Dear Resident:
Much has occurred since the first of this month. First, I am recovering from pneumonia nicely... according to the doctor. He says that my lungs are clearing, but that my energy will slowly return over the next four weeks. I hope this is the case, having to take a nap in the middle of the day, every day, just to be able to function, is getting quite old although the doc says it's normal. In the meantime, I will be fine as long as I keep my pillow and a bottle of Geritol or a Red Bull close by. Thanks for all the get well messages, notes and prayers.

THIS TUESDAY EVENING!!! September 29th.
A district-wide town hall meeting has been scheduled at Antioch Church of Christ, 2142 Antioch Pike (right behind the Food Lion on Richards Rd.) We will be meeting in the fellowship hall which is in the basement below the main auditorium. I have confirmed a representative from the Convention and Visitors Bureau to explain the proposed NEW Convention Center. I also will have someone share some of the concerns regarding the funding options. We will discuss how this project may impact you and our city. Is it needed? Now? How will it be paid for? What will happen with the current facility? Why not spend this money on schools or more police? This is your opportunity to get the facts and share your thoughts on this large project. Come out and bring a friend. This is going to be a great meeting. I will also schedule time to hear your community concerns.

Councilman Robert Duvall and I will be working with Public Works, Metro Water & Sewer, Planning and the Mayor's office to resolve the 5-way intersection at the railroad tracks and Antioch Pike, Una-Antioch Pike, Blue Hole Road and Hickory Hollow Pkwy. This intersection, or the lack of flexibility to configure the intersection correctly is impacting the Rural Hill/Moss Rd Design Plan we submitted to Planning which was so highly praised. I think more importantly, the "five way fiasco" (My new nick name for this intersection.) is and has been impacting the residents of this community for far too long. I have requested funding to improve this intersection though it has not been granted, yet. This will be an interesting process. I am sure I will learn much. Maybe, I can even learn where to find the loose end of the ever-present "red tape." Then say PULL!

The Antioch Delegation of the Metro Council is working to make the Red Cross more accessible to the community. Our Delegation will have its second meeting with the Red Cross in an effort to bring more visibility and support to the Antioch area, from the Red Cross. We have many citizens that will give blood, which is the gift of life, if we could just make it easier for them to visit a Blood Drive. Our goal is to add that convenience and accessibility.

In an effort to meet with each neighborhood within district 28, I've been scheduling community meetings across the district by subdivision for months. Some of the larger developments are being divided up by groups of approximately 300 homes. I've held two community meetings this month in the Richards Rd area and will be scheduling another for the homes south of Richards and along Reeves Rd., Bowfield Dr., Irma Dr. and the general area. I will be sending written notices to the homes in this area and will include the date in this newsletter when the time and location are confirmed. These meetings allow more direct neighborhood specific issues to be addressed and allow promotion of neighborhood watches which help address community concerns on a more long-term basis.

Saturday was a great day as Hands on Nashville held events all across our city to work at our schools. Leaders at Apollo promoted a community work day they called Hands on Apollo day. We had over 75 volunteers participate in a tremendous event that was a uniting force in the community. Four businesses helped with the event and I encourage everyone to thank them by doing business with them and letting them know you appreciate their willingness to invest in this community. Those businesses are: Food Lion on Richards Rd; Pizza Hut, 944 Richards Rd, (615) 832-5000‎; 7 Mares Restaurant, 957 Richards Rd, 615-315-0207, www.7maresrestaurant.com ; and Tracy Williams at All-N-One Lawn Care, Commercial 615-445-5134 or Residential 615-586-0001.

Welcome to all the new members of this newsletter list. Feel free to share these with any concerned community member. You may opt-out of future issues by replying to this email with remove.

Thanks for caring for our community.

Honored to serve,
Duane Dominy
District 28 Councilman
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774
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Jean Marquis wrote the following related to possible neighborhood safety issues. What is described below is how identities are stolen. Be on the lookout on your street.

Subject: Chatham Pointe mail security alert
Hello,
Yesterday afternoon the man who does my yard said he saw a tall, dark haired man walking up and down Waterford Way opening mailboxes and looking inside. He said he had parked a 1988 Ford 150 on the street. The distinguishing thing about the truck was the left front fender had been replaced and was white. When he saw my guy watching him he crossed to the other side, went to his truck and left. My guy did call police at 862 8600. If you see this truck again please get a tag and call that number.
My assumption is it is an attempt at theft or identity theft. I personally don't put things out to mail the night before, or leave them over a weekend. It's also a reminder for mothers to always have "eyes on" their children.
Please pass this on to everyone you know.
Jean Marquis
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Departmental reports and press releases.
This information comes to us from one of our neighbors in the Long Hunter/Tune House area. As you will read below, he is very active in the activities at the Long Hunter State Park.

Just a reminder about our final three programs of September coming up at Long Hunter State Park this week:

Rope & Knots: Monday, September 28th at 6 PM
Rope and knots were very important in the exploration of the world. Learn about the history of rope and how to tie some useful and perhaps lifesaving knots.

Hiking Hickory Hill: Tuesday, September 29th at 6 PM
Hickory trees are common in all parts of Long Hunter, but the one-mile Inland Trail features superb examples of several types of hickories. During this hike we will discuss the life of a hickory tree, folklore and uses, and why they are important to many insects and mammals.

Famous Fauna: Wednesday, September 30th at 6 PM
Long Hunter State Park is home to two of Tennessee’s most famous wildlife, the Wild Turkey and the White-tailed Deer. This program will focus on the life of these animals, their history in North America, and why they are so abundant in today’s time yet faced extinction in the early 1900’s.

All programs are free and open to the public. No reservations necessary. Unless otherwise noted, program participants should meet at the park visitor center at 2910 Hobson Pike.

For more information, contact the park office at (615) 885-2422.
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This is an excerpt from the weekly message from our FABULOUS principal at Apollo Middle School.

AMS WEEKLY UPDATE...
Thought for the week: "You can do anything if you have enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars.
With it, there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis."
-Henry Ford

Hands-On Apollo Day- H.O.A. was a HUGE success this year. We had a great turn-out last weekend.
Dozens of students and parents worked tirelessly in the rain to help make Apollo beautiful and better.
The conference room and teacher's lounge were painted, and a number of outdoor beautification projects were completed as well.

I will be meeting with the beautification committee to develop a plan to complete the remaining portion of the landscaping out front.

Special Thanks goes to the following staff members for leading the charge: Officer Kirk, Ms. J. McDonald, and Ms. S. Bowins. Kudos to: Ms. Ferguson, Ms. Zinder, Ms. Gleaves, Ms. Gail Bobo, Councilman Duane Dominy, AMS students, parents and volunteers, Food Lion, Pizza Hut(Richards Rd.), Seven Mares Mexican Restaurant, ALL-N-ONE LAWN CARE, MNPS Operations/Maintenance Dept. and Antioch Fire Dept. Photos by: Mr. Story (community volunteer) (Photo's deleted due to large size of over 12Mb. DD)
Rain, Sleet or Shine... Nothing will stop the vision!!!

Moving onward and upward- Can you believe it!!! We are already at October. The semester is rapidly moving. As we continue on our journey to success, we must remember that there will always be distractions and adversity will be ever present. We must put last week behind us and look forward to a new week and new possibilities. The strength of our team rests within the efforts of each individual member, and the sum of our collective efforts will yield rewards beyond measure.

Apollo: We are Blasting off to GREATNESS....

KEEP THE FIRE!!!

Ron L. Woodard
Principal
Apollo Middle School
Home o f the "Mighty Astros" where Pride, Dignity and Excellence pave the road to success"...
615 333-5025 Office
615 333-5029 School Fax


Thought for the week Sept 20-26: Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. - Vincent Van Gogh

Thought for the week Sept 13-19: What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all of our tomorrows. -- Alexandra Stoddard

