Curby day Wednesday (May 2)

For Sylvan Park residents who live on or north of Idaho Avenue, this Wednesday, May 2, is recycling day. Residents south of Idaho Avenue can recycle the following Wednesday, May 9. If you're still unsure, Metro Public Works can help you confirm the correct recycling day for your address.

Two adorable pups looking for a home

Carrie and I have recently rescued five puppies, and we are looking for homes for two of them. Both puppies are 10 weeks old, up-to-date on their deworming medications and in need of their first round of shots soon. They are sweet, gentle and friendly mixed-breed puppies. Their mother is a blue heeler, and they look like they will be medium- to large-sized dogs.

We have come to call the black puppy (above) High-Five because he likes to reach out toward you with one of his paws. We've been calling the brindle puppy Fatty because she was originally the biggest puppy of the group, though she's not any more.

We'd like to find good homes for one or both puppies soon, preferably homes with enclosed back yards. The puppies are very close to being fully housebroken.

Carrie and I are able to keep two of the original five puppies, and we've found a home for another of the puppies. These two pups will be great with children, and they adore other dogs and cats. (Our two cats are gradually learning to reciprocate.) Please call us at (615) 838-1876 or send an email to rrob13[at]gmail.com if you might be interested in adopting one or both puppies. We're not asking for any money for either of them, just loving owners. (Yes, we have spoken with Love at First Sight and the Humane Association, and both have plenty of animals already.)

Tour de Nash May 19

Music City Moves!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging active, healthy living, will hold its fourth annual non-competitive Tour de Nash bicycle and walking tour of the city on Saturday, May 19. Here's more information from the tour's Web site:

"The events of Tour de Nash were designed to introduce residents to some of Nashville’s best places to bike or walk and to challenge them to live a more active lifestyle by completing their longest personal touring distance. All tours will start and end near the East concourse of the Titans Coliseum and highlight bicycle and pedestrian facilities across Davidson County. Bring your friends and family!"

To register for one of the free walking or biking tours or for one of the longer-distance biking tours, click here.

Lawn Care recommendations

Several neighbors replied to the recent request for recommendations for lawn care. Here is contact information for each one. If you are looking for help maintaining your lawn this summer, please consider contacting the following folks:

• "Professional Lawns & Landscapes does my yard and at least one of my neighbors - I believe they do even more. They are reasonable ($25 to mow, edge, and blow) and are also careful not to let my dogs out of the yard. Their number is (615) 744-0082. They also send out monthly invoices, so that is handy."

• "I have a recommendation ... Her name is Jane Hollingsworth and she's run her own lawn business since she was in college. She's reliable, trustworthy and reasonably priced." Email Jane at hollingsworthlawnservice[at]hotmail.com.

• "We saw your request for lawn mowing ... Our son, Samuel, has Sam's Lawn Service, and mostly mows [in the] Sylvan Park area. He is 24, has many neighborhood references, is insured and has great pricing. He had 40 customers last year, and has 36 so far this year, so only has a few spots open. Our phone number is (615) 297-3018, and the email is RsJoh595[at]cs.com."

• "I have a son-in-law that cuts lawns on the weekends ... His name is Kevin Hale and he has been doing this work for 20 years ... His phone number is (615) 566-5062."

• "My name is Rebecca Patton. I recently saw your ad for someone to cut your grass. I would like the opportunity to meet with and your neighbor. Please contact me at (615) 243-3115."

• I have a suggestion for ... lawn care posting: Phil (at 615-482-2925) cuts two of our yards. He lives near us and seems to be very dependable."
  

Barbara Lamb, dog's best friend

Sure, we know that dogs are man's best friend, but what about dogs themselves? I'm beginning to think that neighbor Barbara Lamb is dogs' best friend. Why? Well, first, she's quoted in last week's Tennessean article about the Centennial Dog Park:

Barbara Lamb, a Sylvan Park resident, said safety is usually not an issue when she and 10-month-old Labrador Husky mix, Benny, frequently visit.

