Shardai Cousino

Sometimes in our lives, we are asked to selflessly give something to other. What we are asking today is for residents of LaVergne to help someone very special who lives in our sister city of Smyrna. All it takes is an email.

There is a call for help going out to residents of Smyrna. A school counselor at Smyrna Middle School has brought to our attention the special needs of Shardai Cousino. This eighth grader was born with a rare skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa that creates very painful, blister-like sores over her entire body. At the age of five, Shardai was also diagnosed with Polymosytis, a muscle deterioration disorder, that aggravates her ability to manage the skin disorder. According to the Smyrna Middle School web site,

Last year, after getting to know Shardai and her family and learning more about the extensive demands of caring for her on a daily basis, two Smyrna Middle School faculty members decided to nominate Shardai and her family for Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Shardai and her family could benefit greatly from having the extra space and medical facilities that are necessary to meet Shardai’s physical needs. We need your help to make this dream a reality.

The website goes on to to ask everyone to send an email to feedback@emhe.tv with “Please Build a House for the Cousino Family in Smyrna, TN” in the subject line. In the email, please ask ABC to build a house for the Cousino family in Smyrna, TN. Feel free to add your own message about why you think this family is deserving. Also, if you would be willing to help build the house or to donate materials/supplies, please include that in your email as well. If you have questions, contact: Jennifer Hood School Counselor Smyrna Middle School 615-904-3845 ext. 24707 hoodj@rcs.k12.tn.us Please everyone, send the email. Thank you!

Oh Christmas Tree

The City of La Vergne will host a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, at La Vergne City Hall, 5093 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Wrong Turn

A Federal Express truck became tangled in a phone line after knocking the electrical line from St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 164 Stones River Road in La Vergne Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Citations against the driver of the truck were pending when this photo was taken. (Photo submitted by Angie Mayes.)

La Vergne Christmas News

Breakfast with Santa
Don't forget -- young people are invited to attend "Breakfast with Santa," starring Jill Thatcher as The Elf, at 9 a.m. on Dec. 9 at the La Vergne Library. To RSVP, please stop by the Children's Desk in the Library at 5063 Murfreesboro Road in La Vergne. For more information, call 793-7303, ext. 102.

Cookie Swap
The La Vergne Seniors are going to have their first annual Christmas Cookie Swap at the Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 15 at the Senior Center, 337 Stones River Road, in La Vergne. Anyone interested in participating should being two dozen (24) of their favorite home-made cookies along with a clean container in which to take all of their new cookies home. Feel free to bring the recipe to also exchange with everyone. This should be a yummy event.

Christmas Dinner for Seniors
The La Vergne Seniors will have their annual Christmas Dinner, at 6 p.m.Dec. 18 at the Civic Auditorium, 283 Old Nashville Highway in La Vergne. Alderman Senna Mosley will cater the meal. The Snappy Pappy band will be providing entertainment. Any senior who wants to attend the dinner, needs to stop in the Senior Center, 337 Stones River Road to register and get a ticket by Dec. 11. In lieu of exchanging Christmas gifts, the seniors will be supporting a needy family in La Vergne. Seniors can make a donation or go out a purchase items from a list. Call 793-3048 for more information.

And When It's Over ...
La Vergne residents who want to dispose of their “live” Christmas tree after the holiday season, are welcome to bring them to a specially roped off parking lot next to the La Vergne Public Works Department, according to La Vergne Public Works Director Bob Burns. The lot will be open through Jan. 31, and trees may be brought to the lot at anytime.

The Public Works Department chips the trees into mulch. The trees must be cleared of all ornaments, tinsel, garland and lights prior to being dropped off. The Public Works Department is located at 148 International Blvd., off Waldron Road. For more information, call 793-9891.

Gobbling the Gobbler

La Vergne senior citizens had their turkey and ate it too during a Thanksgiving dinner Tuesday night at the town's Civic Auditorium. Town officials served the national bird wannabe to more than 100 seniors and their families.

HERE'S WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Alderman Dennis Waldron, Vice Mayor Jerry Gann and Senior Center employee Suzanne Curry serve food to Leo Ward.

Mayor Ronnie Erwin and the rest of the gang serve food to Don Lehr.

Gladys Talley and Beverly Talley wait to get in line.

Stay safe, don't drink and drive, and find a comfortable place to nap off the turkey coma.

Bake Sale & Bazaar TODAY

All I want for Christmas is a new band uniform!

Don't forget!! The LaVergne High School Band's bake sale and bazaar is today from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the school. Money raised will be used to pay for new band uniforms. The band, comprised of an exceptional group of talented students, has been invited to perform at the Liberty, Sugar, and Gator bowls - it takes a trumpetful of talent to achieve those invitations.

We encourage the citizens fo La Vergne to march right on over to the school today and show your support. Donations will be accepted, as about $60,000 needs to be raised. You can read more about the event in the Daily News Journal here.

Well Howdy Doody - You're Invited Too!

Our great friends from This is Smyrna TN have invited bloggers to the monthly meeting at Espresso Joe's. Come on down for a few laughs! You can rub Ivy's now-bald head, hear about what bloggers are thinking about nowadays (Christmas shopping, wrinkles, etc.), or just enjoy a nice, hot cup of joe.

COME ON DOWN!

Afterwards, go to the Fall Festival/ Craft Bazaar sponsored by the LHS Marching Band on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at LaVergne High School. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Oh, and if you don't believe me about Ivy's missing mane, here's proof.

BEFORE:



AFTER:



Why would anyone do this? Because Ivy is showing her love and support for a friend of hers who is fighting cancer. She shaved her head on Wednesday, the day Robin began her chemotherapy. And if you want to be shocked at how people react, read Ivy's personal blog here. I'm dismayed at how our fellow human beings PUBLICLY LAUGH at a fantastic gesture of love and caring. They should be ashamed.

Clean Up Day Photos

This is what Community Clean-Up Day was all about. On November 11th, volunteers grabbed garbage bags and cleaned the area near the Hurricane Creek boat ramp. Angie Mayes said about 75 people showed up to help clean the 1.5 mile trail, which is near Hurricane Boat Ramp. It will be turned into part of La Vergne's Greenway system. Our community owes these big-hearted individuals a big THANK YOU for your time and effort!



Vice Mayor Jerry Gann picks up garbage bags.



Webster Gilcrease and Aaron Simmons haul trash bags while members of the community help clean up.


Chuck Walden shows off his bag of garbage.



A group of people work on the trail.



Grace Church minister Randy Berg and Mayor Ronnie Erwin take a moment to pose near the water, alongside the trail.



LHS DECCA student Kayla Short picks up trash as a part of her DECCA and National Honor Society projects.



The trail....



Mayor Ronnie Erwin and Bridgestone Plant Manager John McLaughlin pick up trash.

Pancake Breakfast Photos

La Vergne's media maven, Angie Mayes, sent the blog some recent photos. I'll try to get in as many as I can!!! Photos in this post are from the pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rescue Squad:



La Vergne Rescue Squad director Dana Blair (green shirt) puts out more Country Ham while member Chris Schmidt looks on.



Rescue Squad member Mary Jane Skinner pours gravy while member Chuck Armour cooks ham. Ms. Skinner was the lunch lady at Roy Waldron School for years before her retirement the year before last, so her face should be very familiar! What a neat lady!



City administrator Mark Moshea enjoys pancakes with Matthew.



PAL member Tiffany Miller serves Alderman Dennis Waldron breakfast during the PAL Pancake breakfast fundraiser.



Lordy, Lordy - looking at the spread on Mayor Erwin's plate makes me want to RUN to the next pancake breakfast! I'm seeing bacon and eggs, as well as pancakes. I think I'm going to publish this post and go find some breakfast. Not looking forward to my toast after seeing this!

