Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sam Davis Home in pictures

The Sam Davis home is one of the more well known historical sites in town, and I have come across some historical aerial images from the 40's you might find interesting

***CLICK IMAGES TO SEE THEM IN FULL SIZE***



This first image is from Google and give you a basic idea on how it looks today from the air.


This image was taken in June 1941 and the photographer was with the 108th Observation Squadron. [link] One thing to note is the lack of the 4 cabins on the right of the buildings and property.


This image and the next one were both taken in Nov 26 1947 and are in the Dept. of Conservation Photograph Collection. [link][link]



What I like about this one is that it shows a lot of the area behind the Sam Davis home. Where there were fields there are now homes and businesses.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

They call it recovery III

Todays recovery project is very specific to Smyrna and it has a set ammount and very specific locations. This project is listed under the banner of "Highway Infrastructure Investment Grants". This program has the job of...
This project will improve safety and reliability of the transportation system by replacing an older bridge on SR-102 with a new BRIDGES OVER BRANCH AND ROCKY FORK CREEK to serve the community for the next several decades.

A bridge. A good solid object that we can wrap our brain around and understand.



The map for this project and the ones for the rest of the week are all simply placed on the location of the town hall.

The overview of the project did bring a smile to my face.
AWARD OVERVIEW
Award Number 0102011
Funding Agency Department of Transportation
Total Award Amount $1,476,763
Project Location - City Smyrna
Award Date 04/06/2009
Project Location - State TN
Project Status More than 50% Completed
Project Location - Zip 371673435
Jobs Reported 0.14
Congressional District 06
Project Location - Country US
For the cost of 1 million plus it created .14 jobs....How the heck do you create a .14 job? If you want to see the fun of government numbers all you have to do is see .14 jobs...and then laugh.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

They call it recovery II

The recovery project for today is a little complex because of the way they have it listed on the recovery website. This one is listed as part of the TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION. The basic description is thus.
Grants program which carries out a multi-faceted response to crime and victimization in Tennessee by supporting the improvement of the infrastructure of the state's criminal justice system.
The details for this project need a little extra explaining.



The projects webpage lists a gigantic number for jobs created and monies invested.
Award Number 2009-SU-B9-0002
Funding Agency Department of Justice
Total Award Amount $30,827,729
Project Location - City Nashville
Award Date 04/29/2009
Project Location - State TN
Project Status More than 50% Completed
Project Location - Zip 372431102
Jobs Reported 209.00
Congressional District 05
Project Location - Country US
30 million and over 200 jobs created!!! That larger then the town budget. Of course the web page is for the entire project state wise. I had to go back to the original Recovery Map to get the basic information for the local part of the statewide project.





It seems out of the larger project of 30 million that Smyrna received $56,000 and has no jobs created. This recovery project seems inline with yesterdays as one to bolster existing projects and not a job creating project.

This project is part of the Bryne Jag program. Since I did not know what that was, I thought I would find out and share the information with you.
The JAG Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG Program provides states, tribes, and local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution and court, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.
Well that's the program for today. An investment in the local effort to assist in fighting crime.

Stay tuned for tomorrows recovery program.

Monday, September 26, 2011

They call it recovery

People talk about how the money that the government is spending on recovery is not making an impact upon their daily going-ons. I figured this week I would share with you the recovery investments that have occurred in Smyrna so you can decide if they're worthy of respect or mockery.

The first item it to show you a map of where the money is being invested locally.



It lists just 5 that are Smyrna specific. I say specific as some might be county wide like an investment in education, or a larger work project, but these 5 look like they'll be just fine to give you an idea on how the projects are doing and what the money is being spent on.



The first project for this series is a Highway Infrastructure Investment Grant. One of the first items that jumped to my attention was the number of jobs reported... Zero (0), none, not a single one. Over $300,000 on this job and they report no jobs.

Well here is a few brief details for you and a link to the project webpage with more information.
This project located on SR-102 FROM I-24 to SR-266 will provide a smoother riding surface for motorists, thus decreasing wear and tear on their automobiles, and will also help extend the life of the roadway for the next several years.

Award Number 0102013
Funding Agency Department of Transportation
Total Award Amount $363,000
Project Location - City Smyrna
Award Date 01/08/2010
Project Location - State TN
Project Status More than 50% Completed
Project Location - Zip 371674408
Jobs Reported 0.00
Congressional District 06
Project Location - Country US
A road retopping project is a good way to invest money in my opinion. The normal wear and tear on roads and the cost of asphalt is really putting some municipalities in a bind. This looks like it has merit as an investment, but not sure how much recovery it will create. I see the term recovery of putting people to work with long-term jobs. It has merit but how much recovery is up to you to decide.

Stay tuned to tomorrow for the next exciting project in our nations recovery as told by our government.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Pet of the Week: Mulder

Mulder was adopted as a puppy, but came back when his family took new jobs & were leaving him kenneled for 12 hours a day. He is now about 10 months old, approximately 70lbs, & needs regular walks / exercise & playtime.

Father: schnauzer/Rottweiler
Mother: grey hound/blue heeler/aussie mix

Primary Breed Giant Schnauzer
Sex Male
Altered Yes
General Color Black
General Age Young

Personality and Behavior
Activity Level Highly Active
Exercise Needs High
Indoor/Outdoor Indoor Only
Requires a Yard Yes
Requires Home with Fence 6 foot
Energy Level High
Housetrained Yes
Obedience Training Has Basic Training
Personality & Behavior Qualities: Crate trained, Intelligent

Good with Adults All
Compatibility Qualities Older/ considerate kids only

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20793271

Lamplighter's Theatre season

Here is a nice image for the next years planned plays by the Lamplighter theatre.

Click image to enlarge

With that being said they have put out an audition call for those interested.
Lamplighter’s Theatre Company is pleased to announce auditions for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Auditions will be on October 22 from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and October 24 from 7:00-9:00 P.M.

