Nashville ranked 42nd in terms of sustainability

From the Metro Planning Department: Nashville ranked 40th out of the nation's 50 largest cities in an annual sustainability ranking. The good news is that Nashville is headed in the right direction, up from 42nd, and is ranked ahead of Memphis (#46):

A city known for its rhythm is on its way to mastering the tempo of sustainability. Nashville’s mayor, Karl Dean, recently signed an executive order creating a committee to oversee Nashville’s environmental programs and help bring the city up to snuff when it comes to environmental planning. A breath of fresh air into the city’s formerly lackluster sustainability plan, the order also calls for the appointment of a sustainability manager, reductions in city energy consumption, and recommendations for new air and water quality standards. The new committee might also mean more aggressive tree planting and curbside recycling programs. Looks like the city took a page from the book of Mr. Inconvenient Truth himself, Al Gore, who recently installed solar panels, a rainwater collection system, and geothermal heating on his Nashville mansion to fetch a LEED Gold rating. We’re excited to hear the green movement’s crescendo in “Music City, USA.”

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 400 block of Elmington Avenue, 28th Avenue North at Clifton Avenue, Old Hickory Boulevard at Amberwood Circle, Vernon Avenue, 9th Avenue South at Gleaves Street, and 37th Avenue North at Park Avenue. Seized were 490 grams of marijuana, 1,242 grams of cocaine, 226 Lortab pills, 105 ecstasy pills, one weapon, five vehicles and $3,925 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.

Whitland Home Tour Oct. 11-12

The Whitland Area Neighborhood Association will host its annual Home Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12. The tour will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Home tour tickets can be purchased at any of the open homes on the days of the tour for $15 (2 for $25). Tickets for children under 12 are $8. Advance home tour tickets can also be purchased at a discounted price of $12 each through this Sunday (Sept. 28) at the American Artisan (4321 Harding Pike) and Davis-Kidd Booksellers (2121 Greenhill Village Drive). Children with parental supervision are also welcome to play at the playground of Blakemore Children’s Center, located in the neighborhood.

The wide, tree-lined boulevard of Whitland Avenue and its quiet, family-friendly side streets boast an architectural diversity that ranges from stately mansions to comfortable bungalows. Touring the neighborhood is reminiscent of a time when trolley cars were the primary means of commuting to downtown Nashville. A bus will provide free transportation throughout the neighborhood during the tour.

Crime prevention tips from MNPD

The Metro Nashville Police Department would like to remind local residents about the following steps that can reduce crime: 

• Prevent Auto Burglaries: Park smart by removing your valuables (change, cell phone, purse, anything in your car). Something you don't think is valuable may be valuable to someone else. Always lock your car and remove your car keys, whether you are at home or somewhere else.
   
• External Lighting: If you have external lights at home, especially motion lights, turn them on at night. This may convince a thief to go elsewhere. If you do leave your lights on at night, consider using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to conserve energy.
Close Your Blinds: When it gets dark at night, close your blinds or drapes. This will prevent potential intruders from getting a closer look inside your home. (Leaving the blinds open may make it hard for you to see outside, and it will make it easier for others to look inside your home.)

If you see drug-related activity taking place in the neighborhood, please call (615) 244-DOPE [3673]. This is totally anonymous and it records an official drug complaint. You don't have to give your name, just give the address where the drugs are happening, and any information that will help police. To report other suspicious or potentially criminal behavior that is not life threatening, please call MNPD at (615) 862-8600.

As part of ongoing investigations, MNPD's West Precinct detectives charged 26 persons late last week on the 2400 block of Batavia Street, 50th Avenue North at Charlotte Pike, 37th Avenue North at Park Avenue, 12th Avenue North at Jefferson Street, Meharry Boulevard, Wade Avenue, and Herman Street.  Seized were 245.3 grams of marijuana, 34 grams of cocaine, 35 Lortab pills, 20 Soma pills, ten Xanax pills, one morphine pill, and $130 cash.

MNPD apprehends West Nashville robbery suspect

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

A registered ex-con on parole until 2011 is charged in three armed robberies in West Nashville and is a suspect in at least two others in South Nashville. Outstanding police work led to last night’s arrest of Ray Neil Thompson, 38, who admitted his involvement in the following robberies:

• Smoothie King, 4546 Harding Pike, on September 12
• 21 Up Video, 284 White Bridge Road, on September 14 
• Baskin Robbins, 850 Hillwood Boulevard, on September 16
  

A witness to yesterday afternoon’s Baskin Robbins robbery provided police with a partial tag number of the getaway car which led to Thompson’s identification by West Precinct Sergeant Twana Chick and Detective Diana McCoy.  A BOLO was issued for Thompson at 10 p.m.  A few minutes later East Precinct Officer Sunjun Park located Thompson sitting in the suspect car, a 1983 Oldsmobile Delta, in the 900 block of Chickasaw Avenue.  Thompson fled on foot, but was captured a short time later.

Thompson is charged with three counts of aggravated robbery and evading arrest.  He is being held on $305,000 bond.  Additional robbery charges are pending.   Thompson has past convictions for aggravated robbery, theft, forgery, and domestic assault.

NCSL Health and Wellness Day Sept. 27

The Nashville Center For Spiritual Living (6705 Charlotte Pike) will host a Health and Wellness Day on Saturday, September 27, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bottled water, and snacks will be available. The event and all lectures are free and open to the public.

This event will offer events, lectures, and healing modalities of various kinds. Presenters and practitioners are all professionals. The lectures, which begin at 10:30 a.m. and go to 3:30 p.m., include subjects that affect your life and daily health. This promises to be a fun-filled day of awareness.

• 10:30  Marla Sanderson — Relationships (That Work All the Time)
  
• 11:30  Susan Shann — Earth Revolution (Environment)
  
• 12:00  Marie Szabo — Positive Aging
  
• 1:00   Brenda Star, Iridologist — What Your Eyes Reveal About Your Health
  
• 2:00   Candy Paull — Listening Presence; Nourishing Wisdom for Uncertain Times 
  
• 3:00   Maureen McGrath — Nutrition and Herbal Remedies
  
• 3:30   Brenda Gordon — Keys to Fitness, Health & Weight Management  
  

Professional health practitioners will offer samples of their services: chair Massage, reiki, energy clearings, biofeedback, chiropractic service, herbal health, nutrition, senior health and environmental issues. Call (615) 356-0174 for more information.

Mars Petcare announces pet food recall

Mars Petcare has initiated a voluntary pet food recall this weekend. Please visit petcare.mars.com to determine whether the recall includes brands you feed your pets. Thanks to Murphy Road Animal Hospital for sharing this information.

MNPD to offer child seat inspections Sept. 24

Certified child safety seat inspectors will be available Wednesday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the West Police Precinct (6730 Charlotte Avenue). The inspectors will provide free safety sea checks to ensure that children are receiving the maximum protection possible when riding in motor vehicles.

During the inspections, officers will provide instruction on the proper installation of safety seats and check seat model numbers against those that have been the subject of manufacturer recalls.  The importance of safety seat inspections is highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s estimate that three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed.

Belle Meade Fall Fest tomorrow (Sept. 20)

Belle Meade Plantation's annual Fall Fest will take place tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 20) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the plantation grounds (5025 Harding Road). New this year: The festival will be one day only.

Fall Fest will feature antiques, crafts, children's activities, music, food, wine, and more. Tickets for adults are $10, and children 12 and under will be admitted for free. The event includes a "larger-than-life" Kid's Fest area, marketplace, farmer's market and tours of the plantation.

RCWA summary report regarding recent Richland Creek pollution

From the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance:

Here is a final follow-up to the recent fish kill and dirty plume into Richland Creek and the response received from the regulatory authorities investigating these illicit discharges.

Fish Kill: Reported August 31

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said they could not determine the source or specific toxin that entered the creek and consequently killed fish and other aquatic life. Because they did not know what toxin to analyze for they also stated they would not process the water sample collected. They did follow up with construction sites in the area and reminded them of the best management practices that should be followed.

Dirty Plume: Reported September 8

Metro Water Services preformed a dye test in storm drain in hopes to find the storm drain where the cement sludge was being dumped. The dye test did not confirm the storm drain suspected of being the source and no further investigation will be possible.

RCWA would like to thank the stakeholders that reported these incidents to RCWA. As a result of these incidents, the watershed community has learned more about our water resources and how our human activities can impact them and the life dependent upon them. Most of all, we have learned that anything that flows into the storm drains flows to our streams and then continues downstream into our river, the Cumberland.