La Vergne News Round-Up

Chipper Service

The La Vergne Chipper Service is up and running again, according to Public Works Director Bob Burns. The chipper service is free to all residents of La Vergne. The detailed guidelines for the service are:

1. The pile of brush must be left with four (4) feet of the edge of the road. This allows the crew to have access to the debris without making a mess in the resident’s yard.
2. The maximum diameter of the limbs is six (6) inches. Anything thicker than that will not be picked up.
3. The pile of brush can be no larger than three (3) feet by 10 feet. If you think you will have more than this, consider laying out one pile for now and the other pile next month.
4. The chipper cannot handle vines, loose leaves or root balls.
5. Do not include in your pile the following: plastic, metal, wire, cardboard, paper or glass.
6. The City will not chip limbs that have been cut by a commercial trimming service. The service should remove any debris generation by its operations.
7. The Chipper service alternates between the North and South sides of town each week.
8. There is no need to schedule a pickup. However, if debris has not been picked up within three weeks, call the Public Works Department at 793-9891.
9. The chipper service runs off an on throughout the year.

Police Collecting Toys and Food

The La Vergne Police Department (LPD) and the La Vergne Police Athletic League (PAL) will be collecting non-perishable canned goods and new toys for the needy for Christmas, 2006. Anyone wanting to donate items may drop them off after Thanksgiving at LPD, 5093 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne. LPD is located behind City Hall.

Non-perishable items include canned goods, boxed good, i.e. anything that does not need to be refrigerated or frozen. LPD is also taking money to help buy necessary items for the food baskets and toys.

Call Sgt. Cindy Murphy at 793-7745 for more information on donating money. LPD Sgt. Gerry Howse, Executive Director of the PAL program, is also coordinating the food/toy drive with Murphy. Checks can be written to the La Vergne Police Department Christmas Fund and are tax-deductible.

The La Vergne Library will also be collecting canned goods for the needy to donate to the LPD/PAL drive. The program will take place Dec. 1 - 15, 2006. The Food for Fines program, forgives late fees if food is dropped off at the Library, 5063 Murfreesboro Road. Call 793-7303 for more information.

Each Christmas, LPD and PAL get together and deliver approximately 60 food boxes for needy families in La Vergne. They serve nearly 100 children with toys and clothing each year. Included in the food baskets are flour, sugar, corn meal, coffee, canned goods, a hen or small turkey and a type of dessert.

Domestic Violence Meeting

There will be a Community Awareness Meeting concerning Domestic Violence provided by the La Vergne Police Department Dec. 14, 2006 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the La Vergne Public Library.

Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. But it does – and when it does, there is help. Maybe you have lived with abuse, maybe it happened just once; maybe you work or live next to someone who is being abused right now.

Call Officer Karl Tartt or Sgt. Carl McMillen at LPD at 793-7744 for more information.

Lions Club Sell Nuts

The La Vergne Lions Club is selling nuts for the holiday season. Cost for the one-pound bag of nuts is as follows:

• Pecan Halves $6.50
• Pecan Pieces $6.50
• Roasted, Salted Pecans $7.00
• Salted Mixed Nuts (no peanuts in bag) $7.00
• Salted Whole Cashews $7.00
• Milk Chocolate Covered Pecans $7.00
• White Chocolate Covered Pecans $7.00

Also available in a 12-ounce bag are Cinnamon Pecans, which sell for $7.00 a bag. All nuts are from this year's crop. To order, please call La Vergne Lions Club President Les Brown at 584-3757.

PAL Sells Bowling Passes

The La Vergne Police Athletic League (PAL) is selling "Bowling Smart Cards" to be used at the Smyrna Bowling Center, 95 Weakly Blvd. in Smyrna. The cards, which cost $10, offer a $30 value of bowling and food. Anyone who wants to purchase a card, please contact La Vergne Police Department Sgt. Gerry Howse at 287-8730 (leave message).

According to the press release, "This is a great item for schools, businesses, churches and families to get their students, employees, church members and family members for Christmas," Howse said.

Green Eggs and Spam

Written by Big Orange Michael with apologies to Dr. Seuss.

I open my in-box
And what do I see?
A thousand special offers
All just for me!

Offers of credit and low cost homes
Ways to reduce interest on those pesky student loans
Cures for ailments I didn’t know I had
If I don’t take advantage of them, I sure will be sad.
How did I get signed up for all these lists?
It’s starting to make me kind of miffed.

I do not need your impotence pills
I do not need another living will
I do not want to be a secret shopper
I do not want your popcorn popper

Keep your X-boxes and your PS-3s
I do not need them, don’t you see?
I spend all day deleting SPAM
I do not like it, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM!

I do not need a brand new car
I do not want to pick up girls in a bar
I do not need some more insurance.
Of this I give you a lot of assurance.
I do not need your offering of SPAM
I do not need them SPAM, I am.

I do not need free meals at Shoneys
I think your offer is a lot of baloney.
I do not want to look at your porn
I do not want to sleep ‘til morn.
I do not need your crazy offers
Of ways to fill my meager coffers.

I do not want your crazy SPAM.
Please make it stop, SPAM, I AM!

I can't opt out, don't you see?
Every list I decline, signs me up for three!
I used to look forward to checking my mail
Now I try to read messages from my friends and fail
Your useless offers have ruined my life
And filled me with such woe and spite

I set up filters to weed you out
But you are tricky, you crazy lout!
You will not let me get away
Your offers come at all hours of the day

I do not need your crazy SPAM,
Please make it stop, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM.

La Vergne Fined by State

Today's article in the Daily News Journal explains the state findings in La Vergne's water plant incident last year. It looks like the city will have to pay a $54,873.05 fine by December 1st. If other requirements are not met, the city could be penalized another $20,000.

Read the full story here.

Also, read the city's comment in the news release below.



Remember: The LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. The event wiell be held at LaVergne High School. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Press Release: La Vergne Water Treatment Plant receives two orders from TDEC

The City of La Vergne is in receipt of two commissioner’s orders from the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. These orders were received by the City on Nov. 10, 2006.

Order number 06-0450 was sent to the City of La Vergne concerning incidents of the past concerning the operation of the City water plant. The other order, 06-0449, was addressed to the Chief Operator of the La Vergne Water Plant, addressing his role in these incidents that occurred at the water plant.

The City of La Vergne plans to address these issues in several ways.

The City is asking their consulting engineer, Bill Griggs of Griggs and Maloney, Inc., to become actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the water plant. Mr. Griggs and his staff, who have designed our water plant expansions and water line projects, will daily monitor the activities at the plant. This supervision will include all aspects of the treatment of water including the proper testing, processing and transmission of water to the population of La Vergne. The City sees this as an important step to assist the water plant personnel at this time. Griggs and Maloney, Inc. will also begin communications with the State of Tennessee on several levels to address all items pointed out in the commissioner’s order.

"In the future, if the citizens notice any change in the color of the water, they should stop consuming or using the water and contact the La Vergne Water Treatment Plant immediately at 793-6536," Mayor Ronnie Erwin said.

As we work through the details of the commissioner’s order, we will – in conjunction with the City Attorney – prepare an appeal to the State of Tennessee within the required time frame. This appeal will explain various aspects of individuals that may assist the State of Tennessee in their final determination of these matters.

Zoning Proposed for LaVergne Schools

Not all elementary aged students in LaVergne will be going to the new school when it opens next Fall. But because so much space will be opening in LaVergne Primary and Waldron Elementary, the shift of students will be drastic enough to have a new feel.

In 2007, LPS will offer classes for just K-1 students and Waldron will become a 2-5 school. The new school - hopelessly called LaVergne Lake Elementary - will be open for grades K-5. The public hearing for the zoning will take place on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at La Vergne Middle School.

According to the Daily News Journal, "Assuming 5 percent growth per year, the school board projects that La Vergne Primary will be 51 percent white and 49 percent minority. Roy Waldron will be 47 percent white and 53 percent minority, and La Vergne Lake will be 45 percent white and 55 percent minority."

The school board was informed during its meeting last night that a large majority of LaVergne residents were unhappy with the name "LaVergne Lake." Fortune smiled on the minority of supporters, however, because the board would not allow a name change to occur. However, they anticipate another school will be opening in LaVergne in the next four to five years and at that point, Stones River will be considered as a name.