Appointments are not necessary. Simply come during the posted hours.

Production dates are December 9-11 and 16-18

There are roles available for men, women, and children of all ages. NOTE: the role of Ebenezer Scrooge has been pre cast. All other roles are available.

Rehearsals will start November 6th and will generally be on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. (There will of course be no rehearsal on Thanksgiving.)

Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Prepared monologues are not required; however, since some people do not do well with cold readings, you may also present a prepared monologue.

This year’s production will be presented in the classical Dickens era style. The show is being directed by Ronnie Meek. If you are unable to make these dates but would like to audition please send an email to ronmeek@gmail.com.

Friday, September 23, 2011

High Life..

High Life.. by Tom C. Frundle
High Life.., a photo by Tom C. Frundle on Flickr.

USAF Thunderbirds @ 2011 Great TN Airshow.

Have someone else cook for you

Foooooood!!!!
The Smyrna Rescue Squad at 203 Front St. will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. Saturday.

The breakfast will have country ham, biscuits, gravy, eggs, sausage links, hashbrowns, coffee and orange juice with pancakes upon request. The cost is $8 for ages 12 and older, $3 for ages 4 to 11 and free for ages 3 and younger.

For more information, call 615-306-3942 or 615-785-2354
Did I mention "Foooooood!!!!"? Cool, plus good company, meeting your neighbors, helping a good cause, and letting someone else worry about cleaning up. You cannot even get a good breakfast for this amount at most restaurants.

Mobile health unit

Sometimes in life getting health services when things are tough can be a problem. Sometimes the small ills you overlook because of finances can have a long term effect that is impossible to avoid if not handled in a timely fashion. In the spirit of helping people stay healthy, and if there is a need they will assist you in connecting with a permanent medical resource for long term problems, the Middle Tennessee Medical center has put together The Mobile Health Unit with The Hope Clinic and The Guidance Center.

The Hope Clinic works in tandem with the Guidance Center of Murfreesboro and Smyrna to help you have a happier and healthier life. I talked to Kathy Ferrell of MTMC and asked the difference between the Guidance center and The Hope Clinic as they are listed separate. She said The Guidance Center is a mental health resource and The Hope Clinic is for the physical side of your life. I should note that the services from the Hope Clinic and Guidance Center are for all ages, and for the 26th in Smyrna the mobile health unit is for ages 18 and over.

This coming Monday the mobile health unit will be at the Smyrna Library for those who are interested in this resource. The DNJ had the following to say.
SMYRNA — Middle Tennessee Medical Center and Smyrna Library will partner for a community health fair from 8 a.m. to noon Monday at the library, 400 Enon Springs Road W.

Free and open to the public, the fair will feature the hospital's Mobile Health Unit and provide attendees with comprehensive blood work to check for 22 components of bloodwork, including heart, liver and kidney functions. Cholesterol, glucose, iron, sodium and potassium levels will also be checked.

Those planning to participate are asked to fast 10 to 12 hours prior to lab work, with the exception of water. Diabetics should not fast. Confidential results from the health screening will be mailed to participants' home address.
The Hope Clinic and Guidance center has a full schedule planned for the near future.

September
Wednesday, September 26th: Smyrna Public Library
Tuesday, September 27th: LaVergne Middle, 8 – 12 Guidance Center, 1 – 4 Hope Clinic
Wednesday, September 28th: John Pittard, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Thursday, September 29th: Rock Springs Elementary, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Friday, September 30th: Bradley Academy, 8 – 3 Hope Clinic

October
Monday, October 3rd – Friday, October 7th: No Mobile Unit, Fall Break
Tuesday, October 11th: LaVergne Middle, 8 – 12 Guidance Center, 1 – 4 Hope Clinic
Wednesday, October 12th: John Pittard, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Thursday, October 13th: Rock Springs Elementary, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Friday, October 14th: Bradley Academy, 8 – 3 Hope Clinic
Tuesday, October 18th: Smyrna Middle, 8 – 12 Guidance Center, 1 – 4 Hope Clinic
Wednesday, October 19th: No Mobile Unit, early dismissal for all students
Thursday, October 20th: Eagleville, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Friday, October 21st: John Pittard, 8 – 3 Hope Clinic
Tuesday, October 25th: LaVergne Middle, 8 – 12 Guidance Center, 1 – 4 Hope Clinic
Wednesday, October 26th: John Pittard, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Thursday, October 27th: Rock Springs Elementary, 8 – 12 Guidance Center
Friday, October 28th: Bradley Academy, 8 – 3 Hope Clinic
For those with questions the MTMC website has some more information, a local news article written about their program and a video from Channel 4 news, and what the Hope Clinic vehicle looks like from the inside.

A few lines from the MTMC website says it all.
The Mobile Health Unit Collaborative represents a partnership between Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Primary Care & Hope Clinic, and The Guidance Center to bring physical and behavioral health services to our community.
The vision of the collaboration is to eliminate barriers to accessing these services and provide assistance in navigating the healthcare system.
If you have a need please do not hesitate to reach out to this wonderful service.

Interesting news I guess

A local resident is in the news and regretfully it is not good for the person in question.
Ashley McKinnon of Smyrna, Tennessee is a freelance prostitute who posts her services on Backpage.Com. She is apparently a jill-of-all-trades, because she decided to add armed-robber to her resume'.

Sources report that Ashley McKinnon, the smug-looking wreck you see on left, was offering her sexual services on the popular site, Backpage.Com where she met her "John". The man, who isn't being named, apparently ordered her for delivery, because he invited her to his Clarksville home. When she arrived, two other women were with her and they overpowered him; hitting him with a hammer and spraying him with pepper spray
I'm intrigued enough to go see what offers are on the backpage.com website.

