I read with interest this morning that we are under voluntary water restrictions within the City of Franklin. It has been a dry spring and it is not surprising that we have had these requests made, but it is unusual that we are this dry so soon in the summer.
Our city has a water issue that needs to be addressed, namely we don't have an adequate supply to keep up with the growth we have and will have. Decisions need to be made to increase this supply, either by purchasing more water from outside sources or by improving our ability to draw water from local sources like the Harpeth.
I am not an expert in this area, but I would lean toward purchasing the water from an outside source versus drawing more from local sources. I have a hard time seeing the Harpeth as a long-term solution to our water needs.
I'll watch with interest in the coming months to see how we react to this situation.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Franklin Transportation
I read with interest this morning that the upcoming budget for the City of Franklin will fund the trolley system for only the first quarter.
I have long felt that this system was not the most efficient method of providing transportation for those who most need that transportation. While it might be hard to give up this attractive vehicles, we also need to be fiscally prudent in how we provide our services.
I will continue to review this situation and I think this is a step in the right direction.
I have long felt that this system was not the most efficient method of providing transportation for those who most need that transportation. While it might be hard to give up this attractive vehicles, we also need to be fiscally prudent in how we provide our services.
I will continue to review this situation and I think this is a step in the right direction.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Sad day at Hawkins field
I took the family to the Vandy-Michigan game at Hawkins field to celebrate my 48th birthday. Like many there I was pretty confident that our Commodores would pull one out again.
When we left there at 9:45 last evening it was such a sad sight. Vandy, the #1 ranked team in college baseball for most of this season, lost 4-3 to a scrappy Michigan team. No excuses, Michigan came to play.
As a season ticket holder I thoroughly enjoyed this season. Watching French, Feinberg, Flaherty and Alvarez around the infield was a joy. Meingasner, Macias and Delaosa in the outfield made our defense solid. Shea Robin handled our staff of Price, Minor, Crowell, Weathers and others with skill. Hanks really came on at the end of the season and I could go on and on about this team.
Under the direction of Tim Corbin this team has raised the bar for all college athletics at Vanderbilt and I feel truly blessed to have seen them play so often this year. While there will be some of this team that leaves through graduation or the draft, I have no doubt that next years team will be just as good, if not better.
Look out SEC-Look out college baseball. The Dores have arrived!
Even though we lost the game, I felt like a winner to be part of this event!
When we left there at 9:45 last evening it was such a sad sight. Vandy, the #1 ranked team in college baseball for most of this season, lost 4-3 to a scrappy Michigan team. No excuses, Michigan came to play.
As a season ticket holder I thoroughly enjoyed this season. Watching French, Feinberg, Flaherty and Alvarez around the infield was a joy. Meingasner, Macias and Delaosa in the outfield made our defense solid. Shea Robin handled our staff of Price, Minor, Crowell, Weathers and others with skill. Hanks really came on at the end of the season and I could go on and on about this team.
Under the direction of Tim Corbin this team has raised the bar for all college athletics at Vanderbilt and I feel truly blessed to have seen them play so often this year. While there will be some of this team that leaves through graduation or the draft, I have no doubt that next years team will be just as good, if not better.
Look out SEC-Look out college baseball. The Dores have arrived!
Even though we lost the game, I felt like a winner to be part of this event!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A humbling honor
I had the opportunity to speak to the Clarksville Noon Rotary Club today. I expected to have a great time and see my long-time friend, Dr. Al Williams while there.
Wow, did he surprise me today!
Dr. Al is a 9th Level Paul Harris Fellow and he bestowed the Paul Harris award in my name today.
It was hard for me to contain my excitement at this great honor.
Dr. Al and Martha have been long time friends to our entire family and his kindness and generosity are above and beyond expectations.
I am truly blessed to have friends such as these!
Wow, did he surprise me today!
Dr. Al is a 9th Level Paul Harris Fellow and he bestowed the Paul Harris award in my name today.
