Mayor Karl Dean Encourages Businesses To Get Involved

Thanks to Nashville Mayor Karl Dean for his column in today’s Tennessean about ways businesses can get involved in volunteerism – including Hands On Nashville Day and the Mayor’s Workplace Challenge! Read the mayor’s column here.

HANDS ON NASHVILLE DAY
If your business or organization is interested in signing up for Hands On Nashville Day (coming up this Saturday, Sept. 22!), check out this page with all the info you need to know.

MAYOR’S WORKPLACE CHALLENGE
This is one of the coolest things about our city – individuals and organizations coming together to make our community a better place for all. And the Mayor’s Workplace Challenge aims to achieve that in three categories: 1) Involved (volunteerism); 2) Green (sustainability); and 3) Healthy (this pretty much says it!)

Read more about the Mayor’s Workplace Challenge. And ask your boss if your company is participating.

Also, here’s a great upcoming opportunity for businesses to learn more about the “Involved” portion of the Challenge on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Hands On Nashville’s office:

Mayor’s Workplace Challenge: “Involved” Lunch & Learn
Thursday, Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Hosted by KPMG and Hands On Nashville

Representatives of Nashville businesses and organizations are invited to a Lunch & Learn hosted by KPMG and Hands On Nashville to find out how to participate in the Mayor’s Workplace Challenge. Hear from representatives who have taken the challenge and learn how your business can get recognized by Mayor Dean for its civic involvement. Complimentary lunch will be provided by KPMG. RSVP by emailing Allison@hon.org.

Mr. Danridge and the Case of the Caulking Gun

Guest post by volunteer Jessica Siegel -

If you had asked me last month what a caulking gun was used for, I would have made up an answer that was 99% likely to be wrong – but not anymore!

In late February, I joined six of my coworkers from the Grand Ole Opry to help Hands On Nashville make a home more energy efficient and weather proof, and that’s how I met Mr. Danridge* and learned exactly what one does with a caulking gun!

Having no home improvement experience beyond painting, I was a little nervous as I drove up to Mr. Danridge’s East Nashville home to join the HON crew. However, as soon as we began our initial project overview, our leader Jaclyn put my mind at ease. Many of the projects were simple tasks that just took a few minutes to learn, but make such a big difference in the homes once they are installed! It was amazing to learn that by simply replacing the shower heads and adding some thermometers to the refrigerator and weather stripping to the doors, Mr. Danridge would be saving a significant amount in bills each month. I even purchased a reusable air filter for my own condo this week, thanks to what I learned at the HON site!

Having some fun with the caulking guns!

After completing some of these minor tasks, I moved on to my big project of the day – caulking the living room to seal out any air that may sneak in through the cracks in the wood paneling. After several attempts, and a lot of caulk on my clothes, I think I finally perfected the art, and we got some great photos in the meantime!

It was truly inspiring to meet Mr. Danridge, a kind older gentleman suffering from dementia, and to talk with him about his home and his family, knowing that we were helping improve his home and lessen his financial burden. It was also unique to spend time outside of work with my coworkers, doing good for others.

A job well done - The crew added an insulating wrap to Mr. Danridge's water heater to make it more efficient. HON's Jaclyn Khoury, left, provided expert guidance.

Thanks Hands On Nashville for the opportunity, and I look forward to more caulking experiences (or whatever the project may call for) with you!

*Name has been changed to respect privacy.

Jessica Siegel is Events Assistant at Grand Ole Opry. Thanks to Jessica and all of the Grand Ole Opry employees who volunteered at Mr. Lockridge’s home! Interested in getting involved in HON’s Home Energy Savings Program? Learn more here.

The Grand Ole Opry volunteer crew, after a satisfying day.