The Big question and answer

This weeks column for the Smyrna AM, check the end of your driveway, was about future projects. I asked for some reader feedback and I want to thank all of you that replied. I was able to use several comments from you. I also sent an email to the full council and the Mayor. The Mayor and one council member did reply.

I asked about projects, but I also asked the question that a lot of people likely have wondered about.

Where will the retreat be held?

Yes. That big question on the subject that earned the council so much bad PR last year.

Council member Marc Adkins is not sure where it will be, but it will not be in Gatlinberg.

All this being said from my personal perspective......our annual retreat will be coming up soon. I'm not sure yet of the venue where we will meet. (We won't be going to Gatlinburg :)  

A very wise choice. They need to earn some positive points from the voters.

Mayor Mary Esther Reed also replied on the subject.

We will be doing a retreat this year but it will be in town.  Mr. Gill will set the date and place for the retreat.  It will be open to the public as always. 

A good choice.

There are some good local venues in town. The Town Centre, and there is meeting spaces in some local hotels if they wish more of a relaxed conference atmosphere. There is also the Town Hall. While maybe not as relaxed and informal as the verbal back-and-forth that a budget meeting might need, it is the cheapest option in my view. We do need to understand that they can go so frugal that there is a loss in quality. 

I plan on finding out this coming week if anyone has pulled a petition to run for any town seats for this years elections. Like all years before I will extend an invitation for them to do an unedited guest column. I think the nature of an outreach to people that are trying to stay up on what is happening in our community is a positive that they should not miss.

The negative feelings from last year might turn into one of the largest turn overs on the council in my years of following it. It's going to adventurous this year.

Hell has frozen over it seems

It's cold...dang cold...and that low life boss you have and the bills that come in the mail force you out on such a cruddy day. Most people drive to work, and getting stuck in this weather can kill. Because of that fact we at 'This is Smyrna' thought it might be good to remind you of a few items you might wish to put in your vehicle.

Winter brings about erratic weather patterns and chances are that we may be caught in them while we are driving. Having an emergency kit in our vehicles will help to ensure our basic needs are met. 

......

Some of these supplies may save your life.

A shovel

Windshield scraper and small broom

Flashlight 

...more 

Can I cuddle with you?

Well if not me at least look at one of these lovely pets to cuddle with. Like me they are furry and they could use a good home.

Event reminder

This might be full already as registration is required, but don't forget the 'get Mad!" event this coming Saturday.

Get MAD! (Migrate, Adapt, or Die)
Date: 1/4/2014
Time: 11:00 AM
697 Veterans Parkway
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Phone:
615-217-3017
Event Description: How do wild animals survive the winter? Do they all move away to a wildlife condo in Florida? Maybe they simply put on their long-johns and build a roaring fire to keep warm. But what about finding food? If they can’t find food or a water or a warm place to live do they die? Come to the Wilderness Station to find out what our local critters do to make it through the coldest time of the year. Registration is required. Ages 8 to 12 years. Free.
Directions:
Wilderness Station, located in Barfield Crescent Park. Exit 81A towards Shelbyville on I-24. Turn right on Veterans Parkway, then left into the park. The Wilderness station is in the back of the park. 

Event Reminder

Don't forget about a fundraising community event that is a perfect way to cheer in the new year.

The 2013 Snow Ball
Date: 12/31/2013 TO 1/1/2014
Time: 8:00 PM TO 1:00 AM
100 Sam Ridley Parkway East
Smyrna , TN 37167
Phone:
(615) 785-0282
Event Description: The 2013 Snow Ball is hosted by the Smyrna Rotary Club. Come join us December 31 at 8 p.m. to celebrate the New Year with your friends and neighbors at the Smyrna Town Centre to benefit the Sam Davis Home! Tickets for this New Years celebration are $50 and are available at the Smyrna Town Centre. Tickets include: Cocktails Hors d'oeuvres Live Music Rides home if needed Tickets also include a free session with the National School of Dance in Murfreesboro. A group lesson will also be held at 7 p.m. the night of the ball! For more information, please call (615) 785-0282 or email smyrnasnowball@yahoo.com Smyrna Town Centre 100 Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna, Tennessee 37167 View Map · Get Directions
Directions:
Smyrna Town Centre's address: 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East, Smyrna, TN 37167 

Let there be light!

