News and Comments

Dear Resident,

We have had a historic election here in Tennessee and across the nation. Barack Obama is President Elect of the United States of America. His election gives me hope that Rev. King's dream of people being judged by the "content of their character", rather than the color of their skin is becoming a reality. In over one hundred years, our society has seen many changes and in that time one thing that has not changed, until now, is which party controls the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives. It will be interesting to see what changes occur when the winners of Tuesday's elections are sworn into office. I hope you will join me in praying for the leaders of our city, state and country. Pray for wisdom in decisions, protection from those that mean hard and safety for our fellow citizens.

Tonight is the public hearing on the Bakertown/Antioch Pike rezoning plan. Be sure to come out and share your concerns for or against. I will be abstaining and will not speak for or against this as the plan includes my property. I do encourage you to come speak your mind. Plan to be there at or before 6pm as the bill is on the beginning of the agenda – fourth item on the public hearing agenda. You can park in the courthouse garage for free with a pass provided by the Metro Clerk. (Usually a small colored piece of paper) See me and I'll be sure to get you a copy.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the next district town-hall meeting scheduled on December 1, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the South Police Precinct. Sheriff Daron Hall will be sharing stats from the 287g program and we will have a representative from Metro Beautification present information about our recycling program. There may also be some other surprise guests.

I will be traveling most of November and may not be available by phone. I will try to check email while I am away and will be here to represent the district for the committee and council meetings.

FYI, I will be sending the police reports in another email as this one has many notices already. Please help spread the word and help keep our neighbors informed. Encourage others to sign up for this newsletter.


Thanks for your support.
Yours truly,
Duane Dominy
District 28 Councilman
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774



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Being Lincoln Special Screening at Belcourt Theatre

I'd like to invite you to see the Nashville Premiere of the documentary BEING LINCOLN--MEN WITH HATS at the Belcourt Theatre on November 19, 2008 at 7 p.m. Part of the proceeds will go toward supporting the Belcourt foundation.
Part of this film was taken at Una Elementary and in produced by a college friend.
So far, we've been in 3 festivals and we've picked up two awards (Audience Choice Award and Best Tennessee Feature Film). Please come if you can or tell another friend who might be interested.

For tickets visit
http://www.belcourt.org
or go by the box office.

To learn about the movie and to see clips, please visit
http://www.beinglincoln.com

Thanks! I really appreciate it!
Elvis
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Do you want to know how best to have codes issues dealt with in your neighborhood? See the attached notice about a class being presented by the Neighborhood Resource Center on Saturday Nov. 15. For more info call 782-8212.
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Entertainment and Community Support, What a great deal!
Antioch High School Choir is inviting you to attend the Rodgers & Hammerstein version of Cinderella at Antioch High School. The dates for the play are 7PM every night beginning Thursday, November 6th, including Friday, November 7th, & Saturday November 8th. There will also be a Matinee on Saturday November 8th at 1PM.

This will be a wonderful performance and I hope you will attend. We need to support this event. It is the final shot at raising the money to compete at a National Level in Washington DC. Please support this event!
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Rural Hill Road/Moss Road Land Use Design Policy
These important efforts continues to move forward. While progress has been made and those in participation are learning much about the process, as well as contributing their preferences, plans, and opinions to the project, we still need your participation.While we are well into the Rural Hill Land Use Policy/Design Plan, it’s not too late to participate. I hopt to see you at the next meeting and bring a neighbor.

Again, this is your community. You have asked me to protect our District and help build it up, protect property values and improve quality of life. To achieve these goals, this project is a major part of the process. Getting your input for the future and how you want the area to look, the surrounding buildings, the parks, green space, streets & sidewalks rest in your hands.We need your participation, the community needs you. PLEASE ATTEND the remaining meetings.
Meeting 3 - Draft Concept Plan Presentation - Thursday, December 4 - St. Ignatius
Meeting 4 - Draft Detailed Land Use Policy Plan Workshop - Thursday, January 29 - St. Ignatius
Meeting 5 - Draft Building Form Plan Workshop - Thursday, February 19 - St. Ignatius
Meeting 6 - Draft Plan Presentation - Thursday, March 19 - St. Ignatius
Please circulate to all interested parties!

