Free Heart Health Education Day

Not all events are fun filled, some can be serious and life saving. If you have a family history of heart based illnesses, this might be just what you need.

Free Heart Health Education Day 

Saturday, May 14 at 8 AM - 11 AM
TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center
Physicians Medical Building Entrance
300 StoneCrest Boulevard
Smyrna, TN 37167 

Space is limited: Register today by calling 615-342-1919 or visit TriStarHealth.com/HeartHealth 

The heart health specialists at TriStar StoneCrest Medical
Center and first responders representing local EMS would like
to invite you to join us for a day of free heart screenings and valuable health and wellness education. Clinicians will be onsite to answer your cardiac questions, offer free risk assessments and provide life-saving education that you can use to help save the life of someone who may be affected by heart disease.  

Receive free valuable cardiac health risk assessments and education in the following areas:
FREE Blood Pressure Checks
FREE Blood Glucose & Cholesterol Check
FREE Smoking Cessation Education
Early Heart Attack Warning Signs
Unique Heart Attack Warning Signs specific to Women
Importance of Calling 911
Hands-only CPR Education
Heart Healthy Nutrition
Yellow Dot
Importance of proper sleep
And Much More

Nissan plant video

I know that the assemble cars at the Nissan plant, but this video shows a lot of the process. I found it rather intriguing and thought you might like to see the process.

Proposed Smyrna Budget

It is Saturday and do you know what you should be doing? Reading through the new proposed town budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Yippee! Am I right or what?

The Budget comes in PDF form for those that want to peruse it. Chrome should open it in browser, not sure how IE or MAC will open it. You can of course download it to read later. The document file itself is titled "2016 2017 BUDGET DRAFT 1ST READ", so there might be changes in the future.

https://www.townofsmyrna.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=6221
or
http://bit.ly/1XcPqUz

The budget was assembled at the April 11th and 12th retreat held at the Town Center. The budget is on the next Town Council Meeting under New Business. I would assume it then will be added to the June Town Council meeting under Old Business. Two votes are required to get things passed is the norm here, but I believe it only allows public comments on old business.

If you have a desire to address the town council on the issue there are three ways to do this. One is to make a statement at the beginning of the meeting. To do this you will need to ask to have your name placed on the agenda the Thursday before hand. This time has passed.

The second way is to address the specific item when it is on the agenda and allows public comments as it is a public hearing.

Example from this months Town Council meeting.

7.    Old Business:   

a.    PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of an ordinance relative to the rezoning of property     located on Tax Map 33,     Parcel 53, containing approximately 102.5 acres, (requested by Scott     Butler), from R-1 to R-3     and C-2.  Property is located at 3423 Old Rocky Fork Road.  Second     Reading.

The third is to reach out to the individual council members at the email addresses provided on the town website.

http://townofsmyrna.org/departments/town-council

I hope this is informative enough to allow you to address any issues with the budget you might have. Good luck.

Pay it Forward!

The Smyrna Charity Assistance Fund is making it easier to help out those in need.  With small donations, a lot of people can be helped. 

You now have the option of assisting local non-profit organizations through the Pay it Forward program. You can sign up to have a voluntary monthly donation added to your Smyrna Utility bill. These donations go to help non-profits such Meals on Wheels, Smyrna/Lavergne Food Bank and the Smyrna Senior Citizens. 

If you would like to help or have any questions, contact Holly Earls at (615) 267-5005 or you can send an e-mail with your name, address and the amount you would like added to your utility bill. These donations are tax deductible and go a long way in helping those in the Smyrna community.  

Together we can make a difference!!  

SPD news release.

Can you help the Smyrna Police department?

The Smyrna Police Department seeks the public’s assistance with identifying the following persons of interest. Anyone with information about the identity of the persons circled in the photos please contact Det. James Scott at 615-267-5014 or by email at james.scott@townofsmyrna.or

Odd. The release does not mention the crime.

Mother's Day at the Park

The parks and recreation department has planned a Mother's day activities that might interest you.

