Stat Counter on the Fritz

I'm not registering any hits today. I stopped in in between errands to check and know I've got visits. Please comment to let me know you are out there. I'll be posting pics later on the Smyrna, TN Halloween in the Park.

Rutherford County Blogger's and Podcaster's Group

Okay, I vote to change the Smyrna, TN Blogger and Podcaster's Group to the Rutherford County Blogger and Podcaster's Group. Seems only fair since two out the the three folk who showed up and the last and first EVER meeting of the Smyrna, TN Blogger and Podcaster's Group were from LaVergne.

What say you folk? Our next meet up is on November 19th at 2:00 PM over at Espresso Joe's. If you have a laptop with wireless, bring it. I'll make plans to bring my digital camera.

Espresso Joe's Coffee Co is located at:
901 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN
615-220-2870

Hey, Chip and Ivy, maybe Michael will come out to play if there are single women bloggers?

Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; About the town of Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Blogger's Group

Halloween in the Park

Today I will be at Halloween in the park with a whiner dressed as a fairy, a bully dressed as a pirate and a wild child dressed as a ninja.

See you there.

Smyrna YMCA set to open

According to the YMCA's web site, the North Rutherford (aka Smyrna) YMCA will open this Tuesday, November 5th at 5 a.m.

The new facility is 35,000 square feet, state-of-the-art and features:

• Indoor aquatic center
• Whirlpool, steam room and sauna
• A comprehensive fitness/wellness center
• An indoor track
• An aerobics/dance studio
• Adult and family locker rooms
• A nursery for young children while parents exercise
• Skate park
• Family recreation fields (PHASE II)
• Multi-purpose space for youth, teen and family recreation. (PHASE II)
• Gymnasium (PHASE II)

As a Y member, I can't wait for the Y to open.

Fall Orchaestra Concert at Smyrna High

I would have posted on this earlier had I known about it. Tonight was the Smyrna High Fall Orchaestra concert. It was quite lovely. Among the talent, Keira Biggs composed her own piece and the orchaestra played it. Congratulations to Keira and a fine job to all.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN High School

How many of my peeps will be at Halloween in the Park?

Halloween in the Park

Halloween in the Park
If you've recently relocated to the Smyrna, TN area, you'll want to know about Halloween in the Park. I've attended every year since I've moved here. It is fun for people of all ages with hayrides, costume contests and food, food, food. Local businesses come out to show off their wares and offer coupons, have drawings for free stuff, and pass out samples. This year's Halloween in the Park will be held on October 29th in the Sharp Springs Natural Area from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. For more information, visit the town of Smyrna's website at http://www.townofsmyrna.org.

The 278th Comes Home on (Correction) Thursday, October 27th

Let everyone know that on Thursday, October 27th between noon and 1:00 PM, the 278th/Troop N&T will arrive at the Smyrna, TN Airport at the Army National Guard Flight Operations.

Spread the word and show your support by displaying American flags and yellow ribbons.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Troops Return

Get out and vote!

The town of Smyrna will conduct a regular municipal election in November, 2005. Voters have the opportunity to cast ballots for: mayor and three councilmember positions.

Early voting is currently taking place and runs through November 1. Early voting can be down at the Smyrna Town Hall or at the election commisison headquarters in Murfressboro.

The regular election is set for November 8th. Voters will be required to vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day.

If you need information or locations of where to vote, visit this link. It has all the information you need to get out and vote as well as contact information for the election comission.

Another report from Fat Mo's

Despite my stomach churning for three plus hours watching UT play Alabama, I was still pretty hungry after the game. I decided I'd give Fat Mo's a try and see what happened.

This time I was successful and got food.

The food was excellent. The burgers were up to the usual standards set by the Murfeesboro store. I got seasoned fries which were crisp, hot and delicious. In all areas, the food was excellent.

