MNPD tips for a Safe Halloween

The Metro Nashville Police Department has released the following information to help residents stay safe while trick-or-treating tonight:

Police officers will be on Halloween alert in neighborhoods throughout Nashville this evening and will take very seriously any attempts to scare citizens by giving children harmful candy items or by committing any type of disruptive behavior.

The police department urges motorists to drive very carefully through residential areas on the way home today, as many trick-or-treaters will already have started their rounds. Parents are urged to closely monitor their children’s trick-or-treat activities and to keep in mind these safety recommendations:

• Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights.
• Persons should give, and children should accept, only wrapped or packaged candy.
  
• Children should bring their treats home for adult inspection before the candy is eaten.
  
• Children should wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping. Reflective tape should be added.
  
• Make sure children can see well enough through their face masks. Consider make-up or face paint as an alternative.
  
• Keep costumed children away from pets, particularly dogs. The pet may not recognize the child, become frightened, and react in a vicious manner.
  
• Choose costumes that are flame retardant, and use props, such as magic wands and swords made out of foam rubber or cardboard, rather than metal or wood.
  

MNPD seeks car in Spudz murder investigation

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

West Precinct detectives investigating last Wednesday’s murder of Spudz restaurant owner Eric Brown at 5908 Charlotte Pike are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a car the killer may have used to flee the scene.

Surveillance video shows a large gray or light blue car leaving the area behind Spudz moments after Brown fled the restaurant and collapsed from a gunshot wound. Diligent efforts by undercover officers and others to locate the car over the past five days have proven unsuccessful.

The vehicle is believed to be a 1980s model General Motors product, perhaps a Buick or a Pontiac. It is believed to have been occupied by at least two persons.

Brown, 36, was shot at approximately 4 p.m. last Wednesday and ran outside through the rear door of his baked potato eatery. Robbery is considered a possible motive, although other motives have not been ruled out.

Anyone seeing the car depicted in the surveillance pictures, or anyone knowing a person who drives a car matching the vehicle’s description, is urged to contact the Emergency Communications Center at 862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

MNPD makes arrest in Bellacino's murder case

The Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting that it has apprehended its primary suspect in the murders committed at the White Bridge Road Bellacino's Friday night:

Accused double murderer Jason Bobo was taken into custody a short time ago at 2546 Highland Trace Drive by members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force and SWAT members assigned to the Special Response Team. Bobo was found hiding in an attic.

Tips for a safe Halloween

The Metro Nashville Codes Department prepared the following Halloween safety information and tips that may be useful for trick-or-treaters and their parents on Wednesday night:

With Halloween, we know there will be many little ghouls and goblins on our streets gathering candy and treats in all Nashville neighborhoods.

Here is a safety checklist which you can share with your children and grandchildren. In fact, make them a copy and figure out a
game which will help them remember each tip:

• Have grown-ups make sure your costume is fire-safe (there should be a flameresistant or flame-retardant label on store bought
costumes, wigs and props (such as magic wands, hats, and tails...).

• Be careful if your costume has baggy sleeves or a cape, they could easily catch on fire if you brush against a candle or jack-olantern.

• Be on the look out and stay away from open flames (like candles and jack-o-lanterns).

• If your clothes catch fire, make sure to stop, drop, and roll over and over to put the fire out. It’s always a good idea to practice!

• Make your costume nice and bright so drivers can see you -- use retro reflective tape (when light hits the tape it bounces back), use a glow stick or carry a flashlight.

• Follow the rules of the road. When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road. Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing. Kids 10 years old and younger should cross the street with a grown-up.

• Make sure a grown-up goes with you when trickor-treating.

• Lastly, have grow-ups check your candy before you eat it (and don’t forget to brush your teeth afterwards)!

Vandalism on Wyoming Avenue last Saturday

A neighbor on Wyoming Avenue between 43rd and 44th Avenues had her home vandalized by an "aluminum foil bomb" this past Saturday night. Here's a report from another neighbor about the incident:

From what remains of the incident, it looks to have been two (2) bombs ... one was placed in her mailbox which was destroyed, and the other was placed or thrown on her covered front porch in front of her storm door. The second bomb exploded but did little damage except to splatter its contents and cause the floor paint to bubble up. The police were indeed called and evidence was gathered...the act was classified as a "random" act.

My greatest concern is that had the second bomb been placed differently on her front porch, a fire might have resulted...after all, as the instructions state below, this bomb can make an excellent flamethrower!

Since this type of bomb is described as being slow acting, it is my opinion that the two young white males she saw standing in the middle of the intersection at 44th & Wyoming immediately after the incident came down were there simply waiting to observe the results of their handiwork ... of course, they disappeared immediately.

My petition to you ... is that you encourage an increased patrol car presence in Sylvan Park by the West Precinct Police, as well as a heightened awareness of Sylvan Park residents as to suspicous individuals and activities and how they can be more proactive in reporting these things ... Please note that this happened in THE EARLY EVENING...NOT at 3AM in the wee hours of the morning when such things would be expected to happen!

Please note that the homeowner called the police in response to the incident. This is a familiar refrain, but it is vital to let the police know when this kind of activity takes place. It does make a difference in helping MNPD keep our neighborhood safe. Call (615) 862-8600 to make a report about activity you witness.

MNPD looking for White Bridge Road double murder suspect

The Metro Nashville Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for the suspect (above) in a terrible double murder committed Friday night in West Nashville:

West Precinct detectives this afternoon obtained two arrest warrants charging criminal homicide against Jason S. Bobo for executing two employees of Bellacino’s Pizza on White Bridge Road at 10 p.m. Friday night.

Bobo, 21, a former employee of Bellacino’s who was fired in May, has been identified as the shooter by witnesses. Surveillance video from the restaurant assisted in the identification of Bobo.

The investigation at present indicates that at least two other persons were involved. Charges against them are anticipated in the coming days.

Chris Caris, 33, of Hermitage, one of Bellacino’s managers, was shot in the back of the head in the restaurant’s office during Friday night’s robbery. Joshua Cole, 18, of West Nashville, an employee, was shot in the back of the head seconds after Caris was murdered. Cole was lying face down on the kitchen floor.

Bobo, who lists an address of Sylvan Hills in Memphis, is known to frequent the area of 28th Avenue North and Jefferson Street. Anyone seeing him or knowing his whereabouts is urged to immediately contact the Emergency Communications Center at 862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at (615) 74-CRIME []. Authorities in Memphis are also on the lookout for Bobo tonight.

MNPD makes arrests at 37th and Charlotte

The Metro Nashville Police Department made several arrests in Sylvan Heights this week:

Undercover detectives assigned to the department’s six precincts this week charged 105 persons with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.

West Precinct detectives charged 23 persons as the result of investigations on 14th and 37th Avenues North at Charlotte Avenue, the 1800 block of Jefferson Street, the 800 block of Lena Street, and Harding Place near I-65 South. Seized were 23.5 ounces of cocaine, 43 pounds of marijuana, three ounces of mushrooms, and eight Lortab pills ...

Persons suspecting drug activity in their neighborhoods are urged to call the police department’s(615) 244-DOPE [3673] hotline. Callers to the hotline can remain anonymous.

Reminder: Richland Creek Cleanup Saturday (Oct. 27)

Richland Creek Greenway TrailWatch volunteers are collaborating with the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance to host a creek and greenway cleanup day on Saturday, October 27, from 8 to 11 a.m. Greenways for Nashville is sponsoring the event. Rumor has it that Starbucks may also provide coffee and other refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to attend and pitch in to help keep the creek and the greenway beautiful. Volunteers are asked to gather at the greenway pedestrian bridge that is closest to the railroad and McCabe Golf Course. The group will proceed northward (downstream) as it works. Bags, gloves and water will be provided.

Organizers for the group request that all volunteers use caution during the cleanup and keep in mind that they are invited to participate at their own individual risk. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Volunteers who plan to clean up in or near the creek itself may want to consider wearing boots or waders. [Image: Rex Hammock]

Fall classes available at LeQuire Gallery

LeQuire Gallery and Studio (4304 Charlotte Avenue) is offering two opportunities to learn from master artists over the next several weeks. Renowned painter Lori Putnam (above, working in Italy) will teach a six-week course on oil painting on Wednesday nights, and gallery namesake Alan LeQuire is continuing his open studio sessions on Thursday evenings. LeQuire's sessions are focused on sculpting, but participants are welcome to paint or draw if they prefer. Here's more information from LeQuire:

Oil Painting: Inside and Out with Lori Putnam
October 31- December 12 (excluding week of Thanksgiving)
Wednesdays
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$275 for 6 weeks

This six-week course is open to anyone interested in building a strong foundation for painting in oil. The course is intended for artists who are ready to improve on painting techniques, color and compostion. An "open studio" format allows each artist to concentrate on personal growth and focus on specific strengths and weaknesses. Students will be encouraged to move at their own pace. The class will offer plenty of time for both group and individual instruction. Subject matter will be mostly still lifes, but there will also be an opportunity to work on landscapes painted from previous studies. A list of required supplies is available at LeQuire Gallery. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve space, and the remaining balance is due the first day of class.

