Expresso Joe's part deux

Taylor Loyal is the editor of the Smyrna AM, but also has a informational blog on the DNJ website.

He recently informed us that Expresso Joe's, closed for a month, will soon reopen.

The grand reopening of Espresso Joe's is at 8 a.m. Monday

So glad to hear that, although the blogger breakfasts have been fun at Breaking bread.

Also a new bar is open that might be a good place to gather for sinful persuits of pleasure fun

So for another Smyrna based blog filled with information, add THIS to your favorites folder.

Early election news.

This is going to be an election year in Smyrna and the three council members have spoken already.

Will they run again?

All three plan to do so.

Reed consulted her family, saying, "It is definitely a family decision to run for office."

Yates plans to pick up papers early next week. "I've enjoyed the past few years on the council and I think (Smyrna) is going in the right direction. I want to be there to carry the torch," he said.

Though he underwent quadruple bypass surgery in November and stomach surgery earlier this year, Johns plans to run one last time.

"(My wife) doesn't want me to, but I'm going one more time," he said, noting that the end of this term will complete his 25th year in service to the town.

I'm glad all three are running. Experience counts for many things. Surprised?

I might try to get a list of the others who are running and see what issues they are running on. Might be an intersting year for 'This is smyrna, TN.'

Chatterbox to stay open

My wife really enjoys this place so she is happy.

The Chatterbox Coffee and Tea Cafe narrowly escaped a temporary closure and is now under new ownership.

Holly Sylvester, the establishment's marketing manager and special events coordinator, said the site, known for its chicken salad and fruit tea, was purchased from Gina Lee and Valorie Vaupel. Lee and Vaupel originally planned to close the eatery June 1 and reopen when the widening of Enon Springs Road West was completed.

38,000 for us

The final Smyrna census numbers are in and we have grown, but La Vergne's numbers are rocky.

According to the town's final special census numbers, more than 38,000 people call Smyrna home.

Tennessee cities have the option of counting residents three times between each 10-year federal census. This year's was the last for Smyrna and La Vergne. The next federal census is 2010.
.....

For several weeks, it appeared La Vergne wouldn't reach its goal of 27,000. In fact, the week before the final count was turned in to ECD, the city had collected less names than it did in 2003. On May 6, a total of 26,427 was submitted to the state for certification.

The Article is on a 'new' layout for the Tennessean/Daily news Journal. Maybe it is my system, but I can barely read it.

Red Robin hiring

A local restaurant is hiring 100 people here in Smyrna.

Red Robin is hiring more than 100 new team members for its new restaurant.

“We’re looking for team members who will excel in a fun, family-friendly restaurant atmosphere,” said Sid Harlin, general manager of the Smyrna Red Robin restaurant.

“Our goal at every Red Robin restaurant is to cultivate and maintain an environment that inspires upbeat and respectful team members, which allows us to put our guests’ needs first.”

I've never been in a Red Robin, but in today's changing job market, any job may be vital.

My view

The dream of Smyrna seems to be a well trimmed yard, a quiet neighbor dog, and a sedan car in every driveway all in a Leave it to Beaver setting. Well June Cleaver never existed, the beaver was an actor, and this isn’t Hollywood. A set piece neighborhood that only exists in the dreams of the TV viewers or the Town planners that are seeing our future, and it is all I cannot bare.

If you want straight lines, clean areas, and a life of no variety then you would be the type to work well in a cubicle based office structure. Where each office is the same size, the same lighting, and the same color. All regulated and prone to be soul sucking.

Just one problem with those who live in the cubicle hive. They not only want you to join them, they will force you to by hook or crook. "They" are the town government and all that is wrong with the path that is being taken.

Smyrna is at that awkward stage of development. The growth that is happening is glorious to behold.. A new building going up every week it seems, and new people being hired. The future of Smyrna is being decided today, but is it in the interest of you the resident of Smyrna, or the perceived needs of the town and its future?

You might be surprised that I feel some laws are good. My views do not fall into the anti-government camp on all issues, but in a restricted view of government. Laws are for those who cannot. The one who cannot understand why 30 wrecked cars in his backyard is bad, or the one who cannot understand that parties every night until 3Am is a nuisance. The problem is that most, if not all government so easily slide from the "laws to assist the people" to "laws needed to control the people". When this occurs we end up with rules on the height of bushes, the length and type of fences and the type of material your driveway can be made out of.