The service was acceptable. I think they're a bit overwhelmed by the business. I don't honestly think Fat Mo's is set up to handle the unrelenting rush that has come upon in the first few days it is open. I asked for cheese on my burger and it was not on the burger (a pretty serious offense in my eyes). In Fat Mo's defense, I do not believe I was charged for the cheese ....it was probably a misunderstanding.

Observing Fat Mo's I think the way to go right now is call ahead, to go ordering. I think the drive in is not going to help things as it's a window only....pull up, place your order and then wait while a huge line ensues. But I did take a menu home and can call ahead in future.

So, summing it all up. I'd give the food an A while I'd give the service a C. Overall, a solid B for the whole experience.

Smyrna High School Band

Read the review about Smyrna High School's band over at ChipTalks.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN High School

Smyrna, TN Blogger and Podcaster's Group - Next Meeting

We just got back from our very first Smyrna, TN blogger and podcaster's group. It was great. The first meeting was held at the Hilltop Rosenwald Park and the weather was made to order beautiful. We had expected rain and cold weather conditions. Badbadivy and ChipTalks were there and we decided that our next meeting would be held at Espresso Joe's on November 19th at 2:00 PM CST.

Espresso Joe's Coffee Co is located at:
901 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN
615-220-2870

I think ChipTalks is going to bring his laptop and do a live blog from the meeting.

Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; About the town of Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Blogger's Group

Fat Mo's Is The Place To Be

Unlike Michael, I was able to complete an order at Fat Mo's last night. I'm not sure they were prepared for the demand in this area. It looks like a family of Middle Easterners run the place and they were working their tail ends off last night. The line for the drive-thru extended to the road and I had to park and go inside for fear of my car over-heating.

I noticed, immediately, the menu's and the lack of graphics and color. This is good, it keeps their overhead costs down somewhat. I think it also sets them apart from other fast food places. It makes a statement in its lack of things. Anyway, the line inside the store was not much better. It nearly extended to the exit.

I completed my order and waited. Waited some more. When my order came up, it was wrong. They quickly corrected it but when I got it home, it was still wrong. I had asked for no condiments on any of the combos but got condiments on all the combos. Good thing I wasn't allergic. I think I will let them slide on that given the fact that they clearly did not have the full capacity to handle the demand.

The burger itself, for which I think Fat Mo's is most known for, was good. I think it was better than any fast food joint around. But the fries could use something. By the time I got home, they were a soggy, greasy mess. They were not crisp. Perhaps this is another side-effect of their overwhelming demand... I don't know. Bottom line, I think I'll give them another try in the future.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Restaurant Reviews

Don't Forget Saturday's The Date

Saturday, October 22nd at 2:00 PM will be the first meeting of the Smyrna, TN Blogger's and Podcaster's Group. This will be at the Hilltop Rosenwald Park. I know it is going to rain but there is a rather large pavillion and several smaller ones so I think we will be fine. Looking forward to the gathering. Bring your own beverages and whatever else you'd like. This is a meet and greet. Let me know if you plan to attend.

Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; About the town of Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Blogger's Group

House Trained Llamas

A digression from seriousness here while kids yack in the background and the television blares. For an interesting conversation on house trained llamas, visit Tiny Cat Pants.

Tags: House Trained Llamas

Fat Mo's Now Open

Fat Mo's in Smyrna, TN is now open for business. Fat Mo's is located at the corner of Sam Ridley Blvd. and Weakley Lane - by the Bowling Alley.

I've not been there so can't vouch for the food or service. Perhaps there is a reader among us who has sampled the delicacies of Fat Mo's?

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Restaurant Reviews

Smyrna, TN Blogger and Podcaster's Group - Meeting Date and Time

Saturday, October 22nd will be the first Smyrna, TN Blogger's and Podcaster's Group Meeting. This first meeting will be short and informal (perhaps 30-45 minutes). I'm imagining this to be more of a social activity at this point, advancing into more of a social/educational activity. For now, I think it will be nice for everyone to introduce themselves and get to know each other.

I'm not a leader by any stretch and will probably not be that great of an organizer but I will try.

