Continued on page 8

by Nancy W. Brown

Whether you carry paint chips in your purse or simply hunger to know the top 10 decorating mistakes, you’ll enjoy this day-long seminar coming to Nashville on March 21. Professional interior redesigner and instructor Carol Bass, MPT, calls it a day of “fun, food and the fundamentals of decorating.”

Animated and witty, Bass plans her seminars to be “a fun girls day out. We play games. We eat great food. And most importantly, you leave with lots of good information.” Not to mention the chance to win some very nice doorprizes and lunch with professional redesigners.

Designed for do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners who want to learn such fundamentals as finding your own style, the power of proper placement,

Fun Seminar Aimed At Decorating “Addicts”

OVC, A-Sun basketball tournaments dot Nashville skyline

Continued on page 14

By Randy WeilerNashville will be all things basketball the next few weeks and

beyond. That’s why they call it March Madness.The city will play host to Ohio Valley and Atlantic Sun

Conference tournaments for men and women, with the winners advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

The A-Sun tournament will be held March 5-8 in Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. Three-time defending men’s champion Belmont will be challenged by Jacksonville, East Tennessee State, Mercer and the host Bisons. On the women’s

3 Green 101

4 Calendar of Events

4 Sudoku

5 Classifieds

5 Recipe

6 Interior Design

6 Help! I’m Shrinkin’ Dr. Steve Olivas

7 Hickman Happenings

8 Run on Jane

9 BOOST Your Life

9 Kar Kare Tips

10 Boomers Advice

12 Investing Strategies Martin Pyle

12 Bright Spots with Sawrie Becker

13 Mommy Talk

13 Councilman’s Corner Charlie Tygard

14 Take Your Best Shot Kaye Ivanoff, RN

15 COUPONS !!!

March 1 - 15, 2009

”“

* Professional classes also available. *

Girls - March 11-14Boys - March 18-21at MTSU

Girls - March 11-14Boys - March 18-21at MTSU

March 3--7Sommet CenterMarch 3--7Sommet Center

March 5-8Lipscomb University

March 5-8Lipscomb University

www.addictedtodecorating.com

2

by Karen Roach

I previously wrote that the Senate had proposed legislation which called for a $15,000 tax credit to home buyers. The $15,000 tax credit did not get put into the Economic Stimulus Act, but an $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit was passed in this act.

Here are a few things you need to know about this tax credit:

• The credit is equivalent to 10% of the purchase price of the home or capped at $8,000. Unlike the previous $7,500 home buyer tax credit, this one does not have to be paid back.

• A first time home buyer defined for purposes of this legislation is someone who hasn’t owned a principle residence for three years before buying a house.

• This credit is only for 2009 buyers

only. The purchase has to be made on or after January 1 and before December 1, 2009.

• The tax credit is subject to income limitations which are: single buyers need a modified adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less to qualify for the full credit, and that is $150,000 for married couples. People that earn more than these thresholds may be eligible for reduced credits.

• This tax credit is “refundable,” which means qualified buyers can take advantage even if they do not have much of a tax liability.

• Buyers have to own the home that they purchase for at least 3 years in order to capitalize on the credit. If they sell the home before 3 years, they will have to return the credit to the government.

There are a lot of changes going on the housing market and I would love to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Please feel free to call me at 615.495.9934 or you can email me at Karen@AvenueRealEstate.com.

Real Estate Today

$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers

D E N I S E F U L L

TEL 615.225.7066

www.custom�tbookkeeping.com

FAX 615.662.3641

Advanced Certi�ed QuickBooks® ProAdvisor

CUSTOM SERVICE. PERFECT FIT.

3

Turn Off Your Lights for Earth Hour Nashville - March 28, 2009

On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 8:30 p.m., tens of millions of people around the world will come together to make a bold statement about climate change by doing something quite simple – turning off their lights for one hour.

Green Proof Your Home has pledged to support Earth Hour Nashville (http://www.earthhourus.org/nashville) and is inviting readers of Middle TN Now to take part in this historic and inspiring event.

Nashville was selected as a flagship city to participate in the event, along with London, Paris, Rome, Mumbai, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. Worldwide, 377 cities have committed. More than 50 million people are expected to take part.

Participating in Earth Hour Nashville is easy, fun and FREE! It’s also a wonderful opportunity for friends and

families to gather together and think about the issues confronting our planet and the ways that we can work together to make a positive difference.

Let’s all turn out and take action on March 28 at 8:30 p.m.

