If you don’t have plans this afternoon, the city’s throwing a party and would love for you to attend. And you should, since the guests of honor are Joe Sweeney and Joe Reagan.

If you have to ask who the Joes are, you obviously are only passing through Brentwood.

Joe Sweeney has served on the Brentwood City Commission since before time began. OK, only since 1972. But if you do the math, that’s almost 40 years, or almost as long as the city’s been incorporated.

He’s seen this city grow from a crossroads to a vibrant place that’s far more than a place to sleep at night. He’s served six terms as mayor, represented the city on countless regional commissions and committees and, yes, is a great teller of jokes and even occasionally makes a fashion statement.

Joe Reagan doesn’t have quite the resume in city government that Joe S. does, but it’s still impressive. He’s served on the commission since 1993, has been mayor three times and is one of the most loyal supporters of all things Brentwood you’ll find.

Both Joes announced their retirements from public office earlier this year. Tonight will be their last city commission meeting. Which brings us to the party.

A reception honoring the two begins at 5 p.m. at “city hall,” otherwise known as the Brentwood Municipal Building, 5211 Maryland Way. Everyone’s invited to drop by and send them off in style.

See you there!

The pros may not play but the preps will…
The 2011 high school football season is still months away and Brentwood Home Page already has scored a victory. Have I said lately how much I love our three high school football coaches, Brentwood’s Ron Crawford, Brentwood Academy’s Ralph Potter and Ravenwood’s Joe Rietveld – and I haven’t even met this Joe yet.

All three have agreed to be special guests at our Tuesday, Aug. 23 Brentwood Home Page Night at the Library even though it’s in the middle of the first official week of prep football. So mark your calendars now to be there.

Our first BHP Night last Tuesday was great. All six Brentwood City Commission candidates spent 90 minutes talking up close and personally with voters. And the refreshments weren't bad either.

Between now and the football confab, you can put these on your calendar:

May 24: Come and find out how to get your news – or news about your club, church, sports league, you name it – in BHP and other local media.

June 28: Parents of teens and preteens won’t want to miss an evening with Dr. Jim Wellborn, our There’s a Stranger in My House columnist. Have a question for him? Email it to news@brentwoodhomepage.com.

July 26: Anyone who loves a good story, especially about the past, will enjoy an evening with one of our other doctors, Dr. Bill Fleet.

If you have suggestions for other topics or themes for future BHP Nights at the Library, please let us know!

Good news, bad news
Austin Huff (no relation to the late Glenn Huff), our BHS grad who was a finalist for Charlie Sheen’s internship, didn’t get the job. The good news is he’s still around town and still producing his Korked Bats sports blog. If you love sports and irreverent sports coverage, be sure to check it out at www.korkedbats.com.