Weapons Through Time Temporary Exhibit

While the Sam Davis home no longer has their BBQ festival, they still have much to offer for those who love history. The month of February has weapons as the subject of interest.

Weapons Through Time Temporary Exhibit
Saturdays and Sundays in February 2012
The Sam Davis Home in Smyrna, Tennessee is excited to announce a special exhibit honoring the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War during the month of February 2012. Military and non-military weapons used during the past 150 years will be displayed on Saturdays and Sundays only. Admission to this exhibit is included with the purchase of a regularly priced museum tour or full tour.

This looks like it could be fun.

Smyrna in the Civil War II

Now organized the men start training far from home and get their first paltry weapons.

Company E, as stated, was organized at Smyrna, Rutherford County, Tennessee in the spring of 1861, (the exact date not recalled.) An effort was being made at both Smyrna and Lavergne to organize a Company. Finally their partial enlistments were united and the organization was completed at Smyrna.
After the organization we drilled nearly every day, sometimes at Smyrna and sometimes at Lavergne, but generally in Mrs. Dr. Gooch's lot on the Jefferson Pike near Smyrna, until June, 1861, when we took the cars for Camp Trousdale. There were either 48 or 49 of us that got on at Smyrna and Lavergne; others following on later. We left the cars at the Chattanooga Depot, marched through the city, crossed the river on the suspension bridge, then had dinner under the trees, the first military dinner we ever ate. We were near the L. & N. tracks, and after a while we boarded the cars and reached Camp Trousdale late in the night. We slept any way we could, for most of us were boys and were very tired and sleepy, and we slept as only tired boys could, and that was with all our might.
Next morning we were in camp near Capt. Joel A. Battle's Company, afterwards Company B, and Capt. Moscow Carter's Company, afterwards Company H. We were mustered in by Col. Pickett, and having only 49 men the Company was too small, so Capt. Battle lent us a few of his men to stand up with us so that the Company could be received. After we had been mustered in, Battle's men returned to their own quarters and we were in for it.
In a few days we were organized into the 20th Tennessee Infantry. Capt. Joel A. Battle of Company B was chosen Colonel. Capt. Moscow Carter of Company H was chosen Lieutenant Colonel, and Patrick Duffy of Company K was chosen Major.
We were now given our Company letter "E," and for four long years we suffered, fought, and made history as such. Our position in the regimental line was the center of the left wing.
On the 8th of June, 1861, the state voted on "separation or no separation," and the soldiers in camp were allowed to vote. The men were formed and marched by companies to the polls and there they voted. The officers of election were citizens of that precinct and we were voting right along, when it came Jack Tucker's time to vote (he was only 14 years old), when one of the officers of election, an elderly man who perhaps thought there ought to be a limit somewhere between the age of twenty
one and the cradle, asked Jack " How old are you young man?" Jack promptly replied "Twenty-one years old, sir." We all laughed heartily, and the balloting proceeded.
We remained at Camp Trousdale for a number of weeks, drilling and having measles, many of us had the measles while there. The hospital was full and we were beginning to realize some of the inconveniences of a soldier's life. Many were furloughed home as soon as convalescent; quite a number of whom were never able to do much service after the disease had left its mark on them.
Henry Tune and Archer Fergus never recovered from the effects of the measles and died early in the war.
We at first stood guard duty with sticks for guns, later on we procured a few antiquated muskets, some of which had not likely been fired since the Revolution; but they had bayonets, and when we proudly walked our beats with real guns on our shoulders, we felt that we were indeed " heroes," but fancy the disgust of one of our young heroes when he drew rammer and dropped it into the barrel to hear it ring — instead of a ring it was a dull thud, the barrel being nearly half full of home-made soap.
We were finally armed with flint lock muskets that would actually shoot (if it was not raining), and they always notified you when they did shoot. Thus armed, equipped, and fairly well drilled, we were put aboard the cars and ordered to Virginia. We passed through Nashville, and were halted long enough to enjoy a splendid dinner, furnished by the citizens and served at the Nashville Female Academy on Church Street near the Chattanooga Depot. < We then proceeded on our way, stopping at Chattanooga to change cars, then on to Knoxville where we were laid over for some reasons for quite a while, during which time several of the boys got out in town and imbibed most too freely, and got into the guard house.
After everything was arranged we proceeded to Bristol, on the State line of Tennessee and Virginia, and there we received the tidings from the first battle of Manassas, which was a complete victory for the South. We remained a few days at Bristol, during which time we received our first regimental flag, presented by the ladies of Nashville, Capt. A. S. Marks of the 17th Tennessee making the presentation speech.
We then boarded the cars and returned to Knoxville and camped near the Fair Grounds, and drilled energetically for several weeks.
The right wing of the Regiment was then ordered to Jacksboro under Col. Battle and Lieut. Col. Moscow Carter; the left wing remained for a short time at Knoxville, and then started on our first march to join the right wing at Jacksboro, and such a march as we made of it; as we were going to Jacksboro, we seemed to have the idea that to " get there" was the proper thing to do, and every fellow started out his own way, regardless of others. The result was that we were soon strung out along the road in squads of any small number: company formations were lost sight of entirely.
We started out in command of Major Pat Duffy, as gallant an Irishman as ever drew blade. It was on this march that the "grand old man " got a little too much of the " how come you so?" and was lost from the battalion— and also from his sword. Finally he came dashing up on "old roan" exclaiming : — "wherein the h—1 is the battalion?"
We all reached Jacksboro however, though it was several days between first and last arrivals.
At this point we remained a short time, drilling, and detachments were sent out to blockade the mountain passes leading north into Kentucky, and nearly every day we marched through Jacksboro back and forth, our field band playing the " Bob Tail Hoss." Who that was along fails to recollect it?
We were then ordered to Cumberland Gap, where we arrived one afternoon about five oclock, and were ordered to prepare three days rations, and be ready to move at nine oclock that evening. We marched promptly at the hour, most of us very tired and sleepy. We were starting on our first campaign. We passed through the Gap over Big and Little Log Mountains, and about ten oclock next morning reached Cumberland Ford, the most completely exhausted set of men imaginable. W. E. Brothers was several times prevented from walking off bluffs on the lower side of the road by myself. W. E. Brothers was sound alseep, walking along the road.

