THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD 501(c)(3) Community Foundation partnered with Bedford County public safety agencies to create a funding opportunity to improve rescue operations and safety awareness along the famous Duck River. “River life,” a specialty license plate depicting the Duck River, has been created and will be available for pre-order on July 1, 2022. A 1000-person commitment is required for the production of the plate to begin. Director of external affairs with Shelbyville-Bedford Partnership Beth Davis said the project also partnered with Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS) and First Community Bank of Shelbyville. Art teachers Angie Jackson and Megan Straub coordinated the program, turning Project River Life into an art project for the students. Students studied the biodiversity of the Duck River and the guidelines required to create a specialty license plate, and each student created their version of a Duck River license plate. First Community Bank awarded the top three students and provided a donation to the SCHS art program.
Alejandro Contreras Cabrera created a captivating wildlife image with a sunrise in the background. Cabrera won first place for his entry; his artwork will be the official license plate. First Community Bank awarded him $500.
Kaylee Smith received $300 for her second place entry, Madelyn Simpson received $100 for her third place entry, and the SCHS art department received $500.
Now that the license plate has officially passed legislation and we have a design, Davis reports that 1,000 Tennessee residents must commit to purchasing a plate before production of the new license plate will begin. The cost for each applicant will be $35 upfront, and an additional $30 when you pick up and register the plate. $31.70 will be donated to Project River Life.
An online application process will be available on Friday, July 1, 2022. Please get in touch with Beth Davis: beth@shelbyville-bedford.com for details.
Once they have 1000 reservations, the plates will be created, processed, and sent to the local county offices. Each applicant will receive a notification when the new plate is ready, expected in June 2023.
The Duck River, known for its biodiversity and as an active haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts, can also have challenges. Safety, education, conservation, and awareness is the target goal of project River Life.
Davis said, “The Duck River is a beautiful place, and so many people utilize it. This would be a huge opportunity for the community to help the public safety teams.”
The mission of the Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation is to support initiatives to enrich the community through enhancing education, quality of life, and quality of place.
“By improving the quality of place (Duck River) and making it a safer place, we’re improving the quality of life.”
The Shelbyville-Bedford Community Foundation is looking for projects to improve the community further. GN
