Bill Zechman - State Farm Agent

10/10/2021

Facebook;s unsteady software somehow dropped the first part of my post, which should have read: In August 1945 WILL H CATHCART, serving with the US Navy, was among tens of thousands of Americans...

10/10/2021

ericans preparing for an expected invasion of mainland Japan. Such a crucial and decisive efforts against a determined foe would have been extremely costly on both sides. But American science and technology produced the atomic weapons that finally won World War II in the Pacific. "WILL H," as he is affectionately named by family and friends, was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the homeland and its civilized, humane values. ... After the Japanese Imperial government surrendered, WILL H became among the first of the conquering forces to set foot in what remained of Hiroshima. ... Today, October 9, family, friends and neighbors gathered to wish a happy 100th birthday to WILL H. We celebrate his century of unselfish service to family, church, community and nation. May he enjoy more years of good health, contentment and the happiness of being with family, friends and admirers!

09/25/2021

A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY REMEMBERS THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JERRY COOPER. Just to be frank, when we were classmates at the former McMinnville City High School (Class of 1966), I would not have predicted that Jerry Cooper would become one of the most productive and honored of Tennessee's public servants. But he definitely grew into that role, and as a long-serving Tennessee state Senator, he moved mountains to improve the lives of all citizens in his 14th Senate District and the Volunteer State. As a loyal friend, he spared no effort or personal expense to help anyone in need. Through his determined, indomitable effort, Motlow State Community College was enabled, with a similarly committed and effective leadership and faculty, to serve more students and to raise them to a higher level of personal development and economic viability and success. Through his "never give up" work ethic, our district enjoys modern, safe, four-lane highways. Who knows how many lives these highway improvements saved by eliminating the constant hazards of the old, narrow, two-lane roads? ... Much, more could be said in tribute to the late Senator Jerry W Cooper. ,,, I just conclude by saying "Thank you, Jerry" for the countless benefits and improvements you brought to our community. And forgive me for underestimating your tremendous potential when we were clueless, thoughtless and mostly silly students at the great old McMinnville City High School! PHOTO: Dr Michael Torrence, president, Motlow State Community College, addresses the audience at Jerry Cooper Day commemoration
at MSCC, McMinnville campus, September 24 2021)

09/15/2021

When it comes to "essential workers," few are more essential than our student nutrition personnel. The Warren County school district is blessed to have a top-performing, highly trained and certified staff of nutrition professionals. Many years ago we called them "the lunch ladies." But now the science and art of designing, preparing and serving highly nutritious, fortifying meals has become a lot more sophisticated--and produces breakfast and lunch offerings that children really enjoy. ... Last Tuesday our State Farm office manager Carol Rutledge and I had the pleasure of visiting Irving College Elementary School and sharing with the students one of the featured offerings, Greek salad, complete with spicy meatballs, Romaine lettuce, pita bread and humus. ... In our classrooms and labs the students are introduced to the wonders of literature, mathematics, science and social studies. In the stylish new dining rooms, they discover wonderful foods they may not have seen on a plate anywhere else. Healthful vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, Brussels sprouts. When properly prepared, these veggies are a delight to the palate, and may lead our youngsters onto a lifetime of health-conscious, enjoyable eating. It's not just about addressing hunger and food insecurity. (Yes, we have plenty of that in Warren County, unfortunately.) But our school nutrition personnel are helping students learn how to satisfy their basic food needs while making the best choices for their lives with good health and vigor. Then they grow up, become parents and teach their children to follow a healthy lifestyle. ... Our compliments to Faye Taylor, Student Nutrition director for Warren County schools, and to each and every employee who works in and supports this vital function. ... In our visit at Irving College, Carol Rutledge captured this happy moment during the few seconds the staff had between waves of students descending on the dining room for lunch. From left: Debra Barkes (teacher assistant), April Roller (cafeteria monitor), Lori Kirby, Vicki Grieves (cafeteria manager), Bill Zechman, Lisa Wells and Michelle Cathcart.

09/12/2021

Just when we're about to give up on humanity, something unexpected happens to make an old cynic like me entertain some hope. Tired, sun-fried and dejected over Tennessee's loss to Pitt, Patricia and I were walking haltingly along Clinch Avenue toward our car at the Hilton on Walnut Street. You know how it is: two miles walking into Neyland Stadium and three miles walking out, and all uphill. ... Out of the blue, we heard a cheerful voice calling to us as Vol Fans (I guess our flaming orange clothes gave a signal). The driver spotted a couple of septuagenarians who were way past their prime doing long walks up and down hills. ... "Jump in; I'll take you to your car," the middle-aged gentleman insisted. So we agreed and climbed into the back seat of his mid-sized four-door and buckled up. Working his way through back streets so as to avoid the torturing Knoxville traffic after the games, he brought us right up to the doors of the Hilton. We strongly offered to pay for the ride but he resolutely refused. ... We learned during the trip that he is an Uber driver. His easy-going, amiable, engaging manner in conversation perfectly fitted him as driver who is often helping strangers in a new city get to their destination in comfort and minimal anxiety. ... We talked about the redevelopment of downtown Knoxville and how it has become a magnet for tourists and locals alike. Politics and religion didn't come up. Those things really don't matter when we are doing what we can with the resources we have to help other people. I surmise our friendly driver is a Christian because he was eager to offer charity when. where and how the opportunity presented itself. (Think about the Good Samaritan who helped the traveler who was left for dead by the robbers. See Luke 10: 25-37). That kind of empathy and generosity toward other people, including those we don't know, is not unique to Christianity. But it is certainly an essential and paramount ethic in any religion that is worthy of our loyalty.