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Link to Children First – Schools News Letter
September 25, 2009
Click on the date above to view this week’s issue.
In this edition:
• Ask a Pediatrician: H1N1 Flu - by Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge
• Hands On Nashville – volunteers ready to get their hands dirty
• National Merit semifinalists named
• Maplewood principal receives high honor
• Reunion Time! Three schools host “all-class" get-together
• Demographics change with new student assignment plan
• Croft students present and perform at the Nashville Zoo (pictured right)
• Rose Park Principal recognized by school board
• Southern Festival of Books’ authors coming to Cane Ridge
• Bellshire hosts Harvest Festival
• Lockeland students ‘Save the Frogs’
• Glencliff Neighborhood Association holds dedication ceremony
• Glendale students celebrate heritage
• Thomas Edison hosts ELL Welcome Workshop
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Precinct-Based Undercover Officers Charged 135 Persons This Week
September 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Undercover detectives, assigned to the department’s precincts, charged 135 persons this week with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.
South Precinct detectives charged 25 people this week as a result of investigations on Moore Avenue, Wharton Drive, Hamilton Avenue, and Lewis and Trimble Streets. Seized were 95 grams of marijuana, one gram of cocaine, 22 hydrocodone pills and 15 Xanax pills.
Hermitage Precinct detectives charged 21 persons this week as the result of investigations on Visco Drive, Trails End Lane, Truxton Drive, Cloverwood Drive, Donelson Pike, and Lewis Street. Seized were 1.5 grams of cocaine, 29 grams of marijuana and 71 various pills.
West Precinct detectives charged 31 persons as the result of investigations on 11th, 12th, and 17th Avenues North, Charlotte Pike, Herman, Jefferson, and Division Streets, Murray Place, and Westboro Drive. Seized were 15 pounds of marijuana, 98 Lortab pills and 58 grams of cocaine.
North Precinct detectives charged 31 persons as the result of investigations on Gallatin Pike, 11th, 16th, and 41st Avenues North, James Avenue, Forest Park Road, Buena Vista Pike, and Cockrill Street. Seized were 50.1 grams of cocaine, 11.7 grams of marijuana, two weapons, three vehicles and $463 cash.
East Precinct detectives charged 14 persons as a result of investigations in the James Cayce public housing development and on Litton Avenue, Dickerson Pike, and Trinity Lane. Seized were 5.65 grams of cocaine, 12 Dilaudid pills, 213 hydrocodone pills and 15.8 grams of marijuana.
Central Precinct detectives charged 13 persons as the result of investigations on 10th Avenue North, Jefferson, Oak, North 1st, and Pine Streets, and Ewing Avenue. Seized were 32 grams of cocaine, ten oxycodone pills and one rifle.
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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Officer John Cumberland Arrested for DUI and Weapon Violation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Precinct Crime Suppression Unit Officer John Cumberland has been decommissioned of his police authority (his gun and badge have been taken) following his arrest early today on charges of drunken driving and possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Cumberland, 32, crashed his unmarked police vehicle into a ditch on Newsome Station Road near Settlers Way just before 12:30 a.m. A citizen called to report the crash and said that the driver appeared to be impaired. Responding officers found that Cumberland smelled of alcohol and, after performing field sobriety tasks, indicated impairment. Cumberland consented to a breath alcohol test, which registered 0.12%. In Tennessee, a person is considered to be legally under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.08%.
Cumberland got off work at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Cumberland’s bond was set at $7,000. The police department’s administrative investigation of Cumberland’s actions, which is separate from the criminal matter, is underway.
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Joint Metro Police - Mt. Juliet Police Investigation Leads to 17 Pound Cocaine Seizure from Spare Tire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (See photos attached)
A joint investigation by Metro Interstate Interdiction Unit officers and Mt. Juliet Police led to this afternoon’s seizure of eight kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the spare tire of a Chevrolet Tahoe.
The driver of the Tahoe, Rodrigo Leon-Castillo, 36, of Katy, Texas, was arrested and is being charged federally with trafficking cocaine.
Metro officers this afternoon stopped a Chevrolet Impala with Texas plates for a traffic violation in West Nashville. As they spoke with the occupants of the car, one of whom had a drug history, it became clear that they were traveling with a tan Tahoe also with Texas plates. Information on the Tahoe was relayed to Mt. Juliet Police, and Officer Eric Joubert subsequently stopped it for speeding on I-40. Police dog Raptor alerted to the presence of drug odor coming from the vehicle. The spare tire underneath the Tahoe showed signs of tampering. It was removed and concealed inside it were eight packages of cocaine weighing 17.6 pounds. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $250,000. Nearly $900 cash was also recovered.
It is believed that Leon-Castillo was traveling from Houston to Washington, D.C.
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Weekly Flu Bulletin
Please share this week's Flu Bulletin from Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge. Also, check out the Health Department's website (www.health.nashville.gov) for the latest updates on flu. You'll notice we now have Dr. Paul's Community H1N1 Flu Forum on our website. The Forum is also being shown on Metro 3. Look for more information about our upcoming H1N1 flu shot campaign in next week's Flu Bulletin.

Thanks for helping get the word out.

Brian

Ask a Pediatrician: H1N1 Flu
By Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge
H1N1 flu has kept doctors’ offices and emergency rooms busy in Nashville over the past few weeks. Some parents have questions about what to do if their child is ill. This week’s Flu Bulletin offers answers to some of those questions.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 is a new type of flu (influenza). Almost every year we have a flu season and many people become ill with the “seasonal flu.” Like the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu is caused by a virus. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu causes fever and other symptoms like cough or sore throat. Sometimes H1N1 flu causes vomiting too. Most children who get the flu will be ill for a few days and get better. A few children will get sicker, and in very few cases children may need to be admitted to the hospital. Unfortunately, some cases can lead to very severe infection and death.
Why is there so much talk about this virus?
Because this is a new flu virus, very few people have had it before. This means very large numbers of people could become ill. Also, this virus is causing illness early in the fall, outside of the usual flu season.
Why is there so much attention on children with this flu?
Children less than 5 years of age are more likely to get sick with H1N1 flu. Children of all ages with a chronic medical condition are also more likely to get sick with H1N1.
What should I do if my child gets sick?
You should call your doctor if your child has a fever of 100.4 or more, a cough, a sore throat, or cannot drink or keep liquids down. Your doctor will determine if you need to be seen. Your child should stay home from school or daycare until the fever is gone for a whole day.
If your child gets very ill and has difficulty breathing, a significant decrease in energy, an increasing fever, or she is dizzy or confused, then your child should be taken to the hospital.
What do I do if I don’t’ have a doctor?
If you do not have a doctor, you can call the Metro Health Department at 340-7775 and they will help you to identify a doctor.
How do I keep my child from catching the H1N1 flu?
The virus that causes the H1N1 flu is spread by coming in close contact to someone who is already sick. You can help keep your child healthy by keeping them away from sick people. Also, teach them two important rules: Cover your Cough and sneeze, and wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. If you don’t have water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
We recommend that children get the seasonal flu vaccine, and also the H1N1 flu vaccine. Many children can receive Flu Mist vaccine. Flu Mist is a nasal spray and not a shot. The H1N1 vaccine will be available in a few weeks. The seasonal flu vaccine is available now. You may be able to get these from your Doctor, or from the Metro Health Department. Children under 9 years of age will need two doses a month apart. Children 10 and older will only need one dose.
Is the H1N1 vaccine going to be safe?
Flu shots have been available for many years. Millions of people have received them. Most people have no problem with the shot. The most common side effects are soreness, swelling and a little redness at the site of the shot.
Where do I go for additional information?
If you have access to a computer you can go to the Metro Health Dept. website http://health.nashville.gov/ for additional information. If you are not near a computer, you can call the Community Information Telephone Line at (615) 340-7775.

Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, M.D., MPH, a pediatrician, is the director of the Metro Public Health Department’s Bureau of Family, Youth and Infant Health.

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Extra Duty Officers Charged 34 Persons with DUI Last Weekend
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Officers paid through a Governor’s Highway Safety Office grant charged 34 persons with DUI last weekend in the police department’s continuing DUI initiative using extra duty officers. These officers target impaired drivers Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in areas with a propensity for fatal crashes, crime and DUI arrests.
Additionally, the DUI Unit charged 17 persons last week with driving under the influence.
Enhanced visibility on Nashville’s roadways and zero tolerance for impaired drivers are the cornerstones of the police department’s DUI initiative.
So far this year, extra duty officers working under the grant have arrested 1,568 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 16% compared to this time last year. The DUI Unit has arrested 1,359 suspected drunk drivers.
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Text from State House Press Conference Speech.
Thanks to those that attended on the 8th. This district remains my priority and I will continue to serve as councilman. I believe I can accomplish more for our community while serving in both positions. I respectfully ask for your support in this election.
Duane

I have had the privilege, over the past few years, to meet many people. I have listened to concerns and cares from all walks of life, income levels, nationalities, and ages. There is a common theme among them all – responsibility. People want responsible governing, responsible spending, responsible laws, responsible lawmakers, and responsible planning amid responsible growth.

I have watched as our state has risen and fallen with the economic tides yet state lawmakers have made no real fiscal changes. I have watched as useless pork projects laden our state budget, yet we will begin the next years in debt. I have watched as criminals are being freed because we have too many loopholes in our state laws. The time for real responsibility is now.

As a member of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County, I have attempted to be accessible to constituents whenever and wherever concerns have been voiced. This is the same approach I feel we need, but do not have on the state level of our government. I believe elected officials should be accessible through email, phone, in person, and at the very least mail. Right now we do not have that and it is time that we do.

There comes a time when a person has to take a stand for the issues that are important and affect the way we live. That time for me is now. It is in that spirit that I would like to formally announce my candidacy for the 59th Tennessee State Legislative seat in the upcoming general election.

Families Eligible to receive Help under Recovery Act Funding
Metro Action receives additional $1.8 Million to help low and moderate income families

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the Metropolitan Action Commission will begin accepting applications from families that are eligible under the new income guideline. It is expected that Metro Action will serve an additional 1,200 families that meet the new income guideline.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services awarded the Metropolitan Action Commission $1.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding through an additional Community Service Block Grant (CSBG).

The Recovery Act increases the amount of income a family can earn in order to qualify for assistance funded through CSBG. Initially a family of four could not earn over $27,562.50 annually. By increasing the poverty rate from 120% to 200% a family of four earning up to $44,100 annually can now receive assistance.

“More families with low to moderate incomes are in need of help with their household payments. Some families have at least two working adults, but are still having trouble with keeping up with basic household expenses,” said Cynthia Croom, Executive Director of Metro Action.

These funds will be available through the agency’s energy and emergency assistance programs. The energy assistance program helps with electricity or natural gas payments. The Emergency Assistance program helps customers who have experienced a change or loss in income within the last 60 days with payments such as rent/mortgage, prescriptions, and property taxes.