Open Studio with Alan LeQuire
continues through November 15th
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 8:30 pm
No Registration Required.
$25 per session

This class focuses on sculpting, but students are welcome to paint or draw. A model changes poses every other week. Materials are provided for students sculpting. Students painting or drawing should bring their own supplies. For more information about either of these sessions or about LeQuire Gallery, please call (615) 298-4611 or send an e-mail to ecave[at]lequiregallery.com.

Family Fall Festival November 3

First Southern Methodist Church (4409 Colorado Avenue near McCabe Pub) will host a Family Fall Festival on Saturday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature a chili supper, arts and crafts, rummage and bake sales and a silent auction. For more information about the festival, call (615) 587-0197 or email PastorJack[at]comcast.net.

Coyote sighting

Neighbor Becky Buxhamper recently spotted a coyote in the alley between 48th Avenue and Dakota Avenue at 11:30 p.m. Please be aware that coyotes are not generally a threat to humans, but it is wise to keep smaller pets indoors during evening hours. Polly Rooker with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency visited SPNA last November and shared other helpful tips about dealing with animals in urban settings.

MNPD arrests man on Richland Creek Greenway

The Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting the following arrest today on the Richland Creek Greenway:

West Precinct officers Wednesday evening arrested the man who this week had been exposing himself to women jogging on the Richland Creek Greenway in West Nashville. Louis Andrew Webb, 30, who is homeless, is charged with two counts of indecent exposure. He was taken into custody near the White Bridge Road greenway entrance.

An undercover team, which included a female officer, was placed on the greenway after the police department received information that a man had exposed himself to joggers on Monday and Tuesday. Just after 5:30 p.m., the female undercover officer spotted Webb rubbing his genital area outside his clothing in a sexual manner. He was taken into custody and admitted that he had been masturbating in front of women as they jogged past him. One of the women positively identified Webb as the man who exposed himself in front of her on Tuesday. Webb’s bond is set at $7,000. He has convictions for bank robbery in other states."

Thanks to the neighbors who reported the criminal activity they witnessed earlier this week. Please call (615) 862-8600 if you witness similar incidents or other suspicious behavior in the future.

MNPD Law Enforcement Talent Showcase Oct. 22

Even though it is outside of Sylvan Park and West Nashville, the Metro Nashville Police Department Law Enforcement Talent Showcase is well worth mentioning. Here's more information from MNPD:

Nashvillians from across the city are invited to come downtown to the Wildhorse Saloon October 22nd and see their police officers in a way they’ve never seen them before during the inaugural Law Enforcement Talent Showcase. Singing, dancing and comedy will be the order of the night as police department employees perform for the benefit of the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the 100 Club of Nashville. The 100 Club is helping secure permanent housing for Officer Danita Marsh, who was wounded and paralyzed after responding to a domestic violence call last year. Several Nashville recording artists have also been invited to perform as surprise special guests.

In addition to the stage show, a silent auction will feature autographed guitars from George Strait and Josh Turner, autographed sports merchandise, hotel stays, restaurant certificates, a set of Bridgestone tires, and many, many more valuable items. Doors to the Wildhorse Saloon will open at 5:30 p.m. on October 22nd. The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only $15 and will be sold at the door. Harry Chapman, formerly of NewsChannel 5, will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Nashville Urban Harvest Farm Fest this Sunday (Oct. 21)

Sylvan Heights neighbor Meredith Freeman passed along the following information about the inaugural Farm Fest to be held in the Nations neighborhood this coming Sunday:

I live in Sylvan Heights but am part of a group of volunteers who run the West Nashville Community Farm. We are having a Farm Fest on Sunday, October 21, and want to invite all area neighbors.

Join Nashville Urban Harvest for our first Fall Harvest Party and see how we've been growing! Bring your instruments and get ready for some down-home pickin' (musical and horticultural). Kindly forward to other interested friends. Check out the Web site for a map to the farm or call (615) 306-3154 day of. See the flier (above) for more details. Please feel free to forward this on to your friends, or put up a copy at your favorite local shop :) The West Nashville Community Farm is at 57th North Tennessee Avenue in the Nations neighborhood off Charlotte Avenue.

SPNA Holiday Party Dec. 9

Mark your calendars: SPNA will hold its annual holiday caroling party on Sunday, December 9, at the home of Jason and Margaret Holleman. The party will begin around 4 p.m. with caroling visits to several neighborhood homes. More details to come soon.

