**No alcohol, please

To the Editor:

My wife and I have always enjoyed reading the Shelbyville Times-Gazette and appreciated the coverage you give to the entire community. We also recognize the advertising support the pages received from various businesses.

When we received two editions dedicating the entire front page to one business, we were surprised. We think the front page should be for news coverage and not be given to one advertiser, especially not to alcohol which has hurt so many and their families.

Thank you for taking this letter into consideration.

Doug McCanless

Bell Buckle

**Shrimp and Crawfish boil a success

To the Editor:

The United Way of Bedford County's Mardi Gras in May Shrimp and Crawfish Boil was the most successful in the history of the event.

The United Way of Bedford County Board of Directors wants to take this opportunity to thank so many people who helped make the event possible.

First, thank you to all who bought tickets and bid on the silent auction items. Those attending appeared to have a great time with many staying until the end of the event.

Tyler Gill and his staff, once again, did a fantastic job cooking the shrimp, crawfish and fixings. Every year he receives enthusiastic kudos for his work, but this year has produced the strongest praise yet.

Tyson Foods once again grilled chicken for guests who had shellfish allergies.

Cherokee Distributing, and especially general manager Clint Insell, provided beer and also printed our promotional banners. Celebration Liquors donated a generous supply of wine. GK Heaven Hill Farm provided King cakes. Vanderbilt-Bedford Medical Center donated bottled water.

Without our sponsors our revenue would be greatly reduced. The board wants to thank Dennis Young Insurance/Microtel, Law Office of Kristin Brown, Atmos Energy, First Community Bank, FirstBank, Compass Self-Storage, Cooper Steel, State Representative Pat Marsh, First National Bank of McMinnville, Middle Tennessee Pharmacy Services, Heritage Jewelers, Peoples Bank of Middle Tennessee, Lowery Jewelers and Southern Energy Transport.

The board also wants to thank all of the generous merchants who provided items for our biggest silent auction ever in terms of items and revenue.

The Shelbyville Times-Gazette for providing great coverage before and after the event.

Board members Dawn Hobbs, Angi Huffman and Elisabeth Thompson gave the Blue Ribbon Club at the Celebration Grounds a festive Mardi Gras look with their decorating skills.

Emily Osterhaus and her daughters kept the serving line moving.

Board members John Carney, Marilyn Ewing, Kayla Hilliard and Linda Brown performed important duties, especially running last minute errands.

Daryl O'Neal assisted with the cooking. Maleah Claxton manned the bar with the help of Tammie Mills.

Jennifer Pasalakis, Brian Brenton and Misty Bennett greeted and assisted guests.

It was a total team effort for one of our major annual fundraisers. Thanks again to everyone who made it a success!

Mark McGee

United Way of Bedford County