It was hard for me to contain my excitement at this great honor.
Dr. Al and Martha have been long time friends to our entire family and his kindness and generosity are above and beyond expectations.
I am truly blessed to have friends such as these!
Monday, April 9, 2007
On the Plains
Matthew, Gena and I are in Auburn today to visit Auburn University.
Matt is looking into the architecture and building science programs.
More on that later.
My prayers are with the Franklin Aldermen and mayor as they prepare to choose a replacement for Dennis Phillips tomorrow evening.
I know that God will lead them to a candidate who will help the board move forward.
Matt is looking into the architecture and building science programs.
More on that later.
My prayers are with the Franklin Aldermen and mayor as they prepare to choose a replacement for Dennis Phillips tomorrow evening.
I know that God will lead them to a candidate who will help the board move forward.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Off to the Bluegrass
Gena, Matthew and I will be in Lexington, KY on Friday.
No, I am not interviewing for the basketball vacancy, but Matthew will be visiting UK and their School of Architecture.
This is just the first of many visits in the coming months. Other stops along the way include Vandy, Auburn and Georgia.
Matthew considered visiting Georgia Tech and UNC, but he is not sure if he could attend an ACC school.
I suppose he does have just a little of his mother and father in him......
Aldermanic Seat Vacancy
If you are reading this and you live in the Franklin, TN area you will possibly know that there is a vacant seat on our aldermanic board due to the unfortunate passing of Dennis Phillips. As a result our current aldermen and mayor will meet soon to designate a replacement until the election this October.
I have made my intentions known to the current aldermen and mayor regarding my interest in this role. I will also acknowledge that there are a couple of other qualified candidates and I wish all the best of luck in this process.
Regardless of the outcome on the appointment process, I will be a candidate for alderman in the City of Franklin in 2007. I enjoy the service aspect of this role and I look forward to possibly having a chance to make a difference in our community.
I have made my intentions known to the current aldermen and mayor regarding my interest in this role. I will also acknowledge that there are a couple of other qualified candidates and I wish all the best of luck in this process.
Regardless of the outcome on the appointment process, I will be a candidate for alderman in the City of Franklin in 2007. I enjoy the service aspect of this role and I look forward to possibly having a chance to make a difference in our community.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Spring Break
Gena and Matthew have ventured off to Destin with a group of their friends for Spring Break.
I pray that they have traveling mercies on their trip and that they find this to be a relaxing and enjoyable time.
Hectic weekend-lots of work to do and lots of basketball and baseball to watch.
Vandy does it again, and I am considering a trip to the Meadowlands-stay tuned.
This afternoon, Daniel and I will watch the Baseball Dores battle the Rebs of Ole Miss.
Never a dull moment here!
Congrats to the Lincoln Railers for making the Elite 8 in Illinois for the 3rd time in 5 years. Not bad for a small rural school who play against the best in the state, if not the country, such as Chicago Simeon.
I pray that they have traveling mercies on their trip and that they find this to be a relaxing and enjoyable time.
Hectic weekend-lots of work to do and lots of basketball and baseball to watch.
Vandy does it again, and I am considering a trip to the Meadowlands-stay tuned.
This afternoon, Daniel and I will watch the Baseball Dores battle the Rebs of Ole Miss.
Never a dull moment here!
Congrats to the Lincoln Railers for making the Elite 8 in Illinois for the 3rd time in 5 years. Not bad for a small rural school who play against the best in the state, if not the country, such as Chicago Simeon.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Dennis Phillips
I was saddened to read this morning that Dennis has gone to be with our Lord. While it is good that he will not have to suffer any more, it is sad to see someone who is so passionate leave us.
Dennis always fought hard for what he believed in and he was devoted to his family. My prayers are with his wife and sons.
Dennis always fought hard for what he believed in and he was devoted to his family. My prayers are with his wife and sons.