05/07/2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Celebrate Mother’s Day a day early by coming out the park to play games and do crafts with your mom.  Supplies for the crafts and games will be provided.  Feel free to stick around afterwards to have a picnic, play in the park, or just relax with Mom. Moms and children of all ages are encouraged to attend!
Time:  10:00am – Noon
Location:  Lee Victory Park Shelter #2 (by the restrooms and playground)  110 Sam Ridley Pkwy East
Contact Valerie Lay for more information:  valerie.lay@townofsmyrna.org  or call (615) 459-9742 x 2620.

Free fun.

Kona Ice is back in town for Mothers Day. Bring the kids...and enjoy as they eat it to fast and get that head rush. It's so hilarious...to watch that is. Yes I am cruel.

Kona Ice will be at the Lee Victory Rec Park on Sunday from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Come celebrate Mom!

If you are out and about today, please keep an eye out for this girl. Thanks.

Carlie is 4 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 75 lbs with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black and gray tank top shirt with blue jeans. 

Simpson is a 57-year-old white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 157 lbs. He is balding and has brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown cap, a dark colored shirt and jeans. 

He was last seen driving a white 2002 Dodge Conversion Van with TN registration 173GPS. 

The van has a dark stripe down the middle with light gold running boards and paint is chipping off of the hood.

Farmers Market

The Smyrna Depot Farmers market is going to be opening soon.

It's coming! Opening day is June 4th at 8am. 

There are still vendor spots open. Email me at vendors@carpeartista.com to sign up 

Having the option to purchase locally grown food has many benefits. Michigan State University Extension suggests the following benefits of buying locally grown food. 

**Locally grown food is full of flavor. When grown locally, the crops are picked at their peak of ripeness versus being harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store. Many times produce at local markets has been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. 

**Eating local food is eating seasonally. Even though we wish strawberries were grown year round in Michigan, the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased directly from a local grower. They are full of flavor and taste better than the ones available in the winter that have traveled thousands of miles and picked before they were ripe. 

**Local food has more nutrients. Local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table, and it is less likely that the nutrient value has decreased. Food imported from far-away states and countries is often older, has traveled and sits in distribution centers before it gets to your store. 

**Local food supports the local economy. The money that is spent with local farmers and growers all stays close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services in your community.
Local food benefits the environment. By purchasing locally grown foods you help maintain farmland and green and/or open space in your community. 

**Local foods promote a safer food supply. The more steps there are between you and your food’s source the more chances there are for contamination. Food grown in distant locations has the potential for food safety issues at harvesting, washing, shipping and distribution. 

**Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. You can ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about that food. 

As the growing season starts and gets into full swing, you should think about how you can add more locally grown foods to your menus. By doing so you are supporting the many benefits of locally grown food.

Mothers Day is about here

Click for larger image

The Smyrna Event Center, I'll have to remember that name, is hosting a special Mothers Day Buffet for those interested.

Mothers Day Buffet
Smyrna Event Center (formerly the Town Centre)
Mothers Day Sunday Buffet
Sunday, May 8th    11:00am - 2:00pm
Reservations: (615) 459-4444

MENU
Chef Carved: Slow Roasted “Prime Rib” of Beef au jus

White Wine “Poached Salmon Filet” with Fresh Herb Medley

Hand Crafted “Italian Sausages” with Sautéed Peppers and Onions

Five Cheese Stuffed “Manicotti” in Marinara Sauce

Roasted “Turkey Breast” with Pan Gravy and Cranberry Sauce

Creamy Whipped Idaho Potatoes ~ Savory Cornbread Dressing
Sautéed Whole Green Beans with Medley of Julienne Bell Pepper
Citrus and Ginger Glazed Baby Carrots
Maple Infused Sweet Potato Soufflé with Pecan Streusel Topping
Sherry Braised Button Mushrooms with Pearl Onions
Smoke House Style, Creamy Silver Queen Corn
 
Carve Your Own Fresh Baked Breads and Whipped Butters
Elegantly Garnished Salad Bar with Fresh Garden Favorites

Super Dessert Bar with Soft Serve Ice Cream
Marion Blackberry Cobbler  ~  Sweet Georgia Peach Cobbler
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake & Ice Cream Sundaes

Standard Beverage Service
with Lemonade and Fruit Punch Included

$18.95 Adults (Tax and Gratuity is Included)
Children 6-12: "Half-Price"
Children 5 and Under:  FREE!