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Customer Care hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 3:00pm. Metro Action is located at 1624 5th Avenue North (37208).

Customers must meet the federal income guidelines and live in Davidson County to receive services. For a complete listing of other offices serving other counties within Tennessee go to www.tncommunityaction.org.

For more information about programs and services offered by Metro Action, please call 862-8860, Ext 100.

Dear Resident,
I've included a lot of news below that may be of interest. Tonight's council meeting is public hearing night. Numerous items on the agenda but currently the most contentious are two chicken bills regarding changing our city codes regarding chickens and other animals. And I thought there were a lot of feathers ruffled over the guns in parks bill which had its tail feathers clipped on the 18th and sexual orientation bill which will be displaying it's plumage at the September 15th meeting. These two fine feathered bird bills are running through the coop and real fowling things up. Oh, the puns just keep coming. Please forgive the levity, I know that for many on both sides, this is a very important matter. I've currently heard from only a few on each side from here in the district. As always, I welcome your input. You can get more info at the link below and by clicking on the analysis link next to the bill number. These are the first two bills on public hearing numbers 499 and 510. Please, check them out and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.nashville.gov/mc/agenda.htm

At a meeting last week, Nashville State Community College announced they "MAY" be opening a branch location in the old Steve & Barry's area of the mall. An official announcement should be forthcoming before Thanksgiving, if the details are all worked out. This is not official but the meeting was VERY encouraging.

I've scheduled a community meeting for resident in the Apollo Drive area for Sept 10 from 6-8pm at Apollo Middle School. Written notices were sent to 300 households, but you are welcome to attend as well. The discussion will be on traffic calming options on Apollo Drive and the creation of a neighborhood watch in the area. I plan to have some general community concern time on the agenda, also. This might include input about the above mentioned chicken bills. More localized community meetings are being scheduled for the homes on both sides of Richards Road for later this month and early next month. These will continue throughout the district.

I have scheduled a press conference regarding the District 59 State House race I mentioned in the last newsletter. This will be held on September 8th at 10:10am. Your are welcome and encouraged to attend if interested. Let me know and I'll make a special spot just for you.

A district wide town hall meeting is scheduled for September 29, from 6-8pm at the Antioch Church of Christ, 2142 Antioch Pike. The agenda is not set for this event but could include details of the proposed convention center. Your thoughts on concerns to you and our community are welcome. Be sure to save the date and spread the word.

At noon on Friday, September 11, 2009, we will observe the 8th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th with a solemn ceremony on the steps of the Metro Courthouse. If your schedule permits, I encourage you to come down to this respectful observance.

On a more personal note, I would appreciate your prayers as I was told on Friday, that I may have pneumonia. I spent the last three days mostly in bed and am currently taking anti-biotics. Things appear to be improving though the doctor wants to do a follow-up CT scan.

Honored to serve you,
Duane Dominy
District 28 Councilman
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774

PS Welcome to the new members on this list. Please feel free to share these with other community members and encourage them to sign-up. To stop receiving these newsletters simply reply with "remove" in the subject line.


WARNING: Please pay attention to the School Zones. Speed Limits are being enforced. Don’t speed in these areas.

CODES & COMMUNITY Issues:
We have successfully dealt with all kinds of Code violations, Health violations related to high grass, and various other issues as simple as pot holes or overhanging trees. Should you have an issue, don’t let it go unreported. Please send me any Codes violations that are a concern to you. I need each violation on a separate email for tracking purposes. Some issues, such as abandoned houses and grass not mowed may take months. Other issues get remedied very quickly.

The violations are reported under my name on your behalf. I have a great staff person that follows up on each complaint an reports accordingly. Patti then sends you a periodic update, preferably by email, but we do use US Mail when necessary.

We will need:
• The concern
• The address of the concern
• And your contact information for follow up.


Lots of Press Releases and news included below.
• Free Airfare
• Free Concerts lineup stars
• Sports News of Interest
• The Health Department is making news
• Convention Center Updates
• Police Reports and notices
• Nashville receives $250,000
• Mayor announces new Economic Development Director
• Schools news and links
• Terrorist booked in Clarksville

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AIRLINE LAUNCHES SERVICE WITH FREE FLIGHTS
FOR NATIONAL RELEASE - 8:00 AM CST, 27 AUG 09
Contact: Kahea Reinhardt
KentuckySkies
808-283-4433
AIRLINE LAUNCHES SERVICE WITH FREE FLIGHTS
(OWENSBORO) Kentucky’s newest airline is celebrating its launch by giving away every seat FREE for one week.
“We wanted to do something unique and fun to introduce KentuckySkies convenient new service to Nashville,” said airline President Gabriel Kimbrell. “This is a great way to express our appreciation to the people of Owensboro for their support.”
KentuckySkies will inaugurate service August 30th 2009 with three weekday, and two weekend nonstop flights from Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport to the Music City.
Flights from Owensboro to Nashville will depart at 7:10 AM, 1:15 PM and 6:15 PM weekdays, and at 8:45 AM and 5:00 PM weekends. Return flights from Nashville to Owensboro will depart at 6:05 AM, 12:10 PM and 5:10 PM weekdays, and at 7:40 AM and 3:55 PM weekends.
“We want folks to experience how inexpensive and easy it can be to skip traffic and parking hassles when connecting to flights out of Nashville, or visiting the city to do business or attend sporting and entertainment events,” said Kimbrell.
Owensboro has been without daily scheduled airline service for more than one year, and KentuckySkies will offer an everyday low fare of just $39 in an effort to re-establish air traffic and attract new customers.
“Bringing people together conveniently and inexpensively is what this is all about” says Kimbrell, who oversees a Dallas-based collection of airline brands serving New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, Georgia and Nevada since 1974.
Tickets purchased through the airline’s web site at www.KentuckySkies.com are available for $39 on every flight with no blackout dates. Reservations are also available through KentuckySkies toll-free reservation center or travel agencies at a higher fare.
To celebrate inauguration of service, seats on every KentuckySkies flight departing August 30th 2009 through September 5th 2009 will be available free of charge from the airline’s telephone reservations center on a first-come, first-served basis.
The airline will begin giving away free tickets at midnight tonight, August 27th 2009, and will continue taking reservations until all seats have been sold or given away. Free seats may be reserved by calling KentuckySkies at (877) 849-5007.
Free flights and seats are limited to two per caller, and complimentary travel must occur between August 30th and September 5th 2009.
Free tickets are available by telephone only. Full-fare tickets will still be available online at www.KentuckySkies.com while supplies last. Free tickets have no cash value and may not be sold, transferred, extended or credited toward future travel. Contact KentuckySkies for complete details.
Kimbrell says saving Kentucky residents money is only part of the airline’s “green” strategy for success. “We are committed to quality service and quality of life in the communities we serve.”
KentuckySkies is demonstrating its commitment to a greener Kentucky by partnering with American Reforestation Corporation to plant one seedling tree for every passenger flown. Kimbrell says the idea is to create incentives for Kentucky travelers to “go green.”
“We have seen dramatic carbon reductions and conservation of fossil fuel in other locations where we operate our environmentally-friendly new EcoJets. Saving customers money and minimizing our carbon footprint is the kind of green movement we hope Kentucky will really get behind,” said Kimbrell.
-End-
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LIGHTNING 100 FILLS OUT LINEUP FOR FIRST TWO ‘LIVE ON THE GREEN’ CONCERTS
First in series of free, outdoor concerts on Sept. 3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville’s new free, outdoor concert series starts next week with a lineup that’s as diverse as Music City’s own array of musical talent.
Live On the Green will take place over six consecutive Thursday nights, from Sept. 3 to Oct. 8, starting at 6 p.m. on the Public Square in front of the Metro Courthouse downtown. The fall concert series is hosted by Mayor Karl Dean and locally-owned radio station Lightning 100.
“This is a chance for us to invite the entire city out to enjoy our Public Square – the only green roof on a municipal building in Nashville – and enjoy the musical talent for which our city is known,” Dean said.
The show on Sept. 3 will include performances by rock bands Toadies and American Bang, as well as Ten Out of Tenn, a unique ensemble of Nashville-based emerging artists. On Sept. 10, the night will be filled with funk, rock, R&B and costumes with Here Come the Mummies, Space Capone and music variety show H-Beam. The complete list of shows and artists is available online at www.liveonthegreen.net.
Live On the Green will also showcase environmental stewardship with a number of green features, including on-site recycling, a free bike check, and merchandise made from recyclable and organic materials. Lightning 100’s Team Green will be organizing community events, such as tree plantings and clean-ups, to offset the carbon footprint for the concert series in effort to make it a carbon-neutral event.
Live On the Green is presented by MGD64, Whole Foods, Comcast and The City Paper. Supporting sponsors include the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Now Playing Nashville, Hard Rock Café, Earth Savers, Doubletree Hotel, Rabbit Hole Recording, and Bradfield Stage Lighting.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dave Herrell 615.743.3124 | 615.642.7121 mobileDHerrell@NashvilleSports.com

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY TO SQUARE OFF AGAINST
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY IN 2011 & 2013 AT LP FIELD
MUSIC CITY TO HOST SEASON-OPENERS ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (July 29, 2009) – Nashville Sports Council representatives announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Western Kentucky University (Sun Belt Conference) to host two games of a four-game series between the University of Kentucky (Southeastern Conference) and Western Kentucky for their first game of their respective seasons during Labor Day weekend in 2011 and 2013 at LP Field. The specific dates have yet to be determined.

