Pegram Elementary PTO is happy to announce that our school has brand new flooring throughout the building as well as a fresh coat of paint! However, we need major help on Thursday morning at 7:30am. There are 6 pods outside that hold the classroom furniture and they all need to be unloaded! We need 75-100 volunteers to come and help! Please pass this info on to everyone you know! Thanks!

NBC's School Pride Invites All KSES students to Attend a Special Surprise on Saturday, July 24, 2010

7/24/10 Update: An all-call went out from KSES principal Jill Bramble to all KSES parents instructing them to bring their KSES student to the grade there child “was” in when the school flooded in May. Any information regarding this production is subject to change. This is the latest inforation as of 7:30 a.m. 7/24/10.  The surprise will be at Harpeth High School. Do not take the shuttle to KSES. Students will be expected to remain at the high school for one hour. Incoming students (including rising kindergarteners and new students) are asked to attend at 2p.m.

Important Note from the producers of School Pride: The call times below are for “rising” students. Meaning rising kindergartens (new incoming students who will be in kindergarten in the fall) and rising first graders (those children who were in kindergarten last year and are moving on to first grade) attend the kindergarten & first grade call time. Rising second graders attend the 2nd grade call time, etc. We are waiting on word as to whether or not rising 5th graders (who were in their 4th and final year at KSES when the school flooded) will be allowed to participate.

Information from the producers of NBC’s School Pride is subject to change.

From Kingston Springs Elementary School Principal Jill Bramble:

Hello Parents and Students of Kingston Springs Elementary School.  This
is Principal Jill Bramble with an exciting update regarding NBC’s
School Pride. All students are invited to participate in a special
surprise on Saturday, July 24th. Students who wish to participate must
arrive with their parent or legal guardian at the Harpeth High School
shuttle stop at the following times:

4th graders at 11:15 am

3rd grade at 12:30pm

2nd grade at 1:15pm

1st grade and Kindergarten at 2pm

You and your student will be shuttled to the school, and each student
must be checked in and sign an appearance release. Parents and
guardians, please expect to wait at Volunteer Check while the event takes place
for your student. After the event, we are asking parents and guardians
to return home with their child.  Please remember not to drive to the
school, everyone must park at Harpeth High School.

Remind your student not to wear any clothing with logos.

Thank you!

The NBC makeover show School Pride begins work on KSES Thursday, July 22, 2010

WSMV – News Channel 4 Nashville “Flooded School Gets Reality Makeover.”

Special thanks to Dale McCarver and all the KSES students, teachers, and parents involved in the making of “Once in a Thousand Years.” (audition video submitted to NBC’s School Pride.)

The production team for NBC’s School Pride has arrived in Kingston Springs to makeover Kingston Springs Elementary School which sustained devastating damage during the May 2010 flood.

On-site work and filming of the inspiring documentary-style show begins tomorrow, Thursday, July 22.

Due to an unprecedented outpouring of goodwill from members of the community and far beyond, all volunteer positions have been filled at this time.

School Pride is a closed set, and only registered volunteers will be allowed on site.

From the School Pride volunteer confirmation email:

Once you arrive at the school, please park in the designated volunteer parking area.  You will then walk to the volunteer check-in tent, which will be clearly marked with a sign.  Volunteers will sign an appearance release, receive a t-shirt, and a wristband at the check-in tent.

Please remember the school’s property will be a construction site for the duration of the renovation.  Therefore, proper dress is required – closed-toe shoes are a must.  Volunteer duties will vary depending on the needs of production, construction, design, and locations.

One meal will be provided for each volunteer per 6 hour shift in the catering tent.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, or accompanied with a parent/guardian while volunteering. No one under 12 years of age will be permitted on the property unless they are a Kingston Springs Elementary student. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing you during your scheduled shift(s).

**A quick reply to this email will allow us to confirm you for the scheduled dates.**

• The designated volunteer parking area is Harpeth High School. Shuttles will run between HHS and KSES. There is no parking available at KSES.
• The t-shirt you receive at the volunteer check-in tent must be worn for all shifts. Only 1 t-shirt will be issued per volunteer. If you are volunteering more than one day please remember to wear your t-shirt each time. New wristbands will be issued each day.
• Skilled labors are asked to bring the tools of their trade.
• As stated above, please remember this is a construction site. Proper dress and footwear is required. “closed-toe shoes are a must.”
• There is a no-camera policy on set. Please leave your personal cameras at home. No photography will be permitted.

Who:  Cheatham County Community Theatre

What:  Suessical The Musical

Where: The Jean Downey Theater. Entrance at thre rear of Harpeth High School. 170 East Kingston Springs Road. Kingston Springs, TN.

When: July 16th, 17th, 23rd, & 24th at 7:30 p.m. July 18th & 25th at 2:30 p.m.

