without government help or else be shut down" is very disingenuous. Cases and points. This year the Metro Council passed a $15 million rent reduction for the Predators' ownership group because the team was losing money due to poor attendance. The Titans stadium debt is partially funded by a $4 million per year transfer payment from Metro Water; has anyone received his new storm water tax bill from Metro Water yet? Also, The Schermerhorn symphony hall received $4 million a year for four years to help pay for that project.
The point is even though the above-mentioned venues receive generous taxpayer support, and in most of those cases rightly so, comparatively speaking, the fairgrounds gets minimal governmental support, considering how many people spend time there; it is estimated that the attendance at the State Fair this year alone was the equivalent around two sold- out Titans games. The fairgrounds may not be a huge money-maker, although Buck Dozier, the person responsible for managing the fairgrounds says that next year with better weather, the Tennessee State Fair could produce enough revenue to have the fairgrounds "back in the black."
The fairgrounds park is a public place that thousands of people enjoy every year, and it should be protected and preserved. Government shouldn't take that away because the activities conducted there "aren't hip enough" or because private companies want the space for expansion purposes. If businesses want to expand in Nashville, do so on the 16 acres south of Broadway where a taxpayer-funded, billion-dollar convention center and hotel are planned to be built, not at the fair grounds.
by Eric Crafton, Metro Councilman
I am sure most people have heard by now that Mayor Dean wants to close down the fairgrounds and have the property redeveloped as an office park or as a corporate headquarters by private business. HCA is one corporation that has expressed an interest in buying and redeveloping this property. While I would obviously be in favor of an "HCA-type" corporate expansion in Davidson County, I just don't feel that the fairgrounds is the right place for this to occur for a few reasons.
First, the original owners of the property gave it to Nashville for the express purpose of having a Tennessee State Fair and associated fairgrounds for exhibit space and other related activities. Later, a racetrack was built to help sustain interest and attendance at the fairgrounds. I can even remember as a child, riding the wooden roller coaster that once stood there with my grandmother. The point is that the fairground offers an entertainment venue everyone can enjoy, regardless of income level.
Also, many people, especially in today's economic climate can't afford Titans or Predators tickets. They may not be interested in seeing a show at TPAC or a performance at the Schermerhorn. At the fairgrounds people can pursue other interests like watching a car race, attending an antique show, entering a cake contest at the county fair or shopping at a flee market. While these activities may not seem as glamorous as going to the symphony and having dinner at The Palm afterwards, they are just as important to many people.
The major argument by Mayor Dean for closing the fairgrounds is because its reserve fund has gone down over the past few years. He also said that if the fairgrounds can't sustain itself financially, then we have to shut it down. Well, the reserve fund has gone down because many needed repairs and upgrades were completed the last few years. Money for the repairs was taken from the reserve fund, which is what the fund is for.
Furthermore, to say that something "must pay its own way without government help or else be shut down" is very disingenuous. Cases and points. This year the Metro Council passed a $15 million rent reduction for the Predators' ownership group because the team was losing money due to poor attendance. The Titans stadium debt is partially funded by a $4 million per year transfer payment from Metro Water; has anyone received his new storm water tax bill from Metro Water yet? Also, The Schermerhorn symphony hall received $4 million a year for four years to help pay for that project.
The point is even though the above-mentioned venues receive generous taxpayer support, and in most of those cases rightly so, comparatively speaking, the fairgrounds gets minimal governmental support, considering how many people spend time there; it is estimated that the attendance at the State Fair this year alone was the equivalent around two sold- out Titans games. The fairgrounds may not be a huge money-maker, although Buck Dozier, the person responsible for managing the fairgrounds says that next year with better weather, the Tennessee State Fair could produce enough revenue to have the fairgrounds "back in the black."
The fairgrounds park is a public place that thousands of people enjoy every year, and it should be protected and preserved. Government shouldn't take that away because the activities conducted there "aren't hip enough" or because private companies want the space for expansion purposes. If businesses want to expand in Nashville, do so on the 16 acres south of Broadway where a taxpayer-funded, billion-dollar convention center and hotel are planned to be built, not at the fair grounds.