Event reminder for today and tomorrow

Today is the beginning of the big two day festival and yardsale at the St. Luke Catholic church. Well! What are you waiting for....Go!
St. Luke International Parish Festival & Community Wide Yard Sale.
Community Wide Yard Sale, Sept. 23rd & 24th, 7am – 2pm
Filiapino Dinner & Karaoke, Sept. 23rd, 6:00pm
International Fall Festival, Sept. 24th, 7am
Spanish Dinner, Sept. 24th, 5pm
St. Luke Catholic Church
10682 Old Nashville Hwy in Smyrna
Festival Events: breakfast, community wide yard sale,
Live entertainment, Bake sale,
International food booths, silent auction,
Games for all ages and much more!
Proceeds benefit St. Luke Catholic Church.
All are invited, admission is free!
Bring me back some fudge if anyone is selling some...I'll wait for you.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Otter 2011

Local wildlife here in Smyrna. I had no idea that Smyrna had Otters. So cool!!

Otter 2011 by David P James
Otter 2011, a photo by David P James on Flickr.

Otter 9 2011

Otter 9 2011 by David P James
Otter 9 2011, a photo by David P James on Flickr.


Don't forget that Depot Days are soon to be here and it is a multi-day event. More information on the event can be found at the Historic Smyrna website for those interested.

Also remember that there is the Chili Dinner at the Smyrna Seniors center on the same Saturday.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Small Town U.S.A.

Small Town U.S.A. by Tom C. Frundle
Small Town U.S.A., a photo by Tom C. Frundle on Flickr.

Dropping With the Sun

Dropping With the Sun by Tom C. Frundle
Dropping With the Sun, a photo by Tom C. Frundle on Flickr.

PetSmart Smyrna pet adoption event

PetSmart Smyrna pet adoption event
Saturday, September 24 2011, 11:00am - 4:00pm

Email AllAboutAnimalsTN@gmail.com or call 615-319-2760 if there is a pet you want to meet so we can make arrangements to have them there.

If you're interested in adopting, please fill out an application at http://tn575.petfinder.com! We will review it (call vet & 3 references, etc) & schedule a home visit, then you will sign our adoption agreement & pay the adoption fee. We cannot guarantee that a pet will be able to go home with you on the day of the event without an approved application ahead of time.

All animals are returned to the rescue if you find you can't keep them at anytime.

A fence is not required, but you must have a plan for making sure the dog gets daily exercise.

View our available pets at http://tn575.petfinder.com
This week is Petfinder's Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. Any black cats or dogs adopted on Saturday will receive a free photo shoot from Heads & Tails Photography https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heads-and-Tails-Photography/195254780528558

Great fire of 1913

Smyrna became a town for the second time in 1915 yet just two years before the business district was gutted by a major fire that few know about today. The fire is mentioned briefly in a few areas. On the MTSU Janus website of the Smyrna time line it simply states the following.
1913 - July 28, major fire struck downtown Smyrna destroying the bank, restaurant, livery stable, and other buildings
To give you an idea of what this implied you need to get an idea of scope and cost.

Here are two images that straddle that time in Smyrna history. The first is a section from the "1878 Rutherford County Beers Map" The basic layout for what is the down town of Smyrna is already there. You might note that there are 3 rail crossings, and a small pool right where one of the down town parking lots are. I have not been able to find anything out about this pond so I'm not sure why it was filled it.



Note on the image where the boundary of the town is on the bottom right. The sharp angle is important to place the town in the next picture.

This picture is "An aerial view of the Lane Cedar Chest Company, Smyrna, Tennessee. Note the stacks of cedar logs" from 11/26/1947, the other side of the great fire. Note that the Lane Ceder company borders up to property on that sharp angle as it hits the main road. I'm pretty sure this places the image right where Sam Davis road curves around and comes into contact with Lowry street. This really makes Smyrna look small even for the period. Not far from this area is the airbase, and all of the housing that went with it.

This was from the Dept. of Conservation Photograph Collection for those interested.

The fire occurred in July 28 and was large for its time. Large enough in fact to be mentioned in the Hopkinsville Kentuckian 4 days later.



Oddly enough the fire is still mentioned by some. The Sam Davis Masonic Lodge has this small section in their official history.
Charter members include: Rob L. Short, Sumner Sanders Jr., Henry G. Davis, Wilson Ward, G.H. Crossthwait, R.B. Denney, W.E. Fields, J.S. Gooch, Leroy Mckennon, Wm Short, J.C. Harris, W.H. Alexander, M.E. Neely, J.C. Hibbett, and J.C. McAdoo. The original charter, damaged by the great fire of 1913, still hangs in the lodge today.

Now time makes things seem small, so I went to the MeasuringWorth website that calculates for you the value of money over time. All of a sudden that $50,000 looks a sight larger.

$1,140,000.00 using the Consumer Price Index
$850,000.00 using the GDP deflator
$4,680,000.00 using the unskilled wage
$6,710,000.00 using the Production Worker Compensation
$5,820,000.00 using the nominal GDP per capita
$18,600,000.00 using the relative share of GDP

Depending on how you figure the value, it is either a lot of money, or a damn lot of money. Either way it was a major blow to a small town like Smyrna. The early town father in 1914 started having annual fairs, then electricity in 1915 followed by its official incorporation in the same year.

I wish I could find some period images of the aftermath to share with you. Sadly while state archives and collections sometimes have kept up with modern technology and the best ways to disseminate information, most have not, and Tennessee suffers that ailment.

The great fire of 1913 did a number on Smyrna, but the town bounced back and moved on...now I just wish I can find out what happened the the pool/pond downtown.

