The idiocy and joy of youth

I enjoy the memories of my idiot youth when life was full and I broke the rules. You really have not lived until you've awoken in a car in a field and have no idea where you're at...but you know you have one massive damn hangover. Of course many of my greatest achievements were performed in school. If I had been in school when they had zero tolerance policies I might still be there.

I've come across some more local videos of youth at the Smyrna High School with this humble description.

Smyrna High Schools "Freshman Initiation Day" There Was A Huge Mosh Pit In The Back Of The School.

Enjoy



I like the yells of 5.0. when someone spots either a school resource officer, or a smyrna police officer.

The youtube account holder also has 4 more videos titled as "Bathroom Mosh" 1, 2, 3, and 4 and described as "Bathroom Mosh Pit 1 During Freshman Initiation Day at Smyrna High."

Looks like the same fun I had when I was young.

Sing Praise

I'm so glad I went by the Daily News Journals church calendar. Otherwise I would have missed such a wonderful event.

Saturday, Oct. 4

The Elders' Chapel United Methodist Church, 201 Front St. in Smyrna, will have Choir Day at 6 p.m. It will feature various choirs from the local area. For more information, call 615-459-6163.

Such a small announcement for such a wonderful event. I noticed the same announcement last year and went to listen. I posted the following.

Now I will admit a certain bias. When I think choir performances I think of George Frederic Handel's famous work Messiah(link goes to download site). "and he shall purify" is the part I enjoy singing along with the most. With a voice in the bass range I have the habit of following my wife who is a alto-saprano when she sings. For many years she was in a local performance in Franklin Tennessee. Thus when she practiced at home, I sing along with her...quietly.

When I got there they quickly got to the business of singing. Singing energetic spiritual songs that got people standing, clapping, and saying praise. Outside of one single time as a youth when I accompanied a friend to his mom's Pentecostal church one Sunday, I have never been really exposed to this form of religious choirs.

When I walked into the door I felt awkward as I do in most social setting, but quickly got comfortable and found myself singing along with a few of the songs. Several songs used a "call and repeat" form of singing, and even a tone deaf guy musically uninclined guy like myself found it easy to follow along.

After 3 hours of spirit filled music the night ended with a few words from a few members of the church. I am really so glad that I went and had the experience of music like this.

Unless I am physically unable to go I'll be there.

This is a great event, very energetic, musical, and one you should not miss.

Hello All. This week in Smyrna looks like a calm end of the month edition so I'll get down to business.

The town government has in line two meetings this week.

Next Town Council Workshop is: September 30, 2008 - 5:00 PM
Planning Commission: October 2, 2008 - 7:00 PM

A small note on the bottom of the meeting page said this.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article V, Section 5.05 of the Charter of the Town of Smyrna, the meeting time of the September 30, 2008 Town Council Work Session has been changed from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the welfare of the Town demanding it. The meeting will be held at Town Hall, 315 South Lowry Street.

In local events we have a lot to keep you busy if you wish.

Political 1

State Delegation Election Debate
September 29, 2008
Conducted at the Rutherford County Courthouse on the square in Murfreesboro in the County Commissioner Chambers. The Candidates for Senate 16th District and House 34th District and the live audience will be asked to be in place by 6:15 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Candidates for House 48th District and House 49th District will be asked to be in place by 7 p.m. and the forum will begin at 7:15 p.m. For more information, contact the League of Women Voters at (615) 260-7550.

Political 2

City Council Election Debates
October 02, 2008
Conducted at the Rutherford County Courthouse on the square in Murfreesboro in the County Commissioner Chambers. The Eagleville City Council candidates and the live audience will be asked to be in place by 5:45 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:00 p.m. The La Vergne Alderman candidates and the live audience will be asked to be in place by 6:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:45 p.m. The Smyrna City Council candidates and the live audience will be asked to be in place by 7:15 p.m. and the forum will begin at 7:30. For more information, contact the League of Women Voters at (615) 260-7550.

