I recently joined with Kiwanis President John Mayfield to introduce Girl Scout CEO Agenia Clark to the Cheatham County Kiwanis Club.  I met Ms. Clark at an Austin Peay State University breakfast for Montgomery County State Legislators and the Tennessee Board of Regents.  Finding out I was from Cheatham County, she began telling me about the proposed renovations for Sycamore Hills Girl Scout Camp.  It was hard to tell who was more excited about the potential for the camp located in the center of our community.  The great news for the camp will also be great news for Cheatham County.

I thought the Kiwanis Club would be a good first step to sharing the information with others in our area. I appreciate John Mayfield for making this meeting happen.  Ms. Clark, along with several officials from the Girl Scouts Organization and Camp Sycamore Hills made a presentation of the details for improvements and additions to the existing facility.   Plans include a new equestrian facility, an olympic-size pool, along with significant renovations and improvements to the "Red Barn."  The organization is expected to spend approx. $5.5 million for the improvements.  The Girl Scout property already has a high and low ropes course, cabins, walking trails and, of course, the John E. Mayfield Swinging Bridge. 

I couldn't help thinking of all the possibilities to increase tourism revenue for our county.  Tourism is an industry that has no "smoke stacks," yet can provide a great source of tax dollars from people that visit our county, eat in our restaurants, buy goods at our stores, but live somewhere else.  This outside source of revenue can help businesses thrive and lessen pressure on property tax as the main source of funding for our local governments.  While the focus and priority of the camp will be the development of young ladies through the Girl Scout program, the property and facilities have the potential to become a premier multi-purpose site.  Corporate retreats and training, equestrian events, field trips for our schools, and swim team training are just a few of the possibilities.  A nice gathering facility would also enable organizations to stay in-county for large events such as the Cumberland Ball and the Lions Club Gala. No longer would we need to go out of county for an appropriate venue.  Having such a gem located in Cheatham County would enhance our economic and community development; maintain the beautiful environment of our county, while protecting the quality of life in our communities.  To coordinate the effort with our state government, I invited Lee Curtis and Sue Ann Bone of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to join us for the meeting.  Ms. Curtis actually attended Camp Sycamore Hills as a young girl.  She shared the great potential benefits for our county by working together with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
It is my hope that everyone in Cheatham County will join in my excitement and support the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee in the effort to make the Sycamore Hills Girl Scout Camp the outstanding facility and property it can be. For more information on how you can help, contact Girl Scouts of Tennessee, 4522 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204.  Telephone 615-460-0207 or 1-800-395-5318

State Representative Phillip Johnson serves the 78th District which consists of Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.

Pictured is Cheatham County Mayor Bill Orange, Theresa Carl, Vice President of Development  Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee,  Agenia Clark, CEO Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee,  State Representative Phillip Johnson, Sue Ann Bone of the TN Dept. of Tourist Development,  Lee Curtis of the TN Dept. of Tourist Development,  and John E. Mayfield, President Cheatham County Kiwanis

March 6, 2008 Contact: Celeste Thomas, 615-741-7477


Tennessee Etiquette School appears before the House Education Committee Recently Rep. Phillip Johnson provided an opportunity for the Tennessee Etiquette School to make a presentation of their program to the State House of Representatives Education Committee. Helen Hawk and Stephanie Rountree of the Tennessee Etiquette School were joined by Lynn Seifert, Cheatham County Director of Schools, Ruby Payne, Principal of Hanley Elementary School in Memphis, Gary Binkley, Executive Director of Cheatham County Chamber of Commerce, Don Peterson, Board member of T.E.S.T., and Beth Campbell Counselor for Ashland City Elementary School in presenting the benefits and results of a program which emphasizes courtesy, good manners, non-violent conflict resolution, and bullying prevention. Cheatham County is leading the way with a pilot program at Cheatham Academy. The program is currently implemented in all of Cheatham County’s pre-K and kindergarten classes. Rep. Johnson had the honor of presenting graduation certificates to the young men and women from Cheatham Academy and the GED/Diploma classes upon their graduation from the Tennessee Etiquette School. “I was so impressed by the graduates of the Etiquette School program. Their manners and courtesy were outstanding,” Rep. Johnson said. “Disruptions in our schools are one of the most difficult things teachers face. I hope this program will become a tool for our school systems as a way of dealing with discipline issues and violence.” “Social skills are the great equalizer. Good social skills transcend social class, economic status, academic achievement and race,” Ms. Hawk said. “Schools are where children socialize and where instructions on social skills can be taught and reinforced over a long period of time. Practice makes permanent.” Legislators on the Education Committee asked for more information they could refer to their local school districts and directors of schools. Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.