Smyrna in the Civil War I

During the Civil War communities organized units that fought together for the entirety of the conflict. The story of the Smyrna/LaVergne company is told in the book "History of the Twentieth Tennessee Regiment Volunteer Infantry, C.S.A." written by William Josiah McMurray. This book due to its age is now in the public domain so I plan this week to share the parts on Company E of the Twentieth Tennessee Regiment. The book is downloadable for those who wish to read more.

COMPANY "E"
Bv Ralph J. Nkal.
Company E, of the twentieth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, was raised in the spring of 1861, in the vicinity of Smyrna, Rutherford County, and was considred a Rutherford County Company, although it had several members from the adjoining counties of Williamson and Davidson. This Company came from one of the best sections of the country and its members from some of the best families in the State.
Company E at its organization elected that young and courtly gentleman, John S. Gooch, as their Captain and at once boarded the cars at Smyrna, the nearest depot, and was taken to Camp Trousdale before they were sworn into service.
Its organization was as follows :—
Captain J. S. Gooch, who was severely wounded at Fishing Creek, Kentucky, made Lieutenant Colonel at re-organization, resigned at Vicksburg; lives now on his farm near Smyrna, Rutherford County Tennessee.



First Lieutenant S. M. Weekley, served one year and then retired; living on his farm near Smyrna, Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Second Lieutenant Dr. A. A. East served one year, then transfered to Cavalry, wounded at Shiloh, died since the war.
Third Lieutenant Harvey Ralston, made Captain at re-organization and resigned at Vicksburg, Mississippi, died since the war.
First Sergeant Lucian Weakley, wounded at Chickamauga and died from effects of same.
Second Sergeant M. M. Sanders, wounded in many battles, was made Second Lieutenant at re-organization, afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant and served as such to the close of the war, and now lives in Texas.
Third Seargent Buck Hunter, served for a time, then hired a substitute and returned home. Died of cholera soon afterwards.
Fourth Sergeant Gid. Smart, served faithfully one year and was honorably discharged.
First Corporal, Geo. Edmondson, died in early part of the war.
Second Corporal J. W. Peyton, was made Third Lieutenant at re-organization, afterwards promoted to Seoond Lieutenant and wa« killed at Chickamauga.
Third Corporal S. J. Buchanan, served one year and was discharged under age, lives at present in Nashville.
Fourth Corporal W. T. Ridley, was made First Lieutenant at the re-organization, promoted to Captain at Vicksburg, Miss and served as such to close of the war. Was wounded at Shiloh, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, died at Franklin, Tennessee September 21, 1902.
Adcock, Tom. was killed since the war by falling tree.
Batey, W. 'W. was wounded at Chickamauga and Nashville, was made Sergeant soon after Shiloh battle. Captured at Nashville and remained prisoner till last of February 1865, was exchanged and sent to Richmond March nth, 1865. Remained in hospital there until evacuation, then went to Danville Virginia, and was furloughed from there April 9th, 1865 and was paroled at Kingston, Georgia, May 12th, 1865. Lives at Tunnel Hill, Georgia.
Brothers, W. E. was made Sergeant at re-organization, Third Lieutenant at Murfreesboro, 1862, afterward promoted to Second Lieutensnt, and served as such to close of the war, was wounded at Shiloh and Nashville. Lives at Wichita Falls, Texas.
Brewer, Klisha. Lives in Davidson County, Tennessee.
Bond, Nathaniel. Was discharged over age at the expiration of one year. Died since the war.
Crosthwaite, Frank. Was made First Lieutenant at Vicksburg and was killed at Murfreesboro.
Crosthwaite, Sheldon. Killed at Fishing Creek.
Cowan, S. M. Color Guard. Dead'
Collins, Tom. Died since the war.
Collins, Eb. Lives in Davidson County, Tennessee'
Carter, W. J. Was discharged under age, afterwards joined Cavalry and served to end of war. Dead.
Covington, T. L. Lives in Wilson County, Tennessee.
Covington, Jos. Lives in Arkansas.
Crutcher, J. W. Was killed at Shiloh.
Corder, J. A. Died since the war.
Davis, Geo. W. Captured at Missionary Ridge and died in prison.
Davis, Marion. Killed at Hoover's Gap.
Davis, Henry. Killed at Murfreesboro.
Edwards, T. K. P. Was discharged under age.
Espey, J. C. Was wounded at Shiloh, died since the war.
Eaks, G. D. Became demented and died since the war.
Elden, B. F. Lives in Arkansas.
Elden, Geo. Wounded at Murfreesboro and died.
Ferris, Jos. Lives at Mount View, Tennessee.
