Portland, Tennessee Blog

Are you talking public transportation as in a bus, or taxi service?

when will portland ever get any type of transportation? i am so tired of walking everywhere. when i get home i am tied and myfet burn so bad. i even see 60 and 70 year olds walking because of it. not everyone can afford and keep up a car. please help!

I just looked at the blog section on my computer this a.m. as I am moving to portland in april 2008 because my mother alrady lives in your'e town. Thought it would give me an idea of the personality of the people and business in portland.The thing i noticed the most is cares in portland needs not only new employees that actually like their jobs and people but needs to have a different name. At this point cares does'nt sound appropriate a name for their business. sounds like the great people for the most part in portland need to have a bigger say in the running of their town, an some of the charitable type businesses

Oh, and the Malt-O-Meal factory out by the interstate also donates cereal to CARES all year long.

I know alot of the factories will donate to CARES during Christmas but I had no idea that Food Lion or any restaurant was helping out at other times.

That's GREAT to know!!

Thanks

Helping Hands does still have the meal program, That is the only part of that non-profit organization that still exists, they get about a shopping cart a day from the Food Lion Bakery which includes, breads, cakes, salads, chicken, subs, etc. They also get donations thru the year from Ham factory in Portland, and many many turkeys during the holidays from Food Lion alot of the factories give donations of food & fruit during the Holidays as well. Plus One of the churches donates a certain number of meals every week, that comes from one of the restaurants in town.

Pizza Hut donates to CARES

You are so right DA. Why can't the food places, that you mentioned, donate any food they have left over? Especially any that can be frozen. I'm sure that Helping Hands and others could use some of this food. By the way, does Helping Hands still do the Meals on Wheels? Or better still why couldn't these places "adopt" a local family and give them the left over food?

This is food for thought!!

jj
You make a good point. Does anyone else see a free cup of coffee as a kickback? Yes, there are other people who also deserve "freebies", but who is going to draw the line?

What burns me is the way businesses, from restaurants to grocery stores to factories, would rather throw food away that to donate it to people who need assistance. I came from a very large family, and when I worked in a bakery, I was allowed to take home stuff left at the end of the day for 1/2 price. My siblings thought I had the best job in the world! But the point is, my boss would rather see us enjoy it, and not make a profit, than just throw it away.

Mack, you said, "Portland is not a very sophisticated town. You can't leave things such as these up to the local bafoonery to just operate on their own, or give them the freedom to. They will ruin it."

That, my friends, is one reason why we don't have a variety of restaurants or places to shop. Who in this area is going to work in a nice place and provide customers with a friendly, clean restaurant? Our fast food joints are disgusting, and the service is usually horrible. People here just don't care. I worked in a restaurant here in Portland, and the owner tried to have a variety of food available. Because he refused to run a "meat and three", he soon went out of business. That seems to be what the majority of people in Portland want. Burgers, pizza, or a meat and three.

I'm sure the managers of these places are having a hard time finding reliable, friendly help. But the manager has a responsibility to teach their high school employees to serve the customer, make change correctly, and smile, no matter what. That's what customer service is. I learned that on my first high school job, that's where the managers have such an important responsibility. They are shaping the future work force of our town. I was taught that the Customer is always right. Not so much anymore!

this is in regards to the police officer and the coffee. so many of you think its petty. well i tell you what then, why dont they give free food or coffee to a mother of 6 or 8? why dont they give half off on those who cant afford it?...what because one is a police officer, gives one the right to expect free services or goods?.....the last time i checked i already give these good standing police officers something, its called a paycheck. and where i come from, kickbacks are illegal. even if it is a trivial as a cup of coffee. now your probally thinking, what an arrogant prick, right? well i am an officer, i am a vet, i am a tax payer and most of all, i dont like those that use thier jobs to recieve something they are not entitled for. Its all about the law and who precieves what is right and wrong. and so far, in this town all i have noticed is precieving. shame on you for letting it happen....next time you see an officer getting his meal for free, remember that homeless vet you saw earlier in the week who you didnt even help..

Does Portland even have a dump that's open during the week and on Saturday's? I know my husband had to call and get someone to open the gates for him to throw stuff away. If Portland had a dump open during the day and on Saturday's maybe people would stop throwing stuff in front of CARES. I'm not from Portland and when I first moved here I was shocked by all the junk in front of CARES. Portland needs a major make-over. The town looks junky when driving through town.

As far as a shed, that would just give the dumpers a better place to dump their unsalvageable junk. Portland CARES needs stuff they can resale or reuse, not crap.