Smyrna has slipped over that line in the past and damned if I will sit back and quietly go into that well regulated and organized future that they are deciding for me one committee meeting at a time.

The people in the area that the historic district wish to expand, or infect in my view, have spoken out that they do not wish it. The meeting Tuesday night was to get their input and from what I saw it was anti-expansion. The problem is that the town has an idea that this is needed because the land need protecting from the people. You might disagree, but this view is held by more then just myself.

We will see in the next few months how well the town listens to the people, or if the people speak, but are not heard. The people of Smyrna are about to get a lesson in their future. Will they decide it, or will it be rammed down their throats one ordinance at a time?

It looks like a good week for the town government as they have two meetings planned, but one will be "fun" to experience.

Next Town Council Workshop is: May 29, 2008 - 7:00 PM
Front Street Historic District Expansion Workshop May 27th 2008 - 5:30 PM (Smyrna Assembly Hall)

I have commented on the Front Street Expansion already on This is Smyrna, TN. and my column this week will also make a "few" barbed statements on the issue. I do wish that something this important was broadcast for the whole town to view. They do have mobile cameras and recording this for later broadcast or archiving would be the proper course of action. When a government is taking such a large step on placing more control over your property, then the rest of the town should see them in action. If they allow vocal feedback from the audience during this workshop then it may go from "fun" to delightful.

In the local area and in town there are a few items of note.

More soldiers will be returning from the sandbox Monday and we gladly welcome them back.

It was all smiles, hugs and kisses as the guard members stepped off the bus to see their families.

This is just the latest in a wave of National Guard soldiers returning home. Monday 100 soldiers are expected to arrive in Smyrna.

There will be a lot of happy family members today.

For kids there is a play being offered.

May 30, 2008 - June 01, 2008
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown": 7:30 p.m., on stage: Lamplighters Theater, 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna. $8 adults; $7 for seniors; $5 for ages 4-12. 615-534-0148.

This sounds better then having your kids watch TV all of the time.

If you want to expose your kids to something different then Nissan has tours.

Nissan auto plant in Smyrna, where they have free tours for ages 10 and older at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's best to have a reservation. 615-459-1444

Well that is pretty much it for your Monday informational roundup.

Good work

The town of Smyrna has treated one ordinance changes the right way and I am one to point out what they do right as much as wrong. Surprised?

The town Storm Water ordinances that are still in draft form have gotten their own page due to the complexity of the issue, and the page includes full pdf copies of all pertinent information plus draft copies, brochures, and FAQ sections. There is a lot of good information there for you.

I do hope that they keep this up with full draft copies of all ordinance changes. I feel that even if the change is as little as a single word, they should place online a whole copy of the section for people to read and compare. I like to fall back on the old "informed voters" line when it comes to this.

Information is power, and anything that stands between the people of Smyrna, and the needed knowledge will be brought up in open forums. The other side of the coin is that when a good thing is done, it will be complimented openly also.

DNJ news

The Murfreesboro Daily News is a sorce of a lot of news for Rutherford county, and many people take part in their forum discussions. The news is that they are going to a whole new layout and forum and you will need to reregister NOW if you want to reserve your name.

Just thought you should know.

Historical District Workshop

The historical downtown district might need to be renamed simply "Historical district" because a move is on to grow.

The most recent attempt to "grow" was voted down as blogged so well by our anonymous guest in his two part post [1,2]. I now have a pdf of how much they were going to grow.

Here is "alt a" to give you a basic idea of how damnably far they plan on infecting our town with a whole new layer of regulations.

alt a - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: alt a

This was voted down, but unlike my request for a "good fowl system" that was brushed off, they are coming back to the feeding trough for 'feedback' from the area.

Historic District Expansion Workshop - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: Historic District Expansion Workshop

If you like controlling your own property as much as they currently allow, then get your butt there and inform them of your displeasure.

Update

Things have been slow at This is Smyrna, TN. for a lot of reasons. First School for me ended, then my brother enlisting and the whole 'going away' activities, and my knee (which has me on crutches) is not getting better has made me getting out very hard. I link to articles, but that is limiting for the most part.

I'm also looking for guest bloggers, or ones who would like to join as fully active bloggers..from Smyrna of course.

Things will pick up some as I am working on putting out my own video episodes of 'This is Smyrna TV' for your enjoyment...but not the town governments.

