Community Connections in Fairview

Published September 2, 2010

There's a renewed and concentrated community spirit sweeping through Fairview, thanks to a new program that will benefit students at Fairview, Pinewood and Westwood elementary schools.  It's called Community Connections and it started when local business owner Jeff Hudgens decided he wanted to connect small business and community members to the local elementary schools in an effort to support and promote the schools' activities and goals.  So far, 46 business and individuals have signed up for this exciting new program.

"I am overwhelmed with the eagerness and willingness everyone involved has shown," said Hudgens.  "The outpouring of community spirit is tremendous.  I wish every community could feel the love and satisfaction we are experiencing here in Fairview and the Pinewood community.  The backbone of any small community is the small business owner, and as always, Fairview has stepped up to the plate."

Hudgens said he had thought about this idea for the past several years but didn't know how to implement the plan until he started talking with Fairview and Pinewood Principal Joan Tidwell, Westwood Principal Nancy Simpkins and Superintendent Mike Looney.  "They very graciously let me implement my plan to bring everyone together," said Hudgens.

The plan is simple.  It calls for businesses and community members to adopt an elementary grade level.  The teachers will work with the business or community member to see how a partnership can be formed.  For instance, a bank might provide guest speakers for a math lesson; a seed company might provide seed for students who are studying plants; or an individual might make a monetary donation to help buy supplies.

“We plan to listen to the volunteers about their need to help in the school as well as share the needs of the school,” said Simpkins.  “We appreciate Jeff and his hard work in connecting our school and our community.”

The feeling is the same at Fairview and Pinewood elementary schools.

“We are so excited about the opportunity to partner with businesses in our community and so appreciative of everyone’s willingness to support our kids,” said Tidwell.  “It will be fun to see all of the ways we can work together to make our community even stronger.”

Hudgens believes Community Connections is here to stay and has big plans for the future.

"I would love for these small businesses to stay involved with these grade levels all the way through graduation," said Hudgens.  "It would be awesome for the community, schools and kids to have such interaction and a sense of belonging to each other."

Business and Individual Sponsors

·         Design-1 Hair Salon (Jeff Hudgens)

·         Signs and Wonders (Skip Hulan)

·         Tam’s Embroidery (Tammy Suffridge)

·         Mane Frame Hair Salon

·         Star Physical Therapy

·         United Country (David Hudgins)

·         Pro Kids Daycare and Learning Center

·         Spectrum Hair Salon (Robin Rusch)

·         Dr. Mike Looney (School Superintendent)

·         Fairview Beauty Salon (Mary Binkley)

·         You Heavenly Dog Salon and Spa

·         Dunkin Donuts

·         Harpeth Memorial Garden (John Schultz)

·         First Bank

·         Eddie Arney (City Commissioner)

·         Stewart Johnson (City Commissioner)

·         Tony Sutton (City Commissioner)

·         Allan Bissel (City Commissioner)

·         Ken Brison (Mayor)

·         Farm Depot

·         Resurrected Closet

·         Fairview Transmission

·         Jeff McCord

·         Fox Insurance

·         McDonald’s

·         Fifth Third Bank

·         Big Dog Realty (Jon Cherry)

·         Bank of America

·         Thrivent Financial

·         White Oak Animal Hospital

·         Fairview Car Wash

·         Teresa Lampley

·         Loraine Threlkeld

·         Janet Demonbreun

·         Geneva Sheeran

·         Jessica Hennen

·         Julie Farris

·         Barbara Seabourne

·         Dan Cottone Heating and Air LLC.

·         Joe Jones

·         Hall’s Garage

·         John Shults

Individual Pledges

·         Arlene Green

·         Duncan Potter

·         Samantha Walker

·         Paul Buttrey (Unique Auto Sales)