I have seen boxes of broken wood and shelving as well as old trophies with other people's names on them dumped there. Not to mention nasty couches or broken TV's. That's why you can't leave a designated after hours dropoff. Period. Portland is not a very sophisticated town. You can't leave things such as these up to the local bafoonery to just operate on their own, or give them the freedom to. They will ruin it. That's why we no longer have the recycle bins. Because people were dumping stuff such as car seats, and old recliners in front of the aluminum and newspaper recycling bins. ( What made that particular scenario even worse was that this went on right beside the police station...geez)

But the biggest thing to me, moreso than the dumping, is when people STEAL the good stuff, which most often goes into their own yard sales....

From what I understand, they simply do not want donations that are not donated during regular business hours . . . period.

CARES has been known to pick up appliances, but that's about it. You can always call and ask, but they are extremely selective about what they pick up.

Amy...good suggestions. A shed would be nice - then things would be protected from the rain.

I don't know this as fact, but someone told me that CARES will come pick up large items if you can't take them there yourself.

Maybe someone who knows about this will know about this and give us an answer.

Some people work odd schedules, not everyone works 7 to 3:30 and off on weekends...therefore there's a problem when you want to donate something. Is there a way that CARES can set up a donation drop somewhere? Or even a mini shed in their parking lot?

I talked with the director of CARES, Penny Martin, yesterday and she shared that some "dumpers" unwittingly left mail and/or other identifiable articles among the junk they left by the roadside over the weekend. CARES is prosecuting.

I agree with the individual who wrote that law inforcement people should say a simple "thank you". I completely agree. No matter what their standing in the community is, it is just good manners to say it.
Now about the CARES. Hello. What is the problem? If someone is going to drop items off, accept them. Gallatin CARES is not like that. They are always helpful and friendly. Maybe Portland Cares should take some pointers from Gallatin Cares.

About cares-I had a school project to volunteer my time to do something "useful" for others. I called cares and they told me to call back the next day, they did not have time because they were closing in 10 minutes. I am sorry, but if you need and use volunteers, it would be worth the 5 minutes of your time to talk to me and tell me a day to come in on. They could have had me come in and sweep and mop for all I cared. I also wanted to donate several left over items that were in EXCELLENT condition after my wife's yard sale, I went 30 minutes before closing time and they turned me away!!! Now, why would I go threw the trouble of going down there when they are open UNTIL x hours, 30 minutes before, get turned away because they didn't want to deal with it or unload it? They could have sat it aside and went threw it the next business day. Its more hassle than it's worth! It is NO wonder why people dump there stuff off in the road there! I think until the CARES EMPLOYESS start CAREING a little more, this problem will continue. I gave a friend the yard sale items, which she turned around and sold 3/4 of it at her yard sale.
But I will never again deal with cares after these two indicants

DA --- beautifully written...and I agree with you one thousand percent ! That's exactly the way I feel about it !

One of the saddest things I see in today's world is ingratitude. It doesn't cost a thing to smile and say, "Thanks," whether it is a police officer getting a freebie from a business or someone who recieves help during a difficult time.

There are people who need our help on every corner, and I believe in helping them when I can. But when they can't even say thank you, by mail or phone, or in person, then I feel used, and I'm less likely to help the next person.

No argument about whether or not the officer in question was deserving of a free cup of coffee. However, nobody should accept something for free, and not even say "thanks."

Remember, Mr. Policemen, our children are supposed to look up to you and what your uniform stands for. If you're in uniform, people expect a certain level of behavior from you. That's part of the responsibilty you've agreed to when you accept a badge.

I think all police officers, military, firemen, etc. should receive full benefits anywhere. If it was not for them, where would we all be. Think about it for a minute.

I see what you're saying now.

No, it doesn't mean any of that at all....after reading that posting about the police and the coffee - I thought the point was the ingratitude and bad manners of the officer ..not to even say "good morning" or "thank you" ... I think it was about the "it's owed to me" attitude. I don't think anyone likes that kind of attitude in any situation.

I am sure that no one cares if the police get free coffee......but it's nice to acknowledge when someone does something nice...and this officer apparently just didn't display good manners.

Does that mean military shouldn't get half price movie tickets? Seniors shouldn't get a discount? Reporters shouldn't get free meals at McDonalds? Okay, that last part never happens.

Our police put their lives on the line for us everyday and you're griping about them getting free coffee.I'd be ashamed.

During football season, Exxon has 1/2 price coffee on Mondays and if the Titan's WIN, it's free. I still say THANK YOU.