“We are excited to partner with these two great universities on this unique series,” said Scott Ramsey, president & CEO. “We look forward to the opportunity to host the student-athletes, administrators and fans from WKU and UK as they kickoff their seasons in Music City on Labor Day weekend.

Western Kentucky University will serve as the home team for the series. “I want to thank Mitch Barnhart, Rich Brooks and the University of Kentucky for agreeing to this historic four-year series,” said WKU Director of Athletics Dr. Camden Wood Selig. “Their leadership team is a class act, and this four-game series is a great way for UK to welcome WKU to the I-A neighborhood. As the newest of the 120 member Football Bowl Subdivision, our team and fans are eagerly anticipating the journey we are beginning and for future meetings with the Wildcats will certainly add to everyone’s level of excitement. Opening the 2011 and 2013 seasons in Nashville is a creative and unique way to grow our program’s visibility, and it will also be great for football fans and youth players throughout the region.”

Western Kentucky will play the University of Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington in 2010 and 2012 as part of the series.

“Congratulations to Western Kentucky on becoming the state’s third program in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, said University of Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart. The game presents an opportunity for people across the Commonwealth to continue watching athletes they saw playing in high school and their progression in the collegiate game. It creates the opportunity to travel to a venue known by many UK fans – the Titan’s stadium at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Our fans had a great time with all the hospitality Nashville offered the last two times we visited for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and I am very much appreciative of all the efforts of Wood Selig and Scott Ramsey to make this series work. We look forward to an exciting series against the Hilltoppers.”

The 2011 game marks only the 2nd time that these two programs have played each other in their history.

WKU Head Football Coach David Elson
“The University of Kentucky has many scheduling options, and I compliment them for agreeing to this four game series,” said David Elson. “These match-ups will be exciting for our players, staff and fans and will also result in added exposure to our program. We look forward to returning to Lexington and also playing two home games in the great city of Nashville, where many loyal Topper fans reside. Our transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision has had many firsts, and the first four-year series between these two great schools will benefit many. I congratulate all parties involved in getting this done.”

UK Head Football Coach Rich Brooks
“This will be a very good series for both schools and certainly great for our fans in the western part of Kentucky. We really enjoyed our experiences in the back-to-back Music City Bowls in 2006 and 2007 and we look forward to returning to that venue.”
The Nashville Sports Council hosted similar college football games with the 2006 University of Louisville vs. Middle Tennessee State University game and the University of Tennessee vs. University of Wyoming match-up in 2002.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean
“Kentucky sports fans are an enthusiastic bunch and we’re happy to welcome them here to Nashville for this series of games,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “I am certain once they come to the games in 2011, they will look forward to 2013 that much more – Nashville is a great place to visit and LP Field is a world-class venue. As always, I appreciate the Sports Council’s leadership for continuing to make Nashville a destination for sports entertainment.”

Ticket information details will be available in the coming months and tickets will go on-sale in 2010. For more information, call the Nashville Sports Council office at 615.743.3120 or visit the NSC online at NashvilleSports.com

About the Nashville Sports Council

The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted more than 120 major sporting events that have produced more than $350 million in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615.743.3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com.
WKU Media Contact:
To arrange interviews, please contact Todd Stewart at 270.745.3161 or todd.stewart@wku.edu
UK Media Contact:
To arrange interviews, please contact Susan Lax at 859.257.8420 or slax0@email.uky.edu

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Health E-Mail from Metro Public Health

August 25 2009 H1N1 flu update
Cases of H1N1 flu continue to occur in Davidson County and we expect to see an increase in the weeks and months ahead. Community-wide attention to preventive measures is critical to lessening the impact and saving lives in the coming months. A recent essay in the Tennessean presents some reasons we need to take H1N1 flu seriously.

Basic prevention
Like ordinary flu viruses, the 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) virus can spread from person to person when an ill person coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread infectious droplets through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. The Health Department wants you to help reduce the spread of flu by taking the following steps.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your shirt sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Get the seasonal flu shot when it becomes available.
• Get the H1N1 flu shots when that vaccine becomes available.

What to do if you are sick with fever and flu-like symptoms:
• Stay home until you have been fever free without taking medicine for at least 24 hours.
• Consult your primary care provider if you are concerned about your illness.
• Do not visit emergency rooms unless your symptoms are severe.
• Understand that laboratory testing to determine what kind of flu is present is not always necessary
• If your child is sick, keep them at home. Consult your pediatrician.

Flu-like symptoms include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea

Leaders’ and managers’ role
Leaders in schools, workplaces and other organizations can take action now to make it easier for people to adhere to these preventive measures. Frequent reminders and communications including posters, prominent availability of hand sanitizer, and attention to illness and leave policies are a few steps that people can take. Additional resources for worksites are available at the CDC website

Stay informed
Visit the Health Department's website (health.nashville.gov) for information and the latest guidance for the community, including schools, employers, and faith based organizations. The Health Department also has a recorded community information telephone line (615-340-7775) with the latest information about seasonal and H1N1 flu.

Thanks for your commitment to a healthy Nashville!
Bill Paul
William S. Paul, MD, MPH
Director of Health
Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County
311 23rd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
615.340.5622 (o)
615.340.2131 (f)
"People creating healthy conditions everywhere"
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MAYOR HIRES INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO REVIEW CONTRACTS, SPENDING ON PREDEVELOPMENT OF CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today that Metro Government will be hiring an independent auditing firm to conduct a full review of the communications contract and related spending for the new downtown convention center, as well as a sample review of all other contracts and spending on predevelopment activities for the project to date.

Today’s announcement follows Dean’s decision earlier this month to have the Finance Department review the communications invoices already paid and future invoices for all vendors for the convention center project.

“Questions about spending on this project are valid and deserve to be answered,” Dean said. “When you’re dealing with public money on a public project, the public deserves to know how every dollar is spent. Music City Center is the largest development ever undertaken by Metro. It’s vital to our city’s future economic growth. We need to move forward with this project in a way that allows the public to have full confidence in how it’s being managed.”
Already the Finance Department has:
• Requested a full accounting of all contracts, amendments and payments to date
• Requested a list of all unpaid invoices
• Requested MDHA return $1.6 million advanced for August invoices
• Started working to identify and assign personnel to oversee and control all future spending until transitioned to the staff of the Convention Center Authority

In addition, Dean’s administration filed legislation last week to create a Convention Center Authority. Allowed under the Convention Center Authorities Act of 2009 passed by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year, the Convention Center Authority will provide strong public oversight through a nine-member board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Metro Council.
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Citizen Shoots & Critically Injures Robbery Suspect
August 31, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A 60-year-old man Saturday night shot and critically injured a 17-year-old robbery suspect outside the victim’s Lindy Murff Court residence.
The teenager and an accomplice, convicted felon Kevin Negron, 19, approached the victim who had just arrived home and was sitting in his car with a friend at 9:30 p.m. The teen, armed with a hand gun, demanded money while Negron stood nearby with a shotgun. The victim retrieved the .38 caliber revolver he was carrying pursuant to a handgun carry permit. In defense of himself and others, he fired on the teenager who was struck in the chest.
Negron drove his injured teen accomplice to the Shell gas station at 197 Haywood Lane where he reported they had been the victims of a crime. South Precinct officers alertly identified both men as the robbery suspects. During interviews, Negron admitted to his involvement in the attempted robbery.
Negron, of Reeves Road , is charged with two counts of attempted aggravated robbery and is being held in lieu of $75,000 bond. He was on probation for an April felony evading arrest conviction. Negron’s arrest history includes theft and domestic assault charges.
The 17-year-old will be charged with aggravated robbery in Juvenile Court upon his dismissal from Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is in stable condition.
Negron’s photo is being withheld pending lineups in similar robberies.

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Police looking for Antwaine Green (photo attached)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police are looking for parolee Antwaine Green, 26, who is believed to be the gunman in this afternoon’s shooting that wounded two people on University Court.
A Convicted robber, Green allegedly fired shots at Anthony Fizer, 22, as Fizer rode his bike in the 100 block of University Court at 2:30 p.m. Assistant Public Defender Laura Dykes and her assistant, Carrie Gleaves, were interviewing a client in the area when a stray bullet struck Gleaves in the arm. Gleaves was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she is in stable condition. Fizer, of Moorewood Drive, was also struck by gunfire. He was transported to Vanderbilt where he is in stable condition.
In addition to his 2003 robbery conviction, Green’s previous convictions include felon in possession of a weapon, evading arrest, and felony cocaine sales.
Fizer, a convicted felon for cocaine possession, also has previous theft and assault convictions.
Detectives are working to identify a second suspect who was with Green at the time of the shooting.
Arrest warrants will be issued charging Green, who was last known to live on Charles E. Davis Boulevard, with attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault. Anyone with information concerning Green’s whereabouts is urged to contact Hermitage Precinct detectives at 862-6993 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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South Nashville Man Charged in Child Pornography Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A 32-year-old South Nashville man is charged with sexual exploitation of minors for keeping at least 174 child pornography photos on his home computer.
Clayton Cassidy McGee asked his father to retrieve his home computer and external hard drive from his Philfre Court mobile home while he was jailed on a domestic assault charge. McGee’s father took the equipment home, discovered child pornography, and brought the computer hardware to police headquarters.
Detectives believe the children in the photos reviewed thus far range in age from 6 to 12. The forensic examination on McGee’s computer is continuing. Hundreds of other child porn pictures appear to have been saved. Additional charges are likely.
McGee’s bond on the sexual exploitation charge is set at $30,000.
McGee was arrested August 13th for domestic assault against his girlfriend. His bond is set at $5,000 on that charge.