Residents supporting Stones River as a school name thought it was a fitting way to honor the people who gave up their homes and land to eminent domain when Percy Priest Lake was built... these pioneers used to cross a narrow portion of Stones River to get to the community's school. The name Stones River would memorialize the sacrifice the families made to build a lake.

Construction of the new school is pictured. School is located behind LaVergne Middle School.

While We're At It

While we're recommending business professionals, could anyone recommend a good dentist in either LaVergne or Smyrna? Family goes to Antioch, but I'd rather stay local.

(Ironically, my last dentist was named Dr. Hurt.)

Remember: The LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Automotive Review

La Vergne Tire Center, on Murfreesboro Road, Rocks! Anytime I have had car trouble Laverngne Tire Center is where I go.

Today was one of those days I needed a little help. Joe, over at LaVergne Tire Center was there! He has never let me down.

My car always gets fixed, it is always clean, I do not remember ever a negative feeling from this place.

I highly recommend that if you have car troubles, go by and see Joe at LaVergne Tire Center. Tell him you read about him on the lavergne-tn blogsite.

Waldron Road Exit

Fantastic article today in the Daily News Journal. Today Mealand and Mary talk about Waldron Road in her Exit: Rutherford County series. In the article, Alderman Dennis Waldron describes some of the potential for the road. Like his family who played a vital role in LaVergne's growth, I hope his vision is true and our link to I-24 becomes a retail boom area for our town.

Here are the two articles about LaVergne's Waldron Road:

Waldron Road leads to growth
Mike Nestor builds moving company at city's interchange

Enjoy the read!

Remember: The LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Having Some Fun

From beautiful weather on Saturday to a chill in the air Sunday, LaVergne is getting ready for Thanksgiving! Ivy and I drove around this morning taking some pictures on Murfreesboro Road. Here's what we came up with - just for fun!



I love that our community puts up this giant turkey in November. Very cute!


City Hall... But wait. Here's a broader snapshot.



I tried to get the yellow in the leaves (in front of the water department), but instead got mostly parking lot.



Lin's Chinese Buffet is gone. I only ate there once, but a friend of mine and his wife loved eating there. She lost her battle with cancer last Fall. It just reminded me of losing Ana again when I saw Lin's was gone.



See? The Lazy Pig is coming soon!



I've never noticed that the cars in LaVergne are in such bad shape that we need FOUR auto parts stores. I seriously just don't get it. I think it's great that the city earns revenue from these businesses, but four? One, Two.



Three.



Four.



Lake Forest subdivision give us houses as far as the eye can see. Affordable. Close to Nashville. Great schools. No parking on the street, so bare yards. Oh well... the price we pay for owning more than one car. Maybe that's why we have all the auto parts stores. There seem to be a lot of tire stores, too. And oil change places.



Okay. I want one wing, one fish, and three things. Please.



I adore this log cabin. What are the plans for it?



The back of the library ... I like it. Perfect for a girl scout bridging ceremony! Does the bridge cross over Hurricane Creek?



And finally the Cash Cow. We will soon have a Lazy Pig to join our Cash Cow. What's next? Talking Parrot (a pet store). Chicken Coop (possible restaurant). High Horse (ladder store). I dunno... just thinking here! Have a great Monday!

Meanwhile, don't forget the LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Lazy Pig!

I saw the sign. Another barbeque place is opening soon - same location as the others (next to Tee Gee's Restaurant area'ish). It's called the Lazy Pig. The Lazy Pig. Opening soon.

Squee Squee! Gotta love it!

City Round-Up

LaVergne Library
From Nov. 13 - 22, the library will be giving free replacement cards. Usually, there is no charge for a second card. However if you lose the second, it costs $5 to get a third one. During this period, all replacement cards will be free.

The library is sponsoring a "What are You Thankful for this holiday season" contest. Two winners will be chosen (they have to have an active library card and drop their name, address and phone number in a bowl) and they will each receive a $50 gift certificate to Smith's Neighborhood Market. The names will be drawn on the 17th of November.

