Handling rowdy children just got easier
Some of you may recall a Business Pulse column I wrote about a year ago involving the many wonders of duct tape. And among those many wonders, I wrote in jest, was the fact duct tape could be used to keep small children quiet during church.
Those comments were greeted, in general, by absolute uproar. The fact we used the Standard’s nifty computer graphics to doctor up a photo of my son, Benjamin, with duct tape over his mouth didn’t help my cause.
Some folks called for my resignation. Others called for my arrest.
So it’s with a bit of reluctance I tell you about my next great idea for keeping kids under control when they begin to exhibit undesirable behavior. And considering Benjamin is now 2 years old – I’ve found there’s a reason it’s called the terrible 2s – there are plenty of opportunities for him to go bonkers.
But parents of young children, I’m here to tell you that your troubles are over. Dig out that old kitty carrier from the closet or the garage and you’re in business. I think most folks will be surprised at how easy it is to squeeze a small child into one of those carriers, if a person were inclined to do such a thing.
Now I’m not trying to tell you how to raise your kids. Don’t rush out and stuff little Billy in the kitty carrier if you don’t want to. But you can see by my sample pictures at the right how easy the process really is.
Actually, before someone attempts this stunt, I should issue this disclaimer: Parents don’t try this at home. It’s merely Business Pulse foolishness not to be taken seriously.
As for other odds and ends that should be taken seriously, how about the bizarre story emerging from Omaha, Nebraska last week. I bring you this story because it may be one of the most insensitive things I’ve ever heard.
A woman named Judie Howell was notified by police on her voice mail that her son had been killed in an automobile accident. This is a true story and Howell was justifiably infuriated. She said, “I want to see that police officer reprimanded and I want some kind of training in place so that it will never, ever happen again.”
Imagine her reaction when she strolls over to check her answering machine, maybe expecting a carefree call about lunch or a movie. “Beep ? Mrs. Howell I regret to inform you that your son has died in an automobile accident. Have a nice day ? beep.”
I realize police officers do a great many good deeds, and risk their lives each and every day, but this person must have a bullet lodged somewhere on the brain. If an officer has that little amount of common sense, I hope they’re not allowed to carry a gun.
With that rambling out of the way, I bring you this week’s Business Pulse.
How about Wilma Jean’s Kitchen
So much for new businesses starting out slow. If your name is Wilma Jean Young, and everyone realizes you can cook, it doesn’t take long for word to get around. The result is one crowded restaurant.
“We’ve been real busy,” said Sam Young, Wilma Jean’s son. “This is a lot more than what we expected.”
Added Wilma Jean’s daughter, Regina Matheny, “We’re really pleased with business so far. It’s been packed every day at lunch.”
Some of the folks here at the Standard made our way to the restaurant for lunch Friday. When we finally found a parking spot and walked through the door, there was Wilma Jean working hard on the food line. She was throwing together plates of catfish and fried okra and pinto beans, among other things.
“It’s been a busy day,” she said. “And this right here is the slow part.”
Wilma Jean had planned to open the week of the Fourth, but experienced a few delays and just opened last Monday. Her business is located on Sparta Street where Patsy’s Dairy Chef used to be.
Other meats that are offered on a rotating basis are meatloaf, chicken, roast beef and steak and gravy. Asked what’s been the biggest hit so far, Regina said that’s been a surprise.
“We’ve gotten the most compliments on our liver and onions,” Regina said. “I don’t even like it but I must say it did smell good.”
If you don’t have time to eat in the restaurant, carry-out orders are available at 474-0629.
The rumor mill turning in high gear
Some of you may recall it was about four or five months ago that heavy rumors were circulating about the sale of our Turner’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership. I never reported on those rumors because, quite simply, they weren’t true.
The story went something like this: The guy who was in town to buy Willmore Ford was also going to buy Turner’s in a package deal. Why a Ford and Dodge dealer would be packaged together is something I never figured out. Thus, that rumor never made much sense to me.
However, I have heard extremely reliable information that Turner’s is very close to finalizing a deal which would sell the dealership to a man out of Ringgold, Ga. As you know, I have highly qualified people gathering information for me from every corner of the county so it’s tough to slip one past me.
The way I understand it, a deal could be reached as early as this week to sell Turner’s. Of course nothing counts in business until it’s signed on the dotted line so we’ll just have to wait and see if this deal does get finalized.
And since I’m on the topic of Turner’s, this would be an appropriate time to say my Cupcake just bought a Dodge Caravan from Turner’s last week. If you’re talking about friendly service, they sure know how to treat you right. If new ownership does take over, that’s one thing they shouldn’t change.
Lara Hilliard is back selling houses
If I had to think up a few words to describe Lara Hilliard, I’d call her a “people person.” I’m not really sure where that phrase came from but it usually applies to folks who are outgoing and friendly. And that’s Lara.
After years and years of working a Bridgestone, Lara left the plant in March. She took a job in Murfreesboro as the human resources director for Rutherford County. Sounds like pretty good work if you can get it.
But Lara worked her last day at that job on Friday and now she’s back selling houses at Kirby Realty full-time.
“It’s something I thought a lot about,” said Lara. “And in the end I wanted to focus on my children and this job gives me the most scheduling flexibility. Real estate is kind of in my blood and it was a tough decision because I had a good, challenging position in Murfreesboro.”
Lara has two young children – Rylee, 6, and Park, 7. In joining Kirby Realty, Lara is back with her brother, Bobby, and has also developed a good relationship with Kirby Realty co-owner Lynne Cole.
“We’ve had such a great year here,” said Lynne. “We wanted Lara to come back home and work with us. We want to move forward and expand our business and this has worked out so well. Lara really has a great personality.”
Kirby Realty was No. 1 in the county last year as far as residential home listings and selling production are concerned. To give Lara a call, the Kirby Realty number is 473-3181.
That’s all folks
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