For more information call 615-259-2001 or visit www.cheathamtheater.org.

Cheatham County Community Theatre presents Suessical the Musical July 16th, 17th, 23rd, & 24th at 7:30 p.m. July 18th & 25th at 2:30 p.m. Performances located at The Jean Downey Theatre. Entrance at the rear of Harpeth High School. Kingston Springs, Tennessee.

Due to the damage the Jean Downey Theatre at Harpeth High School sustained during the May 2010 flood, the cast spent most of their summer rehearsing at Kingston Springs United Methodist Church in downtown Kingston Springs.

From Cheatham County Community Theatre:

Help CCCT assist in rebuilding Kingston Springs Elementary School classroom libraries lost in the flood. Bring new children’s books to the show! Teacher wish lists and more info at www.cheathamtheater.org.

From cheathamtheater.org:

“Seussical the Musical” is a colorful journey into the magical, fantastical world of Dr. Seuss. All the usual suspects come alive in this extravaganza including the infamous Whos, the crabby Grinch and the mischievous Cat in the Hat. Join Horton as he travels to faraway and dangerous lands to discover the true meaning of friendship and Jojo the boy who learns to become a “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks.” The toe-tapping, heartfelt musical numbers will whisk you into the pages of Seuss. A true delight, even if you don’t like green eggs and ham!

Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors 65 and up and students. Group pricing is available.

Cheatham County Community Theater is located at the Jean Downey Theater behind Harpeth High School, 170 E. Kingston Springs Rd., Kingston Springs, Tenn.

Massive piles of household debris and trees were pulled from the creek bed and left on private property. The contractor was hired by the city of Kingston Springs, but homeowners are now being informed by the city that the removal of the debris is their responsibility since it is on private property.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 noon update:

From Kingston Springs, Tennessee Facebook page:

This whole Acorn Ct. problem was solved this afternoon. After determining that the property in question did not belong to Mr. Hall, Karl Francis, the actual property owner, and Vice-Mayor Campbell went on site this afternoon. Mr. Francis was not aware of this situation and graciously agreed to clean up the debris on his property once the weather cooled down in September. Mr. Hall was present and is amenable to that.   15 hours ago

Email Response from Acorn Court resident and property owner Robert Hall:

This is what actually happened on Monday June 28, 2010.  At around 4:00 p.m. I received a call at home from John McLeroy.  He was pulling into the site, and I went down meet him.  When I got down there he was talking to some people in a second vehicle.  They never got out of the car and left as it was beginning to rain.  Basically what John conveyed to me was that he contacted the county mayor, Bill Orange, and requested assistance from him.  John told Mr. Orange that he had a flood damage issue on some private property that had “fallen through a crack” with regards to local city and FEMA assistance.  John said that the people in the other car who had just left were from FEMA and that they were almost ready to leave the area.  He said that they may be able to remove the trash debris, but FEMA does not remove trees.  He noticed that the main pile of trash had gotten smaller, and I told him that James Stevens (South Side Disposal) and I had worked all day Saturday and Sunday removing the metal items to be recycled.  James did an excellant job and is an honest, hard working man.  We highly recommend him.  John and I talked for a few more minutes and then he left.

At around 5:30 p.m. we saw Karl Francis and Tony Campbell walking through our yard towards the creek.  I went down to meet them, and Karl was amazed at the extent of the damage and said that he didn’t realize that all of this had happened on some of his property.  Tony presented an updated arial photo of the area showing Karl’s property boundaries.  Tony asked me what we wanted to have done and reiterated that the city’s attorney had told them that they could not work on private property.  I told him that we wanted the piles of house debris removed, the trees pushed back off our property that were moved by the city contractor and the gravel piles that were pushed up graded to be more level.  Karl also agreed that the trash should be removed, and he offered to come back sometime in September and pull the trees back off our property so they could be burned.  No one knew for sure where the property line is located especially since the creek had shifted some.  I also told them that John McLeroy had just been down with some people from FEMA.  Tony stated to me that this situation was very low priority with the city.  I also brought up the issue concerning where the Harpeth River overflowed forming the new flood channel.  Tony said that this was nothing new that it had happened before.  I asked him if they were going to repair and/or fortify the river bank and he said no, because it could cause flooding of the Meadows of the Harpeth S/D and Pegram. Both Tony and Karl were cooperative, however, nothing was promised other than Karl offered to come back in the Fall to help remove some of the trees.

June 29, 2010 update: from fema.gov:

Approval for FEMA Assistance

FEMA will work with States affected by large-scale disasters to designate those areas where the debris is so widespread that removal of debris from private property is in the public interest on a case-by-case basis.  Any applicant that intends to seek reimbursement to remove debris from private property within those designated areas will, prior to commencement of work, submit a written request to the FCO seeking approval for reimbursement.  The applicant must provide documentation confirming that an immediate threat to the public exists as well as evidence of its legal responsibility to enter private property to eliminate the threat posed by the debris.  Specifically, this includes:

Immediate Threat Determination

The applicant must provide documentation from the applicant’s public health authority or other public entity with legal authority stating that disaster-generated debris on private property in the designated area constitutes an immediate threat to life, public health, and safety.

