LEADERSHIP PUTNAM CLASS OF 2002 SLOGAN: "Leadership Putnam Class of 2002.....Get you some of that" CITY GOVERNMENT DAY: click photos to enlarge QUALITY OF LIFE DAY - MAY 9, 2002: click photos to enlarge “It’s all about people.” “Because of the passion of a few people a program was begun.” “This is fun day!”      These statements highlight the Quality of Life study as the Leadership  Putnam Class of 2002 recently learned more about the programs, events, and places that make our county an excellent place to live.      The day began with breakfast served at the Cookeville Community Center where Putnam County Parks and Recreation program coordinator, Anita Bay, outlined the wide variety of recreation programs available for all ages.  The twenty-four Leadership Putnam class members then played a competitive, but friendly, game of volleyball.      To learn more about drama and music the class traveled across town to the TTU Bryan Fine Arts building.  Volunteers of the Adult Literacy Council presented drama readings that were essays written by adult education students participating in the Write Voices program.  Brendan Townsend, music director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, then explained that the purpose of the symphony organization is to educate all ages, give people greater prospective and understanding of music, and introduce diverse types of music to the community.      The history of this area is recorded and displayed in two local museums, Cookeville History Museum and the Cookeville Depot Museum.  A tour of the recently opened Cookeville History Museum presented an opportunity to learn about the development of Cookeville and its many changes through the years.  Museum director  Judy Duke challenged class members to remember that history is about people and to be caretakers of history.      Director Rick Woods presented an overview of the many programs, events, and facilities available through the Cookeville Department of Leisure Services and Public Facilities.  The slogan of Leisure Services is “Making the Good Life Better.”  One way of doing that is  co-sponsoring, along with the Police Athletic League, and Cookeville Police Department, the Soap Box Derby on June 22.      Although rain prevented  a class softball game and a tour of the Cane Creek Sportsplex, a ballpark picnic lunch was provided by Community Bank.      The Cumberland Fun Center gave class members the opportunity to roller skate and roller blade.  A tour of the center included a laser-tag room and a climbing wall which are being completed.      To learn a more about the fine arts in the community, the class toured the Silver Maple Gallery.  Brad Sells, wood artist, explained how large trees pieces are sawed, sanded, and finished to become works of art.  Artwork by several local artists is available at the Gallery.      At the building site of the Millennium Pavilion, Jan Tate announced that the pavilion is to be renamed the Dogwood Performance Pavilion.  The pavilion is being constructed to provide free outdoor concerts; the first concert will be June 2.  To support the completion of the pavilion, stones with the donor’s name can be purchased.      CityScape director, Melinda Keifer, led a walk to the Farmers Market.  Fresh homegrown produce will be available Monday-Saturday beginning June 3rd.      The day ended at the Putnam County Library with summary reports on group projects.. Group projects for the year were as follows: Education: the cleaning, cataloguing, and shelving of over 4000 books for the Putnam County Adult Learning Center Library. Business and Economic Development:  a feasibility study of a trolley transportation system for Cookeville. Quality of Life:  The Memorial Mural entitled “God Bless Our Protectors”  which is being painted on the building at Cedar Street and West Broad Street Government:  the compilation and publication in the local newspaper of information about offices in the May and August city and county  elections        Leadership Putnam is a year long study designed to motivate participants to  enhance and develop leadership qualities while studying their community. By Susan Ray HUMAN NEEDS & SERVICES DAY: click photos to enlarge STATE GOVERNMENT DAY: click photos to enlarge ENVIRONMENT DAY: click photos to enlarge FOR MORE INFORMATION Melanie Chadwell Leadership Putnam 1 West First St ~ Cookeville, TN 38501 931 / 526-2211 leadershipputnam@hotmail.com