Sales Tax Holiday offers savings for all Tennesseans
August 7, 2009
Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Revenue reminds shoppers that the 2009 Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for this Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9.This annual weekend of savings provides three full days of tax breaks on clothing, school and art supplies, and computer purchases. Although the holiday provides savings for back-to-school purchases, anyone can take advantage of the savings this weekend.
The holiday begins Friday, August 7 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m. During the designated three-day weekend, consumers will not pay state or local sales tax on select clothing with a price of $100 or less per item, school and art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, and computers with a price of $1,500 or less. Visit www.tntaxholiday.com for more information on the holiday.
“All Tennesseans can use this weekend as an opportunity to save money on back-to-school items and other needed purchases,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “Shoppers have the chance to save nearly 10 percent on all purchases, something that many families need right now.”
Robbie to the Rescue holds grand opening at new facility
May 15, 2009
Robbie Lonon with his wife Vicky and son Robert
Robbie to the Rescue has expanded, they opened a new location at 10610 Highway 79N on May 6th. A crowd of people turned out to tour the new facility and to learn more about Robbie Lonon’s plumbing services.
The Lonon’s aim is to use their new facility to provide enhanced plumbing services to the Paris, Henry County area.
Robbie to the Rescue is fully licensed and insured. [Read more]
Tanner awarded “Spirit of Enterprise” from U.S. Chamber of Commerce
March 27, 2009
Award cites Tanner’s efforts on behalf of economic growth and job creation
WASHINGTON, D.C.: has been awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his pro-growth, pro-jobs voting record in the 2008 session of the 110th Congress.
“In the face of unprecedented economic challenges and in the midst of an election cycle, this Congress made some historic and courageous decisions that impacted the lives of every American,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where businesses can continue to grow and create jobs. [Read more]
Chamber plans “coffee social”
February 18, 2009
The Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly “Chamber Coffee” on Tuesday, February 24, at the First United Methodist Church in Paris from 8-9 A.M.
The First United Methodist Church is rich in local history dating back to the Jackson Settlement Purchase. It was established on its present location in 1925. The First UMC offers both contemporary and traditional services and a special children’s service as well. Outreach programs include televised worship services on Channel Cable 3 and radio broadcasts on WMUF AM/M.
For more information on the morning coffee program, call the Chamber of Commerce. For more information on UMC programs and services, call 642-4764.
Paris Health Expo focuses on YOUR health and well-being
February 16, 2009
Paris and Henry County has shown it loves a good expo, an opportunity to peruse the diversity of opportunities that abound within this geographic area. February 7th’s Health Expo proved to be no exception. The Paris Civic Center was filled with healthcare consumers visiting the over thirty healthcare providers and allied services present to display their various wares and services and discuss health care information and options.
Jennifer Williams and Stacie Plunkett greet Healthcare Expo visitors
In a four hour block of time, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, the Paris Civic Center was a buzz of activity as over six hundred visitors passed through the center’s doors during the sixth annual Healthcare Expo .
Visitors were greeted by Paris Chamber of Commerce representatives Jenifer Williams and Stacie Plunkett, and asked to sign-in and register for free door prizes and give-a-ways. Each visitor received a free gift bag to fill with the free hand-outs and gifts provided by the diverse vendors. Stacie is chairperson of the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee which coordinates the health expo.
At the center of the expo hall’s setup was Henry County Medical Center’s free testing and screening multi-station. Blood pressure checks, blood sugar reading, cholesterol reading, hand grip strength testing and osteoporosis screenings were provided free. The results were recorded and given to each visitor for review with their personal medical care provider. [Read more]
Used toys exempt from new safety mandate
February 9, 2009
August 14th, 2008 former President George Bush signed and set in motion The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. This Act was brought about by the large amount of recalled toys and baby products in the year 2007.
The CPSIA calls for any children’s product exceeding the amount of 600-ppm (parts per million) lead content cannot be sold in the United States. Items that fall under this Act are children’s toys, cribs, pacifiers, children’s jewelry, baby bouncer seats, walkers and jumpers. Any product that can be mouthed, or ingested by a child under the age of twelve must be tested for safety.
This Act will begin today. One year following this date the lead count will drop to a strict 300-ppm, then continues down to 100 ppm. This law will also prohibit against children’s items containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride ) and the chemical phthalate.
This is exciting for parents in that with in the year we will be able to purchase toys and products for our children and have peace of mind that it will not cause long term health problems or that a favorite, beloved toy will have to be taken from our children because of another recall. [Read more]
Dover resident wins F&M Bank $100,000 sweepstakes
December 15, 2008
Tension built at Governor’s Square Mall in Clarksville on Saturday as fourteen finalists in the F&M Bank $100,000 American DreamStakes took their turn —choosing a key and trying to unlock the door that would determine the grand prize winner. At the very end, Ronnie Murray of Dover, the 14th and final contestant, unlocked the door and walked away with the $100,000.