The applicant may also provide documentation stating that the debris poses an immediate threat to improved property and that its removal is cost effective.  The cost to remove the debris should be less than the cost of the potential damage to the improved property in order for the debris removal to be eligible.

WKRN Video 6/28/2010 Kingston Springs Property Piled with Debris

“City officials did not want to go on camera, but tell News 2 they didn’t add any debris to the Hall’s property – only shifted what was there. They say state law prohibits cities from working on any private property.”

From Facebook Sunday, June 27, 2010: Kingston Springs, Tennessee

By law, state law, the Town can not do work on private property. It is not that the Town does not want to help……….and we ARE trying to help find him some assistance for his property…………..but other public agencies are limited by this same law. This is where the volunteers have stepped up and helped other folks. I imagine they could get some help too from volunteer groups if they would just seek it.

Sunday, June 27, 2010 UPDATE: James Stevens, who was referred to the Halls by Red Tree Coffee, is working on site behind Acorn Court removing metal debris. According to Terry Hall he removed “a big trailer load” yesterday 6/26/10. Terry said he is down there again today and is “doing great.” James is currently running an ad in the South Cheatham Advocate which reads

“FREE PICKUP of scrap metal and appliances. Call James Stevens 615-881-5273.”

Related southcheatham.com coverage:

Car Pulled From Massive Debris Dam Behind Acorn Court in Kingston Springs 6/4/2010

One Month Later & Signs of Progress: The Aftermath Behind Acorn Court in Kingston Springs Part III 6/2/2010

Massive Debris Dams and Raw Sewage: The Aftermath Behind Acorn Court in Kingston Springs Part II 5/29/2010

A River Ran Through It: The Aftermath Behind Acorn Court in Kingston Springs 5/20/2010

It is nearly two months since the May 2010 flood wrought havoc on South Cheatham County. Thanks in large part to an unprecedented volunteer effort and a mobilized citizenry, much has been accomplished in Kingston Springs since the water receded. But the devastation behind Acorn Court in the Woodlands of the Harpeth Subdivision remains.

A cub cadet destroyed by the flood and pulled from the creek bed by a private contractor hired by the city now sits overturned and abandoned on private property.

Acorn Court resident Robert Hall says “I have been working myself literally sick trying to clean up the aftermath and retrieving lost valuables for homeowners who lost everything.” But after weeks of toiling in the hazardous conditions resulting in two trips to the emergency room, Hall now fears the worst.

A private contractor hired by the city of Kingston Springs removed debris from the creek bed and pushed it on to private property. Debris piles were also pushed from private property belonging to one owner, onto property belonging to other owners.

According to Hall a private contractor hired by the city of Kingston Springs to clear debris from the creek bed behind Acorn Court did not actually remove the debris. Rather the massive debris dams were pulled from the creek bed and deposited onto private property. “They didn’t haul any gravel, any trash, or any trees off,” said Hall. “It was all just pushed up on our property to get it further out of the way for their clean-up crew.” In some instances debris which had accumulated on private property believed to be owned by Karl Francis was actually pushed by bulldozer onto the Hall’s property. At the time of this writing Hall had contacted Karl Francis and left a voicemail for him regarding the situation but had not heard back from him.

Robert Hall sits by a pile of trees 15 feet high which is now on his property. A private contractor hired by the city of Kingston Springs cleared the creek bed but deposited the debris on private property. The Halls are now being told they are responsible for the debris removal because it is on their property.

After nearly two months and no word from the city of Kingston Springs, Robert Hall sent an email to City Manager Laurie Cooper. After reading her response he said, “I got a sick feeling.” According to Hall, Cooper informed him that state law does not permit the city to work on private property. Cooper went on to say “Unfortunately, the property owners are stuck with the cleanup.”

“Just as I suspected,” said Hall. “We’re on our own.”

Robert Hall stands by one of the massive debris piles pushed on to private property when the creek bed was cleared. Neither Hall nor any area resident he knows has the heavy equipment or resources to clear debris of this size.

Hall said Cooper also mentioned that other property owners in the area were taking care of their own debris, and said he was the only one who had asked about this. According to Hall she also suggested this might be a project for Red Tree Coffee; referencing the ongoing grassroots volunteer effort co-ordinated by Red Tree Coffee owners Katie Conley and Amy Bruce.