Dead Things

Widows, Weepers and Wakes: Mourning Customs Exhibit
October 01, 2008 - October 31, 2008
Held at Oaklands Historic House Museum, 900 North Maney Avenue, Murfreesboro. Victorian mourning customs will be explored. Contact: Oaklands Historic House Museum, (615) 893-0022

Music 1

The Music Man
October 02, 2008 - October 05, 2008
Held at the Lamplighter's Theatre, 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna. The Music Man is one of the most beloved musicals in American history. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: Adults-$10, Seniors (55 and up)-$8 and children 4 to 12- $5.Contact: (615) 534-0148

Music 2

Main Street's Friday Night Live Concert Series
October 03, 2008
Held on the Public Square in Downtown Murfreesboro. Free admission, food vendors and more. Bring your lawn chair! 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Contact: Main Street, (615) 895-1887

Knowledge

Introduction to Microsoft Excel: 10 a.m. to noon, Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Road W. Free, advanced registration required. Call 615-459-4884, www.linebaugh.org.

Well that is it for Smyrna. If you have something you would like me to add please email me and I'll get right on it.

Candidate debate

The town council candidates will be having a debate sponsored by the Rutherford county chamber of commerce.

The Murfreesboro/Rutherford County League of Women Voters and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor two upcoming election debates. A state delegation candidate debate will be Monday, September 29 and an Eagleville, La Vergne and Smyrna city council candidate debate will be Thursday, October 2.
..........
La Vergne Alderman - 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Smyrna Town Council - 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A big thanks to This is LaVergne for the information.

World's worst?

World's worst translation/ Traducción Pésima
Originally uploaded by Big Mike 42

Is this really the worlds worst translation? I found this on Flickr and thought someone who is a Spanish speaker might get a kick out of it.

Letter to candidates

Here is the copy of the letter to our local candidates that I will be sending out later this week. I figure that subject and length should be up to them.

Candidate Letter Redacted - Upload a Document to Scribd

Note: The only difference between this one and the one I will send is that I redacted my cellphone number from this one.

Welcome everyone to this weekly edition of "This Week in Smyrna Tennessee"

Let us get started with town government meetings.

Historic Zoning Commission: September 22, 2008 - 5:00 PM

Yep. That's it.

The big news is Depot Day and it looks like it will be a good one this coming weekend.

One of last year's draws was the Smyrna's Got Talent showcase, but this year resident C.J. Jatala has lined up a Minnie Pearl re-enactor, booked a group that appeared on CMT's reality show "Can You Harmonize?" and arranged for a one-hour Grand Old Opry-style karaoke show.

"It was fun last year and I love doing this kind of stuff," said Jatala, who will emcee events taking place on the main stage. "Miss Lucy Adams, who designs all of Dolly (Parton's) costumes is making me some shirts to wear during the day. There will be a lot of rhinestones."

Also new to this year's event is a dunking booth and games such as a ring toss, duck pond and putting green, which will all cost $1 each.

More information can be found at the Historic Smyrna website. I enjoyed last years, and with an election this year expect a lot of candidates local and are to be there to glad hand the populous.

While Depot Days is the largest event, there are others you might want to take a look at.

Theatre

The Music Man
September 25, 2008 - September 28, 2008
Held at the Lamplighter's Theatre, 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna. The Music Man is one of the most beloved musicals in American history. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: Adults-$10, Seniors (55 and up)-$8 and children 4 to 12- $5. Contact: (615) 534-0148

Horses

International Grand Championship Performance Walking Horse Show
September 25, 2008 - September 27, 2008
Held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304-B West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro. This event will showcase 44 classes of horses. Admission $5. Children under 6 are free. Contact: Tommy Hall, (615) 494-8822

Books

Saturday, Sept. 27
Sixth annual Reading Rally: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations, outside Linebaugh Library, 105 W. Vine St., at Murfreesboro Civic Plaza; Old Rock School Park in Smyrna; Bicentennial Park in La Vergne. This family event will include free refreshments, entertainment and story readings. Special character visits will include Mx the Bunny in Murfreesboro, Clifford in Smyrna and Franklin Turtle in La Vergne. For more information, visit www.readtosucceed.org. or call Rita Shacklett at Linebaugh Library, 615-893-4131; Carol Kersey at La Vergne Library, 615-793-7303; or Joe Gunter at Smyrna Library, 615-459-4884.

Baby sitting training.

Saturday Sept. 27th
American Red Cross baby-sitting training class: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gingerbread House Childcare Center, 253 W. Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna. Students must be 11 years of age or older to be certified. Applications are available at the Gingerbread House, 615-459-2100, or call Vickie Smith, 615-305-0910.

Church Auction

Saturday, Sept. 27
The Pentecostals of Smyrna will have a fish fry and auction beginning at 4 p.m. The tickets for this event are $8 for adults and $5 for children (11 and younger). Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free. The church is located at 1410 Hazelwood Drive in Smyrna, next to the Tennessee Expo Center. Call 615-604-3069 for information.

Well that is about it for this week in Smyrna...that I can find. If you have an event you would like added please drop us a line and I'll add it right away.

Naked Carnivale

Just a reminder - there's a totally crazy art show in downtown Nashville tonight at "Diamond Sound Studios." I'll be there, as will my lovely wife. I have one piece in the show, and five more for sale at their "small works" table. And in honor of our ailing economy, all my pieces are bargain priced.

The show will feature the Nashville Roller Girls, games, music, burlesque ladies, sideshow performers and who knows what else.

Still not convinced? Then I give you two words: free alcohol.

Hope to see you there. Details below:

http://untitlednashville.org/nakedcarnivale/

-DG

No bids?

It might seem odd that I'm going to mention some land the town is selling, but I'm rather surprised that there have been no bids.

The land is on Mason Tucker drive and the initial bid price looks good. That and the fact that the lot is about the same size as other lots in the area intrigue me on why ther ehave been no bids. I wonder what it is zoned as.

Lack of updates

School hass really kicked in hard, and there is a lack of big news in Smyrna, so the site is lite on updates. Sorry.

A big good Monday Tuesday to you all. Let us get down to business.

The town has scheduled for this week.

Parks Advisory Board: September 16, 2008 - 6:00 PM @Mallard Cove on Greenway @Old Jefferson Pike Trailhead on Fitzhugh Drive.
Board of Zoning Appeals: September 18, 2008 - 5:00 PM

We did have a Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) meeting last night. A bit of a light week.

For those who like a good drink

A Fine Wine Affair
September 19, 2008
Oaklands presents the second annual A Fine Wine Affair, a wine-tasting fundraiser to be held at the historic site located at 900 North Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro. The event will take place from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The evening’s offerings will showcase a variety of fine wines and include an alfresco dinner provided by local restaurants. Everyone age 21 and over is invited to attend. For reservations, which are recommended as seating is limited; please contact Oaklands Historic House Museum at 615-893-0022.

to those who like horses

Music City Arabian Horse Show
September 19, 2008 - September 21, 2008
Held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304-B West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, Free admission. Contact: Miller Coliseum, (615) 494-8879

and those who like LaVergne...there might be a few

Old Timer's Day
September 20, 2008
Held at Veteran's Memorial Park, 115 Floyd Mayfield Drive, La Vergne. Enjoy the City of La Vergne’s annual festival celebrating La Vergne and its citizens. Parade at 10:00 a.m., Musical entertainment throughout the day, Fireworks at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Angie Mayes, (615) 287-8690

A little heads up for those interested. Depot Days is in about 11 days, so leave your weekend open for the 27th.

and they're off.

I noticed for the first time this weekend a large number of "Elect Paul Johns" yard signs out in my neighborhood. I know of about 5 in a two block range of my house and I'm not even trying to find them. My wife said that she recently saw a James Yates yard sign up, but I wonder if that might have been a "Red Realty" sign with his name on it.

Talking to some people in the 'know' seems to imply that Paul Johns is a shoe-in and the real race will be between the latter three, Reed, Yates, and Merrill. I have not talked to Merrill as far as I know (I might have run into him at a meeting and not remember it), so I am going to invite him to do a guest column on our website, since he is the lessor known of the group. In a sense of fairness I will also invite the other three candidates to do a guest column also.

On a serious note. This blog is about community, and we like to deal with the issues of our community. An election is very much part of the range of subjects we will cover, but... and there always seems to be a 'but'. I feel that outside of the guest column invitation the blog "This is Smyrna, TN." will not specifically name who we are supporting or why. I just feel that a sense of neutrality here is in order for this election.

They've paved paradise

Many people have emailed me about my columns, and commented on the growth of Smyrna and the negative aspects of it. Many wish they could stop it, or at least roll it back. Sadly a parking lot is hard to undo and replace with what was there.

Upcoming Show/Call to Artists

If any of our readers are artists, the "Untitled Nashville" Artist's group will soon hold its Fall show "Naked Carnivale." I'll be there, as will many other local artists from Middle Tennessee. It would be nice to see more artists from Smyrna. The show looks like it will be a blast. (And I have no idea where they got the name "Naked Carnivale." As best as I can tell, Untitled is nudist-free.)

There's still time to register your piece, if interested. Only a few days left. The Untitled Group will be meeting tonight. Details are here:

http://untitlednashville.org/nakedcarnivale/

Of course, if you're an art appreciator, this is a great one-night-only chance to see and buy original work. The range of art is usually excellent, from traditional landscapes to street art, drawings, photography and sculpture. I met a fellow at a previous show who's been attending Untitled events for years, looking for the next up-and-coming stars.

Hmm... maybe I should cut my ear off and see if my sales pick up.

-DG

Town Jobs...by email

You might not have noted, but the Human Resources page that lists the job opening for the town of Smyrna has a new service.

Would you like to receive information on jobs with Smyrna in your email? Just fill in your name and email address below and hit the [Submit] button to be added to the email list.

This is a wonderful service for those who want to keep an eye on possibly improving their lot in life, but want to skip the requirement for regular visits to the town website.

Right now they have three jobs listed.

Pancake Breakfast

Lori from the Smyrna History Blog wants you to know about this local event.

This Saturday (9-13-08) the Rutherford County Christian Relief Assoc (RCCRA) will hold their 2nd annual Pancake Breakfast at the Smyrna Rescue Squad building on Front Street. Tickets are $5.00 and for "All you can eat" pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Times are 7-9:30 am. Proceeds will be used to purchase materials for local projects. For more information, you can call 615-785-9423 or e-mail ( rccrasmyrna@yahoo.com )

$5 will not even cover a good breakfast combo at many restaurants and at the Rescue Squad you get to enjoy a wonderful group of people who care.

Good Monday people. I mean that as this weekend the news of a future bookstore for our town was announced. Books-A-Million will be one of the businesses established when the retail complex to the left of Lowes is finished.

Now to the business at hand.

The town government this week has three meetings planned.

Beer Board: September 8, 2008 - 7:00 PM
Project Assistance: September 9, 2008 -5:30PM
Next Town Council Meeting is: September 9, 2008 - 7:00 PM

While the Beer Board meeting agenda seems standard fare, the town council meeting starts off with a citizen comment by George Croft about Ordinance 15-605 section 1 of the town laws. This section deals with what is considered a motor vehicle. Section 605 deals with the town's control of what you can park on your property and where. Hopefully he will get a better reception then I did.

In local events we have a commemoration event scheduled

7th Annual Rutherford County Community Fair and 9-11 Memorial Event
September 11, 2008
Held at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, 940 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro. Event is in remembrance of 9/11/01. Activities start at 4:00 p.m., Remembrance Ceremony at 5:00 p.m., Musical performances. Huge kids area with inflatables, petting zoo and games. Equipment displays by local Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, First Responders and the Military. Free admission and activities. Primary parking lot will be located at the Murfreesboro Auto Auction on Old Fort Parkway with a shuttle service provided by Rover. Contact: RCSO Community Service Unit, (615) 904-3018 or 904-3019

For those who have a taste for variety and food, then this event is for you.

Taste of Stones River
September 14, 2008
The Taste of Stones River is an annual event benefiting the United Way of Rutherford & Cannon counties. Everyone is welcome to this fun-filled family event. With over 40 restaurants participating, attendees will be able to sample signature dishes and beverages. In additional to the tasting, this second annual event will include entertainment by Blackman High School Band & Shannon Aplin as well as a kids area featuring face painting, inflatables, and cotton candy. 12 noon-5 pm, Come on out to enjoy yourself while helping your community! Contact: United Way, (615)893-7303

The BIG BIG BIG event of this week is the one here in Smyrna.

6th Annual Wings of Freedom Fish Fry
September 13, 2008
Held at the Smyrna Airport, 278 Doug Warpoole Road, Smyrna, 5:00 p.m., Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Smyrna. Contact: 615-459-2651

I went and enjoyed the one last year, but am not sure if I will be able to attend this one.

Well that is it for local events that I can find. If you have an event you want listed please drop me an email.