“It’s going to make Christmas a lot easier this year,” confessed the 28-year-old Murray, who said his church would be the first recipient of his good fortune. He plans to write them a $10,000 check. Murray, along-side his wife, Carrie, said he had never won anything. “This is amazing, “ he exclaimed. [Read more]
Holly Jolly Christmas Parade steps off Dec. 12
December 8, 2008
The Holly Jolly Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Henry County Jaycees, steps off in downtown Paris on Friday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Float entires are being sought; entry forms must be turned in or mailed in by December 11 with an accompanying entry fee of $20. The guidelines for float entries include:
- Trailers must be no longer than 16 feet and must be pulled by an ATV or small tractor of 20 hp or less. You may also in a vehicle/wagon, or march.
- Commercial entries will be allowed only if they are Christmas decorated; not just driving through to advertise business. No large floats or boats.
- No objects (candy, gum etc) can be thrown to the spectators.
- All animals must be properly restrained at all times.
- Participants must be at First United Methodist Church no later than 6:00 p.m. and will be entered in the line of march in the order at which they arrive.The Jaycees reserves the right to refuse any entries.
Trophies will be awarded for Best Decorated, Most Christmas Spirit, “Clark Griswold” Award (most lit entry). Please note the category for which your float will be judged.
Send entries to PHC Jaycees, P.O. Box 867, Paris TN 38242. For further information, call 707-0459 or 642-5925. All proceeds will be donated to Families for Paris Parks for playground equipment.
Holiday shoppers beware!
November 30, 2008
Elle-girl's "Dollie"
The holiday shopping season is now upon us. Every retail store, and shopping mall is raising their big ‘Sales of the Season’ signs and each competing for your dollar. Your children’s eyes are beginning to develop that twinkle about them, and letters to Santa are beginning to be drafted.
Before you storm the stores for all the latest toys please take this into consideration.
August 2007 Mattel toys recalls 18.6 million toys that “might contain tiny, dangerous magnets or toxic lead paint”. These magnets inside of the toys if swallowed have been known to connect across intestines and rip a child’s bowls apart.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl is one of the most hazardous plastics to humans and the environment. When heated PVC can produce dioxins, the most potent synthetic chemicals ever tested. (http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/about.htm)
Do you love that “new doll” smell? What you really smell is an additive in PVC called phthalates (“tha-lates”)
Which when ingested or inhaled have been linked to cancer, internal damage, and harm to developing reproductive organs and premature breast development in baby girls. PVC is used in teethers, pacifiers, bath toys and dolls.
According to the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics) fast stats website Number of women ages 15-44 with impaired ability to have children: 6.1 million.
August 2007: Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard. And which well-known character was leading the Toxic Toys Parade? None other than my daughters’ favorite friend, Elmo along with Dora and Diego. Consumers were instructed to stop using the recalled products immediately!
Listed on Keepkidshealthy.com, a site recommended by Pediatricians it is stated that
“Lead poisoning is an important cause of learning disabilities, anemia, growth problems and children exposed to lead may have problems with paying attention and being aggressive.”
500,000 children [in the USA] were diagnosed ADHD in 1985 and between 5 and 7 million were today. (http://www.adhd-report.com/adhd/1_adhd_statistics.html)
"Duck Toy"
While I cannot confirm that lead and PVC is the leading cause in our societies rise of infertility and behavioral problems, it is, I believe, something to consider and pay close attention to. Our daughter was born summer of 2007 when all of the major toy manufactures were coming out and recalling toys due to toxins. Since then we have encouraged our family members and friends to please seek out all natural toys, or Made in the USA products when shopping for our child.
Buying non-toxic toys is not as easy as just going to your local toy store. It takes some research online as well as reading labels. However, great lengths and lobbying have taken place to insure that our children’s toys will not harm them.
August 14th, 2008 President George Bush signed Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. It requires that toys and infant products be tested before they are sold, and by banning lead and phthalates in toys. The bill also will create the first comprehensive publicly accessible consumer complaint database, give the CPSC new resources to protect the public, increase civil penalties that CPSC can assess against violators of CPSC laws, and protect whistleblowers who report product safety defects. Six types of phthalates, chemicals linked to genital defects in males, have been banned from toys along with lead. Also, toys will be required to follow a complex list of rules intended to make them safer. The phthalate provision makes three phthalates permanently illegal and three others temporarily illegal. Don’t however assume that the toys on the shelf are now 100% safe. The new bill does not take affect until Jan. 1st 2009. The Wal-Mart Corporation anticipated this being passed and in March 2008 announced to their toy distributors that they will no longer sell toys containing most phthalates. Toys-R-Us went a step further in saying that after Jan. 1st 2009 they will not sell ANY products containing phthalates (Mothering magazine November/December 2008 issue)
Change is coming, but it is not here yet. What you can do before then is seek out other options. You can find an alternative to most children’s toys. There are all natural blocks, toys, pulling toys, dolls, stuffed animals, cars and trucks, balls, even books!