"I find the Centennial Dog Park to be one of the best ones I've been to," Lamb said. "The grounds are very secure, and it's well fenced and clean. We all clean up after our dogs and keep it nice. I couldn't be happier with that facility."

The dog park is even attracting those who live outside of the county.

"I have a friend who is relocating to Nashville from Louisiana, and all she talks about is how she can't wait to get up here and use that dog park," Lamb said. "It's just the one place where dogs can run to their hearts' content."

Second, she just helped neighbor Christopher Gilder find his lost German Shepherd, Chief, this evening. Barbara found Chief and then drove around the neighborhood looking for his owner. She didn't find Christopher, but she did find someone who knew him and who pointed her in the right direction.

Thanks, Barbara, for being a great neighbor to man and canine alike! :)
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Richland Creek Greenway bridge updates

Shain Dennison with the Metro Parks Department shared the following information recently about the two new bridges on the Richland Creek Greenway:

The middle pedestrian bridge of the Richland Creek Greenway re-opened last week. Fences and barricades there have been removed. It is the intention of Metro Parks and the contractor to keep that bridge open permanently, with the possible exception being brief closures to accommodate heavy equipment working in the immediate area.

The northernmost pedestrian bridge, nearest the Sylvan Park neighborhood, will remain closed until approximately the end of May. Between now and then, protective fencing will be installed along the golf course, a top coat of asphalt will be applied, and additional concrete work will occur on that segment.

SPNA Spring Newsletter now online

The spring issue of the SPNA News is now online. The newsletter will be distributed to neighborhood homes over the weekend. Past issues are available as well. Thanks to all of our current sponsors: The Wilson Group, LeQuire Gallery, StoneBrook Staging and Design and Mike's Home Repair and Remodeling, (615) 739-8888. Please support our sponsors!

SPNA Yard Sale rescheduled for May 19

Speaking of yard sales, the annual SPNA Yard Sale has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To participate in the yard sale, please send a check made payable to Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association in the amount of $15 (members) or $30 (non-members) to Wendell Goodman at 4901 Park Avenue, 37209. Fees for non-members include SPNA membership. If you have questions about the sale, feel free to call Wendell at (615) 385-2276.

Terms: Each Household:

• Is responsible for its own set up and tear down.
• Will set up on its own property.
• Will manage its own sale and keep the proceeds.
• Merchants on Charlotte Avenue and Murphy Road will be
• invited to participate.
  

Pre-Sale Instructions:

• Please have all items out and priced by 8 a.m.
• Please make sure that your items are visible from the
• street unless there is a sign in front yard to direct your
• customers to your back yard or garage.
  

What SPNA Will Provide:

• Bright balloons on your mailbox to identify your sale.
• Maps with specific address listing special items of interest as provided by participants.
• A large ad in The Tennessean on Friday and Saturday publicizing the neighborhood sale and indicating where customers may obtain maps to the sale locations.

After the Sale (if you want to donate unsold items):

• SPNA will arrange for a charity to pick up leftover items. (SPNA cannot be responsible for items that are not picked up.)
• Place all items at the street in an orderly fashion.
• Put out only salable items: NO TRASH PLEASE!
• SPNA will have donation receipts for those households that would like one.

Yard Sale Signs Don't Belong on NES Lines

From the Nashville Electric Service Web site:

Spring cleaning makes way for yard sales this time of year. In fact, you've probably already seen signs popping up in your neighborhood. Nailing these signs to utility poles may seem like harmless, free advertising, but it poses a serious risk to our linemen. And, it is against the law.

NES President & CEO Decosta Jenkins says, "Our lineworkers depend on special gloves that enable them to handle hot lines. A simple pin prick in these gloves could result in serious injury or even death."

Beyond the danger to our linemen, is the damage to the pole. Over time, water seeps into the holes surrounding the nails and causes the pole to deteriorate. Also, yard sale signs on poles can limit the visibility of drivers, and they can be an eyesore.

NES asks you to never use its poles to tack, nail, or fasten signs. Our crews will remove these advertisements, and the companies or individuals responsible for posting the signs could face legal action.

