The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center Welcomes New Exhibits for the New Year

New display of Tina Turner in the West Tennessee Music Museum at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., on Friday, December 7, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

As the calendar year comes to an end for 2012, plans for the 2013 calendar of events for the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center are in full swing. As presented in an earlier multimedia publication, The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center: Impacting West Tennessee and the World, the goal to get visitors off the interstate and onto the back roads continues.

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, the center’s director, said, “We’re making plans now for next year. We have a big art exhibit planned for the first of the year. We’re also planning a birthday celebration for “Sleepy” John Estes in January.”

Restoration of Flagg Grove School has stopped because it’s winter, but not fundraising efforts. “Fundraising events for the school are being planned for early next year. We hope to have the school completely restored with displays and exhibits by the fall of next year,” said Outlaw-Clark.

New Elvis Presley display in the West Tennessee Music Museum at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., on Friday, December 7, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

The center also continues to improve exhibits already on display. The West Tennessee Music Museum has added a monitor showing performances by Tina Turner. Graceland has also changed the Elvis Presley exhibit to display the prototype of the black leather jacket worn during one of his most memorable performances.

The current temporary exhibit at the center is from the West Tennessee Solar Farm. The solar farm is more than 25 acres of land located on Interstate 40 west near Exit 42. According to information on display, it contains 21,000 ground-mounted photovoltaic solar panels. Its 5-megawatt rated capacity makes the solar farm one of the largest solar generating facilities in the southeast. It’s not open to the public, but there are plans to construct a Visitors Information and Welcome Center on the property.

West Tennessee Solar Farm exhibit at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., on Friday, December 7, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

Outlaw-Clark said, “It’s a real honor for us to have this temporary display that helps give our travelers a taste of what the new welcome center will have to offer. The educational opportunity will also serve as a big economic boost for our area as the new center will employ several people and attract more visitors.”

For more information about the solar farm, visit http://solarfarm.tennessee.edu. There’s also information about Spectrum on the site. Spectrum is the educational exhibit on solar energy that will be located at the new information and welcome center. It’s currently housed at the Knoxville Center Mall in Knoxville, Tenn.

Visit the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center’s website for updates to its calendar of events.

Dr. Ric Black Teaches Brownsville Women How to Protect Themselves

Students participating in a self-defense class taught by Dr. Ric Black in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

Recently, women in Brownsville, Tenn., had the opportunity to learn self-defense from Dr. Ric Black. Black is a Karate Grand Master with over 40 years of experience teaching karate and self-defense to law enforcement, corporations and civilians. Black is also the head of the United States Police Defense Tactics Association (USPDTA).

Black came to Brownsville to teach a special four-hour class specifically for women. He started the course by explaining the mindset of an attacker and what happens to your body when it goes from a neutral state of mind to a heightened sense of awareness and shock.

Dr. Ric Black and a participant demonstrating a grab and strike technique during a self-defense class in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

Black said, “You can feel the intent before you ever feel the blow.” He demonstrated this by walking up behind two participants with their backs turned. They indicated when they could feel him behind them. Each time, it was when he was still several feet away. Black also mentioned that it’s better to reverse the situation and take away the aggression from the attacker. Even if you make a mistake, “It’s better to be judged by 12 than carried by six. Be aware. If you feel it, it’s something,” said Black.

Black also emphasized, “It’s not your responsibility to stand there and exchange blows with an attacker. Instead, your goal should be to strike and run.” You should distract or disorient the attacker long enough for you to get away. Something as simple as a handful of coins or a rolled up magazine used properly could give you enough time to put distance between you and the attacker.

Dr. Ric Black demonstrating a self-defense technique using a cane with Thomas Stanifer (right) assisting in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

3 Types of violence

1. Intimidation – in personal space or looking in your eyes

2. Physicality – grabbed (you’ve been touched)

3. Brutality – attacked

Some useful techniques taught in the course

How and where to strike an attacker
The difference between a push and a strike/pull-back
How to use improvised weapons

Everyone in class left with a handout that included techniques taught in the course and a certificate of completion.

