On Friday, August 4, 2006, in North Nashville at the Paideia Magnet School, the HUD-Nashville Office donated used surplus equipment no longer being utilized in the HUD Office. The local HUD Office of Administration's Elliot Dassow, HUD Field Policy and Management Director, Bill Dirl, and PENCIL Coordinator, Ms. Beverly Bell, presented computer monitors, color printers and other equipment to Ms. Pam Greer, principal of the school, who was happy to get it.

Nashville Administration Officer, Elliott Dassow, explains the form to Pam Greer, Principal of Paideia Magnet School.

The Brick Church Pike School is a temporary location for the magnet school as their old school is being renovated. Ms. Bell, Nashville Multi-Family Project Manager, worked with all the parties to ensure the equipment was available for Paideia - the Nashville HUD Office's PENCIL partner school. It is expected that the HUD Nashville Office will again provide needed supplies to the school from HUD Office employee contributions.

The Nashville PENCIL Foundation's (www.pencilfoundation.org/) programs are many, but one such program is for giving needed supplies to schools in need. There are strong links from private sector donors that help to meet some of the needs, but they can't do it all. That's why it takes local businesses and the public sector to help donate supplies and equipment.

(L to R) Beverly Bell, Pam Greer, Bill Dirl, Elliott Dassow

Ms. Bell worked with HUD Officials to clear the way for Paideia to receive the equipment. Working with HUD Administration Staff to allow the paperwork to go through was a success. "We are very pleased to be able to assist Paideia Magnet School and students," said Mr. Dirl. "This school has been our partner for many years, and has entertained our employees over the years. They've attended various events throughout the years with us, and the HUD Office loves to hear their choir sing. - and they can really sing!" said Terry Livingston, HUD FPM Operations Analyst.

PENCIL has strong ties to the Nashville Mayor's Office, especially during the "Mayor's First Day Festival" (www.nashville.gov/mocy/firstday2006/), occurring on August 13, 2006 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. The event provides parents and students the opportunity to obtain needed school supplies, and is strongly supported by private business, donations and gift giving.

Local citizens, businesses and Volunteers are encouraged to participate in this noble endeavor.

The school's playground will be full in a couple of weeks.......

Unloading some of the equipment on a hot August afternoon. It's worth it to these guys.