Make Your Reservations Today      (615) 459-4444

Help the SPD

Looks like the Smyrna Police department is busy, sadly that means crime. If you recognize this person please give the SPD a call at the included phone number.

 On 27 April 2016 the below black males entered the Dollar General store located at 303 N. Lowry Street in Smyrna. The filled up two trash cans with over $600.00 worth of merchandise and walked out of the store past all points of sale without paying for the merchandise.
On 2 May 2016 the same two individuals entered the same store, filled two clothes hampers with over $600.00 worth of merchandise and left the without paying. These individuals then placed the merchandise in a bright blue Chevrolet impala and drove off towards Lavergne. Anyone who may be able to identify these individuals is asked to contact Detective Allan Nabours at (615) 267-5434.
I apologize for the photographs, this is the best we could get. This has happened twice so we are hoping a picture of the body and vehicle description we can get more information. We appreciate any information we can get.
Thank you!!

Lowry Street Revitalization Overlay Study press release

Latest press release from the Town of Smyrna about the revitalization study being done.


Public Open House for Lowry Street Revitalization Overlay Study
Post Date:05/03/2016 8:41 AM
Public Open House Thursday, May 12th for Lowry Street Revitalization Overlay Study

A public open house, to hear from Smyrna citizens, business owners and community leaders their ideas for revitalizing a three-mile stretch of Lowry Street, is set for Thursday, May 12, from 5:30pm until 7:30pm at Smyrna Event Center at 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East (formerly the Smyrna Town Centre)

The Lowry Street Revitalization Study area covers Smyrna’s Lowry Street between Sam Ridley Parkway and Lee Victory Parkway, a distance spanning approximately three miles.  The purpose of the study is to identify the possibility of a new mixture of uses for Lowry Street and improve visual conditions along the corridor.  The study is considering two primary development uses---commercial and residential---and is focusing on character areas, key “nodes” and intersections, throughout the corridor to identify opportunities and connectivity with other key areas of Smyrna.

The public open house will begin with a short presentation to review the project’s goals, and attendees will be invited to place stickers on the goals that are most important to them.

Following the presentation, attendees can tour four information stations on the following topics specific to the Lowry Street Study area, including economic development, transportation and marketing, land use and community character, and landscape, streetscape and pedestrian/bike access. Light refreshments will be provided.

“Lowry Street is a very important corridor for the entire town, containing the ‘heart of Smyrna,’” said Kevin Rigsby, AICP, Smyrna’s Town Planner. “Now, with the foundation of work that has been accomplished by so many in the Depot District, we want to hear from Smyrna citizens about what they want to see along this key stretch of Lowry Street.  We invite everybody to come out and participate in what we believe will be a very informative meeting and a chance to tell us in person your thoughts and ideas.”

To connect with the study via social media, please go to https://www.facebook.com/lowrystreetrevitalization/ and like the page.  More than 60 comments, including topics such as traffic challenges, senior housing needs and landscaping ideas, have been made so far regarding the study on this page.

Market research, including public input, is a central focus of the study.  The nine-month planning study will result in a future land use plan, a corridor overlay and design guidelines, possible infrastructure improvements, and market recommendations focused on retail and residential uses.
   
For information about the Lowry Street Revitalization Overlay Study, contact Kevin Rigsby, Smyrna Planning, at 615.355.5706 or via email at kevin.rigsby@townofsmyrna.org.

Help the SPD

The Smyrna Police would like your help here.

