Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association

MNPD participating in Second Harvest food drive

2009-11-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

The Metro Nashville Police Department is participating in a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank and encouraging residents to make donations of their own. If you'd like to donate food items, drop them off at the West Precinct (6730 Charlotte Avenue) Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 23.

Second Harvest is in particular need of the following items: peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, rice, beans, canned vegetables, canned meats and pasta.

West Nashville community coalition meeting rescheduled to Dec. 1

2009-11-09T17:04:00.000-06:00

The West Nashville community coalition meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 10), has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The meeting will still be held at West Nashville United Methodist Church (4710 Charlotte Avenue). The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

SPNA board meeting tonight (Nov. 9)

2009-11-09T11:57:00.000-06:00

SPNA will hold its monthly board meeting tonight (Monday, November 9) at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the intersection of 48th and Park Avenues. Tonight's meeting will include a discussion of SPNA's recently adopted by-laws as well as other current organization business. Hope to see you there!

Animal Control picks up three stray dogs

2009-11-06T11:12:00.000-06:00

Metro Animal Control Field Operations Supervisor Billy Biggs reports that the organization picked up three stray dogs yesterday as part of a sweep of the neighborhood. Please continue to call Animal Control at (615) 862-7928. This number is monitored 24 hours a day, so please leave a detailed message when calling.

MNPD apprehends suspected Target thief

2009-11-06T11:08:00.000-06:00

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

A tip to Crime Stoppers led to the identification of convicted robber Timothy Kelly, Jr., 23, as the man who stabbed a woman and robbed her of her purse October 27th in the Target parking lot at 26 White Bridge Road. Kelly is already in custody on other robbery charges. He was arrested Saturday by Hermitage Precinct Officer Jimmy Gregg who spotted the suspect getaway vehicle involved in the hold-up of a man seated in a car in the 1000 block of Thompson Lane. Kelly is charged with aggravated robbery in that crime. He is also charged with robbery for snatching a woman’s purse October 25th in the Wal-Mart parking lot at 7044 Charlotte Pike. He is currently being held on $100,000 bond.

A warrant charging Kelly with aggravated robbery has been issued in the Target case. Kelly, who is homeless, was convicted in July 2008 of robbing an 84-year-old man outside the victim’s 31st Avenue North residence. He was released on probation in January 2008 after serving one year. He violated his probation six months later for domestic assault (convicted) and was returned to jail. Kelly was released in April of this year. In 2002, at age 16, Kelly was convicted of aggravated assault in Bledsoe County. He served four years at the now-closed Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex.

Robbery reported on Westlawn Drive

2009-11-04T15:43:00.000-06:00

A neighbor has reported that the following robbery took place last Thursday:

I live [on] Westlawn Drive and want to report a robbery to the association so members of the community can be aware of this activity and take caution. The robbery took place on Thursday morning, October 29 between 9:10 am and 9:40 am (approximate time). The burgler(s) entered through a small bathroom window and exited through a side door.

I have heard from two neighbors they saw suspicious activity last week - one in the evening and one at 7 a.m. in the morning. Both occurances were on busy streets, Sloan and Murphy, respectively.

As always, please report any suspicious or criminal behavior you observe to the Metro Nashville Police Department at (615) 862-8600.

Sylvan Park School Songwriters Night Tuesday (Nov. 3)

2009-10-30T15:59:00.000-05:00

Celebrated songwriters Jeff Black, Matthew Ryan, Jonathan Yudkin and Bonepony will perform a benefit concert for Sylvan Park School at 3rd & Lindsley (818 3rd Avenue South) on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. They'll be joined by a special guest as well.

Tickets are $12 per person, and they can be purchased in advance. Proceeds from the concert will help cover the costs for improvements to the school auditorium.

West Nashville community meeting Nov. 10

2009-10-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

The next West Nashville community coalition meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at West Nashville United Methodist Church (4710 Charlotte Avenue). The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

The meeting is the latest in a series of meetings intended to foster communication and collaboration among neighborhood organizations, residents, law enforcement and business owners regarding issues facing the local community. Metro Council Members Buddy Baker and Jason Holleman and police officials are planning to attend. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, email Sherry Cothran at sdcothran@gmail.com.