Fire Safety Poster Contest Dinner
Fire Station Three, located on Bill Stewart Boulevard, will host a special dinner for those young people who won the local school's fire safety poster contest. Their parents will also be invited. The dinner will take place Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 3, 301 Bill Stewart Boulevard.

The posters have all been sent to the state for competition in the state contest. For more information, contact Fire Marshal Mark Sells at 405-5931.

City Photos (by Angie Mayes)


La Vergne Fire Fighter Justin Beeler flows one of th La Vergne's many hydrants this week off Floyd Mayfield Parkwy. The city's hydrants are being tested as a part of the annual maintenance of the hydrants.



While Yolanda Darden watches, La Vergne Mayor Ronnie Erwin draws the winning name for the quilt made by the La Vergne Seniors. Soug Fox was the winner from more than 700 entries. This was a fund-raiser for the Senior Center.

Information above was submitted by city spokesperson Angie Mayes.


REMINDER: The LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Election Parking Makes News

LaVergne is going full speed ahead to fix the parking problem from Tuesday's election. Today's Daily News Journal said other election locations are being considered, including nearby churches which offer ample parking.

Read all about it here.

Draft of Zoning Map at City Hall

The La Vergne Planning and Mapping Department has created a Draft Zoning Map, which shows all of the zones for each parcel of property within the City of La Vergne. The map is on display at La Vergne City Hall, 5093 Murfreesboro Road, will soon be on-line at www.lavergne.org and will be on La Vergne's government access Channel 3 (for Comcast subscribers).

The map will be reviewed by the La Vergne Planning Commission on Nov. 14 and will be deferred for public review at the Dec. 12 Planning Commission meeting. The map will then be reviewed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen at their December or January meeting for more public review. The second reading for the approval of the map by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen will be in February or March, 2007.

If any person believes their property has the wrong zoning designation, they may fill out a Zoning Dispute Form, which will be available on-line and at the Codes Building, 5089 Murfreesboro Road. To dispute the zoning, a person must provide supporting documentation for the City's review of their dispute. There is no fee for the dispute form.

For more information about the map or dispute forms, contact the Planning and Mapping departments. The City Planner, Aliza Tourkow, can be reached at 213-8702 and the City Mapper can be reached at 213-8701.

REMINDER: The LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

LHS Band Needs Our Help

I received a plea from the Lavergne High School Band Boosters and definitely think this is worth the attention of our community. Our local musicians are making us proud, so we should stand by them to help out! These students are an exceptional group of talented individuals who are involved in all kinds of clubs, organizations, churches, and more. Please, it's time we toot their horns!

The Lavergne High School Marching Band is an exceptional program full of hardworking, dedicated students. They spend an unbelievable amount of time in practice and preparation for their performances and competitions. They competed in the USSBA band circuit this year and placed 10th out of 140 bands nationally. The Lavergne High School Marching Band has been invited to perform in the Sugar Bowl, the Citrus Bowl, and the Gator Bowl next year.

This incredible group of students deserves recognition for their achievements. They also need help. They are in dire need of new uniforms. The uniforms they use at present are old and worn out. Even worse, there will not be enough uniforms to supply all of the students who want to participate in marching band next year.

HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP: The LHS Marching Band is having a Fall Festival/Craft Bazaar on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. There will be games, prizes, food, a craft sale, drawings for door prizes, baked items for sale, and more.

Mayor Addresses Election Parking

Printed in entirety from Mayor Erwin.

To the Citizens of La Vergne:

I understand there were some parking issues at the Civic Auditorium during voting Tuesday.

First of all, I want to apologize for the confusion and am upset that some voters left without voting after being told by La Vergne Police Department officers to move their cars or they would be towed. We do not want to deny anyone the right to vote, especially over a parking situation where the space for parking is very limited.

While we have little control over County, State and Federal elections as far as the way they are run, please note that I am going to get with LPD Chief Steve Lindsay to discuss exactly what happened with parking on Tuesday and to find a solution so that this problem does not occur in the future.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Erwin
Mayor
City of La Vergne

Parking Problems for LaVergne Voters

Took my baby girl to a class tonight and was immediately pulled aside by one of the parents who knows I am one of the authors of this LaVergne blog. She asked me to report what happened today at the LaVergne Civic Auditorium on Old Nashville Highway. The lines were long and there was no traffic control. It was also raining, so people couldn't park in the grass. Instead, they parked on the side street.