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Take note of this year's leaf collection.
Below are dates for this year's leaf collection schedule. Please be aware that there will be only one rotation for leaf removal this year.
Leaves must be in paper or plastic bags (biodegradable plastic is preferred but not required) and placed either at the curb or at the alley, where the trash is normally collected.
Areas 1, 2, 3 November 25th - Dec 9th
Areas 4, 5, 6 December 11th - Dec 30th (District 28 and all of Antioch is in this area)
Areas 7, 8, 9 January 2nd - January 16th
Areas 10,11,12 January 20th - February 3rd

You can also view this information on our website at:
http://www.nashville.gov/pw/index.htm

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Blood Drive
Friday, November 14, 2008
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Southern Hills Medical Center @ Wallace Rd & Nolensville Pike
Please call TriStar MedLine at 615-342-1919 to schedule an appointment.
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PARKS’ DEPARTMENT SEARCHING FOR CITY ’S CHRISTMAS TREE

Nashville, Tennessee ---Metro Parks is asking for help in finding the perfect tree to serve as the centerpiece for the city’s holiday celebration.

Metro Parks’ Horticulturalist Randall Lantz said the Parks Department is looking for a “30 to 40-foot Norway Spruce that looks good from all angles. We would very much like to have a tree that has grown too big for its current location. We know it’s out there! We just haven’t found it yet.”

Lantz went on to say the Parks’ Department would gladly cut down the tree, remove the stump, and plant a replacement tree if desired. If you have a tree that meets the criteria, call Randall Lantz at 862-8400 or email him at Randall.Lantz@nashville.gov.
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Metro Schools revises 2009-2010 Calendar

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 5, 2008) – The Board of Education unanimously approved a revised school year calendar for 2009-2010 during its Oct. 28 meeting. The new calendar includes several adjustments recommended by the administration to better accommodate the need for professional development with the needs of families to arrange their schedules when students are not in school.
The new calendar includes a half-day Aug. 14, 2009, which will be used by schools for registration and orientation. The first full day of school for grades 1-12 will be Aug. 17. This is a half-day for kindergarten students. The last day of school will be May 27, 2010.
Other highlights of the calendar include:
• Students will be out of school Oct. 16, and Oct. 19-23 for fall break.
• Nov. 25-27, there will be no school for the Thanksgiving holidays.
• Dec. 15-17 will be exam days for grades 9-12, with Dec. 17 a half-day for grades K-12. Winter holidays begin for students Dec. 18 and continue through Jan. 5, 2010.
• Spring Break will be March 15-19, 2010.

The calendar also includes planning days, professional development days and holidays throughout the year. The revised calendar will be posted on the MNPS website, www.mnps.org, and will be included in future publications to parents.
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MNPS Magnet/Optional Deadline Dec. 5
Parents and students will soon have the opportunity to participate in the annual lottery to attend one of 26 academic and thematic magnetic schools, design schools, optional enrollment schools and enhanced option schools for the 2009-2010 academic school year. Applications will be sent home with students Nov. 3, and the deadline for submitting an application is Friday, Dec. 5.
This year, the application process has changed in that no new applications will be accepted after the Dec. 5 deadline except for families who are new to the Metro Nashville Public School district.
In the coming weeks, families will have several opportunities to tour the magnet and optional schools during "Walk-Through Thursdays" and magnet school open houses, scheduled for November and December. The lottery will be held Jan. 10, 2009. Nashville School of the Arts (NSA) is the one exception to the lottery. To attend this high school, prospective students must apply and audition. There is no lottery for NSA admission.
Families are reminded that transportation is not provided for students in academic or thematic magnet schools. There is assistance with costs for MTA transportation for students enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program.

Important Dates for Magnet Application Process:

Nov. 3
Applications will be sent home by all schools. This includes “pathway continuation forms” for current magnet/optional students moving from elementary to middle or middle to high school.

Nov. 6, 13, 20 & Dec. 4
“Walk Through Thursdays”- Families can visit magnet schools during these dates.

Nov. 10 - Dec. 4
Magnet School Open Houses - Contact the school of interest for dates and times.

Dec. 5
Application/pathway deadline. Parents return forms to the Magnet/Optional Office. This deadline includes all magnet/lottery applications as well as the “pathway continuation forms” for magnet/optional students moving from elementary to middle or middle to high school. (No new applications will be accepted after this date except for families new to MNPS.)

Jan. 10, 2009
Magnet/Optional School Lottery

Jan. 12
The schools participating in the lottery will send home a continuation letter. (This affects students who will be changing grades, but staying in the same school next year).

Jan. 21
Acceptance and wait list letters will be mailed.

Jan. 28
Deadline for parents to return continuation letters to their child’s magnet/optional school.

Feb. 6
Deadline for parents to return acceptance letter to the Magnet/Optional Office.

In addition to magnet and optional schools, in the early spring of 2009, expanded Open Enrollment will be offered to all students in Metro Nashville Public Schools. This will give families the chance to enroll in a school outside of their zone, if seating is available, that best meets their child's needs. This could potentially include magnet/optional schools that have open seats after the lottery.

Many schools also offer unique programs and courses of study, including International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Career and Thematic Academies, culinary arts programs, vocational education opportunities, various computer certification programs and much more. For more information about any school, zoned or other, visit www.mnps.org.

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Holiday Light Competition
Metro's 20th Annual Lights Competition is on and approaching soon. I realize you may not be in the mood for Christmas yet, but the deadline for submitting your home is NOV 21. May the best lights shine and be recognized in your neighborhood! You can download an application at the following link:
http://www.nashville.gov/beautification/holiday_lights.htm

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Park Smart
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, October 19, through Saturday, October 25, shows that 30 % of the automobiles taken (6 of 20) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Officers also urge citizens to SHOP SMART by not leaving purses or other valuables unattended in shopping carts, even for a very short time. An unattended purse is an easy target for a thief.

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Precinct-Based Undercover Detectives Charged 136 Persons This Week
Undercover detectives, assigned to each of the department’s six precincts, charged 136 persons this week with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.
South Precinct detectives charged 20 persons as the result of investigations on Plus Park Boulevard, Murfreesboro Pike, Metroplex Drive, and Wallace Road. Seized were eight grams of cocaine, 66.5 grams of marijuana, 40 Lortab pills, one vehicle, and $9,165 cash.
Hermitage Precinct detectives charged 19 persons as the result of investigations on McCampbell Avenue, Lakeland Drive, Old Hickory Boulevard, Lebanon Pike, and Murfreesboro Pike. Seized were 6.5 grams of cocaine, one weapon, and $7,186 cash.
West Precinct detectives charged 27 persons as the result of investigations on 12th Avenue North at Jefferson and Herman Streets, Davidson Drive at Charlotte Pike, 21st Avenue South at Acklen Avenue, Hynes Street, and the 100 block of Sigler Street. Seized were 9.5 pounds of marijuana, 34.5 grams of cocaine, 92 pounds of khat, 51 Lortab pills, and one weapon.
North Precinct detectives charged 23 persons as the result of investigations on Trinity Lane, Brick Church Pike, Cliff Drive, Hamilton Road, Clarksville Pike, and 28th Avenue North. Seized were 15.5 grams of cocaine, 11.5 grams of marijuana, 33 various pills, one weapon, one vehicle, and $394 cash.
East Precinct detectives charged 27 persons as the result of investigations on Trinity Lane, Dickerson Pike, Ewing Avenue, the 1500 block of Jones Avenue, Auction Way, Spring Street, and Lucille Street. Seized were .1 grams of cocaine, 7.8 grams of marijuana, and one Dilaudid pill.
Central Precinct detectives charged 20 persons as the result of investigations on the 600 block of Lafayette Street , 8th Avenue South at Drexel Street, Middleton Street, Fogg Street, Buchanan Street, and Jefferson Street. Seized were 30 grams of cocaine.
Persons suspecting drug activity in their neighborhoods are urged to call the police department’s 244-DOPE hotline. Callers to the hotline can remain anonymous.
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Halloween Truancy Sweep Nets 16 McGavock Students
Hermitage Flex officers conducted a truancy sweep of McGavock High School today.
Officers charged 16 McGavock students with loitering during school hours for attempting to leave the campus while school was in session. One adult was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
During the truancy initiative, an officer in an unmarked vehicle watched for students who appeared to be skipping school. Uniformed officers then made investigative stops of those who appeared to be in violation.
The truancy operation is the latest in an on-going effort between the police department, Juvenile Court, and school officials to see that students are in school and remain there until dismissal.

