Local movie production

Today and tomorrow Karins Kustards and Hamburgers is closed down for filming of part of the movie Stoker. The movie is directed by Park, more well known for his international hit Oldboy, based on the Manga of the same name.

Serene park

Serene park, a photo by niseag03 on Flickr.

Smyrna Public Library

Gregory Mills Park

Gregory Mills Park, a photo by fisher.me on Flickr.

Taken in May 2009 by Fisher.me

Smyrna High Football

Smyrna High Football, a photo by Josh Beasley on Flickr.

Taken in Oct 2009 by Josh Beasley

It's Monday — everybody works on Monday

Everybody works on Monday and here are the local government openings that might interest you.

Smyrna has NO jobs listed as open on their Human Resources page. A real let down for those who desire short commutes.

LaVergne has the following

Payroll Clerk
2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 8/12/2011 until Filled)
Seasonal
Parks Maintenance Laboror (Temporary) (Posted 8/02/2011 until filled)
Storm Water
Laborer 2011 (Posted 8/24/2011 until 09/07/2011)

Murfreesboro is a hint short this week.

FULL-TIME
GENERAL & ADMINISTRATION
Information
Technology Director

Accountant

PART-TIME
ST. CLAIR STREET SENIOR CENTER
Part-Time
Mini Bus/Van Driver - $13.11 hourlyCDL with P endorsement required
PARKS
AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Football Official - $27.80 per game

Rutherford county has pretty much the same as last weeks listing.

PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)
Animal
Control Officer
Ambulance Service
Communication
Supervisor
Soil Conservation
Part-Time
Soil Conservationist District Assistant
Trustee Office
Part-Time
SeasonalDeputy Trustee
PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)
Part-Time
Kennel Attendant

This weeks listings are a bit short, and I do hope that next week there is more to offer you.

Nissan Smyrna Solar Charging Station Construction

I was very surprised how strong the solar panels are when watching this video. You can see them being walked on by the construction workers. I do hope that this new production line carries through and creates permanent jobs for Smyrna. This is the third large solar panel system I've seen installed in Smyrna in the last year. The other two are the Solar farm at Schneider Electric and the one at Rexall Drugs on Lowry Street.

Pet of the Week: Reese's Pieces

Reesie was passed off like a piece of mail. In fact, he had a note on him when he was dropped on someone's porch. He's a typical chocolate Chihuahua in that he chooses his company quite carefully. He's around 4-yrs-old, is the perfect lap dog, and needs medical attention due to his skin allergies. Reese's Pieces has eyes that will melt your heart!

Primary Breed Chihuahua
Sex Male
General Color Brown/Chocolate
General Age Adult

Indoor/Outdoor Indoor Only
Requires a Yard No
Requires Home with Fence Any Type

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20670803

Reese could use your help with a vet visit. He has some skin allergies and needs to go to the vet before going home with you. Please contribute to his vet fund at http://onthefifthday.chipin.com/reeses-vet-care or volunteer to transport him there by emailing FurABetterLife@gmail.com

Kings Chapel IMB Church Fundraiser

Today take the time to go support a local church and meet some great people who volunteer at the Smyrna Rescue Squad.

Spaghetti Supper & Silent Auction
Saturday, August 27, 2011 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm CDT

Duration: 4 hours
Calendar: Community Calendar
Contact: Pastor Gary Dyer, 615-812-5548

The Members of Kings Chapel Independent Missionary Baptist Church would like to invite everyone out to this event. All of the proceeds will be used for building Improvements at the church. Come on out and have a great time with us...food, fellowship, and fun! There are Lots of Great Items, Gift Certificates, and Even TRIPS to Gatlinburg, in the Silent Auction from all around! Come check it out! WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011 WHERE: SMYRNA RESCUE SQUAD, 203 FRONT STREET, SMYRNA, TN 37167 Prices for the Dinner: (Dinner includes Spaghetti, Salad, Dessert, and Drink) Ages 5 and Under eat FREE!! (Hot Dogs Avail. for the Kids as well instead) Ages 6-12 = $3.50 Ages 13 and Up = $7.00 Tell all your Friends and Family...Everyone is Welcome!! See you There and God Bless!