Green 101

Tara Biller is founder and owner of Green Proof Your Home, a residential consulting service designed to outline the simple steps of going green. A graduate of Boston University, Tara previously spent 14 years specializing in public relations for high-tech companies. “Green” is her new passion and she is inspired by her husband Daniel and two boys Andrew 4yrs and Jonah 2yrs. Please direct questions or comments to tbiller@greenproofyourhome.com, or for more information please visit: www.greenproofyourhome.com.

Franchising an Easy Way to Start in BusinessIs this the year you become a small

business owner? Whether your job security is in question because of a shaky economy or you’re eager to take the leap into being an entrepreneur, you may be ready to make a change for financial fitness and career satisfaction.

One of the easiest ways to be your own boss is to own a franchise. When you own a franchise, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Parent companies provide a built-in support system so you’re not in the dark. Most provide comprehensive training that allows you to build your new business on a solid foundation.

Franchises offer a proven business model, name recognition and brand awareness - so you’re not starting out establishing those things on your own. Additionally, your investment is usually lower, your start-up time quicker and your supply lines already established.

Franchises are often a wonderful

opportunity, particularly if you live in a rural or outlying community as these areas are often under-served by franchises. Outer ring suburbs or rural communities typically offer less expensive land and franchise owners can take advantage of a unique niche in the market. State and local governments are increasingly investing in outlying and rural communities and generous tax advantages are often available to franchise owners starting a business there. Once established, locally-owned franchises can quickly become a vital part of a smaller community.

One such success story belongs to Mark and Maureen Schopp who own three Snap Fitness franchises in small towns in Missouri. “The Snap Fitness business model was so simple, I didn’t have to invent anything,” says Mark Schopp.

The Schopps chose three small towns with 10,000 or fewer residents and business is booming. “Everyone appreciates not having to go so far. It’s

Small Business

really convenient for our members,” says Schopp. “We’re not off-site owners and we really like that small-town feel. Members like knowing that they can get in touch with us if they need to. Our cell phone numbers are posted in all our clubs.”

Snap Fitness offers a proven, affordable concept in the growing 24/7 fitness industry. The workout studios offer state-of-the-art equipment with a small footprint, allowing franchise owners to offer their neighbors quick, convenient and affordable workouts just minutes from their doorsteps.

“A Snap Fitness franchise is easy to afford and easy to manage and it’s a great opportunity for anyone to turn wellness into wealth,” says Peter Taunton, chief executive officer of Snap Fitness. “Economically, this industry has averaged an 8 percent annual growth rate for the past 15 years.”

Whether you’re looking for more job security, or the satisfaction of being your own boss, franchising offers an entrepreneurial opportunity with a low initial investment and a lower break even point so you turn a profit faster.

To research more opportunities for financial freedom, contact the International Franchise Association. For more information on affordable franchise opportunities with Snap Fitness, visit www.SnapFitness.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sudoku Answerson page 10

4

Free Salsa Classes10:00 pm Cafe Bella609 Ninth Avenue SouthNashville, TN 37203 Come to free Salsa Classes every Friday at Cafe Bella, Nashville’s hottest Latin night club and restaurant. Also on Fridays, Happy Hour from 4:00pm-8:00pm featuring music from local R&B artist, Higher Ground. Local Latin musicians, Swing Latino, perform a mix a Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha-cha and more following the free salsa class, and a DJ spins the hottest Latin mix in the city until 3:00am.

March 3BUDDY GREENE - VINCE GILL - SONYA ISAACS6:00 pm Lipscomb University - Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium, 3901 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN --------------------------------Heather Little, Dani Flowers, Charlie Pate and Phillip White6:00 pm Douglas Corner Cafe 2106-A Eighth Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204

March 4Kids Hour @ Whole FoodsFranklin, TN9:30 AM. FreeConductor Jack - kids music for preschoolersFor info: 1-800-970-0563, www.jacknorton.net--------------------------------Western Swing Wednesdays8:30 pm Nashville Palace

2611 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

March 5UT Young Alumni Night with the Nashville Predators5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Sommet Center 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 T Young Alumni Night with the Nashville Predators Join other Nashville area Young Alumni on Thursday, March 5th at the Sommet Center in Downtown Nashville for a night with the Nashville Predators! Start you evening with a reception at 5:30pm in the Corporate Reception Area on the floor level of the arena. A cash bar and light snacks will be served while you hear Mr. Dave Freeman, Chairman of the Nashville Predators speak about the organization as well as his passion as a UT alum. Following the reception, we�ll head upstairs to sit in the club level of the area to watch the Predators take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. These premium seats offer great views of the ice and upscale concessions to make for a perfect evening on the town. In addition, the arena will be offering $2 beverages through the first intermission that evening. The discounted group rate and generous support of Mr. Freeman make the evening affordable at only $35 per person. Deadline to register is Thursday, February 19th.