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South Precinct Officers Seize 102 Pounds of Marijuana After Traffic Stop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Precinct Flex officers working to deter auto burglaries in the Lenox Village complex off Nolensville Pike early today recovered 102 pounds of marijuana from the trunk of a Chevrolet Impala.
The driver of the car, Cesar Vaca-Vargas, 23, also known as Aurelio Aguilar, is charged with possession of marijuana for resale in a drug free school zone (within 1,000 feet of Oliver Middle School and Shane Elementary School), driving without a license and criminal impersonation.
Officers were monitoring the Lenox Village parking areas when they saw the Impala and another vehicle pull into the gazebo area and then leave. Officer Brent Bauer stopped the Impala at Nolensville Pike and Barnes Road because the temporary tag in the back window was positioned in such a way that it was not readily visible. Vaca-Vargas, who claimed to be Aurelio Aguilar, did not have a driver license or any other form of identification and was placed under arrest. Based on a marijuana odor coming from the car, a probable cause search was conducted. Inside the trunk were four shrink-wrapped packages of marijuana. It is not clear where Vaca-Vargas received the marijuana or where he was taking it.
“This is an excellent example of alert officers intercepting a significant marijuana load while working to address an auto burglary issue,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “And as it turns out, it appears this man should not have even been in Nashville to begin with.”
A federal immigration hold has been placed against Vaca-Vargas because he is suspected of reentering the United States illegally from Mexico after having been deported in the past.
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Titans Receiver Chris Davis Charged with DUI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tennessee Titans receiver Chris Davis has been booked on a drunken driving charge after being stopped at 2 a.m. today for speeding on Broadway.
Davis, 25, driving a 2007 Cadillac Escalade, was clocked on radar traveling 44 mph in a 30 mph zone while traveling westbound on Broadway near 11th Avenue. Davis turned right onto George L. Davis Boulevard and pulled over for police at the Grundy Street intersection. Officer Shawn Taylor saw that Davis’ eyes were watery and detected an odor of alcohol on his breath. Davis consented to a breath alcohol test, which registered 0.11%. In Tennessee, a person is considered to be legally under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.08%.
Davis completed the Sheriff’s Office booking process at 4:35 a.m. His bond was set at $5,000.
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DHS Case Manager Charged with Rape by Coercion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sex Crimes detectives this evening charged a Department of Human Services case manager with rape by coercion for allegedly performing sexual acts on a female client after leading her to believe that she had to submit to his advances in exchange for help in obtaining food stamps.
Darius Willis, 38, of Nashville, was arrested this afternoon at his DHS office inside Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The 28-year-old victim reports that she went to Willis’ office Thursday to discuss Medicaid and food stamp issues. She said that Willis raped her in the office while implying that if she did not go along with his advances, approval for food stamps would be less likely. The victim contacted police Thursday afternoon and confronted Willis today while detectives monitored the conversation. Willis acknowledged the sexual contact both in that conversation and subsequent questioning by police.
Willis, who has no prior arrest history in Nashville, is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
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Last Weekend's Operation Safer Streets Initiative Netted 84 Arrests
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Last weekend’s Operation Safer Streets gang enforcement initiative, which took place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, resulted in 84 arrests involving 88 misdemeanors, five felonies and eight outstanding warrants. Seized were .5 grams of cocaine, 70.2 grams of marijuana, 98 ecstasy pills, one weapon, one vehicle and $204 cash.
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, four supervisors, 24 patrol officers and two canine officers. Areas targeted were Edgehill Avenue, Murfreesboro Pike, and Harding Place.
Saturday’s enforcement consisted of four SID detectives, ten supervisors, 21 patrol officers and two canine officers. Areas targeted were the J.C. Napier public housing development, Harding Place, Murfreesboro Pike, Edgehill Avenue, Charlotte Pike, Main Street, Dickerson Pike, Lafayette Street, the Cheatham Place public housing development, Clarksville Pike, and 26th Avenue North.
Sunday’s enforcement consisted of six SID detectives, three supervisors and six patrol officers. South Nashville was the targeted area.
So far this year, Operation Safer Streets has resulted in 2,583 arrests on 247 felony charges, and 2,596 misdemeanor charges, 34 gun seizures, the service of 512 outstanding warrants, 345 field interviews of persons believed to have gang knowledge and 9,743 traffic stops in areas with a gang presence.
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Park Smart: Week of August 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 16, through Saturday, August 22, shows that 21.4% of the automobiles taken (six of 28) 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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Extra Duty Officers Charged 34 Persons with DUI Last Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Officers paid through a Governor’s Highway Safety Office grant charged 34 persons with DUI last weekend in the police department’s continuing DUI initiative using extra duty officers. These officers target impaired drivers Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in areas with a propensity for fatal crashes, crime and DUI arrests.
Additionally, the DUI Unit charged 40 persons last week with driving under the influence.
Enhanced visibility on Nashville’s roadways and zero tolerance for impaired drivers are the cornerstones of the police department’s DUI initiative.
So far this year, extra duty officers working under the grant have arrested 1,438 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 18% compared to this time last year. The DUI Unit has arrested 1,259 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 1% compared to this time last year
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Precinct-Based Undercover Detectives Charged 130 Persons This Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Undercover detectives, assigned to the department’s precincts, charged 130 persons this week with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.
South Precinct detectives charged 22 persons as the result of investigations on Wallace Road, Polk Avenue, Aaronwood Drive, and Shasta Drive. Seized were 19 grams of cocaine, 242 grams of marijuana, ten Soma pills and two handguns.
Hermitage Precinct detectives charged 30 persons as the result of investigations on Lewis, Cannon, and Lafayette Streets, 1st Avenue South, Spence Lane, Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Donelson Pike, and Towne Valley Drive. Seized were 4.5 grams of cocaine, 97.6 grams of marijuana and 46 various pills.
West Precinct detectives charged 29 persons as the result of investigations on 11th Avenue South, 12th Ave North near Herman Street, the 3800 block of Park Avenue, the 2200 block of Elliston Place, and Lenox Place. Seized were 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 45 grams of cocaine, 96 Lortab pills, one vehicle, two weapons and $360 cash. Detectives also provided information to the TBI that led to the seizure of nearly 300 marijuana plants from a Cannon County grow operation.
North Precinct detectives charged 25 persons as the result of investigations on Indiana Avenue, 40th Avenue North, Georgia Avenue, Neelys Bend, Rivergate Parkway, 26th Avenue North, Forrest Park Road, Buchanan Street, and Jefferson Street. Seized were 25.9 grams of cocaine, 33.4 grams of marijuana, ten pills, two weapons and $270 cash.
East Precinct detectives charged 14 persons as the result of investigations on Trinity Lane and Dickerson Pike. One gram of cocaine was seized.
Central Precinct detectives charged ten persons as the result of investigations on North 1st Street, Piccadilly Row, Lafayette Street, Oldham Street, Demonbreun Street and 10th Avenue North. Seized were 310 grams of cocaine, five OxyContin pills, one vehicle and $10,329 cash.
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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METRO AWARDED $250K GRANT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal grant to fund energy manager, plan to make city eligible for additional $6M

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has been awarded $250,000 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The grant will fund the first year salary for a full-time energy manager in Metro’s Department of General Services and consultants to develop an energy conservation strategy for Metro. With a completed energy conservation plan, Metro will be eligible to apply for an additional $6 million from the EECBG Program to implement the plan, which will incorporate several recommendations from the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability.
“Sustainable practices tend to save money in the long run, but the initial investments, especially in energy efficiency of buildings and operations, can be a barrier,” Dean said. “The federal government has recognized this and has made significant funds available to entities, like Metro, that want to reduce energy use and emissions. This grant will allow us to map a course to not only fulfill a number of Green Ribbon recommendations, but to meet our end goal of becoming a leading city in sustainable practices.”
Metro has contracted with Gobbell Hays Partners Inc. to write the energy conservation strategy, which must include a number of DOE reporting requirements, such as the number of jobs created, energy savings and reinvestment of saved dollars. Gobbell Hays is partnering with Johnson Control on the project. The plan must be completed and submitted to the Department of Energy within 120 days.
The energy manager will be responsible for implementing Metro’s energy management program, including initiating, coordinating and monitoring energy conservation efforts in Metro’s various divisions and departments.
Over $2.7 billion was made available in the EECBG Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009. According to its Web site, the Department of Energy has awarded 206 grants through the program to date, totaling nearly $111 million.
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Press Release: Mayor Dean announces new Economic Development Director

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today announced Alexia Poe will serve as director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development. She replaces Paul Ney who will be returning to legal practice.

“I deeply appreciate Paul’s service over the last two years,” Dean said. “He has done a great job representing our city, and I wish him well as he returns to his first love, the law. Alexia has a wealth of experience working in both the public and private sectors. I look forward to working with her as we continue to position our city for economic growth.”

Poe currently serves as managing director of the Tennessee office for Peritus Public Relations. Prior to joining Peritus, she was director of public affairs for Gaylord Entertainment where she managed government relations, community relations and the company’s charitable contributions through its Foundation.

