Houston County is seeing stars…
Story by Teresa N. Settle

After days, weeks, and months of planning by locals here, it all came down to a two-day visit by members of a state committee who seek to certify “three-star” communities.
The result… Houston County made it.
“You’re in,” said State committee member Ronny Gaither, to a packed house at Erin City Hall for the Houston County Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership banquet.
As the crowd waited with bated breath, Gaither read an official letter declaring that Houston County had qualified as the 70th Tennessee community under the Governor’s Three-Star program.
He praised the evident cooperation of city and county government, the Leadership Houston County Alumni, and the Houston County Chamber of Commerce before stating, “You have much to be proud of,” he said. “You’re in.”
Accepting the award proudly were Randall and Kay French, for the Leadership alumni organization, Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent and City Recorder Linda Bratschi, Tennessee Ridge Recorder Nancy Cobb, Houston County Mayor George E. Clark, and Chamber President Kristi Basey.
Gaither added that he has been working with communities for over 37 years, but coming to Houston County was very refreshing.
“There is such a wonderful spirit [of cooperation and good will] here that I have not seen in probably 20 years,” he said. He also commented on some very nice, new facilities, like the Houston County jail and the new high school.

Chamber Banquet
The 2003 annual membership banquet was held Thursday, Oct. 23, at Erin City Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees were greeted by wonderful fall decorations, both on the exterior and the interior of the building. Area organizations had displays in the foyer to boast all that is good in Tennessee Ridge, Erin, and Houston County. Among the displays were Workforce Essentials, Erin Rotary Club, Highland Rim Economic Corporation, Erin Police Department, Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, Houston County Lions Club, Houston County Health Council, Houston County Public Library and Friends of the Library, and the University of Tennessee’s local Agricultural Extension Service. There was even a display showing how Houston County High School received the 2002 School of the Year Award for excellence in architectural design.
All in all, it was a great night, and Houston County shown like a bright star anyway.

Presidential Remarks
As the banquet got underway, Chamber President Kristi Basey welcomed attendees and cited recent efforts of beautification, including the recent courthouse “bath,” planting of trees, and general sprucing up around town. She recognized State Senator Rosalind Kurita and State Representative John Tidwell, along with the state team here to see if Houston County qualified for the three-star award.
Team members reviewing to see if Houston County qualified included: Bill Shuff, MTIDA; Rural Development’s Tom Mayberry; Tonya Blades of Greater Nashville Regional Council; Angela Fernandez, Local Planning; Bill Edwards, Business Services; Paul LaGrange; John Henry Hedge; Anna Montgomery; Grimm Ramell; Connie Trotter, and Ronnie Gaither, of the Economic Council.
Giving the invocation before dinner was Chamber member Kathy Parchman.
After accepting the three-star award, Basey declared, “Wow, what a way to end a year as president!”

Senator Kurita speaks out
“I love Houston County,” Senator Rosalind Kurita started by saying. “This is a community that works hard together.
Always a favorite with Houston Countians, the senator continued, “Ya’ll always have some great projects going, not to mention some of the best cooks in Tennessee.”
She was referring to the prime rib dinner catered by Houston County’s own George Powell of Southernaire Restaurant.
Sen. Kurita took another moment to ask area residents to keep members of the military—and their families—in prayer. Sen. Kurita had just come from the funeral of a Ft. Campbell soldier who died in Iraq.
Rep. John Tidwell also commented on what an honor it was to attend the chamber event and to share in the news about the three-star award.
“You may not realize now, but this opens the door to you for economic opportunities,” he said.
Rep. Tidwell said he enjoyed the drive up from the south looking at the fall foliage.
“Houston County is one of the prettiest counties I have ever seen,” he added.

Auctioning for a good cause
One of the highlights of the chamber banquet each year is an auction. Houston County’s Randy Gill, assisted by his daughter Morgan, auctioned of some highly coveted items as follows:
• A pound cake made and decorated by Byde Simpson sold for a whopping $45. The high bidder was Wanda Dority.
• Randy Baggett went home with a $75 gift certificate to Southernaire Restaurant.
• Erin’s Dr. Doug Ligon grabbed Predators hockey tickets for $75.00.
• John Law thrilled his wife Adrienne when he purchased a wooden vase handmade by Benny Ferrell and donated by J.V. Averitt Lumber Company for $100.
• Bro. Robert Mitchell was the high bidder of a colorful, handmade quilt, paying $115.
• And finally, the most coveted prize of all each year… Tennessee Ridge resident Gene Parrish’s handmade duck call. After ardent bidding, Sam Fussell waddled away with it for $180. Parrish, who was present with his lovely wife Wanda, even said he would donate ten percent of his duck call proceeds between now and Christmas to the chamber.