Dr. Ric Black demonstrating a self-defense technique with Thomas Stanifer (right) assisting in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Photo by Sherrian Jarrett

For professional instructions on self-defense from a world leader, Black will be returning to Brownsville in January to teach another self-defense class. Please contact Delta Gunner Firearms at 731 779 3070 for more information about the upcoming class. You can also stop by Gunner Firearms at 257 West Main Street in Brownsville, Tenn., for books and DVDs on self-defense from Dr. Black.

For more information about Dr. Ric Black, go to www.uspdta.com.

Restoring Tina Turner’s Childhood School Benefits Entire Community

Tina Turner fans and local officials visit the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center for the ribbon cutting ceremony marking plans for the restoration of Flagg Grove School in Brownsville, Tenn., on Friday, September 28, 2012. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

Restoration is currently underway for the childhood school of legendary entertainer, Tina Turner.

Tina Turner attended Flagg Grove School as a child in Nut Bush, Tenn., in the 1940s. The school was closed in the 1960s and was later used as a barn and storage area. The school was recently relocated to the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., for preservation.

The school will ultimately be restored and contain displays of early childhood education in Haywood County and Tina Turner memorabilia.

Joe Stephens, whose family donated the school to the WTDHC, said, “I’m really proud that we were able to move it here to the Delta Heritage Center so we can share it with other people. I’m really proud to see the improvements that have already been made on it. I think it will continue to be improved upon and an asset to the community.”

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center has a page set up to follow the journey of the school’s restoration.

Donations can be made to help restore the school by contacting the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center at 731 779 9000, by visiting their website or by mailing donations (check or money order) to the Friends of the Center, P. O. Box 1358, Brownsville, TN 38012.

Contact the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and make a donation to help restore Flagg Grove School today!

Support the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center

The entrance to the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, TN is a gateway to tourism and history in West Tennessee. It houses three unique museums – the West Tennessee Cotton Museum, Hatchie River Museum and the West Tennessee Music Museum. It also hosts various traveling exhibits, art displays and book signings. Supporting this staple of the community would ensure that generations to come would have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of this great community.

The WTDHC is home to a portion of the famous Felsenthal Abraham Lincoln Collection. Currently, there are two additional full-size buildings that have been relocated to its grounds – the home of Blues legend, “Sleepy” John Estes and the childhood school of international music legend, Tina Turner – both natives of Brownsville, TN.

The WTDHC also hosts various learning opportunities and offers tours. The center is a cultural and historical focal point in the community. Visitors learn about the region and the contributions of its residents to society.

Residents and visitors can also enjoy various festivals and events on the grounds like the Exit 56 Blues Fest and the “Concert on the Porch” Concert series where various musicians perform on the front porch of the “Sleepy” John Estes home.

A banner on the back of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

The WTDHC Director, Sonia Outlaw-Clark said, “There’s a little something here for everyone – the nature enthusiast, the music lover and we cover the agricultural connection. Many people don’t know that Haywood County produces more cotton than any other county in the state of Tennessee. This area has a rich heritage.”

There are also displays from surrounding counties promoting their tourist attractions. From Lauderdale County, there’s information about the Dr. Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center, as well as Ft. Pillow State Park. Even Elvis Presley and Graceland have a featured display.

The gift shop at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center contains crafts, souvenirs and food created or prepared by local artists, residents and businesses. It’s a way to take a little bit of the region home with you.

The Center is open to the public. There is no admission fee, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, please visit their website at www.westtnheritage.com or call 731 779 9000.

Signs indicating the location of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

Make plans now to stop by the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and discover some of the best of what West Tennessee has to offer.

How Much Information is Too Much Information?

No trespassing sign located on a door in Brownsville, Tenn., on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Signs like this one give notification to prevent invasion of physical privacy, but not necessarily informational privacy. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

Physical vs. informational property

Like in instances of physically trespassing on another person’s property, should there be an actual term or reference when a person’s private information is invaded? There are laws that protect a person’s private personal information like their name, social security number, bank statements, etc. from being hacked and used in cases of identity theft. There are also laws that protect the public’s right to know about certain private information that holds public implications.

The Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to request information held by the federal government. Each state has its own laws governing the public’s access to information.