"I've done everything I could do to get everything into piles. I thought I was making it easier for the city to help." -Robert Hall

“I don’t think she’s been down here,” stated Hall. “This job requires heavy machinery. It’s not something any of us can do on our own. We need help.” Robert points out that although he has been working alone for the past three weeks, volunteers from Red Tree Coffee did show up in the weeks following the flood. “The volunteers have been amazing,” said Hall. But neither Hall nor the volunteers have access to the equipment or resources necessary to pull off such a massive clean-up.

It is important to point out that the household debris does not actually belong to Hall or any of the residents on whose property it was deposited after the flood. “This is all from the three households that washed away,” said Hall. “I don’t think those homeowners should be responsible,” said Hall. “They’ve been through enough. They lost everything. That’s why I’ve been working down here for the past two months. And there’s lots more here. This is just the stuff that was mostly sitting out in the open and was within reach inside these downed trees that I could get out and make it convenient and easy to get to to have it hauled off.”

Hall has discovered more than one destroyed piano in the debris behind his property.

A public notice for Kingston Springs has been issued stating, “All debris must be placed on the road right-of-way before June 28th, 2010. This will be the final debris pick-up.”

Hall stated, “Even if we had the equipment to move these massive piles, they wouldn’t fit curbside. One pile alone would fill up the entire cul-de-sac of Acorn Court.”

Household debris is twisted in a massive pile of trees. "We need help." -Robert Hall

No curbs can even be seen when standing at the many debris piles in this area. “They’re not anywhere near a road right-of-way,” said Hall.

Kingston Springs Mayor John McLeroy called Robert Hall on Friday, June 25th to express his concern and offer his support.

Hall said, “I told him we’re not angry. We don’t blame anyone. We just need help. We pay our taxes. We love our town. I’ve done everything I could to get things into piles to make it easier on the city to clean up. We can’t do it on our own. It’s too big for us. We don’t have the resources. I just think there are times when the individual citizen should be helped out by government, and this is one of those times.”

"I've done everything I could to get this into piles to make it easier for the city to clean up." -Robert Hall

Hall said that Cooper mentioned the city of Kingston Springs hired a private contractor to clean up the sewer debris and to re-establish drainage in the area to prevent future flooding. Photos taken on Friday, June 25 reveal the temporary pumping station appears to be working properly and the creek is flowing in some areas, but stagnant water and sewer debris remain.

Household debris litters the damaged sewer station behind Acorn Court.

Stagnant water near the temporary pumping station behind Acorn Court.

Hall’s greatest concern about the drainage is that the private contractor hired by the city stopped about 20 yards short of clearing all of the debris to the river. “Right before the water from this tributary empties into the Harpeth River it’s still blocked up,” Hall said pointing to trees and debris blocking the flow of water in this area.

A debris dam still exists about 20 yards from where this tributary drains into the Harpeth River. "I don't understand it," said Hall.

Pools of contaminated water teeming with tadpoles remain trapped along the creek bed behind Acorn Court.

According to Hall, Laurie Cooper mentioned speaking to an air pollution control representative from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation about burning options. Hall said Cooper mentioned that household debris must be separated from trees before burning. But Hall pointed out the city burned debris in the process of clearing the creek bed behind his home, and did not sort the piles before burning.

The evidence is still smoldering behind his property.

Household debris twisted in a smoldering pile of trees burned by the city when they cleared debris from the creek bed. According to city manager Laurie Cooper trees must be sorted from household debris before burning.

“This pile will still catch fire if the wind is blowing,” said Hall. “I’ve had terrible throat problems since the flood. I’m sure working down here with first the sewage and then the smoke from these burn piles hasn’t helped,” he continued.

The remains of household items the city burned behind Acorn Court along with trees still smolder.

According to Hall, Cooper was going to be looking into more options for the area. In particular, she mentioned seeking further guidance from FEMA.

“I don’t want to get nasty, and I haven’t been nasty,” said Hall. “I’ve been working as hard as I can work to help solve this problem as a private citizen. But this is a hazardous situation and I don’t have the resources to solve it on my own. Kids are coming down here. People are riding ATVs in the area. I don’t know if they have any idea of the dangers. Between the household debris and the contaminated water, it’s not safe down here.”

An area resident rides his ATV past a smoldering and unsorted burn pile behind Acorn Court.

Hall contacted South Side Disposal to see if a private clean-up was even possible. “The owner Gary Petty, a real nice gentleman, came out here and looked at one of three piles that we made. He basically told me this is way more than he can handle,” said Hall. “He wouldn’t even tell me a figure. He said it’s just going to be too expensive for him to get the equipment and the manpower for us to pay to have this stuff hauled off,” Hall continued.

“I just don’t know where it’s going to end,” said Hall. “There’s just so much stuff left in these trees and up on the hillside. It’s just more than we can handle. If we can’t get some help, it’s probably just going to stay there.”

"I just don't know where it's going to end," said Hall. "If we don't get some help, it's probably just going to stay there."

