Santa Claus Is Coming To Centerville

The Senior Citizen Center in Centerville will host the 5th annual arrival of Santa Claus on the Grinder's Switch Express on December 12, 2009. Sponsored by the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce and the South Central Tennessee Railroad, Santa will arrive at 10:00 A.M. Everyone is invited to join the fun and welcome Santa to Centerville.

Veterans Day Celebration

On November 11, at 11:00 on the Centerville, Tennessee Square, the people of Hickman County will observe Veteran's Day. Colonel Michael Petermen will address those in attendance. Just a few weeks ago, the 771st unit of the National Guard returned from service in Iraq. Their return makes this day extra special since they were gone a year.

Grand Opening Of Health Center In Lyles, TN

Today is the grand opening of the Three Rivers Community Health Center in Lyles in the East Hickman County area. The clinic is a nonprofit organization and delivers medical care on a sliding scale which is based on the Federal Poverty Level.

According to information provided, U. S. census statistics show that more than 18.5% of people ages 18-64 have income below the U. S. poverty level and 20% lack health insurance. The addition of this clinic to the area will be a benefit to citizens that usually travel to Centerville, Dickson, or Columbia for medical care.

Car Show Held By Civitan Group in Centerville

A Hickman County Times article on September 28, reminded me that the 28th annual "Centerville In The Fall Auto Show" rolls into town this Saturday, October 3. Admission is free. Registration is $20 per car and the cars will be judged in the afternoon. Prizes will be awarded at 4:00. It will be held in the parking lot of the Hickman County Justice Center and about 125 entrants are expected. Live music as well as a Minnie Pearl impersonator will complete the day.

Quilt Show In Centerville, TN

Hickman County will host its fourth annual quilt show in Centerville, TN on October 2nd and 3rd. This year's theme is "Remembering Hearth and Home" and will feature Log Cabin Quilts among many other designs. Old and new quilts of all sizes will be shown.

The Quilt show is being held at the Centerville First Baptist Church at 100 Murphree Avenue and show admission and parking are free and open to the public from 12 pm - 5 pm on October 2, and 9 am - 4 pm October 3.

For further information, you can contact Ruth Ann Carathers at (931) 670-4998 or Bettye T. Griffin at (931) 729-5437.

Hickman County Earns Photo Op With Governor Bredesen

According to Daryl Phillips, the director of the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, Hickman County once again earned the three-star certification from the state. This certification is given to communities that meet certain criteria that the state deems necessary for economic growth. According to Matthew Kisber the "ECD is proud to support Hickman County in its dedication to long-term economic growth and success.”

This is great! However, for several years in a row, Hickman County has received this certification and I have not seen very many changes that have been brought about because of meeting this criteria. While surrounding counties seem to grow without limits, we have changed very little in the last 20 years and very little because of meeting state criteria. But, at least Mr. Phillips had the opportunity to have his photo taken with the Governor.

You can read Mr. Phillips blog here: http://blog.hickmantn.org/2009/09/hickman-county-earns-three-star.html

Ed Bruce to Perform at Grinder's Switch Music & Arts Festival

Ed Bruce, co-writer of Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, will perform at the Grinder's Switch Music and Arts Festival in Centerville, TN in Hickman County on September 12. He is scheduled to perform at 5:00 p.m.

The festival, which is always the Saturday after Labor Day, features many local and regional acts and begins at 10:00 a.m. with opening ceremonies. At 11:00 is the Grinder's Switch Hour, which is a local radio program that is live each Saturday morning.

There will also be plenty of fun and games for everyone to enjoy. So come on out to the Grinder's Switch Music & Arts Festival and enjoy the music.

Grinder's Switch is the place that Minnie Pearl always talked about in her Grand Ole Opry act.