Music right down the road

It really is okay to admit it. While Smyrna does have a talented field of musical performers, the direction most look to is Nashville. Smyrna, outside of a few bars and high school performances, is real short on live music. I myself enjoy listening to the classics so the Fall season at MTSU really looks good this year.

MTSU has a well developed music program and with that comes a certain amount of student recitals, visiting performers, and faculty recitals. Below is the listing for the month of September and these quality performances are just a short trip down the road. There is everything from vocal to wind instruments to choral events scheduled for this year. Now some do cost money, but for the most part they are free...yes I said free. They also are not just for students, but for anyone who wants to hear music that is live, not-pop, and performed by skilled individuals.

Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are in the T. Earl Hinton Music Hall of Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus.

Most concerts are FREE (we have tried to note the few that aren't).
Jazz Artist Series $15 and large Choral Events $10 for non-MTSU personnel.
All concerts listed here are open to the general public.

Here are the listings for the month of September so you can have time to make arrangements if you wish. While the student recitals might have a few rough edges, a little good music can go a long way.

09/08/11 - Deanna Little faculty flute recital - 8:00 p.m.
09/09/11 - Celine Thackston guest flute recital - 6:00 p.m.
09/09/11 - Ryan Stewart senior vocal recital - 8:00 p.m.
09/12/11 - Todd Waldecker faculty recital - 8:00 p.m.
09/15/11 - Ryan Fogg guest piano recital - 8:00 p.m.
09/16/11 - MTSU Opera Performance 7:30 p.m. (Tucker Theater) ($10)
09/17/11 - MTSU Opera, Into the Woods - 7:30 p.m. (Tucker Theater) ($10)
09/18/11 - MTSU Opera, Into the Woods - 3:00 p.m. (Tucker Theater) ($10)
09/19/11 - David Loucky faculty low brass recital - 7:30 p.m.
09/20/11 - Lei Weng guest piano recital - 8:00 p.m.
09/21/11 - Maya Stone (bassoon)/Spencer Lambright (composer) faculty recital- 8:00 p.m.
09/23/11 - MTSU Wind Ensemble - 7:30 p.m.09/26/11 - Honor Choir (all day)
09/27/11 - Christine Poythress faculty voice recital - 8:00 p.m.
09/28/11 - Paul Osterfield composition studio recital - 8:00 p.m.

I hope you get the chance to go and have a good night of music and dinner...but no fast food. That would just be wrong.

Art commission in Smyrna soon

My column this week in the Smyrna AM is about a planned Art commission that will be up for a vote in the Town Council meeting in the near future. I will not rehash the whole issue, just the basics.

The Town Council was going to do an initial 'new business' vote to organize an art commission for Smyrna. Because there was some questions on the wording on how people would be put on the board they tabled it for one month. If it comes back for a 'new business' vote in September, and then a second vote as 'old business' October, we might have a new flegling board by November.

This is not like other boards as it is an unfunded advisory board. They will work to organize and bring to Smyrna art shows and other art based activities, advise the Mayor and council, and to find funding for projects. There is no worry that your tax monies will be used to fund art you might find questionable.

Since they did not have the wording on how people would be places on the commission I can only hope that there will be a large number of activist artists. My own mother commented to me on the subject that she would love a craftsman/artist style flea market occurring on a semi regular basis.

On the off chance that you want to try to help Smyrna go from a bedroom community to something richer and vibrant I suggest that you pre-apply for the commission. On the bottom of the 'Boards and Committees' page is the application link in a PDF form. Just fill it out and drop it by the drive through window at the town hall. Easy as pie, and you have the joy of helping bring art to our fine town.

Depot Days Chili Dinner

This is a bit early, and there will be a reminder the day of the event, but don't over eat on Kettle Corn and funnel cakes at the Depot Days event. At the Senior Center they are also having some sit down food that is good for the whole family.

Smyrna Senior Citizen Center
When - Saturday October 1st
Where - Smyrna Senior Citizens Center
100 Raikes Street
Time - 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Price - Adult's $6 Children under 10 - $3
Proceeds to benefit our Senior Center!!!
Dine In or Carry Out
Chili, hot dogs, homemade desserts, tea, lemonade, or coffee
Call 459-4839 or stop by to purchase your ticket, Thank you for your support!!!

