Happy Halloween

The second biggest "holiday" (at least in terms of retail) has finally arrived! The day where kids come home from school distracted from doing their homework and definitely not in the mood for dinner is here. Moms and Dads may try to leave work early, depending on the complexity of the costumes. More about costumes further down...

Tonight, make sure kids don't go to homes without porch lights on. And for the love of kids, do not turn your porch light on tonight if you don't have candy or if you're not home. Nothing is more annoying than that for parents while we trudge around on wet grass (or if we're lucky on sidewalks) than to stand there waiting for nothing. Okay, there may be :::some::: things more annoying: a stick in your eye, for example.

Forecast calls for rain, and there are those people who don't do well driving in the rain (you know who you are!). Please be extra careful if you are out in a car. Kids should also wear some reflective tape on their costumes. And here we are back to costumes. Have you put it off to the last minute? I found this site that has some very cute ideas. Here ya go with my favorites.

ANTARTICA Are you Portly? Pleasingly plump? Big-boned? Just plain overweight? Halloween was meant for you! Simply throw that white sheet over yourself, and you're the continent of Antartica

BAKED POTATO New parents! Are you confused about how to dress your infant for the Halloween party? The answer is as close as your kitchen! Simply wrap the offspring in aluminum foil-- and the kid's a baked potato!

UNIVERSAL BAR CODE Get a child's growth chart with the lines and numbers on it, then affix it to your body from head to toe. Every shopper will recognize you as a price in Universal Bar Code! This costume will also protect your anonymity: No one can tell what the real price is, just like at the grocery store!

PILLOWS A simple pillow can provide any number of last-minute costumes. Tuck it into the upper back of your shirt -- you're Quasimodo! Or move it around to the front -- you're Arnold Schwarzenegger! Now drop it lower -- you're any pregnant celebrity. Don't discard that pillow case -- put it over the top part of your body and you're a Chicklet!

UNPROGRAMMED VCR Get a long and shallow cardboard box. Cut a rectangle in the front. Climb inside it, then put a sign that reads "12:00" in front of the rectangle. Yes, you're an unprogrammed VCR -- the kind that 60 percent of the public owns!

LOST TV REMOTE Art imitates life once again with this cumbersome but easily identifiable costume. Simply remove two large seat cushions from your sofa, and affix one in front of you and one behind you. You're an item familiar to all -- the lost TV remote control!

RADON GAS Go to a party dressed as you are. When asked what you're supposed to be, say "Radon gas!" Then when asked, "Where's your costume?" say, "Where else? In my basement!"

DAVID LETTERMAN'S TEETH You and a friend each get a large appliance box and paint it white. Put them on. Stand close together with a slight space between you. Behold! You're David Letterman's front teeth!

Happy Halloween LaVergne!

A Little History

Did you know I was from Alabama? Yep, that's right, Good Ol Crimson Tide. Bear Bryant, the best coach of them all.

Oh, that's not what you wanted to read about is it, Sorry.

In today's DNJ I noticed an article on the Almaville Road area. Now, I know it doesn't quite relate to La Vergne, but there was just a little bit of information I did not know.

Here's a clip

The past lives at this exit, too. Somewhere to the west lies the grave of Confederate Pvt. Dewitt Jobe, while to the east is the home of Confederate soldier Sam Davis, both members of the Coleman Scouts who gave their lives rather than surrender secrets to the Union army at the height of the Civil War.

Now, I knew about Sam Davis. I know about the battleground.

What really brought this to my attention was the fact that I really do not know the history of this great county I live in. That's going to change soon.

Are there any old covered bridges around?

Spreading Some Holiday Cheer

It is with great pleasure that I announce my office will again be able to host "Christmas for the Children" this year. The word came down today from our corporate office in Murfreesboro that they are sharing funds to help some of the least fortunate children in LaVergne and Smyrna. We usually host a party for up to 220 children. We are not able to have a party this year, but we will be buying gifts for about 150 children.

School counselors should watch for a fax to come in the next day or two. We will ask the teachers to give us a handful of names. Although the number of children we're asking for will be less, those kids typically have brothers and sisters at home who we also buy for. Each child will receive a new full change of clothing (including coats, socks, gloves, etc.) and one toy.