While the FOIA allows the request of previously undisclosed information, there are still safe guards in place. In most cases, there is a 20-day wait period for the release of the information. Also, just because there is a request for information doesn’t mean that it is always granted, as in the case of Robert MacLean, a former Air Traffic Controller turned whistleblower. Even though the information was about him, his request was still denied.

There are also instances where the information is redacted meaning that certain data or facts are blacked out in the documents.

A person’s right to privacy and the public’s right to know

When does an individual’s private matters become the matters of public interest? In the case of U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE v. REPORTERS COMMITTEE, 489 U.S. 749 (1989), “After the FBI denied Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by respondents, a CBS news correspondent and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, they filed suit in the District Court seeking the rap sheet for one Charles Medico insofar as it contained “matters of public record.”” According to the case, “the Pennsylvania Crime Commission had identified Medico’s family company as a legitimate business dominated by organized crime figures, and since the company allegedly had obtained a number of defense contracts as a result of an improper arrangement with a corrupt Congressman, respondents asserted that a record of financial crimes by Medico would potentially be a matter of public interest.”

After a ruling in District Court, the Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, ultimately, the information remained confidential.

WikiLeaks and Safety

The story of WikiLeaks releasing the names of confidential sources on their website became a matter of safety for those whose names had been released.

Dorothy Stewart, a retired homemaker said, “It didn’t make any sense to me. Why would they want to put this information out there any way? I was thinking that WikiLeaks was putting the people in danger. File that under TMI – Too Much Information.”

Stewart added, “I think that when it comes to releasing information that’s going to help society or that’s going to start a dialogue to get some things done or changed, then that’s ok, but when people’s lives are in danger and military strategies or intelligence information have been compromised, then it’s just too much. We have to draw the line somewhere.”

An iron property marker located between properties indicating boundaries in Brownsville, Tenn., on Sunday September 16, 2012. Physical markers like this one indicate physical boundaries, but not necessarily informational boundaries. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

Many sides to the story

In this modern age of society’s desire for more and more information and the advanced technology to obtain it, the debate will continue as to how to responsibly, intelligently and safely disseminate the massive amount of information available.

On one side, there are those individuals who want to tell the world about everything immediately without regard and let the individual make up his mind for himself. On the other side, there are those who don’t want to release any information at all or just enough or on a need to know basis. Still, there are others who want to protect society because some information may be too much for some individuals to handle.

Who’s right?

Shutting Down the Internet as a Matter of Security

Signal tower off of Jackson Avenue in Brownsville, Tenn., on Thursday, September 6, 2012. Towers like this one help to give signal strength to cell phones and the Internet. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

As new platforms and technology are developed, governments are researching ways to help protect consumers from the ever-changing scene of information dissemination and delivery. In the United States, an act has been introduced to the Congress called the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010. While it is referred to as giving the president a kill switch, in essence, it would create an agency for the specific purpose of policing and protecting Cyberspace. This is currently a dead bill.

In a technologically advanced era, people are increasingly becoming more and more dependent on technology like computers and cell phones. Gone are the days when a person had to wait until the five o’ clock news or tomorrow’s newspaper to get the latest news update. With that in mind, does that also make this new generation more susceptible to the possibility of a total blackout? If more and more people are receiving their news and information via the Internet and other mobile devices, what would happen in this country if the government turned it off for a period – not because they wanted to do so, but because they had to do so?

Levelle Williams, a Communications Director in Louisiana said, “I use the Internet a great deal in my line of work. While it’s convenient for professional and personal reasons, if there was some type of threat where the government felt that it was necessary to shut it down for a brief period, I wouldn’t have a problem with that. I’m certain that it would be in the best interest of everyone.”

The unprecedented shutting down of the Internet and cell phone service in Egypt during a time of civil unrest potentially opens a floodgate of questions.

Here are a few:

Was it really effective?

Did it achieve the results that the government wanted?

Did it reduce the number of demonstrations and protests?

Did it reduce the number of people who attended demonstrations and protests?

Did it put the country at risk for more severe fallout?

Signal tower off of Highway 70 West in Brownsville, Tenn., on Thursday, September 6, 2012. Towers like this one help to give signal strength to cell phones and the Internet. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

Recently, there was the threat of a virus that would shut down hundreds of thousands of computers all over the world. The FBI set up precautions for a period that would keep the computers running. Users were later directed to a site that could assist them with the problem beyond the deadline.

