News 2016

Senior Awards night at Cannon County High School.  WBRY AM-1540/FM107.9 plans to broadcast tonight’s event live from Robert A Harris Gym which starts at 7:00 tonight

Alumni football players from Cannon County and Dekalb County High Schools will be suiting up and putting on the pads this Saturday as they will meet at Fred Schwartz Field in Woodbury.  Tickets are on sale now and pre-sale tickets will benefit the high school football team.  Tickets are $10 each.  Any tickets sold on Saturday night will not benefit the football program.  There will be t-shirts on sale and concessions available at the game.  Kickoff is set for 7:00 Saturday night.  For pre-sale tickets please call Mandy Litchford at 615-714-9092.
 

The newly appointed Cannon County Historian will speak at tonight’s Cannon County Historical Society meeting.  Robert D. Bush who was appointed county Historian by the Cannon County Commission after a recommendation by the Society will be speaking about the history of Bradyville during tonight’s informative meeting.  Bush’s writings have appeared in the local newspaper.  The Society will gather tonight at 6:30 for snacks at the Cannon County Senior Center 309 Lehman Street in the small dining area.  The program will begin at 7:00.  Everyone in the community is invited.  
 

As Financial Literacy Month comes to an end, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs offers summertime tips to help parents teach finance lessons to children and teens. 
“School doesn’t need to be in session for kids to receive financial instruction,” said TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini. “Whether it’s a pretend grocery store, a lemonade stand, or a lawn mowing job, summertime offers children and teens great opportunities to develop financial skills like saving and money management.”

Understanding childhood development phases and how to access free kid-friendly resources empowers parents with the tools to teach financial lessons from beyond the classroom.
Here are the three childhood phases of learning financial skills:
 
Phase 1: Early childhood (ages 3 to 5)

• Development of executive functions like self-control. Over time, children at this age learn about patience, planning and following instructions.

Phase 2: Middle Childhood (ages 6 to 12)

• Development of financial habits, attitudes and values: frugality, planning ahead and resisting peer pressure.

Phase 3: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (ages 13 to 21)

• Development of financial attitudes like “who am I as a money person?” At this age, youth begin making independent financial decisions.

Tips for parents:

• Although taught in school, financial literacy begins at home.
• Children should begin learning financial skills as early as age three. 
• Teach financial literacy to a child as you would teach a new language. Children should be encouraged to learn new skills, practice those skills, repeat those skills and grow in understanding.
• Teach financial lessons throughout every stage of life: childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. Financial skills should be woven into your child’s lifestyle.
• Identify and utilize readily available resources: educational websites, local libraries, youth employment programs and social services.

Financial lessons for teens:

• The benefits and risks associated with financial products like insurance, loans, credit cards, bank accounts and more.
• The value of saving. How to save and invest at a young age. Creating opportunities.
• The importance of budgeting and financial planning.
• The concept of risk.
• “Don’t believe everything you hear. Don’t do it just because your friends are doing it.”

Kid-friendly resources:

• Avengers: Saving the Day is a free comic book offering parents a kid-friendly resource for teaching money management to children. Released by Visa Inc. and Marvel Comics in 2012, this action-packed comic book features a budgeting worksheet, finance terms and more. Download a free copy at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/avengers.
• U.S. News & World Report recommends seven smartphone applications for teaching youth personal finance skills. Click here to learn more.

The Federal Trade Commission offers a variety of free financial education materials like Focus on Finances: Preparing for your Future. Visit www.consumer.ftc.gov for more resources.
 
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/42173#sthash.yoOONuKr.dpuf
 As Financial Literacy Month comes to an end, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs offers summertime tips to help parents teach finance lessons to children and teens.

“School doesn’t need to be in session for kids to receive financial instruction,” said TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini. “Whether it’s a pretend grocery store, a lemonade stand, or a lawn mowing job, summertime offers children and teens great opportunities to develop financial skills like saving and money management.”

Understanding childhood development phases and how to access free kid-friendly resources empowers parents with the tools to teach financial lessons from beyond the classroom.

Here are the three childhood phases of learning financial skills:
 

Phase 1: Early childhood (ages 3 to 5)

    Development of executive functions like self-control. Over time, children at this age learn about patience, planning and following instructions.

Phase 2: Middle Childhood (ages 6 to 12)

    Development of financial habits, attitudes and values: frugality, planning ahead and resisting peer pressure.

Phase 3: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (ages 13 to 21)

    Development of financial attitudes like “who am I as a money person?” At this age, youth begin making independent financial decisions.

