VENDOR WRITING

THE END OF AN ERA

BY NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Another NFL season has come to a close, as is the career of a great quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers. What makes him special? Consider a few facts:

• He was a first round draft pick in 2004 (#11 overall) and won Rookie of the Year honors that year leading his team to a record of 13–0 that year.

• In 2005, he led his team to the Super Bowl and won becoming the youngest quarterback to do so.

• He spent his entire 18 year career with one team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, a true franchise player.

• He had 18 consecutive winning seasons (winning more than half his games, leading to 12 post-season berths during his 18 seasons.)

• He passed for over 3,000 yards in 15 of his 18 seasons-(his career total is over 64,000 yards.) behind familiar names such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre.

• He finished 5th overall in the # of wins with 163 of 249 games (92 at Heinz Field.)

• He finished 3rd in 4th quarter comebacks with 41.

• He is #1 in games won by 6 points or less with 58.

• He led his team to 8 AFC North championships.

• He has 6 Pro Bowl appearances in the course of his career.

• He was in 3 Super Bowls winning 2 (one of only 12 quarterbacks to accomplish this feat.)

So while he may not be in the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) as quarterbacks go, he is definitely in the top tier for sure!

So long for now Big Ben, I have no doubt we’ll see you in Canton, Ohio when you’re inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame!

SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON

JULIE B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Why do people of Nashville walk on by the vendors and don’t give anything? All we’re trying to do is make a living for ourselves. And when you pass us by and don’t give anything, we don’t eat or have something to drink. This is our job. This is what we do for money. This is how we make our living. You all may not like how we make our living, but just like you, we make our money this way.

And what if you were sitting here, would you want someone to just pass you up like you don’t matter or are invisible? Would you want someone to say mean things about you and make fun of you? You shouldn’t make fun or say mean things or even walk by someone that is trying to make it the only way they know how. People in Nashville need to learn what compassion is and what it is to have a heart and sympathy for someone that is trying to make a living out here the only way we know how and deal with people that don’t have a heart for people like us.

We are human. Do we not bleed when you prick us? Do we not cry when you hit us? We are just like you. We are human, and we have feeling. So when you see us, stop and get a paper, or donate something. Because as the song said, we all need somebody to lean on. And for the people that sell the paper, Nashville is who we have to lean on. So we need your help to make it in this world.

Be there for us and it will come back to you in return. So when you see us, buy a paper or donate something so we can have food to eat. Nashville, we need your help to make it.

THE EAGLE’S NEST - PROPOSAL

CHRIS SCOTT F., FORMER CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

The problems resulting from Nashville, Tennessee City Government’s failure and inability to find a workable solution to address the city’s ever increasing homeless problem has created a present-day, citywide, dilemma and sense of urgency. For thirteen years, I have lived in Nashville. My first seven, as a homeless camper in the woods on the north side of Fort Negley/Saint Cloud Hill, until the camp was destroyed. Everything happens for a reason and the steps of a righteous man are ordained by God. I am an Army veteran who, for some unknown reason, has been drawn to the land surrounding a United States of America, former military installation known as, Fort Negley. In the setting sun’s shadow of that historical monument, I can hear the words of our beloved former 16th president, Abraham Lincoln say, “Heal This Nation.” My intention for that presently unused, city owned piece of property, formerly known as Greer Stadium, is the subject of this Proposal. To Be Continued…

A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS

NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

When my last secular job ended and my unemployment ran out, I became a professional couch surfer, and I constantly struggled with how to pay my bills that kept coming even though there was considerably less money to go around.

It was during that difficult time that I got to know Chris- he worked with my daughter at Starbucks in Hendersonville.

His grandmother Margaret sells The Contributor and according to Chris, “does pretty good,” he said. “you should try it, with your personality you’d be really good at it.” At first, I said no, then I was hesitant, but like I said, the bills kept coming, the money not so much.

Eventually I swollowed my pride and called to asked him how to sign up to sell the paper and the rest is history. The reason I bring this up now is I recently learned that around New Years Eve he died suddenly at age 37.

Though I didn’t know him all that well, as it happens with so many these days we lost touch, but I can honestly say that simple act of kindness changed my life for the better-thank you for that.

It is my sincere hope that you find peace and rest that proved to be elusive you in the course of your young life.

I would also like to ask for prayers for his mom Cheryl and his grandmother Margaret as they cope with this terrible tragedy of losing their loved one far too soon.

You will be missed by ALL who were blessed to have the opportunity to get to know you.