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MTN Cover Story
2009 End of Year Tax Tips
With less than nine weeks left until 2010, it makes sense to look at your personal and business tax situation and to know what tax easings set to expire in 2009 or delay action until new rules take effect in 2010. No one enjoys a larger tax bill in April only to find out that if action had been taken prior to December 31, hundreds or thousands of dollars could have been saved.
Most taxpayers benefit by accelerating tax deductions from 2010 into 2009 and deferring income until 2010 unless they expect to be in a higher tax bracket in 2010. Income tax rates are not expected to change in 2010.
First time home buyers won’t have to act by Nov. 30 to get a tax credit. Congress will extend the $8,000 credit for several months, well into 2010. Prospective buyers who already own a home should wait a brief time to buy because Congress is working on a bill that will give a $6,500 credit to buyers who’ve owned a home for 5 of the last 8 years.
If you are considering buying a new vehicle, it may be better to purchase by December 31, 2009. The deduction of sales tax on up to $49,500 of the cost of new vehicles for those who do not itemize their deductions is set to expire December 31, 2009 and is not expected to be extended.
If you have considered converting your IRA to a Roth, wait until 2010. Beginning in 2010 the tax on the conversion can be spread out over two years. Additionally, the ban on conversion for high incomers goes away.
Retirement plan distributions for those over 70 ½ are not required for 2009 but will be required again in 2010.
If you are an employee and also operate a side business, or have considerable other income you may want to consider increasing your employee withholding until December 31 to cover any tax shortfall thereby eliminating any underestimating tax penalty.
You should consult a qualified tax professional before making any decision.
Ron Dubois is a CPA licensed in both the states of Tennessee and Florida with offices in Brentwood, TN and Rockledge, FL www.ronduboiscpa.com 615-274-4203
Most taxpayers benefit by accelerating tax deductions from 2010 into 2009 and deferring income until 2010 unless they expect to be in a higher tax bracket in 2010. Income tax rates are not expected to change in 2010.
First time home buyers won’t have to act by Nov. 30 to get a tax credit. Congress will extend the $8,000 credit for several months, well into 2010. Prospective buyers who already own a home should wait a brief time to buy because Congress is working on a bill that will give a $6,500 credit to buyers who’ve owned a home for 5 of the last 8 years.
If you are considering buying a new vehicle, it may be better to purchase by December 31, 2009. The deduction of sales tax on up to $49,500 of the cost of new vehicles for those who do not itemize their deductions is set to expire December 31, 2009 and is not expected to be extended.
If you have considered converting your IRA to a Roth, wait until 2010. Beginning in 2010 the tax on the conversion can be spread out over two years. Additionally, the ban on conversion for high incomers goes away.
Retirement plan distributions for those over 70 ½ are not required for 2009 but will be required again in 2010.
If you are an employee and also operate a side business, or have considerable other income you may want to consider increasing your employee withholding until December 31 to cover any tax shortfall thereby eliminating any underestimating tax penalty.
You should consult a qualified tax professional before making any decision.
Ron Dubois is a CPA licensed in both the states of Tennessee and Florida with offices in Brentwood, TN and Rockledge, FL www.ronduboiscpa.com 615-274-4203
Labels:
tax tips
NotAlone Group Helping Returning Soldiers
Help and hope for soldiers and families dealing with re-entry and combat stress was the topic of a presentation to the Nashville Republican Women by Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient Mike Jones (left) of "Not Alone." The charitable
organization provides confidential online programs and resources for those dealing with "the invisible wounds of war" at www.NotAlone.com. Also shown are Not Alone CEO Carter Andrews and Carolyn Amiot, First Vice President of the NRW.
Bellevue Clean Up Day a Trashin' Success!
Over 150 volunteers came out on a cold and cloudy Oct 24th to help clean up areas in Bellevue that needed a bit of a dustin' before winter comes around.
The Bellevue Exchange Club is the driving force behind the twice a year effort and the Bellevue Chamber pitched in as well.
Many thanks goes out to those who helped either through their own efforts or by sponsoring the event.