We plan to hold a little reception here at the office for parents to come and pick up the gifts. We'll be serving hot chocolate and cookies for those who can come. If they can't make it, agents from the office will deliver the gifts to their homes. The date will be announced at a later time.

So I want to take the time to thank some very special people in our communities who have helped these past few weeks. You have generous hearts and I we really appreciate you.

BUSINESSES donating funds, products or facilities
Smyrna Skate Center
Smyrna Printing & Design (1 N. Lowry St., 459-2223)
Ernie Dunbar of Allstate
Smyrna, LaVergne, Murfreesboro & Nashville City Guides
Daily News Journal (thanks for the write-up)
Christy Shivers of Pampered Chef
Arbonne lady (I'll post her name and contact info later when I find her business card!)

BUSINESSES donating to silent auction
Meal for 8 people donated by Mothership Barbeque
Bowling Parties (2 parties for 6 people) donated by Smyrna Bowling Center
Beautiful beaded jewelry (necklaces and earrings) donated by Jennifer of Glen & Jen's Blog
Gift certificate donated by Hickory Falls Restaurant
Gift certificate to Legends Steakhouse donated by Realtor Lory Breckler
Gift certificate donated by Dan Good Ribs & BBQ
One pound gourmet coffee donated by Starbucks
Gift certificate for $10 vase of flowers donated by Tom's Flowers
Gift certificate for $25 in fine jewelry donated by Sue's Custom Jewelry (link to world renowned Sci-Fi author Andre Norton article - Sue was Ms. Norton's caretaker)
Music CD's by Realtor, Blogger, and Musician Doug Atkin called "An Offering of Musical Praise" and "My Christmas Song for You"

INDIVIDUALS donating by blogging or monetary
Les Jones
Chris of CeeElCee
Jen of GlenJenBlog
Ivy's Mom
Anonymous from McMinnville
Drama Llama
Tennessee Redneck in King Harald's Court
This is Smyrna
Cool People Care
Big Orange Michael
Chip Manor
Nashville is Talking
Kat Coble

AGENTS in my office who attended Skate for the Children
Kathy Tyson (me!)
Rhonda Umphrey
Gene Williams
Doug "Dugger" Krupla
Doug Atkin

Okay, who am I forgetting? Please don't be shy. I want to recognize everyone who helped!

Fall Back

It's "time" to set your clocks back! We'll have an hour more of daylight in the evenings, but it'll be dark when the kids are at the bus stops in the mornings. While you're setting your clocks back, don't forget to change the battery of your smoke alarm!



By the way, congrats to the City of LaVergne for throwing an AWESOME Trail of Treats! It was wonderful - great fun, friendly city employees, and overall perfect day.

Trail of Treats THIS WEEKEND

LaVergne's Trail of Treats is tomorrow (Saturday, October 28th) at Veteran's Memorial Park. Held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., children can come dressed in their costumes. They'll "trick or treat" along the park's walking trail. In addition, there will be hayrides, a spider-web obstacle course, jumping through the pumpkin patch and digging for bones in the graveyard.

All activities are free of charge, so come on over!

Blog Scholarship Info & Two Seasons in One

In case you missed it, there is a scholarship now available for bloggers! It appears that college students may nominate themselves for the $5,000 p/year scholarship. Go HERE to read more about it! You have until October 30th to apply, so hurry!

Also, I wanted to share these photos with you that Angie Mayes sent. Here are photos taken at the same time of two different areas of LaVergne. Can we figure out what season it is?


This was taken at Max Puckett's house (the auctioneer's home on the corner of Junior High Drive and Stones River Road). Anyone who drops kids off at Waldron School or LaVergne Primary know the road!



This one was taken in the Morningside subdivision (my neighborhood and you can see why I love it!). Okay, here's the answer. It's fall. Why the trees at Max Puckett's house are blooming, I don't know. But we have sure enjoyed the fall foliage this year!

