Missing Everyone!

You may have noticed that there haven't been any posts this week---that's because I'm on vacation with my family at the beach. I love spending quality time with my husband, kids and their friends. It has been a wonderful week!

But, it has been amazing to me that in the eight months that I've been a member of the BrightStone family, how much our students have come to mean to me. I've missed Big Mike giving me the thumbs up sign this week.....and Jenny announcing as she enters the building each morning "Jenny's Here!" signifying to all that the day can now begin!.......and Kelly M. throwing kisses.....and Jessica telling me she misses me......each and every day they bring blessings to my life!

Visit by Greyhounds

Yesterday, students were able to learn about the racing life of greyhound dogs! Charles and Roxie Marston brought two retired greyhounds to visit, Trixie and Libby. The students enjoyed walking and petting the dogs, who seemed to love all the attention! The pet therapy session was very informative and lots of fun!

Birthday Celebrations!

Today we celebrated not one, but two, birthdays! During morning snack, we wished our intern, Ms. Leslie, a very happy birthday. And during lunch, we shared cake and ice cream with Justin!

BrightStone featured in Today's Review Appeal

BrightStone recently celebrated National Volunteer Week with a luncheon to honor our volunteers. View this photo of Martha Oldham and story in today's issue of the Review Appeal under "Achievements".

BrightStone Featured in Franklin Life

See article and photo on page 10 of the June issue of Franklin Life regarding a $1000 contribution to BrightStone from the Battlefield Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America! http://c-dh.net/articles/2008/06/17/affiliate/franklinlife/news/09brightstone.txt

Ribbon Cutting for New Bus!

A few months ago during our Songwriters Night event, in the matter of only a few minutes, we held a special fundraising initiative and raised $60,000 for a new bus. Today, we held a ribbon cutting for this new bus! Even with the rain, several representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, parents, donors and friends visited to celebrate with BrightStone students.

Father's Day Presents

Over the past couple of weeks, BrightStone students have been busy preparing cakes or muffins for their dads for Fathers Day. They enjoyed working with Ms. Theresa in the kitchen to mix and then frost these special treats!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!

Barbi's Birthday

Barbi with her parents, Herb & Elaine

Today we were treated not only to pizza and salad, but it was topped off with cheesecake or cookies, to celebrate Barbi's birthday! Yum-Yum! Happy Birthday Barbi!

BrightStone Students Enjoy Sounds Baseball Game

BrightStone students, parents and staff enjoyed a night at the Nashville Sounds ballpark on Friday evening, June 6th. Tickets were provided courtesy of Capital Financial Group!

What a fun outing!

Neslie joins BrightStone Staff!

This week we welcomed a smiling new face at BrightStone! Neslie Brandon joined our staff team as Receptionist and everyone will have an opportunity to meet her when you visit BrightStone. Be sure and introduce yourselves and tell her who you are and what your connection is to the BrightStone family!

See BrightStone in VIP Franklin Magazine--June Issue

Check out this photo and related article from BrightStone's participation in Special Olympics
on page 49 of the June issue of VIP Franklin Magazine!

Photo includes members of the Sonic management team with BrightStone student Michael Spaulding.

I'm Excited About BrightStone's 2008 Golf Benefit

Met today with a potential new golfer and new support partner, referred to me through a BrightStone parent. I am excited about presenting new golfing materials, adding the new online fundraising feature, and just being involved for the entire process this year! (Last year I had only been on the job for one week!)

Mark your calendars--the BrightStone Golf Benefit will be on Monday, October 6!

Here's a photo from last year's Golf Benefit....can't wait till this year!

More Photos from Car Club Visit

Kate Snow, Paul Minor (wearing his racing helmet from the 1950's) and Barbara Chambers

BrightStone Receives Contribution from Local Antique Car Club

Members of the local Battlefield Region Antique Automobile Club of America recently shared not only their prized automobiles with BrightStone students and staff, but also a $1,000 contribution to help further BrightStone’s mission.

Interested in supporting and learning more about local charities, several club members recently shared lunch at BrightStone, meeting the students and touring the facility. “We wanted to make a significant impact with our contribution, and are pleased to assist the adult students at BrightStone with their work based learning program,” said Gerry Schmidt, club president.

Students were able to view and learn about the restoration of the 1957 Ford Thunderbird, belonging to Mr. Schmidt, as well as Mr. Paul Minor’s 1951 Hudson Hornet, affectionately referenced as ‘Doc Hudson’s Brother’ (referring to the popular character from the Disney movie, Cars).