Before working in the private sector, Poe spent nearly a decade in public service. She served as communications director for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) in Washington, D.C. where she worked with Tennessee and national press and built the senator’s press office from the ground up. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, Poe served in the White House as deputy press secretary to First Lady Laura Bush.
Her public service began with five years in Gov. Don Sundquist’s (R-TN) press office becoming the youngest person in the state’s history to serve as press secretary. She began her career as a reporter and morning anchor in Northeast Tennessee.

“Nashville is one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise a family, and I look forward to promoting this city and doing my part to promote strategic economic growth,” Poe said.
Poe, 35, is a Knoxville native and graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor of science in communication and a minor in political science.

She serves on the executive committee and board of directors of Fifty Forward (formerly Senior Citizens, Inc.) and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Poe is also serving as 2009-2010 program co-chair for Leadership Nashville.
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MNPS Children First
Aug. 28, 2009
Click on the date to read the full newsletter. Or visit www.mnps.org.

Inside this Issue:
• Twilight schools provide opportunity for students
• CEO Champions lend support to career academies
• MLK Class of 2009 featured by U.S. News and World Report
• Hunters Lane culinary arts program earns national accreditation
• NASCAR driver Kyle Busch makes surprise donation
• Health Fair at Brick Church Middle
• Ride for Reading makes a pit stop at Alex Green
• Cockrill students enhance their options with Spanish instruction
• Gateway students receive free supplies
• Reading Recovery teachers headed to Ohio State
• Youth Speaks ready for a new year
• Hume-Fogg senior scores perfect 36!
• Kennedy teacher chronicles adventures in the classroom
• Cane Ridge students ready to rumble
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Students Settle In at The Academy at Opry Mills ERC
NASHVILLE, TN (August 27, 2009) – Walk around Opry Mills and you’ll find the usual shoppers milling in and out of stores, having a meal or headed into the theatre. What you won’t see, is approximately 70 students working diligently at the new Academy at Opry Mills Education Resource Center (ERC), located across from the mall offices.
Set back from the main hallway, across from the mall offices, the school opened to students Aug. 14 as a partnership between the mall, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and national nonprofit Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). The Academy provides a second chance for students who are unable to complete their education in the traditional high school setting. Many students typically have family or work needs and are at risk of dropping out without the opportunity to attend this school. In addition to the Opry Mills site, the school district operates a second Academy program at its Old Cockrill building in West Nashville.
“Opry Mills has a longstanding commitment to, and partnership with, the citizens of greater Nashville,” said Opry Mills Mall Manager, Jad Murphy. “We look forward to welcoming these deserving students, and are delighted to play a small role in helping them reach their education goals.”
The school joins a growing network of alternative schools SYF has established across the country. The ERCs are located primarily in malls owned by Simon Property Group. The Academy at Opry Mills ERC is the 25th school and the first ERC in the state, bringing the total to 12 states.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be serving students in Nashville, and to be working with the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools,” said Dr. Rick Markoff, Executive Vice President, Simon Youth Foundation. “Ensuring that our youth receive a quality education, and graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, is imperative.”
The space will be provided to Nashville Public Schools rent free, and the school will receive support throughout the year from SYF such as funds for student and teacher enhancement and college scholarships for graduates. The district provides the teachers, classroom equipment and learning materials, and manages the school on a day-to-day basis.
“The partnership with Opry Mills Mall and Simon Youth Foundation will give our students a wonderful opportunity to earn their high school diploma in an environment that meets their individual needs,” said MNPS Director of Schools, Dr. Jesse Register. “That not only increases the opportunities for each student, but it benefits our community as a whole. The staffs at Simon Youth Foundation and Opry Mills understand the importance of the community’s involvement in education and I appreciate their commitment to our district and our students. ”
The school will celebrate its official grand opening later in the semester, and anticipates graduating its first students by the end of the school year.
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Metro Nashville Public Schools provide a range of educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students in Nashville and Davidson County. The governing body for MNPS is the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Board of Public Education, a nine-member group elected by residents of Metropolitan Nashville. For more information, please visit www.mnps.org.
Simon Youth Foundation (www.syf.org), established in 1998, exists to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development, and life skills that transform the lives of at-risk youth through focused programs and initiatives with our public school and post- secondary education partners. SYF accomplishes its mission through two initiatives: alternative schools called Education Resource Centers and a post-secondary scholarship program. Its 24 ERCs have graduated nearly 6,000 students at a 90 percent rate, and $7.2 million has been awarded in post-secondary scholarships.
Opry Mills is located on the Opryland grounds between Two Rivers Parkway and McGavock Pike, and borders the Cumberland River. Within walking distance of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, and next door to the Grand Ole Opry, the mall features some of the best names in manufacturers' and retail outlets, as well as high quality entertainment venues and themed restaurants.
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TERRORIST – BOOKED IN CLARKSVILLE TN:
Suspected Terrorist Booked In Clarksville Red Flag Pops Up When Man Booked
By Reported by Carley Gordon
WSMV-TV
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - One of the inmates who was taken through the door at the Montgomery County Jail was more than just the average street criminal.

"It's quite interesting and really sort of frightening in a way," said Ted Denny of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. "The feds made us aware that there was somebody on the terrorist watch list that has been to our city." A suspected terrorist arrived at the jail. Officials won't describe the crime for which he was arrested. But when jail clerk Britney Hicks booked the person in, a red flag popped up. "Whenever I received the notification, just the instructions were to call this number, which I did, and I just told them everything that I knew," Hicks said.

"Ms. Hicks contacted the (Terrorist Screening Center) and provided information, which allowed TSC screeners to positively match the individual to a known suspected terrorist on the watch list," said Sheriff Norman Lewis. The FBI is handling the investigation and will not reveal the man's current location.
The inmate's name matched one listed in the FBI's terrorist screening database. Though the FBI won't say who the suspect is or why the person is on its watch list, only people who are known or suspected to have planned, helped or engaged in terrorism are included in the database.

"It's just a reminder that you never know who's passing through your city," said Denny. This hasn't happened in Montgomery County before, but sheriff's deputies said they're not surprised and are constantly on the lookout. "We're the fifth largest city in the state," said Denny. "We have Fort Campbell as a neighbor, and should something happen to them, obviously it will impact our world, and so we're very cognizant of that."

FBI representatives said their terrorist database receives 40 to 50 positive hits a day in the United States. They said they won't tell who those people are because all of them are a part of ongoing investigations. The FBI has a terrorist watch list comprised of 400,000 people, most living outside of the United States.

Dear Resident,
Just a quick note. Please take special care today as School will be back in session and the 15 mile per hour speed zones will be enforced. Please watch for children on corners and walking along roadways.

Brush pick-up is scheduled to begin today across District 28, however, the crews are about two weeks behind due to severe storms over the summer. I'm told they are working seven days per week to catch up. No matter what, be sure to have your limbs and brush out and ready to go.

Duane
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Just received this forwarded to me from Congressman Marsha Blackburn. Sorry about the short notice, but I just got it this evening. According to news articles, Jim Cooper is not holding special meetings here in Nashville regarding the health care bills before the US Congress. See more info at http://wpln.org/?p=10468 or http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=10894836.

Health Care Town Hall
Friends,
I will be hosting a town hall meeting on health care in Nashville this Friday. My special guest for the town hall will be nationally recognized health care expert Dennis Smith, former director of the federal Center for Medicaid and State Operations at the Department of Health and Human Services. All of the pertinent information is below.
I hope to see you there,
Marsha

WHAT: Health Care Town Hall Meeting
WHO: Congressman Marsha Blackburn and Health Care Expert Dennis Smith
WHERE: Embassy Suites Franklin, 820 Crescent Center Drive
WHEN: Friday, August 14th 10:00 – 11:00 AM

