West Nashville Community Plan Process under way, continues Monday (Nov. 3)

More than 70 residents attended last night's West Nashville Community Plan meeting hosted by the Metro Planning Commission. Here are a few highlights:

• State Senator Douglas Henry (above) addressed the crowd and clarified that "West Nashville" is a misunderstood term. He placed the blame for much of the confusion on the broadcast media for referring to some neighborhoods as "West Nashville" even though they are not.
  
  
• Sen. Henry subscribes to a fairly strict definition of West Nashville, one championed by the late Sarah Foster Kelley. According to Kelley, author of West Nashville: Its People and Environs, West Nashville consists of the following neighborhoods: Richland Park (now considered a part of Sylvan Park), Sylvan Park, Richland Avenue (now Richland-West End), White Bridge Road, Robertson-Urbandale, Morrow-Centennial and Pilcher Avenue (part of which is now in Sylvan Park).
  
  
• Sen. Henry noted that, although the term "West Nashville" may be loosely applied in its usage in the planning process, he understood that the purpose of the series of meetings was to make the area a better place to live by improving the overall quality of life. He applauded the commission and thanked them for taking time to seek community input.
  
  
• Neighborhoods such as Hillwood, West Meade and Belle Meade Links, though not a part of what was once referred to as West Nashville, are included in the area for community planning purposes. One of the goals of the planning process will be for residents to choose the name, whether West Nashville or something else, to call the group of neighborhoods for planning purposes. The area has been referred to by the Metro Planning Commission as "Subarea 7" in the past.
  
  
• Council Members Emily Evans, Jason Holleman and Buddy Baker attended the meeting. Evans and Holleman briefly addressed the group before deferring to the Planning Commission.
  
  
• Planning Commission Executive Director Rick Bernhardt said that the planning was intended to balance the needs of present and future generations. He emphasized the need for the city to think regionally when making planning decisions and noted that projections indicate as many as 400,000 people will move to Nashville by 2020.
  
  
• Bernhardt said that much of West Nashville has been "developed out" and that, consequently, looking for opportunities to redevelop properties that are currently underdeveloped or in disrepair makes sense.
  
  
• Bernhardt said that one way to balance the needs of neighborhoods and development is to intensify development along major corridors while preserving existing neighborhoods. He pointed to mixed-use properties as practical uses in many urban areas.
  

Residents were invited to complete two survey documents regarding their opinions about the community and about sustainable development. Neighbors are encouraged to attend the next meeting, which is scheduled for this Monday, Nov. 3, to provide further input in the planning process.

MNPD shares Halloween safety tips

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

Police officers will be on Halloween alert in neighborhoods throughout Nashville Friday 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. 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.

If you're driving tomorrow evening, be sure to watch carefully for any pedestrians out trick-or-treating. Here's hoping everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Read the full MNPD release for more information about safety measures being taken to protect children.

Early voting ends Thursday (Oct. 30)

Early voting for the Nov. 4 presidential election ends tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 30) in Davidson County. Nearby early voting sites and dates and times are listed below:

Early voting locations near Sylvan Park:

• Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Road
• Bellevue Community Center, 650 Colice Jeanne Road
• Davidson County Election Commission, 800 2nd Avenue South
• Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Avenue

Early voting schedule (all sites):

• Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  

More information about the election is available at the Election Commission Web site.

RCWA cleanup a big success

From Richland Creek Watershed Alliance regarding Saturday's watershed clean-up:

Our First Annual Watershed Wide Clean Up was a fun success ... Thanks to everyone for making this a productive and community building day. What a fantastic and growing watershed community we have. If I had to guess the total weight of debris everyone removed from in and around our creeks, Saturday, it would be at least 1½ tons. The creek is smiling. Also accomplished at two locations were a total of 30 storm drains stenciled- “No Dumping, all this water drains to Richland Creek Watershed.”

Take a closer look for photos and further details about this great effort.

Mayor's Green Ribbon Committee to hold public meeting Nov. 15

Mayor Karl Dean's Green Ribbon Committee will host a public meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Green Hills Library (3701 Benham Avenue).

The meeting is one of several being held in November where ideas and strategies for making Nashville a more environmentally friendly city will be discussed. Registration and a listening session will begin at 10 a.m., and the meeting will formally begin at 10:30 a.m.

Please make plans to attend this important meeting.