Tips for parents:

    Although taught in school, financial literacy begins at home.
    Children should begin learning financial skills as early as age three.
    Teach financial literacy to a child as you would teach a new language. Children should be encouraged to learn new skills, practice those skills, repeat those skills and grow in understanding.
    Teach financial lessons throughout every stage of life: childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. Financial skills should be woven into your child’s lifestyle.
    Identify and utilize readily available resources: educational websites, local libraries, youth employment programs and social services.

Financial lessons for teens:

    The benefits and risks associated with financial products like insurance, loans, credit cards, bank accounts and more.
    The value of saving. How to save and invest at a young age. Creating opportunities.
    The importance of budgeting and financial planning.
    The concept of risk.
    “Don’t believe everything you hear. Don’t do it just because your friends are doing it.”

Kid-friendly resources:

    Avengers: Saving the Day is a free comic book offering parents a kid-friendly resource for teaching money management to children. Released by Visa Inc. and Marvel Comics in 2012, this action-packed comic book features a budgeting worksheet, finance terms and more. Download a free copy at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/avengers.
    U.S. News & World Report recommends seven smartphone applications for teaching youth personal finance skills. Click here to learn more.

The Federal Trade Commission offers a variety of free financial education materials like Focus on Finances: Preparing for your Future. Visit www.consumer.ftc.gov for more resources.
 

An accident report was taken recently in regards to a Ford Van rolling out of a driveway and crashing into a neighbor’s house.  According to Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputies reports, Deputies responded to a Cherokee Drive residence.  Once the deputy arrived he saw a green box van sitting in the yard and a considerable amount of damage to the home the van hit.  Mr. Regino Valdez  described the van rolled out of his driveway while he was fixing to check the oil.  The van then crossed the street and into the yard of his neighbor and impacted the front left portion of the home.  The resident of that home described she was outside and seen Mr. Valdez working on the van, then while her back was to the house she heard the noise of the impact.  Pictures were took of the scene and the van was moved from the home before the arrival.

A McMinnville woman was arrested last week and charged with DUI in Cannon County.  According to Cannon County Sheriff Department Reports,  Deputies noticed a small silver Honda Civic traveling 74 in a 55mph zone on Hwy 70 East in the Eastside Community.  The vehicle also failed to maintain its lane of travel.  A traffic stop was conducted east of the state park.  Tonya McClure of McMinnville, the driver of the car stated she was on her way home.  Deputies noticed she had glossy red eyes, an odor of an intoxicant and slurred speech.  McClure failed the sobriety tests and was charged with DUI.  She will answer to the charges June 7th in Cannon County General Sessions Court.  
 

May 10—Senior Awards night, 7:00 p.m., CCHS gymnasium
May 12—School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., WGS Cafeteria
May 13—Farm Day for 4th graders
May 17—CCHS FFA Banquet
May 25—WBRY Spotlight—Bonnie Patterson, Coordinated School Health and Attendance
May 26—Teacher Work Day—no students
May 27—Report Card, 7:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
May 27—CCHS Graduation, 7:00 p.m., CCHS Football Field

Today I’m with my grandchildren enjoying some family time before heading back to Washington to vote on important bills related to the opioid abuse crisis, among other issues. But first I want to give you an update on the latest from this week in the district:
Small Businesses Making a Big Impact

Did you know that small businesses create two-thirds of the new jobs in our economy and employ 48 percent of all private sector workers? May 1st through 7th marks National Small Business Week and is as good a time as any to patronize some of the outstanding small businesses making a big impact in middle Tennessee. I marked the occasion with a visit to Lafayette, Tennessee, where I met with local small business owner at the Macon County Rotary Club and heard firsthand from them about the challenges and opportunities they face as they seek to grow their business in today’s economic climate. Later, I got a chance to visit a #TN06 favorite – Cathy’s Flowers & Gifts on the square in Lafayette. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out their arrangements and remember to “shop small” this week and throughout the year! 
You Can’t Make This Up
You won’t believe this—the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs decided to cease using the terms “felon” and “convict” in speeches and other materials because, in their view, the phrases could be damaging to criminals’ self-esteem and harmful to their reintegration into society. You can read the details here. I’m not buying their explanation and I have a feeling most Tennesseans won’t either. Our country is in real trouble and Washington bureaucracies are busy thinking up new, politically correct terms for criminals and illegal aliens. It defies comprehension and it doesn’t solve a single problem facing Americans’ daily lives. I shared more of my thoughts on this ridiculous change with CNS News, which you can read HERE.
Creativity Reigns at Hendersonville Christian Academy 

This week I had the honor of recognizing Hendersonville Christian Academy Senior Marian Silva as winner of the 2016 6th District Congressional Art Competition. Silva’s beautiful artwork, entitled “Iris” will hang in the halls of the U.S. Capitol over the course of the next year. I got a chance to personally deliver the news to Marian at school on Wednesday and her parents even showed up to celebrate with us! Join me in congratulating Marian and all of the talented young artists that participated in this year’s competition!                           