March 6At the Frist: Music in the Grand Lobby: Godwin Thompson Duo919 Broadway, Nashville, TN On Friday evenings, the Frist Center presents free music in the Grand Lobby. Choose from a variety of red and white wines at the cash bar. Bistro seating is offered, so visitors can relax and enjoy music performed by the Godwin Thompson Duo.

March 6-8 All Nations American Indian FestivalWhere: Middle Tennessee State University1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Helpful Information: The Tennessee Livestock Center is directly across the street from Reeves-Rogers Elementary School. It’s located on the extreme north edge of the MTSU campus and is accessed directly off Greenland Drive.

March 7 Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Del McCoury, Ray Price

THE GRAND OLE OPRYGrand Ole Opry House2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 7:00 pm

March 9Preschool Story Time: The Nature Circle10:00 am - 11:00 am Long Hunter State Park Route 1 Hobson PikeHermitage, TN 37076

March 10Belmont Baseball vs. Mississippi Valley State 2:00 pm Herschel Greer Stadium 534 Chestnut StreetNashville, TN 37203

March 11MTSU Blue Raiders V Lipscomb3:00 pm Reese Smith Field Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN 37132

March 12One Preview Party: Four Fabulous Exhibitions6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum 1200 Forrest Park Drive Nashville TennesseeNashville, TN 37250

March 13Charlie DanielsGrand Ole Opry House 2804 Opryland DriveNashville, TN --------------------------------“Best of Country” Dinner & Show6:30 pm (Friday)Where: Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater - 2620 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

March 14“Taste of Hohenwald” Taste of Hohenwald includes: Wine Tasting: 4:30 P.M. at Memory Junction Antique Co.Provided by Amber Falls Winery & Cellars in conjunction with Memory Junction Antique Co.Dinner: (Preset Italian menu) 5:30 P.M. at the Emporium RestaurantClassic Concert: 7:00 P.M. at the Strand TheaterPost concert dessert at the Strand Theater provided by Buffalo River Coffee Co.Taste of Hohenwald Tickets including Amber Falls wine tasting, dinner, concert and dessert are $30.00 per person.

March 15Watercolor Painting Classes in Brentwood9:00 am Brentwoood United Methodist Church (map)309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 Classes will meet from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24; and March 3, 10 and 17. Tuition is $150 for eight, three-hour sessions. Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Both check and credit card payments are accepted. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115

March 16SPRING SCREENWRITING COURSE STARTS WEEK OF MARCH 16 The Art and Craft of Screenwriting, an eight week course covering the essentials of creating, writing and selling screenplays for film and TV, begins the week of March 16 , on an evening to be chosen by the students who register

Need assistance with your taxes?

AARP will be providing tax preparation on ...Mondays through April 139 a.m. - 3 p.m.FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center8101 Hwy 100, Nashville, Tennessee 37221615-646-9622*Please bring any tax forms you have received and Please inform the AARP Tax Counselors on how much you received from the Economic Stimulus PackageCall 615-646-9622 to set up an appointment.

Tuesdays at the Cottage

A fun, ongoing Bible study that helps women understand God’s message for them todayThe kick-off of Tuesdays at the Cottage will include a free continental breakfast and free childcare, courtesy of Stay ‘N Play in Bellevue. Thereafter, the drop-in child care center will offer a special $5.00/hour rate for those attending the Bible study and free child care for first-timers.No reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome. The Cottage Café is located at 160 Belle Forest Circle, in Bellevue.For more information, please contact Lisa Kinakin at 615 456-2653 (www.lisakinakin.com).

C.E.O. Success Coaching Group now forming!

Are you a small business owner who would like to grow your business?Would you like to have access to creative business strategies?Do you have great ideas for your business but have trouble implementing them?Groups begin the week of March 11 – call for dates and timesCost: 6 weeks for $200.00 ($175.00 sign up before 3/2/09)Call Sawrie at SBB Life Coaching today to reserve your spot in a coaching group! Hurry, space is limited. SBB Life Coaching 6596 Hwy. 100615-352-0978 - Office.