West Nashville Community Plan Kick Off Meeting Thursday (Oct. 30)

From the Metro Planning Commission:

An eight-month series of community discussions on West Nashville’s growth and development began October 16 with a general overview of the planning process, and continues Oct. 30 with an initial discussion of issues facing the West Nashville community. The Oct. 30 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5101 Charlotte Avenue, in the church's Family Life Center.

These conversations are the early stages of a scheduled update to the West Nashville Community Plan, which guides land use and zoning decisions. The current plan is on our West Nashville community page.

This is an important part of shaping the future for our neighborhood and for West Nashville. Please make plans to attend and make your voice heard.

Halloween safety tips for pets

From Metro Animal Care and Control:

10 Safety Tips for Pets

Attention, companion animal caretakers! Metro Animal Care and Control would like to point out these common-sense cautions that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year. If you do suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian.

1. 1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.
   
   *Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.
   
   *Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.
   
   *Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.
   
   
2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.
   
   
3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
   
   
4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.
   
   
5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please dont put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.
   
   
6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isnt annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animals movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturel or donning a festive bandana.
   
   
7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
   
   
8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
   
   
9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesnt dart outside.
   
   
10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

MNPD makes arrests at 38th and Charlotte

As part of ongoing activities to deter crime, the Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting the following recent arrests near Sylvan Park:

West Precinct detectives charged 28 persons as the result of investigations on Old Charlotte Pike, Annex Avenue at Scholarship Drive, 38th Avenue North at Charlotte Pike, 25th Avenue North at Merry Street, 12th Avenue North at Herman Street, and the 1500 block of Amberwood Circle. Seized were 1.4 pounds of marijuana, 59 grams of cocaine, 203 Lortab pills, 451 Oxycontin pills, 70 Xanax pills, 150 ecstasy pills, 57 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, two vehicles, $7,500 in property, and $1,092 cash.

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.

Soliciting scam reported in Woodlawn and Hillsboro-West End

Neighbors in Woodlawn and Hillsboro-West End have reported a door-to-door solicitation scam involving two men driving a white van. They have been knocking on doors in these neighborhoods claiming to need money to support a baseball team. They have also claimed to live nearby, but reports from eyewitnesses have indicated that their stories did not add up. The men were spotted hiding in bushes near street corners at times, too.

Please report any suspicious activity you observe to the Metro Police Department non-emergency line at (615) 862-8600.

West Nashville crime forum Wednesday night (Oct. 22)

West Nashville United Methodist church will host a community meeting, "Coping with Crime in West Nashville," tomorrow (Wed., October 22nd) at 6:30 p.m.

The event will be a round table discussion with panelists from religious and civic leadership in the community. Panelists include: Sgt. Connie Tripp, Metro Nashville Police, Community Liason; Jason Holleman, Councilman, District 24; Jeff Blum, Mental Health Coordinator, Metro Nashville Criminal Justice Dept.; Rev. Dennis Meaker, West Nashville UMC; Father Breen, St. Ann Catholic Church.

The church hopes to facilitate discussion around the issues of crime in West Nashville, asking the questions, "What can we do?" and "What should we do?" There will also be a time for question and answer from participants.

West Nashville UMC is located at 48th and Charlotte Ave. (next to McDonald's) Please visit the website at www.westnashvilleumc.org for more information or call (615) 297-3216. Parking is available across the street at Richland Park Library and also on 48th Ave.

Neighborhoods Resource Center training Oct. 28

The Neighborhoods Resource Center will host a free community training session on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Coleman Community Center (384 Thompson Lane). Please call (615) 782-8212 or send a message to nrcinformation@gmail.com to register. Dinner will be provided. Here is more information from NRC:

Please join us for this free training opportunity for neighborhood residents. Participants will learn the basics on how to use technology to work with their neighbors and neighborhood groups. Participants will learn the basics of how to set-up a free listserv, blog and/or website. We will discuss technology "dos and don'ts" and look at effective examples. Please call or email for more information.

Hillsboro-West End home tour tomorrow (Oct. 18)

From the Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Association:

The Hillsboro West End Neighborhood Association will host a home tour tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 18) from 10:30 am to 3:30 p.m.

Ticket buyers are invited to sample favorite dishes from Hillsboro Village restaurants at the Ticket Tent at the Harris Hillman School (Blakemore and 26th Avenue South). Park there and hop on the trolley to visit the nine homes on nearby streets plus the recently renovated Nashville Fire Station #16 built in 1930. Or you can visit the homes at your own pace.