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MNPS launches national search for associate superintendent;
announces return of former administrator in interim role
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 13, 2009) – Dr. Aldorothy Wright, a former assistant superintendent for high schools and student services, has agreed to return to MNPS in a temporary role as Associate Superintendent for High Schools. Wright retired from the district five years ago, having served more than 41 years with MNPS.
“To have someone with Dr. Wright’s knowledge and experience in this position is extremely important,” said Director of Schools Jesse Register. “She can come in with an immediate ability to keep all our reform work and support to high schools on track while we conduct a national search for a permanent associate superintendent. I appreciate her willingness to answer my call.”
Dr. Wright retired in June 2004, having served since 2001 as Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. During her tenure with MNPS, she also served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent for Instruction and Administration, 9-Adult.
The district is now seeking applicants for the associate superintendent’s position, following last week’s announcement that former Associate Superintendent Jim Briggs had requested a reassignment to Big Picture High School. High school reform is one of the key initiatives underway in MNPS -- one reason Dr. Register says a national search is required to ensure the district hires the candidate best able to lead in this important area. Dr. Wright will serve until the next associate superintendent is hired.
Metro Nashville Public Schools provide a range of educational opportunities to more than 75,000 students in Nashville and Davidson County. The governing body for MNPS is the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Board of Public Education, a nine-member group elected by residents of Metropolitan Nashville. For more information, please visit www.mnps.org.
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Football Traffic
August 13, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Traffic in the downtown area Saturday afternoon and evening will be heavier than normal due to the 7 p.m. sold-out NFL preseason game between the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at LP Field.
By 4:30 p.m., the Woodland Street Bridge will close to regular traffic and be available only to pedestrians and shuttle buses.
Fans parking north of Broadway, and those who use state parking lots, can safely walk across the Woodland Street Bridge from downtown to LP Field. For fans parking along and south of Broadway, the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge will provide safe, enjoyable and easy access to the game.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (Gateway Bridge), which connects East Nashville to 4th Avenue North, will be open to eastbound and westbound traffic until moments before the conclusion of each game this season. However, there will be no access to the LP Field campus to eastbound traffic coming across the bridge from the downtown area in the two-hour period before each game (eastbound vehicles coming across the bridge will not be allowed to turn left onto the LP Field campus).
At the conclusion of each game this year, all lanes of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open to westbound traffic only, which should more quickly disperse congestion around LP Field.
Gates to LP Field will open at 5 p.m. Saturday. Stadium parking lots will open at 3 p.m. to Titans fans with parking passes. Football fans are reminded that only persons with parking passes will be allowed to park on the stadium campus. Fans without parking passes who drive to the LP Field campus will be turned away. Those fans are urged to save time and find parking in the downtown area and walk to LP Field or ride an InShuttle Transportation, Inc. shuttle bus.
InShuttle will provide park and ride bus service for this game from the state parking lots at 4th Avenue North & Harrison Street, and from 10th Circle North downtown (off Charlotte across from TSU’s downtown campus), beginning at 5:30 p.m. The cost for a roundtrip shuttle ticket is $12 per person.
After the game, football fans are asked to be patient as police officers work to direct traffic away from LP Field as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nearly 70 uniformed Metro police officers and supervisors dedicated to ensuring a safe learning environment are ready to join Nashville’s public middle and high school students when they return to the classroom on Friday.
Of the city’s 18 high schools, 12 will have two officers assigned to each building (Hillwood, Hillsboro, Pearl-Cohn, Overton, Stratford, Maplewood, McGavock, Antioch, Glencliff, Cane Ridge, Hunters Lane and Whites Creek). Six will have one officer assigned to each building (Hume Fogg, Martin Luther King, Nashville School of the Arts, Maplewood 9th Grade Annex, Pearl-Cohn 9th Grade Academy, and East Magnet, which serves grades 5-12).
The city’s 35 middle schools will each have one permanent officer position. In addition to responding to any emergencies that might arise, most middle school officers have been cross-trained to teach the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education & Training) and DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculums. Those officers will be spending a good deal of time in the classroom teaching and interacting with students.
“As the new school year begins, the police department will continue to be very serious about ensuring meaningful and peaceful learning environments on campuses throughout Nashville,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “We will also work with the administration of the school system to closely monitor attendance issues to help ensure young people are actually in class when they’re supposed to be and not out on the streets.”
In addition to police officers, more than 170 crossing guards and supervisors will be on duty Friday and throughout the school year during campus arrival and departure times. School crossing guards work to ensure the safety of children at street corners and intersections surrounding Davidson County schools. Motorists are strongly encouraged to watch for and obey the 15 mph speed limit in school zones.
School crossing guard vacancies presently exist, and applications are always being accepted from interested persons age 21 and over. The pay is $9.41 per hour. Benefits include great working hours, furnished uniforms and equipment. Those interested in employment as a school crossing guard are encouraged to contact 862-7752 for application

Dear Resident,
I hope you are enjoying the summer. July has been an exciting month on many issues. I have traveled to North Carolina, Chattanooga and Georgia. Catherine and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. Alexandria spent the day before her 14th birthday with me for 9 hours of council meetings... at her request. What a trouper and what an education on government. I'd be glad to have any of our teenagers that may be interested shadow me at the council meetings. Just let me know and we can arrange a day.

I've read over 2000 emails on council bills regarding guns, non-discrimination based on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as well as Maytown Center. I appreciate those that have communicated with me on these issues... both for and against. I hosted a town hall meeting for one of our neighborhoods, held a tour for council members of the AWESOME new addition at Apollo Middle School, worked our community clean-up organized by our great Beautification Commissioner, Bill Covington. I met and interviewed candidates, then voted to appoint a new school board member, Kay Simmons. I've had over a dozen graffiti locations cleaned. It has been amazing to see so many things happening in such a short time.

Since the 4th, I used every spare hour I could find to produced a 32 page magazine for a client which was delivered to the printer Wednesday morning. It is a huge relief to have it completed, but it will pay the bills for a month or so.

In case you've not heard, starting today through Sunday at midnight is TAX FREE weekend. For more information you can visit the following link. http://www.tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday/

The Mayor's First Day Festival takes place Sunday afternoon from 2-5 at the Sommet Center. Get more information at this link. http://www.nashville.gov/mocy/firstday/2009/index.asp

Issues before the council.
Bill # BL2009-489
This bill would ban handgun carry permit (HCP) holders from carrying their weapon into parks or greenways. As you may have seen on TV, I do not support this ban for several reasons. (1) Any government that can take away one constitutional right can do so with any other. I like all of the amendments and will fight to support them all. (2) Our parks have had multiple guns confiscated from criminals caught in them. (3) All statistics show that crime is reduced when criminals think that there "might" be permit holders. (4) Interesting Fact: More people have been accidentally killed by doctors prescribing medicine with adverse reactions than by HCP holders. (5) The communication that I have received from residents has been about 4 to 1 in support of carry permit holders. I still welcome your input.

Bill # BL2009-502
This ordinance proposes to add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the list of protected classes. Here is the primary text of the bill which was deferred last night so that some amendments could be considered. This bill and any amendments will be voted on second reading, Aug 18.
"It is unlawful for the metropolitan government to fail or refuse to hire or promote, or to discharge any individual, because of such individual’s race, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, color, age, and/or disability."
Currently the overwhelming position shared with me from district residents is in opposition to this ordinance. Their concerns have been numerous and include: the terminology is broad; this is the first step to requiring this for all businesses; the position is self determined and unverifiable; and of course on religious ground. I welcome your input and concerns.
FYI, I am currently working to draft a bill that protects all individuals and bases hiring and promotion decisions on ONLY merit factors such as experience and qualifications while not violating the religious views of many of our city's residents.

Bill # BL2009-503
I have sponsored this bill as the result of the ultra energy efficient addition built at Apollo Middle School. This building used less that $400 of electricity to run the HVAC system in July and during the same time period sold $800 of "green" power back to TVA. It is also guaranteed to not have a power bill for the HVAC system for three years. It is likely the most energy efficient school building in the world. However, under our current laws this system will not be used in any other buildings in the city. I'm attempting to allow an alternative to the current monopolistic requirement for so called "green" buildings that most often fail to perform at the level of this amazing building.
I expect a fight, as most monopolies do not like to be tampered with.


Finally, I want to share with you that I have been asked to consider running for State House in District 59. I assure you that my first concern is insuring that I serve this council district first and foremost. The decision has not been made yet, though I have appointed a treasurer to allow me to investigate the possibility. Those on this list will be the first to be notified upon diciding. While this may impact all of our district, only those in precinct 2804 and 2805 would be eligible to vote in this state house race. As leaders in our community, I welcome your comments and thoughts on this subject and hope that I can count on your support should I decide to seek this office.

All the best,
Duane Dominy
District 28 Councilman
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774
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Park Smart appears to be working.
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, August 1, shows that 40.9% of the automobiles taken (70 of 171) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.

An encouraging trend in this data is that the percentage has been trending down from 70% in the first week to 23.1 in the last. Keep parking smart and lock your 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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Excerpts from Historical Commission Newsletter

“ Nashville: Sites and Sounds” :
Music City Featured in the July/August Issue of Preservation Magazine
Read the article and latest issue:
http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2009/july-august/

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Save the Date! 28th Conference on African-American History and Culture

For almost thirty years, the Metropolitan Historical Commission has partnered with Tennessee State University to devote a day celebrating the influence of African Americans in Nashville and Tennessee 's history and culture, with historical lectures, musical performances, dramatic performances, and a chance to network with others interested in learning more about the contributions of African Americans across the state. Once again, the TSU downtown campus will host the conference, to be held on February 10, 2010. In 2010, we are commemorating fifty years since the Nashville Sit-Ins, and will be studying the effects that the Sit-In Movement had across the state. Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us for this historic event! Registration information will be available later in the year, but SAVE THE DATE!

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EXHIBITS
NEW! “Back to School, 1844-2005”
Nashville Public Library, 615 Church Street
Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lobby – August 2009
This small exhibit features highlights from the Special Collections Division showcasing materials about Nashville schools, past and present. Subjects include boys and girls’ schools, public and private schools, higher education, religious schools, and parents, teachers and alumni.