And if you like the neighborhood pictured above, there are currently three homes available priced from $124,000 to $170,000! I absolutely love living back here... there is not a lot of traffic, big yards, and we are near the wildlife area. If you're looking for a house, mortgage rates have just dropped as have home prices so this is a great time to buy a home. Call your realtor and ask to tour this neighborhood. If you don't have a realtor, go to this site or this one.

Early Voting is Underway

Vote early to avoid the long lines on election day! Unless you live in the back of a cave or don't own a television set, you should know that it's election season. We've been bombarded with campaign ads, yard signs, automated telephone calls and postcards over the last month. All of this will be peaking in the next two weeks as we gear up for election day on November 7th. But you can avoid the crowds by voting early.

Here's WHERE to go if you live in Rutherford County:
Town of Smyrna Fire Dept. & Administration Bldg.
145 S. Lowry St.
Smyrna

Murfreesboro Sportscom
2310 Memorial Blvd.
Murfreesboro

Rutherford County Election Commission Operations Center
426 E. Vine St. Murfreesboro

Rutherford County Election Commission Office
(Elderly and Disabled Only)
No. 1 Public Square, Room 103 Murfreesboro

And here's WHEN to go for all locations:
Mon, Oct. 23 – Fri, Oct. 27: Noon – 7:00
Sat, Oct. 28: 8:00 – 4:30
Oct. 30 - Nov. 2: Noon – 8 p.m.

Here is a link to the Tennessean which provides information about candidates, issues, etc. Take the time to read what the issues are before you walk in to that voting booth! AND VOTE!


REMINDER: Don't forget Skate-for-the-Children on Thursday, October 26th from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Smyrna Skate Center. Proceeds will be used for "Christmas for the Children," a fundraiser that benefits the less fortunate kids in our community during the holidays. If you'd like to make a donation, contact Kathy Tyson at 491-2161 or Bob Parks Realty at 459-4040. This is the same night as Roy Waldron's Skate Night... families who are there for Waldron School will are invited to participate in the silent auction set up in one of the party rooms!

Hello JP Thuillier!

I wanted to give a shout out to JP THUILLIER from La Vergne - France. JP posted that he/she didn't realize there was a LaVergne in the U.S. See comments on post about "Fantastic News for LaVergne" for the comment posted on 22 octobre 2006.

Glad you were able to visit our blog... maybe someday you can visit LaVergne, TN, USA!

Halloween Information

Don't forget! LaVergne's Trail of Treats is coming up this Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 2:00 -4:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Park. It is hosted by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Children should come dressed in costume and will enjoy treats all along the walking trail as they go through the park. Events for the day also include a hay ride, spider web obstacle course, jumping through the pumpkin patch, and digging for bones in the graveyard. All activities are free of charge.

Also, Mayor Ronnie Erwin announced that trick-or-treating will be on Halloween next Tuesday, October 31st. Since we are not a "sidewalk community" we ask that everyone be extra careful that night when driving. Look out for our little ghouls, goblins, princesses, spidermen, light-saber-wielding Jedi, ballerinas, and hobos.


REMINDER: Don't forget Skate-for-the-Children on Thursday, October 26th from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Smyrna Skate Center. Proceeds will be used for "Christmas for the Children," a fundraiser that benefits the less fortunate kids in our community during the holidays. If you'd like to make a donation, contact Kathy Tyson at 491-2161 or Bob Parks Realty at 459-4040. This is the same night as Roy Waldron's Skate Night... families who are there for Waldron School will are invited to participate in the silent auction set up in one of the party rooms!

Skate Park could be shut down!

One of the coolest things about our community is the fact that we have a skate park for the skateboarders, roller bladers, and other skately type people in the community. Having a skate park gives our teenagers something to do instead of going out and causing trouble. Unfortunately, the skate park may be shut down because of the actions of some area vandals.

On Monday, the 16th, there was a meeting of the La Vergne Parks and Rec department. Sources tell me they were talking about shutting down the park, but haven't as of yet. Vandals have taken a hack saw and cut off one of the rails, knocked trash barrels over and let trash get all over the park, put graffiti on the walls, and have kicked panels out of ramps.