07/11/2021

06/03/2021

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04/12/2021

McMinnville and Warren County can boast of a history of creative, resourceful people. Granddaughter Tallulah ("Touie") Watson joined me and some 20 others Sunday afternoon, April 11, for a walking-history tour of Riverside Cemetery. Mayor Haley, who serves as Warren County's chief executive and also as volunteer WC historian, explained that the William L Swann (1828-1922) monument--while it appears to be carved from a hard stone like granite--was actually assembled from pressed metal plates. This was a fairly standard design in the early part of the 20th Century and could be personalized with the stamped metal entablature plates announcing the name and terminal dates of the occupant of the grave beneath. These plates were fastened to the monument by a few screws. ... When Mr Swann died in 1922 the 18th Amendment and Prohibition were just a couple of years old. But few people who wanted to imbibe were really going thirsty. One enterprising bootlegger served his customers from the inside of the grave marker. He would instruct his clientele to remove one entablature plate from the monument, take the bottles in fulfillment of their orders, and leave payment (cash only, please!) in the hollow interior of the marker. ... As Mayor Haley noted in his cemetery tour, law enforcement officers noticed that a lot of people were visiting Riverside to pay their respects at the grave of a 94-year-old man. When one hapless customer retrieved his goods from the monument, officers sprang from hiding and arrested the unlucky man.

09/27/2020

"...AND THEIR WORKS FOLLOW THEM." In his graveside eulogy September 26 for longtime Warren County Rescue Squad chief Fred Hillis, 80, minister Ray Weddington cited Revelation 14: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on...that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." (verse 13. NKJV) ... Those who knew anything at all about Fred would agree that his labors over many decades were numerous and beneficial beyond measure to countless people. And so we would say that he richly deserved his honored rest with the Lord. ... But what about Revelation's prophecy that "their works follow them?" The statement can mean very different things, depending on one's theological viewpoint. Do "their works follow them" into the grave, never to be seen again by mortal man? Or do "their works" remain on Earth with us who survive? ... I prefer to believe the latter case. Fred's unnumbered acts of service and kindness will live on in the lives of those who benefited from his friendship and volunteer work. ... In this time of divisive, bitter and often toxic strife and conflict in our society, we have the example of Fred Hillis as a selfless, generous and faithful servant of mankind. In stark contrast to the boastful claims of some self-serving politicians, Fred never pretended to be better than anyone else. But he was always first in line to help, never asking for anything in return. ... When contention arose among His disciples about who would be first in the Lord's kingdom, Jesus gently explained that the real leaders are those who serve with humility and grace. In my mind, that's the very picture of Fred Hillis. He will be missed, but his imprint on this community will live far into the future. ... How can we honor and perpetuate Fred's legacy of service? One suggestion would be the Rescue Squad's Christmas 2020 gift collection for the area's underprivileged children. Due to the risk of Covid 19 contamination by way of recycled toys, the squad this year will be helping Santa Claus in bringing only new, unused presents on Christmas Eve. If you'd like to join in this community-wide effort while honoring the beautiful life of Fred Hillis, send your check to the Warren County Rescue Squad, 524 Sparta St, McMinnville TN 37110. Note on the memo line that this is a donation in support of the Christmas gift program.

07/03/2020

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USA! In one of our nation's most impressive displays of American spirit and civic pride, McMinnville's Evening Exchange Club enlivens North Chancery Street with its grand display of the Stars and Stripes on every patriotic holiday. In this time of stress and uncertainty as COVID 19 infection rates are rising and the economic hardships hit millions of our fellow Americans, our parade of flags symbolizes our resilience, strength and determination. We will adapt and do things differently, but we will never be defeated! ... As a powerful affirmation of our community spirit in defiance of all the negatives, the McMinnville Rotary Stars and Stripes Fun Run and Walk launches for the 39th consecutive year Saturday, 7:30 am, from the downtown park. On-site registration will be from 6:30 to 7:20 am, but participants need to pre-register with runsignup.com, according Noon Rotary's Jay Bragg. All 5k runners, as well as the 10-and-under children runners and the leisure walkers are strongly encouraged to wear proper face masks or cloth coverings. Within a few meters from the start line, runners are expected to have sufficient distance to allow them to lower their masks. But after they finish and are awaiting announcement of the race results, all are asked to be back in their masks. These and other basic precautions will be in force for the safety and protection of all the participants and the community at a whole, the sponsoring Rotary Club emphasized. ... The longtime premier event sponsor--the Middle Tennessee Dr Pepper Bottling Company--returns this year to offer commemorative T-shirts and ice-cold Deja Blue bottled water to the contestants. Security Federal Savings Bank, First National Bank-MT, and McMinnville Physical Therapy are co-sponsors for the Fun Run and Walk, a major annual fund-raiser for Rotary's year-round programs of community-building, youth services, educational and public health ;programs. 😊