MNPD looking for White Bridge Road Target robbery suspect

2009-10-28T13:18:00.000-05:00

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

West Precinct detectives are working to identify the man who stabbed a woman last night in the Target parking lot at 26 White Bridge Pike and stole her purse. The 46-year-old victim was talking to friends at 8 p.m. when the suspect approached her, stabbed her in the back without provocation, and fled with her purse in a late 90s or early 2000 model dark blue Ford Mustang occupied by at least one other person.

The suspect is described as a black man in his 20s or early 30s with short hair who is approximately 5’10” tall and who weighs approximately 160 pounds. The victim was transported to St. Thomas Hospital with a minor stab wound. Anyone who has information concerning this crime is urged to contact West Precinct detectives at (615) 862-7385 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Citizens can also send an electronic tip to Crime Stoppers by texting the word “CASH” along with their message to 274637 (CRIMES) or online at www.nashvillecrimestoppers.com. Persons who contact Crime Stoppers by phone or text message can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

Community meeting regarding West police precinct relocation Nov. 5

2009-10-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

Metro Council members Jason Holleman and Buddy Baker will host a community meeting next Thursday, Nov. 5, regarding the proposed relocation of the West Police Precinct. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Cohn Adult Learning Center Library (4805 Park Avenue). This meeting is free and open to the public, and neighbors are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions.

This is the subject matter of Resolution No. RS2009-979 which will be considered by the Metro Council on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. For further information, please contact Councilman Baker by phone at (615) 356-0714 or email at buddy.baker@nashville.gov. Councilman Holleman can be reached at (615) 269-6365 or by email at jason.holleman@nashville.gov.

Community meeting regarding adult bookstore this Thursday (Oct. 22)

2009-10-20T21:59:00.001-05:00

Metro Council member Jason Holleman will host a community meeting this Thursday, Oct. 22, regarding the recently opened Ava's Adult Bookstore on Charlotte Avenue. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Ann Catholic Community Parish Life Center (5101 Charlotte Avenue). This meeting is free and open to the public, and neighbors are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions.

SPNA approves new by-laws

2009-10-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

As many neighbors are aware, SPNA voted 14-10 to pass a new set of organizational by-laws at this month's membership meeting. The new by-laws, which include seven amendments proposed by individual members prior to the vote, are now available on the Web site.

As those who participated can attest, this was a challenging and imperfect process. Members have expressed an interest in having further discussion about the by-laws and any additional changes that may need to be made to refine them further. SPNA is planning to discuss the by-laws again at the board meeting scheduled for Monday, November 9. Please make plans to attend this important meeting.

Metro Planning Commission calls for public input on procedures

2009-10-14T15:32:00.000-05:00

From the Metro Planning Commission:

The Metro Planning Commission's Rules and Procedures Subcommittee is currently reviewing the Commission's rules and meeting procedures. The Subcommittee, which includes Commissioners Stewart Clifton, Judy Cummings, and Hunter Gee, welcomes both general and specific suggestions about the Commission's rules, what actions and topics should be part of the Commission meetings, and how those meetings should be conducted. Comments, suggestions, and other public input can be sent by email or by postal mail to the Planning Commission office at 800 Second Avenue South, PO Box 196300, Nashville, TN 37219. No cutoff date has been set, but submissions should be made as soon as possible.

WSMV-TV to air story on adult bookstore tonight

2009-10-12T14:24:00.002-05:00

WSMV-TV will air a story tonight, either during its 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. newscast, regarding the adult bookstore that has opened recently on Charlotte Avenue. Many neighbors are concerned about the bookstore's proximity to the neighborhood. Update: Here's a brief from WSMV-TV's Web site about tonight's story.

SPNA fall newsletter now online

2009-10-12T14:22:00.004-05:00

The fall edition of the SPNA newsletter is now available online. Issues were distributed to neighborhood homes earlier this month.