I've never heard this before, so I thought I'd share it. Please keep it in mind now that yard-sale season is upon us.

NES to begin tree trimming soon

Nashville Electric Service has begun issuing automated phone calls announcing that its survey process is complete and that tree trimming is scheduled to begin in Sylvan Park soon. Details on which areas of the neighborhood are not provided during the call, but neighbors with questions are encouraged to call (615) 695-7400. NES maintains a Tree Trimming section on its Web site as well.

Metro Animal Control expands pet adoption hours

From the Metro Public Health Department:

The Metro Public Health Department's Animal Control facility will be open longer for adoptions on Saturdays starting today, when animals will be available for adoption from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., except holidays when Animal Control is closed. Previously, the facility's adoptions hours were from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Metro's Animal Control facility's office hours on Saturdays are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those seeking to find a lost pet and for animal drop off.

The Metro Animal Control Facility is located at 5125 Harding Place. The facility's phone number is (615) 862-7928.

What follows are the hours of operation for Metro Animal Control:

Day Office Hours Adoptions
Monday Closed Closed (Animal drop-off only 9am - 11am)
Tuesday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday Closed Closed

MNPD Citizen Police Academy accepting applications

The Metro Nashville Police Department is now accepting applications for the 20th session of its Citizen Police Academy, which begins its 12-week run on May 29. Classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. through August 14, in the community room of the Hermitage Precinct (3701 James Kay Lane). Because class size is limited, interested persons are urged to apply immediately. The deadline for applications is May 18.

Participants will learn about the intricacies of police work through the perspective of a variety of guest speakers, including members of the police department’s specialized components. Electives, including a ride along with a police officer and basic firearms instruction, will also be offered.

Each applicant should commit to attending at least ten of the 12 sessions, be a Davidson County resident, at least 21 years old and have no arrest record, excluding minor traffic violations. While completion of the course gives citizens an understanding of the workings of the police department, it does not make a participant a certified law enforcement officer, nor is it designed to train citizens to perform law enforcement duties. Applications can be completed and submitted via the MNPD Web site. Persons desiring an application by mail or fax are invited to call Michelle Crowder at (615) 862-7811.

Get on the Richland Creek Greenway this Saturday (April 14)

Greenways for Nashville, Metro Parks, Healthy Nashville 2010 and Lightning 100's Team Green will present "Get on Your Greenway," an event designed for the public to discover six newly built Nashville greenway trails and to promote healthier lifestyles by walking, biking, or skating on a Nashville greenway, on Saturday, April 14, 2007, from noon to 5 p.m.

The event is a Celebrate Nashville designated public awareness event. It will feature six newly constructed greenway segments on four established greenways. Volunteers for Greenways for Nashville will provide information and maps on Nashville greenways at promotional booths stationed at each of the featured trailheads providing greenway souvenirs, Greenways for Nashville membership promotions, and refreshments. Free pedometers will be awarded to the first 30 visitors at each location.

Two of the featured greenway segments are in Sylvan Park:

White Bridge Road Trailhead on the Richland Creek Greenway
Drumaluma, a student percussion ensemble from University School of Nashville, will perform at 12:30 p.m. Asphalt Beach, a local skate shop, will conduct an inline skating clinic from 1 to 3 p.m. Greyhound Pets of America members will be present from 12 to 5 p.m.

Wyoming Avenue Trailhead on the Richland Creek Greenway
Walk/Bike Nashville will conduct a bicycle safety clinic at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Cumberland Transit Bicycles will also be on hand.

For more information, please visit Nashville greenways Web site or call Jane Laub at Greenways for Nashville, Metro Parks and Recreation, at (615) 862-8400.

Ultimate Frisbee Sundays at MBA fields

An informal group has begun playing Ultimate Frisbee on Sundays at 4 p.m. on the Montgomery Bell Academy practice fields on 42nd Avenue near Dakota Avenue. Anyone is welcome to participate, and players range from beginners to very skilled. If you're interested, feel free to just show up on Sunday, or send an email to Sal Hernandez at shernandez[at]bowenriley.com.