Fund being set up for a local child in need

A local day care is setting up a fund for the child of last weeks murder victim. The youngsters grandmather was also shot so if you have the ability please thing of giving a bit.
The fund is being established for Makhai Brown at Fifth Third Bank in the wake of the death of his mother, Briana M. Brown, 22, according to Shannon Ashford, an employee at Rock Springs Academy. The fund, which is to be transformed into a trust fund, will be active Wednesday, and donations can be made at any Fifth Third Bank, Ashford said.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Eating glass

In the Medical and surgical reporter, Volume 58 of 1888 a letter was written to the editor of this journal by a Smyrna doctor. He told of an unusual happening and asked if others knew of cases like this.

Ed. Med. And Surg. Reporter:

Sir:—At the risk of being considered over-credulous or easily deceived, I write you in regard to a novel case that recently came under my notice.

A negro man, named Bill Jones, 39 years old, recently visited this State. He says he has been eating glass since he was two years old. He has never been sick enough to require the attention of a physician. I saw him eat part of a lamp chimney while on exhibition, and took him to my office and saw him perform the same feat two or three times. Most people will not believe he eats the glass, but 1 know it is no trick of legerdemain.

If I am not mistaken, it has been the opinion of the profession, as well as of the laity, that powdered glass was sure to cause death if swallowed in any large quantity. This negro says he has eaten as many as five large lamp chimneys without stopping. He chews the glass about as fine as one would ice. He says he discharges it from his bowels in the same state as when swallowed. He never suffers from any pain in his stomach or bowels. Have you, or any of your readers, ever seen or heard of such a case? Please don't say that it is simply a sleight-ofhand performance. I know he eats the glass. Yours, truly, B. B. Gracy, M.D.

Smyrna, Tenn., Dec. 26, 1887.

[There can be no doubt that certain public performers have chewed and swallowed glass with apparent impunity, and we have no doubt that Dr. Gracy's observation is correct. If glass be chewed small enough, it would probably be a fairly safe, though not a very nutritious, article of food. Most people would find it impossible to chew the glass without cutting their mouths. But, if they succeeded in this step, there is no reason why it should not pass through the bowels. —Editor Of The Reporter.]
This is part of a series I'm doing as the mood strikes of the writing, words, and images of the history of Smyrna, and its people.

It's Monday — everybody works on Monday

Good morning this lovely Monday morning. Here are for your convenience the job listings for local municipalities.

Smyrna...nadda

laVergne...remember that these open a PDF document and are not webpage links.
Payroll Clerk 2011 (Posted 8/12/2011 until Filled)
Seasonal Parks Maintenance Laboror (Temporary) (Posted 8/02/2011 until filled)
Water Laborer 2011 (Posted 9/12/2011 until 9/26/2011)

Murfreesboro...these also open PDF documents.
Information Technology Director
Fire Trainee / Firefighter
Crew Leader – Maintenance
Part-Time Mini Bus/Van Driver

Rutherford county has for you thr following.
Domestic Violence Court Assistant
Part-Time Kennel Attendant

I wish I had more to share. Good luck.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Poverty in Smyrna

As I am fat I came across an article about obesity in Tennessee. Titled "Tennessee's obesity epidemic: Fighting the big fight"...'Big fight'? Oh those wacky writers at the Tennessean and their efforts at word play. While the article was pretty good I feel they totally overlooked a few items of major importance. I'm not here to discuss those, but to talk about an innocuous line in the article.
Her organization takes government housing residents to the Murfreesboro farmers’ market, teaching them how to buy and cook what’s in season. The extension runs parent-child cooking and fitness programs at high-poverty schools in Smyrna and La Vergne and free wellness programs through businesses.
I know that poverty exists. It is a fact of life. I know there are poor people in Smyrna. I myself live in a budget restricted household. I joke with my wife that we make just a little to much to get assistance, but not enough to move forward. Life sometimes sucks.

I was surprised as the idea of "high-poverty schools" in Smyrna. I know that the reality is that there is poverty, but for certain schools to be 'high-poverty' rather blew my mind. I decided to do a little digging.

I first went to Wikipedia as they normally list some basic economic demographics in their descriptions of municipalities. Wiki uses the 2000 census and says about the poverty level for Smyrna.
The median income for a household in the town was $44,405, and the median income for a family was $51,550. Males had a median income of $37,130 versus $27,325 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,704. About 6.7% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Poverty according to WIKI
6.7% Families
8.8% Population
11.4% Under 18
8.2% 65 and over

I went to the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan and got these numbers.
14.3% Population (2009)
20.7% Under 18 (2008)
29.9% Household run by single women (2009)
16.9% Household run by single men (2009)
5.8% Married couple Household (2009)

Looking at these numbers from WIKI Smyrna seems a comfortable town to live in and has avoided the harsh poverty issues that many urban industrial towns suffer as factories shut down. I then decided to go to the U.S.Census bureau.

The census only had results for the 2000 census, but I was able to find some interesting items. The first two items shows the individual and family poverty levels and their percentages by using a map. Damn! My neighborhood sucks if this is true.






Here is the basic raw data from the census information for 37167. It should be noted that 37167 does cover a little area that is NOT Smyrna proper, but since it seems that poverty is concentrated in the 1-24, Sam Ridley, Nissan Blvd. and Lowry Street the addition of outlying areas would only benefit the final numbers.



While Smyrna does have poverty the basic numbers shows that Smyrna has a comfortable buffer between the national average and our towns.

Being poor still has a social stigma associated with it. That somehow you are mostly responsible for that fact. The article really did not address in detail a few problems that I'm not going to go into right now. I'm just saying that the term "high-poverty" seemed out of place for Smyrna. The numbers seemingly back up that view. While Smyrna does have poverty, and proper efforts to address the problems associated with poverty are always welcome, the term 'high poverty' is out of place in my view.

I will admit that I do not know the school zones for Smyrna, and a school with most students from the center zone would make a school look "high-poverty" when compared to Smyrna, but not national average.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Sunset Near Smyrna Airport

Sunset Near Smyrna Airport by Ajinhari
Sunset Near Smyrna Airport, a photo by Ajinhari on Flickr.