For more pictures and details please visit www.exchangeclubofbellevue.org/bellevueCLEANUP
Dec 3rd: Bellevue Holiday Benefit Concert featuring Tyrone Smith to Benefit Bellevue Charities
"SUPER T!" "SUPER TYRONE!" "TYRONE SMITH!" It doesn't matter what name you use, the TYRONE SMITH REVUE has been the number one dance & show band throughout the South for over 28 years! From classic rock to funky soul, TYRONE SMITH knows how to entertain an audience. His renowned "SUPER T " show is second to none. Tyrone Smith is the Nashville-based wedding singer, otherwise known as Super T. A longtime frat-party and cotillion favorite in the South, Smith is known for playing his second set of R&B cover songs wearing a blue jumpsuit and a red cape. After seeing Super T at a friend's Texas wedding, Jenna Bush invited him to play the twins' wild White House holiday party in 2003, where Smith got the president to do a dance called the "Super T Booty Green," and led a conga line through the State Floor after President Bush went to bed. The Tyrone Smith Revue also played at one of the Inaugural Balls for President Bush in 2005. Remember, there are plenty of good bands out there, but there is only one TYRONE SMITH REVUE!
When: Thursday, December 3, 2009 Time: 7:00 to 10:00
Where: Jewish Community Center, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nash., TN 37205
How to purchase tickets: The tickets will be $25.00 for Chamber members and $35.00 for non-Chamber members. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $40.00 the night of the concert. To purchase tickets, log onto the Bellevue Chamber Website at thebellevuechamber.com and follow the instructions for ticket purchase. Tickets will also be available at the Bellevue Banks. There will be a cash bar for drinks and finger foods will be provided.
Tyrone Smith and the Super T band are donating this concert to the community of Bellevue with a wonderful fun night of their music. Tyrone's wish is that the proceeds of the concert go to the Bellevue Food Bank and the following Bellevue Schools: Gower, Harpeth Valley, West Meade, Bellevue Middle and Hillwood High. The proceeds that go to the schools will be for use at the schools discretion. The Bellevue Food Bank will be onsite the night of the concert to accept any food donations. During the music breaks there will also be an Auction with the proceeds going to the designated recipients.
Fundraiser Event: Our Mom's Market, Nov 17& 18th 9am-1pm
Our Mom's Market will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov 17th &18th from 9 am until 1 pm each day. Refreshments will be served.
The event will be held at East Brentwood Presbyterian Church located at 9000 Concord Rd. (corner of Concord and Wilson Pike) in Brentwood. Proceeds from the Mom's Market will benefit the preschool's Family Outreach ministry.
Our Mom's Market is a holiday shopping event. This year's vendors will be selling a variety of gift items including jewelry, personalized stationery, Christmas ornaments, personalized children's books and gourmet foods, just to name a few. You're sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list--including yourself!
For more info please visit ebpcmomsmarket.wordpress.com or call 615-739-4270.
Tech Column: Best Free Security software for your PC
Q: Since Antivirus software provides an essential layer of protection from a multitude of virus, trojan, worm, spyware, adware, dialer, keylogger and rootkit infections - which one should I get? A: My top pick for best free antivirus program, outstanding detection of malware, is Comodo at www.comodo.com. It: 1) Detects, blocks, and destroys viruses 2) Immediate feedback on suspicious files 3) Protects with On Access scanning 4) Schedule your scans 5) Provides daily automatic updates | ||
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Q: What personal firewall provides excellent network protection?
A: For full feature security, again COMODO is a top contender. The firewall itself is very robust and includes an intrusion detection system. It also provides buffer overflow protection, a training mode to automatically create rules for programs you trust, and a parental control password. It's the only top, free firewall with full anti-keylogger protection. Download Comodo Internet Security for maximum protection. www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php
Q: What are some other utility programs to help keep my computer running well?
A: Hitman Pro 3 – This program is useful as a preliminary check to see if your computer is clean, especially if you're unsure as to whether your computer is infected or not. You can remove infections with this for 30 days, after that it is limited to detection. http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/
CCleaner - It's a good idea to run a disk cleaner before you scan as malware often resides in temporary folders, and junk files will be removed so the scanning will be faster. http://www.ccleaner.com/
An Affair to Remember
As a psychologist, I see a lot of couples in trouble. I see them when they are dissatisfied, when they feel "stuck," or when they are at the end of their rope due to frustration. True, some couples enter the therapeutic relationship after one member has decided to end the relationship. And frankly, many couples in this situation come to therapy because the partner who has decided to leave will (secretly, mostly) wish for the other person to have a safe place to come heal after the break-up.