Big local event planned

The local St. Luke Catholic church is prepping for a major Festival and Yard sale in one month and you are invited.

St. Luke International Parish Festival & Community Wide Yard Sale.
Community Wide Yard Sale, Sept. 23rd & 24th, 7am – 2pm
Filiapino Dinner & Karaoke, Sept. 23rd, 6:00pm
International Fall Festival, Sept. 24th, 7am
Spanish Dinner, Sept. 24th, 5pm
St. Luke Catholic Church
10682 Old Nashville Hwy in Smyrna
Festival Events: breakfast, community wide yard sale, Live entertainment, Bake sale, International food booths, silent auction, Games for all ages and much more!
Proceeds benefit St. Luke Catholic Church.
All are invited, admission is free!
For more information or directions,
Call Bill & Susan Elliott 459-5432, Parish Office 459-9672 or
Check out the St. Luke website at www.saintlukesmyrnatn.com

Yard Sale/Vendor spaces NOW AVAILABLE!
10x10 spot (including 6’ table)is only $35/Friday or Saturday; $70/Friday & Saturday.Call Kathy Nichols at 217-6073 or 459-9672 or kathy.stluke123@comcast.net to reserve your spot!
The church is located at 10682 Old Nashville Highway in Smyrna across from Stewartsboro Elementary School.

If you are an artisan or craftsman, or your group wants to find a gathering to sell stuff then this might be just what you're looking for.

Speedball @ Smyrna TN YMCA

Bigger and better

As you might have noticed there now is a link to Facebook on the left. Yes, This is Smyrna now has a FaceBook presence and would like you to share this information with your friends. More and more people are moving to other social networking sites, so we need to change along with the times.

See you there and hopefully your friends.

Wings of Freedom.

The wings of Freedom event is still looking for sponsors and if your business would like some good PR, this might be a great way to get good directed advertisement.

ROTARY CLUB OF SMYRNA PRESENTS
9th ANNUAL WINGS OF FREEDOM FISH FRY
SEPTEMBER 10, 2011

"Service Above Self" is the Rotary motto. Holding true to that, the Smyrna Rotary Club has been supporting Rutherford County and the community since the club was chartered in 1971. As the community has grown, so have the needs of many of our local non-profit organizations. In an effort to meet those needs, the Rotary Club of Smyrna presented the first annual Wings of Freedom Fish Fry in September 2003.

This Signature event enables our membership with the generous support of individuals and businesses throughout the county to give back in two ways. First to pull together our resources for local charities and to have a community event where we can come together to honor local heroes and veterans that helped make our region great. The Wings of Freedom Fish Fry has grown into the premier fundraiser in Smyrna, And since 2003 we have raised over $350,000.

With your support, we look forward to making the 2011 Fish Fry the biggest yet! Please pledge and support your community.

Below are the various levels of pledges. Please complete the electronic form at the bottom and let us know what you can pledge this year. Thanks for your support!

I pledge:
_____ $2,000 and above Platinum Plus
Business recognition in pre and post event media coverage and a reserved table with 15 tickets to the event. Your business will be recognized from the stage during the event.

_____ $1,500 Platinum Sponsor
Business recognition in pre and post event media coverage and a reserved table with 10 tickets to the event. Your business will be recognized from the stage during the event.

_____$1,000 Gold Sponsor
Business recognition in pre and post event media coverage and 8 tickets to the event. Your business will be recognized from the stage during the event.

____$500 Silver Sponsor
6 tickets to the event.

____$250 Bronze Sponsor
4 Tickets to the event.
____ Donation in the Amount of_________

Check payable to Rotary Club of Smyrna P.O. Box 353, 37167

This is for the support of local charities and is a great example of keeping your efforts local.

It's Monday — everybody works on Monday

It's Monday — everybody works on Monday so for those who need work here are some local government jobs that are open if you're interested.

Smyrna has two listed as being open, but one closes today so I'm just listing the one with time remaining.

Police Officer Trainee
Police
Full time
Deadline 08.26.2011

LaVergne has a nice number open giving you a wide range of options.

Library Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 08/08/2011 until 08/23/2011)
Parks and Recreation Director 2011 (Posted 8/11/2011 until Filled)
Payroll Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 8/12/2011 until Filled)
Public Works Director 2011 (Posted 08/03/2011 until Until Filled)
Seasonal Parks Maintenance Laboror (Temporary) (Posted 8/02/2011 until filled)
Sewer Supervisor 2011 (Posted 7/21/2011 until Filled)

Murfreesboro also has a nice number to fill.