Big yard sale on 51st Avenue this weekend (Sept. 19-20)

From neighbors on 51st Avenue South:

We’ve cleared out the attic, where there was loads of stuff, and we’ve got a yard great sale this Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20, 325 51st Avenue North, right off Charlotte next to St. Ann’s Church, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a dealer, collector or bargain hunter: kitsch, knick knacks, records (mainly old 78s but LPs and 45s, too), bowling ashtrays, lots of art, new and vintage clothes (mainly women’s) and jewelry, a few books, lots of 60s/70s Baseball Digests, shoes, art, 50s formica table set and chairs, shelves, lamps, kids’ costumes, adult costumes, fabric, misc. furniture, other cool and practical everyday items. No earlybirds, no previewing or advance sales, but if you have a specific question please email us and we’ll try to answer as quickly as possible.

And please forward this to your garage sale junkie friends. There’s really going to be a whole lot of items!

Brush collection begins Sept. 23

Metro Public Works will begin brush collection on Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Nashville's Area 9, which includes all of Sylvan Park. Please have your brush out for collection by this date. Public Works will be collecting brush for approximately 10 days in the area beginning on the 23rd.

Review the collection information from Public Works before you set your brush out for pickup to make sure you follow the guidelines. You can also sign up to receive email notifications about brush pickup and other Public Works services based on your address.

SPNA Home Tour a success

Neighbors near and far braved stormy weather on Sunday to participate in the SPNA Home Tour. Seven neighborhood homes reflecting the diverse array of architectural styles and construction periods in Sylvan Park and three neighborhood community organizations (Cohn Adult Learning Center, First Southern Methodist Church and St. Ann's Catholic Church) were featured on the tour. Many thanks to Susan Rodgers, Yvonne Eaves, Connie Putnam, Laura Ellis, Wendell Goodman, Margaret Holleman, Diane Lee-Smith and Pat Williams and the many other volunteers who put in many, many hours to make this year's tour a success.

RCWA meeting Sept. 28

Richland Creek Watershed Alliance will meet on Sunday, September 28, from 4 to 5 p.m. at 132 Postwood Place. There will be a short agenda, a Q & A period and an opportunity to meet other stakeholders and members of RCWA. Free RCWA bumper-stickers will be given out to new and old members. Annual membership is only $10.

MNPD makes arrests at 39th 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 32 persons as the result of investigations on 26th Avenue North at Clifton Avenue, 39th Avenue North at Charlotte Pike, 25th Avenue North at Batavia Street, 12th Avenue North at Herman Street, 11th Avenue South at Edgehill Avenue, Old Hickory Boulevard, and Dr. D.B. Todd Boulevard. Seized were 41 grams of marijuana, 34 grams of cocaine, 20 Lortab pills, two Oxycontin pills, and 100 ecstasy 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.

Metro Water Services testing storm drains

From Richland Creek Watershed Alliance:

This is to inform you that Metro Water Services is conducting a dye-test in storm drains with inert red dye this morning in [the] neighborhood near McCabe Golf Course. This is an attempt to confirm the source of the concrete illicit discharge Monday that RCWA described as a dirty, cloudy plume.

Metro Water Services said they would inform RCWA of their findings and RCWA wants to let you know that this is not another illicit discharge but a accepted safe practice to trace sources of discharges.

Alan LeQuire and other local artists featured in NAA Studio Tour Saturday (Sept. 13)

Renowned sculptor Alan LeQuire, whose gallery is right next door to Sylvan Park, is one of dozens of local artists participating in Nashville Area Arts' Nashville Artists Studio Tour this Saturday (Sept. 13) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists across Davidson County will open up their studios to tour participants:

The NAA Nashville Artists Studio Tour offers Nashville natives, tourists, and local university students the chance to visit private artists’ studios throughout Davidson County. Tour goers can meet the artists, learn more about their processes, and purchase artwork directly from them. Artists and groups participating in the tour include: Adrienne Outlaw, Chris Scarborough, Kelly Williams, Stacey Irvin, Alan LeQuire, John Guider, Annie Freeman, Joe Sorci, Myles Maillie, Toni Hooper, Brenda Stein, and the Plate Tone Printshop.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the event. Students from select area colleges and everyone ages 17 and under get in free. More information is available at the NAA Web site.

West Nashville Community Plan meeting Oct. 16

The Metro Planning Commission will hold the first of several several public meetings on the future development of West Nashville on Thursday, October 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cohn Adult Learning Center (4805 Park Avenue).

The meeting will begin an eight-month series of community discussions on West Nashville’s growth and development begins . 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 MPC Web site.

The West Nashville Community Plan, last updated in 2000 as the “Subarea 7 Plan,” guides land use and zoning decisions in West Nashville. It also influences the Planning Commission’s recommendations to the Metro Council on property zoning and other development-related decisions within the West Nashville community. Davidson County’s fourteen Community Plans are updated every seven to ten years. The first step in that process is a series of public discussions which will continue through May 2009.

This series of meetings and the resulting community plan will be important elements in shaping the future of our neighborhood and the surrounding area. Please make plans to attend these meetings and to share your thoughts and feedback with the Metro Planning Commission.

SPNA Home Tour featured in today's Tennessean

Tennessean reporter Nancy Deville covered the SPNA Home Tour, scheduled for this Sunday (Sept. 14), in today's edition of the paper. Here's a highlight:

"We are trying to involve some of the institutions since we are such a diversified neighborhood," said Susan Rodgers, tour coordinator. "People love Sylvan Park because of its feel and that it's an all-inclusive neighborhood."

Originally built as a mostly blue-collar neighborhood, Sylvan Park profited from urban renewal efforts that started in the 1990s. Although Victorian homes are sprinkled throughout, most structures were built in the 1930s.

"We have old houses that are Queen Anne style that have been updated with today's conveniences," Rodgers said. "We also have new construction that are replicas of the old-style homes. This neighborhood has gone through a lot of changes and we've changed a lot even in the last few years."

Be sure to make plans to take the tour on Sunday. See you there!

McCabe voting precinct temporarily relocated

Sylvan Park and other nearby residents who typically vote at the McCabe Community Center will vote at a temporary location, the McCabe Golf Course Clubhouse (100 46th Avenue North), for the upcoming general election on Nov. 4. 

RCWA reports on possible creek pollution source

From the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance:

Got another contact from a stakeholder that there was a dirty gray and cloudy plume entering Richland Creek from the storm water tributary that cuts across the McCabe golf course. Stakeholder said Parks was informed and that they were very concerned and pro-active. They followed the inflow to a storm drain in Sylvan Park and had collected water samples. RCWA informed Metro Water Services about the issue and they said they would investigate as well.

Observations like this are very helpful in protecting our water resources and protecting the life connected to it, as well as educating all of us to what pollutes and how it gets polluted. If you observe something that seems to be an impact to our creeks or rivers contact Metro Water Services immediately at (615) 313-7873 week days and (615) 862-4600 on weekends. You can also contact TDEC water pollution control if you feel it warrants such a report. Feel free to contact RCWA and let them know or ask questions at rcwa@comcast.net. We are all volunteers and may not receive the complaint in time so contact the authorities immediately and tell us you did.

WSMV-TV covered this development at the creek as well.

RCWA update on dead fish

From the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance:

We are receiving many questions about last weeks fish die off so I wanted to follow up. RCWA collected dead fish samples before [we] found out that dead fish are not acceptable sample criteria and that they need to be received within 24 hours. It was a holiday, Labor Day, and not possible to get analysis before this deadline. In addition they are very expensive and RCWA has little money.

[The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation] was the lead investigative regulatory agency on site for the fish die off. They took a water sample but RCWA has not heard about any results yet. They traced the source of the toxin to Richland Creek to a storm drain near or at the Publix construction site. They said they were many species of fish killed and that there were also a suspected pumping from a pit on the construction site of groundwater into Richland Creek. RCWA has inquired for the Department of TDEC for Groundwater Protection to investigate.

WSMV-TV covered this news recently as well.

Sylvan Park Home Tour this Sunday (Sept. 14)

The SPNA Home Tour, “September in Sylvan Park,” will take place this Sunday (Sept. 14) from 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets will be available for $12 at two neighborhood locations on the day of the tour: Cohn Adult Learning Center (4805 Park Avenue) and First Southern Methodist Church (4409 Colorado Avenue).

