It was not me

I have not been blogging lately, the desire is gone, but this arrest in Smyrna is not me.

Police arrest man with open beer, no pants

Honest. I'd be enjoying a Mike's Lemonade.

Merry Christmas

Help the parks

I remember the first time I heard about recycling Christmas trees. This town was taking them and bundling them tight to dump in an area of the local reservoir. It seems that the small fish were able to hide and survive to a larger size among the bundles and that helped the habitat, and the local fishing. This is almost as good.

Remember to drop off your trees at Lee Victory Recreation Park, 110 Sam Ridley Parkway. Drop-off period will be December 26 to January 17. Please remove all lights and decorations from the tree and drop it off at the designated area only. The chips from this program will be placed on new and existing trails and playground surfaces. For more information, contact Monty Perkins, Smyrna Parks & Recreation, 615-459-9742 X2612.

Have a good and safe holiday.

Oops!

While we do not suffer the issues northern states do, this is something that I did not know about. The newer light that Smyrna has been installing over the last couple of years are LED light because they are brighter and use less energy...but.

Cities around the country that have installed energy-efficient traffic lights are discovering a hazardous downside: The bulbs don't burn hot enough to melt snow and can become crusted over in a storm — a problem blamed for dozens of accidents and at least one death.

We don't suffer winters as bad as the northern states, but this is the draw back of modern technology.

Bad news folks

grumble

Next year's Great Tennessee Airshow in Smyrna has been canceled because airport officials lost the bid to bring in the ever-popular Blue Angels or the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds.

That is bad news on so many levels. This year the news that the BBQ festival at the Sam Davis home is now defunct, and this is the followup punch that we really did not need.

Music from local school

ALL YEAR LONG SONG by Once & 4 All being sung by the Rock Springs Elementary School choir at Publix in Smyrna, TN. Dec. 5, 2009.

Finally?

I have been keeping an eye on the FedJobs website looking for a cpac job listing locally and today finally 21 positions opened up....I think.

I say 'think' because I have yet to see anything listed as Smyrna and I did look under CPAC. Here it is if you wish to try for the job.

Program Support Assistant (OA)
Vacancy Ann #:PG-10-NRT-301319
Who May Apply:Public
Pay Plan:GS-0303/05
Appointment Term:Permanent
Job Status:Full-Time
Opening Date:12/14/2009
Salary Range:From $30,722.00 to $40,005.00 USD per year

Good luck if you try. If you do and find that it is Smyrna please comment or drop me a line by email so I can update this post.

Bart Gordon to step down

Breaking news.

Rep. Bart Gordon, the dean of the Tennessee congressional delegation, announced Monday morning that he will retire at the end of next year.

The field is now open.

Spam in comments

There has been a slight increase in spam in the comments. Nothing major, but I am going to try to head it off a little by turning on the word verification setting. I'm sorry if this is a problem for anyone using Linux or other systems. I'm trying to keep a clean house free of un-needed and VERY questionable links for people to accidental come across.

Have a nice weekend and death to spammers.

Getting a VA job

The VA job center has gotten me several emails on how to apply through my column and through this website. The process is really easy on the surface.

1. Go to USAJOBS as applications are only online
2. Search for the 37167 zip code.
3. Refine search by limiting radius to 10 miles
4. On left click "Department Of Veterans Affairs" to remove non-VA job offerings.

This should then leave you the best list to find the Smyrna VA call center job openings. Not all will be the Smyrna openings, because as of yet I have not seen Smyrna listed, as I think they list it as Murfreesboro or Nashville. I'm not positive on that point.

Supposedly there is an easier way to find the positions.
1. Go to USAJOBS as applications are only online
2. Search for the key word CPAC
3. On left click "Department Of Veterans Affairs" to remove non-VA job offerings

This brought the search results down to 5 listings from the original 74 as of this date...but none for Tennessee as of the time of this posting.

This was the easy part, with qualifying experience and education now comes the forms, and submission of resume. That's the hard part

Good luck.

A historical holiday

This sounds like it would be fun for many.

Turn of the Century Christmas Exhibit
December 01, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Held at the Sam Davis Home, 1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna, Tennessee. By the end of the Victorian era, the Davis Family Home was elegantly decorated for Christmas as the traditions surrounding this holiday were well established. Each room of the Sam Davis Home will tell the history behind these traditions we associate with Christmas today. Contact: Sam Davis Home, (615) 459-2341

Enjoy this other historical holiday treat localy.

Victorian Holiday Tours for Children
December 07, 2009 - December 16, 2009
Held at Oaklands Historic House Museum, 900 North Maney Avenue, Murfreesboro. Experience Victorian holiday customs through decorations and tales from the past as you tour Oaklands. The program is available to home school groups and school groups. Contact: Oaklands Historic House Museum, (615) 893-0022

Shop local

SIMA wants you to think of them in thesse economic times, and to think locally.

The Smyrna independent Merchants Association is urging the citizens of Smyrna to unchain themselves on Nov. 21—to do any business they plan to do on that day only at local independent businesses. Smyrna Unchained! is part of America Unchained, a national campaign of the American Business Alliance.

SIMA can be found at SIMATN.ORG

I finally got my hotdog

if you have ever seen a street scene of a movie shot in new York you would be hard pressed to miss the pushcart vendors selling hot dogs and other victuals. When I first moved to Smyrna there were several "Taqarias" around town selling massive burritos and other south American cuisine for a good price.

I'm not quiet sure why they went away. I thought they added a bit of variety and color to a pretty'fied white bread town. Life needs spice. Now we are slowly morphing into a franchise hell...but damn don't we look pretty'fied and regulated.

So not long ago when I saw a hotdog stand being set up at the car wash near the Hazzelwood and Old Nashville highway intersection I was overjoyed...and puzzled. The first time I saw it the stand was open, but I was rushed, and then I have never seen it open again. It just seemed to sit there wrapped in a tarp. and gather dust.

Until last weekend.

It was open and we pulled over to give them some business and ask a few questions. It seems they have NO set hours and are run by the same people who run the car wash. A nice Oriental lady sold me a good meaty hot dog and a bottle of water for $1.50. Compared to the $1.39 for the same size water bottle at Krispy Kreme I walked away feeling it was a good deal for a drink and a bite to eat.

So if you see them open drop in and get a good hot dog and say "hi".

3 fundraisers this weekend

This is a busy weekend for causes and for those who care.

For a young girl

Fundraisers will be held Friday and Saturday for a 5-year-old girl diagnosed with Stage IV cancer shortly after being adopted.
...
Sigma Beta Xi, a community-based sorority dedicated to mothers of which Berry is a member, along with the Rutherford County office of the Department of Children’s Services, is holding a benefit dinner at 7 p.m. Friday at Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd., to raise funds for the family. Custom Addicts will hold from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 5602 Jefferson Pike in Smyrna.

For Dialysis patients

On Saturday, the Kidney Disease Awareness Association is hosting a barbecue fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Fresenius Medical Care Smyrna at 1100 Rock Springs Road. The group plans to use the money to plan a Christmas dinner for dialysis patients like Stanulis.

For a fallen soldier

Presented by Vets Rock, the benefit will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the post, 10157 Old Nashville Highway. A number of bands will perform. Karaoke and door prizes will be available. A donation of $10 is requested for admission.