Time To Table: 10 minutes

Ingredients1 cup (8 ounces) Better’n Eggs1/4 teaspoon cayenne hot pepper sauce1/8 cup (1/2 ounce) shredded Cheddar

cheese2 slices turkey bacon, cut in half crosswise2 whole-wheat English muffins, split

Directions:Spray 10-inch nonstick skillet with

nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add Better’n Eggs and stir in hot pepper sauce. As egg substitute starts to set use spatula to lift edge of eggs, letting uncooked eggs flow to bottom of skillet. Cook until egg substitute is set but still moist. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and then fold over the egg substitute so the cheese melts in the middle.

Place turkey bacon on microwave safe plate. Cover with paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 to 40 seconds

Recipe

or until warmed.Toast each half English muffin in toaster.

Spoon about 1/2 cup mixture on top of two toasted muffins. Top each with one piece cooked bacon. Top with remaining toasted muffins.

Makes two servings. Nutrition per serving: 226 calories, 54 from fat; 6 grams total fat; 2.5 grams saturated fat; 15 mg cholesterol; 534 mg sodium; 27 grams total carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 17 grams protein.

For more healthy on-the-go recipes, visit www.betterneggs.com and Bob Greene’s Web site, www.TheBestLife.com.

Spicy Bacon and Cheese Eggwich

5

for the course. The Screenwriting Course will meet weekly from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Borders Books, Music and Movies, 2525 West End Ave., Nashville.This comprehensive course will focus on creating the story idea, screenplay structure, developing the plot and subplots, creating dimensional characters, constructing scenes, writing effective dialogue, protecting creative work, marketing the screenplay, and much more.Students will have the opportunity to write and cast others in the class to bring their screenwriting to life. And students will get valuable critiques on their writing to help grow their writing skills to effectively communicate with TV and movie audiences.The Art and Craft of Screenwriting will be taught by Dyann S. Rivkin, an award winning writer-producer with a decade of Hollywood writing and production experience, who has also taught this course at Belmont University and is featured in the book Ask the Pros: Screenwriting. For more information, to receive a course syllabus, and to register for the Screenwriting Course call 781-8874 or email, screenwriting@mindspring.com.--------------------------------Family Program: Nashville Opera presents The Magic Flute2:00 pm (Saturday)Where: Country Music Hall of Fame225 Fifth Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 Meet Prince Tamino, Princess Pamina, the Queen of the Night, Papagena, and Papageno in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s fantasy opera The Magic Flute.This 45-minute family friendly production will charm audiences of all ages. Presented in partnership with Nashville Opera. Performance will be held in the Museum’s Ford Theater. No reservations required. Free.The educational programs of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee Art Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, through an agreement with the Tennessee Art Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.--------------------------------Preschool Story Time: The Nature Circle11:00 am Long Hunter State Park Route 1 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076

March 18National Service-Learning Conference: Growing Hope, Cultivating ChangeThe 20th Annual National Service-Learning Conference is sponsored by the State Farm Companies Foundation®.National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) is proud to partner with Volunteer Tennessee in hosting The 20th Annual National Service-Learning Conference.Visit the NYLC website for updates @ http://www.nylc.org/index.cfm

March 19Belmont Jazz Festival7:30 pm Belmont Mansion , Nashville, TN

March 20

Farewell to Winter Midnight SkateCentennial Sportsplex and Tennis Center224 25th Avenue NorthNashville, TN 37203 Celebrate the last day of winter and the come of much needed rain and spring flowers with a Farewell to Winter Midnight Ice Skate. Team Green has reserved the rink for this special event leading up to midnight. The price includes entrance and free skate rentals.

March 21Frist Center Kids Club: Shields of Heraldry1:00 pm Frist Center For The Visual Arts 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 ------------------------------Wear your green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day while enjoying the Irish Picnic. The annual parade will be held at 11 a.m. There will be a carnival, arts and crafts, and live music. Select from a variety of food vendors for lunch on your own. The following Centers are scheduled for bus pick-ups:Sumner County YMCA - 8 a.m.Donelson Station - 8:30 a.m.J. L. Turner Center - 9 a.m. (Harpeth Heights Baptist Church)Cost is $20 per person, $5 extra for non-membersLunch on your own. For more information or to register for this trip, please contact Joan Sincerbox at 646-0059.------------------------------Nashville SymphonySchermerhorn Music Center One Symphony Place, Nashville, TN 37201