The Home Tour will showcase our beautiful neighborhood during one of the loveliest months of the year. It will feature nine neighborhood homes reflecting the diverse array of architectural styles and construction periods in Sylvan Park and will include three neighborhood community organizations: Cohn Adult Learning Center, First Southern Methodist Church and St. Ann's Catholic Church. St. Ann's will also serve as the tour's cafe and will serve refreshments. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Proceeds from the Home Tour benefit SPNA, which supports various projects and events in the neighborhood including the Night Out Against Crime, 4th of July Children’s parade, McCabe Little League, Senior Renaissance Center and Sylvan Park Elementary School Spaghetti Supper. The tour is a major revenue source for SPNA, so please encourage your friends, neighbors and co-workers to attend. Many thanks to Susan Rodgers, Yvonne Eaves, Connie Putnam, Laura Ellis, Margaret Holleman, Diane Lee-Smith and Pat Williams for their work to make the tour a success.

Cohn Community Education Classes begin Sept. 15

Cohn Adult Learning Center's Community Education Classes begin on Monday, Sept. 15. As usual, Cohn is offering a wide range of classes to encourage lifelong learning. The classes, which include topics as diverse as calligraphy, computing, fencing, guitar, line dancing, pilates, self hypnosis, Spanish and woodworking, are very affordably priced. Check out the full list of class offerings for dates, times and cost information.

Faith and campaign finance reform forum tonight (Sept. 9)

Vanderbilt Divinity School (411 21st Avenue) will host a discussion about campaign finance reform tonight (Sept. 9) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the school's Art Room.

Former State Rep. Frank Buck, Dick Williams of Common Cause and Melissa Snarr of Vanderbilt Divinity School will discuss how Campaign Finance Reform makes it possible for the voices, interests and needs of ALL citizens to be heard, not just those with the most money or power. We will discuss reforms that already exist in other states, the 2008 elections, and legislation being proposed in Tennessee. More information is available at tennesseeallianceforprogress.org.

SPNA membership meeting tonight

SPNA will hold its September membership meeting tonight (Monday, Sept. 8) 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.

Curby day Wednesday (Sept. 10)

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

More information on Richland Creek dead fish

From the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance news page:

From a second stakeholder living on Richland Creek "I've noticed a lot of dead fish and dead crawdads in the creek in the past couple of days"--

From a stakeholder near Charlotte Park (downstream from the greenway) said, "For your information, we have noticed what appeared from a distance to be an oil film on top of the water between Urbandale Bridge and I-40 Bridge about two weeks or more ago."

From a professor and creek enthusiast we got the downstream photo 1 and a comment~ "The duck week is indicative of nutrients loading the stream. That could be leaky sewers, lawn fertilizers sediments or some other source."

Monette Rebecca has more details at the RCWA site.

Climate change lecture tomorrow (Sept. 4) at Blair School

From Susan Shann with New Vision:

A public lecture entitled “Global Warming—What do we know and what should we do?” will be given by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard Somerville of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m. in Ingram Hall, located in the Blair School of Music on Vanderbilt University's campus.

Professor Somerville is a coordinating lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Dr. Somerville is an award-winning author and an acclaimed public speaker on global climate change. His research career has spanned half a century.

This is the inaugural lecture in a new series which addresses the general theme of science in the service of society. This lecture is sponsored by the Physics and Astronomy Department along with the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory and the Vanderbilt Law School. The series was established to honor the Vanderbilt alumni and faculty who have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
Free parking is available across from Ingram Hall in the South Garage located at the corner of 24th Avenue South and Children’s Way. Seating is limited. For more information call (615) 322-2828.

Emily Evans to host stormwater discussion Sept. 5

The U.S. Green Building Council Middle Tennessee Chapter will host a discussion of Stormwater Management issues this Friday, Sept. 5, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at The Tennessee Engineering Center in the Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Boulevard). 

Metro Council Member Emily Evans will be on hand to lead the discussion, which will focus on the unique stormwater concerns facing the Metro Nashville area and revised funding mechnisms for infrastructure repair and expansion being discussed by the Metro Water Department.Come join in this informative discussion about current issues being faced by the city and how green building techniques can play a role in the ultimate solution.

First Friday meetings are a less formal gathering of the U.S. Green Building Council Middle Tennessee Chapter. There is no cost to attend, and RSVPs are not required. Lunch will not be served, so bring a brown bag lunch and an appetite for learning. 

SPNA fall newsletter now online

The fall issue of the SPNA News is now online. Copies of the newsletter have been delivered to many neighborhood homes, and deliveries will continue for the next several days.