On 04/29/2016, two suspects entered the Smyrna Bowling Center arcade and stole cash from the change machine. Suspect #1 is described as a white male, approximately 18-25 years of age, wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, and a white beanie. Suspect #2 is described as a black male with long dreadlocks, approximately 18-25 years of age, wearing camo shorts and a black shirt. The Smyrna Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects from the video. Contact the Smyrna Police Department at 615-459-6644 or Det. James Scott at 615-267-5014 if you have any information.

Depot District Art Fest

The Depot District Art Fest is coming up in June, and they are looking for local artists. The submission time window starts in just days, so if you're inclined, please check them out.

Depot District Arts Fest 2016 Events
Simply Smyrna Celebration 

What – 5th annual, “Dancin’ In The District” event with Five Music Stages, vendors, artisans, Kids Zone and much, much more!
Where – The ENTIRE length of Front Street!
When – Friday, June 3rd, 5:00-10:00PM 

NOTE: Taste of Smyrna at Stone Crest Hospital is also June 3rd – YOU CAN DO BOTH and we hope you do. Taste of Smyrna proceeds benefit your local YMCA. 

Art Crawl
What – A chance to stroll Front Street and visit multiple locations to view the artwork of multiple local artists.
Where – The Historic Depot Building, Town of Smyrna Assembly Hall and the Carpe Artista Training Center building. 

ARTISTS – click here for submission details! 

When – Saturday, June 11th, 5:00-9:00PM 

International Folk Dancing
What – A folk dancing exhibition from the Puerto Rico Dance Troupe courtesy of Murfreesboro’s Cripple Creek Cloggers, International Folkfest,
Where – The Historic Depot Building
When – Saturday, June 18th, 11:00AM-noon 

Mural Competition
What – Local artists are invited to compete to be commissioned by the Town of Smyrna to paint the side of the Assembly Hall located at 110 Front Street
Where – Online and in the Depot District
ARTISTS – click here for more info!
When – Throughout June 

Roundabout Sculpture
A sculpture is being created by Michael Baggerly, the sculpting professor at MTSU for our Front Street area. This sculpture will represent areas of Smyrna in a special way – to be unveiled this summer.

Helping you get a job

Goodwill has some resources being offered this week that is not just a job fair, but they teach you how to have a great interview and to improve your resume.

JOB FAIRS 5/3/16 and 5/4/16!!! Goodwill Week of Job Fairs and Career Events!!!!

Goodwill week is here! Today’s events include a multi-employer job fair at the Lebanon Goodwill Career Solutions, several resume and cover letter classes, community resource fairs and more. Please share this post with anyone you know looking for a job in middle and west Tennessee. View a full list of event’s here: http://events.goodwillcareersolutions.org/

Mock Interviews and One-on-One Resume Assistance
Monday, May 2, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (By Appointment)
6808 Nolensville Pike
Sharpen your interview skills and get tips to help you land your next job! Sign-up for an interview and a one-on-one resume appointment at the office.

Multi-Employer Job Fair * 30 Employers
Tuesday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southeast Branch Library, 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., Antioch
There will be 30 employers and 700+ jobs available! Dress for success and be prepared for interviews.

Goodwill Job Fair
Wednesday, May 4, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
6808 Nolensville Pike
Goodwill is hiring! Join the team and change lives. Managers will be on-site to conduct interviews. Full-time and part-time positions will be available. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the job fair!

Interview Skills Workshop
Thursday, May 5, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
6808 Nolensville Pike
You will learn interview preparation and interviewing techniques, and you will have the opportunity to practice the most common interview questions.

Employer Appreciation
Friday, May 6, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
6808 Nolensville Pike
All local businesses are invited to come to the center and learn more about Career Solutions programs and services. Please RSVP by May 2nd.

Mill Creek Goodwill Career Solutions
6808 Nolensville Pike
For more information, contact the office at 615.346.1698

Reading fun

When I was young I loved reading books and the school program at the time was RIF, Reading is Fundamental. Not sure if it is still active, but for every 4 books I read you got to pick a free one from a table to keep. I still remember the Hardy Boys, Robin Hood, and Captain Nemo as being my friends. I'm very happy to tell you about this reading program from the Outdoor Adventure Center.

