Councilman Summers adds overlay bill to council agenda (May 30)

As many of you may have learned today (as I have), Councilman John Summers has requested that a bill to establish a conservation overlay be added to the agenda for the Metro Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday night, June 5.

As anyone who has lived in Sylvan Park for any length of time is aware, this has been a contentious issue in our neighborhood. There are strong opinions on both sides of this issue, and I encourage anyone who is passionate about this issue to share their opinions with the Metro Council. It is an important part of the political process that the voices of neighborhood homeowners and other residents be heard.

This has not been an issue that the SPNA steering committee has discussed during the course of this year. SPNA has focused the entirety of its time and resources in 2007 on activities and initiatives that bring our neighborhood closer together and ultimately serve the greater good for Sylvan Park.

Win your own gravestone! Memorial Day Dash this Monday (May 28)

Believe it or not, you have an opportunity to win your very own tombstone this coming Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day). The Nashville City Cemetary Association is holding its annual Memorial Day Dash, and the overall winner will receive a very unusual trophy: an engraved limestone grave marker from Hunt Memorials that is a replica of some of the oldest headstones found in the cemetery.

Here’s more information from neighbor Jason Holleman, who is serving as race director for the event:

Memorial Day is just around the corner (May 28th), and this year’s Memorial Day Dash 5K is gearing up for an expected 300 runners and walkers to participate in one of Nashville’s annual traditions.

The race starts at Greer Stadium at 8 a.m., winds around the baseball field’s warning track, and then goes up and through Ft. Negley before heading downhill to the finish at the City Cemetery. This year, participants will be able to see the beginning stages of the implementation of the recently-funded $3 million cemetery master plan, which will bring much needed maintenance to deteriorating and vandalized markers and will add improved walkways and increased fencing and lighting throughout the property.

This family-fun event is the Nashville City Cemetery Association’s (NCCA’s) biggest fundraiser and all proceeds go towards the restoration and preservation of the Nashville City Cemetery…

All race participants receive a t-shirt and the chance to compete for door prizes to area attractions, which are awarded after the race…

For more information and race registration go online to www.nashvillestriders.com or contact Jason Holleman at (615) 975-7235. For more information on how you can support the Nashville City Cemetery Association go online to www.thenashvillecitycemetery.org.

John Miglietta in today’s Tennessean (May 23)

Kudos to neighbor, SPNA steering committee member and TSU professor John Miglietta (above), who has a column on American-Russian relations in today’s issue of The Tennessean. Here’s an excerpt:

While it may seem that the two countries are headed toward a new period of hostility, this does not have to be the case. Both countries have interests in common, such as combating terrorism and having mutually beneficial trade relations. Policymakers in Washington need to be sensitive to Russian security concerns about the growth of American political, economic, and especially military presence in former areas of Russian control and influence.

Also, it is easy in elections to demonize a potential adversary to gain political advantages. All parties must be careful to avoid rhetoric and actions that could disrupt relations.

Both the U.S. and Russia have taken steps to tone down their rhetoric. Let us hope this could be continued and be translated into their policies, as well.

Good work, John!

John Miglietta in today’s Tennessean (May 23)

Kudos to neighbor, SPNA steering committee member and TSU professor John Miglietta (above), who has a column on American-Russian relations in today’s issue of The Tennessean. Here’s an excerpt:

While it may seem that the two countries are headed toward a new period of hostility, this does not have to be the case. Both countries have interests in common, such as combating terrorism and having mutually beneficial trade relations. Policymakers in Washington need to be sensitive to Russian security concerns about the growth of American political, economic, and especially military presence in former areas of Russian control and influence.

Also, it is easy in elections to demonize a potential adversary to gain political advantages. All parties must be careful to avoid rhetoric and actions that could disrupt relations.

Both the U.S. and Russia have taken steps to tone down their rhetoric. Let us hope this could be continued and be translated into their policies, as well.

Good work, John!

Major drug bust at Charlotte Pike Krystal

MNPD is reporting the following arrest at the Krystal on the edge of Sylvan Park:

An investigation by West Precinct undercover detectives resulted in the seizure of 57 pounds of marijuana Saturday night and the arrest of an Arlington, Texas, man. Leon Valdez, 27, drove to Nashville in a rented Lincoln Continental.

Valdez was parked outside the Krystal Restaurant at 5209 Charlotte Pike when officers became suspicious. The area had been under surveillance because of suspected drug activity. A K-9 Unit was called and a search of the vehicle uncovered several bags of marijuana inside the Lincoln’s trunk.

Valdez is charged with possession of marijuana for resale and is being held on $500,000 bond. The estimated street value of the marijuana is $60,000.

Great work, officers! Thanks for working to keep the neighborhood safe.

R2D2’s cousin?

No, but I can sure see a resemblance looking at this electrical equipment sitting beside Murphy Road. It’s part of the work NES is doing to upgrade the transmission lines that run along the street.

R2D2’s cousin?

No, but I can sure see a resemblance looking at this electrical equipment sitting beside Murphy Road. It’s part of the work NES is doing to upgrade the transmission lines that run along the street.

Richland Creek Run photos now online

Thanks also to Rob Stack, additional Richland Creek Run photos are now online. Check out the RCR Web site to take a look.

Briley, Dean visit SPNA

Mayoral candidates David Briley (left) and Karl Dean each attended SPNA membership meetings earlier this spring to discuss their campaigns. Thanks to Rob Stack for capturing both candidates in action. (Be sure to check out Rob’s updated Web site, too!)

Did you miss Briley and Dean when they stopped by? You still have an opportunity to see them along with fellow candidates Bob Clement, Buck Dozier and Howard Gentry on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at Montgomery Bell Academy. All five candidates will participate in a forum regarding the mayoral race. Mark your calendars. More information to come soon.

Lost black lab last seen in Sylvan Park

Richland-West End resident Marcus Powell lost his dog, a female black lab weighing approximately 50 pounds, early Sunday morning. She was last seen in Sylvan Park. Marcus says that the dog (pictured above) has a green collar with a brass name tag. She is shy and may run when approached.

If you see this dog, please email Marcus at jmarcuspowell[at]gmail.com.