Charlotte Pike Kroger to sell gasoline soon

Construction is underway at the Kroger on Charlotte Pike to build a self-service gas station on the property. Kroger sells gas for reduced prices for Kroger Plus customers at a few area stores, and this location will begin providing gas later this year. Keep your eyes peeled if you're interested in saving a few cents per gallon on gas.

NES crews working on Murphy today (April 10)

Nashville Electric Service crews are working on Murphy Road this morning near 39th and 40th Avenues. They appear to be making their way down Murphy toward the neighborhood's commercial district. They are not tree trimming, but they do appear to be servicing telephone poles.

Resident dies in house fire this morning (April 10)

The Tennessean is reporting that a resident on Westlawn Avenue in Sylvan Park passed away this morning as a result of a fire at his home.

Dean, Venick address SPNA

Mayoral candidate Karl Dean spoke for about 15 minutes at last night's SPNA membership meeting. He discussed his reasons for running, including the fondness for the city of Nashville that he developed while attending Vanderbilt Law School. Dean listed his top three priorities for the city: public education, public safety and economic development.

Metro Council District 24 candidate Irwin Venick also addressed the membership for about five minutes and shared his reasons for running and his experience as a community leader. Photos from the meeting will be posted soon.

SPNA Yard Sale rescheduled for May 19

The annual SPNA Yard Sale has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. More details about registration are coming soon in the Spring newsletter, which is scheduled for distribution later this month. In the meantime, please email Wendell Goodman at goodmanwg[at]bellsouth.net if you have specific questions.

Scenes from the Richland Creek Run

Neighbor and steering committee member Rob Stack took a host of photos at last Saturday's Richland Creek Run. He captured the runners stampeding past the start line (top) and Mayor Bill Purcell and The Wilson Group's Christie Wilson helping kick things off prior to the race. More than 300 people participated in the race despite freezing temperatures. More photos coming soon.

Curby day tomorrow (April 11)

For Sylvan Park residents who live on or south of Wyoming Avenue, this Wednesday, April 11, is recycling day. If you're still unsure, Metro Public Works can help you confirm the correct recycling day for your address.

Richland Creek CleanUP set for April 20

The Richland Creek Watershed Alliance (RCWA) will hold an Earth Day Celebration Project on Friday, April 20th, to clean up the area of Richland Creek just north and south of Charlotte Pike. Neighbor Chris Veit has arranged for his company, Actus Lend Lease, to participate in and sponsor this project.

RCWA has been approved to adopt Richland Creek, and Metro Water Services will be providing signs for posting. As part of the city's Adopt-A-Stream Program (AASP) program, RCWA is planning on participating in stenciling of stormwater drains in neighborhood. This is to protect improper and potential harmful substances from being dumped into storm drains that go directly to Richland Creek. RCWA would like to begin this project this spring. This would be a fun project for families. Let RCWA know if you would like to participate.

RCWA is looking for people willing to serve on RCWA council and donations for past and current expenses. If you are interested in helping out on April 20 or supporting the RCWA in any way, please email monetter[at]comcast.net.

Please note that RCWA also has a new mailing address:
P.O. Box 92016
Nashville, TN 37209

Dean, Venick to address membership meeting tonight (April 9)

Reminder: Don't miss tonight's SPNA membership meeting at 7 p.m. in the Cohn Adult Learning Center (48th Avenue and Park Avenue) basement. Mayoral candidate Karl Dean and District 24 council candidate Irwin Venick will both present brief remarks. See you there!

Wanted: someone to mow lawns in Sylvan Park

Neighbor Candy Kidd and her next-door neighbor are looking for someone in the neighborhood who can cut their lawns this summer. The person they previously hired is no longer available, and they haven't received any fliers this year about other folks who are working in Sylvan Park. If you have a recommendation, please email spna[at]sylvanpark.org.