Fergus, Archer. Died early in the war from effects
of measles.
Griggs, Tom. Was killed at Fishing Creek.
Griggs, Wiley. Was killed at Kennesaw Mountains.
Hartman, Wm. Lives near Cane Ridge, Tennessee.
Hartman, Jack. Lives near Lavergne.
Holland, O. C. Was captured at Missionary Ridge. Died since the war in Texas.
Harris, Newt. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Hamilton, W. A. Was transfered to Cavalry service at Dalton, Georgia, and served to end of war, lives near Lavergne Tennessee.
Hill, J. R. Dead.
Hunter, Tom. Dead.
Hedgepath, Elisha. Liviug in Wilson County.
Humfelt, Geo. Was killed at Murfreesboro.
Irvin, A. J. Was made First Sergeant, afterwards Third Lieutenant, and killed on 22nd of July 1864, near Atlanta, Ga.
Ingle, James. Was wounded at Hoover's Gap, afterwards lost sight of.
Jones, Tom. Died since the war.
Jones, Dick. Died since the war.
Jamison, S. M. Died since the war.
Jamison, Tom. Dead.
Latimer, P. S. Wounded at Murfreesboro and Chikamauga, was made Sergeant while we were in Mississippi, lives in Sheffield, Alabama.
Lintner, Jno. Served through the war, after several years residence in Tennessee, returned to his home in Pennsylvania. Lewis, Tom. Lives in Williamson County, Tennessee.
Martin, W. D. Was made Corporal, wounded at Shiloh and Franklin, died in 1902 at his residence in Rutherford County.
Mason, M. S. .Wounded severely at Chickamauga, died in a few days.
Montgomery, J. B. Lives near Lavergne, Tennessee
McLaughlin, Wm. Was not an enlisted man, but served with Company E until killed at Shiloh.
Mullins, J. V. Lives near Lavergne, Tennessee.
Mullins, James. Sickened and died early in war.
McMennamy, Luke. Was killed by cars early in 1861.
Mason, Jno. B. Whereabouts unknown.
Neal, G. A. Was wounded severely at Chickamauga and afterwards retired from service on account of disability from wounds, lives in Tresevant Tennessee.
Neal,-W. P. Wounded at Murfreesboro, lives near Lavergne, Tennessee.
Neal, Ralph J. Was wounded at Fishing Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and three times slightly at Franklin, now lives near Couchville, Tennessee, surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina.
Noe, Acquilla. Died since war of cancer.
Neblett, Jno. In Confederate Soldiers Home, Tennessee.
Perry, Henry. At last account was in West Tennessee.
Robertson, Jack. Died in 1903.
Robertson, James. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Robertson, Andrew. Lives in Meridian, California.
Ridley J. K. P. Was left in Tennessee in Hoods raid and got with cavalry and served till surrender at Gainsville, Alabama.
Ridley, Geo. Sickened and died early in the war.
Sloan, R. D. Dead.
Swain, B. F. Was made Corporal at Murfreesboro, committed suicide by taking ground glass since the war.
Stanfield, S. W. Wounded at Fishing Creek and made prisoner, exchanged at Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1862, dead.
Shelton, J. P. Severely wounded at Shiloh, transfered to Cavalry service afterwards, and was made Lieutenant, lives in. Indian Territory near Durant.
Sanders, L. N. Was made Corporal early in the war, served as acting assistant Surgeon until discharged in 1862.
Sanders, Jno. A. Was wounded at Murfreesboro and died from effects of wound.
Sanders, Jno. P. Was severely wounded at Fishing Creek and was retired from service.
Sanders, Mortimer. Sickened and died early in the war.
Sanders, W. B. Was made First Sergeant while in Mississippi, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sanders, Garrett. Died early in the war.
Sparrow, Alfred. Was transferred to Artillery early in the war,
Tucker, W. G. Killed at Shiloh.
Tucker, Jack. Discharged under age.
Tune. Henry. Sickened and died early in the war.
Towns, Hubbard. Died at Mill Springs, Kentucky 1862.
Vardell W. A. Wounded and left for dead at Shiloh, but was exchanged at Vicksburg, Mississippi, was transferred to Cavalry, and still lives somewhere in Robertson County Tennessee.
Vinson, Bud. Killed at Murfreesbo.
Ware, Henry. K1lled by citizens in Wilson County.
White, R. H. Discharged under age. Lives in Rtherford County.
White, J. A. Died since the war.
Whitfield. T. H. Lives in Williamson County, Tennessee. Walden, G. W. Wounded at Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, and died.
Walden, Sam. A. Wounded at Kennesaw Mountain and lives at Rockvale, Rutherford County Tennessee.
Walden, Pat. Thought to have been murdered.
Warren, Jos. Discharged over age. Died since the war.
Warren, Henry. Dead.
Worrell, Silas. Lives in West Tennessee.
Williams, Sam. Died early in the war.
Woods, Jack. Lives at Fruitland in West Tennessee.
Holloway, Hugh. Died early in the war of measles. Total Rank and File 108.

Thanks for viewing this section. This series will run for a bit over a week as the unit is followed from the dusty first days training in Smyrna to the final dropping of the Confederate flag.

Being prepared.

The main months for tornadoes in Tennessee is March, April and May. Because everyone could become a victim. I thought leeting you know that Rutherford county has its own emergency agency might help make you safer. Since they said Smyrna suffered an EF-0 just 10 days ago it should be noted that tornadoes do not follow a schedule nor due they care whom they hit. Take a moment and see if there are things you can do to make yourself safer.

Mission Statement
The Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency is charged with the overall responsibility of coordinating the county's preparedness for and response to disasters. Geographically, its authority extends to the entire county as defined by state law TCA 58-2-110.

The mission of the Emergency Management Agency is to develop a comprehensive emergency management program that seeks to: mitigate the effects of various hazards, to prepare for measures which will preserve life and minimize damage, to respond during emergencies, to provide assistance, and to establish a recovery system to return the community to a normal status after an event. This agency combines the local resources of Rutherford County, the City of Murfreesboro, the Town of Smyrna, and the City of LaVergne; along with State and Federal resources to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects all types of emergencies including natural or man-made disasters, technological accidents, national security threats, and other disrupting incidents that may impact our area or the general population.

THE KENNETH "COON" VICTORY

Each year the Smyrna Parks and Recreation department has an award ceremony for an individual that has gone above and beyond in the service to our community plus many other awards for noted people. Here is the announcement for the award.

THE KENNETH "COON" VICTORY
LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

The 2011 Kenneth "Coon" Victory Lifetime Service Award presentation and Volunteer of the Year Dinner will take place Friday, February 17, 6:30pm, Smyrna Town Centre. Mr. Robert Lee “Bud” Raikes will be honored as the 2011 Lifetime Service Recipient, along with Smyrna youth and adult league Volunteers of the Year, Parent of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Small & Large Business of the Year. The Kenneth “Coon” victory Lifetime Service Award is presented annually to pay tribute to a Smyrna citizen who has distinguished him or herself by years of unselfish and dedicated volunteer service to the Smyrna community, either in youth and/or adult athletics or other civic and non-profit organizations. The award is an ongoing tribute to Kenneth "Coon" Victory, also a former Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, and his family as a reminder of the years of volunteer contributions they have given to the Smyrna community. The award is also a reminder of how genuine dedication to community projects can help maintain the hometown spirit of working together to make dreams become realities. Coon Victory proved that dreams can come true and that fast growing communities can maintain the special hometown atmosphere through volunteer service. Please RSVP by February 14 to Monty Perkins, Smyrna Parks and Recreation, 459-9742, X2612 email: monty.perkins@townofsmyrna.org; Tatum Merbitz, 615-459-9742 X2622; tatum.merbitz@townofsmyrna.org. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Parks Department for $8.00 and tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Active as Animals

The Parks and Recreations department for the town of Smyrna has revamped their 'Active as Animals' program and it is now for a larger age range and is free. Here is a flyer for the program. Just click to enlarge.

Preparing for an emergency

La Vergne has impressed me with there openness to discuss emergency planning. They have gone so far as to have an "Local Emergency Planning Committee", For those who suffered the Flood of 2010 here in Smyrna I was impressed with the response of our town, but am a hint disappointed that we do not have open discussions on the subject. I would love for Smyrna to offer classes such as La Vergne does.

FaceBook
Status Update
By La Vergne, Tennessee
Today the LaVergne Senior Center is reviewing "Home Emergency Preparedness" and "Basic CPR" at 10:00am. These sessions will be followed by B-I-N-G-O at 12:00noon. If you're 60 or over, please stop by and join the fun!

I'm sure that Smyrna has well laid out plans for emergencies. The fast response during the 2010 flood shows that, but interacting with us residents on emergency planning would go a long way to helping people be ready on their own.

Active as Animals

Active as Animals weekly children's program will begin at 9:30 a.m. today at the Hilltop-Rosenwald Building in Hilltop-Rosenwald Park, 565 Mason Tucker Drive. This week's topic is turtles. Activities are geared for ages 4 and younger. Cost is $3 per child. Call 615-459-9742, ext. 2622, for more details.

Police press release

The local police have been busy fighting the drug war in our town.

On January 17, 2012, Smyrna Narcotics officers executed a search warrant at the A & M Tobacco and Beer store in Smyrna. Prior to the search warrant narcotics officers conducted several undercover operations to determine if any businesses were still selling the illegal synthetic drugs commonly known as Molly's Plant Food and Bath Salts. Narcotics officers conducting the undercover operation did purchase these items from A & M Tobacco and Beer. They presented their evidence to a judge and were granted a search warrant.

This search warrant revealed that the business was in possession of several packages of synthetics available for resale. Below is a list of items seized in the search warrant and a photo of the items is attached.

32 packages of 7H Hydro (synthetic cannabinoid)
6 packages of 25K (unknown synthetic - pending TBI lab results)
24 packages of Stars 7 (unknown synthetic/possible Molly's - pending TBI lab results)
1 package of Zaney Bar (possible synthetic Zanax - pending TBI lab results)
8 packages of unknown substances believed to be other types of synthetic pending lab results


Once lab results are returned, all evidence will be presented to the Rutherford County Grand Jury and they will determine if any or what charges will be filed.

Side Note: On September 7th, 2012, law enforcement agencies across Rutherford County including Smyrna Police, assisted the TBI in operation Sinful Smoke, targeting the distribution of synthetics in stores.

It's interesting to see the variety of products being sold.

Event for tomorrow

A local free music event that you might find interesting.

Ensemble 1720, a newly formed MTSU School of Music faculty period-instrument group, will make its debut Friday in the University's Hinton Music Hall inside the Wright Music Building.

The special 7:30 p.m. performance will be free and is open to the public.

First Mayor

Local writer Susan Harber wrote a DNJ article about the first Mayor of Smyrna.

On the cold evening of Dec. 20, 1869, a man of integrity took the oath of office as Smyrna's very first mayor. Maverick, trailblazer, pioneer, innovator and pacesetter all define the universal persona of Joseph Engles, whose portrait hangs today at town hall.

Our first, emerging mayor sought this position, garnering 25 votes to lead Smyrna to new heights. Engles, an attorney, set the precedent as one man willing for change, as he laid the foundation to make lives better.