Lil Cakes Expands to Big Cakes!

Lil Cakes has been keeping Smyrna sweet, one tasty lil' cake at a time for nearly a year now. Starting September 20, they will be expanding to wedding cakes, character cakes, and petit fours! Pastry chef Brandie Struense will be joining the team to help create these “regular size” cakes.

Lil Cakes is Nashville's destination for gourmet cupcakes. They are a locally owned bakery and bake from scratch every morning using only the finest ingredients - Dutch processed cocoa, Madagascar bourbon vanilla, European sweet cream butter, pure cane sugar, and Mediterranean sea salt.

Nestled in the heart of dining and shopping in Smyrna, the storefront is located behind Logan's Roadhouse and beside the movie theater, off of Sam Ridley Parkway at 900 Grammer Lane, Suite 230.

Contact info

615-267-0312

Hours of operation

Mon-Thu: 10am-7pm
Fri & Sat: 10am - 8:30pm

http://www.lilcakesofsmyrna.com

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Music at the Mill

This week is the final 'Music at the Mill' brought to you by the Parks and Recreation department of Smyrna Tennessee.


The band playing is Stretta and here is a promo video for your enjoyment.

Smyrna resident in the news.

In 1880 a local Smyrna resident created a new cotton gin machine that was so good it made the front of The Louisiana Democrat, January 21st, 1880.

A GREAT INVENTION.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CLEMENT ATTACHMENT.
We invite the attention of our readers to the subjoined description of the "Clement Attachment," taken from a letter to. the Louisville Evening Post and News. It cannot be doubted that it is destined to work a revolution which will Insure greatly to the advantage of all cotton producing countries. The machine Is the invention of Lewis T. Clement, of Smyrna, Tenn., who died several years ago. During the last two or three years it has been much improved, and is now for all practical purposes, complete. When we come to consider that it dispenses with the gin, press and compress, as well as one-half of the building, machinery, motive power and operatives necessary to convert seed cotton, by the processes now in use, Into yarns, its merits may be, in a measure, appreciated. The machine has been in use for sometime in mills in Tennessee, North and South Carolina, where its merits have been tested,and pronounced satisfactory in all respects. In the letter referred to we find the following description of it:
Corinth, Miss.,
Dec. 16,1879.
Some five years since Bishop Paine, of Aberdeen, Miss., called at my office in this place, and casually remarked that he had recently seen in Cincinnatti, some yarns of superior strength and sheen, which had been made directly from seed cotton, by some Middle Tennessean, whose name he could not recollect. I became Immediately interested, for I had attempted such a thing during the war, and failed for lack of skillful machinists, who were nearly all in the army or in Government machine shops. On the Bishop's return home he sent me the address of Lewis Tresband Clements, of Smyrna, Tenn.,as the man who had invented a new process of converting seed cotton directly into yarn.

I immediately wrote to him, and received a prompt answer from .r. Jas. A. Ridley, stating that Clements' had accidentally lost his life some two years previous; that his machine was at Pulaski, Tenn., where it was made, and had remained since Clements' decease. I found the machine as he had left it. I became a third owner and general agent for the other seventeen owners of the patent which Clements had taken out. I removed it to this place, and on receipt of yarns from various factories,both North and South, where I had sent slivers made by the attachment to be spun into yarns (all of said Northern factories believed from the strength and sheen of the silver rove and thread that it was some new kind of silk cotton of long, fine staple lately introduced in the South, when in reality:it was made of dirty, short staple cotton grown in the mountains around Pulaski.) The yarns and machine created great interest. I became alarmed lest the machine should be improved on and, patented by some one to the detriment of its owners, and had the card and attachments removed to a small factory and machine shop In the mountains of north Alabama, where I kept it twelve months, experimenting and securing other patents, so as to cover the Whole thing, at the expiration of which time the first mill was started at this place, which was soon followed by mills in Tennessee, South and North Carolina.
I love looking through old archives, so articles and posts like this will be semi-common for the near future.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Mums for mom

Local School activity that you might be interested in
Smyrna High FFA is selling mums in the greenhouse from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The mums, which come in 10-inch pots, are $8 each.

For more information, call the school at 615-904-3865.

Give blood and win...maybe

From the Smyrna AM we find that Tuesday and Sunday is the final chance to give blood locally and possibly win a car. I'd say this is a win-win situation.
Only a few days remain for blood donors to be eligible to win a new car.
Those donating until Wednesday have a chance to win a 2012 red Ford Fiesta SE, courtesy of Ford Motor Co.

Blood drives will be held at the following locations dates and times:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tuesday at Motlow State Community College, 5002 Motlow State Blvd., Smyrna;
.........................
• 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. Sunday at St. Rose of Lima and St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 10602 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna.
Thanks to the Smyrna AM for bringing this to out attention.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Animals!

Nothing captures the attention of a child as much as an icky looking reptile, or a fuzzy feline...so this show is made for them. Saturday just before noon take your kids to an experience they will not soon forget.


Pet of the Week: Dori

Dori is around 9-yrs-old, great with kids/cats/and dogs and Operation Education had been helping with her for at least a year at a home where her human-mom was dying. As the mom is finally in the last stages of her life, her kids didn’t want to handle the dogs (there were several) so they stuck them outside. They had been, before then, well taken care of.
Please go to http://onthefifthday.chipin.com/doris-heartworm-treatment to help with the costs of treating her! We do not raise the adoption fee when we have to treat them; heartworm treatment can be expensive, but Dori's is early stage.