The skate park is a great, healthy way for teens and others to exercise and have fun. The actions of few could possibly ruin a wonderful community resource for many. Parents, I urge you to talk to your kids about this, perhaps if these vandals are caught, we could keep the skate park open.

If you have any information about the vandalism, you can contact La Vergne police and I expect an anonymous report could even be made.

There's more info at the Daily News Journal right here.

Bonjour LaVergne, France!

The amazing Angie Mayes sent me information today about an organizational meeting for students hoping to travel to LaVergne, France in the summer of 2007. You can read more about the meeting info at the bottom of this post. But let's talk about LaVergne France!



According to one website I found, the area of France in which LaVergne is located is famous for its "Pigeonniers." The people of France who raise pigeons use them for meat and dung (to fertilize their fields). The most exotic of these dovecotes is to be found at Lavergne between Gramat and Saint-Céré. Many old farms still have little square towers pierced with holes for pigeons.

Here is a link to a French holiday home located in LaVergne. Also a nifty picture of the LaVergne countryside.



Finally! I found a really great page that has photos of LaVergne, France. It describes the spectacular sunflower fields in the summers, the markets in nearby towns, and more.

And finally, Angie's information about the trip:

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. We do not have an itinerary as of yet, but hope have one to by the time of the meeting.

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.

FANTASTIC News for LaVergne

As this has been a very busy day, I didn't get this news out before now! Saw this as a breaking story in the Daily News Journal ...

LaVergne is getting its very own drivers license station!

Woot!

Here's an updated article from this morning (Thursday) published in the DNJ.

Holidays Bad for Some at Whirlpool

Whirlpool has announced it is laying off 150 workers from the LaVergne Heil Quaker Boulevard plant. With about 670 employees, this represents a layoff of 22% of its employees.

According to the Daily News Journal, the layoffs are expected in December. My sympathy to the workers losing their jobs during the holidays.

And the Winner Is ...

Someone in LaVergne has a winning lottery ticket!!! Click HERE to read the article in today's Daily News Journal. The Lotto Five winning numbers are 06-08-26-31-32. The jackpot is from Monday's drawing and is worth $48,448. Good luck!

Council Meeting Tonight

Article in this morning's Daily News Journal about our "new" face of local government and whether the three (plus one) will be a voting block. Trio claims there's no voting bloc is an interesting read and definitely food for thought. I'm thinking we'll see if they're true to their word in another year or so.

Unfortunately I have another obligation Tuesday night for the meeting, but if any regular folks like me are there, I urge you to speak up and tell what you'd like to see in this community! For example, what are the chances (I know probably "zero") of straightening Sand Hill Road. How about the community swimming pool? They should look into buying the land by the new schools from the Rutherford County Board of Education to build one there! Heckfire... the school board should GIVE the land to LaVergne if the city builds a pool and allows the schools to use it!

Anyway, the swearing-in is at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Citizens comments at 6:30 p.m. and public hearings at 6:45 p.m. Then the official meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Congratulatons to LHS BAND

Last night, LaVergne High School Marching Band competed in a marching competition at Austin Peay State University.

I'm not quite sure how many bands performed, I think it was about 20.

At 545 when the finalists were announced, LaVergne made the final 10.

The bands performance of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was spectacular.

I didn't hear what place they took in the final rounds. However, making the final 10 is a big deal in itself.

Congratulations LHS BAND!

I also want to congratulate Riverdale for making the final 10 and Smyrna High School for competing. It as a great day for a competition.

LaVergne Happenings Round-Up

I have delayed posting some of this information so that the "Skate for the Children" event wouldn't get lost. So here we go.

Homecoming at LaVergne High School
This is homecoming week at LaVergne High School. Check out this link (it opens a PDF file) for what's going on the remainder of the week and be sure to go to the homecoming game on Friday!

Quilt Giveaway
The La Vergne Senior Center is raising funds to support its program through a quilt giveaway. For a $1.00 donation, your name will be entered to win a beautiful queen size quilt made by members of the La Vergne Senior Center. This quilt is multi-colored in a pinwheel pattern. The pinwheels are bordered in bright aqua blue and the entire quilt border is a printed bright pink. This quilt will be given away on November 10, 2006. For more information, please contact the La Vergne Senior Center at 793-3048.