Williams added, “Just like the Office of Homeland Security was created because of a specific need, having a specific agency to protect people on the web would definitely be an intelligent decision to make.”

Thesis Research Update 1

Billboard for the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center located near mile marker 61 on west bound Interstate 40 in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT

As research, data gathering and interviewing continue for my Thesis, this is an update for preliminary results from my Thesis poll and survey. The poll and survey will remain active at least through October 15, 2012.

The poll question from Facebook asked, “Do you think that the West Tennessee Delta Center is making an impact on the community?” All participants answered, “Yes” to the question.

The survey was an opportunity to ask a series of questions. It also afforded the opportunity to gain some valuable information and insight about people and their interaction with the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. For the following infographic, I focused on one specific question, “What type of impact has the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center had on your life?”

While neither the poll nor the survey should be considered scientific, the initial results are promising. With more time, more audience engagement and participants, the results can prove to be helpful in further investigation of the focus of the Thesis.

As audience engagement has progressed, there haven’t been any major concerns or issues on the part of the audience. Adding another survey to the Thesis topic is under consideration. There will also be additional ways to increase participants including a possible “live and in person” survey conducted at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. If I can gain approval for that type of research, I believe that I will have the chance to speak with people face to face and find out how they honestly feel about the WTDHC. This interaction could also lead to possible interview sources.

Thank you everyone for participating in the poll and survey. I would also like to encourage you to send it to others who may be interested. All of your help and support in the research phase of my Thesis is greatly appreciated.

A Review of Literature

The following are links to a multimedia presentation for my Thesis Review of Literature. It’s located on my Vimeo channel. Here are the three ways to access it.

https://vimeo.com/channels/376769

http://bit.ly/RbBdqZ

https://vimeo.com/47490548

Thesis Exploration

The impact of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and other attractions in West Tennessee on the community is the broad topic of my thesis. The following article that I created in Storify, tracks the development of the idea, as well as the exploration of the topic via various elements. This is still in its beginning stages.

Caring Hearts at the Haywood County Animal Shelter

Amber Hendrix standing in front of the county vehicle for the Haywood County Animal Shelter in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, July 14, 2012. Hendrix is the County Control Officer. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT.

Amber Hendrix is the Control Officer for the Haywood County Animal Shelter in Brownsville, Tenn. Hendrix has been working at the shelter since 2009. She started as the office manager and later became the County Control Officer.

Hendrix said, “There’s a difference between a pound and a shelter. A pound makes it sound like there’s no hope, but at a shelter, there is hope. A shelter is a place where animals are taken in and cared for until they’re able to move in with their new families. All of the pets here have names. They aren’t a number. We are a shelter. There’s always hope at the shelter.”

Hendrix said, “We are a busy facility and we work closely with other agencies to find good homes for our pets. We placed over 500 pets with various rescue agencies and homes last year alone. I want to eventually have community adoption events. I also want to be able to adopt out the Pit Bulls and not just send them to rescue agencies.”

Hendrix said, “This is where my passion is, helping animals. I get my reward when I help pets get out of a bad situation, take care of them and then, they go to a good, loving home. Take for instance, June Bug, she was rolled out of a car. Some said that she would never walk again, but look at her. We took care of her and here she is walking around. She’s healthy and happy and she’s leaving the shelter. She’s going to a rescue to be placed in her new home. I’m so happy for her.”

Hendrix added, “I want people to know that the dogs at the shelter aren’t bad dogs. Sometimes, their owners have surrendered the dogs because they couldn’t take care of them and sometimes, they have been confiscated by officials and removed from a bad situation. They’re good dogs. They just need a loving home.”

Adult dogs awaiting adoption at the Haywood County Animal Shelter in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, July 14, 2012. Unrelated adult dogs and puppies are kept in separate areas at the facility. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT.

There are dogs and cats available for adoption ranging from puppies and kittens to adults. There are also other ways to help like becoming a pet foster parent and by making donations to the shelter.