SPNA members to vote on new by-laws at meeting Monday (Oct. 12)

2009-10-09T13:37:00.001-05:00

SPNA members will decide whether to adopt new by-laws at the upcoming membership meeting on Monday, October 12, at 7 p.m. The revised by-laws are intended to replace the existing by-laws and better conform to the standards for non-profit organizations that are required by Tennessee state law.

The meeting will be held in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the intersection of 48th and Park Avenues. Please make plans to attend this important event.

Slow food dinner supporting Farmers Market tonight (Oct. 9)

2009-10-09T13:33:00.000-05:00

Fido Coffeehouse will host a seven-course slow-food dinner tonight (Friday, Oct. 9) at 7:30 p.m. to benefit the West Nashville Farmers Market. The meal costs $50 per person, and the proceeds will support the mission of Richland Gardens and West Nashville's growing local food movement. Email events@cafefido.com to make reservations.

Stray dogs reported Monday in Cherokee Crossing

2009-10-07T11:28:00.000-05:00

Neighbor Joan Hornberger reports another stray dog sighting yesterday afternoon:

I spotted 2 of the stray dogs on ... Cherokee Station Drive around 3:30 today....October 6th. I was walking my dog and as soon as I got back to my house and got my phone and the number for Animal Control, I looked out the window and the dogs were gone. I went out looking for them to no avail. Too bad! I believe that these two were among the dogs that were on my lawn all day Labor Day.

Metro Animal Control has stepped up its efforts to locate the stray dogs that have been reported recently, including setting traps to catch them. If you do see stray dogs or other animals in the neighborhood, please report by calling (615) 862-7928.

Good advice for dealing with stray dogs

2009-10-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

From neighbor Pat Williams:

Get a small (about four inches) air horn and attach it to their bicycle handlebar or their arm. I used to have one, and IT STOPS DOGS IN THEIR TRACKS!!! They FREEZE. Best thing I know of to protect yourself on a bike. I called around and Dick's Sporting Goods is the only place that has them (called Friedman's, Target, and a couple of other sporting goods stores). $7.95 at Dick's, and Walmart has them in the Spring and Summer, but not now.

Considering the recent reports of stray dog attacks in the neighborhood, you may want to follow Pat's advice if you are concerned about encountering unfamiliar animals. If you do see stray dogs or other animals in the neighborhood, please report them to Metro Animal Control at (615) 862-7928.

Sylvan Park Soccer still accepting signups

2009-10-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

Sylvan Park Soccer, an informal program for neighborhood kids, has begun its fall season. The program consists of optional practices on Wednesday evenings and games on Saturday mornings. It is intended to provide kids with an opportunity to enjoy friendly competition and learn the game of soccer.

Kids ages 4 through 9 are eligible to participate, and the program is still accepting registrations. Registration costs $40 per child and covers the cost of equipment and T-shirts. Practices and games are held at the Montgomery Bell Academy athletic fields (42nd and Nevada Avenues). For more information, visit the SPS Web site or email sylvanparksoccer@gmail.com.

Observe Walk Nashville Week (Oct. 3-9) starting this weekend

2009-10-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

From the Metro Nashville Codes Department:

Making Nashville one of the healthiest cities in America is everyone's goal in the community so October 3-9 has been declared Walk Nashville Week to celebrate and promote walking in your daily life and walking throughout Nashville.

The week will consist of Walk to Worship Day (October 3-4), Walk Your Neighborhood Day (October 5), Walk to Work Day (October 6), Walk to School Day (October 7),
Walk for Active Aging (October 8), and Walk to Lunch Day (October 9).
Walk to Worship Day promotes local congregations to walk to their worship activities on the weekend of October 3-4. Congregations are encouraged to develop walking groups, that will continue throughout the year.
Walk Your Neighborhood Day celebrates taking pride in your city and neighborhood. The Community Health and Wellness team is developing a printable booklet of various maps of community-based walks that will not only encourage physical activity but also
give you an opportunity to learn about Nashville history, along with a chance to appreciate your community.
Walk to Work Day asks Nashville workers to walk to work for the day and to consider walking to work more often in the future. The Community Health and Wellness Team sets up shop at various locations around town to provide free breakfast to walkers and to promote the day.
Walk to School Day is designed to increase students' physical activity levels, focus on the walk-ability of the surrounding environment, and increase safe walking skills. The Nashville Walk to School Day has been nationally recognized for its large participation numbers and health promotion aspects.
Walk for Active Aging promotes walking among senior citizens and the senior centers around Nashville. Maintaining physical activity into your senior years
continues to have a great benefit on your health.
Walk at Lunch Day promotes walking at lunch for the day. Area companies and local office buildings will be promoting walking groups from within to walk at lunch, and to hopefully continue these walking groups throughout the year.