FULL-TIME
WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT
Business and Finance Manager - $5,860.27 - $6,570.85 monthly DOQ&E

PART-TIME
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Part-Time Transit Operator - $13.11 hourlyMust have CDL for public passenger transport valid in TN.
ST. CLAIR STREET SENIOR CENTER
Part-Time Nurse Assistant for the Nurse on Duty Program - $10.30 hourly
MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Part-Time Range/Cart Helper - $7.55 hourly

Rutherford county itself has fewer jobs then you would expect for a whole county.

Soil Conservation
Part-Time Soil Conservationist District Assistant
Trustee Office
Part-Time Seasonal Deputy Trustee
Chancery Court
Part-Time Chancery Court Clerk - 5th Floor
PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)
Part-Time Kennel Attendant

Good luck if you're hunting for work.

Person of interest footage from shooting at Imperial Gardens Apts

Last night there was a shooting in Smyrna. Robin Garner of the Smyrna AM mentioned this on her Facebook, and in the comments it was reported that the SWAT was even called out due to the situation being dangerous. I received this video and hope it helps the police come to a successful end of this needless act of violence.

-Approx. 9:15 pm on Aug. 19, 2011, Smyrna Police responded to a shooting at Imperial Garden Apartments on 1 Imperial Blvd.
-Upon arrival, officers located 2 gunshot victims (one male/one female) and several witnesses. The victims were initially transported by paramedics to Stonecrest Medical Center and were later transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center. One victim was treated and released while the other victim was admitted overnight.
-Responding officers located a possible suspect in the nearby woods and he was taken into custody without incident. His name is Mark Jamal Metz (26) of Antioch and he is being charged with 3 counts of Attempted Murder. Metz's photo is attached.
-Officers located and collected 3 weapons believed to be connected to the incident.
-A witness discovered that he had been injured as well from a bullet fragment and that victim was transported to Stonecrest Medical Center as well. This victim was treated and released.
-Detectives believe two other suspects (black males) are currently at large and they should be considered armed and dangerous. These suspects may be driving a silver or gray small car, possibly a Nissan Sentra or Saturn. They may be wearing white shirts and dark-colored shorts and may be wearing a white ball cap or red or black bandana.
-A person of interest is a black male, wearing a white t-shirt and shorts with his hair pulled up on the rear of his head. He can be seen in the attached video from a surveillance camera.
-Anyone with information regarding this person of interest or this incident is asked to contact Detective Rick Hall of the Smyrna Police Department at (615) 267-5012.

Smyrna Middle School Football Field Tennessee

Smyrna Middle School Football Field Tennessee, a photo by crovean on Flickr.

Auditions

Local theatre group announces auditions.

Lamplighter's Theatre Company
announces auditions for

The Boys Next Door- October 21-23, 28-30

The place is a communal residence in a New England city, where four mentally handicapped men live under the supervision of an earnest, but increasingly "burned out" young social worker named Jack. Norman, who works in a doughnut shop and is unable to resist the lure of the sweet pastries, takes great pride in the huge bundle of keys that dangles from his waist; Lucien P. Smith has the mind of a five-year-old but imagines that he is able to read and comprehend the weighty books he lugs about; Arnold, the ringleader of the group, is a hyperactive, compulsive chatterer, who suffers from deep-seated insecurities and a persecution complex; while Barry, a brilliant schizophrenic who is devastated by the unfeeling rejection of his brutal father, fantasizes that he is a golf pro. Mingled with scenes from the daily lives of these four, where "little things" sometimes become momentous (and often very funny), are moments of great poignancy when, with touching effectiveness, we are reminded that the handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in the brief time that they, like their more fortunate brothers, are allotted on this earth.*

Auditions will be held at
Springhouse Worship and Arts Center
Thursday, August 18th from 7pm-9pm and
Saturday, August 20th from 9am-11am

Auditions will consist of optional monologues and cold reading from the script. Roles available for actors 18 and up. Mostly roles for men, but there are several roles for women.

Please direct questions to Arwen Jones at starryar@hotmail.com.

Music at the Mill

The Music at the Mill this coming weekend is by the group Top Tier. To get an idea if they would be to your liking drop by their Homepage, or their youtube page to listen to them.

“52 Years of Education Excellence”

Reader Jennifer Kersey asked me to post this on a celebratory football game that will happen this Friday.

Smyrna High School is celebrating “52 Years of Education Excellence” by inviting the public to attend our first home football game of the season in honor of our recently retired principal, Mr. Robert L. Raikes. On Friday, August 19 at 7:30pm, we will play against Battle Ground Academy at the Robert L. Raikes Stadium at Smyrna High School. Admission to the game costs $6 per person. Please attend the game in support of Mr. Raikes and his service as an educator and administrator for the past 52 years. Shirts for the event ($10), as well as other school spirit items, will be available for sale at the game. For more information, please view the school web site: www.shs.rcs.k12.tn.us.

WE NEED YOUR HELP LOCATING AN ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT

The scarf says the guy should go to jail for no fashion sense, but the crime of robbery is almost as bad. I wonder if he was covering a tattoo.

On July 30th, 2011 the Mapco convenience store (1218 Hazelwood Drive) was robbed. A white male entered the store and placed his hand in his pocket and told the clerk that he had a gun. He told the clerk to give him all money in the cash register. The clerk complied and the suspect left the store on foot.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5' 11" tall, 165-175 lbs, with brown, close cut hair and a goatee. He was wearing dark colored, knee length shorts, red undershirt, dark blue hooded sweatshirt, green bandana around his neck and large, dark frame eyeglasses. Any person with information regarding the identity of this suspect or more information about this robbery, is requested to contact Detective Allan Nabours of the Smyrna Police Department at (615) 267-5434.

Its Monday — everybody works on Monday

Here are the known community job listing that might interest you.

In Smyrna we have some good listings including police.

Senior Accountant (Analyst) Finance
Accounting Clerk Finance
Accounting Clerk Finance
Network Administrator Info Technology
Police Officer Trainee Police

In LaVergne

Assistant Treasurer 2011 (Posted 8/10/2011 until Filled)
Library Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 08/08/2011 until 08/23/2011)
Parks and Recreation Director 2011 (Posted 8/11/2011 until Filled)
Payroll Clerk 2011 (Part-Time) (Posted 8/12/2011 until Filled)
Public Works Director 2011 (Posted 08/03/2011 until Until Filled)
Seasonal Parks Maintenance Laboror (Temporary) (Posted 8/02/2011 until filled)
Sewer Supervisor 2011 (Posted 7/21/2011 until Filled)

In Murfreesboro

FULL-TIME
WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT
Business and Finance Manager

PART-TIME
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Part-Time Transit Operator -
ST. CLAIR STREET SENIOR CENTER
Part-Time Nurse Assistant for the Nurse on Duty Program -
MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Part-Time Range/Cart Helper

For Rutherford county the pickings are slimmer.

Circuit Court
Juvenile Court Deputy Clerk II
Trustee Office
Part-Time Seasonal Deputy Trustee
Chancery Court
Part-Time Chancery Court Clerk - 5th Floor
PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)
Part-Time Kennel Attendant

That is it for this weeks job listings for government jobs. I'm looking into finding job listings for the state, but their system has some issues. Good luck to all that apply.

In our town

With no real information or an over abundence of information, it is easy to get false ideas on certain things. Here in Smyrna the Smyrna Police Department posts near the beginning of each month the basic crime numbers. This might give you a better idea on how we look as a community.

These are the monthly and year to date calls for service that officers have responded to at the Smyrna Police Department. This is not the Uniform Crime Report that is submitted to the FBI and TBI.

I might try to get a copy of the "Uniform Crime Report" as I am sure it gives more details and numbers of success of solving crimes. I really have to say that this openess is refreshing and a good sign.

Its Monday — everybody works on Monday

In 1993 the movie 'Dave' had a line I always liked. "Its Monday — everybody works on Monday" was something that always stuck with me. Here in Smyrna the economy simply sucks as much as the rest of the USA, and it's hard to find a job. With that in mind I'm asking you to take a moment if you have the need and look at these job openings from the town of Smyrna.