With weather like this a lot of people wonder how many are without power. It is a good question, and there are two easy ways to find out.

The first is the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporations' map of power outages. They cover pretty much all of Rutherford County and some connected counties. Their MAP (Updated every 15 minutes) shows you the power outages in their zone.

Their map at the time of this blog post shows one active outage.

The other manner to check power for those that live in LaVergne or who might work in Nashville is the Nashville Electric Service Map. They are showing right now 3 outages.

So when you wake up and you have no idea what is going on, you can get a basic idea of how the day might be going with these two maps.

Power outages might seem unimportant to those not living there, but street lights can be affected, and travel in this commuter age is very important when it comes to getting to work on time during the rush hours.

2013 Snow Ball

Here is a great event for adults to swing in the new year, and dancing is involved.

The 2013 Snow Ball
Date: 12/31/2013 TO 1/1/2014
Time: 8:00 PM TO 1:00 AM
100 Sam Ridley Parkway East
Smyrna , TN 37167
Phone:
(615) 785-0282
Event Description: The 2013 Snow Ball is hosted by the Smyrna Rotary Club. Come join us December 31 at 8 p.m. to celebrate the New Year with your friends and neighbors at the Smyrna Town Centre to benefit the Sam Davis Home! Tickets for this New Years celebration are $50 and are available at the Smyrna Town Centre. Tickets include: Cocktails Hors d'oeuvres Live Music Rides home if needed Tickets also include a free session with the National School of Dance in Murfreesboro. A group lesson will also be held at 7 p.m. the night of the ball! For more information, please call (615) 785-0282 or email smyrnasnowball@yahoo.com Smyrna Town Centre 100 Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna, Tennessee 37167 View Map · Get Directions
Directions:
Smyrna Town Centre's address: 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East, Smyrna, TN 37167 

Take me home and love me please.

PAWS, Pet Adoption and Welfare Services is the counties animal program, and they have a pet of the week. With the holidays coming up, if you feel a pet is appropriate, please look into a PAWS pet and not one from a breeder.  

They also have PETS OF THE WEEK. These are healthy, cared for, and adoption ready.

P.A.W.S.
Animal Services is working in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy and caring environment for both our citizens and animals through education and courteous, effective enforcement of the laws relating to animals within the Tennessee Code Annotated.
Location & Hours
P.A.W.S. is located at 285 John Rice Boulevard in Murfreesboro, TN. We are open for adoptions, reclaims, and animal viewing Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are open for pet surrender Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The shelter is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Darn adults and their educational stuff

Didn't you hate it as a kid when adults would try to sneak education into fun events and mess up both for you. Doing it with the subtlety of a rock against your head.

Well now it is time for you to do it to your own kids. HAHAHA.

Here is an event that fits nicely into the fun and educational category...and it's free.

Get MAD! (Migrate, Adapt, or Die)
Date: 1/4/2014
Time: 11:00 AM
697 Veterans Parkway
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Phone:
615-217-3017
Event Description: How do wild animals survive the winter? Do they all move away to a wildlife condo in Florida? Maybe they simply put on their long-johns and build a roaring fire to keep warm. But what about finding food? If they can’t find food or a water or a warm place to live do they die? Come to the Wilderness Station to find out what our local critters do to make it through the coldest time of the year. Registration is required. Ages 8 to 12 years. Free.
Directions:
Wilderness Station, located in Barfield Crescent Park. Exit 81A towards Shelbyville on I-24. Turn right on Veterans Parkway, then left into the park. The Wilderness station is in the back of the park. 

It is a hint early to post this event, but it requires registration, so I want to give you the chance not to be late. Events like this fill up pretty quick.

Reminder - It was a Christmas of Remembrance

Don't forget that in one week the Sam Davis home will be hosting a Christmas program for those interested.

The Sam Davis Home will host a living history Christmas tour during the event It was a Christmas of Remembrance on December 7, 2013.  Briefly step into 1863 as the Davis family mourns the loss of son, grandson, and brother, Sam Davis.  Let their memories of past Christmases before the Civil War transport you to Christmas in 1860. Visit the historic house and watch the Davis family prepare their home for a jolly Christmas free of war woes.  The youngest children play a special Christmas game while the older boys head outside to shoot mistletoe down from the tree limbs above.  This event is $5 per person and is only offered one day!  Please contact the Sam Davis Home at (615) 459-2341 or visit www.samdavishome.org for more information. 