I think PC is a wonderful place, with nice and friendly employees, however, I do see Deeann's point of view..so many options are available for this business to operate more efficently and safely. A simple camera or a weekend security guard would pratically dwindle the excess junk hauled in to nearly nothing. How much could these possibly cost? Surely not enough to break the bank and would solve so many issues very quickly. Granted, the dumping is not PC's fault, however, neither is theft for other businesses,but they take action to prevent it by installing alarm systems,security guards,ect.,I don't see how it would be any different for this business

I think I have heard about Mapco giving the police free coffee. If so, who cares? I know if I were a convenience store worker working the graveyard shift all by myself, I would want the poilice stopping by as much as possible.

MDL, yes, that is what I meant. Thanks.

I think DeAnna meant when they moved the chains to the current position all it did was put the stuff closer to the road and off of their porch.

I don't know if the Portland Cares employees are paid or volunteers, but I think one simple solution would be to stagger a couple of employee's hours. Either way, this would work!

It would be most helpful if they could offer one early morning (6 or 7ish) and one late evening (6 or 7ish as well) for donations. Right now the hours are not working people friendly, lol! And with them only being open a 1/2 day on Saturday, that doesn't help.

Granted I think some people (call it lazy if you like,lol) would continue to dump their stuff by the side of the road after hours. My take on that is it's more conveinient for them to get it out of their way and they don't truly care if it could be beneficial to someone (otherwise they would take care to deliver it accordingly!) in need. And they also know they won't get in any trouble.

I admit I've donated items to Portland Cares many times. However, many times I also wind up making a trip to GoodWill because of the more logical hours.

This a.m. when I drove by I noticed more piled up out by the chains than I ever have. Guess the offenders don't feel anyone will follow through with any punishment, so why stop..........?.....

About the coffee - it is completely up to the business. Some restaurants even give them 1/2 food. I don't see a problem with the officer's taking them up on the offer, but I do think that the particular situation you described showed extremely poor manners.

Regarding moving the chains closer to the road.... I don't think they can put those things in the right of way.

I was always led to believe that the PD receive free coffee anytime they want it. I'm not sure, I always pay for mine.

This is totally off of eveyone else's topic here, but here it goes anyway. The other morning i was at the mapco getting some coffee and juice when a portland police officer came in. I was over by the coffee area when the PD came by to get coffee as well. There was also an employee standing by cleaning up the area. I said my hello's and went the the cash register to pay for my items. This is when i noticed that the PD, with coffee in hand just walked out of the store. The PD didnt say hello the the cashier, not a so much as how much do i owe you or anything. Just assumed that it was his/her for the taking. When i got the the register the cashier had noticed i too was in uniform and told me there was no charge for my coffee. I politely thank her but instited on paying for my products. Is it just me or is that just wrong?

I'm talking about the nice Hope Center just down from the I-65 - White House exit - down there on the left. They have furniture, clothes, books, dishes, everything. Is that the main one ?

DeeAnna....the Hope Center in WH has stuff dumped there all the time. I am talking about their location right beside Union Road and Days Inn. The Hope Center on Portland Rd in WH is the OLD location. They only take food donations there. BUt the Hope Center in WH's main location in WH gets stuff dumped there quite often....

Mack...I get that notion because I've never seen any piles of stuff by the road at the Hope Center....
I don't know why I even commented really...nothing will ever be done about it. Do the police fine the people they catch there? I've seen the police talking to people who are there..just wonder if they give them a ticket or what ?

To the poster who said I was bashing CARES, that couldn't be further from the truth. I just think they have a responsibility in this, that's all. I donate tons of stuff to CARES and am a big supporter of them.

I just think there are solutions - and they haven't been serious enough about this problem, that's all to try to solve it. Putting up the rope where they did, just got it off their porch and onto the side of the road !

DeeAnna, I don't know where you get the notion that White House Hope Center doesn't have the same problem. I see where people dump crap right next to the road in front of their locked, gated entrance all the time.

I saw a maroon SUV a few weeks ago loading up the "good stuff" that had been left in front of CARES. I would have called the cops, but I figured, "This has been going on for years, and nothing has been done, so what's the point?"

I, too, think that a security camera would work wonders. They aren't that expensive anymore, and it would prevent both the dumping AND the stealing.

I also agree with the poster who suggested that CARES move the chains closer to the highway, that way these idiots wouldn't have any room to park on the side of the road and steal the good stuff, or dump their crap.