Maintenance Laborer Parks Seasonal
Operator III (Midnight Shift) WWTP Full time
Equipment Operator Water & Sewer Full time
Mechanic Supervisor Vehicle Maintenance Full-time
Senior Accountant (Analyst) Finance Full time
Accounting Clerk Finance Part time
Accounting Clerk Finance Full time
Network Administrator Info Services Part time

In Murfreesboro they have the following openings. Note that the Murfreesboro links open a PDF file and does not go to an individual webpage.

FULL-TIME
WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT
Business and Finance Manager
Lead Water Plant Operator
PART-TIME
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Part-Time Transit Operator
ST. CLAIR STREET SENIOR CENTER
Part-Time Nurse Assistant
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Office Assistant

Rutherford county has just 2 positions open and their links also go to PDF files.

Health Department
Community Outreach Representative Part Time
P.A.W.S.
PT Kennel Attendant

Getting a job does not just mean a paycheck, it also means benefits, dental, life insurance, and all the other items that remove some of the stress of daily life. I'm not sure if anyone will get hired by this blog post and the following ones each Monday...but I'll try.

Dave: If you've ever seen the look on somebody's face the day they finally get a job, I've had some experience with this, they look like they could fly. And its not about the paycheck, it's about respect, it's about looking in the mirror and knowing that you've done something valuable with your day. And if one person could start to feel this way, and then another person, and then another person, soon all these other problems may not seem so impossible. You don't really know how much you can do until you, stand up and decide to try.

Good luck in your job hunting.

Cat of the Week: Abby

Abby is about 2 years old. She loves belly rubs & bird watching! She prefers being an only fur-kid.

Primary Breed Domestic Short Hair
Sex Female Altered
Coat Length Short
General Color Black and White
General Age Young
Pattern Bicolor
Ear Type Erect

Personality and Behavior
Indoor/Outdoor Indoor Only
Requires a Yard No
Requires Home with Fence Not Required
Personality & Behavior Qualities Affectionate

Compatibility Information
Good with Adults All
Good with Cats No
Compatibility Qualities Good for seniors/ elderly, Apartment appropriate

Meet Abby at the PetSmart in Smyrna!

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20145596

Dog of the Week: Skid

Skid is a nut; will kill your chickens and outdoor cats. Needs scheduled exercise at least twice daily.
Whats he good for? Incredible play-buddy, loves to get right up in bed and cuddle with you, high-energy guy for a high-energy person, completely gentle with children and indoor cats, and hes one of the most beautiful dogs weve ever seen. Skid is vetted and neutered. This Lab-mix is available for only the most special Guardian

Primary Breed Labrador Retriever
Sex Male
Altered Yes
Up-to-date Yes
General Age Young
General Size Potential Large
Ear Type Uncropped
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Personality and Behavior
Exercise Needs High
Indoor/Outdoor Indoor Only
Requires a Yard Yes
Requires Home with Fence Any Type
Energy Level High
Personality & Behavior Qualities Affectionate

Compatibility Information
Good with Kids Yes
Good with Adults All
Good with Cats No

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20329739

Audition alert

Our local theatre company has a call out for open auditions.

Lamplighter's Theatre Company
announces auditions for
The Boys Next Door- October 21-23, 28-30

The place is a communal residence in a New England city, where four mentally handicapped men live under the supervision of an earnest, but increasingly "burned out" young social worker named Jack. Norman, who works in a doughnut shop and is unable to resist the lure of the sweet pastries, takes great pride in the huge bundle of keys that dangles from his waist; Lucien P. Smith has the mind of a five-year-old but imagines that he is able to read and comprehend the weighty books he lugs about; Arnold, the ringleader of the group, is a hyperactive, compulsive chatterer, who suffers from deep-seated insecurities and a persecution complex; while Barry, a brilliant schizophrenic who is devastated by the unfeeling rejection of his brutal father, fantasizes that he is a golf pro. Mingled with scenes from the daily lives of these four, where "little things" sometimes become momentous (and often very funny), are moments of great poignancy when, with touching effectiveness, we are reminded that the handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in the brief time that they, like their more fortunate brothers, are allotted on this earth.*

Auditions will be held at
Springhouse Worship and Arts Center
Thursday, August 18th from 7pm-9pm and
Saturday, August 20th from 9am-11am

Auditions will consist of optional monologues and cold reading from the script. Roles available for actors 18 and up. Mostly roles for men, but their are several roles for women.