That being said, a question always asked on the front end is if either party is currently having an affair, or if either even suspects the other is having an affair. And yes, I am smart enough to know that the partner in question would lie in that situation. Eventually, truth rises to the surface - although it is extremely damaging when the affair is "discovered" by the other partner. In this case, the breech of trust can feel impossible to completely overcome.
But before getting further into that arena, let's address for a moment WHY an affair is so deadly to relationship counseling. It boils down to motivation.
When we enter a relationship, we are highly motivated to put a certain amount of trust into our partner. We tell them things we rarely (if ever) tell anyone else. We are vulnerable physically to them – we place ourselves into their hands when we sleep next to them, when they drive us in the car, or when we are engaged in sexual activity. Plus, we offer our own acceptance toward them in return. An affair subverts each level of trust, and adds the complication of lowering motivation to work things out.
Let's say a husband is cheating on his wife. Emotionally, he no can no longer be 100% present for her. She cannot share the things with him that she needs to in order to fix their troubled marriage because he will be distant and distracted. Too, he will not need to share anything with her because he has another sympathetic ear, another sounding board for his thoughts and wishes.
Physically, the wife has probably pulled away sexually because her husband has pulled away emotionally. From the husband's point of view, he now has a sexual outlet and will not need to bring these needs to his wife anymore.
With regard to motivation, the wife will have built up a lot of anger by this point and will feel hopeless and frustrated. The husband – by virtue of definition – will like his mistress more than his wife, and will have a hard time finding the energy or desire to work on a relationship he feels has already died.
In the end, unless the affair(s) end, neither partner will be able to salvage the relationship. Betrayal is perhaps the deadliest of sins when it comes to the "Relationship Commandments," and will impede the ability or potential for trust in the future. Particularly if there has been a history of lying to cover the affair, the offended partner will always carry the nagging voice of doubt in the back of his or her mind.
Bottom line: I strongly recommend you make a firm choice. An affair is easy, and a lover will ALWAYS be more sexy, exciting, caring, and understanding than your partner because they are just an escape! They're a brief jog from the well-worn path of reality. I completely understand feelings of loneliness and frustration, but affairs almost never end well, and will invariably do long term damage despite quickly salving the wound of relationship stress.
For questions or comments, you can reach Dr. Steve through his website: www.doctorstevetherapy.com
Support TN185 thru Wreaths Across America Donations
Support TN185 thru Wreaths Across America Donations
TN-185 is participating in this event as a learning, remembering, and honoring experience. This is also a fundraiser event for the squadron. We, TN-185 members, will be promoting the sponsorship of the wreaths between now and November 16. And, on December 12, 2009, the squadron, family members, and friends will participate in the wreath laying ceremony at the Nashville National Cemetary in Madison.
Please share the flyers and order forms with your family and friends. The flyers are attached to this message. You can print them or save them and send them as an e-mail attachment to everyone that you know. They can fill them out and mail the check and form in, give you the check and form to return to the squadron, or go they can go online and complete the sponsorship on the Wreaths Across America website. http://wreathsacrossamerica.org/Sponsor-a-Wreath.html
We are asking that each member of the squadron make every effort possible to get at least 10 wreaths sponsored.
All forms and money need to be submitted by November 16.
TN-185 is participating in this event as a learning, remembering, and honoring experience. This is also a fundraiser event for the squadron. We, TN-185 members, will be promoting the sponsorship of the wreaths between now and November 16. And, on December 12, 2009, the squadron, family members, and friends will participate in the wreath laying ceremony at the Nashville National Cemetary in Madison.
Please share the flyers and order forms with your family and friends. The flyers are attached to this message. You can print them or save them and send them as an e-mail attachment to everyone that you know. They can fill them out and mail the check and form in, give you the check and form to return to the squadron, or go they can go online and complete the sponsorship on the Wreaths Across America website. http://wreathsacrossamerica.org/Sponsor-a-Wreath.html
We are asking that each member of the squadron make every effort possible to get at least 10 wreaths sponsored.
All forms and money need to be submitted by November 16.
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