All funds raised will go to Hercules’ wife and two children. For more information, call Dominick Grimaldi at 615-294-8352.

A lot of people care in Smyrna and in many ways that makes our community stronger.

Art and the city

In just a few moments Christina Cudworth will hopefully join a growing rank of people who will become a more visible site in Smyrna. Activists. People with ideas and a mission. Hers is based upon art and she is addressing the town council tonight. She has given me permission to post here her speaking notes so wish her luck.

My name is Christina Cudworth and I own a local business “Cudworthcreative” that is a service business in where I teach and make custom murals and art. I moved here to Smyrna, and have enjoyed the growth and community here, The only thing I have noticed is a lack of connection with visual art. I know there are art leagues in Murfreesboro and Nashville, but those who live here in Smyrna have to leave and drive a distance for time to work and relax in the realm of art. Which brings me to my desire to start an art league /community art center here in Smyrna.

I plan on having the league family friendly, children, teens, adults and seniors, but not denying artists who paint more than just landscapes.. I am looking to educate, encourage art in the community of Smyrna. I plan on for profit, and membership based, capacity in the community. I also teach art at Jerry's Artarama. I want a strong emphasis about redefining art in Smyrna as being more than just paintings or sculpture. I would even like to have themed rotational art exhibits. New art festivals here and group with others for a large event showcasing art, in all mediums. The only restrictions for the immediate gallery would be nudes or offensive material., the artists are free to explore these areas, but for the sake of children being present members would be asked not to show work depicting such things .

Currently I am seeking a building or meeting place that is visible to the public, and can accommodate 50 or more artists. Any offers or suggestions are welcome. Also a place to host a fundraising event would be very helpful.

I am open to any questions regarding this matter. Thank you for your time I greatly appreciate it.

Art today...Chickens tomorrow...who knows what activist might decide needs addressing the day after.

2010 Citizens Police Academy

As an alumni of this academy I can say it is a learning experience and worth the time.

SPDCPA class for 2010 is gearing up. We will begin class on Thursday, January 14, 2010. The class will run 12 weeks and we will have our final class on Thursday, April 1, 2010. All classes will occur on Thursday night and will begin at 6 pm and end at 9 pm.
This is a great opportunity for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the police department. Students will leave this training with a greater understanding of the Smyrna police department and how the department serves the community.


All information about the class can be found on the police department section of the website under the Citizen's Police Academy link. All interested participants must complete an application and give permission for the Smyrna Police Department to conduct a criminal background check.
Click here (PDF) for SPDCPA Application

I went in 2007 and it was a blast. I met a lot of interesting people and learned a lot of how the inner working of the Smyrna police department plays out in their daily activities.

Restricted

In many ways...many cruel ways I enjoy telemarketers. If they are polite and speak slowly enough to let me interrupt with questions I'll take the time to honestly listen to them. If instead they come on and speak at a speed that would make an auctioneer proud, or to use a recording I end up less impressed....or the ultimate sin of calling on a number that ID's as restricted.

I just got a recorded message(Strike One) that I answered that was listed on my caller ID as restricted (Strike Two) for a customer appreciation day for the Stewartsboro Crossing shopping center where the Dollar general, Foxes Pizza and others are. The recording on an upcoming customer appreciation say was rather fast, not auctioneer fast but fast enough to un-impress me and to disappoint me that they would use blind number calls like this.

I'm also wondering how they got my number. Now I use my cell phone for many things, but mostly personal only, but I limit it's exposure for family business as we use my wife's number for that reason. No credit was given on who paid for the recorded restricted call, so I'm unable to ask how they got my cell number, so this alone qualifies for a strike three.

I also know that my cell phone is on the federal DO NOT CALL list. While this can be gotten around in many ways, and this call likely does not qualify as a telemarketer, I'm still disappointed to have received this from a local business. I would have thought better of them.

This Saturday the shopping center will be having a customer appreciation day....but I will not be attending.

Job Fair in Smyrna TODAY

I slipped and never got to post this.

Putting America Back to Work, a national job fair event, will make a stop today in Smyrna from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Smyrna Town Centre, 100 Sam Ridley Parkway West.

There is no charge to attend the fair, which will provide leads on full- and part-time job opportunities. Careers in Gears, Dominion Enterprises, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Division are some of those expected to attend.

I noticed the department of Veteran affairs will be there. While you might not be a veteran, they might have hiring information on the new call center coming to Smyrna in the next year.

The reason for the season....

It is that time of the year, the time to think of others who might not be having a great holiday and what you can do to help. One great way is assisting the Smyrna Fire Department in their annual food drive.

Smyrna Fire Department’s 8th Annual Food Drive
Fire Fighters for Food

Each year the Smyrna Fire Department and the Smyrna/Lavergne Food Bank team up to help fight hunger in Northern Rutherford County. With your help we can make sure that no one has to go hungry this holiday season. Here are some things that you might not know about the Smyrna Lavergne Food Bank

The Smyrna/Lavergne Food Bank (SLFB) has assisted on average 500 families per month.

The SLFB assists over 16,500 people per year.

1 in every 6 people in Northern Rutherford County has received assistance from the SLFB.

Drop off sites are here.

Smyrna Fire Department’s Food Drive will begin Monday, November 2nd and run through Sunday, November 8th. Food items will be collected at any one of our six fire stations.

Station #1 at 400 West Enon Springs Road
Station #2 at 644 Fitzhugh Boulevard
Station #3 at 630 East Enon Springs Road
Station #4 at 145 South Lowry Street
Station #5 at 2200 Rock Springs Road
Station #6 at 3640 Morton Lane

You can also stop by Wal-mart on East Enon Springs Road on Saturday November 7th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm and drop off your food donations. While you’re there be sure to ask for a tour of the Fire engine.

Today is a great day to help others.

Rated R [for Religion] II

In September I posted on a new church that was coming to Smyrna with the idea of renting space in the Malco Theatre for their services. I loved the idea of this merging of two services and how they can gain from each other. I'm impressed such a merger happened here in Smyrna.

On October 18th the church met and they were kind enough to send some images on how it went so you can get an idea of what a movie theatre congregation would look like.











The campus pastor emailed me this.

Sunday went incredible. We had over 200 people in attendance! Russ Lee did an amazing job leading worship and Pastor Brady gave an powerful message on what God is doing through New Vision Church in our community and around the world. The theater looked outstanding and the kids and the preschool area worked great. The worship service ended at about 11:05 and we were completely loaded and heading towards I-HOP by 11:45. This next week will give us a good picture of what a normal Sunday will look like ( a part from all the first Sunday hype) and we will start a new series “One Month To Live: 30 Days to a no regret life.”

Blake Nichols
Campus Pastor
New Vision Smyrna

This gets tagged not just as "church event" but also as "grand opening".

The first one has opened

When the referendum passed last year it took time for the game of politics and feedback to get the final ordinance to the council for a vote. With the codes in effect the businesses jumped to it and just in time for the holidays we have our first package liquor sales store opening.

Now, nearly a year later, Hasan has made history by becoming the first person in Smyrna to own a local store. Smyrna's Divine Wine and Spirits is located at 291 Sam Ridley Parkway, across the street from Smyrna Bowling Center.

"This has been a long time coming and I'm proud to be a part of Smyrna's history," Hasan said.