We’re kicking off Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center’s Recreation and Reading Program—a program designed to get everyone active AND actively reading!  At each “Recreational Reading” Program, we will read, create, and play. 

Today’s two-hour program is all about astronauts. We will have an interactive read-aloud, create a craft related to our book, and then go out in the park and train like an astronaut (so be sure to wear your tennis shoes). Anyone and everyone is encouraged to attend—regardless of age, reading ability, or physical agility.   

Time:   05/21/2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM      
Location:  Volunteer Park Volunteer Park Pavilion, 8th Ave.
Reservations are REQUIRED!
Contact Valerie Lay:  valerie.lay@townofsmyrna.org or call (615) 459-9742 x 2620.
EVENT IS CANCELLED IF IT RAINS!

 I'm telling you about this one early because registration is required. I hope there is not a limit, so make a reservation quick please.

Simply Smyrna celebration - June 3rd

The Simply Smyrna celebration is a growing event and has fit nicely among Depot Days and Wings of Freedom Fish Dry as go-to events. This year looks like no exception.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – 4th Annual Simply Smyrna Celebration on Friday, June 3rd from 5:00 to 10:00PM. 

– 5 Stages of Music – jazz, hip hop, country, Christian, Rock n Roll, Americana, R&B
– Kid's Zone
– VENDORS - food, kids’ zone, crafts, arts, local businesses and more!
– Wine Tasting 

Event will be held throughout the Historic Depot District of Smyrna, TN with music stages in the Depot, outside the Depot, in the Assembly Hall, on the Carpe Café terrace and at the end of Front Street. Something for everyone – Rock n Roll, Country, Jazz, Hip Hop, Christian, Americana and R&B 

Simply Smyrna Celebration kicks off Summer in Smyrna and is the kick-off event for the inaugural Depot District Arts Fest which lasts the entire month of June! 

Want to go to Taste of Smyrna (which is the same night)? No problem: there's plenty of time to attend both. Come to Simply Smyrna first or afterwards and make a night to remember!

For those that might wish to set up a booth or stand, the website Carpe Artista has this page with all of the relevant information and prices.

Summer film fun

I just heard back from the Malco company and Smyrna is one of the participating theaters that are having a summer of film fun for the kids and their parents.

At $2 a person, this is a great deal on some classic kid films.

Free is good

This coming Sunday evening you have the chance for some good music in the park, just down the road in Murfreesboro. This event is of the Tennessee Valley Winds.

 Friends of the Greenway
"Concert in the Park" - Old Fort Park Pavillion #3
Spend a relaxing day in the park listening to tunes we all know and love.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Time: 2 p.m.
Call time: 1:30 p.m.
Admission: Free

Weekend activities for the whole family.

Hansel and Gretel is just a story, so don't get any ideas about leaving your kids at the Ceders of Lebanon state park...even if they deserve it. This is just good advice.

But....They do have some fun things scheduled for this weekend if you're up for it. A Wildflower Festival.

Cedar Glade Flower Hike via Motorcade or TDEC Bus—Leave from parking lot in front of Nature Center & next to Cedar Forest Lodge. 

9:00—11:30 am Caravan to Cedar Forest glade (learn from experts about cedar glade plants & glade natural history) Milo Pyne, Sunny Fleming, Darel Hess, Dennis Horn  

2:30—5:00 pm Caravan to Cedar Forest glade (learn from experts about cedar glade plants & glade natural history) Milo Pyne, Sunny Fleming, Darel Hess,
Dennis Horn

This and much more information is in the images included, or you can view it in PDF form.

They even have a Saturday meeting at 2:00—3:00 on Bee-Keeping in TN, Rod Vesterfelt will be the host for this event. Do you know that if you have a bees nest den chamber hive, you need to have it registered with the state? How the heck do you brand all those little bees? Sounds cruel to me.