Primary Breed Border Collie
Sex Female
Altered Yes
Coat Length Medium
Grooming Needs Moderate
Shedding Amount Moderate
General Color Black with White
General Age Adult
Pattern Bicolor
General Size Potential Medium
Eye Color Brown
Tail Type Long

Personality and Behavior
Activity Level Moderately Active
Exercise Needs Moderate
Indoor/Outdoor Indoor Only
Requires a Yard Yes
Requires Home with Fence Any Typ
Energy Level Moderate
Housetrained Yes
Reaction to New People Friendly
Likes to Vocalize Quiet
Obedience Training Has Basic Training
Personality & Behavior Qualities Likes to swim, Affectionate, Eager to please, Even-tempered, Gentle

Compatibility Information
Good with Kids Yes
Good with Adults All
Good with Cats Yes
Good with Dogs Yes
Owner Experience Needed Breed

Location 37129

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20329748

It's Monday — everybody works on Monday

This is likely the worst I've seen for the weekly roundup for open positions in local governments. To start Smyrna has nothing to offer job wise. The hiring freeze is understandable, and seasonal jobs that had the summer looking good are now gone.

LaVergne does have a few.
Library Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 08/24/2011 until Filled)
Payroll Clerk 2011 (Posted 8/12/2011 until Filled)
Seasonal Parks Maintenance Laboror (Temporary) (Posted 8/02/2011 until filled)

Murfreesboro has about the same number as last time.
FULL-TIME
Information Technology Director

Fire Trainee / Firefighter

Crew Leader – Maintenance

PART-TIME
Part-Time Mini Bus/Van Driver

Rutherford County proper just has 2 openings.
Animal Control Officer
Part-Time Kennel Attendant

I wish there were more openings, but the pickings are slim this week.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Jefferson Springs

***all images enlarge when clicked***

Most people know 'Jefferson Springs' as just a road. The majority of people in Smyrna moved in after its decline and destruction by Percy Priest lake. I figured I'd share a few images of what once was just on the outskirts of the current town borders.

I cannot find a date, but this article gives information on the final blow to the town as the bridge falls to make was for the rising waters.




The next three images are from the Gore Center website. They have a large collection of images, sadly few online, of the area. The first image is of the ill-fated bridge







The Tennessee State library and Archive has a small section on Tennessee resorts and their history. In the section titled 'aftermath' they give some detail on Jefferson Springs.







The practice of cattle wading into a particular site of the Stones River brought to light sulphur springs bubbling up from the riverbed. A coffer dam forced the water to the surface, and a resort developed at Jefferson Springs, four miles northeast of Smyrna. The early twentieth century found a hotel, boarding houses, and a number of cottages at the springs. Dancing, swimming, and boating occupied the vacationers. By 1931, there was on site a store, a restaurant, two bowling alleys, a pool hall, a bath house, and a toboggan slide into the water. A nearby park offered croquet, ball games, camping and picnicking. The popularity of this resort area declined following World War II.


There is a lot of history in Smyrna that most do not know about. I wish I could find more older images to help people connect to a great town.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

In our town

Here are the monthly crime numbers from the Smyrna Police Department. This is a brief overview of something that should be very important to you.
These are the monthly and year to date calls for service that officers have responded to at the Smyrna Police Department. This is not the Uniform Crime Report that is submitted to the FBI and TBI

Friday, September 9, 2011

Local gathering happening Saturday

There are so many gathering that go on in Smyrna with little fanfare. I hope if you feel the need you'd drop by. This event was brought to my attention by TaRita Wright.
THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED . . . TOMORROW IS THE 3RD ANNUAL FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY @ THE HILLTOP PARK IN SMYRNA. DON'T MISS OUT SEEING ALL OF YOUR OLD FRIENDS FROM BACK IN THE DAY (maybe even some old family members who you haven't seen in a month of Sundays!!) HOPEFULLY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN US AND NOT GET LEFT OUT THIS YEAR!! WE ARE EVEN TAKING IT BACK TO THE "CAKE WALK" FROM BACK IN THE DAY AND WE ARE PLANNING THE BIGGEST "ELECTRIC SLIDE--TWINE--CUPID SHUFFLE--MICHAEL JACKSON SHUFFLE--EVEN THE TWO-STEP & 4-CORNERS SHUFFLE--LOL" THAT HILLTOP PARK HAS EVER SEEN!!
TAKE CARE AND HAVE A BLESSED AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND IF I DON'T SEE YA 2MRW!!

Being prepared.

The Governor has declared September as National Preparedness month.
With that in mind, and the memory of the great flood last year you might want to go to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and see what you might do to prepare for possible problems in the future. Most are as common sense as having some extra canned food set back, some bottled water, medical records in one area if you need to grab and run. A lot of people in Smyrna had to leave and their houses were cut off for days, and poor LaVergne at one point had all roads to it cut off and closed. Being prepared does not cost much, but you can reap great rewards from just a little forethought today.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Springhouse Visual Arts Exhibition


The Springhouse worship and Art gallery in Smyrna is hosting their second annual art contest for Smyrna.



It’s time to announce our 2nd Annual Springhouse Visual Arts Contest ART CALL!

Art requested must have been created in the last three years. Thousands of $ in Prize Awards for Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, or Photography. We invite artists from middle Tennessee to submit up to three photo entries by mailed CD or EMAIL, beginning September 1st through September 19th.


Entry Fee of $10 for Adults, $5 for Youths must be mailed along with CD entry, and mailed separately for emailed submissions. This entry fee will once again go toward the PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS in each division.

Preliminary judging will take place from these submissions. Artists will be notified between September 26th thru October 8th, 2011.

Chosen work must be hand delivered to the Gallery at Springhouse, Friday, November 4th, from 4:00-8:00 pm. or Saturday, November 5th, from 10:00-1:00 pm.

Once all work is physically received, final judging will occur. Awards and cash prizes will be presented to recipients the evening of The Gallery at Springhouse Reception, Saturday evening, November 19th, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Friends and family are welcome.