March 21Nashville “Addicted to Decorating” Seminar.March 21, 20099:30 - 4:30Your Fun Day Includes:• First 50 to register have lunch with a decorating professional• Top 10 decorating mistakes• Economy-busting decorating ideas• A drawing for a free room redesign• Gourmet box lunch• Mini home trade showDoor prizes & couponsFor more information, visitAddictedToDecorating.com

ONGOING EVENTSEXCITING BEDROOM DECORATING MAKEOVER SEMINAR NOW AVAILABLE!Women’s groups looking for meeting programs are being offered a free program by Bohnne Jones and Deidre Carver, independent franchise owners of INTERIORS by Decorating Den of Nashville.

“We call our bedroom makeover seminar, ‘Suite Dreams’, and it’s filled with great ideas on a variety of design styles, and options”, said Jones.‘INTERIORS’ by Decorating Den has several different meeting programs available on a variety of interesting interior decorating topics. All programs are designed to help organizations have a successful and informational gathering. Call 800-DEC-DENS for more informationCAll 615.469.7334 for more details.-----------------------------------2009 Nashville Lawn & Garden Show, March 5 – 8, Will Celebrate Yards of Flavour Tennessee’s Premier Gardening Event Marks its 20th Anniversary --------------------------------The Civil War and ReconstructionTennessee State MuseumOngoingTickets: Free Admission Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm Tennessee State Museum 505 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243

-----------------------------------The First TennesseansTennessee State MuseumOngoingPrehistoric Indian cultures existed in Tennessee through four evolving periods, beginning about 15,000 years ago, peaking between 800 and 1650 A.D. with the Mississippian people, and ending with the ascendancy of such modern tribes as the Cherokee and Chickasaw. The museum even has a display of bones from a mastodon that roamed Tennessee 10,000 years ago.Tickets: Free Admission Tennessee State Museum 505 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243--------------------------------Live Lunch at Stillwaters Cafe Stillwaters Cafe 1207 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37207 LIVE LUNCH at Stillwaters features LIVE JAZZ every Tuesday and Thursday from noon until 2 pm for lunch patrons.Featuring a variety of local artists including John Birdsong, Jerry Krahn, Chris Kent and Mel Deal .For more information, call 329-3207.

ClassifiedsFor classifieds: $6 per 15 words per issue; $10 per 15 words for two issues; Box/Bold is $1.00 more call 615.589.0523 for more details

CAREGIVER WANTS JOB: In your home doing patient care, cooking, housekeeping, etc. Call Linda 615.506.9451.

LOWEST PRICES - Business Cards order 500 cards and get 500 FREE. Full color, UV coating 14 or 16pt stock. Backside additional. Mention this ad and receive free design on front of card. Offer good til Feb 28, 2009. Call 615-618.5569.

COCKATIELS Beaut i fu l hand tame babies, unique colors, will talk! Closed banded. $75.00. Includes small cage and starter feed. Days 931-670-5700, Nights 931-670-4844.

UNLIMITED CELLULAR $44.99 mos. No Credit Checks, No Contracts. No Roaming---U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands ----- DEALERS NEEDED! Call 615.618.5569. Code TN001ML

PARROTLETS Tiny Pocket Parrots, Ador-able Babies in Pacific Blue Color. Entertaining Clowns Will Steal Your Heart! $200.00. Includes small cage and starter feed. Days 931-670-5700 Nights 931-670-4844. CHINEESE PAINTED QUAIL aka BUTTON QUAIL New Hatchlings available now. Very Small Hardy Quail makes interesting pets. Also Male and Female adults available. Babies $7.50 each. Adults $15.00 each. 931-670-6057 or 670-3204.

6

By Dr. Steve Olivas

I have only attended two funerals in my adult life, the first in September of 2007. I was very close to the family and they asked if I would write the eulogy. I did. It was funny, sweet, touching… a celebration of life as well as a tip-of-the-hat to the deceased. In all, I think everyone was glad they were there, and satisfied in their bidding John a final adieu.

The second was just last week, and it was far less conventional. So much so that it made me think about the reason we have funerals, and the purpose for ceremony.

The deceased (Dan) had been in my life for many years, but was not a person I considered close. I tell you that so you can understand my objectivity in what I am about to say.

Dan was against funerals. He didn’t want a funeral service, didn’t want people to be sad for his death, and certainly didn’t want anyone to speak at any gathering in his honor. He wished to be cremated (which he was) and to have his ashes scattered, along with his wife’s, at a location of his choosing (which he will be).

But of course, friends did gather. The odd part of the event was in the confusion it caused among the “attendees.” And yes, I had to strike the word “mourners” because that was clearly not allowed.

When I arrived, I was approached by several members of his family, all of whom were gracious and grateful that I had made the long trip to attend. Then they melted back into the crowd and left me to my own devices.

The reception room was filled with people mostly talking to one another - some crying, some laughing, some with their hands in their pockets not knowing what to do. There was a television in the corner flashing up pictures of Dan’s life – a chronological journey through

his youth, adulthood, and later years. The perimeter of the room was decorated with p a i n t i n g s h e h a d created – a testimony to the talent he had demonstrated in life. In the back was a small refreshment table.

But that was it.T h e r e w a s n o

sermon, no eulogies, no viewing – and most importantly, no structure.

It was stressful to me because I didn’t know many of the attendees. And in looking around the room, I saw a lot of people who seemed to be waiting for… something? Nobody really knew what to do because the family was fulfilling the wishes of the deceased. After awhile, folks began to file out and the memorial ended.

So here’s my thought: Funerals are not really for the dead, they are for the living. People WANT to be sad, to miss the dead, to fear their own eventual death, and to satisfy their need to have closure. They cling to ceremony to help them structure these needs. I think some people in the room that night would have loved to share anecdotes and memories – some sad perhaps, but most funny and whimsical.

Here’s my point: put a unique personal stamp on your own funeral – have yourself buried in a Terry Bradshaw jersey, serve sushi at the reception, have a Zydeco band playing Bon Jovi music, pump the smell of Talledega into the funeral chamber… whatever. But don’t restrict the mourners. Let your survivors have a ceremony to gather and mourn and laugh and cry and remember you for all the times good and bad. They probably have a lot to say, and even more to feel about you.

And THAT is what leads to closure.

Help! I’m Shrinkin’

Funerals Are for the Living

You may email Steve for questions or comments at dr.steve.o@hotmail.com

Let’s Go Green!By Deidre Carver, Interior DesignerInterior Designer, Allied ASIDInteriors by Decorating Den

Today’s environment, with so many products and design options available, being “green” can be a relatively easy and environmentally beautiful design option.

From paint, lighting, accessories, fabrics, furniture and wall coverings, becoming eco-friendly has become an extremely high priority for many home furnishings manufacturers.

Let’s take a look at a few of these exciting options.

Furniture. Natural fibers, found in rattan and plantation grown woods (rather than depleting forest grown woods) give home owners a wide variety of styles, textures and designs. And how about materials such as bamboo, abaca, and government certified hardwoods. If purchasing eco-friendly furniture for your home is a priority, you might check to see if your furniture manufacturer is a member of the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) which was e s t ab l i shed i n 2007.

Lighting. Not only have halogen lamps been all the rage for the past few years, they are a boon to energy savings, as are the wide variety of energy saving light bulbs available in the marketplace. In addition many of today’s decorative lamps have been designed in wrought iron, allowing for a more intricate detailing and design variety.

Fabrics. Believe it or not, gorgeous decorative fabrics are being made from recycled plastic water bottles, recycled polyester, and recycled paper. And often times these eco friendly fabrics are treated and finished with only water based or environmentally approved dyes.

Wall Finishes. Paints now feature low odors, faster drying times and stronger durability, all by maintaining

Interior Design

environmental codes. If repainting is in your future, be sure to ask if the paint you’re considering has a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) rating, so that you can continue your e n v i r o n m e n t a l stewardship. Natural g ra s s c lo th wa l l covering is another

way to add warmth, beauty and texture to your wall décor, while maintaining your green focus.

And let’s not forget the importance in design of the color GREEN!! This long desired shade can be found in almost every design scheme. Whether you incorporate green in plant foliage displayed in you room’s design, or you make this shade predominate, usually any green shade will add a bit of the splendor of the great outdoors to any décor.

For your own personal decorator, contact INTERIORS by Decorating

Den at 800-DEC-DENS or www.decoratingden.com

Making the world more beautiful, one room at a time.

7

Hickman HappeningsIf you think there’s nothin’

happenin’ in Hickman County….listen up!!

By Colleen RayWell happy March…in a few

days! Wonder, will the old adage be true…March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb!? Hope it just comes in nice and easy and takes us into a beautiful spring! Before you know it, we’ll be mowin’ and pickin’ and grillin’! Can’t wait…how ‘bout y’all?