Although this living history event will occur only on December 7th, the historic house will remain decorated throughout the Christmas season beginning the day after Thanksgiving.  

Campfire cookout and recreation

The Parks and Rec department sent out today this update.

We would like to announce the Smyrna Parks Campfire Cookout this Friday, November 15, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Sharp Springs Natural Area Park, Smyrna.

Cost for the event is $3.00 per person, that includes hot dogs, smores, hot chocolate, campfire, hayride, campfire music and a night walk through a corn maze.  We request that you register in advance and you may do that by completing the attached form and send it back to Smyrna Parks & Recreation.

Also, applications are being taken for the Kenneth “Coon” Victory Lifetime Service Award and the Young Leader Award.  Applications are due no later than this Friday, November 15.  Information and criteria for both awards is attached.  For additional information and questions, contact me at 615-459-9742 X2612; monty.perkins@townofsmyrna.org.  

Click to enlarge and apply

The beginning is over

The DNJ has spoken on the subject of the proposed new town manager. I am not sure what I can add to what they said that would not be biting.

The decision is over and I hope he can do the job good, but he will have to perform miracles to make a massive difference in a time of short funds, slow growth, and a town that views the Town leadership as suffering a bad case of cronyism.

I wish him the best in his position...he's got a lot on his plate.

Money!!!!...and stuff

The Krogers on Sam Ridley Parkway is really making this week fun for you and I figured to share it. It falls within the rules for Grand Openings for advertising as it is a re-grand opening, and it is free stuff.

First I noticed on another community FaceBook page, Smyrna Heart of Giving, that they were giving away Turkeys this morning. Cool. I checked out their weekly ad and saw this.

Gift Card Giveaway
You are automatically registered when you shop with your Kroger Plus card at your 463 Sam Ridley Parkway West, Smyrna, TN Kroger store through November 23. Drawing November 25. Gift Card Values $2,500 $1,000 $500 See store for details for entering without shopping with your Kroger Plus Card

Okay! That sounds easy, and while I normally don't go there, I might for the near future.

On the Heart of Giving page someone said this.

 They are doing a grand re-opening. Each day this week is a different freebie. I'm glad you got it!

MORE FREE STUFF!!! The turkeys today were limited to the first 300 people after 6, so if you are an early bird (no pun intended, but funner either way), take the time and check them out early in the morning if you are up and see if you win.

The giveaways are not as good as they were today. Orange Juice tomorrow, A 2 liter on Thursday and Friday it is a bag of oranges, but the card drawing is for all shoppers.

Money!!!!...and stuff, but mostly money!

Tonight is the night

Tonight the Smyrna Town council will meet for the first time since the interviews last week. Unlike the interviews, the meeting tonight will be broadcast for your viewing enjoyment and we might have a new Town Manager by the end.

My column for this week will be in the Smyrna AM, and I address the town’s seemingly inability to understand the position they’re in and how to deal with it. The problem is that the interviews, held last week, were recorded according to the person in charge of media for Smyrna, but was not shown on Channel 3 cable or online, nor will it be put online for you and I to view.

Thanks Smyrna!

Now you could have gone and seen it, at 9am, and lose some time and pay from work, or we can purchase the video on DVD,s, but you have to pick it up during regular business hours as they do not mail them, so more time lost.

Right when they need to be as open as humanly possible, they step back and make it difficult to watch the process. I’m not a very smooth talker in life, so I have to edit myself in my newspaper columns, but I don’t need to online.

A lot of questions arise. What did we miss? Was this a love fest for Henry Gill Jr.? Were the questions balanced? What about things as subtle as body language?It is kind of damn hard to know because the video is not easily available. Color me unimpressed.

The town of Smyrna has stumbled over and over this year, from Gatlinburg, to the tax increase that was excessive, to the way Mark O’Neal was handled…and now this.

I have not heard the phrase ‘throw the bums out’ or versions of it more than this year and people are most definitely meaning it. To be honest turnovers on the council have mostly been due to resignations. In the last 8-9 years only one person was voted out. Next year might be a very different ballgame for the incumbents.

Tonight the Town Council meeting is scheduled, and I recommend to all you watch it because near the end of the posted agenda this one line item might seem small, but it is very large for our future.

h. Consideration of Town Manager appointment.  