Well off to get along with life as it is.

The town government has a few meetings scheduled for this week. One likely will be 'lively' in nature.

Parks Advisory Board: May 20, 2008 - 6:00 PM
Historic Zoning Commission: May 21, 2008 -3:30 PM

If you remember our two part [1,2] series from a guest writer you could tell that the Historic Zoning commission is starting to become a bit lively in nature as it infects spreads out in the older part of Smyrna. I might drop by to give it a once over. I suspect we will be having another guest column on a special meeting the town will have on May 27th.

In local happenings we have this coming weekend a historical site of interest.

Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of the Stones River National Cemetery
May 24, 2008
Held at the Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro. Hallowed Ground is an hour long tour through the Stones River National Cemetery. Visitors will learn to look beyond the stones and into the stories of the men and women who felt the impact of war. Reservations are required and must be made by phone starting at 9:00 a.m. the Monday preceding the program. Contact: Stones River National Battlefield, (615) 893-9501

Now for the kids there is some live theatre available.

Saturday May 24th.
Lamplighters Theatre to perform at Smyrna Library: 10 a.m., 400 Enon Springs Road W. Sneak preview of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."

They took my brother away

Monday I took my brother to the Army recruiting station in Murfreesboro. The plan was for him to spend the night in Nashville courtesy of the army, and then travel with others to Fort Bragg North Carolina for basic training and then advanced training.

Saturday all of my siblings got together at legends to eat, laugh, and say goodbye to him for the next 5-6 months.


From left to right
Danielle, Army boy Jim, Gunner, David and Annie.

Our Sunday combination going away/birthday/mothers day party of course always has someone being dropped on their head...this time it was Annie.


Monday we dropped my brother off and I said my final goodbyes to him.


left to right.
Elizabeth, Jim, Mitchel, Jeanne(A.K.A. Mom)

This came on our family suddenly as my brother decided to go for it just a few weeks ago. I already miss him...

In Smyrna this week the town has three meetings scheduled

Next Town Council Meeting is: May 13, 2008 - 7:00 PM
Board of Zoning Appeals: May 15, 2008 - 5:00 PM
Project Assistance: May 13, 2008 -5:30PM

The town meeting agenda is below for those who would like to view it.

The meeting marked "Project assistance" is about utilities for those in need.

PROJECT ASSISTANCE
Giving those in our community in need a hand up with their utility bills. It's easy. All you have to do is add $1.00 to your monthly utility bill. Just ask the Smyrna Utility Representative how to help those unable to pay their utility bill.

A voluntary town run program. Sounds good to me.

2008-05 13TCA - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: 2008-05 13TCA

There are two local cultural events that might be worth attending.

A Day of Washing, Churning, and Learning
May 13, 2008 - May 14, 2008
Held at Oaklands Historic House Museum for school children ages K-6. Teachers can plan a day of hands-on-activities, demonstrations, crafts, and games. From 9:00am – 1:00pm, children can experience chores from the 1860’s when they wash clothes on a washboard, make candles, churn butter, and beat the rugs. To make reservations for home school, private school, or public school groups, please contact Mary Beth Nevills at (615)893-0022 or mb@oaklandsmuseum.org

While this is good, there is nothing better then FREE!

Free Day in May
May 17, 2008
Sponsored by the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bradley Academy, Cannonsburgh Village, Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, Oaklands Historic House Museum, Sam Davis Home and Museum and Stones River National Battlefield will be open free of charge. Be a tourist in your own backyard! It will be a great opportunity to discover or rediscover all of the Rutherford County attractions at no cost. Contact: Chamber of Commerce, (615) 893-6565

These are just a few of the items happening in or near our town this week.

Willie's Wet Spot

Here is another collection of the last Tuesday and Thursday open mic jam night at Willie's Wet Spot.

Open Mike Jam Night


A big thanks to Shane and the MoneyMakers for sending the video link to me. They perform locally in Smyrna's growing music scene.

Check out all the fun we have! Then come and join me. 8-11 every week.
Every Tuesday
Smyrna VFW
10157 Old Nashville Hwy
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 459-9832

Every Wednesday
Willies Wet Spot
1208 S Lowry St
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 355-0010

We might want to organize a "booze and blogger night" at one of the local music establishments.

This video and more can also be viewed at This is Smyrna TV.

The Smyrna Public Library has an activity parents might be interested in.