Al and Tipper Gore dine at Park Cafe

Sunday's Tennessean reports that Al and Tipper Gore ate dinner last night at Park Cafe here in the neighborhood. No word yet on what they ordered. :) [Image: The Tennessean]

Fall Fest and pancake breakfast Saturday (Oct. 20)

The Senior Renaissance Center will hold its annual Community FallFest this coming Saturday, Oct. 20. The Tennessean has more details:

The Community Fall Fest is Saturday, October 20 from 7 a.m .- noon, in the Cohn
Adult Learning Center, formerly Cohn High. There will be a pancake breakfast served until 11 a.m. (adults $5, children up to age-10 $2.50), silent auction and country store/flea market. Proceeds benefit the Cohn Senior Renaissance Center.

Metro Board of Health to meet at McCabe Golf Course (Oct. 16)

The Metro Board of Health will hold a retreat at the McCabe Golf Course Events Room on Tuesday, October 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. The agenda for the meeting is posted on the Nashville.gov Web site.

Dumpster diving on Nevada Avenue

Neighbor Liz Blair reports that someone rifled through her garbage this morning:

[F]or the second time in the last 6 months there was a guy in the alley this morning behind my house in the 4900 block of Nevada going through the recycle and trash curbys. All I saw him take was cans but it makes me wonder what his deal is especially with all the talk about identity theft these days. He was a Caucasian guy wearing a black bicycle helmet and a green t-shirt and once he saw that I had noticed him he left my trash and recycle receptacles and moved on up the alley. Just an FYI but it kind of gave me the creeps.

Please be on the lookout for suspicious behavior in the neighborhood, especially if you live near this location. If you do see something, please report it to the Metro Police Department at (615) 862-8600. Reporting incidents such as these helps the police determine future enforcement staffing for our neighborhood.

Curby day tomorrow (October 10)

For Sylvan Park residents who live on or south of Wyoming Avenue, this Wednesday, October 10, is recycling day. If you're still unsure, Metro Public Works can help you confirm the correct recycling day for your address.

MHD to hold Flu Shot Clinic October 15th

From the Metro Health Department:

The Metro Health Department will open its annual Fast Lane Flu Shot Clinic October 15th at the Lentz Public Health Center, located at 311 23rd Avenue North. There is no shortage of influenza “flu” vaccine this year. The Health Department will offer the flu shot to anyone seeking the best protection against influenza. Flu shots will be offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Fast Track Clinic will remain open until October 26th.

The Health Department will offer flu shots for a $20 fee. The Health Department accepts Medicare Part B and TennCare. The price of the flu shot has increased from $10 to $20. The Health Department raised the cost of the flu shot as a result of significant cost increases for flu vaccine each year over the past 10 years. This is the first increase in the flu shot fee in more than 15 years.

Flu shots will be offered at all three Health Department locations as long as vaccine is available. The Health Department expects to have nearly 20,000 doses of flu vaccine this year.

The Health Department will offer a flu shot to anyone seeking the best protection against the flu. Health officials recommend those at high risk for complications from the flu should get a flu shot. Those include:

• Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
• Pregnant women,
• People 50 years of age and older, and
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

The Health Department also recommends anyone who lives with or cares for those at high risk for complications from flu get a flu shot, including:

• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
• Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
• Healthcare workers.

The flu vaccine contains no living influenza cells and cannot cause the flu. For more information about flu shots, please call (615) 340-2100, or visit the Health Department’s website at healthweb.nashville.gov.

This location is right around the corner from Sylvan Park, so now you have one fewer excuse for not getting a shot this year. :)

SPNA membership meeting tonight (October 8)

SPNA will hold its October membership meeting tonight (Monday, October 8) at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the intersection of 48th and Park Avenues. Tennessee State Representative Gary Odom speak briefly to the membership shortly after the meeting begins. See you there!

MNPD West Precinct wins award for narcotics enforcement

From the latest issue of the Metro Nashville Police Department newsletter:

Members of the West Precinct Crime Suppression Unit, under the leadership of Sergeant Gene Donegan, were named the state’s Narcotic Unit of the Year at the Tennessee Narcotic Officers’ Association (TNOA) Conference, October 3, in Gatlinburg. Sergeant Donegan and Detectives Curtis Watkins, Joe Simonik, Scott Cothran, Johnnie Melzoni, Martin Gonzalez, and Kevin Guyton, were selected for their outstanding efforts to curb drug operations using innovative investigative methods to arrest and convict street level dealers and their suppliers.

Well done, gentlemen! Thanks for helping keep our neighborhood safe. (Remember to call (615) 862-8600 to report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.)

Reminder: Jazzy Art and Artsy Jazz tomorrow (Oct. 6)

The Jazzy Art & Artsy Jazz event to benefit Sylvan Park Paideia School will take place Saturday night, October 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Here's more information about the event, and NowPlayingNashville has even more details.