Getting March started is the Chamber membership meeting at the Fish Camp at noon on the 3rd. Guest speaker will be David Anderson. Call the Chamber for reservations.

Helping our students in their quest for knowledge is a wonderful thing! I’m excited to hear about a few of the local scholarship programs being offered. First, February 27th is the deadline to apply for the Farm Credit

Services of Mid America scholarships. 36 will be awarded to college students of members of the organization. Call 1-800-446-5133 for an application. Next, MLEC has their annual short story contest , which has a deadline of March 3, 2009. Overall winners at EHHS and HCHS will win a trip

to Washington DC as part of the 2009 Washington Youth Tour. Also, the top-scoring boy and girl at each high school will receive a $1,000 scholarship, which is something new this year. Contact Vanessa Clayborn at 729-3558 for more information. Next, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will award more than 60 scholarships this year and is taking applications through March 16. For a list, visit www.cfmt.org or call Pat Cole at 615-321-4939. Finally, the family of the late Charlie Garner is creating a scholarship in his honor and

will award it to one graduating senior in Hickman County. The scholarship will be primarily need-based and preference will be given to a student who is the first in his or her family to pursue higher education and who has a grade point average of at least 3.0. For an application and a list of criteria, contact your school’s guidance counselor. Deadline is April 13, 2009. Bravo to all of these folks for helping and encouraging our youth to continue their education!

The tourism workshops continue in Linden on March 12th from 8-2 at the County Community Development Center located at 113 Factory Street. The topic for this meeting will be “Generational Marketing”. Contact 729-2686, Ext. 110 to attend.

The Hickman County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2009 Great American Clean Up for Hickman County. This contest is open to Not for Profit (501) organizations and school support groups only. 1st place team receives $1,000, 2nd place receives $750.00 and 3rd place

receives $500. All participating teams receive $50.00. Call the Chamber office at 729-5774 for rules and to register through March 20th. The contest will run from March 21, 2009 to April 18, 2009.

While visiting my son in Connecticut this weekend, I had the opportunity to speak with some friends and family about Hickman County. Many who know me as a city girl, are shocked to learn where I now live, until I begin to expound on the amazing history, culture, talent, and warmth that is Hickman County. From our favorite daughter, Minnie, to our Civil War battlegrounds, to our gifted musicians, quilters, artists, actors, songwriters, athletes, medical and emergency care providers, entrepreneurs, soldiers, and the list goes on and on, Hickman’s got a lot to offer and to be proud of! I want you to know that I am proud to call Hickman County home! Thanks for takin’ us in!

Call me at (931) 729-7068 or email me at raynbow53@bellsouth.net to share your tidbits and tales. God Bless you and I’ll be talking to ya’ll!

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accessorizing do’s and don’ts, trends for 2009 and more, the day promises to be filled with practical advice from a number of decorating professionals.

Bass, who has more than 10 years experience as an interior redesigner, says that once homeowners learn basic decorating principles they can move forward with confidence. She teaches how to use what you have and make it work, instead of buying new things. “Redesigning is all about honoring and validating the choices the homeowner has already made,” she explains.

“Sometimes it’s simply a matter of rearranging things, or adding the right light. For some reason a room just isn’t working, and then you move some things around and suddenly it’s perfect,” she notes. “These are all principles that we can teach anyone.”

The popularity of TV shows such as “Trading Spaces” and other home makeover series attests to the widespread addiction to decorating in today’s society. “And certainly with today’s economic conditions, even more people are leaning toward doing it themselves, but they want to do it well. By learning the basic fundamentals of decorating, homeowners learn things like how high to hang a chandelier or painting, furniture placement, things like that, that really make a huge difference.”

Bass also teaches classes for decorating professionals, but her “Addicted to Decorating” seminar is geared toward the average homeowner who wants a lovely house.

To keep things fun, Bass has devised several fun quizzes and games to keep participants enthusiastic about their “addiction.” She may ask everyone to stand up if they’ve

ever ripped a page out of a magazine in a waiting room, and then tell them to keep standing if they’ve taken the whole magazine. The questions continue amid laughter and clapping and knowing nods.

“One of the questions on my quiz is about naming their next children Candace and Nate. If you’re a true decorating addict, you’ll know who they are… and you can relate,” Bass laughs.

While teaching and holding seminars now takes most of her time, when Bass does go into a client’s house for a redesign, she says she “takes the room back to the bare walls. We move the furniture. We take all the books out of the bookcase. We look at all the components individually and simply apply fundamental decorating principles.”