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Last Weekend's Operation Safer Streets Initiative Netted 77 Arrests
Last weekend’s Operation Safer Streets gang enforcement initiative, which took place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, resulted in 77 arrests involving 80 misdemeanors, five felonies, and 15 outstanding warrants. Seized were 7.8 grams of marijuana, .1 grams of cocaine, 73 various pills, two grams of methamphetamine, and four weapons.
At least three times a week, officers and supervisors representing each of the six precincts and the Specialized Investigations Division (SID) partner together to implement strategies to combat gang crime and activities in various areas of Nashville.
Friday’s enforcement consisted of five SID detectives, 21 patrol officers, and two canine units. Areas targeted were the James Cayce public housing development, Jefferson Street , Salemtown, the Cheatham Place public housing development, Buchanan Street , downtown Nashville , Clarksville Pike, the J.C. Napier public housing development, Murfreesboro Pike, Lafayette Street , Madison , Bordeaux , Fairfax Avenue, West End Avenue, Dakota Avenue , Edgehill Avenue , and the Andrew Jackson public housing development, Thompson Lane , Hillsboro Road, and Nolensville Pike.
Saturday’s enforcement consisted of 12 SID detectives and 26 patrol officers. Areas targeted were 25th, 23rd, 28th, and 51st Avenues North, Jefferson Street, Centennial Boulevard, Clarksville Pike, the Cheatham Place public housing development, Salemtown, Jones Avenue, Chickasaw Avenue, the James Cayce public housing development, Dickerson Pike, Lafayette Street, Murfreesboro Pike, Cannon Street, Nashboro Village, Bell Road, downtown Nashville, Marina Street, Myrtle Street, Fairfax Avenue, West End Avenue, Dakota Avenue, Charlotte Pike, Edgehill Avenue, the Andrew Jackson public housing development, Thompson Lane, Zermatt Avenue, and Baptist World Center Drive.
Sunday’s enforcement consisted of six SID detectives, one SID lieutenant, one CID detective, and five patrol officers. Areas targeted were Madison , Nolensville Pike, Harding Place , and Haywood Lane .
So far this year, Operation Safer Streets has resulted in 3,282 arrests on 344 felony charges and 3,310 misdemeanor charges, 47 gun seizures, the service of 616 outstanding warrants, 555 field interviews of persons believed to have gang knowledge, and 10,149 traffic stops in areas with a gang presence.
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Nashville Ballet Announces
Countdown to the Premiere of Brand-New Nashville Nutcracker

Nashville Ballet announces the countdown to the premiere of its brand-new Nutcracker. The old version of Nutcracker has delighted thousands of Middle Tennesseans for over 18 years, but the new production will bring a new twist on the classic story for the next decade of Nashville families. This version will be set during the time of the 1897 Tennessee Exposition, so the audience will be familiar with many local influences, such as the Parthenon and Shelby Bottoms Pond. Clara’s home is based on the interior of the Belle Meade Mansion , and many historical figures and families have been included.

Opening Night will be the hottest ticket in town with the celebration including two special events. All opening night ticket holders are invited to stroll through the 300’ foot tent, which will contain an 1897 Centennial Christmas Festival, “A Streetscape”, which will take you back to downtown Nashville as it might have been on a December night, just before Christmas, in 1897. Walk through the huge snow drifts as snowflakes fall lightly to the ground. The streets near TPAC will be closed for this one night only to allow people to tip-toe through the snowflakes, window shop at the stylized mercantile store fronts, and indulge in the aroma of roasted chestnuts on the Main Square .

Mayor Karl Dean and his wife Anne are the honorary guests for a Gala Dinner, hosted by Nashville Ballet supporters, at the prestigious Hermitage Hotel. This elegant gala pre-performance dinner will start at 5:30 with a cocktail reception. It will be a once-in-a lifetime event (the $500 per plate cost includes a premium ticket to the performance). For gala information, please contact the Ballet at 615-297-2966, ext. 30.
Nashville Ballet Artist Director Paul Vasterling visualized this more locally based concept and choreography for the new version of Nutcracker and bringing together a team of esteemed designers to bring this new show to life. The set design was created by Shigeru Yaji, costume design was conceived by Campbell Baird, and the lighting was designed by Scott Leathers.