At Smyrna's Divine Wine and Spirits, Hasan said she has taken what she's learned from all of her past businesses to create an atmosphere that puts customers first. There is a red carpet at the front door and a notebook on the counter that allows customers to write down their requests for products she may not yet have.

Now instead of purchasing that bottle of Christmas spirit for your favorite uncle in the next county you can give the business to a local business.

Fundraiser for kids

Found this on facebook

This Friday & Saturday there will be an adoption fundraiser yard sale taking place at Almaville Fire Department on One Mile Lane. Proceeds going toward assistance for Dick & Leslie Overby's adoption expenses for two little boys. Bring items, or come and shop..also, swing around the corner on One Mile Ln and visit the "monkey woman bridge" site while you're there!!

"monkey woman bridge" is a supposedly haunted bridge in the area.

Smyrna Tennessee 2009 Halloween In The Park Robot

Soldiers and Horses in Tennessee

This looks like fun that any kid would love...and a lot of adults.

Seventh Tennessee Cavalry
October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009
Held at the Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro. Visitors may see the mounted arm of the Army of Tennessee drill and learn more about the role of cavalry in the Civil War in Tennessee. Contact: Stones River National Battlefield, (615)893-9501

Halloween in the Park TODAY!

HIP 09

Smyrna Airport

The Smyrna Airport aithority has a video out about the airport for new customers and business interests. The video is well made and includes history, capacities and facts that are not well known.



They did say at 3:55 that the airport is only a "short 10 minute drive from down town Nashville" ....maybe if travelling at Mach 2 on I-24. Other than that single laugh it's a great video.

Smyrna has been picked.....

As the economy has fallen into disarray we have all wondered if there will be jobs coming back to our area. Well my good friends of Smyrna, I have some wonderful news that was just released today in the Daily News Journal. The Expo center over on Hazelwood dr is going to be a federal call center.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the award of a 20-year lease for the Mid-South Consolidated Patient Account Center. The 60,250-square-foot call center will be located at 1412 Hazelwood Drive in Smyrna, home of the current Tennessee Expo Center and former home of WalMart

Renovating the building to VA specifications is expected to cost about $5 million and construction of the facility is scheduled to be completed by August 2010, according to a press release. The property is owned by BGS Limited, led by former mayor Bob Spivey.
The call center is part of a Department of Veterans Affairs initiative to improve billing and collection activities throughout its network of 153 medical centers and more than 1,400 clinics across the United States. It will provide traditional revenue functions for all Veterans Health Administration treatment locations within Veterans Integrated Service Networks 9, 16 and 17.

This is great news for there will be many jobs in the process of getting the building ready and then once it opens jobs will be created.

read more over on the DNJ.COM

Food instead of fees

The library here in Smyrna is having a food for fees program for the community.

Linebaugh Public Library System wants to help you take care of your overdue fines -- while giving you an opportunity to help your neighbors, too. During October 18-24, all LPLS branches will offer Food for Fines. For each can of food you bring in, we will forgive $1 in overdue fines from your library card. The canned goods you bring in will benefit those in need of service at The Salvation Army Center in Murfreesboro and the Smyrna-LaVergne Food Bank.

WTH!

I drop by the town website regularly to see what's up and was shocked to see the following notice.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Smyrna Beer Board will conduct public hearings at its regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall relative to the suspension or revocation of the following beer permits:

1. Permit No. #00189, held by Almaville Amoco
2. Permit No. #00199, held by Chili’s Grill & Bar
3. Permit No. #00237, held by Smyrna Amoco
4. Permit No. #00238, held by Smyrna BP
5. Permit No. #00313, held by Toot’s of Smyrna
6. Permit No. #00330, held by Big Charlie’s Bait Shop
7. Permit No. #00333, held by Buffalo Wild Wings
8. Permit No. #00341, held by Red Robin
9. Permit No. #00358, held by St. Mina Market

I'm not going to guess at what's going on, but for Chili's, Toot's, Red Robin, and Buffalo Wild Wings to possibly lose their beer permits this raises a lot of questions.

Normally in a given month the beer board reviews 3-4 permits some revocations and some applications, but this is a list of 9 possible suspensions or revocations. That's an unusually large number to say the least.

Anyone have an idea on why? Rumors?

update: Looks like there were stings/issues with beer possibly being sold incorrectly.

For our favorite Smyrna beekeeper

Brooklyn's Urban Beekeepers: Breaking The Law For The Planet (Part I) from SkeeterNYC on Vimeo.

Enjoy vidad.

Depot Days meets Chicken Wednesday

Gerry Houser, his daughter, myself and my wife went to Depot Days with three of his chickens to stand as representatives of an idea for urban food production. With Pamphlets saying we were "Sustainable Smyrna Initiative" we had our chickens, we had our pamphlets, and we had fun.


The kids loved the chickens, and a few even asked to pet them and for the most part our reception when we showed people the petition was good. Our petition is not official as we are not trying to get it on the next ballot, but it is to show the council that Smyrna is not against the idea as must as they feel.

Dear Mayor Dover

In recent years many cities have adopted ordinances that allow residents to keep Backyard chickens. We, the people of Smyrna, would like the same opportunity..

Currently, Section 10-102 of the Town of Smyrna Municipal Code states that “No person shall keep or allow any animal or fowl enumerated in the preceding section to come within one thousand (1,000) feet of any residence, place of business, or public street.” We think it is unreasonable that residents may own dogs and cats without distance restrictions, but not a 4-pound bird that produces eggs for the family. Residents have brought up the issue of chicken keeping in the past. Given the growing popularity of urban hen keeping and our current economic situation, this request is likely to come up again and again until the Town of Smyrna finds a way to accommodate its citizens’ request.

We propose that the Town of Smyrna adopt codes allowing the raising of chickens within the town limits. Further we would suggest the following limitations on keeping chickens.

1. No roosters are to be kept.
2. No more than 6 hens are to be kept per household.
3. No chickens are to be kept closer than 25 feet to any adjacent building.
4. That chickens be kept to Smyrna’s existing noise, noxious fumes, and sanitary animal pens.

The weather was very overcast and there was a bit of wind so turnout was lower than I had hoped we would have. I felt real bad for the lady selling scarves across the lane. She shivered in her jacket the entire day and looked simply miserable and was one of the first to call it a day and leave.

In all Gerry and I talked to about 200-220 people and out of that 145 signed the petition. Some did not sign due to bad experiences with bad neighbors, and some simply were not sure on the whole subject. In all the response from those who signed from the young to the old was "the government should just stay out of our lives" (paraphrased).

We had old people sign it who mentioned their own fond memories of their youth and raising chickens and the younger people quickly saw the sensibility of the positives of having chickens compared to the foolishness of a neighbor that can have dogs, but not chickens. Several people returned dragging other family members to sign the petition because they thought it was such a good idea.

In all I was overjoyed at the positive feedback I received from the people. It makes me feel that Nashville allowing chickens and our petition we might have a chance. The last time I went in front of the council on this issue one of the reasons they did not look at it was that no local municipality allowed chickens. I'm happy to say that is no longer true.

We have local governments allowing it, and good community feedback saying that the idea has merit. I think this is an idea whose time has come people.

