The Amazing Race - Jack-style

Just came back from Mecca, I mean Lynchburg. What a great weekend!! For the last 6 or 7 years, Lori & I have volunteered for the MS Society's Jack & Back bike ride. Our neighbors, Tom & Charlene, have a daughter who was diagnosed with MS over a decade ago and we got involved. This weekend 880 cyclists left Page High School in Franklin and rode either 65 or 75 miles to Motlow Community College in Tullahoma, TN. After a party on BBQ hill @ the Jack Daniel's Distillery, they got up Sunday morning & went back to Franklin on their bike. Wow. I got tired driving the truck there.

There were young people, old people, healthy people, and some actually had MS themselves! They raised over $540,000 for MS research and local support. I know it seems weird that Mr Squire is talking about a charity other than JDRF, but I volunteer with JDRF for selfish reasons; MS is true volunteerism.

Of course, being a Squire, I loved being around the Distillery. I sacrificed myself and sat through a tasting where you really learn how important that trip through the charcoal is to the process!!! Then, we got to go to a party on the BBQ Hill where the amber liquid flowed and much BBQ was had. I did to get visit the Squire room @ the Distillery which is always a treat.

Everyone needs to take a day and drive to Lynchburg. Great day trip & the Distillery tour is worth much more than the price paid (FREE!). Mosey on down to the Square & hit the Hardware Store. If it is made, they have stuck a Jack Daniel logo on it & will sell you one. Momma Squire stopped in there, so I better be good between now & Christmas so I can get my presents from there!

Before I leave, hats off to all the ladies @ the MS Society office. Great job on putting on a great event this year!

All this Jack talk is making me thirsty, time for a refill.

Zach, a Tennessee Squire

What exactly is a Squire?

You may notice my sign-off or e-mail address references a "Tennessee Squire". What is a Tennessee Squire? If you have to ask, you don't need to know!

Just kidding. A Squire is an honor bestowed upon an individual by Jack Daniels Distillery. The individual must be an upstanding citizen, enjoy Jack Daniels, & some other "secret" things. You also have to be nominated by another Squire. There isn't a secret handshake, but there is a Squire room @ the Distillery that is limited to just Squires. When you are "Squired", you are actually deeded a small (very very small) piece of the Distillery. It is said that if you visit your plot and stand on one foot, you are probably standing on five or six other Squire's property! You receive a membership card and a very nice deed. My deed and first Squire card are framed and hung on my office wall.

I was nominated by a Squire about 15 years ago & have nominated four individuals. Ironically, folks have seen my Squire name on Facebook & MySpace and have asked me to nominate them. No way, no how. Have to know the folks before I nominate them!

You may have not even wondered what a Squire was, but now you know. Speaking of Jack, it is about that time.....

Zach, A Tennessee Squire