Divisions are: Middle School, 11-13 years, High School, 14-18 years and Adults, 19 years and older.

PURCHASE PRIZE AWARD $1000 Sponsored by Journeys! Multiple cash prizes in each category.

Good luck for those that apply as the main prize is $1000 and you can attempt to sell your work also...but the art must stay there for entire show.

HOME program grants comes to Smyrna

I mentioned the HOME program in one of my columns earlier this year and it looks like Smyrna is getting the ball rolling with a public meeting on the subject. It offers totally forgivable loans to improve your house and it really is that simple.. If you stay in your house for 5 years after getting the loan you owe NOTHING...and nothing is good.
The HOME Program

The HOME program provides 100% forgivable loans to eligible residents of owner-occupied residences of the Town of Smyrna. (“Forgivable loan” means that if you continue to live in the house for as few as the next 5 years, you would be required to repay $0.) Eligibility is based on: income, assets, and condition of dwelling, among others.
Successful applicants will receive 100% forgivable loans ranging from $1,000 to $106,147 that will be used to improve their HOME.

PDF flyer

For more information please attend the HOME INFORMATIONAL MEETING which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2011 in the Council Chambers at the Smyrna Town Hall.

This project is funded under an agreement with Tennessee Housing Development Agency through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
I went to the THDA website to look at requirements to qualify for the program and they give this information. PDF link
HOME PROGRAM REQUIREMENTSIncome Limits - HOME funds may be used only to benefit households with incomes of 80% or less of area median income, adjusted for family size. For rental projects, 90% of the households must have incomes below 60% of area median income, adjusted for family size.

Subsidy Levels - The subsidy levels for HOME-assisted units range from a minimum of $1,000 per unit to a maximum of $100,672 for a unit with four or more bedrooms.

Property Standards - HOME-assisted housing must meet all applicable local codes, rehabilitation standards and zoning ordinances at project completion. In the absence of local codes, HOME-assisted housing must meet the applicable 2003 International Code.
I know that I will be looking into this program as I have no plans on moving soon.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Annie


Our local theatre groups production of Annie is ready adn about to start. Make plans on enjoying entertainment here in Smyrna by local people.
**Lamplighter’s Theatre Company
is proud to open our 2011-2012 season
with the much loved musical, Annie.**

Follow Annie from Hooverville to the White House. Experience her emotion as she deals with mean Miss Hannigan and her sweet dog Sandy and as she searches for her long lost parents. You are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Bring the whole family! Enjoy the live orchestra and one of the Nashville area’s best theatre venues. You’ll probably want to get season tickets at intermission. It’s going to be fun, so we hope to see you at Annie.

Performances are September 9-11, and 16-18. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30, and Sunday matinees begin at 4:30.

We recommend you purchase tickets in advance online, as this show is expected to sell out quickly.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Maybe Friday

Oh the weather outside if frightful, but inside, it's so delightful...so don't hold your breath for Fridays planned showing of 'Movies in the Park. The weather, as forecast by The Weather Channel, has Friday as being chilly, and a 30% of isolated thunder storms. With that being said an umbrella and a jacket might be needed. If they reschedule I'll update here and on FaceBook.


It's Monday — everybody works on Monday

Here is a roundup of the jobs being offered by local municipalities.

Smyrna....all listed are past the filing deadline. Rather depressing.

LaVergne has 4 for you.
Library Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 08/24/2011 until Filled)
Payroll Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 8/12/2011 until Filled)
Seasonal Parks Maintenance Laboror (Temporary) (Posted 8/02/2011 until filled)
Storm Water Laborer 2011 (Posted 8/24/2011 until 09/07/2011)
Murfreesboro
FULL-TIME
GENERAL & ADMINISTRATION
Information Technology Director

Accountant

PART-TIME
ST. CLAIR STREET SENIOR CENTER
Part-Time Mini Bus/Van Driver

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Football Official
Rutherford County
PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)
Animal Control Officer

Ambulance Service
Communication Supervisor

PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)
Part-Time Kennel Attendant
Well that is it for the local governments. Good luck.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Smallpox in Smyrna

Smallpox was one of the many ills that was common to America before its eradication, and Smyrna was not immune from its suffering. In the 1894 copy of the Southern Practitioner a local Smyrna doctor told of his struggles against the flare ups of Smallpox and how he treated it at the time. While his methods might stand out at odd in the light of today's medical knowledge, he was on the front line in protecting our town.

With that said here is his report from the Southern Practitioner.
Southern practitioner:

an independent monthly journal devoted to medicine and surgery, Volume 16, Issue 3
Small-Pox and its Prevention; by J. W. Davis, M.D., of Smyrna, Tenn

Having had as much experience in the management of smallpox as any one now living in Tennessee, perhaps; I will say there is no need for a pest-house, except for the indigent. Rely entirely on vaccination to stop the spread of the disease.

Let me relate a case that occurred away back in the fifties: A negro girl, aged 12, in a family of eight, developed an attack of small-pox. She was in the room with her mother, who had a babe just two weeks old. The other children were in the adjoining room of a double cabin. I vaccinated all the family the next day, and told them to let no one come into the house. All those on whom the first vaccination took effect had no small-pox. One or two of the others that were re-vaccinated had a few smallpox pustules, with a good vaccine pustule. Two others had small-pox. All recovered. There was not a case outside of this house on the farm, or in the neighborhood.

Another thing worthy of note, we burned up no clothing or bedding—just had everything well washed and dried in the open air. There was never any spread of small-pox from the bedding or clothes.

I could give case after case where the same course was pursued with the same results, during our civil war, and in no instance did the disease spread from the house it was in, and in every instance bedding and clothes were all saved.
Now, for Nashville, I would suggest the following plan: Run up the yellow flag at the gate or door where the disease is found. Tell the inmates that they will not be taken to the pest-house if they can care for themselves, and their effects will not be burned, but will be kept for their future use and comfort.