MNPD apprehends Sylvan Park robbery suspect

The Metro Nashville Police Department reported the following news over the weekend regarding a robbery at Elegance Cleaners next door to Star Bagel in Sylvan Park:

Outstanding police work by West Precinct Flex Officer Shane Shetler led to the arrest of a serial armed robber who held up four businesses between 8 p.m. last night and 11 a.m. this morning. Mark Edward Reed, 25, of Wynn Drive, is being held in lieu of $675,000 dollars bond on four charges of aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of attempted carjacking.

During an interview with Detective Norris Tarkington, Reed admitted that he held up the McDonald’s at 7010 Highway 70 South, the Mapco at 481 Old Hickory Boulevard, and the Baskin Robbins at 850 Hillwood Boulevard overnight. He was apprehended this morning after robbing Elegance Cleaners at 102 46th Avenue North.

Reed’s getaway van ran out of gas shortly after he fled the cleaners. He abandoned the van on 46th Avenue North and made a failed attempt to carjack another vehicle. He continued on foot until he was apprehended by Officer Shetler near Charlotte Pike.

Great work, MNPD. Thanks for helping make Sylvan Park safer!

Online deadline for Richland Creek Run today (April 4)

Today is the final day for runners (and walkers) to register online for the Richland Creek Run, which will be held this Saturday (April 7) at 8 a.m. Please visit the run Web site for more information or active.com to sign up. The mail-in deadline has already passed, but don't worry: You can still register in person beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Curby day tomorrow (April 4)

For Sylvan Park residents who live on or north of Idaho Avenue, this Wednesday, April 4, is recycling day. Residents south of Idaho Avenue can recycle the following Wednesday, April 11. If you're still unsure, Metro Public Works can help you confirm the correct recycling day for your address.

Irwin Venick to address SPNA at April meeting

Irwin Venick, a candidate for the District 24 Metro Council seat, will speak briefly at the SPNA membership meeting on Monday, April 9, to introduce himself and discuss his reasons for running.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at its usual location in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the corner of 48th Avenue and Park Avenue, and Venick will address the audience for a few minutes beginning shortly thereafter. As previously noted, mayoral candidate Karl Dean will speak at 7:30 p.m. during the same meeting.

Please join us to learn more about these candidates and about news throughout the neighborhood. See you there.

Mayoral Forum June 7

The West Nashville Presidents Council will hold a forum for mayoral candidates on Thursday, June 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the Montgomery Bell Academy campus. Plans are in the works for this event to be televised live, and Nashville political authority Pat Nolan, who hosts the local Inside Politics TV program, will moderate.

Many of the details are currently being planned, but the following mayoral candidates have agreed to participate: David Briley, Bob Clement, Karl Dean, Buck Dozier and Howard Gentry.

Please mark your calendars for this important event. The committee planning this forum needs volunteers for an array of duties prior to and during the event. Please send an email to spna[at]sylvanpark.org if you would like to lend a hand.

District 24 candidate forum

Several of the area's neighborhood association presidents are thinking of holding a public forum this summer to allow candidates for Metro Council District 24 to share their thoughts and ideas with potential voters. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer to help this forum happen, please email spna[at]sylvanpark.org.

MNPD apprehends suspects for Sylvan Park robberies

Reporting crime to the police makes a big difference. Neighbor Darrell Urban, whose home was robbed recently, reported the crime to the police and described the items that were taken. Sure enough, the police identified his backpack and contacted him to follow up. Unfortunately, the more valuable items Darrell lost in the theft were not recovered, but the police did catch the people responsible: A group of people allegedly stealing in order to buy drugs who were living in "one of those seedy motels" on White Bridge Road.

Neighbor Katherine Beasley, whose home was also robbed last month, also informed me over the weekend that the police had taken as many as 15 people in the Pegram area into custody as a result of her report to the police.

Thanks to Katherine and Darrell, all of these people are not free to rob other homes in West Nashville today. Please report any suspicious or criminal activity you witness. Call the police at (615) 862-8600 to file a report. Good work, y'all!