Hall has worked for months to salvage his neighbors' personal belongings from the massive debris piles behind his home.

]]> http://kingstonsprings.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/two-months-after-the-flood-the-devastation-behind-acorn-court-remains/feed/ 0 Cub Cadet kingstonsprings Baby stroller and mud Cub Cadet Debris Behind Acorn Court Hall and Debris Massive Debris Pile Household Debris Piano destroyed in flood Carpet and Trees Acorn Court 2 months Sewer Trash Stagnant water Debris Dam bacteria Unsorted burn pile Unsorted smoldering ATV trash behind Acorn Court #23 Titans Jersey http://kingstonsprings.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/best-of-south-cheatham-dog-show-saturday-june-26-9am-12pm/ http://kingstonsprings.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/best-of-south-cheatham-dog-show-saturday-june-26-9am-12pm/#comments Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:46:00 +0000 kingstonsprings http://kingstonsprings.wordpress.com/?p=815 Read more]]>

From Facebook:

The Harpeth Band of Blue Booster Club has rescheduled the 1st Annual Best of South Cheatham Dog Show for Saturday, June 26. Meet at Pegram Park on the lawn near the tennis court, playground area and fire hall for registration at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with the judging to commence at 10 a.m. for the first category group: miniature, small, medium and large.

Devon O’Day has agreed to serve as the emcee and our four judges are: Adair Schippers, Kim Reynolds, Judy Hudson and Kim McClean.

This is not Westminster! We are here to have a fun, family event that is open to anyone in our community (and all canine pets – registered or not, pure breed or mutt). The cost to enter is $10 per pet per category.

In the first category group, pets will be judged by size, and points will be awarded for traits such as: overall health, personality, good behavior, training and a wildcard Judge’s favorite.

Miniature (up to 22 lbs.)
Small (23 to 44 lbs.)
Medium (45 to 88 lbs.)
Large (89 lbs. and over)

The group judged will be the all fun categories:

The Ugliest Dog that only a Momma can Love
Cutest Dog
Best Trick
Best Costume
Looks Most Like Its Owner
Best Mutt

One dog will be awarded Best in Show (aka Best Blue Blood).

Prizes valued at $25 and up will be awarded for all categories along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons and of course bragging rights.

Main Street Photography with the assistance of Debra Wiygul will be on hand to take photos.

Rules are simple. Please keep your pet leashed and in control throughout the entire event and clean up after your pet, Pet clean up bags will be distributed at registration.

The Harpeth Band of Blue Booster Club is also supporting our local Cheatham County Animal Shelter and is asking that all participants graciously consider bringing one or more cans of a good brand dog food. The donation is not required to participate in the event. Dogs from our local shelter will be also be entered into the event, and will be available for potential adoption through the support of the Cheatham County Animal Awareness Foundation.

The Nashville Kennel Club will also have a booth and will give out information on responsible dog ownership, and will have cooling tub for any dogs that may not be accustomed to the heat.

We’ll have lots of water on hand for our four legged friends too.

Bring your lawn chair and appetite. Hot dogs, chips, soda and bottled water will be on sale.

Many thanks to our supporters that have provided donations in prizes, food, or ads for the program.

South Cheatham Advocate
Sonic
Custom Copy Services
Nashville Kennel Club
Barbara Swearingen, Cheatham County Awareness Foundation Supporter
Shawn Rider, Harpeth Band of Blue Vice President
Angela Maternowski, Harpeth Band of Blue, President

Candidates for Office
John McElroy, Mayor, Town of Kingston Springs
Tony Campbell, Kingston Springs City Commissioner

Mary MacRae, Candidate for Cheatham County Mayor
David McCullough, Candidate for Cheatham County Mayor
Karl Francis, Candidate for Cheatham County Mayor

John Haines, Candidate for Cheatham County Commissioner, 6tth District
Adair Schippers, Cheatham County Commissioner & Candidate

Dot Jones, County Trustee Incumbent and candidate
Scott Willcutt, Candidate for Cheatham County Constable
Ty Owen, Candidate for Cheatham County Court Clerk
Teresa Gupton, Candidate for Cheatham County Clerk

Belle Forest Animal Hospital
Kingston Springs Animal Hospital
Groomingtales, Mobile Pet Grooming
Petco
Woof Waggin’, Dog & Biscuit
Constance Haun Piano Studio
Energym Music
Lines in the Sky
Heritage Bank
Farmer’s Co-op
Doggie Doos
Community Bank & Trust
Jane Brock
Devon O’Day, Emcee
Pet Sitting by Debra Wiygul & Son
Tractor Supply Company
Paul Abrams Guitar Lessons
Paws About Town
Doggie Doos
Energym Music

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 26 for the rescheduled, 1st Annual Best of South Cheatham Dog Show.