I think the "donations" that are left on the side of the road after hours are not donations,they're junk people want to get rid of.If they were legitimate donations they would be brought in during business hours.Also there are signs up saying that the dumping is against the law and people ignore this and do it anyway.Now how is that CARES' fault.To bash an organization that helps so many of Portland's needy is nothing but B-S.

That is exactly my point. CARES needs to bear some of the responsibility for this problem. They need the donations, so they need to provide a place to accept them,in a way that it does not create this problem. Other places like this do, and I don't see why they can't.

Can CARES not move their chains closer to the street, removing the pull-off area people use to litter and steal? Or could CARES Board of Directors authorize the purchase of a security system that video taped the premises? Who serves on the board anyway?
I don't think that CARES should be fined per say, but I do think they have some responsibility to share in resolving the problem. Our police officers can't be expected to be their round-the-clock security guards. I think everyone would agree they're short-handed enough.

Would you think the same if Hills or Food Lion allowed dumping by their stores?

I'm not offended that you think I made an ignorant statement.

Wow,I've heard everything now.Deanna that is about the most ignorant statement I've read on this blog.I have great respect for the people who operate CARES and the job they do.Every morning they come to work and have to clean up a mess that irresponsible people leave.How in the world do you hold them responsible for the mess left while the store is closed.It would be like you arriving at work every morning with trash dumped all over your desk from the night before and your boss jumping your butt about it.THINK!I just hope you never need their services.

I know CARES is not the ones dumping the stuff, but CARES should be more responsible and provide a place to donate and have it staffed to take care of donations, so this problem is avoided. I think a business should take more pride in what they do than this.
The Hope Center in White House doesen't have this problem and neither does Gallatin Cares.

Maybe the City or CARES should hire a consulting firm to figure out how to solve the problem since they can't seem to figure out how to. I just drove by Portland Cares and ain't nothing changed.

Maybe this dilemma holds the answers Steve White's questions. If they can't figure this out, how do we expect them to figure out something really complicated?

Deanna,
CARES, is not the ones dumping everything on the side of the road. It's the lazy people who have a yard sale, or are moving, and don't want to pay someone to haul their crap away. Fining CARES is not the answer. Imagine if Bubba Joe Do Rag (apologies to Bubba Jo) threw his empties in your front yard and the PPD gave you a ticket for the beer cans in your yard!

Handing out citations to the fools leaving crap on the side of the road, or better yet, having camera's set up to take pictures and printing them in the local papers with their names, or picking up the items and dumping them back in the "dumping perpetrators" yard, might be the way to go!

CARES is a business that has set hours, if you have worthy items to be donated, stop by during those hours to donate.

They can charge them with theft because the stuff is not theirs. As soon as it is dropped in front of Cares it becomes their property. Litter or not.

I know a guy that stopped on the side of the road, not in someones yard, to pick up a bale of hay that was just lying there. It must of fell off a truck some time or another. A cop was driving by, stopped, arrested the guy, hauled him off to jail and he had to make bail. He had to pay a fine and go to shoplifting school.
Stupid, but true. So next time you see something on the side of the road you would like to have make sure no cops are around. Or better yet, let it lie.

The CARES issue has always bothered me from the standpoint that any business would be allowed to have littering going on in front of their place of business. Seems to me, the City should have the backbone to tell CARES they can't operate the way they are and have that stuff on the street like that.
I bet if CARES were fined...the dumping would stop.
I think the responsibility falls on CARES to shape up and run their business right...and not be allowed to do what they are doing by allowing public dumping.

You're right...seems to me stuff lying on the road is litter...and it that's the case...then the City needs to send a truck out and haul it to the dump just like the residential trash that is left at the curb.

I support the police department agreeing to patrol Portland Cares, but I am a little confused how they are going to enforce both the littering AND the theft of property. Wouldn't one charge make the other invalid? If it's littering, how can they charge someone with theft of litter?

I'm not against it by any means. I'm glad something . . . anything . . . is being done. I just don't understand it from a legal point of view.

Did anyone read Steve White's Letter to the Editor this past week in the paper? I though he hit on several great points, and he also pointed out what many of us already see....that it seems only a couple of council members seem to work to move Portland forward but are always overruled.

Will this town ever move forward? That's the million dollar question. Maybe they can hire another "expert" to tell us the answer to that particular question......! Then after hearing his answer, not follow his suggestions (a la impact fee)....this town is a joke.

Ah, I am loving this weather! Makes me feel all autumn-ish :) Speaking of the season, I am wanting to take my son to a pumpkin patch, we have visited one here in Portland,The Bottomview Farm, I believe it is called..Does anyone know of any more close by?