Getting to know your neighbors

In my last post I mentioned that Smyrna was the home to a mosque, but the term mosque might be misleading. The term mosque normally leads you to think the term "Muslim Mosque" but in this case the situation is incorrect for many reason. A little searching through WIKI found that this mosque and the ones who use it for worship has an interesting history.

Ahmadiyya (Urdu: احمدیہ Ahmadiyya) is a religious movement founded towards the end of the 19th century and originating with the life and teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908). Ghulam Ahmad was an important religious figure who claimed to have fulfilled the prophecies about the world reformer of the end times who was to herald the Eschaton as predicted in the traditions of various World religions and bring about the final triumph of Islam as per Islamic prophecy. He claimed that he was the Mujaddid (divine reformer) of the 14th Islamic century, the promised Messiah (“Second Coming of Christ”) and Mahdi awaited by Muslims.

Reading on the group shows that during their history due to their beliefs the main stream sects of Muslims have carried out many acts of violence against them up to this day in many countries in SouthEast Asia. These acts of violence against the Ahmadiyya are doubly worse because they are for the most part pacifists.

I'm going to have to make sure that I mention that the mosque is from a schismatic sect of the Muslim faith when talking about it to people. I'm glad we have these new neighbors and I'm going to extend an invitation to the head of the local congregation to do a guest column if he/she wishes as a way of saying hello. Maybe they will be holding an open house or something.

MASJID MAHMOOD - SMYRNA , TENNESSEE

MASJID MAHMOOD - SMYRNA , TENNESSEE
Originally uploaded by Citizen of Two Worlds

I was looking on FLICKR for any pictures that people might have posted from Depot Day. I found instead this image. It seems that Smyrna might have a Mosque within its borders. I'm surprised at the image because this is the old church my wife and I used to purchase our angel food ministries food order from.

We had noticed that several months ago they were not listed anymore as a pickup site and figured they had simply dropped it. Looks like instead they might have closed down the congregation or moved to a larger building.

The church is also listed as a mosque in a national list of mosques.


A little bio on the mosque says this.

Ahmadiyya Mosque Nashville opened its door on July 31st with Friday prayers. Following day, on August 1st. the monthly meeting was held in the mosque. Almost all members attended this meeting. Children made excellent presentations about the new mosque.
The mosque is located in the city of Smyrna. Total land is 0.8 acres. Total covered area of the building is 6,250 square feet. there are 29 parking places with the building.

Animal care clinic

I have a new pug puppy that is 9 months old and was needing to get her groomed but Petsmart wouldn't groom her until she had her shots so Saturday I called around to see who was the cheapest as for my money is tight right now and every little bit of savings help me. The vet at Petsmart said each shot would cost me $36.00 and she needed at least 5 of these. Another vet in the area I called said it was going to be with office visit around $104.00 plus cost of nails being trimmed. I finally looked online and saw that the Smyrna Animal Clinic was open and had several good comments on them through the years so I called them. The lady that answered the phone was very helpful and she told me that her puppy shot would only cost me $36.00 and nails would be extra but I didn't care it saved me some money. I asked her about an office visit fee and she said that I wouldn't be charged one. How sweet. I arrived there about 15 minutes before appointment and talked with the lady at the front desk. She stated that DR KEY had been in Smyrna for over 40 yrs and he was the first Vet in town. The vet asst was so very helpful and nice to my puppy. The office isn't a new office and the vet is very down home and your not treated like a number or money in their eyes. I feel that this is going to be a good relationship between me, my puppy and the vet. They are open from Tuesday through Sat from about 9am till 5pm and they are thinking about opening up some on Mondays. Their phone number is 459-5652. Remember that your pets need their rabies vaccine and right now until Nov 1st they are $10.00 each so please call DR KEY and let them treat your pets. I will!!

Jason vs. Smyrna?

Jason from friday the 13th seemed to have visited Smyrna.

Police received a call from Dr. Joyce Brown’s Wolverine Trail office around 11:15 a.m. Oct. 7. According to a dispatch log of the call, one man came in with a box over his head carrying a large shotgun. Once the box was taken off his head, he was seen wearing a mask similar to that used in the Friday the 13th horror movies.

The man never said what he wanted, but was tackled by a nurse at Brown’s office. After fighting with the nurse, the man fled on foot, leaving his gun and mask behind, said police spokesman Sgt. Bobby Gibson.

Simply WOW!

They did not catch him...but they never can stop Jason can they....[insert ominous music]

Car show this weekend

Microsoft Power Point - FIRE and ICE

What did he call them?

"Sneaky bastards" seems so harsh a term to be used for the Smyrna police department speed enforcement units.



video 2 and 3 are also fun to watch including him regretting the fact in one of them that he recorded himself breaking a traffic law. Oops!

Eat, drink, and do good for the town

Lori, from Smyrna Tennessee History and stuff asked me to share this with our readers.

RCCRA Pancake Breakfast

When: Saturday, October 3, 2009 6:30-9:30 am
Where: Smyrna Rescue Squad building - 203 Front Street in Smyrna

Tickets are $5.00 (all you can eat- pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice)

Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to purchase building materials for local projects. For more information call 615-330-2297or e-mail rccrasmyrna@yahoo.com Proceeds from past breakfasts have been used locally to build 7 wheelchair ramps, repair 2 storm damaged roofs, improve porches / steps on 3 homes and cut and remove numerous downed trees. In addition, the RCCRA also helped with disaster relief following the April tornado in Murfreesboro.

The Rutherford County Christian Relief Association works locally were it matters to you and I.

Vandalism in Smyrna

Three businesses suffered vandalism in the same night.

Gil’s Ace Hardware, Rockin’ Chair Cafe and Krystal on Nissan Drive had glass broken out of their windows and doors around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, said Ginny Williams, who operates the hardware store. Her family owns the Gilsville center where the hardware store and cafe are located.

It sounds like the idiocy of a drunken weekend ending on a low note for someone.

Today!

I tried to contact the church to get permission to post this, but received no reply in the short time. I figured this was public as they asked to get the word out, so here it is.

September 26, this Saturday is the Community Fish Fry at Smyrna First United Methodist Church located on Sam Davis Road. All proceeds are going to Georgette and Mark Norman. Georgette began chemo yesterday for ovarian cancer. This is a tough transition for this self-employed hard working woman who is taking a leave from work. Also, be sure and visit Mark Norman at Alexander Chevrolet in Murfreesboro for Service Work where Mark is a Service Writer. Ask for Mark! The fish fry is from 4:00-7:00 pm. Henry Brendle will be cooking up "enough fish to feed the town!!" So invite your friends and neighbors. We'll also have beans, cole slaw, hush puppies and home-made dessert, all for just $7.00!!
**Please help us get the word out about a great meal and a great time with some great people!!**

Sandra Phelps
Office Manager
Smyrna First United Methodist Church
459-2826 Church

Google link to map to find the church.

Lotus Blossom Photography contest

Amber is a frequent commenter here at This is Smyrna and I noticed that her blog for Lotus Blossom Photography has a contest going on called "Money Saving Monday contest!!!" .

I’m very excited to announce our first Money Saving Monday contest!! Simply leave your best money-saving tip for weddings in the comments section between now and Sunday September 27th. Next Monday I will post all the tips and we will have a vote to determine the winner. What fabulous prize will you win?? You’re choice of a Starbucks gift card or an iTunes gift card! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

I'm a guy so I'll admit that I'm at a loss for a good suggestion, but what say you all? You might just win a nice prize if you brainstorm the best answer.