Please direct questions to Arwen Jones at starryar@hotmail.com.

*Text from Dramatists Play Service

Smyrna Rescue Squad to hold rummage sale

Do you have some items you'd feel would make a good donation to the Smyrna Rescue Squad? They could really use our support.

A rummage and bake sale is planned to begin at 7 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday this weekend at the Smyrna Rescue Squad, 203 Front St.

The sale will be held inside the Rescue Squad building.

Donations are also being accepted for the sale. Call 615-459-4436 or 615-785-2354 for more information.

Also drop by and buy stuff...give and receives...and smile.

Sam Davis Home and Museum in Smyrna, TN

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN LOCATING AN ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT

From the Smyrna Police Department

On July 30th, around 8:50 pm, an armed robbery occurred at Hot Spot Tanning (307 W. Sam Ridley Pkwy) in Smyrna. A male subject came into the business and told the employee behind the counter that he suggests she empty the cash drawer and he told her he did have a pistol and would use it. The suspect handed the employee a brown, plastic grocery bag and told her to place the money in it. After collecting the bag of money from the employee, the suspect exited the store. The suspect may have left the scene in a white, Ford Ranger with the license plate removed. The suspect vehicle had a note in the rear window of the truck that stated "lost tag."

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5' 10" tall, weighing approximately 180 lbs with brown hair. He was wearing glasses, a blue, polo-style shirt with blue jeans, white tennis shoes and a baseball style hat with a dark colored top and a red brim.

We ask that if anyone viewing this video recognizes the suspect or has information about this armed robbery, to please contact Detective Angela Istvanditsch of the Smyrna Police Department at 459-6644.

Guest column

This morning my son and I walked into his school and met his 3rd grade teacher. As I reflected on his 4th year in public school, I wrote a blog entry for my friends to read, at first thinking only about school supplies and teacher gifts. Then I wanted to share it further. So here I am.

This school year, your child's elementary school teacher will spend more time a day/week/month with your child than anyone in the world but you. (And depending on your schedule, possibly you, too.) They are a huge influence and part of your child's life. Why NOT take some time here and there to let them know you appreciate their hard work, their care for your child, their patience as they deal with dozens of children day in and day out?

Yes, it's a job and they get paid for the job - but my experience with teachers is that they work much harder than their pay entails, it's emotionally taxing, and they truly have a heart for the students in their class. A good relationship with your child's teacher is just as important as sitting down together to do homework or making sure he takes time for reading every day.

Teachers are very often left buying school supplies for their classrooms with their own money. People, your kid goes to public school for free (i.e. you are not paying tuition each month.) The LEAST you can do is contribute to the running of the classroom. Buy not only every school supply on the list (I buy multiples when the deals are good - a few extra boxes of 25 cent crayons aren't going to kill my budget), but also buy as many wish list items as you can. Look at the dollar bin at Michael's or Target and grab some cute pads of paper (teachers are forever writing notes. Grab some good pens while you're at it to send.) Send in an occasional Starbucks giftcard, just because. Ask the teacher from time to time if there's anything she needs for the class, and then get it for her! My best friend often sends in a Target giftcard with a note to use it for any supply needs. You don't have to bankroll the classroom, but there are little things here and there that can really help.

When the teacher does something great, send the principal an email and let him know! Last year the principal told me in response to such an email that he almost never gets good news emails, only complaints. It takes 30 seconds to shoot off that email. Just do it. If there is an issue with your child, talk calmly with the teacher about it to try to figure out what happened - never start with accusation, as much as you want to defend your child. Explain that you want to understand what happened. Don't escalate to the principal until you have at least spoken to the teacher.

Stop for a second and assess your attitude toward teachers. They are not just a necessary evil. They are not indentured servants. They are not teaching because they can't do anything else (do you know how competitive it is to GET a teaching job? Even harder to KEEP.) Your child's teacher is your PARTNER in working with you to ensure that your child grows into his full potential. You want your child to enjoy school, learn as much as possible, and grow into an amazing adult. Respect the person who is helping you in that endeavor.

Have a great school year, friends.
Jen Strange