Now for some few cases to illustrate and prove my position and theory in the management of small-pox to be correct, and the better plan. In the autumn and winter of 1863, we had a terrible scourge of epidemic small-pox in and around Smyrna, Tennessee. War waved its bloody banners over our heads, first the grey and then the blue, and as the armies went South, spreading wreck, ruin and desolation along their pathway, the poor refugees and negroes were forced back upon us at Smyrna and Lavergne. My home and family were a short mile of Smyrna. I visited and treated numbers of cases daily, vaccinating old and young; went home and slept with my family at night, often with my little three year old boy on my breast, with wife next to me, and baby on the other side of her—all vaccinated—no contagion or fear among us.

A very remarkable case, a refugee, a young Mr. Moon, had a severe case of confluent small-pox. He was in a small room, had but one large bed, the weather was cold, and his wife and two children were in the bed with him. When he broke-out I vaccinated the wife and children, and told them to stay in the bed with him, when she was not up to cook and wait on him. He got well, and the wife and children had no small-pox. Old Mrs. Moon died with confluent small-pox near by. Vaccinated her family, and no other of the family took the disease.

At Mr. John Edmondson's, a negro man, Sam Thompson, had small-pox. Vaccinated his wife and several children. No spread of the disease. He can be seen about Smyrna now, a hale, hearty old man, with the pits on his nose.

Mr. Frank Swain, a soldier of Gen. Bragg’s army, took smallpox while our army was in Rutherford County, in the fall of 1863. He was at his father's house, on Fall Creek. I found him in the family-room, father and mother waiting on their soldier boy. Examined the old people and found good scars of previous vaccination. Vaccinated all the family and had no spread of the disease, except old Mr. Elijah Arnold, who had visited Frank before I saw him. I vaccinated the old man that evening. He had a good vaccine pustule, with a few small-pox pustules.

It would take a small book to hold an account of all the cases I could relate, treated in the manner above described.

One case at Maj. Hick Weakley's. A negro man died from small-pox; his wife waited on him. Vaccinated all around—no spread of the disease—no burning of clothes.

At C. L. Davis', a negro man was treated the same way—no contagion.

At A. P. Davis', a negro woman—same result.

At Esq. John Shelton's, his wife died from confluent smallpox, and one or two children had small-pox—no further spread .of the disease.
One thing to be remembered about small-pox is, its incubation and initial fever is longer than that of vaccination, and it is rarely contagious except in the stage of eruption.

I will say nothing against sanitation or health officers, except entering objections to the red tape that is creeping into the proceedings of the latter, whose operations are calculated to create panic and unnecessary expense. The whole trouble at Nashville and Smyrna could have been managed in the way I have suggested, with one-tenth of the alarm and expense.

Treatment.—Keep the patient in a dark room, well ventilated. Open the bowels, and keep them in a soluble condition, in the early stage, with salts or oil. In the eruptive stage, keep the skin well greased; fat bacon grease is very good. For the throat, chlorate of potass and carbolic acid are probably the best. Good nourishing, but unstimulating diet; and meet complications as they arise according to the rational principles of regular medicine.
For those who would want to view this book, it is available online in full on google books.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

He's back



The same looking guy that robbed the Hot Spot tanning business in July has hit another tanning site in Smyrna. We really need to take this guy down people.
WE NEED YOUR HELP LOCATING AN ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT

On August 28, 2011, around 7:45 pm, the Hollywood Tan business on Sam Ridley Parkway was robbed. The suspect entered the business, pulled a plastic bag from his front pocket and told the two female employees that he "suggests they empty the cash register and fill the bag with cash." The suspect implied he had a gun, but never presented an actual weapon. The two employees complied and the suspect left the business on foot. This suspect is a white male, approximately 6'00" tall, 200 lbs and appears to be approximately 30 years of age. He was wearing blue jeans, a light blue t-shirt and a dark blue baseball cap.

This suspect matches the description of a suspect who robbed the Hot Spot Tanning in Smyrna on July 30, 2011 around 8:50 pm. We also believe that the suspect in these two robberies is the same person who robbed a Smoothie King in Murfreesboro on August 29th around 8:45 pm.

The suspect may also be driving a white, Ford Ranger truck with a missing license plate. The truck may also have a note in the window stating "lost tag."

This suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

We are hoping someone will recognize this suspect from the attached images. Anyone with information about this suspect or these robberies is requested to contact Detective Joe Monroe of the Smyrna Police Department at (615) 267-5455 or Smyrna Dispatch at (615) 459-6644.

Rocket's Grille on a movie set


A local photographer took a nice night time shot of the filming at Karin's Kustards.

One of my favorite places to eat is Karin's Kustard in Smyrna, TN. It's an old fashioned with great burgers and custard. Where else could I get Mello Yello mixed with lemon custard? Mmmmm.

I drive by there most every day on the way to work and church. A couple of days ago Their sign said they'd be closed for a couple of days. Today as I drove by, I noticed a neon sign being put up and I wondered if the place was being remodeled.

Then, tonight as I was driving home, from a distance I saw bright lights. As I drove past, I noticed something was being filmed. Since I had nothing better to do, I went home and got a camera so I could take a couple of pictures, with a night-time camera drive by.

As I tried to drive by, A couple of cops came out to stop me. It turns out they were filming a couple of guys getting on a motorcycle and driving onto the street, when they didn't need me in the shot.

I found some other people who also had nothing better to do who had set up lawn chairs across the street and were watching. I pulled up and asked if they knew what was up. They are filming Nicole Kidman's newest film Stoker. Karins is located next to some old train tracks, so in the next scene, they had a fake-but-lights-up-and-sounds-real train come through.

The last time I saw a movie being filmed in Smyrna, they invited townsfolk to come by and be zombies in a horror film.