There are popular brands such as Melissa and Doug Toys, while they have a manufacturer in China all of their toys are tested again according to USA Safety standards. http://www.melissaanddoug.com/toysafety.phtml
A common complaint I find is that these toys, while not easily attainable are also quite expensive. To that I say, “Yes, you are right. BUT! With some searching it can be found. Some of my favorite websites are:
www.etsy.com (just type in all natural toys)
www.happymothers.com They offer no sales tax to all states and offer over 200 Melissa and Doug products as well as many others!
Or you can skip the research and check out my blog every Tuesday where I offer a toy review on a nontoxic toy product, and not only that, I provide you with a link to where you can buy it at the lowest price.
Elle-girl's windowsill of favored toys
Let me also add this, I am in no way a toy Nazi. Our daughter has stuffed animals that probably contain who knows what! We do have random McDonald Happy Meal toys and Mr. Potato Head parts strewn about. I am diligent against Fisher Price and stay up to date on all recall products. As a parent it is our responsibility to ensure our children are safe. I will also add this, if your child is older and past the age of taste testing every thing lying with in reach, then you probably have less to “worry” about. I do however urge parents of babies, toddlers and Pre-School children to do a little research before they do their holiday shopping. I think you will be surprised at all the classic, charming and non-toxic toys that are available out there to us. Allow your children to shop online with you. Expose them to new options and a new way of thinking. It will not only be healthy for them but also healthy for our environment.
Best of luck! And Happy Shopping!
‘Christmas in Paris’: Home-based entrepreneurs showcase holiday gifts and services
November 30, 2008
Shop local!
At Christmas in Paris, a unique Expo featuring the gifts, products and services from home-grown entrepeneurs, local vendors marketed everything from personalized Christmas ornaments, candles, Longaberger baskets, children’s specialty clothing, skincare and make-up products and more. All products are marketed by your friends and neighbors, working from home in a cottage-based businesses in Paris.
A stream of shoppers came to 'Christmas in Paris' seeking unique items for this season's gift giving.
Here’s a sampling of the offering at Christmas in Paris:
Simply Forever offers silk flower arrangements, centerpieces for your dining table, wreaths for all occasions wall pockets, garlands and more. Owner Lindsey Dooms is the creative force behind the designs. Call her at 270-753-9965.
Children's literature is showcased by Usborne Books
Usborne Books offers “the books kids love to read.” Amber Butler, an educational consultant, organizes home shows, book fairs, school and library book sales, and fundraisers, with the medium being a wide slestion of quality books. Contact cajbutler@bellsouth.net for more information.
Tastefully Simple creates “the food you love, the time you deserve,” is melanie Fry’s business: she does the work you might not have the time to do. It’s all in the preparation and the preparation is perfect. If you are planning a specail event, contact Melanie Fry at simplymelanief@gmail.com.
Tupperware. What can be more classic for your everyday kitchen needs? Dealer Christy Reynolds has all the storage containers, bread boxes, cake keepers, measuring cups and spoons top keep your kitchen organized. Contact her at www.my.tupperware.com/christyreynolds.
Specialty jewelry in vibrant colors
Independent Beauty Consultant Teresa Paschall has all the Mary Kay cosmetics you need to keep your skin healthy and your make-up soft and natural without any skin-damaging effects. Contact her at tpaschall1@marykay.com.
Arrie Marie Bernard is Your Pampered Chef Consultant; it’s her job to find the chef in you. products, services, ideas for gourmet cooking all start here. Contact her at amariebernard@yahoo.com.
Arbonne International’s Pure Swiss Skin Care, although formulated in Switzerland, is made in the USA. Whether you are concerned with coloring, nutrition or aromatherapy, or anything involving the care of your skin, contact Jennifer L.V. Britt at jbritt40@earthlink.net.
Nothing beats a plateful of crunchy toffee from Gio Bella.
Amythyst. Amber. Garnet. Gold, Silver, Ruby. Big and bold or small and delicate. Gail Pond’s Premier Designs is your stop for unique High Fashion Jewelry/Accessories. Contact her at ponderosa@wk.net.
Having a party? Loop de Lou Stationary has just the invitations you need!
Homemade sourdough breads. Plain, Cinnamon swirl, garlic and cheese or blueberry. ythe toughest part is choosing which one to bring home. Bear Creek Breads is your best stop for premium quality breads. Contact Bear Creek Breads at 731-642-5362.