I hope to see more such articles in the future.

Event reminder for tomorrow

Don't forget that tomorrow is the exhibit for the "A fine Romance" show at the Smyrna Public Library.

SMYRNA LIBRARY SELECTED TO HOST TRAVELING EXHIBIT

The exhibit A Fine Romance: Jewish Artists, American Songs 1910-1965 will be traveling through San Francisco, Baltimore, and Houston during a 55-city tour celebrating the music of artists like George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Jerome Kern. One of the other stops it will be making is at Smyrna Public Library.

“We’re very excited to have this exhibit here in Smyrna,” said Carol Kersey, branch director at the library. “This will be a chance to celebrate diversity and to enjoy music that has really defined America.” The exhibit will be the key attraction of this year’s Walter King Hoover Winter Reading Program, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2012.

A Fine Romance was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. Locally, Friends of Smyrna Library, the Vanderbilt University music department, Dance with Stacey, and the MTSU English department have given their support.

The grand opening of the exhibit will be January 13 at the library. Scheduled to appear are Dr. Jim Lovensheimer, professor of ethnomusicology at Vanderbilt University, and the Vanderbilt Jazz Quintet. Other events will be scheduled throughout the run of the event, which will conclude in late February.

Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road West in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

Another business is closing in Smyrna

It seems the Food Lion on Nissan Blvd. will be closing soon. I feel bad for the other shops in that small strip mall. When an anchor store leaves the business of the rest are hurt.

About 1,000 employees were informed Wednesday that Food Lion is closing dozens of grocery stores in Tennessee and cutting jobs, including two Murfreesboro locations and a Smyrna store.

My wife says it has a better selection of ethnic foods then the other. Send good thoughts out to the other businesses there.

What's going on at the library

From Jerome at the Smyrna Public library here is what is going on this month.

Smyrna Library is abuzz with new programs this month, including a Lego club, a traveling arts display, an e-book workshop, and the return of the Walter King Hoover Winter Reading Program.

Friday evening, January 13, at 6:30 p.m., the library will be hosting the grand opening of the A Fine Romance traveling exhibit. This free event will feature live music from the Vandy Jazz Quartet and a keynote given by Dr. James Lovensheimer, professor of ethnomusicology at Vanderbilt. Viewing of the exhibit itself begins today and will last through February 24.

A Fine Romance was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. Locally, Friends of Smyrna Library, the Vanderbilt University music department, Dance with Stacey, OmniHut, Fox’s Pizza, and Legend’s Steakhouse have given their support.

The youth services department is back in full swing as well, with storytimes already going again and several events planned for this month. Next Thursday, January 19, an all-ages pajama storytime and stuffed animal sleepover will be held at 6:00 p.m. Stuffed animals can be left overnight, and children can views pictures of their shenanigans when they pick up their stuffed friends on Friday morning.

This Saturday, a try-before-you-buy teen gaming program will be taking place 2:30-4:30 p.m. Teens will be able to use the library’s large screens to try out a recent release. Also coming up is the Lego Club, which will be meeting January 24 at 4:00 p.m. Registration is required, and this program is limited to those 8 years old and up.

If you received an e-book reader over the holidays and are interested in getting free library books on your device, the library will be hosting an e-book workshop for you tomorrow, January 12, at 3:00 p.m. This event will cover lending on our popular R.E.A.D.S. system, along with giving information for those who are still in the market for a device.

Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road West in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

Our town

Here are the basic numbers for December and the year 2011 for police responses.

A new tax on the horizon?

This article goes a little into detail on something that has popped up on the agenda for the town meeting Tuesday night. Section 8-C New Business, on the town agenda tonight has this listed.

Consideration of a resolution to adopt a litigation tax pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-4-601(b)(6)

Looks like Smyrna will have another new tax for us to pay. The way the code looks it seems to be another fee added to court costs. The turnip is feeling squeezed a hint more today. $25 here and $25 there...that starts to add up to some real money.

Jazz!

Make plans for a fun afternoon

Short Notice on this program

Sorry I did not post this earlier....did not hear about it until the latest parks newsletter.

Here is the PDF link for the forms and more information on this program.

River Otter

River Otter, a photo by David P James on Flickr.

Stewart Creek Smyrna TN In 15 minutes I photographed a squirrel, 2 turtles, a duck and this otter while sitting in my swing on the creek bank.

Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport

Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, a photo by Tom C. Frundle on Flickr.

This image by Tom C. Frundle is one of the better ones I've seen of the Smyrna area.