This Week in Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill Elementary School staff coordinated the celebration of the 200-year old Revere Bell in May. Gathered in the gazebo around the Bell are Kari Rockwell, former Principal; teachers Pam Taylor, Brian Conatser, Charlotte Griffin, Jamie Atkinson, and Ann Schoup of the PH Historical Society Board

Photo and information about Dodge Hall was part of the Walking Trail of former PH Academy buildings placed at their approximate site before the Elementary School was built. Pleasant Hill Ramblings Jean Clark Chronicle contributor

Throughout the week of May 16, a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the casting of the Paul Revere bell that stands beside Pioneer Hall Museum in Pleasant Hill took place at PH Elementary School and the Museum. A committee made up of some Board members of the Pleasant Hill Historical Society of the Cumberlands, teachers in the PH Elementary School, and interested citizens met several times to plan this celebration. During that week, the boys and girls in Grades 3 - 8 learned about the buildings that once made up Pleasant Hill Academy. Many of those buildings once stood where their school is now. A Walking Trail had photos and descriptions of PH Academy buildings placed at the approximate sites on the PHS grounds. Then they crossed the street to Pioneer Hall Museum, the only remaining Academy building, learned about and rang the Bell, and visited Pioneer Hall Museum listening to their teachers and the Museum docents. On Friday, May 19 a School Assembly at 1 pm showcased the School Choir singing an original song, “Paul Revere’s Bell” by Dorothy Faunce. Pat Robbennolt read, “Ring on Dear Bell” and the students learned from a skit by Marilyn Brady, performed by Don Nelson as Paul Revere and Ron Riggs assisting as a “redcoat”.

The Revere Bell’s “birthday” party was held on Sunday, May 21 in the PH Community House with a similar program capped by sharing of a birthday cake. At that PH Historical Society of the Cumberlands' Annual Meeting officers and board members were elected. The Rev. Ted McKnight installed President, Jim Blalock; Vice President, Ed Schneider; Secretary, Pat Robbennolt; Treasurer, Rich Nelson; and Board of Directors: Ann Schoup, Beecher Frazier, Al Dwenger, Jym Mitchell, George Hartz, and Joy Kisinger. Humanities Tennessee sponsors numerous Traveling Teacher Workshops http://humanitiestennessee.org/events throughout the Sate, involving cooperation between town or historical organizations and schools. Yearly, some of the PH Historical Society Board members attend these workshops for ideas. Don Dowdey and George Hartz attended this year, discussing with other participants the ways in which they involved the schools in local history. Pioneer Hall Museum is open Wednesdays from 10 am - 4 pm and Sundays from 2 - 5 pm for your visits until the end of October. If you have visitors at any other time, feel free to call Sharon at 277-5226, Jeanne at 277-3111, or Chris at 277-3742. They will try to arrange a special tour. www.pioneerhallmuseum.net

From Tues, July 18 through Tues, August 8, the Grab thrift shop at 9547 Hwy 70 W in Pleasant Hill will be distributing 5 complete outfits at no cost for Pre-School through 12th Grade in preparation for school. Store Hours are 10 am – 4 pm Tues, Thurs, & Sat, 10 – 2 pm. Call 931-287-3018. The Grab is happy to report that there is a steady increase in sales at their new location across from Main Street in Pleasant Hill. Last year, their “Back to School” program was a big success as a total of 118 students received free clothing and school supplies. Many thanks to The Grab manager, Donna Iles, and all volunteers and contributors.

Members of the Cemetery Volunteer Committee met with the Pleasant Hill Town Council at their July meeting. Margaret Weirich gave information to Council members about the woolly adelgid, which is attacking hemlock trees in Pleasant Hill and especially the huge hemlock in the Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery. A forester demonstrated the applying of an insecticide to combat it, but much more is needed for such a large tree. Several other hemlocks have been affected and he spoke to and demonstrated for a group of concerned homeowners. Jack Martin, President of the Cemetery Volunteers, expressed appreciation for all of the sprucing up and repairs the Town maintenance crew has been doing in both cemeteries. The Committee will be power washing the stones and other needed work soon. The Town has purchased more tubs for recycling, which are free to Town residents for the monthly recycling pick-up. Presently, only Mayor Diane Savage has the code for activating the disaster siren and she is not always available. Local residents are asked to volunteer for a committee to rotate the responsibility. Call Town Hall, 931-277-3813, if you are interested. Retirement plan options for Town staff are still being considered. The Council approved $1000 for school supplies purchased by Clerk Heather Gunter for donation to PHS. Passing of Ordinance 17-02 authorized the repairing of a culvert on Yonside Drive. Paving bids for resurfacing are being solicited for several road areas around Town.The Council members discussed possible Town-wide events to help bring community members together.

This week in Pleasant Hill:

Mon, July 24, 10 am, Tour of Wharton Homes. Meet at Braun Home front door, 878 W Main.

Wed, July 19, 1:30 pm, Annie Crabtree on piano for Wharton elders’ sing-a-long at Munson Home #2.

Wed, July 26, 5:30 pm, documentaries about Retirement in Room 4, PH Community Church, UCC Main Street & Church Drive in Pleasant Hill.

Wednesdays, 6 pm, Bible Study & Prayer followed by choir rehearsal at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Mission at 39 Browntown Rd near Main St.

Thurs, 2 – 4 pm; Sat, 10 am – 12 Noon, Recycling at PH Town Hall, 351 E. Main St., 931-277- 3813.

Thurs, July 20, 2 pm in Wharton Munson (1) Home, Dicksie Schmitt playing violin. Public invited.

Sat, July 22, 10 – 11 am Community Market pickers are welcome to select produce from the Thomforde/Kilmer garden at 11 Upper Meadows Rd; contributing donations for local hunger alleviation. For information, contact Bob Winkler at 931-277-5977.