Looking for something fun & festive to do on Saturday night, October 6? Then come on down to Sylvan Park Paideia School for an evening of Jazzy Art & Artsy Jazz! You can bring a picnic blanket and relax on the lawn behind the school (4801 Utah Avenue) while listening to a lively jazz band. Then, pop inside the school to mingle with local artists and see their work. You might even take home a new creation... all while helping the school!

If you're hungry, the guys from Italian Market will also be there selling their signature muffalettas and italian ice.

The cover charge is just $5 per couple or family at the event. Proceeds benefit the school, including art and music programs. For more information, contact Carla Lankford at (615) 525-3380 or visit www.sylvanparkschool.org. We hope to see you there!

Stormwater Community Meeting Monday (Oct. 8)

The Metro Public Works Stormwater Program will host a community meeting on Monday, October 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gordon Jewish Community Center (801 Percy Warner Boulevard) in Bellevue.

Anyone who is concerned with the quality of Davidson County's streams is encouraged to attend, and the meeting will also be informative and useful for anyone who has or is experiencing flooding or drainage problems on their property. The Metro Council has requested input from property owners as it considers the direction of the stormwater program and the services it provides. Here are a few of the specific questions that will be addressed:

• What is stormwater?
• How does Metro manage stormwater?
• How is the quality of the water in Nashville protected?
• How do I get my problem solved?
• What happens to my service request?
  

For more information, go to www.nashville.gov/stormwater or call (615) 862-4494. Thanks to Monette Rebecca from the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance for passing this information along. (Please note that this meeting time does conflict, in part, with the SPNA membership meeting Monday night.)

Rep. Gary Odom to attend SPNA Membership Meeting (Oct. 8)

Tennessee State Representative Gary Odom (above) will attend Monday's SPNA membership meeting (Oct. 8) and speak briefly to the membership. Rep. Odom serves the state's 55th House District, which includes Sylvan Park. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the intersection of 48th and Park Avenues at 7 p.m. See you there!

Richland Creek Cleanup set for October 27

Richland Creek Greenway TrailWatch volunteers are collaborating with the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance to host a creek and greenway cleanup day on Saturday, October 27, from 8 to 11 a.m. Greenways for Nashville is sponsoring the event.

Everyone is welcome to attend and pitch in to help keep the creek and the greenway beautiful. Volunteers are asked to gather at the greenway pedestrian bridge that is closest to the railroad and McCabe Golf Course. The group will proceed northward (downstream) as it works. Bags, gloves and water will be provided.

Organizers for the group request that all volunteers use caution during the cleanup and keep in mind that they are invited to participate at their own individual risk. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Volunteers who plan to clean up in or near the creek itself may want to consider wearing boots or waders. [Image: Rex Hammock]

Curby day tomorrow (Oct. 3)

For Sylvan Park residents who live on or north of Idaho Avenue, this Wednesday, Oct. 3, is recycling day. Residents south of Idaho Avenue can recycle the following Wednesday, Oct. 10. If you're still unsure, Metro Public Works can help you confirm the correct recycling day for your address.

SPNA Fall Newsletter now online

The Fall 2007 issue of the SPNA Newsletter is now online. Copies of the newsletter will be distributed to neighborhood homes this weekend.

Geny's Florist to hold open house, holiday tree contest

Geny's Wholesale Florist, now located at 4407 Charlotte Avenue after years in Sylvan Park where the Cherokee Crossing development now stands, will host a holiday-season open house gallery from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 14.

The gallery will showcase upcoming designer floral-design and decorator trends. The event is free and open to the public, and it will include light refreshments.

Geny's will also hold a tree decorating contest to be judged by a panel of local floral designers.
Awards and cash prizes will be given for first, second and third in separate novice ($250, $100 and $50) and professional categories ($500, $250 and $100). Those interested in participating in either category can submit the following by mail or e-mail no later than December 1:

• Name and contact information.
  
• An 8x10-inch color photograph of their fully decorated tree, a written narrative of no more than 200 words describing the tree style and theme.
• An approximate total budget for the decorations used (including the total price of ornaments, ribbon, lights and other decorations used).

Submissions should be sent to Joan Presley at Geny's Wholesale Florist, 4407 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 or jhpresley@tds.net. Finalists will be notified on Tuesday, December 16.

Established in 1868, Geny's Wholesale is Nashville's oldest florist. Today, Geny's not only specializes is a full selection of fresh flowers and unique floral and decorative supplies, but also offers select floral design workshops for the public and provides customized floral design
services for weddings, parties and special events. For more information about Geny's, call (615) 297-5305 or visit www.genyswholesale.com.