Items needed include:

Puppy Chow

Powdered Puppy Milk

Linen

Towels

Chew Toys

Hendrix offered this advice, “The two best things to do to keep your pet healthy is to have it spayed or neutered early and to keep it on heartworm prevention medicine. If a pet is spayed or neutered early enough, not only does it help to control the pet population and cut down on unplanned pregnancies, but it also reduces the risk of the pet developing Cancer later in life. Dogs have the same illnesses that humans have like Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Diabetes.”

The front of the Haywood County Animal Shelter in Brownsville, Tenn., on Saturday, July 14, 2012. The shelter is located at 217 South Russell Street. Photo Courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT.

The Haywood County Animal Shelter is located at 217 South Russell Street in Brownsville, Tenn. For more information about adopting a new pet into the family or making donations, please contact the Haywood County Animal Shelter at 731 772 2908.

What Happened to the 4th of July 2012?

Unused fireworks in Brownsville, Tenn., on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. High temperatures and burn bans discouraged residents from using fireworks. Photo courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT.

Sweltering high temperatures, the recession and the day of the week all had a hand to play in the 4^th of the July not feeling like its normal, festive self. In much of West Tennessee, the temperatures have reached the 100-degree mark for several consecutive days, making this July already one of the hottest in history. Other parts of the country have broken temperature records this week, as well.

The 4^th of July is synonymous with fireworks, cookouts and parades. This year was an exception. J. P. Hathcock, part owner of The Firecracker House in Brownsville, Tenn., said, “Sales are definitely down this year. The combination of record high heat, the economy and the fact that the 4^th of July fell on a Wednesday this year all contributed to a slow holiday in my opinion. We usually have a better turnout when the holiday falls closer to the end of the week. Plus, it’s almost just too hot to do anything.”

There were countywide burn bans throughout the state of Tennessee and much of the Mid-South region of the United States. Temperatures reached record highs causing drought like conditions in much of the country. Hathcock said, “ We have a countywide burn ban in effect, but I also think that the wildfires out in Colorado have people scared too. They’re afraid that could happen here.”

Sign in front of the Firecracker House in Brownsville, Tenn., on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. Sales were down, but business remained steady throughout the evening hours. Photo courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT.

Several Brownsville residents postponed family get-togethers during the day when the temperatures were the hottest and met much later in the evening if at all. This year, many also decided to purchase already prepared food from local favorites like Backyard Barbeque at its Brownsville, Tenn., location instead of grilling outside themselves.

Unused barbeque grill in Brownsville, Tenn., on Thursday, July 5, 2012. High temperatures and burn bans discouraged residents from grilling outside. Photo courtesy of SHERRIAN JARRETT.

While economists agree that the economy is struggling to return to its former glory, its weakened state dealt the final blow to holiday festivities this year. One encouraging note was that local gas prices were down over the 4^th of July holiday this year, adding the option of driving to possible plans.

The 4^th of July was during the middle of the week and some people only had one day off from work to celebrate for the holiday. Some native Brownsville residents who currently live away from Brownsville either decided to postpone their trip back home or cut it short because they had to return to work the following day on Thursday.

Hathcock added, “My family has been in the fireworks business for over 40 years now. Fireworks are a holiday tradition. They’re fun and safe. Sometimes, we use the economy as a scapegoat. Things are getting better.”

Election Day in Brownsville

June 19, 2012 was Election Day in Brownsville, Tenn. On the ballot were seats for Alderman Ward 1, Alderman Ward 3 and the referendum whether to allow retail package liquor sales within the city limits of Brownsville.

Incumbent officials, Alderman Leon King – Ward 1 and Alderman John Simmons – Ward 3, retained their positions. The ordinance for the sale of retail package liquor was approved.

The next election in Brownsville will be the County General and State Primary on August 2, 2012 with early voting held July 13 – July 28, 2012. The General Election will follow on November 6, 2012 with early voting held October 17 – November 1, 2012.

A Battle Against Bullying

Bullying has escalated in recent years with new forms of technology to use in this aggressive form of behavior.