SEC Tournament
It was a tough day for the Ryan family in the world of SEC basketball.
The Cats went down in overtime at the hands of a Nashville native, Jamont Gordon.
The Dores went down on a last second shot. All in all, it is still a great time to be here at the tournament.
If you have never come to this tournament, you ought to try it out. People here are genuine and friendly and there is a lot of camaraderie.
We'll head back today to see the semifinals, the Gators and the 3 dwarfs from the SEC west.
Stay tuned! I am excited to see where my Dores will be seeded when the pairings are announced tomorrow. It has been a great year for Vandy basketball and we are now in the second season.
The Cats went down in overtime at the hands of a Nashville native, Jamont Gordon.
The Dores went down on a last second shot. All in all, it is still a great time to be here at the tournament.
If you have never come to this tournament, you ought to try it out. People here are genuine and friendly and there is a lot of camaraderie.
We'll head back today to see the semifinals, the Gators and the 3 dwarfs from the SEC west.
Stay tuned! I am excited to see where my Dores will be seeded when the pairings are announced tomorrow. It has been a great year for Vandy basketball and we are now in the second season.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Middle Age
There are many things in life we claim we will never say. One of those, for me, was to admit that I had reached "middle age". I now feel OK about saying that and there are reasons why.
I have noticed that some people seem to pay more attention to what I say now versus 10 years ago. From my perspective I have not changed that much, but there has been a change, in fact many, but their subtlety has caused me to not detect this. One of the things I have noticed is that the hair turns greyer every day (better grey than loose....) and this also may be lending to that increase in credibility, whether real or perceived.
Another issue that has occured centers around a book I am reading entitled "Halftime". This book clearly depicts what many of us go through in our lives, a shifting from pursuing "success" to pursuing "significance". I know all too well that I feel so much more engaged now in what I do since I feel I can see the difference I make in my work. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are between the ages of 35 and 45.
I have noticed that some people seem to pay more attention to what I say now versus 10 years ago. From my perspective I have not changed that much, but there has been a change, in fact many, but their subtlety has caused me to not detect this. One of the things I have noticed is that the hair turns greyer every day (better grey than loose....) and this also may be lending to that increase in credibility, whether real or perceived.
Another issue that has occured centers around a book I am reading entitled "Halftime". This book clearly depicts what many of us go through in our lives, a shifting from pursuing "success" to pursuing "significance". I know all too well that I feel so much more engaged now in what I do since I feel I can see the difference I make in my work. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are between the ages of 35 and 45.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
New Eagle Scout
This coming Sunday we will celebrate our younger son reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. He has been an active scout for 11 years-what a commitment!
I have included a few pictures of Matthew from his scouting journey.
Congratulations Matthew!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Big Game Tomorrow
The Cats and the Dores will square off in Memorial Gym tomorrow on the Vanderbilt Campus. This one has a lot riding on it and it should determine who plays on thursday and who does not when the Conference Tournament convenes in Atlanta in March.
Here's hoping that the Dores keep up the streak. Long live Memorial Magic!
Backpacking in the Smokies
I was fortunate to be part of a crew of Scouts and adults who backpacked in the Great Smoky Mountains from February 17 through 19. I am including a few pictures for your viewing, but here is what we encountered:
-8 inches of snow Sunday morning
-5.5 miles of backpacking, climbing 3000 ft. through this snow
-temperatures around 10 degrees with 20-25 mph winds Sunday evening
-Great sunshine on Monday
-Sore muscles all week
What a great trip! I highly recommend the Mt. Sterling area, accessible from the Big Creek access are on the NC/TN border.
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Welcome to my new Blog. I will attempt to add several posts to this site weekly. My intent is to capture what is happening in the world and how it might affect my world or yours.
Take care!
Welcome to my new Blog. I will attempt to add several posts to this site weekly. My intent is to capture what is happening in the world and how it might affect my world or yours.
Take care!
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