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SJR 544

Memorials, Recognition - Beverly Bell -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

Ceremonial resolution recognizing Beverly Bell for founding Optimum Hope! and advancing Parkinson's care in Tennessee, honoring her service; no policy or funding.

Filed for introduction
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 544

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 544 (SJR 544)

Overview

SJR 544 is a ceremonial joint resolution filed for introduction on December 4, 2025, sponsored by Senator Pody. The bill designates recognition and commendation of Beverly Bell of Lebanon, founder and director of Optimum Hope!, a nonprofit wellness and recovery program for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. As a memorial/special recognition measure, it does not enact policy or allocate funds.

Bill Details

  • Bill Number: SJR 544
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition - Beverly Bell
  • Sponsor: Senator Pody
  • Status: Filed for introduction (December 4, 2025)
  • Classification: Joint resolution
  • Subject: Memorials, Recognition
  • Purpose: To honor Beverly Bell for her service and leadership in supporting Tennesseans affected by Parkinson’s disease

What the bill would do

  • Officially recognize Beverly Bell as an exemplary Tennessean for her dedication to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Acknowledge her role as founder and director of Optimum Hope!, a nonprofit wellness and recovery program tailored to Parkinson’s patients.
  • Express gratitude for her long-standing career as a physical therapy assistant and her advocacy, education, and volunteer service related to Parkinson’s care.
  • Direct that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to Beverly Bell (with a standard final clause about presentation, as described in the bill text).

About the honoree and the program (highlights included in the bill)

  • Education and Career: Beverly Bell graduated in 1991 from Pensacola Junior College with an Associate of Arts degree as a physical therapy assistant. She moved to Tennessee and pursued a 31-year career as a physical therapy assistant in home health, rehabilitation, and clinical settings, specializing in Parkinson’s disease care.
  • Optimum Hope! (Founded 2016): Bell founded Optimum Hope! with Michele Lineberry under The Therapy Gym umbrella to address the gap in ongoing therapy options for Parkinson’s patients in Wilson County.
  • Program Growth: From five members and no salary, Optimum Hope! has grown to serve more than 65 participants. Bell teaches multiple classes weekly (up to six classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Mount Juliet location), with additional classes at the Jimmy Floyd Center in Lebanon and Del Webb in Mount Juliet; she also conducts private client sessions.
  • Staff and Funding: The organization has professional staff, including a personal trainer and an occupational therapist. Funding sources include grants from the Parkinson’s Foundation and scholarships from Peterson’s Parkinson’s in Nashville, supplemented by member involvement.
  • Certifications and Community Involvement: Bell holds certifications such as PWR! Move Instructor, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Rock Steady Boxing, lymphedema, and neuro-progressive therapy. She supports the Mount Juliet Parkinson’s Support Group and participates annually in Moving Day Nashville (Parkinson’s Foundation event).

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries are Tennesseans living with Parkinson’s disease who participate in Optimum Hope! and related services.
  • The broader community may benefit from increased awareness and demonstrated leadership in healthcare, veteran advocacy, and nonprofit service.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • As a memorial/recognition measure, the resolution is ceremonial and does not create new law or funding obligations.
  • If adopted by both chambers, it would be presented to Beverly Bell with the language concluding the measure as described in the bill.
  • No specific effective date or fiscal impact is stated in the bill text.

Potential impact

  • Provides formal recognition of Beverly Bell’s contributions to Parkinson’s care and the Wilson County community.
  • May enhance visibility for Optimum Hope!, potentially supporting fundraising, partnerships, and community awareness.
  • Serves as a historical record of notable volunteer leadership within the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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