The People’s House: A Temple of Democracy,
150th Anniversary of the Volunteer State Capitol
Tennessee State Museum, Fifth and Deaderick Streets
Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the landmark Tennessee State Capitol building, which was completed in 1859. The special sesquicentennial exhibit, comprised of selections by the Tennessee General Assembly Arts Caucus, showcases the rich history of this magnificent building and the accomplishments of state government. Visitors will learn about the construction of the Capitol, which was a triumph of architecture and engineering. For more information about this free exhibit, please visit the Tennessee State Museum website.
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RESOURCES

New Website: The Civil War Discovery Trail
The Civil War Preservation Trust has launched a new website to promote the Civil War Discovery Trail. The Civil War Discovery Trail links more than 600 sites in 32 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its enduring impact on America. The new Civil War Discovery Trail website includes profiles of all the sites on the trail and lists important visitor information as well as contact information. To learn more about Civil War Discovery Trail sites in Nashville and Tennessee, please visit www.civilwardiscoverytrail.org.
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Dear Friends,
Please help CCSI with your vote and then send out to your email list. May need a personal message from you to get others to vote. Really appreciate your help.
Jackie

CHRISTIE COOKIES IS HAVING A CONTEST WHERE YOU VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY. THEY WILL GIVE $10,000 TO THE CHARITY THAT HAS THE MOST VOTES!!!!!! SECOND PLACE WILL RECEIVE $5,000 AND THE NEXT 10 WILL RECEIVE $1,000 EACH.
PLEASE GO TO WWW.CHRISTIECOOKIES.COM and vote for Christian Community Services, Inc., NASHVILLE, TN. This is legitimate, and it is very easy to do. Just go to the website and fill in the very few blanks. Patrick Johnson would be the contact person.
Christian Community Services, Inc. works with families living in government subsidize housing by teaching basic life skills, money management, homeownership, credit issues and budgeting. CCSI has assisted 104 families in reaching self-sufficiency --65 homeowners/taxpayers and 40 in private rental. In June 2009, we graduated 17 participants in the Mentoring Towards Independence Program which brings the total graduates to 165. Please vote for CCSI.
Jackie Corley
Adult Program Directorb
Christian Community Services, Inc.
601 Benton Avenue, Ste. B
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 297-4024 Ext. 1
Fax (615) 297-7496

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Tips for Handling Telemarketers

Three Little Words That Work !!
(1)The three little words are: 'Hold On, Please...'
Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt.
Then when you eventually hear the phone company's 'beep-beep-beep' tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task.
These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting.

(2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end?
This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone.
This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home.
What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times, as quickly as possible This confuses the machine that dialed the call and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer !!!

(3) Junk Mail Help:
When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away.
When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope.
Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 41 cents postage 'IF' and when they receive them back..
It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes.

One of Andy Rooney's (60 minutes) ideas.
Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back! If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them.
You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 41 cents.
The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice!
Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again You get the idea !
If enough people follow these tips, it will work ---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.

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News From Jan Cain regarding the Historic Ellis Garage
You all have probably seen the Ellis Garage with the canopy falling down. We had a meeting with Myra Ellis a few days ago and Tony Hammonds advised that it is imperative to get the canopy down because it is connected to the bricks and the entire front of the garage could come down with it. Also, school will be starting soon so it is urgent to remove this dangerous condition. Ms. Ellis signed papers yesterday (7/31/09) and Tony got the permit to take the canopy down. He will take it down on Monday.
The permit to remove the canopy cost Tony Hammonds $250 and the dumpster will cost $750. Myra Ellis has no money, so Tony is donating his time. Codes received two emails this week about the condition of the garage, but fortunately hadn't acted on them yet. We were lucky enough to get the permit just in time before Codes could condemn it!
Right now we believe Tony has about $1000 in the project. Labor for his workers will cost about $1200, so all together his demolition costs will be about $2200.
We are doing everything we can to save the garage and are grateful to Tony for funding it up front. We think the right thing to do would be to help Tony out with the expenses. This portion of the project is just for the demolition of the canopy. Rebuilding is not as urgent and we can deal with that later. If you can help out with the project, send money to Treasurer, Betty Ensor Thomas, 2230 Smith Springs Rd., Nashville, TN 37217 or call one of us and we will come to pick up your donation.
Thank you for your consideration.

Richard Curran, President Jan Cain, VP & Historian Betty Ensor Thomas, Treasurer
361-4310 361-6406 424-9704

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Councilman Dominy and Neighbors,
I have returned from vacation and am glad to be home. We had a wonderful time and left Savannah Ga. still in tact.

I received this information from the Beautification Office and felt it was good information to send out on email to as many as possible.
See you all soon,

Bill Covington
28th District Beautification and Environmental Commissioner


How to dispose of unwanted medications

Did you know that there is a proper way to dispose of out of date and unwanted medications? Remove the unused medication from its original container and place it in a sealable plastic bag such as a baggie or sandwich bag, mix with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or other pet waste and place the bag in your normal household trash. Dispose of the trash as you would other household garbage. This will insure the medication is disposed of safely in an environmentally engineered and protective landfill. It is important that you do NOT flush unused medications down a toilet or sink!
For more information on waste disposal issues, contact Metro Public Works at 862-8750.

Sincerely,

Bill Covington
Beautification Commissioner, District #28


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Media Contacts:
David Trusty, Piedmont Natural Gas • david.trusty@piedmontng.com • 704 731-4391 (office)
Hailey Cobb, LGA • cobb@lgapr.com •
704 552-6565 (office)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Piedmont Natural Gas Launches Share the Warmth Round Up and Challenges 100,000 Customers to Sign Up in 60 Days

Customers Can Round Up Bills to Nearest Dollar to Help Neighbors in Need Pay Home Energy Bills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 15, 2009) – On one of the hottest days of the year, Piedmont Natural Gas executives and employees are joining community leaders in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina as they line up and don orange scarves in support of Piedmont’s new Share the Warmth Round Up program.

Share the Warmth Round Up offers a simple, opt-in way for Piedmont customers to round up their monthly natural gas bill to the nearest dollar with the difference going to assist neighbors in their community who need help paying their home energy bills. Share the Warmth funds can be used to pay energy bills throughout the year regardless of the energy source used in the home – including natural gas, propane, oil, electricity, coal, kerosene and wood.

Piedmont Natural Gas is making an initial contribution of $100,000 to Share the Warmth, and as an added incentive, will donate an additional $50,000 if 100,000 customers enroll in Share the Warmth Round Up within the next 60 days.
“The need for assistance in the communities we serve has never been greater,” said Thomas E. Skains, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Piedmont Natural Gas. “In Charlotte alone, we expect 10,000 families to need assistance in the coming year. As a result, we hope as many of our customers who are able will join us in this effort by signing up for Share the Warmth Round Up. The more customers that sign up means the more families that can be helped. This is a simple step each of us can take to support our communities and our neighbors in need and the most it could cost any of us is $12 a year. That’s small change to change lives.”

“We served twice as many families last year seeking help with their utility payments,” said Cynthia Croom, executive director of the Metropolitan Action Commission. “We anticipate that need to be just as great this year, which is why Share the Warmth is such a vital resource for our community. Families are sometimes faced with impossible decisions – food or heat, rent or electricity. Piedmont has addressed a critical need with its Share the Warmth Round Up program.”

Contributions are tax deductible and 100 percent of every donation goes to assisting families and individuals in need. Share the Warmth partner agencies use donations to provide direct financial assistance to low-income families and individuals using all forms of energy throughout the year.

Piedmont’s Share the Warmth partner agencies are:
North Carolina
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• Crisis Assistance Ministry (Charlotte)
South Carolina
• South Carolina Governor’s Office
Tennessee
• Metro Action Commission (Davidson County)
• Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency (Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson counties)
• Highland Rim Economic Corporation (Dickson County)

There are three ways for Piedmont customers to sign up for Share the Warmth Round Up: 1) complete the enrollment form on the back of their monthly bill and return it with their bill remittance; 2) call 1.800.752.7504; or 3) visit www.piedmontng.com and click on the Share the Warmth icon on the left-hand side of the page.

Non-Piedmont customers may contribute by sending a check made out to Share the Warmth to:
Piedmont Natural Gas / Share the Warmth
Attn: Treasury Department
4720 Piedmont Row Dr., 8th Floor
Charlotte, NC 28210

Those interested in tracking the Share the Warmth Round Up program during the 60-day challenge period can do so by following @sharethewarmth on Twitter or becoming a fan of “Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth Round Up” on Facebook.

About Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than one million residential, commercial and industrial energy customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including 61,000 customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Our subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, interstate natural gas storage and intrastate natural gas transportation. Additional information about Piedmont is available on the Internet at www.piedmontng.com.


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New textbooks open for public review
Nashville City Paper–Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 7:24pm
By Amy Griffith Graydon

A slate of possible new textbooks for public schools are open for public viewing and input.

The state of Tennessee is adopting new textbooks for English grammar and composition, foreign languages and English as a second language, and the public is invited to get involved.

“It is very important for the public to have access to the textbooks under consideration,” said Morgan Branch, director of textbook services for the state Department of Education, in a Wednesday statement. “Our goal is to provide a wide variety of materials that enrich and support the curriculum and to address the varied interests, abilities and learning styles of students.”

Textbooks can be viewed at 10 locations throughout the state, including the campus of Tennessee State University in Nashville. To make an appointment to view the books, call TSU’s Debra Jackson at 963-5480.

The DOE has also put together a group of 30 Tennessee public school teachers to review the textbooks. Public and educator input will be considered Sept. 14 and 15, when the Tennessee Textbook Commission is due to discuss public feedback and ask questions of textbook publishers.

The commission will vote on the books Oct. 12, and make recommendations to the state Board of Education.

State board members make fall final textbook decisions. Once the state has a list of approved texts, local school systems can adopt the books for a six-year period.

Textbooks should be viewed and commented on by members of the public before Sept. 14. Appointments are needed to view the books.

Once comments are prepared, input should be directed to the DOE’s Branch. Branch can be reached for questions at 253-3160.

For more information, click http://state.tn.us/education.