Anyone up for bowling?

I should have posted this on here before now....

The Middle Tennessee Bloggers and Podcasters group is having a meet-up and bowling evening this evening at Smyrna Bowl at 7 p.m. Ten dollars gets you two games and shoes.

Plus, Smyrna Bowl has some great bowling alley food and frosty beverages.

Hope to see you there...

More on the new retail outlets coming to Smynra

From this morning's DNJ, here are some more details on the new retail outlets coming to Smyrna.

I have to admit I'm most excited to hear a Books-A-Million is coming. If there is one thing we've been missing in Smyrna, it's a good bookstore.

New retail coming to town!!

Gunner and everyone finally gets their wish. We are getting a books-a-million and other retailers. Bestbuy, TJMaxx, and J.C.Pennys will be coming next doors to Lowe'sI know this makes all of us very happy that we are getting more retail and dont have to drive to the Boro or to the bad parts of Antioch Tn.

"Smyrna Show"

This weeks edition of the "Smyrna Show" will be broadcast today and might be worth a listen.

Mike Sparks has posted this on his DNJ blog.

WGNS Radio 1450 am & 100.5 fm will broadcast our bi weekly "Smyrna Show" from the Smyrna Boys & Girls Club @ 3pm Thursday with Bryan Barrett. The Boys & Girls Club Director Dan Jernigan, Campaign Chairman Coon Victory, Director of Resource Development Beth Jennings and Smyrna Director Diane Stockard will be on the air with us discussing their vision, efforts and positive difference their club makes in the lives of our young people. With our Country's growing problems ranging from children growing up fatherless, lack of accountability, a growing gang problem, peer pressures and many more problems the Boys & Girls Club is one organization we can and should all support.

I have some good memories of the Boys and Girls club of my hometown. My hometown had a good Boys and Girls club and I was there often.

Music from "Night out against crime"

This is cross-posted at "This is Smyrna TV".. Drop by and take a look.

Road being closed

One of the few roads connecting the two sides of Smyrna is being closed Saturday according to the town government

***Hazelwood Drive will be closed between Enon Springs Road and Belaire Drive on Saturday, September 6, 2008 for utility work. Please use Belaire or McNickle to S.R. 41/70 (S. Lowry St.) or Walnut to Ross to Enon Springs Rd.***

They wisely did this on a Saturday so the affect on work travel will be minimal.

A day late and a dollar short. Well let's just get to the business of Smyrna.

The town government has this week three meetings onhand.

Sister City Committee: September 2, 2008 -6:00 PM
Beautification Committee: September 2, 2008 - 6:30 PM
Planning Commission: September 4, 2008 - 7:00 PM

In local events the town's Park and Recreation is having 'Music in the Park'.

Music in the Park
Crossfire Band
Friday, September 5th, 2008
Rotary Soccer Park
FREE
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs out and enjoy a blend for all ages of classic rock, blues, oldies and country music.

Concessions will be available on site or you may bring in your own food.

For more information about the band and to hear the music go to http://crossfireband.us/

Sounds like fun. The parks and recreation department does our town proud...I hope they don't get to irritated at my column this week. You'll see.

The guns are still firing at this fun looking event

Tennessee State Cowboy Mounted Shooting Championship Show
August 30, 2008 - September 06, 2008
Held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304-B West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, This exciting and fast action sport will keep you and the family entertained. Combining the skill and accuracy of target shooting with the speed of a horse, riders take aim while putting their horses through courses. Free admission. Contact: (615) 494-8961

After the Music in the Park activity in Smyrna you can take a quick trip to Murfreesboro for more. While they overlap some, they both are free.

Main Street's Friday Night Live Concert Series
September 05, 2008
Held on the Public Square in Downtown Murfreesboro. Free admission, food vendors and more. Bring your lawn chair! 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Contact: Main Street, (615) 895-1887

Now if your a biker...ten speed veriety that is.

Pedaling Into the Past: Bicycle Tour of the Stones River National Battlefield
September 06, 2008
Held at the Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro. Join a ranger for a morning bicycle tour of the battlefield. Tour begins at 9:00 a.m. at the park visitor center. Contact: Stones River National Battlefield, (615)893-9501

Well that's it for a brief update on town events and happenings.

If you have an activitty you wish posted please email me.