Main Street

6/30/10 UPDATE WKRN VIDEO: No time-line for flood-damaged Dog Park to re-open

An open letter to Purina’s Beneful,

By now, you’ve seen the video entry a resident submitted to your Wagworld Dream Park contest.

We’d like to add a few things to shamelessly plug our great town and tug at your heartstrings, securing the win and the dog park of our dreams.

It can’t hurt, right?

We want you to know we love and adore our dogs in Kingston Springs and Cheatham County. We have lots of dogs here: Big ones, little ones, shelter rescues, mixes, pure breeds and working dogs. You name it.

The closest leash-free dog park is in Nashville, so at the moment, while our community recovers from floods of Biblical proportion, our pets have no public place to roam and romp. And boy, did they love the dog park, a big grassy field in our City Park, on the banks of the Harpeth River.

We truly believe that having destination Wagworld park would be a huge benefit for the dogs and humans. Imagine the majestic cool of a riverside dog park, complete with splash pad, creeks, bluffs and an amphitheater for performing?

We also think having such a great park would boost the visibility of our beautiful little town and county — true hidden secrets in Middle Tennessee.

Kingston Springs is just about 20 miles from downtown Nashville, and about 10 miles from the edge of Nashville’s county, Davidson. In other words, we’re a bedroom community. But, one with its own vibrancy, history and pulse.

Our river, the Harpeth, curves through our community and attracts canoers, kayakers, swimmers and day-trippers every day.

Our county, Cheatham, has a wildlife preserve, hiking trails, fishing, a little beach, and long winding roads, which our officials are actively promoting to encourage more visitors. Musicians of international caliber also live here and the majestic Montgomery Bell State Park is just 15 miles to our west.

Kingston Springs is considered a “rural hamlet,” and a proposed Master Plan written by the American Institute of Architects, with community feedback, shows you the wonderful gems that exist in our town and area. You can find the 70-page report online at Cumberland Region Tomorrow.

We are a town of amazing potential.

And let us tell you about our residents. When our community flooded, the residents — young and not-so-young alike, rolled up their sleeves and instantly created systems to bring volunteers to help with demolition and cleanup; to create a disaster relief center; a flood lost & found; and a housing and donated goods referral network.

Our residents also bought supplies and food, andmade sack lunches and dinners that were delivered to hundreds of residents and volunteers during the first few weeks of recovery. (We even created this website and a Twitter feed to spread the news).

The flood has boldly shown us just how much heart and commitment exists here.

So, Beneful, what do you think?

Want to see more of our Dog Park?

The Barking Lot, flooded. By Marie Spafford.

Bluffs behind the Dog Park by titanideLisa on Flickr

The Barking Lot, a week after the floods. By Marie Spafford.

So, residents of Kingston Springs and Cheatham County, what else should we tell the good folks at Beneful?

Chely Wright takes the stage at her 10th annual Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert. This year's proceeds will go directly to Kingston Springs Elementary School to help rebuild the music program.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 UPDATE From KSES Music Teacher Miss Mary Combs:

On August 19, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. Chely Wright will present to Kingston Springs Elementary School music supplies and resources for their music program from the Reading, Writing, and Rhythm benefit concert held on June 8, 2010. The assembly will be held at Kingston Springs Elementary School located at 166 West Kingston Springs Road in Kingston Springs, Tennessee.

Kingston Spring Elementary School was totally ruined by the flood of May 2010.  The music program was a strong and driving force that brought reward to every type of student – every type of personality – every type of adult who was fortunate to have a child at Kingston Springs Elementary.  Over the years, the music department had built a respectable supply of musical instruments and equipment to provide a rich and thorough music education for children in Kindergarten through fourth grade, involving every student in an appropriate musical production.  After the flood, there was nothing.

Reading, Writing, & Rhythm is a nonprofit organization started by music artist Chely Wright that is dedicated to improving the quality of music education in America’s public schools.  Their aim is to put musical instruments directly into the hand of kids who need them.

Thanks to the generosity and caring spirits of  all who donated their time and talents to Chely Wright’s Reading, Writing, and Rhythm benefit concert, Kingston Springs Elementary School will have a thriving music program once again!

WZTV Fox17 Nashville video coverage of Reading, Writing, & Rhythm.

The Boot’s Chely Wright’s Reading, Writing, & Rhythm Hits All The Right Notes by Stephen L. Betts.

Chely Wright’s 10th annual Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert turned out the stars in Nashville Tuesday night and drew an impressive crowd of country music fans to  TPAC‘s 1,000-seat Polk Theatre, many of whom were in town for the CMA Music Festival.

This year marked a venue change for the event which is usually held at The Wildhorse Saloon on Second Avenune in downtown Nashville.