The Evening’s Entertainment
Houston Countians were bathed with “culture” Thursday night as the group “Amadeus” performed dinner music. The quartet included three violins and a cello. The musicians hailed from surrounding communities. On the cello was Kristen Johnson of Clarksville; Violinists included Dallas Blackwell and Usha Mani of Dickson, and Lora Brown of McEwen. They played classical music and even circulated through the tables as the meal was enjoyed. Anyone wanting to book Amadeus may call Brown in McEwen at (615) 289-6954. If they mention the chamber event, she will waive the booking fee.

New Chamber Officers Inducted
As Chamber President Basey stepped down in an emotional tribute to her grandfather, and with thanks to many who had helped her this year, John Law presented the new slate of officers for the coming year.
The 2004 President is Dana Miller; Vice President is Becky Averitt; Secretary is Judy Stephan; and Treasurer is Anne Baggett. New directors added to the board include Mary Chappell, Kay French, Meridith Baggett, and Judy Stephan.
They join other board members including: Becky Averitt, Paul Bailey, Gina Bell, Linda Bratschi, Mark Carson, Ray Fussell, Robin Freeman, Russ James, John Law, Robin Lyle, Diane Lynch, Dr. Dan Martin, Bettye McKinnon, Dana Miller, Jane Parchman, Lajuana Parchman, Natalie Short, Drew Taylor, Donna Underwood, and Freda Whitaker.
The event concluded with closing remarks by upcoming Chamber President Dana Miller.
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Toy Run Triumph
Submitted by Teresa N. Settle


When 170 motorcycles roared through Houston County Saturday, Oct. 18, everybody was smiling: the bikers, the residents enjoying the show, and especially the children.
This year’s Sixth Annual Houston County Toy Run was bigger and better than ever. More bikes, a longer route, beautiful weather, more toys collected, and added events. It made for a sweet success story.
The bikes left Danville shortly after noon and traveled up Hwy. 147 to Gray’s Cross in Tennessee Ridge before turning onto Hwy. 49 to head into Erin. The 17-mile trek made by bikers ended in downtown Erin as they turned down Spring Street for the Betsy Ligon Park Pavilion.
There the cyclers, clad mostly in riding gear and black leather, parked their rides and proceeded to fill the back of a truck knee deep with toys so needy children in Houston County will have a merrier Christmas.

Erin Police Department

Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman was very pleased with the event’s success. Chief Parchman said the event has grown in the last six years. Originally started by the Erin Police (EPD) and Fire Departments (EFD), Chief Parchman enlisted the help of a Clarksville biker organization called Bikers Who Care (BWC). Then two years later, the family of Betty Wyatt got involved to help the event.

Erin Fire Department

Erin Fire Chief David Hardin said this year’s event was a smooth ride for all involved. Not only was it longer (in previous years bikers have ridden from Tennessee Ridge’s National Guard Armory), but more bikers participated.
“The weather was fantastic,” Hardin said, and no accidents were reported.
EFD member Brian Richardson agreed about the day, reminiscing about the rain last year that caused a low turnout. Richardson said more toys were collected this year as well.
If you missed the event but would still like to contribute to the cause, the EFD will continue its Toys for Tots collection with a roadblock in Houston County on Nov. 1.

Bikers Who Care

The Clarksville BWC has been the “driving” force of this local event, bringing many out-of-town participants to the small town of Erin to help a neighbor in need. The current BWC President, Bill Langford, was on hand, as well as numerous others. BWC member Jim Scott, also of Clarksville, rode one of his two Harleys (he claims there is no other bike)), a 1979, in the run.
When asked about riding in general, Scott said bikers enjoy a better look at nature and just getting out on the road. “It’s just a thrill,” he added.
Also on hand was BWC member Booger Watson. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the annual Bike Toy Run in Clarksville each year is in memory of Watson’s father, Leslie W. Watson.
Booger’s father was the owner of the first full-time motorcycle shop in Clarksville back in the 40’s. Following in his daddy’s footsteps, Booger builds Harleys himself. During the Erin run, Booger rode a 1946 H-D Knucklehead which he described as “radically customized.”
The bike he built has twin carbs, fat tires, a custom (low) body, and at least 25 handmade pieces. It also has a history—as the paint job will attest. Painted in the traditionally Harley colors of orange and black, it also sports a lot of silver—to represent the color of his father’s first bike—and it has lime green tips to remind Booger of the color of his first bike back in the 70s.
Booger’s wife didn’t ride in style on the back of his back, but instead styled on her own ’39 Knucklehead. A former dirt bike rider before meeting him, Susie Watson said her husband introduced her to the “awesome” world of Harleys.

Betty Wyatt Memorial Fund

The family of the late Betty Wyatt of Houston County was also on hand to participate in this year’s event. Her son, Danny, who now lives in Lavergne, said his mother loved Christmas and kids.
She used to run the local Dollar Store and after she died, her family decided to continue the tradition. It’s their fourth year to be a part of the run.
“We buy $1,000 worth of toys,” Wyatt said, along with helping to select needy families and making up Christmas baskets. Last year the Wyatt family also sponsored 20 residents at the local nursing home for Christmas. Throughout the year, they have yard sales and sponsor a dance as a fundraiser.
“It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work,” he said.

Local Bikers

Nobody seemed to get into the ride more than the local bikers. Erin resident Bruce McMillan, 74, was probably the oldest participant in the ride.
“I am more than pleased with the committee that organized this ride,” he said, “and the number of bikers with gifts and monetary contributions.”
McMillan rode a Yamaha trike, and he wasn’t alone. His young, female companion was his granddaughter, Caitlyn Walker. Walker, a fourth grader at Erin Elementary, said she had fun riding with her “poppy,” adding that he’s a safe driver. Her only complaint: “He needs to go faster!”
Carl and Pam Bland of Cumberland City are among several bikers at their Erin church, First Assembly of God, and the couple enjoys biking in their spare time. However, in Carl’s line of work—the oil field exploration business—he’s only home about a third of the time.
Pam, who works for a real estate closing attorney, said, “I think it’s a good thing for people on motorcycles to bring these toys for the needy kids of Houston County.”

Local Residents and Businesses

Young and old residents alike turned out to enjoy the food, festivities, musical entertainment, and even a first-ever auction, not to mention just walking around in the beautiful weather admiring the variety of old and new bikes—from vintage to sporty to custom.
There were loud bikes, low-down bikes, shiny chrome flashing everywhere, fancy helmets, fringe, and flames. It was a sight to behold, and area residents and business owners look forward to the annual event as well.
Gene Bell of Bell’s Florist and More said, “I think this is a wonderful event… People don’t realize how big the hearts of bikers are. Maybe this event will show it.”

In Loving Memory

The weather was great, the turnout supper, and many firsts were accomplished this year, but for Emerald Acres resident Jack Jordan, it was also a day to remember old friends.
Jordan, who has been riding for 38 years, said this year’s Houston County Toy Run was dedicated to the memory of Bill Short and Ernest Shockley.
“Ernie was the oldest member of BWC,” Jordan stated. And Short, who died last year, was Ernie’s son-in-law.
Short’s widow, Sandy, of Houston County rode this year on the back of a bike belonging to her brother-in-law, Houston Countian Sammy Mathis.

Other Sponsors

Other sponsors, along with EPD, EFD, BWC, and the Wyatt family, included the City of Erin, Coca-Cola, Houston County Printing, Images, B.J.’s Diner, Cleghern’s Piggly Wiggly, Bell’s Florist & More, Magnum Manufacturing, Wright Wrecker Service, Erin Auto Body, Houston County Tire, AmSouth, The Irish Grille, and Tennessee Ridge NAPA and ACE Hardware.

As for next year…

As for next year’s bike run, everyone was in agreement, hoping next year’s run is even bigger and better. What with this year’s success story, that just might be a tall order. But with so many fantastic sponsors, local support, and terrific participants, it will definitely be worth watching again!
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