Benefit this Saturday

This is a fundraiser that the fisherman fisherperson in your life might be interested in. An employee of the town is having a hard time and the Murfreesboro Bass Association is hosting this event to help him.

Kenny Davis, who works in our Vehicle Maintenance Department, has been battling cancer. He is now receiving treatment through the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. A benefit fishing tournament for Kenny is being held at Fate Sanders on September 26th

Here is the flyer with details.

Kenny Davis (2)

When being in the top sucks

This might sound like a post to create fear in parents but you need to note one phrase first.

Chemicals most responsible for the toxicity outside this school

These are the chemicals we all breath in.

The USA Today did a report and by using the numbers based upon air pollution at schools ranked them and Smyrna was in the top 1 percent (1%) for having issues with pollution.

John Colemon Elementary School 348 of 127,809
Lancaster Christian Academy 541 of 127,809
Smyrna High School 212 of 127,809
Stewartsboro Elementary 328 of 127,809

If I read this right that means there are only 212 schools with worse outside air then Smyrna High School in the country. That counts all of the industrial towns, mill towns, towns with refineries. Please tell me our air is not that damn bad people. If it is why is no one up in arms about it. Not just for our kids, but for our own lungs.

This is also the air that you and I breath. Examine the school ranking between Smyrna and Murfreesboro and note the differences.

The main polluter according to the article is Nissan. Scorecard website information on Nissan pollution output.

Depot Day

It is coming and they still have a lot of open spaces to rent out to YOU. Rhonda Allen emailed me and asked me to pass this along.

Please tell everyone you know about Depot Days, Smyrna's only community-wide festival. Years ago this event was as celebrated as the Main Street festival in Murfreesboro. The downtown business district is trying to revive the tradition to match the revitalized downtown.

The date is Saturday, October 10th. Booth space is 20'x20' and the fee is $50. All spaces are outdoors, no electricity furnished. Vendor must provide all set-up items. The fee pays for advertising and clean-up.

The business owners of the downtown historic district organize this event.
Their website is historicsmyrna.org.

For more information about Depot Day or booth rental, please contact the people below:

Joel Cox
Phone: (615)459-3825
Email: joelpcox@yahoo.com

Scott Miller
Phone: (615)355-9787
Email: smiller@nssionline.com

For more information about Smyrna's Got Talent at Depot Day or entertainment questions, please contact:

Karan Harrell
Phone: (615)355-8586
Email: karanh61@yahoo.com

Rated R [for Religion]

I like recycling and multi-use buildings. One thing that has always impressed me about the town government here is that fact that the Town Hall, and now the Justice Center were recycled medical buildings. instead of building from the ground up they re purposed them.

Multi-use is also a great idea. The Market that recently opened is one such place. Being open as it is it can be used for almost any combination of items. Now into Smyrna we will have an odd teaming of movies and religion.

The New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro is expanding to Smyrna, and instead of having a whole new campus, they are creating a temporary campus at the Malco theatre. The Smyrna AM reported on this last week. In an email to This is Smyrna, TN. Campus Pastor Blake Nichols said..

We really think this is going to be a neat experience for the Smyrna community. New Vision has spent lots of money with a consulting and equipping group out of California called “Church on Wheels” (www.churchonwheels.com ) to purchase sound and light equipment, children’s ministry equipment, signage etc to turn the theater into a church every Sunday morning.

They guarantee that we can go from theater to church in 45 minutes from the time we roll the trailer up to the front door. We get the equipment Oct 11 and are anxious to see if we can accomplish that.

The Smyrna campus starts Sunday October 18th at 10:00 and we have to be completely packed and out by noon for the first matinee.

As for the service:

Music will be live as well as stuff for the kids but the message will be a video of Pastor Brady Cooper in HD projected full screen through the theaters equipment. The first Sunday, worship will be led by Russ Lee the award winning lead singer of the contemporary Christian band New Song.

We’re excited about bringing a new experience to Smyrna and know this has the opportunity to really impact the community.

This is our first time to try this but multi-site churches and “video pastors” are a growing trend across the nation and there are currently about 1000 churches either experimenting with it or planning to in the next 5 years.

I remember when I lived in Kansas seeing that one of the theatres has reserved one of the screens for a video conference for a local corporation. I guess with modern technology and modern electronic communications more and more different forms of services will find new partnerships that work for both.

They did WHAT!!!!

The Smyrna Am has been posting the police reports online for a bit and I will admit a bit of voyeuristic pleasure in reading them.

Sept 18th
An unknown caller at the Shell gas station at the corner of Sam Ridley and StoneCrest parkways called police around 6:30 p.m. Thursday to inform them of an armed person.
According to the caller, two men were inside the vehicle and one had a large handgun with a scope mounted to it. The caller said it was being pointed at an unknown target down the street. No arrests were made.

Sept 17th
A Sam Davis Road resident called police to report a man in a Century Fire Protection truck pointed a gun at her Wednesday evening.
The woman watched from her home as the man approached Smyrna Elementary School before he drove the truck towards Lowry Street around 7 p.m. She told police the man followed her on the road for several minutes before flashing a silver handgun. She was able to give officers a description of the vehicle, which an officer passed en route to the school.
An officer made contact with the driver at the Town Centre and called the company, based in Atlanta, to confirm the man was an employee. The suspect’s supervisor said the man had been in town to pick up some tools the previous day. The man was told not to come back to Smyrna, but was not arrested.

Sept 15th
Two men were arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint on North Lowry Street.
Rick Roberts told police he was waiting on a cab at the Keystop Market at North Lowry and Nolan Drive after his car broke down around 1 p.m. Monday. He was approached by two men, one of whom put a silver .38-caliber revolver in his face.
The men, James Stanback and Anthony Milton, were detained at the store shortly after the incident happened. A team of officers searched the area and found the gun and wallet behind Family Cash Advance at 408 North Lowry.
Stanback, 25, was charged with aggravated robbery and taken to the Rutherford County Jail on a $20,000 bond. Miller, 20, was charged with a count of simple possession of a Schedule VI drug. His bond was set at $2,500.

You could easily get the view that Smyrna is not a safe town.

I think these police reports are great to get a feel for a community.

Stringing words together

The last few weeks I have had to force myself to do what little writing I have done. My enthusiasm for blogging is at a low of late and I hope to pick things up. Right now stringing words together is a labor.

a loss for the chickens.

Article link

A Smyrna Get-together

The bloggers in the area once in a blue moon get-together to talk and say hi, but it is a rather small tight group.

I'd like to throw an iddea out to ALL readers. If I can convince our intrepid co-blogger that works at a local bowling lane to try to get us a deal I was thinking of having a larger get-together. We have regular readers and I want to try to meet more of you and give you the chance to meet each other.

If we can get about 15 RSVP's I'd love to try to have a "This is Smyrna, TN. " night at the lanes. Leave a note in comments if you feel this would work.

The freshest eggs

This is a step above backyard chickens. Your local restaurants having their own layers. That's so cool!

Reporting from Oakland - When the chickens arrived, clucking and pecking, in the rush of Saturday dinner hour -- Witch, Bootsy and five layers to be named later -- they transformed Pizzaiolo restaurant into the latest outpost on food's frontier.