All of Reading, Writing, & Rhythm’s 2010 proceeds will be dedicated to rebuilding the music program at Kingston Springs Elementary School which lost everything in the May 2010 flood when powerful water over six feet high ripped through the building destroying everything in its wake.

Kingston Springs Elementary School lost everything in the 2010 flood. Only the structure itself was standing when the flood waters receded.

Prior to the show, audience members where shown Dale McCarver’s video “Once in 1,000 Years” documenting the devastation suffered by KSES in Kingston Springs, Tennessee.

In addition, Wright’s foundation partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to collect non-perishable food items for their flood-stricken community.

The evening was hosted by Nashville’s Brad Schmitt who was joined on stage throughout by professional auctioneers who raised money for KSES by auctioning American Airlines Flyaway packages for Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley among others.

Proving their reputation for being among the most generous fans, country music lovers bid high on silent auction items prior to the concert and live auction items throughout the evening’s festivities.

Country music fans turned out in droves to bid on silent & live auction items as part of Chely Wright's 10th annual Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert.

Trisha Yearwood was perhaps one of the most anticipated acts of the evening. A late addition to the line up of country music stars, Trisha expounded on her longtime friendship with Wright, and her thankfulness to be part of such a worthy cause.

Trisha Yearwood was a late addition to the line up of country music stars for Chely Wright's 10th annual Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert.

Yearwood also announced she would be returning to the studio to record soon prompted, in part, by a fan who approached her and her husband (Garth Brooks) in a diner and remarked that she loved Garth’s music. When he introduced his wife, Trisha Yearwood, the woman commented “I love your cookbooks.”

SHeDaisy sister Kassidy sports an "I survived Tennessee Flood 2010" t-shirt while belting out a tune for Chely Wright's 10th annual Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert.

Fan favorite SHeDAISY sisters Kassidy, Kristyn, and Kelsi took the stage in matching “I Survived Tennessee Flood 2010″ t-shirts. In addition to donating their talents on-stage, they also auctioned themselves off as part of a shopping spree at Flavour Boutique.

The sister trio SHeDAISY thrills the crowd at the 2010 Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert.

Flood survivors themselves, the sisters shared their observation that sometimes you have to be able to laugh even during the hardest of times. They then sang their Billboard Top Ten Country hit, “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing.”

Americal Idol alumnus Bucky Covington serenades front row fans at Chely Wright's 10th annual Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert on Tuesday night.

American Idol alumnus Bucky Covington got up close and personal with fans during the benefit concert; holding and kissing the hand of a young woman on the front row while singing his fan-favorite, “I’ll Walk”. “I’ll Walk” is one of three  hit singles from Covington’s self-titled debut album with Lyric Street Records (produced by Sawyer Brown‘s Mark Miller) which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 2007.

Sarah Buxton of country duo Buxton Hughes busts out a song which was covered by Keith Urban.

Sarah Buxton, of the country duo Buxton Hughes, thrilled concert goers by singing her co-written song “Stupid Boy”, also recorded by country superstar Keith Urban.

Jedd Hughes of the duo Buxton Hughes played both electric and acoustic guitar while singing with partner Sarah Buxton for the 2010 Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert.

Buxton, a native of Lawrence, Kansas and Jedd Hughes of Quorn, Australia also performed the duet “Big Blue Sky” which Hughes wrote.

Break-out country artist Justin Moore rocks out for Tuesday night's Reading, Writing, & Rhythm benefit concert.

Break-out country artist Justin Moore charmed the audience with his popular “Small Town USA“. Moore kicked it up on his camouflage electric guitar singing “I Could Kick Your Ass”. He paused during the song to say, “This is where I don’t know whether to thank you or ask your forgiveness, so I don’t do either.”

Other acts included: Co-writer of the 2007 ACM and CMA George Strait-rccorded song of the year  ”Give it Away”, Jamie Johnson, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member and Grammy award-winning Rodney Cromwell, and popular Canadian singer/songwriter Jann Arden.

Jann had the audience laughing between songs, but they fell completely silent when she sang Good Mother.

KSES principal Jill Bramble & music teacher Mary Combs were brought on stage to tell the story of what KSES lost in the flood and help with a raffle ticket drawing.

Kingston Springs Elementary School Principal Jill Bramble and music teacher Mary Combs were brought on stage to tell the story of what KSES lost in the flood and to help with a raffle ticket drawing. Ms. Bramble spoke of the devastation which has brought with it a flood of generosity and kindness from all over the country. Miss Mary blew kisses of thanks to the supportive audience.

Chely Wright hugs a KSES student who thanks Chely on behalf of the KSES community.

Chely Wright even took the time to invite a KSES student backstage. Together they hugged and took a moment to share their love for music.

The evening’s sponsors were American Airlines, Best Buy, BB&T, Nashville Outlaws, Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, Flavour Men, and Flavour.

For information on how to donate money and supplies to Kingston Springs Elementary School, click here.