After waiting in line for nearly an hour, the men in blue came in and announced that if voters didn't move their cars, the cars would be towed. Defiant, my friend stood her place in line. Unfortunately, many people left and didn't come back.

It is a real concern that LaVergne voters may have been disenfranchised. We do understand that there is a code in place to prevent folks from parking in the street, but on election day I would hope there would be some leniency. This is just a suggestion, but why not conduct another study to balance out the voting (city hall was empty when one person voted - he then drove by the civic center and it was packed with no parking anywhere). Or how about assigning some of our city police officers to help direct traffic on election days? Or how about moving the location of voting to churches where parking is plentiful?

And for "anonymous" ... this is not a newspaper. We are not reporters. This is a blog. To quote Worldpress.com, "Bloggers provide nearly-instant commentary on televised events, creating a secondary meaning of the word 'blogging' — to simultaneously transcribe and editorialize speeches and events shown on television." Read more about it here.

From LaVergne to Paris to Toulouse to LaVergne

LaVergne, France is a little north of Toulouse which is in the south of France. In July, a handful of very lucky teenagers and adult volunteers will travel there to spend a week in our European sister city. I went to a meeting tonight hosted by Angie Mayes and city adminsitrator Mark Moshea. Angie shared a brief itinerary which included a stopover in Paris and a week in host parents' homes.

Here's what we learned:

• The French speak fairly good English, so your child should be able to communicate.
• The cost is approximately $2,000 but the city is working to raise money to help offset these costs by half. We are looking for fundraising ideas to help out ... anyone have any suggestions?
• It is an opportunity of a lifetime, with the possibility that your child may get to travel to nearby Spain or Monaco. This is by no means guaranteed, but maybe possible.
• The French hosts try to place children in homes with other kids the same age.
• If you are interested, you should contact Angie at amayes@lavergne.org as soon as possible.
• Confirmation of travel and $100 deposit is due December 1st.
• A passport will be necessary and didn't sound too hard to do. Read about it here.

It may be hard to see, but Toulouse is southwest of the red star France. It's south of Bordeaux and west of Marseille. Let's see if this Mapquest.com link works.

If you have any interest in this at all, I encourage you to contact Angie as soon as possible! It really is an amazing program that our community offers!

LaVergne, France Meeting Tonight

Don't forget tonight is the meeting for teens interested in traveling to LaVergne, France this summer. Here's the post from LaVergne's city page:

The initial meeting to determine the interest of those young people (13-18 years of age) wanting to go to Lavergne, France in the Summer of 2007 will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, 2006 at La Vergne City Hall. Anyone interested in attending should be at that meeting. We will limit the group to 10 individuals. We will also need three adult chaperones for the 10-day trip.

Also, anyone who wants to donate to the Sister City Program to help pay half the expenses of the students going to Lavergne is welcome to. Checks should be sent in care of Angie Mayes at La Vergne City Hall, 5093 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne, TN 37086. We are planning to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 to help defer travel costs.

For more information, call Sister City Coordinator Angie Mayes at 287-8690 or 207-4678.

Bitter Taste No More

La Vergne Wolverines in the playoffs still! Last night, the Wolverines went to Cookeville to play the first round of playoffs. This time last year, the Rines lost to the same team and it put a very bitter taste in their mouths.

This year however, is another story. The Rines went back and won the game 19-7.

Friday night, November 10, the Wolverines will face the Smyrna Bulldogs for the second time this year for the second round of playoffs. The game will be held in Smyrna at the Robert Raikes Stadium.

Read the Story Here

Post Theft???

I don't know what's happening, but one of my posts has disappeared. Well I have it saved, so I'm posting it again.

LaVergne is not having a good day.