Many urban eateries boast their own kitchen gardens, with mizuna and Mr. Stripey heirloom tomatoes sprouting on rooftops and busy street medians. Some farms even host top-flight dining rooms, where next season's prosciutto snuffles placidly nearby.

Of course banned here, but we are working on it.

Hopefully the cooling trend will continue and Depot Day will not be a scorcher like the last one I attended. I could use a nice cool one.

Fish Fry

The wings of Freedom Fish Fry is this weekend.

Be there.

On stage in Smyrna

The Lamplighter's Theatre Company here in Smyrna might have some competition in the future according to this small DNJ article

New theater group putting on production
Consider This Productions will present "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 7 :30 p.m. Sept. 24-26. An additional performance will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26.

They will perform at the Smyrna Church of Christ. I checked the CoC website and found nothing on the group so I'm not sure whom they are or anything else. If you have information please drop the information into comments.

Lamplighter's will also be performing this month.

Lamplighter's presents 'My Fair Lady'
Theatre opens season Sept. 18
Lamplighter's Theatre Company's “Season to Fall in Love” opens with one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Lerner & Loewe's “My Fair Lady.” The musical took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1956 earning nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design. “My Fair Lady” went on to become the longest running major musical in Broadway history to that time.

Good luck to the new company.

Question

What do the readers here think of the Minami Japanese Steak Seafood & Sushi. I'm thinking of taking my wife there tonight and I've NEVER been to a sushi joint

Google map of Smyrna Liquor Applications

View Package Liquor Applications - Smyrna in a larger map

This is a map of the applications for stores to sell package liquor in Smyrna. I'll update it monthly as the agendas go up and color code it as to voted for or against. As of right now only one has been voted against...but two I have added will be coming up for their vote before the board tonight.

I'm surprised that none have been added to the South Lowry stretch of road towards Murfreesboro.

Dinner

Dinner tonight was Episcopalian Squash with non-denominational chicken thighs.....the bread refused to declare a preference.

Local Farmers market

In 2006 the All Saints' Episcopal Church of Smyrna almost ceased to exist. A schism over the ordination of clergy in their church led to the congregation splitting into two groups. The one group that did end up with the building might be considered by many to be the victors the truth is that numbers are needed to keep a community going.

In 2007 or so a new group of people entered the picture and new energy filled the building. A group of refugees from Myanmar took religious residence and a new feel was born. This new group was not one to be pew sitters and they quickly asked if they could turn part of the property into a small garden....and thus congregational history was made.

That small garden has grown into several well tended fields, multiple crops, and a thriving energetic community that has even set up their own farmers market.

My wife and I dropped by after I belatedly noticed that they had posted the hours for the market on their blog, Kurios Farms.

Farm Market Set to Open July 12
This Saturday July 12 will see the opening of our farm market on the church property located at 1401 Lee Victory Pkwy, Smyrna, TN in the picnic pavilion to the left of the church building. Through the rest of the season, the market will be open mornings on Saturdays and Tuesdays. This Saturday we expect to offer two varieties of yellow summer squash and zucchini. We may also have green beans, pickling cucumbers and okra. In the coming weeks we will be harvesting beefsteak tomatoes, lima beans, peppers, and sweet corn. As fall approaches we will continue to offer the above as they are available in addition to pumpkins, decorative corn and decorative corn husk arrangements. If you are adventurous, we also currently have a small variety of greens native to Burma.

This is really the best type of farmers market. You not only know it is grown here, but you can even see the fields as it grows.

The fields, the church and the market are located at 1401 Lee Victory Parkway. Their blog has pictures from the last year of them working the farm and other endeavours as they brought it up to full production.

The ladies there were very kind and they talked of the issues of cross cultural farming. One was explaining that Okra was to be picked small not large and that due to inexperience they tied the tomatoes late and that did hinder that crop some.

The market is located in a picnic pavilion on our property to the left of the church building. The market offers fresh produce grown in sight from the pavilion behind our church. All of our produce is grown cleanly without the use of ANYTHING artificial. God has provided us with sunlight, a natural water source and land made for farming. Our market will be open Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the growing season. Read our Kurios Farm blog for updates, and come visit us.

Drop by for what is truly a local farmers market.

Chickens in the neighborhood.

Hi all
Remember when Gunner went before our town council over a year ago with a proposal to develop codes to allow chickens within town limits? At that time the council responded (besides a few wise cracks) that because no other communities around Smyrna had codes permitting chickens, Smyrna did not need codes allowing chickens.
Looks like the council is about to lose that argument, check out this article in today’s Tennessean. Nashville is well on its way to allow keeping fowl within city limits.

Split level dreams

My column today might bother some people, but I hope they pause and think about the growth issues that Smyrna is going to go through. There is not enough affordable housing for lower income people in Smyrna. Just look at the cost of houses.

I specifically brought up a neighborhood that united to keep out the "poor" and "huddled masses" that might be brought in with section 8 housing.

Yes Smyrna is a nice town, and Smyrna is a costly town, and yes Smyrna is going to have to find places for low income housing that is NOT government subsidized. It is possible you know. The Imperial Gardens is getting 1.2 Million dollars of stimulus money in Smyrna for public housing and that could be part of the problem. Whenever you hear of poor and trouble it normally has a connection with government housing such as public housing, projects, or section 8 housing, so funding more public housing might not be for the best.

Instead funding housing do you feel there is a way the government can make it that low income housing can be made and it somehow fit in with an affluent community like Smyrna. That seems hypothetical, but it's one we need to look at. Smyrna is growing in all areas....including its poor.

The Market artist

The Market is not just going to be a place to host tables for sales, but also will have "feature display"s during some days....such as Olga Alexeeva.

Born and raised in Russia, Olga came to USA in 1991. Former actress, mother of a 11-year old son, she had the courage to start from the beginning.

It took some time for her to learn English and develop new friends and relationships. She had worked diligently, and her optimistic, daring nature - along with her artistic ability - sustained her through thick and thin. She started to paint very unexpectedly - the hidden artistic soul begged to get out. Never having expressed herself through painting, she is now vigorous in her search for her own way and unique voice.

Her work reflects her cry for beauty, her desire to nurture the eye, challenge the intellect, and provoke the subconscious...her stage background telling us stories.

Olga will be their feature display Saturday August 29 from 9am to 3pm.

While normally I like to just do Grand Openings and charity events, this is a whole side to the Market that needs to be brought to your attention. I'm greatly impressed at the possibilities that this site offers Smyrna.

Co-ops Home to Urban Coops

Co-ops Home to Urban Coops is a good video to watch and enjoy.

Drudge supports us....sort of.

Front page of Drudge Report

Here is the link. Seems people are doing it against the wishes of bullheaded governments in Indiana. I find humor in this article as I came across it just as I am about to leave and meet up with some people to organize our efforts to allow chickens in Smyrna.

Viva la resistance.

Small Business does survive in our town.

As I was out doing my errands this morning I stopped by one of my favorite local eateries. I was told by the owner that tomorrow August 19th will be her 5th year in business. I am so happy she moved down from Ill. and opened this business up. I am talking about Karen's Kustards on South Lowery street. If you havent been you should make plans to drop by for a burger or even better stop by for an ice cream or dessert. I want to thank Karen for opening her business for us in our great town and I hope you have another 5 yrs of wonderful business!

Opening day

"The Market" had their Grand Opening and it looks like it has gotten off to a good start. Their blog has pictures and information and one thing worth noting. The Market is not just inside, they also had fresh vegetables and farm produce being sold outside.

I wish them luck.

Child safety

From the town website

On August 19th from 3PM to 6PM the Smyrna Police Department will be performing child safety seat checks at the Smyrna Justice Center on Enon Springs Road. The Smyrna Police Department will check to make sure your child safety seat is securely installed in your vehicle. This inspection is free. Help protect the safety of your child by having their safety seat inspected.

New Retail coming to downtown Smyrna area.

As I enjoy my day/night off I look through ads online and found this one website. It looks to me that there is some new retail coming to the area.

I started this blog to spread the word about what's coming next...The Market - a much needed retail shopping experience for downtown Smyrna. I'm in the research and development stage, but I expect this project to come together quickly. The end unit at the corner of Lowry & Tank Street will be home to The Market. This will be a vendor market for unique homemade and home-based retail businesses. It's like a flea market, only much more selective. Depending on the feedback I receive from the vendors, we may be open every weekend or just 1-2 times per month. The details are still a work in progress. A booth will be approximately 10'x10' in size. A few booths are smaller and a couple are larger. I'm in the process of recruiting vendors now. If you know of anyone who you think might be a good fit for The Market, please send them my information. Keep watching downtown Smyrna and this blog for announcements on when we'll be open.

Contact: Rhonda Allen @ 615-207-6826 or rhondapallen@hotmail.com

The Empty Chair

With Tony Dover moving from the position of Vice-Mayor to Mayor a position on the council is opening up. This position will be filled with tomorrow night when they get to "New Business" and deal with items 'I' and 'J'.

i. Consideration of appointment of Vice-Mayor.
j. Consideration of appointment of member to the Town Council to fill unexpired term.

Normally items on the town meeting agenda are discussed on the previous workshop but this was not. The codes are pretty simple on the subject.

If the office of mayor shall become vacant, the vice-mayor shall automatically become mayor for the remainder of the unexpired term; and in the latter event, the council shall elect another of its members to the office of vice-mayor to serve during the remainder of the unexpired term. The council shall fill the vacancy in the council created by the vice-mayor becoming mayor.

This leaves the question of whom will be picked.

Late last week Mealand did two article on 5 people who have already stepped forward to seek this position.

Caroyln Peebles, who has lived in Smyrna for almost 35 years, has already contacted several council members to let them know she'd like to be considered.
.........
Mayor Dover said he'd also heard from Richard Garvin Jr., who is also black, via e-mail Thursday afternoon. Garvin, a motivational speaker, is a member of the town's Historical Zoning Committee

Councilwoman Mary Esther Reed said she'd heard from three others outside of Peebles: Jimmy Richardson, Marc Adkins and Rob White. Richardson ran against Reed in the 2006 Democratic primary for state House District 34. Both Adkins, a Realtor, and White, who works as deputy inspector general for the state, currently serve on the town's Planning Commission.

I worked with Rob White while he was on the Storm Water Advisory Board before he moved to the planning committee. I feel he would be a good addition to the council.

These two articles (article 2) were written last week so I suspect there might be others by now.

I am intrigued by one item on the agenda for tomorrow nights meeting. Under citizens comments.

2. Pastor Ronnie Simmons, 205 Valley Court – “Vacant Council Position”

I wonder what the Pastor will have to say on this vacancy?

My Huge Organic Smyrnian Garden

When I first moved to my little house in Smyrna, I did my darndest to grow a few things. I had only a tiny bit of luck. Having grown up in South Florida, I was used to sand... not clay and chunks of rock.

Now, a few years and lots of free organic amendments later... check it out!

I have at least a hundred varieties of plants growing in the yard now. And plenty of food.

This week's project: two gallons of traditional brine-fermented pickles with my homegrown cukes.

Here are a few images from the backyard:





I'd say my garden this year is about 2000 square feet. Wish that empty lot in the "historic" downtown could be used for a community garden for the folks that don't have any space - that would rock.

Of course... now all I need is a few hens...

-DG

Banner of Freedom

New Business in town

Lee Brothers Concrete Services are new to town. These guys have lived in the Smyrna area for years and have started up a new business. They do concrete and other handy man things around the house. I am using them to install outside electrical outlets for the house and recommend them. Friendly happy guys that will make sure the job is done to 100% satisfaction. Give them a call today at 615-642-3748 and tell them Mark sent you.

Here, there, and everywhere.

This month the package liquor board of Smyrna had only one application for a store so I feel maybe things will be slowing down. I decided to play with Google/maps and created an interactive map showing all the applications, owners, application dates, and addresses.

Here's "This is Smyrna, TN.'s" first interactive map.

This will give you an idea of their growth, placement, and just general knowledge of the stores. As applications come in I'll update the map.

Our chicken movement

Two things happened today that have made me think, “What else can be done to bring chickens back to Smyrna”? The first of these was an article in Tuesdays Tennessean that I found this morning. The story was by Jenny Upchurch entitled “Urban chicken coops spark zoning conflict”(http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090804/NEWS01/908040334/-1/RSS05). The story is about the efforts to pass laws to ban or permit chickens in Nashville. I hope the Metro council moves to up hold property rights and allow chickens. The second was an e-mail from a neighbor here in Smyrna asking what she could do to help in our efforts to get our town council to pass codes to allow chickens back into Smyrna.
I have not done much in this effort, my excuse was that I work two jobs and attend school full time. Well I am out of school how and wish to do more. To this end I have contacted the Historic Smyrna people to see about setting up an informational booth at this years Depot Days (Oct 10th) and have contacted a number of groups for permission to use their pamphlets at the booth. I have sent an e-mail to Food Security Partners (mentioned in the Tennessean article) for advice on what else to do. I have also asked the neighbor who contacted me if she would develop a petition asking the council to pass the laws needed to allow chicken back in to Smyrna, for people visiting the booth to sign. And finally I have started preparing a display for the booth. This consists of a chicken tractor with several of my wife’s fancy chickens and displays supporting urban farming and sustainability.
How I need to ask “What else can be done”? So I’m asking those concerned with the effort to bring chickens back to Smyrna, should we arrange to meet and talk about this? How far are we willing to go with this issue?
I believe the time to push for this is how. With concern over the quality of our foods and the economy the way it is people are looking to produce their foods. Also with the Mayor resigning, I am thinking that our council will be more open to the idea of the urban chicken. So what say ye all?

Chicken Wednesday - Others also fight

Chickens are not allowed within Salem's residential areas and Dana Matthews of Chickens in the Yard is hoping to persuade Salem city council to revise it's ordinance to allow residents in Salem to keep a few backyard hens, for eggs and as pets. This item from living culture also features a chicken keeper (and her backyard flock) from Portland Oregon where they do allow backyard chickens and have the benefits of keeping a few chickens.





I wish them luck. she doesn't look like she has two heads so that's a plus for their movement.

It's carnival time once again

It's carnival time once again in Smyrna. Starting on Wed this week the carnival is in town and will be here for at least 4 days and maybe more if people support it. The location is on Weakley lane across the street from the Smyrna Bowling center so come on out and have some fun then come bowling afterwrds! see you there!!