Two-day case-management training offered by UMCOR at Harpeth Middle School, 170 Harpeth View Trail in Kingston Springs. Thursday & Friday June 10th & 11th.

UMCOR case-management training will be offered at Harpeth Middle School, 170 Harpeth View Trail in Kingston Springs on Thursday & Friday June 10th & 11th.

Click here to register.

From the UMCOR website:

Deadline:  Class size limited, deadline Wednesday at Noon; If class size gets too large, some participants may be asked to attend a future training.

Instructor: Christy Smith, UMCOR Consultant—worked as part of the LTR in Jackson, TN and has been doing variety of disaster training for UMCOR since

Cost: None, cost of meals, snacks, and training materials will be covered

Future Trainings: We will be scheduling multiple trainings in different locations over the course of the summer

We provide training only. The organization who would utilize you as a case manager will require an application and background check due to the need to best serve and protect survivors.

Bring 3-ring binder (1 to 1 1/2 inch should be big enough) for the manual and handouts you will receive

It is critical you be on time and stay for the full class both days

From the southcheatham.com post here.

Case-work management is a vital aspect of this recovery movement.

“The idea is to have volunteers from the community assigned to individual flood survivor cases to make sure no one falls through the cracks,” said Bolt. “These volunteer case-work managers will walk an assigned flood survivor(s) through the recovery and rebuilding process step-by-step. Cheatham County Long Term Recovery Organization Incorporated will provide networking, referrals, and resources.”

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will offer case-management training on June 10 & 11.

Training will take place at Harpeth Middle School located at 170 Harpeth View Trail in Kingston Springs.

Volunteers interested in training to be a case-manager must be available for both days of training.

Contact: Jason Brock at jbrock@tnumc.com for registration link or questions.

Spirit Team member & actress Kym Whitley embraces an excited KSES student. Hundreds of KSES students, parents, teachers, and community members cheered the announcement that KSES was chosen by NBC for a School Pride makeover

Click here to watch WSMV-TV News Channel 4 Nashville’s coverage “School To Get Reality Show Makeover”

NBC announced today they have chosen Kingston Springs Elementary School for a School Pride Makeover.  NBC School Pride Spirit Team members Kym Whitley, Tom Stroup, Jacob Soboroff, and Susie Castillo broke the news to hundreds of emotional and cheering KSES students, teachers, parents, faculty, and community members.

NBC Spirit Team member Susie Castillo listens as KSES students and children from the community tell their stories of what they lost in the flood.

From NBC.com:

How much better would children do in a school that they’re proud of? Let’s find out.

Studies show that beautiful schools result in higher scholastic achievement, and we’re putting that theory to the test. Each week, we empower an entire community as we renovate a rundown school and watch as its pride grows. Every episode features touching personal stories of children, parents and teachers experiencing the amazing transformations of their school grounds and athletic fields. Surprise celebrity appearances and seeing it all happen against the clock add drama to this inspirational show.

From Denise Cramsey (True Beauty, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Warner Horizon comes an uplifting makeover series that aims to transform America’s educational system.

KSES teacher Lori Plemons (whose house also sustained severe damage in the flood) is interviewed by crews from NBC's School Pride on Tuesday, June 08 after the big announcement.

Kingston Springs Elementary School submitted an audition tape to NBC’s School Pride after loosing everything except the structure itself in the May 2010 flood.

Click here to see “Once in 1,000 Years” shot by Dale McCarver with PTO President Jack Kapanka’s original song, Not Alone.

NBC is calling on everyone with ties to the community to participate in The KSES School Pride makeover.

Click here to fill out an online form to volunteer and take part in NBC’s School Pride makeover of Kingston Springs Elementary School.

According to www.schoolpridevolunteers.com, volunteers are needed from July 22 – July 28, 2010.

KSES kindergarten teacher Candy Turner was ecstatic with the news. Miss Candy had to be rescued from the roof of KSES during the flood after going to the school and trying to save precious items in everyone's classrooms, not just her own.

Please follow southcheatham.com for more information about how you can be part of the show and help restore and rebuild KSES.

NBC Spirit Team member & co-host Tom Stroup listens as a KSES student talks about his love for his school and how thankful he is that KSES will be receiving a NBC School Pride makeover.

The crowd decked in KSES cardinal red was small by comparison when this shot was taken. It had already been announced that KSES was chosen for a School Pride makeover but many stayed to celebrate with one another and thank NBC Spirit Team members & crew.

Belfor USA continues its efforts to clean and mitigate the damage to the school itself.

Camera crews and production team for NBC's School Pride film in the Harpeth Middle School parking lot following the announcement that KSES was chosen for a School Pride makeover.

NBC School Pride Spirit Team member Jacob Soboroff high-fives KSES students and former students for their willingness to help renovate KSES.

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