So, I'm proposing Saturday, October 22nd, say 2:00 PM at Hilltop Rosenwald Park. There is a playground, so bring your kids, and plenty of pavillions and picnic tables so I don't think we will need to reserve any special space. I will bring a balloon so you can pick me out of the crowd.

Feel free to bring your spouse, or a date. Some folks might not be able to get out of the house otherwise. Once they come to a meeting the plan will be to bore them to death!

Please let me know your plans to attend. I'm open to suggestion, if this does not work for you, let's discuss. I look forward to meeting each of you and forming new friendships along the way.

Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; About the town of Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Blogger's Group

Board Breaking Martial Artists

At noon today the Smyrna School of Martial Arts will be testing their students. Tests are conducted at the Smyrna Town Center. If you are into board breaking, you might enjoy coming out to watch. Each student who tests is also required to break boards.


Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; About the town of Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Martial Arts

Smyrna, TN Job Postings

Does your business have job openings that you would like to promote online? Send me an email at dailydiablogger@gmail.com or post a comment to my blog and let Smyrna, TN know what you have available.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Jobs in Smyrna, TN

Smyrna, TN High Schoolers Put on Spectacular Performance

Smyrna, TN High Schoolers, along with other Honors Students from around the state, put on a remarkable and spectacular orchaestral performance on Saturday. I will post pictures by this weekend.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN High School, Honors Orchaestra

Brrrrr, Winter is Coming

It got quite cold this weekend in Smyrna, TN. It was lovely weather, despite the rain. Thursday night I stood out in the mist and enjoyed feeling it on my face. Friday, it was too cold to enjoy being in the rain.

I am working on a redesign of the site. I hope to have it completed by this weekend.

Smyrna, TN High School Students Selected for Honors Program at MTSU

Several Smyrna, TN High School students were selected to participate in the Honors Orchaestra concert on Saturday, October 8th. Among those selected were Keira Biggs, Lissa Medlin, Stephen and Aaron (whose last names I do not know), Jillian Smith, and Leigh and Carson Prevatte.

The students attended an audition on Thursday evening that began at 6:00 PM and lasted until 9:00 PM and will rehearse from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Friday and again at 9:00 AM on Saturday, performing at 3:30 PM that afternoon. To learn more about the program, visit the MTSU website.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN High School, Honors Orchaestra

Flea Market This Weekend

The flea market is going on this weekend in Smyrna, TN. October 7th, 8th and 9th at the Tennessee Expo Center at the corner of Old Nashville Highway and Hazelwood Drive.

I'm feeling really silly right now because I can't tell what the hours are from their website. But I hear admission is free and there is plenty of parking.

Give them a call at :
615-223-9800

Calvary Banking Location Information

Calvary Banking is located at:

269 South Lowry Street
Smyrna, TN 37167

Phone: (615) 893-1234
Fax: (615) 459-8961

Lobby Hours
8am - 5pm Monday - Thursday
8am - 6pm Friday
8am - 12pm Saturday

Drive-Through Hours
7am - 6pm Monday - Friday
8am - 12pm Saturday

or visit one of their drive through ATMS
1869 Almaville Road
(I-24 at Almaville Road/west)
Smyrna, TN 37167

or

1300 Hazelwood Drive
Smyrna, TN 37167

Dine In America

You may have heard that today is Dine For America night. Tonight, several restaurants are donating all profits to the Hurricane relief efforts. Five restuarants in Smyrna are taking part. So why not dine out tonight? It's for a great cause.

Local Bank Review

Back in college, I established account with a certain bank who I will leave nameless here. After years of being a customer, I was assaulted with fees for things like coming in more than once a month to conduct banking transactions. Also, I was pretty unhappy that whenever I came in, I felt like just another number to them. I realize I am not exactly Daddy Warbucks putting cash into the bank, but at least a smile or something would be nice.

So, when I moved to Rutherford County, I decided I'd seek out another bank. I landed upon Calvary Bank, which from what I understand is a local, county-wide bank. I was impressed not only with their service (their drive up window at the location on Sam Ridley opens at 7 a.m. on weekedays and they have Saturday hours, something my old bank did not) but the friendliness of the people. My parents banked there and often times when I'd go in to run an errand for my mom, they'd always remember my name and greet me cordially. All the employees would make small talk with me. In short, it felt like something out of the Andy Griffith show--a hometown bank that cared.

Since that time, I've started a couple of accounts with them. When I feared I'd been the victim of identity theft, they helped me quickly and seamlessly open new accounts and made sure I'd not have any checks directed to the wrong accounts. I've gone to them for other services and they've always been kind, accomodating, polite and friendly. In short--a model of professionalism and everything I'd hope a bank would and should be . Now, I generally tend to visit the branch on Sam Ridley in Smyrna, but the one time I had to use the other Smyrna location, they were very friendly and helpful as well.

If you're new to the area or a long time resident who is tired of being treated like just a number and an annoyance by your bank, give Calvary a look. I think you'll be glad you did.

Smyrna, TN Blogger's and Podcaster's Group - First Meeting

Hello all. I do believe we've got enough interested folks to go ahead and begin discussion on a meeting date and venue for our very first Smyrna, TN Blogger's and Podcaster's Discussion Group. I envision this as an informal gathering. Perhaps over coffee or dinner or lunch, once per month. As for me, Saturday afternoons or evenings would be best. Please let me know your availability and preferences.

I want to be sure to be as flexible as possible with regards to people's family/schedule/and economic situations. If it makes more sense for us to gather at a park in a pavillion on a Saturday to let kids play whilst we talk among ourselves, then we should consider this as an option. Perhaps we could do a picnic?

Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; About the town of Smyrna, TN, Smyrna, TN Blogger's Group

Regal Furniture in Smyrna, TN

According to Mystery Lady X, who sounds suspiciously like Ivy's mother, Regal Furniture in Smyrna, TN gets high marks on customer service. Ivy writes:

Regal Furniture is locally owned and operated by some guy named Rusty, who according to MLX, is a really, really nice guy.

Regal Furniture can be found at:

3 S. Lowery St.
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-459-2166

If you happen to stop by, let them know Mystery Lady X recommends them and you read about it on ThisisSmyrnaTN.blogspot.com.


Tags: Smyrna, TN, Shopping in Smyrna, TN

Raise Your Hand If You Don't Want To Drive To Murfreesboro

My hand is raised.

Dang it. I wasn't wishing to hear that they are going to build a mall that rivals Cool Springs in Murfreesboro. Blah! I hate driving to Murfreesboro almost as much as I hate driving to Nashville.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Shopping in Smyrna, TN

ET Phone Smyrna, TN

Another successful transmission into space. Yes, Michael, the aliens will be overhead tonight.




Tags: Smyrna, TN, Space

Smyrna, TN Jobs

Are you a Smyrna, TN business owner with a job listing that you would like to post? I will post your job for free here. Send me an email with details: dailydiablogger@gmail.com.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Jobs in Smyrna, TN

JC Penny At Hickory Hollow Mall

Dewayne over at Chip Talks hears rumor that they are closing the JC Penny down in Hickory Hollow Mall. That really bites because that is about the only place I can get decent clothing for my kiddies.

Now, want to hear something that I think will make a lot of people a little upset? I think the 840 corridor is a prime location for a new mall. Attracting residents of Smyrna, Nolensville, Lebanon and Murfressboro. I also think that back by the 1-24 Expo might be a good location, too.

I don't like to go to Hickory Hollow Mall, but I do. I prefer it more to Stones River because the Penny's Store there has a better selection.

Tags: Smyrna, TN, Shopping in Smyrna, TN

Nissan Showcases the Pivo

Nissan plans to showcase its new car, the Pivo, on October 22 in Tokyo. This car rotates 360 degrees and has zero emissions.

Tags: Nissan, Nissan Concept Cars