In observance of National Mental Health Month in May, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is encouraging Tennesseans during the month of May to consider the importance of good mental health.
“Conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder impact the lives of thousands of Tennesseans,” said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “When these disorders and others go undiagnosed or untreated, they frequently drain a person of their ability to thrive and enjoy life.”
In fiscal year 2015, more than 288,000 Tennesseans, children and adults, received publicly-funded behavioral health services. That same year the combined admissions to Tennessee’s four Regional Mental Health Institutes climbed to nearly 10,000.
More than 1million Tennesseans over the age of 18 are living with a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder and, a quarter of a million are living with a serious mental illness.
“A recent study by the World Health Organization indicates that improving mental health treatment can quadruple returns on work productivity,” said Commissioner Varney. “It’s vitally important for not just our economy, for our livelihoods and for quality of life to look after our mental health as much as we do our physical health.”
“The good news is that more Tennesseans are aware and are acknowledging they may have a mental health condition and are seeking help,” said Commissioner Varney.
Taking a brief screening assessment online is a safe and easy way to find out if you are experiencing symptoms.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness 1 in 5 Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted by a family member, friend, or loved one who is struggling with a diagnosed condition.
“As awareness increases, more people are acknowledging the early symptoms of a mental health condition and are seeking help,” said Commissioner Varney. “A mental health issue, just like a physical ailment won’t go away on its own. There are a variety of remarkable therapies and treatments to get people back on track.”
For information about mental health services in Tennessee, call the Helpline 800-560-5767 FREE, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 855-274-7471 FREE. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 

 The Tennessee Department of Health is observing National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in communities across the state this May to raise awareness about the impact of teen pregnancy as well as education and prevention efforts. Special emphasis will be given on May 4, 2016 when TDH will join partners from across the country in celebrating the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This observance helps teens understand the consequences of unplanned pregnancy and think about how to best prepare for success in achieving their educational and vocational goals.
“Teen pregnancy has been declared as one of six ‘winnable battles’ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we are moving in the right direction in Tennessee,” said TDH Deputy Commissioner for Population Health Michael Warren, MD, MPH. “Consistent with national trends, Tennessee’s birth rates for adolescents aged 15-19 steadily declined from 53.8 in 2008 to 33.0 in 2014, and teen pregnancy rates declined from 64.7 to 37.9 per 1,000 teens. We are proud of this progress and continue our efforts to educate parents, teens, health professionals and other community partners about ways to further reduce pregnancies among young Tennesseans.”
The mission of the Tennessee Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program is to prevent unplanned adolescent pregnancies through a comprehensive, community-wide, collaborative effort that promotes abstinence, self-respect, constructive life options and responsible decision-making about sexuality, healthy relationships and the future.
“Tennessee should be proud of its teens, families and communities for the positive choices they have made,” said TAPPP Program Director Kimothy Warren, MS, MCHES. “Age-appropriate conversations about healthy relationships should begin with both boys and girls early in a child’s life and continue through young adulthood. Studies show teens cite parents as having the most influence on their choices and behavior around sexual activity, and we are happy to work with parents to help equip them to have those conversations with their children.”
Despite successes, adolescent pregnancy remains a significant problem in Tennessee. Although Tennessee’s teen birth rate has consistently declined, it is still markedly higher than the national rate of 24.2. Adolescent births have serious consequences for the teenage mother and her baby. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy, adolescent parenthood is linked to many negative consequences for mothers, fathers and their children. Compared with those who delay childbearing, adolescent mothers are more likely to drop out of school, remain unmarried and live in poverty. Their children are more likely to be born at low birth weight, grow up poor, live in single-parent households, experience abuse and neglect and enter the child welfare system.
The Department of Health has adopted a broad-based approach to providing services to the community to reduce teen pregnancy. Primary areas of focus include implementing a wide variety of approved, evidence-based abstinence education programs; increasing high school graduation rates; reducing the rate of repeat pregnancies; reducing overall teen pregnancy rates; reducing adverse childhood experiences and improving and fostering self-sufficiency.
For more information about teen pregnancy programs and services, visit:
Tennessee Department of Health Adolescent Pregnancy Program
http://tn.gov/health/topic/MCH-TAPPP
The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
http://thenationalcampaign.org/event/national-day-2016     
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/reproductive-health/pregnan…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/parent-guardian-resources/index.htm