According to the federal government’s website on bullying, stopbullying.gov, “No single factor puts a child at risk of being bullied or bullying others. Bullying can happen anywhere—cities, suburbs, or rural towns.” The site lists some of the factors that put kids at risk for being bullied. The children:

Are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider “cool”
Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves
Are depressed, anxious, or have low self esteem
Are less popular than others and have few friends
Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention

Sheila Turner, a schoolteacher with Haywood County Schools in Brownsville, Tenn., has been teaching for 26 years and said, “The bullying that I see is usually with the girls. They don’t listen to the teachers or other administrators when they’re told to not bully someone, but they’ll listen to their peers if one of their friends tells them to just let it go.”

Bullying can lead to alienation, depression, violence towards the perpetrators or others and suicide.

If you or someone you know is being bullied or bullying, please seek the proper assistance.

A Son’s Legacy, A Mother’s Mission

The legacy of Trooper John Gregory Mann continues to live on today. His mother, Mrs. Lollie Lee Mann has started a Memorial Scholarship Fund in his name for students attending Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn. Trooper Mann was also honored by having a stretch of Interstate 40 renamed the Trooper John Gregory Mann Memorial Highway. There are also youth sports tournaments named after this beloved officer.

Mann’s brother, Clay Mann said, “I’m proud of our mother for keeping Greg’s memories alive and I know that it helps to keep her going too.”

Local Museum is the New Home for Tina Turner’s Childhood School

Still riding high on the wave of a memorable Exit 56 Blues Fest, the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., recently added a rare collectible to its long list of historical memorabilia. The childhood school of legendary entertainer, Tina Turner, was recently relocated to its grounds. Flagg Grove School was moved from its original location in Nut Bush, Tenn., on June 1, 2012.

The school now stands beside the home of Blues pioneer and Brownsville native, Sleepy John Estes. Museum Director, Sonia Outlaw-Clark said, “Once renovations are complete, the school will be open to the public and showcase the history of early education in Haywood County and a Tina Turner display.”

The WTDHC is the home of three regional museums including the Music Museum, the Cotton Museum and the Hatchie River Museum.

Exit 56 Blues Fest

The 2^nd Annual Exit 56 Blues Fest was held on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. Festival-goers enjoyed live music, arts and crafts, a car show and a wide variety of food.

Brownsville is the home of such Blues pioneers as “Sleepy” John Estes, Hammie Nixon and Yank Rachell. Bands played live music from the porch of “Sleepy” John Estes’ home, which has been relocated to the grounds of the WTDHC.

Brownsville City Mayor, Jo Matherne, added, “It’s about celebration. It’s about acknowledging your heritage and your roots. Brownsville has a very strong blues history and it’s just a great opportunity to come together as a community to have some fun.”

Retail Package Liquor Goes to the Polls

On June 19, 2012, Brownsville, Tenn., residents will have the opportunity to vote on approving a referendum that will allow the sale of retail package liquor within the city limits. This came after a push from local residents who conducted a petition drive to have it placed on the ballot.

This referendum comes after the referendums to allow the sale of liquor by the drink was approved in 2006 and the sale of beer in 2008.

Juan J. Martinez, owner of El Ranchitos restaurant on Main Street said, “I was the first person to bring liquor by the drink to Brownsville in 50 years and if this passes, I want to be the first one to bring a package liquor store.”

Floyd Mask: An Artist’s Story

Talented local artist, Floyd Mask, talks about his gift, his faith and his future. Mask is one of Brownsville, Tenn.’s most artistic residents. He has been painting for over 30 years and admits that he still enjoys it. Mask has had his art featured nationally in Low Rider Arte magazine on more than 10 different occasions. Mask says, “This is a gift and I want to take it as far as I can go.”

In spite of economic and personal challenges, Mask is encouraged by the future. He shares how his passion, his faith and his hopes sustain him. This is his story.

Brownsville Celebrates 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Heritage Festival

According to history.com, Cinco de Mayo “commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).” On Saturday, May 5, 2012, residents of Brownsville, Tenn., and the surrounding areas had the opportunity to experience the holiday locally. The 2^nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Heritage Festival was held from 5-10 p.m. on the court square.

Those in attendance enjoyed authentic Mexican cuisine, crafts, games and live music. They also had the opportunity to support local charities like the Brownsville Animal Shelter, Relay for Life and the Boys and Girls Club of Brownsville.

Event organizers combined Mexican culture and local heritage for a day of learning, fun and enjoyment.

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