Intriguing interiors behind authentically historic and compatible-with-historic facades mark this truly livable neighborhood. A touch of nostalgia for the tour is the antique cars parked in front of most of the homes. Spanning the years from the 1940’s to 1980’s, the cars include a 1949 Nash Super Ambassador, 1948 Chrysler Windsor, 1947 Packard Clipper Super, 1982 Delorean, and a vintage London Taxicab.

Tickets are $10 at Harris Hillman on the day of the tour. Pre-tour tickets are available at Hillsboro Hardware and Pangaea.

The Hillsboro West End Neighborhood association, which hosts the tour, invests the proceeds back into the neighborhood. Recent projects include the annual Dragon Parade, Cleanup Day, Dragon Music Sunday concert series during the summer, annual tree planting in our public areas, and other small and large projects that promote understanding among property owners, government, and business interests.

For more information, call Darrell Bengson at (615) 297-9795 or visit the HWEN Web site.

MNPD makes arrests at 37th and Park

As part of ongoing activities to deter crime, the Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting the following recent arrests near Sylvan Park:

West Precinct detectives charged 30 persons as the result of investigations on the 5800 block of Maudina Avenue, White Bridge Pike at Charlotte Pike, 12th Avenue North at Jefferson Street, 37th Avenue North at Park Avenue, 25th Avenue North at Clifton Avenue, and the 3200 block of Long Avenue. Seized were 300 grams of marijuana, 87.5 grams of cocaine, eight pounds of khat, 107 Lortab pills, six grams of hashish, one vehicle, two weapons, and $5,977 cash.

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.

West Nashville Community Plan process begins

More than 50 local residents attended last night's introductory meeting regarding the West Nashville Community Plan. Hosted by the Metro Planning Commission at the Cohn Adult Learning Center, the meeting was the first in a series of eight meetings to be held between now and March 2009. 

Planning Commission staff members Cynthia Wood and Anita McCaig explained the Community Character Manual, a new document that will guide the planning process. The meeting will be followed by a Kick Off Open House on Thursday, Oct. 30, and a Visioning Workshop on Monday, Nov. 3. Visit the West Nashville community page for more information. Please make plans to attend these important meetings that will help set the direction for future growth and development in Sylvan Park and many other West Nashville neighborhoods.

West Nashville Community Plan meeting tonight (Oct. 16)

An eight-month series of community discussions on West Nashville’s growth and development begins at 6 p.m. today (October 16) at Cohn Adult Learning Center (4805 Park Avenue).

This meeting will be a general introduction to the new Community Character Manual (that we will be using as we discuss land use policies in West Nashville). We would like everyone to become familiar with the concepts of the Community Character policies. The meeting is free and open to the public, so please make plans to attend.

SRC Pancake Breakfast this Saturday (Oct. 18)

The Senior Renaissance Center will hold its annual Community FallFest and pancake breakfast this coming Saturday, Oct. 18. The event will be held at the Cohn Adult Learning Center (4805 Park Avenue) from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 10 and under.

The festival will feature a silent auction and a country store. Proceeds benefit the Cohn Senior Renaissance Center.

Early voting begins today (Oct. 15)

Early voting for the Nov. 4 presidential election begins today in Davidson County. Regardless of your political persuasion, please take time during the next few weeks to cast your ballot. Nearby early voting sites and dates and times are listed below:

Early voting locations near Sylvan Park:

• Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Road
• Bellevue Community Center, 650 Colice Jeanne Road
• Davidson County Election Commission, 800 2nd Avenue South
• Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Avenue

Early voting schedule (all sites):

• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 18, 8 a.m. to noon
• Monday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  

More information about the election is available at the Election Commission Web site.

RCWA cleanup groups announced

From the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance:

Seven groups have signed-on to the Watershed-Wide Clean Up for Saturday, October 25th. Visit the RCWA blog to see a map illustrating clean-up event locations and a list to find out who and where. If you have questions or want to find out which group needs volunteers, email us at rcwa@comcast.net.

First West Nashville Community Plan meeting Thursday (Oct. 16)

An eight-month series of community discussions on West Nashville’s growth and development begins at 6 pm October 16 at Cohn Adult Learning Center, 4805 Park Avenue. It's the first step in updating the West Nashville Community Plan, which guides land use and zoning decisions. The current plan is on the Metro Planning Commission's West Nashville community page.

