September 28, 2020
Innkeeper Lee Vying for Alderman Seat in Pittman Center
Dear Neighbors,
I am writing to tell you a bit about myself and to ask for your vote for Pittman Center Alderman. My late husband, John, and I lived in many different places. But nowhere felt as much like “home” to us as Pittman Center http://www.pittmancentertn.gov. Over the last 30 years of living in this area, I have been fortunate to call many of you friends. The rest of you are friends that I have not met yet! For the last 22 years John and I have owned and operated Buckhorn Inn. As many of you know, the hallmark of our time at the Inn has been to embrace and maintain the Inn’s historic charm while providing modern conveniences. This is the same sensibility I want to bring to leadership decisions in our town.
Balancing the preservation of natural beauty with economic security is Lee’s platform.
Locally, I have been involved in two projects that are very near and dear to my heart. Both were satisfying to me because of my love for heritage. I assisted in fundraising for the new Pittman Center Elementary School and the Glenn Cardwell Heritage Museum, as well as making a donation. I have served as treasurer on the Museum Board since its inception. I view the Museum as a means of preserving and communicating our community’s heritage and as a way of promoting appropriate tourism. I was also chairman of the Gatlinburg library for many years and was chairman of the fundraising campaign that raised $1,000,000 for constructing its new facility.
While a university student, I organized a campaign to save beautiful oak trees which were scheduled to be removed to make way for a new building. It wasn’t a successful campaign, but I learned a lot about community action. It has always been important to me to ensure my voice, and that of others, is heard.
I grew up on a ranch in Texas and rode the bus to school 14 miles away every day and I rode my horse whenever I could. Education has always been important to me. I graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce. For most of my long professional career, I was a senior administrator in higher education in this country and overseas. I have had the opportunity to serve on many boards and committees. I have three children, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
My Vision of Pittman Center
As your alderman I would want to
- balance environmental protection and economic well-being as contained in the FutureScape report of the 1990s which took place under the leadership of Mayor Judy Perryman and supported by Glenn Cardwell
- ensure that enforceable zoning ordinances and building codes reflect the values of our community
- protect our ridgetops
- help the Glenn Cardwell Heritage Museum develop and expand
- look into petitioning the postal service to enable our residents to use the town’s name, Pittman Center, as our official address
- encourage more community participation in developing the town’s policies and strategic vision
- work toward ensuring that all residents can access broadband internet without excessive access fees
I love Pittman Center. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to receiving your vote.
Sincerely,
Lee Mellor
August 3, 2020
Pittman Center Has Become A Bee City!
Our community of Pittman Center has joined communities across the country to call attention to an important issue. Affiliates of Bee City USA are working to protect pollinators. So far 111 cities have signed up to raise awareness, establish and enhance habitats, and celebrate the efforts of volunteer leaders.
Honey bees are busy at work in Buckhorn Inn flower and vegetable gardens.
Honey bees and other pollinators are facing threats at increasing rates. According to Bee City USA http://www.beecityusa.org one of every three bites of food that we eat is thanks to insect pollination. In fact, 90% of all plants and trees rely on pollinators for the survival of their species. That is why we must be concerned with bees disappearing because of loss of habitat, diseases and parasites, and inappropriate pesticide use. Some experts estimate that U.S. honey bee populations are declining at an annual rate of as much as 44%.
Pittman Center Approves Resolution
In May 2020 the town of Pittman Center approved a resolution naming the town an affiliate of Bee City USA. The town’s Tree Board will oversee the Bee City USA program. The town will host at least one educational event or pollinator habitat planting each year to showcase the community’s commitment. There also are plans to create or expand a pollinator-friendly habitat on public and private land. The Tree Board also will create and adopt an integrated pest management plan. This plan will be designed to prevent pest problems, reduce pesticide use, and expand the use of non-chemical pest management methods.
At the Buckhorn Inn, we are delighted with this new program. This is the second summer for our honey bee hives. We report that Queens Violet and Catherine and their minions are healthy and happy. You can watch them at work in our vegetable and flower gardens. When the nectar is flowing they are especially busy in St. Cordelia’s garden. We hope you have a chance to watch them at work.
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