The La Vergne Senior Center will be holding a yard sale in the parking lot adjacent to its building at 337 Stones River Road on Friday, October 20, 2006. Members will be donating items to be sold for the sale and the community may also rent a parking space for $5.00 during the sale. For more info, contact the La Vergne Senior Center at 793-3048.

Western Square Dancing
Learn Modern Country Western Square Dancing Friday Oct. 13, from 6-9 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium, 283 Old Nashville Highway in La Vergne. Cost is $3 per person. This is ideal for early retirees. Have fun and exercise. Socialize and make new friends. No smoking or alcohol permitted on premises. Contact Kenn or Ellie Diesburg at 895-2933 or Sylvester or Ann Chambers at 459-2032. Sponsored by the La Vergne Parks and Recreation Department and the Tennessee Walkers Square Dance Club.

Community Clean-Up Day
A Community Clean-Up Day for the old road bed near the Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp, off Stones River Road in La Vergne, is set for Saturday, Nov. 11. The road bed is the location of the proposed Greenway, extending from the boat ramp along Hurricane Creek. The registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the clean-up will begin at 9 a.m.

Those interested in participating should wear long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves, if they have them. Everyone is welcome to help clean up. This is the perfect opportunity for schools, churches, community groups or citizens and families who want to be involved to take part in community service.

Lunch will be served at approximately 11 a.m. to all participants who help in the clean-up effort. For more information, contact the La Vergne Parks and Recreation Department at 793-3224.

Just for Kicks Tourney
The La Vergne Parks and Recreation Department will host the third annual "Just for Kicks" Kickball Tournament Nov. 4, beginning at 9 a.m. at the La Vergne Pee Wee Fields, at the back of La Vergne's Veteran's Memorial Park, 115 Floyd Mayfield Drive. Call the La Vergne Parks and Recreation Department at 793-3224 for costs and/or to register your team. The Parks and Recreation office is located at 294 Sand Hill Drive, behind the park.


Photo: Chad Williams throws the ball at the second annual "Just For Kicks" Kickball Tournament.

Fire Prevention Month
Also, October is Fire Prevention Month. This year’s theme is Prevent Cooking Fires. Watch what you heat.

“Kitchen safety is the main issue this year,” La Vergne Fire Marshal, Mark Sells said, noting that Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 8-14, 2006. “Between 1999-2002, there were 114,000 reported home fires associated with cooking equipment on average per year. There were an annual 290 deaths and 4,380 injuries due to these fires.”

Sells will begin going to Kindergarten through third grade classes next week to talk to the students about fire safety and escape plans from their homes. There will also be a poster contest acknowledging Fire Prevention Month. A winner will be picked from each La Vergne school and those will be sent to the state to enter the state’s contest. The state chooses a winner in November, Sells said.

That's it for now! Have a great Autumn day! Try to stay dry. Peace.

Skate for the Children Is a Moderate Success

After the last night's Skate for the Children, we still have a long way to go. Approximately $9,000 is still needed to make Christmas happen this year for the neediest children in the LaVergne and Smyrna communities. Although I'm an optimist, deep down inside I'm afraid that the "Christmas for the Children" will truly be cancelled this year. Let me add, though, that there are other organizations who will hopefully care for these children through their "angel trees" etc.

We received donations of time and money from all over the world - and enough inquiries that we plan to open a PayPal account later this week for others who want to donate.

In a wonderful act of charity, the Smyrna Skate Center has agreed to host a SECOND "Skate for the Children" this month! It will be held Thursday, October 26th from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. In addition, the Smyrna Bowling Center has offered to host a "Bowl for the Children." We will announce that date and time when we "pin" it down. (haha!) We are carrying the silent auction over the next event so more people will have the opportunity to bid.

Also, local musician and fellow realtor Doug Atkin has volunteered to help us put together a "Writer Night." We will be looking for a place to host a "songwriter" night for any of our local musicians to perform. We will probably charge an admission fee. Does anyone have a place they can allow us to use free-of-charge? Are there any musicians who may be willing to perform that evening?