6pm tonight on Channel 3 online or on your cable TV.

Lend a hand please

Our local Fire Department is hosting a food drive for the Smyrna/LaVergne food bank. I know that it might not seem a lot, but a few cans from you, multiplied by many Smyrna residents, can make a big difference in someones life. The holidays are here and no one should have to worry about being able to put food on the table during these holiday seasons.

The Smyrna Fire Department and the Smyrna/Lavergne Food Bank have teamed up for the 12th Annual Fire Fighters for Food Drive. 

The Smyrna/Lavergne Food Bank assisted over 16,000 individuals last year. Please help us make sure that no family in North Rutherford has to go hungry this holiday season.  Help us help those in need. 

The Smyrna Fire Department will collect any non-perishable / non-expired food items Monday, November 11th through Sunday, November 17th. 

Donation Ideas: 

Food items can be dropped off at one of the following locations:

Fire Station 1:  401 WEST ENON SPRINGS ROAD
Fire Station 3:  630 EAST ENON SPRINGS ROAD
Fire Station 4:  145 SOUTH LOWRY STREET
Fire Station 5:  2200 ROCK SPRINGS ROAD
Fire Station 6:  3640 MORTON LANE

It was a Christmas of Remembrance

The Sam Davis home has a planned Christmas program and it sounds like fun.

The Sam Davis Home will host a living history Christmas tour during the event It was a Christmas of Remembrance on December 7, 2013.  Briefly step into 1863 as the Davis family mourns the loss of son, grandson, and brother, Sam Davis.  Let their memories of past Christmases before the Civil War transport you to Christmas in 1860. Visit the historic house and watch the Davis family prepare their home for a jolly Christmas free of war woes.  The youngest children play a special Christmas game while the older boys head outside to shoot mistletoe down from the tree limbs above.  This event is $5 per person and is only offered one day!  Please contact the Sam Davis Home at (615) 459-2341 or visit www.samdavishome.org for more information. 

Although this living history event will occur only on December 7th, the historic house will remain decorated throughout the Christmas season beginning the day after Thanksgiving.  

I will post an event reminder one week before it happens. Have fun and a happy holiday season.

Take a hike

The Smyrna Parks and Recreation has planned for tomorrow a Wilderness Walk. You are invited.

Wilderness Walk
Saturday, November 9th
10am - 12pm
Sharp Springs Natural Area, Jefferson Pike Entrance
FREE Family Program 

*Fish release by T.W.R.A
*Nature Walk, Hayride
*Wildlife Demo
*Crafts
*Lunch Provided 

For more information contact Monty Perkins at 615-459-9742 ext. 2612

It is a stroller friendly event, so bring the little stinkers.

Local jobs

I received this email and it looks like a local company is hiring for those interested.

Hi my name is Jamie Pollard and I am the Employee Relations Coordinator for Volt Workforce Solutions.  I was reaching out to you because I came across your blog as I was looking for local job fairs so that we could get the word out that we are looking for individuals to come work for us at Schneider Electric on 330 Weakley Blvd.   I was wondering if it was possible for you to write up something on your blog to give our local community this opportunity to come work for us.  If so, please contact me or Amanda via e-mail or call 615-459-8446.  Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you,

Jamie Pollard
Employee Relations Coordinator

Schneider Electric was in the news last year due to their large solar power system they had installed. Go give them a try.

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow in remembrance of Veterans day a local scout troop will be giving out poppies for those interested.

In observance of Veteran’s Day, Scouts sponsored by the Smyrna VFW Post 8422, will distribute “Buddy Poppies”, this coming Saturday, November 9th. In the morning, Cub Scouts and Webelos from Pack 842 will be handing out the poppies. That afternoon, the Boy Scouts of Troop 422, will also give out these patriotic reminders for the community to wear. The poppies are to serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of Veterans for our country. 

All donations received will go to the VFW, for assisting local Veterans and their families. 

Poppy locations are: Kroger - Sam Ridley, Smyrna. Lowe’s - Sam Ridley, Smyrna. Tractor Supply - Lowry Street, Smyrna. Bumpus Harley-Davidson - Broad Street, Murfreesboro. Tractor Supply - Triune.

The idea of poppies are old some say, but this section of lines from 'In Flanders Field'.

"In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up your quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields."