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City Mayors Call for Nominations
January 19, 2010
The Mayors of the twin cities made the official call for nominations today for the 2010 Mayors Award of Distinction. The 3rd annual awards event for the cities was created to recognize an individual or organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to Bristol in the arts, industry, commerce, entertainment, education or to the welfare of others. This prestigious award may also be bestowed to persons that have achieved regional, national, or international recognition and positively promoted Bristol in doing so.
"Last year we had two outstanding individuals recognized and we are excited about this year's nominations. Ten people from our area have been acknowledged for what they have brought to our city. Through their efforts many lives have been impacted in countless ways," said Bristol Tennessee Mayor Fred Testa. Bristol Virginia Mayor James Rector stated, "This event continues to grow. There are a vast number of people in our area who everyday are working to make our community better and deserve to be recognized. The process of nominating someone is simple and the recognition, extraordinary. "
All nominations will be reviewed by a citizen panel comprised of members from civic and non-profit groups, and members of the media. The award panel will choose the recipients of this prestigious award for conferral by the Mayors later in the spring.
Nomination forms are available at the Bristol Public Library, YWCA, YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, the Slater and Douglass Community Centers or at either city hall. The forms may also be downloaded for your convenience at bristoltn.org or bristolva.org.
Nominations will be accepted until Monday, March 1, 2010 at 5:00 P.M. and must be postmarked by that date.
Citizens Municipal Academy Deadline Nears
Jan 11, 2008
The City of Bristol Tennessee’s Citizens Municipal Academy deadline is drawing to a close. Friday, January 15, 2010 is the last date citizens may apply for placement in this year’s academy.
Classes will be held on consecutive Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. and will run from January 21 through February 25th. The six-week program will culminate at the March 2, 2010 City Council meeting when the participants will be awarded their graduation certificate and be publicly recognized.
Classes include discovering the Big Picture with City Manager Jeff Broughton and Finance Director Tara Musick. Other class topics will include Developing and Maintaining the Community, Public Infrastructure, Recreation and Leisure Service Opportunities and Public Safety –Police and Fire.
The program will provide participants with the knowledge necessary to better understand and support city efforts for the enrichment and development of the Bristol community. There is no cost to participate in the academy. For more information go to www.bristoltn.org, click on the Resident tab, scroll down to Citizens Municipal Academy 2010 to read more about the program and complete the application on-line. The application may be submitted electronically or faxed to 423-764-3299 or mailed to P.O. Box 1189, Bristol, Tennessee 37621-1189.
City Offices Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan 11, 2008
The City of Bristol Tennessee offices will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2010 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Please note that garbage pick-up normally scheduled for Monday will instead be
picked-up on Wednesday, January 20. In addition, public transit service will not operate.
All emergency services will operate as usual.
City offices and services will return to their regular schedule on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Media Alert
January 8, 2010
The deadline for the City's Municipal Academy has been extended until Friday, January 15th. Please go online to apply at www.bristoltn.org. Click the "Resident" tab and scroll down to "Citizens Municipal Academy 2010." Go to the Academy icon at the bottom of the page and click for an application. Applications may be completed online and submitted or faxed to 423-764-3299 or mailed to the Community Relations Department, P.O. Box 1189, Bristol, TN 37621-1189. Interested citizens may also pick-up a copy of the application at City Hall, 801 Anderson St., Room 201.
Comedian Tim Wilson Slated for Paramount
January 5, 2010
Tim Wilson can't be mistaken for someone else. The Georgia native's distinctive baritone twang has an edge of roughness – like most of his comedy material. Wilson's comic commentary covers subjects such as blind dates, cell phones and annoying relatives.
Wilson will be performing his comedy routine at the Paramount Center for the Arts in the City of Bristol Tennessee's ongoing "City Nights Events Series". Opening for Wilson is Stewart Huff. The event is slated for Saturday, February 20 at 8PM, doors opening at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the event go on sale Wednesday, January 6th at the Paramount Box Office, Viking Hall Civic Center's Box Office, on-line at E-Tix or by phone at 423-274-8920 or 423-764-0188. For more information contact either Box Office or go to www.paramountcenter.org or www.vikinghall.com.
Along with being a longtime regular guest on nationally syndicated radio programs such as "The Bob & Tom Show" and "John Boy & Billy," Wilson also has some impressive TV credits, including appearances on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," "Evening at the Improv" and "Grace Under Fire." His hectic tour schedule takes him to comedy clubs and concert halls across the country.
City Offices Closed New Year's Day
December 28, 2009
City of Bristol Tennessee administrative offices will be closed Friday, January 1, 2010 in observance of the New Year's holiday.
In addition, transit service will not operate on Friday. Garbage service regularly scheduled for Friday, January 1 will be picked-up on Wednesday, December 30, 2009.
All City emergency personnel will function as usual during the holiday period.
Applicants Sought for 2010 Bristol Citizens Municipal Academy
December 17, 2009
Residents looking to play a more active role in their community will get their chance to learn how at the 2009 Bristol Citizens Municipal Academy. Sessions are designed specifically for residents to learn about the organization, operations and services of the Bristol Tennessee city government.
Applications are now available for the 2010 Citizens Municipal Academy. This series of classes consist of interactive sessions facilitated by city staff, allowing residents to learn about key government operations directly from the staff responsible for overseeing city services.
The program will also provide Bristol residents with the knowledge necessary to better understand and support city efforts for the enrichment and development of the Bristol community.
The sessions will be held one evening per week for six weeks. The classes will begin
Thursday, January 21 and continue each Thursday through February 25th. Sessions will commence at 6:00 PM and last approximately two hours. The graduates will conclude the program and be recognized at the March 2, 2010 City Council meeting.
Participants must be at least 21 years of age and be a citizen of the City of Bristol Tennessee. Space is limited, so applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Application deadline is January 8, 2010. There is no cost to participate in the academy.
Applications are available on-line at www.bristoltn.org and can be submitted electronically or an application may be picked-up at City Hall Room 201 and faxed to (423) 764-3299 or mailed to Community Relations Department P.O. Box 1189, Bristol, TN 37621-1189.
Questions regarding the program should be directed to Terrie S. Talbert at (423) 764-4171 or tsmith-talbert@bristoltn.org.
City Offices Closed December 24-25 for Christmas Holiday
December 15, 2009
City of Bristol Tennessee administrative offices will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25, 2009 in observance of the Christmas holiday.
In addition, transit service will not operate on Thursday and Friday. Garbage service regularly scheduled for Thursday, December 24 will be unaffected and picked-up as usual; Friday's garbage will be picked-up on Wednesday, December 23, 2009.
All City emergency personnel will function as usual during the holiday period.
Don't Let Your Holiday Season Go Up in Flames!
December 4, 2009
For most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. But we often fail to consider the increased risk of home fires during the holidays. According to the Bristol Fire Department officials, households engage in a myriad of holiday activities that increase exposure to a potential fire in the home. The leading cause of residential fires during the holidays is cooking which reflects the increased use of the home kitchen for family holiday meals. Christmas trees, candle usage and holiday decorations contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. The confusion and stress from a hectic schedule of trying to get everything done in a timely fashion also increases home fire risks.
Winter time is also the most dangerous time of the year for fire injuries and deaths. Each year, approximately 450 children ages 14 and under die in residential fires; children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk. "Everyone should consider safety as their number one priority. Remember to not place candles on a tree or a natural wreath, or near curtains or drapes, and to always keep matches and lighters from a child's reach. If you feel that you must have lit candles in the home, then never leave them unattended."
Jack Spurgeon, Bristol Tennessee Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal, feels that increased awareness, eliminating careless actions, and being safety conscience will prevent most fire related tragedies. "By taking prudent, preventive steps and practicing safe habits most home fires can be prevented," said Spurgeon.
The Bristol Fire Department reminds everyone to stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stove top. Keep any thing combustible a safe distance from the stove and when simmering, baking, boiling or roasting remember to use a timer with an audible alarm in case you become distracted. Barnes and Spurgeon also suggest creating a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) statistics show that more than half of all candle fires stem from placing lit candles too close to combustible material. The Bristol Fire Department encourages residents to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12" away from anything that can burn, use sturdy candle holders that will not tip over, and place them on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where 40% of all candle fires begin, or any areas where people may fall asleep. Also, NEVER leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
NFPA reports that an average of 250 structure fires annually is caused by Christmas tree. Nearly half of these are caused by electrical problems, and one in four results from a heat source too close to the tree. The Bristol Fire Department offers the following advice for choosing, placing and lighting your Christmas tree:
-If you have an artificial tree, be sure it's labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as having fire retardant properties.
-If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when touched; and, prior to placing it in the stand, cut 1-2" from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
-Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles, heating vents or lights.
-Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
-Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in lighting fixtures.
-Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
-Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
-After Christmas, properly dispose of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
-Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to eliminate electrical hazards and to also allow your lights to last longer.
By following these safety measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home, and enjoy a safe holiday season. "The holidays can quickly change from a happy and joyful time to one of tragedy when a home fire occurs", says Chief Barnes. "Please take simple precautions and safety measures to reduce the likelihood of a potential fire, and to ensure your family remains safe throughout the holiday season."
For more information contact Chief Bob Barnes at 423-764-4023.
Willie Nelson to Play Viking Hall
December 1, 2009
The 10-time Grammy Award winning artist Willie Nelson will be in concert at Viking Hall on Tuesday, January 26 for one evening only. The show will feature Nelson and his band in the two-hour show, performing his decades of hits.
Nelson has appeared in over 30 films including Red Headed Stranger, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Honeysuckle Rose. He has had fourteen #1 hit songs on the charts. While he is also known as one of the country's most out-spoken activists and the 1985 founder of the renowned Farm Aid concert series he has remained loyal to his music and his fans world-wide.
Tickets will go on sale Saturday, December 5 at 10:00 A.M. at the Viking Hall Box Office and on-line. For more information go to: http://vikinghall.com/ or call the Viking Hall Box Office at 423-764-0188.
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Photos Courtesy of Malcolm J. Wilson and Bristol News Paper
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