Dogs found on Nevada Avenue

It must be missing pet day in the neighborhood, From a neighbor:

We were found running loose this morning in Sylvan Park on Nevada Avenue. We are both very friendly boys, but had no collars on and no chips were found when scanned at the vet's office.

The yellow dog seems to be an older guy and may have some hip issues. The cream colored dog (under all the dirt) had a brown spot at the base of his right ear and has several brown spots on both ears - he seems to be some sort of spaniel. Both guys are very sweet. So far, it has been OK for them to hang with Mr. Rufus and Miss Gertie in their backyard. (I hope all is still alright when I get home tonight!!). Not sure how things will work tonight, but the Humane Shelter does not have room right now, and I did not want to take them to Animal Control.

Any help would be appreciated!!

Please email spna@sylvanpark.org if you can claim these dogs.

Kitten found at 38th and Nebraska

A sweet, playful black and tan/grey striped kitten has been found at the corner of 38th and Nebraska. No tags or collar. If you know anything about this kitten, please email spna@sylvanpark.org.

SPNA membership meeting tonight (Oct. 13)

SPNA will hold its September membership meeting tonight (Monday, Oct. 13) at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the intersection of 48th and Park Avenues. Hope to see you there.

MNPD arrests two West Nashville robbery suspects

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

West Precinct detectives have arrested two persons (pictured above) in connection with the September 29th robbery of a Vanderbilt University student outside the Kensington Garage on campus as well as four additional street robberies. Christopher Joyner, 21, and Jerlaina Thomas, 19, both of Herman Street, are jailed in lieu of $300,000 bond each and face five counts of aggravated robbery and one count of attempted aggravated robbery.

In addition to the case involving the Vanderbilt student, the two are accused of (1) robbing a man and woman in the 200 block of 25th Avenue North at 1:30 a.m. on September 28; (2) robbing two men in an alley between Patterson and State Streets at 11:25 p.m. on September 28; (3) robbing a man who was riding a bicycle on O’Brien Avenue near Eastboro Drive at 11:30 p.m. on October 1; and (4) trying to rob a man at 31st Avenue North and Parthenon Avenue at 12:20 a.m. on October 6.

In each case the victims were robbed at gunpoint by as many as four individuals. Joyner and Thomas have admitted their involvement in the robberies. The investigation continues and additional arrests are anticipated.

MNPD makes arrests at 38th and Charlotte

As part of ongoing activities to deter crime, the Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting the following recent arrests near Sylvan Park:

West Precinct detectives charged 23 persons as the result of investigations on the 5700 block of River Road, 16th Avenue North and 38th Avenue North at Charlotte Avenue, the 400 block of Elmington Avenue, 12th Avenue South at Argyle Avenue, 17th Avenue North at Jo Johnston Avenue, and the 1500 block of Amberwood Circle. Seized were 298 grams of marijuana, 28.4 grams of cocaine, eight pounds of khat, ten Lortab pills, ten Oxycontin pills, two Xanax pills, two Adderall pills, and one gram of opium.

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.

Curby day Wednesday (Oct. 8)

For Sylvan Park residents who live south of Idaho Avenue, this Wednesday, October 8, is recycling day. If you're still unsure, Metro Public Works can help you confirm the correct recycling day for your address.

MNPD arrests West Nashville serial burglary suspect

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

An ex-convict with a slew of prior convictions dating back to 1979 is back in police custody and is suspected in more than 100 home break-ins in the Forrest Hills and Bellevue areas of West Nashville over the past five months.

Thomas Bailey Norman, 57, was apprehended by West Precinct detectives this afternoon as he came out of a burglarized home on Westerly Drive carrying a television. He is also believed to have broken into a home on Graybar Lane today. Norman refused to answer questions by police following his arrest.

West Precinct patrol, flex and undercover officers have been working to apprehend this serial burglary suspect for months. He was known for breaking into homes during the daytime hours and stealing jewelry and electronics.

Norman was released from the state prison system in March after his 20-year sentence for three 1992 burglaries expired. Records reflect Norman has a total of 12 convictions dating back to 1979. Ten are for burglary offenses. One is for grand larceny and one is for credit card fraud.

“West Precinct officers have spent countless hours working to apprehend this man, who we believe has victimized scores of families,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “Unfortunately and predictably, his rap sheet and state prison history aren’t all that surprising.”