Bass believes in “function first. A home has to work for the way its owners live, not simply be a showplace. By working with things the owner already has and loves, it’s truly magical what we can do.”

The first 50 people to register for the Nashville Addicted to Decorating seminar will get to have lunch with one of the dozen or so area redesigners in attendance, with the opportunity to ask personal questions about their own homes.

A typical room redesign costs between $350 and $450, and a free makeover is just one of the door prizes for the day.

Continued from page 1

Fun Seminar Aimed At Decorating “Addicts”

“Addicted to Decorating” is coming to Nashville on Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Plaza, 760 Old Hickory Blvd. at I-65 in Brentwood. For more information and to register, visit www.addictedtodecorating.com or call 888-800-7507.

Don’t Wait Until it’s too Late to Change Your Wiper Blades

Clear vision is essential to safe driving. Neglect the wiper blades -- the part of your car responsible for keeping your vision clear - and you may find yourself actually needing the traction control, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control and airbags as you crash into what you can’t see.

A clean windshield is not only useful during rain, sleet and snow. How many times have you experienced a windshield that is smeared with insects, bird droppings, road tar or other messy deposits? Removing such dirt with worn wiper blades is nearly impossible. Usually, you wind up smearing the mess and obscuring your vision even more. If you change your blades regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your eyes on the road.

Know when to Change Your BladesGenerally, a blade will show physical

wear signs like cracking or discoloration. Another way to know is by the quality of the wipe. Streaking or un-wiped areas are a dead giveaway. In addition, if the blades make noise or chattering sounds, then they need to be replaced. However, if you change your blades frequently, you won’t have to examine your blades looking for these signs of possible failure.

Blades can be easily damaged by snow scrapers and ice during the winter but the sun is just as damaging to a blade in the summer. By simply doing a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid these uncomfortable situations. Wiper blades should be treated the way you treat engine oil -- you don’t wait until

Kwik Kar - Kar Kare

you have engine trouble before you change your oil.

How often should you replace your blades? The National Highway Transportation Board recommends that drivers change their wiper blades every year, however the average vehicle owner replaces his/her wiper blades only once every two and a half years. “Most people wait until they are in a downpour and nearly drive off the road before they are convinced it’s time to change blades,” says Jenifer Maddox, brand manager for PEAK Automotive Products. Some blades, such as Optix Wiper Blades, even come with simple connector systems that make installing the blades on any vehicle a snap.

So if you’ve been procrastinating about changing your windshield wiper blades, take a few minutes today to change them. You’ll be glad you did when your windows are clear and dry this winter.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

7000 B Charlotte PikeNashville, TN 37209615-353-1475www.kwikkaroftn.com

Dear Jane,I am so tired of the ‘E’ word, yet it affects

all of us in some way. With so many great deals to be had out there, I am still finding it hard to justify spending my hard earned money on things that are not made with quality. What would you do?

Rob in Dickson

Dear Rob,First and foremost, let’s just let those

that are still confused on what the ‘E’ word is! Economy…and it’s almost a four letter word at this point!

Spring is coming…I heard this rumor and am remaining positive that it will show up here soon, despite popular belief! We’re finally starting to have some mild days in between the harsh coldness that has been haunting us for months! This can only mean for many…spring cleaning! And that in turn can mean only one thing…yard sales! Yep, it’s time. What better way to score some amazing treasures than to scour the papers for yard sale items? As someone that has bought and sold items on ebay and craigslist, I am always happier purchasing something that

I can see, inspect, compare and touch. I’m sure that half of the items I wouldn’t have purchased online if I saw them live. You can find these items for sale at my place when I have my yard sale next month!

There’s no better way to clean your closets, garage and tack room, earn extra money by selling them and spend it all over again at someone else’s treasure sale…a.k.a. yard sale! Isn’t this what localized economy is about anyway? There are a lot of people out there with great quality things that could really use the money for things they sell at yard sales and I’m sure you could find yourself a great bargain on great quality things!

I know that I’ll be one scouring the ads to see when a sale comes up in my neighborhood…and I’ll bring my hard earned cash with me! What better way to get out in the spring air and away from the doldrums of reruns on TV! For me, this is a kickoff to the positive energy that the coming season brings...and I can’t wait to find my treasures and spend my hard earned money!

If you have any questions for Jane, please send your question to RunOnJane@gmail.com!

Run On Jane