Compost Bins Available from Metro Beautification

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

To encourage backyard composting, Metro Beautification and Metro Public Works have compost bins and supplies available at the Public Works Omohundro Convenience Center (1019 Omohundro Drive). The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

MNPD to relocate West Precinct closer to Sylvan Park

2009-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

As reported in the City Paper recently, the Metro Nashville Police Department will be relocating the West Precinct headquarters to 5500 Charlotte Avenue. This location is much closer to Sylvan Park than the current location, which should only help make the neighborhood even safer.

SPNA members to vote on new by-laws Oct. 12

2009-09-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

SPNA members will decide whether to adopt new by-laws at the next monthly membership meeting on Monday, October 12, at 7 p.m. The revised by-laws are intended to replace the existing by-laws and better conform to the standards for non-profit organizations that are required by Tennessee state law.

Earlier this year, SPNA president Wendell Goodman appointed a by-laws committee to review the organization's current by-laws. Recording secretary John Summers and steering committee member Margaret Holleman assessed SPNA's existing by-laws and compared them to the by-laws of other area neighborhood associations.

The committee developed new by-laws modeled on the by-laws of the Richland-West End Neighborhood Association. As required by the current by-laws, SPNA members voted unanimously at the September membership meeting to hold a vote regarding formal adoption of the new by-laws at the upcoming membership meeting. All current SPNA members are eligible to vote and are encouraged to do so, and a letter has been mailed to all members to this effect. Members will also have an opportunity to review any amendments to the proposed by-laws which are submitting in writing to Wendell Goodman by Oct. 5.

Here is a summary of the changes that will be enacted if the proposed by-laws are adopted. As required by state law, SPNA will be governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be elected by the SPNA membership at an annual meeting in December for the following calendar year. The Board will consist of up to 21 members. The Board of Directors will elect a slate of officers from the board upon its election. SPNA will hold monthly board meetings. SPNA board meetings will be open to the public and participation by the members. Membership in SPNA is open to resident homeowners in Sylvan Park and tenants who have lived in Sylvan Park for more than two years.

The by-laws vote by the membership marks the culmination of a lengthy process to review SPNA's existing by-laws. Please take time to review the current and proposed by-laws, which are available for review at sylvanpark.org, and to attend the October membership meeting to participate in the vote. Many thanks to Wendell, John and Margaret for their work in this effort.

Celebration of Cultures this Saturday (Oct. 3)

2009-09-28T07:30:00.002-05:00

The 13th annual Celebration of Cultures festival will be held at Centennial Park on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, and it has been named a Top 20 event in the Southeast for fall 2009 the Southeast Tourism Society. The celebration is intended to bring people together to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community. Showcasing the traditions, art and dance of more than 40 cultures, highlights of this year’s festival will include:

food from around the world
dance and musical performances on five different stages
a world Market featuring hand-crafted and imported items from around the globe
a children’s area featuring interactive dance, art, a children’s stage, puppet shows, and more
a Global Village offering a glimpse of daily life in countries such as Panama, India, Mexico, Bolivia, Somalia, Japan, Jamaica, China and Kurdistan
TEENS UNITED!, an area where local teens from different countries will showcase their cultural traditions, dance, and more.

The event is presented by Scarritt-Bennett Center and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation. Free parking is available in the ground-level HCA parking lots off 25th Avenue North and throughout Centennial Park. All kinds of information about the festival, including performance times and a festival map, is available at the organization Web site.