This news broke yesterday, but it's front page again in the Daily News Journal. A $3 million lawsuit has been filed against the city stemming from what the plaintiff calls false arrest. Go read the article. Now in conjunction with that news, there are accusations made against the mayor by a woman who has filed a warrant saying ... well just go read about that right here.

Here's my selfish editorial comment about all of this. The people ranting against this blog need to instead look at the poor behavior of public officials, whether a police officer, elected official, or people who have run for election. These episodes are an embarrassment to the citizens of our community and we urge you to end your feuding and get your police under control or get rid of them.

La (space) Vergne to Celebrate 35 Years

Although LaVergne (technically, it's La Vergne) will celebrate it's 35th anniversary of official incorporation on February 1st, 2007, our town has been around a lot longer than that! Please go read this really interesting article written by Angie Mayes. I live for the day she can add the LaVergne, Tennessee blog as an official event in LaVergne!

LaVergne to celebrate 35 years in 2007.

Read-a-thon Held at LPS

A Read-a-Thon was recently held at LaVergne Primary School and we have pictures to prove it! I believe encouraging reading and actually reading to your children from a very early age (newborn - up!) is the single most important thing you can do to give them a jump start on education.



Mayor Ronnie Erwin reads to the second grade class of Carolyn Davis.



Former Mayor and now Alderwoman Sherry Green reads to students in Pamela Duke's second grade class.

Photo credit to Angie Mayes, the community's PR guru.

License Station Now Open

The new drivers license station in LaVergne is now open, according to the Daily News Journal. Hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. It's located in the same plaza as Pea Pod Cafe (formerly Southern Belle behind LaVergne Primary School). I'll be there Friday morning with my teen who is testing for her permit. Look out drivers, here she comes! :)

Authors, Halloween at Library & News Round-Up

Author's Day
Happy National Author's Day! Do we have any local published authors in LaVergne? I know Pete Love from Smyrna had a novel published (about a paramedic and a soccer coach) because one of my friends was telling me last night about his book signings. He's a local CPR trainer who certified my Girl Scout troop last year. I'll just bet there are more authors in our area, or if there aren't I can think of some who should be published (am looking at someone amayesing).

Public Service Announcements (from LaVergne's website)
LaVergne is offering flu shots for senior citizens at the La Vergne Senior Center, 337 Stones River Road in La Vergne, from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 20. The cost is $25 or they are free with Medicare or Healthspring. For more information, contact the La Vergne Senior Center at 793-3048.

Due to popular demand, the online property tax lookup tool has be re-instated. The form is located at http://taxes.lavergne.org/. Please report any problems or suggestions to treed@lavergne.org.

(I don't know what this is, but it sounds important!) The next radKids self-empowerment class for ages 7-12 will take place Nov. 2, 3 and 4 at La Vergne's Multi-Purpose Building, 5093 Murfreesboro Road. On Nov 2 the class will be from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. On Nov. 3, the class will be from 6 - 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 4, graduation will take place 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, call Gerry Howse at 287-8730 or Jane Ascher 519-5465.

Don't forget! The initial meeting to determine the interest of those young people (13-18 years of age) wanting to go to Lavergne, France in the Summer of 2007 will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, 2006 at La Vergne City Hall. Here is an article from the Daily News Journal this past week (or so) about the trip. Personally, I'm very excited about it and plan to drag my 16-year-old to the meeting and hopefully her friend who is taking French in high school.

Gross Grub at Library
Gross Grub was served at the La Vergne Library last Tuesday. Now some of this is pretty disgusting - I think I'll save the worst for last. Blech. Or not at all. Blogger won't let me upload the photos for now, so I'll try again later.



Finally, Blogger let me post the "Freaky Fingers" but now I can't post more pics. Sigh.


Oh, And One More Thing
I wanted to put this comment in a post so more folks can see it.

From the LHS Student Council and Reps: A huge THANK YOU to the residents of Woodland Hills for supporting the La Vergne High School Student Council last night with generous donations of canned and non perishable food items. The sophomore class representatives collected food items from their neighbors for the "Trick or Treat for Cans" campaign for donation to local food banks. Woodland Hills -You have big hearts and we love you!