Meanwhile, I am certain that part of the reason we gathered this evening was that great minds could come together to come up with additional fundraising ideas. We are very much open to ideas on how to raise money for the event. Thank you.

TONIGHT Skate for the Children

Come one, come all to the party that will benefit disadvantaged children in the LaVergne and Smyrna communities! SKATE FOR THE CHILDREN is being held tonight (Tuesday, October 10th) from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Smyrna Skate Center. The admission is $4.00 ($2 will be given to the cause) and $2.50 for skate rentals. A silent auction is planned for the evening. Donations include:

• Meal for 8 people donated by Mothership Barbeque
• Bowling Parties (2 parties for 6 people) donated by Smyrna Bowling Center
• Beautiful beaded jewelry (necklaces and earrings) donated by Jennifer of Glen & Jen's Blog
• Gift certificate donated by Hickory Falls Restaurant
• Gift certificate to Legends Steakhouse donated by Realtor Lory Breckler
• Gift certificate donated by Dan Good Ribs & BBQ
• One pound gourmet coffee donated by Starbucks
• Gift certificate for $10 vase of flowers donated by Tom's Flowers
• Gift certificate for $25 in fine jewelry donated by Sue's Custom Jewelry (link to world renowned Sci-Fi author Andre Norton article - Sue was Ms. Norton's caretaker)
• Two Music CD's by Realtor, Blogger, and Musician Doug Atkin called "An Offering of Musical Praise"

The silent auction will be set up in one of the party rooms. In addition, Arbonne is setting up another party room. Arbonne features all natural make-up, lotions, etc. The sales representative will donate a part of every sale this evening to the Christmas for the Children fund.

BIG NEWS: The Daily News Journal published an article about tonight's party. Kudos to the this major media outlet that has supported us in this process. Although she didn't take a byline, I want to thank Mealand Ragland for writing the article, Party to help pay for holiday presents. Thank you, Mealand!!!!

I also want to thank Tim of Tennessee Redneck in King Harald's Court for his work on designing this page. It is BEAUTIFUL! We are working toward setting up a PayPal account for anyone who would like to donate, but don't want to write a check. It may take me until later this week, however, because we're a tad busy right now!

Appreciation to Mark of Drama Llama for doing so much of the legwork today to make this evening possible. There are so many bloggers who have done a lot to help us, but I think Mark definitely deserves a hearty thank you from all of us for his extraordinary efforts.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING A HUGE TURN-OUT TONIGHT!!

See you there!

In Memory

UPDATE: It is with a heavy heart that we confirm Mr. Salisbury's passing. An anonymous commenter posted the article in today's Daily News Journal below, which is also linked here. Our deepest condolences to Mr. Salisbury's family and friends. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

An anonymous commenter posted this morning that Alderman-candidate Doug Salisbury passed away suddenly last night. I can't verify this, but if it's true please remember him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Here's a link to his letter he sent this LaVergne blog when he was running for election. In the letter is also a link to the web site he maintained regarding LaVergne.

Doug was not elected to the position of Alderman, but his work through the campaign and on his web page showed he loved this community from the bottom of his heart. If the comment is true, please rest in peace, Mr. Salisbury.

The Christmas Challenge Part II

Bob Parks Realty hosts a "Christmas for the Children" event annually to help impoverished children in the area. Unfortunately, the Christmas for LaVergne and Smyrna children may be cancelled this year because we have been unable to raise adequate funds to pay for it. Many thanks to the blogging community who have stepped up to the plate to help in the fundraising efforts. We need $12,000 at this point. Donations have begun to come in:


Logo designed by Tim of a TN Redneck in King Harald's Court. Tim offers this all the way from Norway. Wow. We are reaching across international boundaries to help our children.

MONEY DONATIONS
GlenBlogJenBlog
Ivy's Mom

TIME AND BLOG SPACE DONATIONS
This is Smyrna
Drama Llama (Mark has also secured the Smyrna Skate Center for us!)
Cool People Care (thank you Sam)
Big Orange Michael
Chip Manor
And Nashville is Talking

BUSINESSES
Smyrna Skate Center
Ernie Dunbar of Allstate
Smyrna, LaVergne, Murfreesboro & Nashville City Guides

As you can see, we have a long way to go. Please come to our "Skate for the Children" night on Tuesday, October 10th at the Smyrna Skate Center. Open 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Admission is $4 ($2 to go to the Christmas for the Children fund) and skate rental is $2.50. We will have donation buckets at this event if you'd like to give a little more (or a lot more), plus we'll be having a silent auction.

Join us, won't you?!

PS - Ingram and Bridgestone/Firestone and Waldenbooks and Hollywood Video and Nokian Tires and United Stationers and Quality Industries and Thompson Machinery and Square D and Whirlpool Corporation, where are you? We need you. Please help.

Note from Mayor Elect

Mayor-Elect Ronnie Erwin sent me this letter, which I'm happy to post here.

I wanted to thank everyone who voted for me during this week’s election. I will work – to be best of my ability – to make La Vergne a better city for not only its citizens but for the city employees and those visiting us as well. Being mayor is a huge responsibility, but I believe we have the staff to take care of things in the manner they should be handled. I have every confidence that we will be working for the greater good.

I will have an open door policy and welcome anyone to call me with comments, concerns, etc. any time they have them. My number is 394-2821. If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Once again, thanks to those people who voted to elect me as mayor of La Vergne. During the next four years, I hope to see even more improvements coming to our town in the form of upgraded infrastructure, new retail and restaurants and more. We are working for you the citizens to make this the best city to live in and hope that you will work with us to ensure the quality of life we all want for our families.

Thank you,

Mayor-elect Ronnie Erwin



Remember: Skate for the Children, October 10th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Smyrna Skate Center. Or contact Kathy T. at 491-2161 to make a donation to the Christmas for the Children fund.

Good Morning, LaVergne

Just a couple of quick links today. Today's Daily News Journal published an article about the day after the elections. It's pretty interesting because it details some of the reasons why people voted how they voted in the city elections on Tuesday. Read the article here.

Also, I want to direct you to comments by "anonymous" and by Angie Mayes about growth in LaVergne. Both these comments were very interesting as they talked about future elections being in November (with federal and state elections), the efforts to get retail in LaVergne, etc. I am blown away that our planning commission doesn't give final permission for specific stores to set up shop in LaVergne. I think maybe we need to examine our codes and perhaps change them so that the city has the same authority that Smyrna has in approving (or not) businesses that come in to town. At this point, if a developer owns land they can put whatever they want on it, as long as it's zoned right.

I also want to remind everyone about the "Skate for the Children" event coming up. Please help us to get the word out. In this past week, we've nowhere near raised enough money for the "Christmas for the Children" to continue this year. Do any of you candidates have any money left from your campaigns to donate to this event? Do any of you citizens want to donate $10 or $20? Businesses? Ingram, Bridgestone/Firestone? Can you help?


Remember: Skate for the Children, October 10th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Smyrna Skate Center. Or contact Kathy T. at 491-2161 to make a donation to the Christmas for the Children fund.

LaVergne in Five Years

Here's an editorial piece that was printed in today's Daily News Journal. I agree with so much of what was said in the piece, especially the following:

"Part of the problem is that La Vergne sits on Rutherford's northwest border and is so close to Hickory Hollow it hasn't been able to attract any large retailers. With more than 27,000 residents now, though, it should be one the brink of bringing home some shopping opportunities.

"Residents want the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to focus on commercial development instead of maintaining the trend of residential construction. We agree. La Vergne needs an outlet for people to shop in their own city, without going out of county."

Personally, I don't always "go out of the county" to shop - I skip over to Smyrna and Murfreesboro. But I would like to see more retail come to LaVergne - and no more auto parts stores. I don't really want to see more discount-type stores like Dollar Trees. Those ARE GREAT to have, but we have plenty already. I want to see a major catalogue-type store like Penney's or Sears. Here's an idea... there are no Meier's anywhere in this area. Maybe we could try to get one of those. It's a combo grocery clothing and other stuff store like Wally World.