After School Story Time at Smyrna Public Library: 3:30 p.m. first and fourth Wednesday each month at the library, 400 Enon Springs Road W., Smyrna. 615-459-4884.

I remember when I was a kid my mom would read to me as I went to sleep, and I would awaken irritated. I was upset because I had fallen asleep and missed some of the book. I have a great love of books and reading so I highly recommend getting your children hooked on books.

In Smyrna this week the town government has three open meetings planned for those interested.

Beautification Committee: May 6, 2008 - 6:30 PM
Beer Board: May 5, 2008 - 7:00 PM
Sister City Committee: May 6, 2008 -6:00 PM

A public event of note is a golf tournament that you maight want to check out.

Smyrna Senior Citizens is holding its second annual benefit golf tournament on Friday, May 9 at Cedar Crest Golf Course with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Cost is $300 per four-man scramble team. Hole sponsorships cost $100. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Entry deadline is May 1. Contact Michael Henderson at 615-554-0171 or Wanda Chandler at 615-459-4839 or Sandra Bolin at 615-405-8957.

The biggest thing this week in Smyrna will be the talk about information on Amnon Bar-Tur, the main person behind the Biblepark, and information of a "sordid" past.

87 Year Old Grandfather Missing In St. Louis Area - Do You Know Ervin Tucker?

My grandfather is Ervin Tucker. He is approximately 87 years old and may have been put in a nursing home in the St. Louis, MO area within the last week. He has a broken hip. My mother in Florida is searching for him.

My step grandmother has allegedly been beating him. She will not provide any information to my mother on the whereabouts of my grandfather. He may have been put in a Veterans facility. We do not know his social security number. My mother has reported this to Eldercare.

Please, each of you have contacts who have contacts, please take this information and spread the message for me. If you have information on an Ervin Tucker who is approximately 87 years old in the St. Louis region, please email me at dailydiablogger AT gmail DOT com.

Grand Opening today

Hott Rod Guitars is having their grand opening right now. Drop by and say Howdy to them.

Celebrate the grand opening of Smyrna’s newest guitar shop with a ‘Hott Rod’ dog and a cold drink May 3.

Owner Steve Poole is inviting the public to see his new store Hott Rod Guitars at 304 S. Lowry St., across the street from Smyrna Town Hall and above Direct Insurance and enjoy some refreshments and music. Festivities begin at 10 a.m.

Hott Rod Guitars buys, sells and trades for high-end as new, used and vintage guitars, drums, amplifiers and other miscellaneous music equipment.

I passed their store across the street from the Town Hall and it looks like they're having fun.

Main Street Jazzfest is here in Murfreesboro and it looks like a good lineup of bands local, and visitors.

MTSU's Jazz Ensemble I, The Rutherford All-County Jazz Band, Joe Johnson, Jeff Hall, The Jamie Simmons Sextet, The U.S. Army Ground Forces Jazz Guardians, & Nicholas Payton

Today and tomorrow for those who wisht o attend. Since jazz may not appeal to the kids they also have fun stuff for them to do tomorrow.

Main street presents Jazzfest Kid's Alley

Saturday, May 3
11 am to 6 pm
Climbing Wall, Mural Painting, Inflatables
Party Bus, Finger Casting, Dance Revolution
Zoom Zone Activities, Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
All activities are FREE!

Drop by and have fun this weekend.

Smyrna's most wanted

This is a wanted Cockatiel and Buddy is currently Smyrna's most wanted for one family.

I wanted to pass along to you a blog I created a little over a week ago for Buddy, our cockatiel. He's flying around Smyrna right now having himself a grand old adventure (we hope), but we sure would like to find him and bring him home. On April 17, Thursday evening, he was on my husband's shoulder as hub's walked out the door and away he flew. It was like watching a helium balloon go up, up, up and away. Poor hubs didn't even realize Buddy was on his shoulder or out of his cage for that matter.

We live on Lake Farm and have gotten a few calls in response to the many flyers we've put out in nearby areas...a sighting at the park, a sighting in the Bent Tree subdivision, and yesterday, he was seen just down the road a piece at Ed's Bait Shop on Florence.

So I send his blog to you in hopes that the more folks know about our bird on the loose, the greater the chances of us getting him back. One less cockatiel stirring up trouble on the streets of Smyrna. http://findbuddybird.blogspot.com/

Do birds respond to calls like a dog?