    State Representative Phillip Johnson announced that the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) has sent letters to homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages in the 78th Legislative District. Persons receiving the letters have a mortgage with a interest rate change occurring between April 1 and June 30, 2008. “"Adjustable rate mortgages can be a risky method for purchasing a home,” said State Representative Phillip Johnson. “Many people are attracted to the low initial interest rates, not realizing the dramatic increase in payments that can occur when the rate goes up. The prepayment penalties can also make refinancing very expensive. I would encourage home owners with an adjustable rate mortgage to take advantage of the THDA guidance and available assistance. I would also advise those considering a home purchase to avoid a potential financial crisis by acquiring a loan with a fixed interest rate and a payment that does not threaten the family budget." THDA makes mortgages to first-time homebuyers, but offers only fixed rates. It is working as a facilitator to help those facing unaffordable mortgage payments. THDA identified homeowners who made adjustable rate mortgages within the affordable sales price limits of its programs. Each quarter, THDA is writing to those homeowners urging them to review their mortgage documents, confirm they can afford the new interest rate or to call a national information line that will provide the name of a local foreclosure prevention counselor, 1-888-995 HOPE. THDA is a political subdivision of the State of Tennessee. THDA is the state’s housing finance agency, responsible for selling tax exempt mortgage revenue bonds to offer affordable mortgage funds to homebuyers of low and moderate incomes through local lenders, and to administer various housing programs targeted to very low-, low- and moderate-income households. THDA was established in 1973, making its first mortgage in 1974. It has provided affordable fixed rate mortgages to over 96,000 households without using state tax dollars. THDA issues between $250 and $300 million in mortgage revenue bonds annually for its first-time homebuyer program. In the year 2007, THDA created the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund using state, THDA and locally-generated match to support programs for the very-low income, elderly and special needs populations. More information about THDA is available on-line at www.thda.org. Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.

November 13, 2007

Representative Phillip Johnson announces Cheatham, Montgomery, and Williamson Counties to receive grant for security equipment

NASHVILLE –
Representative Phillip Johnson (R-Pegram) announced today that Cheatham County, Montgomery County, and Williamson County will receive security Enhancement grants. The money was granted by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The counties will have to provide funds as well, matching 10% of the grant.

Cheatham County will be receiving a $30,230 grant for security enhancements, specifically for handheld metal detectors, walk-through magnetometer, an x-ray machine, and new audio/visual equipment.

Montgomery County will be receiving a $24,999 grant for security enhancements, specifically cameras that will serve as a surveillance system, and new audio/visual equipment.

Williamson County will be receiving a $17,999.20 grant for security enhancements, specifically cameras, a new surveillance system, and new audio/visual equipment.

“I want to thank the AOC for awarding grants to the three counties I represent,” stated Representative Johnson. “The grant money will ensure our citizens additional safety at our courthouses. I believe this will help bring long-term benefits to the citizens of the 78th District.”

Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.

October 3, 2007

Rep. Phillip Johnson announces Harpeth High School
Named 2007 Blue Ribbon School

Nashville, TN – Four Tennessee schools received Blue Ribbon Schools awards from the U.S. Department of Education. This national award recognizes schools that dramatically improved student achievement or performed in the top percent in the state on annual tests. Tennessee’s 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools are Jacks Creek Elementary in Chester County; Holstein View Elementary in Bristol City, Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge City; and Harpeth High School in Cheatham County.
“These schools have implemented the best educational practices and resources to increase the academic achievement of their students,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “I congratulate these schools on modeling the best of what public education is about – helping all students reach their greatest potential.”
“I am very proud of every school in the 78th district, and especially proud of Harpeth High School for excelling as a top performer.  An outstanding principal and quality teachers have guided hard-working students to attain this distinction,” said Rep. Johnson.
Schools may be nominated based on two types of performance. The first category recognizes schools with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students that make exceptional progress on annual achievement tests. The second category honors schools whose students perform in the top 10 percent of all the state’s schools. Two Tennessee schools serving at least 40 percent disadvantaged students also performed in the top 10 percent in the state.

School	Principal	System	Category
Jacks Creek Elementary	LaTasha Phillips	Chester County Schools	In top 10 percent in the state with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students
Holstein View Elementary	Tom Parker	Bristol City Schools	In top 10 percent in the state with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students
Jefferson Middle School	Bruce Lay	Oak Ridge City Schools	In top 10 percent in the state
Harpeth High School	Jenny Simpkins	Cheatham County Schools	In top 10 percent in the state

“The criteria for this award are not easily met. Blue Ribbon status represents a tremendous amount of work on the part of both staff and students at each school,” Federal Programs Director Julie McCargar said. “This is a notable honor for everyone involved.”
The Blue Ribbon Schools award program was created by the No Child Left Behind legislation in 2002. The principal and one teacher from each 2007 Blue Ribbon School will be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. November 12-13.

For more information, contact
Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us

      Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.