Local production companies have been constructing the new scenery, props, special effects, and backgrounds. Mill Creek Associates is building a majority of the set and Drops Everything is painting the backdrops. Additionally, Akers Theatrical Fabricators is building the interior set of the parlor for the “Party Scene” in the first act. The production department at Nashville Ballet is creating most of the hand props for the performance, and Nashville Ballet’s Costume shop is constructing all of the children’s costumes.

For pre-performance fun, jumpstart the holiday season with Nashville’s Nutcracker Breakfast at the Belle Meade Plantation, Saturday, November 15th at 9:30 AM. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and other costumed dancers, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, tell Santa what you want for Christmas, and peek at the interior of the Mansion to see the parlor. (The interior of the mansion is the inspiration for Clara’s home in Nashville Ballet’s new Nashville-based Nutcracker). There will many photo opportunities, along with a treat bag for each child.

The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Please call 615-356-0501 ext 27 to reserve your family’s place. All tours of the Belle Meade mansion will be given proceeding the breakfast- be sure to confirm a time when making reservations. All reservations need to be called in by Friday, November 14.

Single tickets are currently on sale, with prices ranging from $21.50 - $72.50. Opening Night tickets will be priced from $31.50 - $82.50. Tickets are available by calling 615-255-ARTS, ordering online at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the TPAC box office downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall of Green Hills, or by visiting www.nashvilleballet.com. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount and can be ordered through Nashville Ballet by calling 615-297-2966, ext. 10 or emailing mbenning@nashvilleballet.com.

Charitable support has been provided by the Nutcracker Capital Campaign, co-chaired by Mrs. Ralph Davis and Mrs. Annette Eskind. Major supporters of Nashville ’s Ballet’s Nutcracker are the Ingram Charitable Trust, HCA/TriStar as Founding Presenting Sponsor, the Martin Foundation as Founding Costume Sponsor and Regions Foundation as Founding Special Effects Sponsor. Nashville ’s Nutcracker Centennial has been provided by Publix Supermarkets Charities.

Nutcracker
Jackson Hall - TPAC
December 12-14, 19-21, 2008

Friday, December 12 at 8:00 pm (Opening Night)
Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Friday, December 19 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Saturday December 20 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

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Check out Alignment Nashville's Alert about Spanish GED program and Boys and Girls Club at this link.
https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1960.1460770372/rid:c95093af7d0353aba0ac4c0444dbd5d7

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Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee to hold series of public input meetings
NASHVILLE , Tenn. – The mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee is holding a series of public meetings to gather further community input on how to make Nashville “the greenest city in the Southeast.”

The meetings are being organized by the public involvement subcommittee of the taskforce. Jenna Smith, environmental sustainability manager for the Mayor’s Office, said the dates and locations of the meetings were intentionally set to encourage broad participation.

“The meetings will be held in all parts of Davidson County , and two of them will be held on Saturday mornings in public libraries. We want to encourage not only adults but also the youth in our community, who have shown great interest in this issue, to come share their ideas for making Nashville a greener city,” Smith said.

Individuals can also contribute their ideas through an online survey at www.nashville.gov/mayor/green_ribbon. More than 1,700 people have completed the survey to date. Participants who listed an e-mail address have already received a personal invitation to attend the public meetings.

Meeting dates and locations:
Downtown
Tuesday, Nov. 11 5 – 7 p.m.
Nashville Convention Center, rooms 209-210
601 Commerce St. Bus route: 2, 3, 6, 8, 15, 17, 18, 35, 34, 44

North
Thursday, Nov.13 5 – 7 p.m.
Z. Alexander Looby Community Center
2301 Metro Center Blvd. Bus route: 9 Metro Center

West
Saturday, Nov.15 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Green Hills Library
3701 Benham Ave. Bus route: 7 Hillsboro

South
Thursday, Nov. 20 5 – 7 p.m.
Mt. View Elementary School
3820 Murfreesboro Road Bus Route- 15 Murfreesboro Road

East
Saturday, Nov. 22 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Inglewood Library
4312 Gallatin Road Bus route: 26 Gallatin Road

Janel Lacy
Press Secretary

Office of the Mayor
Direct (615) 862-6020
Cell (615) 438-3416
Fax (615) 862-6040
janel.lacy@nashville.gov