Archive for May, 2010

Earlier this week, I was able to visit my family back in Memphis while making various campaign stops on my own, as Bill continued his hard work on the campaign trail and back in the Mayor’s office in Knoxville. I learned so much during my visits and enjoyed meeting with leaders of innovative education programs, visiting a charter school, seeing the work of local non-profits, and visiting with several Republican Women groups in Shelby County.

My visit started at a local non-profit, Service Over Self, a group that works to improve the housing conditions – providing free home repair service to deserving families. I witnessed their tremendous work in Binghampton, and it was inspiring to see their effect in the community. My next visits focused on education, as I learned about innovative programs at New Hope Christian Academy, The University of Memphis Campus Elementary School, and Freedom Prep Academy – a local charter school. It was interesting to learn about the partnerships that these schools made; whether within their community, a local university or well-known programs, such as Teach for America. I had a terrific time at the Shelby County Republican Women Group’s meeting and luncheon. They put on a tremendous program for their members, and I enjoyed seeing friendly faces, as well as making new friends. They are a strong group of women who are visibly committed to furthering conservative principles and have had a huge impact within the Republican party. I made my last stop of the day at the Neighborhood Christian Center, and was inspired to see the true effect this group has, as they have become a source of hope to their neighbors.

I ended my first day with a group of women I know well, my old high school friends from St. Mary’s. It was so great to see some familiar faces and end the day catching up and reminiscing about some of our favorite times while growing up in Memphis.

The next day was a day full of meeting so many new people! I have so many fantastic women to thank for opening up their homes and introducing me to so many. Gina Johnson, Roberta Kustoff, Micki Martin, Kim Pitts, and Ann Sharpsteen each hosted fantastic gatherings, and I cannot thank each of you enough for your kind hospitality! It was a terrific time visiting with each of your groups and making new friends, and I look forward to seeing everyone again on our next stops out in West Tennessee. It was a busy day that seemed to really fly by, and I soon found myself ending the day knocking on doors with my good friend Watty Brooks Hall out in the Collierville Square. Thank you to everyone I met along the day for your kind words of support for Bill, it means so much to us.

All in all, I had a great time back in Shelby County, and I enjoyed seeing some familiar faces from my childhood, as well as meeting some new faces along the trail. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about so many terrific organizations and meet so many outstanding folks. It was great to see the Volunteer spirit shine through from so many, as our state faces a time when our Volunteers are needed most. Bill and I look forward to celebrating this Volunteer spirit in Nashville on Saturday during our appreciation luncheon, and we continue to keep those affected by the historic flooding in our thoughts and prayers.