Curby day tomorrow (Sept. 3)

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

LeQuire Gallery fall classes

LeQuire Gallery will hold open studio sessions with sculptor Alan LeQuire on Thursdays from Sept. 4 through Nov. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The participation fee is $25 per class session.

This class focuses on sculpting, but students are welcome to paint or draw. A model changes poses every third week. Alan will provide clay for those sculpting and fire pieces free of charge. Students who choose to paint or draw should bring their own supplies. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students are welcome.

The gallery will also hold painting and drawing sessions with portrait artist Murat Kaboulov on Saturdays in October (Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25). These sessions will cover painting and drawing using charcoal, pastel and oil and will feature a different medium each Saturday. Students are expected to bring supplies. Registration is required, and the participation fee is $30 per session.

LeQuire Gallery is one of many schools across the country teaching the fundamentals of drawing, painting and sculpture based on observation of the natural world and intent on improving technique. This approach is known as the "Atelier Movement." For more information on these sessions, or to register, call (615) 298-4611.

LeQuire Gallery opening reception Sept. 6

LeQuire Gallery will host an artist reception for its upcoming exhibit, "New Approaches To Figurative Art," on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Call (615) 298-4611 or send an email for more information.

Belcourt hosts "Trailer Park" Sept. 4

From steering committee member Laura Ellis about a fun event scheduled at the Belcourt Theatre Thursday night:

Are you one of those people who gets to the theater late enough to skip the commercials but early enough to see all the trailers? Yeah, so are we. That's why we decided to open up the theater on Thursday, September 4th, for a one-time only tour of some of the best and most bizarre movie trailers we've seen. At TRAILER PARK, we're kickin' back in the ol' Belcourt double-wide with some tornado-bait refreshments and a screenful of the stuff that makes you want to go to the movies in the first place. Come unhitch your hitch and jaw for a spell with other friends of the theater. Food will be provided by our friends at HARD ROCK CAFE NASHVILLE. Come enjoy!

Are you also one of those people who loves living in a city cool enough to have one last neighborhood theater that specializes in great independent movies? Yeah, so are we. Are you also one of those people who likes going out to see live music and proud of the fact that you've got venues that used to house the Grand Ol' Opry? Yeah, so are we. Actually, those are some of the reasons we're all members of the Belcourt Theatre. If you're one of those people, we need you to be one of us. All Belcourt members get discounts on regular movie tickets and concessions, and they also get to help us share our historic space and our incredible programming with people for generations to come.

Trailer Park at the Belcourt: a Membership Event
Thursday, Sept. 4th, 2008, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

If you're a MEMBER who joined Jan. 1st - Sept. 4th, 2008, you get in FREE.
NON-MEMBERS get in for the price of any membership. (You can sign-up at the door.) Members who NEED TO RENEW Sept. 5th - Dec. 31st, 2008 get in for the price of any renewal. Please RSVP to Trailer@belcourt.org.

The Belcourt Theatre
2102 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 846-3150

RCWA Watershed Clean Up Oct. 25

Mark your calendars for this opportunity to pitch in to clean up Richland Creek and its surrounding area, which includes Sylvan Park and much of West Nashville:

Richland Creek Watershed Alliance is planning a community wide event [on October 25] in which multiple clean-ups will occur throughout the watershed this fall. Our inspiration behind this watershed-wide effort stems from the spirited feedback from our past clean-up experience and our hope that this annual watershed-wide event will diminish the need for such efforts over time. We want to address multiple areas where trash is prone to collect before it gets into our creeks. Most of these trash prone areas are: along creeks, greenways, sidewalks, parking lots, alleys, and at storm-water drains.

Additional information is available at the RCWA Web site, and more details will be coming soon.

RCWA reports dead fish found at Richland Creek Greenway

From Monette Rebecca at the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance:

A stakeholder reported she spotted dead fish along several location on the the Richland Creek greenway yesterday. I personally went out there this morning to see if they were still apparent or had all floated downstream. A strong odor was noticable and I did find dozens of dead fish ranging from 2 -6 inches along the edge of the stream near the McCabe golf course irrigation tank. It is apparent the strong smell is the same as the dead fish smell. Metro Water Services has been alerted on this issue and RCWA has collected fish samples to take for analysis.