I'd also like to see us open more restaurants and this time the community back it. I feel so badly for the little barbeque place that keeps opening under different names, then closing again. I am just as guilty as everyone else of not going there. I don't know why I haven't gone, but it's been at least two years. That's no way to support our small businesses in this community.

I applaud our leaders' efforts to attend the retail conventions. Some people may view as wasting tax dollars, but I completely disagree with that view. I think our leaders need to also attend conferences hosted by the national League of Cities. These organizations bring communities together to share ideas that work. We don't need to reinvent the wheel ... we need to identify what programs we really like that other cities have and learn how to bring them to our own community.

I would suggest that our community leaders hold a "brainstorming" meeting. Invite people from LaVergne to come with suggestions on where they want to see LaVergne in five years or ten years. Call it "Grow LaVergne" or something. When residents come, don't spend all your time talking with your buddies. Instead, open the floor and give everyone a chance to step up to the mic and share ideas. I think you'll be amazed at the scope and grandeur of what people will suggest. We have a lot of talent and intelligence in this town and I challenge our leaders to tap into it.

You could do a follow-up meeting on how to fund these ideas. Again, you'd be amazed at the ideas people come up with. For example (and I hope the answer is yes), does the city have a full-time grant writer?

So let's support our city's leaders. And I want to the leaders to also support the ideas and suggestions of the members of the community. You can start by looking to the people who didn't win the elections - they should obviously be your first choices to head up our committees and commissions. They had some fantastic ideas for our city and you need to listen to them. Let's come together as a community and embrace commercial growth and sensible development!

Remember: Skate for the Children, October 10th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Smyrna Skate Center. Or contact Kathy T. at 491-2161 to make a donation to the Christmas for the Children fund.

Election Coverage

Here are links to election coverage for the city of LaVergne.

Erwin Takes Mayor's Post - Daily News Journal

Erwin Elected Mayor in LaVergne - Channel 5

That's it. I couldn't find any more coverage anywhere. Went to the Tennessean, the Nashville Scene, Channel 2, Channel 4, the Fox channel. Nothing. Although the Tennessean did mention that Gallatin had elections yesterday, they didn't have election results. I guess everyone is more interested in the football playing, head stomping Titan, the Congressman who likes to send indecent messages to young boys, and the Corker v. Ford election.

Again, here's the link to the LaVergne page with election results.


Remember: Skate for the Children, October 10th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Smyrna Skate Center. Or contact Kathy T. at 491-2161 to make a donation to the Christmas for the Children fund.

Election Results

UPDATE at 10:40 p.m.: Thank you "anonymous" for sharing this link to the election results.

An anonymous comment on the post below and a brief news update on Channel 2 both confirmed the winners of today's elections in LaVergne:

Mayor: Ronnie Erwin
Alderman: Jerry Gann
Alderwoman: Sherry Green

Congratulations to the winners. Also, please allow me to congratulate the others who ran but did not win. I have a lot of respect for anyone who puts their name on a political ballot. I can't imagine that running for election would be a pleasant experience AT ALL, so I admire your spirit, your dedication to this community, and your willingness to step into the public eye like you have. Hold your heads high because we greatly appreciate you!!


Remember: Skate for the Children, October 10th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Smyrna Skate Center. Or contact Kathy T. at 491-2161 to make a donation to the Christmas for the Children fund.

Go Vote!

LaVergne is holding city elections today. We are voting for a new mayor and aldermen. Go vote!

Daily News Journal article

Here's an earlier article about today's election.

Again, go vote!

Pumpkin Farm Ready for Autumn

Walden Farm is open and ready for visitors! The Daily News Journal did a nice write-up today about the farm. If you have young kids or if you're young-at-heart, go find a pumpkin for yourself! It's a nice little getaway that can take a couple of hours or a half day. You'll be glad you did. For more information, click here: Walden Farm.

This should be a beautiful fall season. All the elements have worked together to make the foliage show beautiful! Take time to slow down and enjoy this crisp, delicious time of year!


Remember: Skate for the Children, October 10th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Smyrna Skate Center. Or contact Kathy T. at 491-2161 to make a donation to the Christmas for the Children fund.