For now, Norman is being charged with two counts of aggravated burglary. Additional charges will be placed as the investigation continues and his case progresses through the court system.

Celebration of Cultures festival tomorrow (Oct. 4) in Centennial Park

The annual Celebration of Cultures festival will be held at Centennial Park tomorrow (Saturday, October 4) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. Celebration of Cultures provides Nashvillians with a glimpse into the cultures of distant and diverse nations and showcases the changing face of Nashville through music, food, art, and exhibitions. The festival features a kids area, a World Market with original arts and crafts and food from various countries around the world.

Free overflow parking will be available in the HCA lots behind the park near Charlotte Avenue and 25th Avenue. All kinds of information about the festival, including performance times and a festival map, is available at the organization Web site.

MNPD makes arrests in Centennial Park stabbing

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

Two homeless men have been charged in last night’s fatal stabbing of Vernon Duke, 47, also homeless, in Centennial Park.

William Parker, 36, and Jessie Stevens, 41, were identified as possible suspects a short time after Duke’s body was located on the steps of the Centennial Art Center at 12:30 a.m. West Precinct patrol officers spotted Parker and Stevens walking on Charlotte Pike and took them into custody this morning. During interviews with West Precinct detectives, Parker and Stevens implicated each other in the stabbing which apparently stemmed from an ongoing feud with Duke. Parker had a knife at the time of his arrest.

Both men are charged with criminal homicide. Stevens has been arrested 24 times for offenses including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, felony drug possession, theft, and multiple public intoxication charges.

Parker has been arrested 48 times for offenses including aggravated assault, motor vehicle burglary, theft, inhaling toxic vapors along with numerous trespassing, public intoxication, and soliciting violations.

Belmont-area Road closures for next week's presidential debate

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

Security on and around the Belmont University campus will be extremely tight next Tuesday (Oct. 7) for the presidential debate. The debate is not open to the general public, and citizens are encouraged to steer clear of the area. A number of streets in the Belmont vicinity will be closed in order to enhance security. The following street closures will be in effect Tuesday between 4 p.m. and 12 midnight:

• Belmont Boulevard from Compton Avenue to 18th Avenue South;
• Bernard Avenue from 15th Avenue South to Belmont Boulevard;
• Acklen Avenue from 18th Avenue South to the entrance of the Fidelity Hall parking lot;
• 15th Avenue South from Compton Avenue to Wedgewood Avenue;
  

Acklen Avenue from East Belmont Circle to 15th Avenue South will be closed from 4 p.m. Monday through 8 a.m. Wednesday. In addition to the road closures, there will be intermittent traffic disruptions on a number of Nashville streets early next week as the candidates’ motorcades, with Metro police and Secret Service escort, move from place to place.

Belmont-Hillsboro Tour of Homes Saturday (Oct. 4)

The Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood will hold its annual Tour of Homes on Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets for the Tour of Homes are $10 each and may be bought in advance at Hillsboro Hardware (2204 21st Avenue South), Helios Artglassworks (3108 Belmont Boulevard) and Portland Brew (2605 12th Ave South). Tickets will also be sold during the day of the tour at three locations: Helios Artglassworks, the corner of Belmont and Blair Boulevard and the intersection of 21st Avenue and Portland Avenue.

This year's theme has a patriotic slant with a red, white, and blue color scheme to celebrate the Presidential Town Hall Debate being held at Belmont University on Tuesday, Oct. 7. As in years past, the tour will highlight the diverse architectural styles of the neighborhood homes to hundreds of visitors from across Nashville. Ten houses and one garden have been chosen this year, all within walking distance of one another and near Belmont University.

Walk Nashville Week (Oct. 4-10) begins Saturday

The 10th annual Walk Nashville Week will kick off Saturday, October 4, with a variety of events geared to get everyone moving for better health. All of the events for the week are free.

This year will feature walks to school, work, lunch, and church among others. With an established and growing network of sidewalks and greenways, Nashvillians can get out and walk for better health. The Health Department encourages anyone who wants to participate to register for these events on the www.nashvillechwt.org Web site.

• “Walk as One,” Saturday, Oct. 4: Community Nashville’s 6th annual “Walk as One” unity walk brings together people from every sector of our community. Join us as we walk to fight against bias, bigotry and racism. The walk will take place in Centennial Park. Walkers will gather at 7 a.m. for registration at the Centennial Art Center 25th Avenue North & Park Plaza. The walk begins at 9 a.m. around Centennial Park. For additional information, call Trey Lipman at (615) 327-1755.
  