Feedback

I'm doing an article on guns in the parks. I would like your opinion no matter which side you fall on. Understand that the people that would be allowed are ones with permits and have been trained, vetted, and okay'd by the police.

If you wish you could email if you do not with to leave a quote in comments. I might try to work some material into the column if I can.

Hit me!

Smyrna is on eBay

The town of Smyrna has entered the modern age by starting to sell items on eBay. Yes now you can buy stuff like a...

The Town of Smyrna has switched from an NEC 2000 IPS PBX to Cisco CallManager and is auctioning the NEC equipment. Some equipment is used and some is New In Box. All equipment is believed to be in good working order, but there is no warranty, either express or implied.

This auction is for an NEC Dterm IP ITR-16D-2 (BK) business telephone. This phone was purchased new by the Town and was never placed into service. It has never been removed from the original box. It is black with a silver face.

The ITR-16D-2 (BK) model is an VoIP telephone for NEC IP telephone systems and has the following features.

11 dedicated function keys for ease of operation ( Hold, Transfer, Answer, Speaker, Conference, Redial, Recall, Feature, Mic, Message, Directory)
16 programmable line keys for immediate line or feature access (DSS)
2-color LED per key immediately indicates call status Call/Message indicator lamp
Hands-free speakerphone
Convenient built-in headset jack
Volume/Contrast control
3 lines of LCD information (adjustable) with 24 characters per line
4 Softkeys
Desk & Wall mountable Tilt stand
Powered via PoE or AC adapter (not included)
The picture contained in this listing is of an actual surplus unit of the same model and condition the town has offered, but might not be the specific unit for sale in this particular auction.

This is a VOIP telephone. Is this a model that can be used on a home system? Sinec I am electronically knowledgeable at a level just above hammering rocks into the keyboard while grunting in a neanderthal like voice, I'll leave this up to my readers to answer.

I think this is very cool. While sites like govdeal.com are used by many, eBay is the biggest site there is.

Oh dear. Not more news.

Remember last week the 'kidnapping' story that was commented on nicely here. In the Smyrna Police reports it looks like the fun never ends at some places.

A mother called police around 2 a.m. Saturday after her teenage son was in the shed in the backyard of their Hicks Lane home with another person armed with a gun. The home is the same one where a teen was dropped off after being kidnapped at another location July 27.

One of those arrested was reported as kicking the window of Officer Luke Naylor. Seven tablets of a medication used to treat seizures and panic disorder were found on one of the individuals.

4 people had charges brought against them.

Parks and Recreation August 2009 newsletter

Newsletter August 2009

National Night Out America's Night Out Against Crime

This coming Thursday Smyrna will have their annual Night out against crime.

• 2009 National Night Out America's Night Out Against Crime
  
  Neighborhoods throughout Smyrna are invited to join with thousands of communities nationwide on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 to participate in the 2009 'National Night Out' from 5pm to 8pm at Lee Victory Park. This event is free.
  
  "Live music by the Koolers"
  
  Department Booths:
  FBI Crime Lab
  Federal Bureau of Investigation
  ABC
  Vanderbilt Life Flight
  Police
  Fire
  Tennessee Highway Patrol
  Drug Task Force
  
  'National Night Out' is designed to:
  *Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
  *Generate support and participation in crime efforts
  *STrengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations
  *Send the message that your neighborhood is a safe place to live
  
  'National Night Out' is a great opportunity for citizens, law enforcement and other public safety officials to join forces. Events are planned to promote crime prevention and drug prevention awareness and to strengthen the police - community partnership. We encourage neighborhoods to come together and send the message that we are all working together to prevent crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. On August 4th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., residents are asked to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with their neighbors, police officers, EMS, and fire fighters.
  
  'National Night Out' will show neighborhood strength, increase the police officer/citizen bond and help to make our community a safer place to live.

I'm going to be what! Finale

I received what will likely be the last email from MRMASHPOTATOESMOOTH. He requested for these people that the video be removed because it was causing them problems and no charges were being filed. Since this request seemed sincere I removed the initial post and consider the matter closed.

Swearing-In Ceremony

The Swearing-In Ceremony for Tony Dover as Mayor will be at 3pm at the town hall and will be aired on local cable Channel 3 or viewed online here.

UPDATE
Screen Captures of the ceremony

Tony Dover, family and Judge Keta Barnes

Swearing in of Tony Dover

I am sad that Bob Spivey had to step down due to health reasons. He was a good man for the position he held and was doing a good job, but I also know that Tony Dover will has carried the role of Mayor well and that Smyrna is in good hands.

I'm going to be what! PART 2

I replied to MRMASHPOTATOESMOOTH and asked him if he was in the video, and that I did not feel I had anything to worry about being "prosecuted". I also was courteous to send him the link to this website. I'm nice that way. This afternoon I received the following email from him.

Smyrna Wallet Video
Just an FYI - you have sent out a video that don't show these two "innocent" people taking any money or even opening this wallet. This person has hired an attorney to sue the Smyrna PD as well as you for putting out a "Bogus" video. U may want to delete it before you get in more trouble than it's worth.

I feel my reply to MRMASHPOTATOESMOOTH this afternoon says it all.

Please send me the name of their attorney or have their attorney contact me please.

Looks like I might need to perform a little research on my protections as a blogger.

This seems to be getting interesting.

I was going to take it down as the police have taken down their video from their website, but threats and me do not get along well. If I take it down now MRPOTATOHEAD will feel he has won, but I have no desire for MRINSTANTPOTATOES to have any victory. I'm conflicted on how to deal with MRPOTATOFLAKES.

Any advice?

Mayoral Updates

Here are links and a small quote about the resignation of Mayor Bob Spivey.

"I am proud of our accomplishments since my election as Mayor in 2001, and I leave office knowing that in some small way, Smyrna is better because of my efforts,"Spivey wrote, citing the construction and opening of StoneCrest Medical Center and Motlow College.

Vice Mayor Tony Dover, now in his second term on the council, will be sworn in as mayor at 3 p.m. Thursday at Town Hall. He will serve the remainder of Spivey's term, which ends in November 2010, the same time as Dover's current term was to end. [LINK]

WSMV Article
WGNS Radio

Breaking News....

This just in from WKRN our mayor has resigned because of health problems. more to come later when I know more!

Smyrna police investigating kidnapping

Last night near dowtown Smyrna there was alot of police traffic around 10pm. Well come to find out this is what was going on.

According to a transcript of the dispatch call, a woman living on Hicks Lane called police around 10 p.m. after her family received a call from her 14-year-old son who said he’d been kidnapped and put into a black car. The boy said he was taken from Fairway Mobile Home Park on Sam Davis Road and that those who took him demanded he give them three ounces of marijuana or they’d kill him.

This article is published on Smyrn AM by my good friend Mealand from the Daily News Journal


I have always wondered where in the world are these parents and why are they not held accountable as well? As a home owner in the area I am now thinking about buying myself a gun to protect my property since it was already tagged back in Dec. of last yr. I can understand that teens get bored but this is a federal offense to kidnap someone. I feel that there must be more to this story than this teen is telling officers. Maybe the truth will come out soon and we can all rest at night. We as homeowners don't need this in our neighborhoods for it hurts our home values which are already hurt by the economy. Parents please act like adults and raise your children right!