  
• Walk to Worship Day, Sunday, Oct. 5: Worshippers throughout Davidson County are encouraged to strengthen their bodies and spirits by walking and celebrating wellness together. Information concerning area faith walks can be found on the website, www.nashvillechwt.org.
  
  
• Walk to Work Day, Monday, Oct. 6: Physical activity boosts your productivity and brain power. Participate by parking a little further away than usual and walk the rest of the way! Those who work downtown are invited to join in the fun at the corner of Second and Union for free bagels and coffee from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  
  
• Walk Your Neighborhood Day, Tuesday, Oct. 7: Enjoy a brisk walk around your neighborhood. Join your neighbors and walk together. Several Nashville area neighborhood associations are participating.
  
  
• Walk to School Day, Wednesday, Oct. 8: Walking to school can be a fun and helps a student to become more physically fit. It also allows the community to identify opportunities to improve walking conditions around the schools. This year more than 5,000 students and parents will join Mayor Dean, Council Members, School Board members, and other community leaders as they walk to elementary and middle schools in Davidson County. Mayor Dean will be part of a group that will walk to Park Avenue Elementary at 3703 Park Avenue. Local dignitaries will gather at Auto Zone located at 3913 Charlotte Avenue at 7:15 a.m. to walk with the students and gather for a short presentation at the school. A list of participating schools is located at www.nashvillechwt.org.
  
  
• Walk for Active Aging Day, Thursday, Oct. 9: This walk encourages people age 50 and over to enjoy walking to enhance their health and quality of life. Several community centers and malls will host walks for area seniors. For more information concerning the Metro Parks Center Walks, contact Jackie Jones at (615) 862-8400. In addition, at 12:30 p.m. FiftyForward Adult Day Services participants will be walking around the Second Presbyterian Church grounds (3511 Belmont Boulevard). The group has been learning about the health benefits of walking. For more information concerning the FiftyForward walk, contact ADS director Bonnie Brink at (615) 463-2266.
  
  
• Walk to Lunch Day, Friday, Oct. 10: Walking is a healthy alternative to driving at lunch time. This day serves to remind us that walking is a great lunch time activity that can enhance your energy for the rest of the day. Several restaurants in the Downtown area are offering discounts to those that walk to lunch. Check out www.nashvillechwt.com for a listing of participating restaurants.

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus near Murphy Road and I-440

From the Metro Public Health Department:

A batch of mosquitoes collected by the Metro Public Health Department have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were trapped in West Nashville near where Murphy Road crosses over I-440. This is the same area where a batch of mosquitoes tested positive for WNV in July. There have been no human cases reported.

The Health Department's Pest Management staff will increase surveillance efforts in the area by placing additional mosquito traps and monitoring standing water and applying larvicide when mosquito larvae are present. The Health Department has no plans at this time to spray the area.

"The risk of illness is low, and with cooler nights mosquitoes will be less active," said Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health for the Metro Public Health Department. "People can reduce risk further by taking common sense precautions to avoid mosquito bites," Paul said.

Mosquitoes have tested positive this year in Antioch and Goodlettsville in addition to the West Nashville location.

Safety precautions to protect against biting mosquito:

Limit time outdoors at dusk and nighttime hours when mosquitoes are present.

When outdoors wear a mosquito repellent that is approved for use by the CDC – those include products that contain DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pant legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned.

Make sure your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair.
The Health Department asks community members to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing standing water in your yard – especially in children's toys, bird baths, clogged gutters, tires, flowerpots, trashcans, and wheelbarrows, as well as cutting back overgrown vegetation (mosquito hiding areas).

Cohn High School Alumni Homecoming Friday (Oct. 3)

This Friday (October 3) the Cohn School Alumni Association will host its annual Homecoming Celebration. The group will hold a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. to mark the grand opening of its Alumni Center, which is on Elkins Avenue near 48th Avenue. A BBQ dinner and silent auction will take place in
the school’s large gym. Dinner will be served from from 6 to 9 p.m., and the silent auction will be open from 6 to 8 p.m.

This fall marks the 80th anniversary of the Cohn Building. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Cohn Alumni Scholarship. Dinner tickets are $10 per person. For more information, send an email to Yvonne Eaves at vonn10ec@aol.com.