Dream Centers of Tennessee Community Business Fair

CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS MANAGERS!!

BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK AND PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS AT THE

COMMUNITY BUSINESS FAIR ON JANUARY 29, 2011!!!!!

Please forward this email and spread the word of great opportunity to others!!


Where: Hickory Hollow Mall - Center Court
When: Saturday,January 29, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM


Click Link for Further Information and for an Application To Rent a Booth for This Great Event!

Metro targets Antioch's stray dog problem

BREAKING NEWS - Federal Judge In Virginia Strikes Down Health Care Mandate

Channel 5 - Breaking News

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A federal judge in Virginia has declared part of the Obama administration's health care reform law unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson is the first judge to rule against the law, which has been upheld by two others in Virginia and Michigan.

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli filed the lawsuit challenging the law's requirement that citizens buy health insurance or pay a penalty starting in 2014.

He argues the federal government doesn't have the constitutional authority to impose the requirement.

Other lawsuits are pending, including one filed by 20 states in a Florida court. Virginia is not part of that lawsuit.

The U.S. Justice Department and opponents of the health care law agree that the U.S. Supreme Court will have the final word.

Tenn 911 centers to install texting system

The Associated Press
Posted 12/12/2010 1:20 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's 911 dispatch centers will soon be installing new digital equipment capable of receiving texts, but officials say it may be a while before the system works effectively.

Tennessee is one of several states working to install the Next Generation 911 statewide. Besides texting, the new system will also allow picture and video messages. Installation is scheduled to begin next month and is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.

Duane Phillips works at a 911 center in Tennessee. He told WPLN-FM that 911 is a 10 digit number like everything else, "so when you dial 911 it actually goes to the phone company who reverts that to us over our 10 digit number."

Officials said getting a text message to make that sort of conversion is up to phone companies that offer messaging services. There are 14 of them in Tennessee and nearly 200 nationwide.
Rex Hollaway, who directs technical services for Tennessee's 911 system, said emergency texting should be uniform across state lines. He said that means state agencies and phone companies getting on the same page.

"Because ... I travel all over the place, I don't want my phone to work in this state or this county and not work in the next state," Hollaway said.

However, Chris Walker, director of public affairs for AT&T in Tennessee, said texting was never meant to be used for an emergency.

"It's easy to send a text and say, 'I'm picking up groceries,'" he said. "But if that message doesn't get through, it's not life threatening."

Many emergency officials wonder if the Federal Communications Commission will need to step in to make new mandates for cell phone companies before the new system will work.

"We're not even sure if we are going to regulate 911, if we are going to regulate texting or if texting will play a role in NG911," said Patrick Donovan, an attorney in the FCC's 911 rules division. "We certainly hope it will."

Snow continues across region, Dangerous wind chills expected

WKRN - Channel 2 News

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Light snow and snow showers are expected to continue across the Mid-State overnight Sunday into Monday as temperatures dip into the teens with wind chills near zero.

In Nashville, the snow began falling around 12 Noon Sunday. As of Sunday evening, Nashville and surrounding areas reported more than two inches on the ground.

Two to four inches were expected in counties to the west of Nashville, with four to six inches forecasted for the Cumberland Plateau.

A wind chill advisory is also in effect for most of Middle Tennessee.

Wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits to below zero Sunday evening into Monday morning.

Monday's high temperature is only expected to be 22 degrees.

TDOT is keeping a close watch on road conditions throughout Tennessee. Crews began preparing trucks on Friday evening.

"We're putting out brine on fly over's, ramps [and other] places that tend to freeze," said TDOT District Supervisor Burel Tidwell.

TDOT and the Tennessee Highway Patrol remind motorists to dial *847 from any cell phone if they become stranded or need assistance while driving on Tennessee roadways.

The snow has forced several school districts, including Metro Nashville, to close on Monday. Click here for a complete list.

Beginning at 4:30 a.m. Monday, view live road conditions via USTREAM and News 2's Jerry Barlar.

Visit NashvilleWX.com for the latest forecast and radar conditions.

Recent Crimes Reported on SpotCrime

Theft
12/05/10 08:30 AM.
16XX LONGHUNTER LN NASHVILLE

Burglary
12/06/10.
FLINTLOCK CT AND 19XX NASHBORO BLVD NASHVILLE

Burglary
12/07/10 07:30 AM.
9XX LONGHUNTER LN NASHVILLE

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Mindy

NES to launch new outage map for customers

STAFF REPORTS • November 24, 2010

Nashville Electric Service will soon unveil a new and improved interactive tool using Google’s mapping technology to track power outages.

The outage map will be available at http://nespower.com/OutageMap/default.aspx.

The map offers a view of outages across the NES system, pop up boxes for additional details, and a drill down capability to identify streets without power.

The map is updated every 15 minutes.

The outage map uses color-coded icons to indicate the number and location of customers without power in the NES service area.

Here is some advice to best use the tool:

*Click on the icon for information about the outage.
*The map view can be customized by selecting the Satellite, Hybrid or Terrain options.
*Click “+” to zoom in, click “–” to zoom out.
*Use the arrows (upper left of map) to navigate up, down, left, or right.

'Consumer Reports' unveils naughty, nice retailers for shoppers

Customer policies determine rankings
By Becky Yerak • CHICAGO TRIBUNE • November 23, 2010

CHICAGO — Just in time for the holidays, Consumer Reports has released a list of 10 companies that it believes have been naughty to shoppers, and 10 that have been deemed as nice.

The Naughty & Nice Holiday List is based on input from Consumer Reports' reporters and editors who cover such areas as shopping, travel, hospitality and telecommunications.
Consumer Reports notes that the Naughty & Nice Holiday List is based on specific policies and doesn't reflect the company as a whole.

Who's naughty
The 10 companies called out for naughty policies, in no particular order, are:

Verizon Wireless: Doubled to $350 the early termination fee imposed on consumers who cancel their smart-phone contract after the 30-day grace period. Verizon kept the penalty at $175 for consumers with conventional cell phones.

Macy's: The department store chain calculates its freight charges on the dollar amount of the order, not the size and weight of the package. The base fee is $5.95 for orders less than $25, to as much as $23.95 for those $300 or more. And that's standard delivery.

CompUSA: For imposing restocking fees of "up to 25 percent" of the purchase price on any product the retailer decides doesn't meet its return criteria. And it doesn't spell out which products are subject to such a fee.

Buy.com: No returns for TV sets 27 inches or larger. If you fail to inspect the set upon delivery and sign the shipper's release, Buy.com says it's your problem and deal with the manufacturer. Its website also lacks a phone number, Consumer Reports says.

Best Buy: Offers a 14-day grace period to return computers, monitors, camcorders and digital cameras.

Spirit Airlines: The carrier, which pioneered "ancillary" fees among domestic airlines, charges for carry-on bags: $30 in advance, $45 at the gate.

Dollar car rental: Dollar demands that customers present a receipt to prove that they filled up the tank within 10 miles of the drop-off location or face a fee to top off the tank and the labor required to do so.

SanDisk: It's a big fan of issuing rebates in the form of gift cards, which have no cash value and must be redeemed for merchandise.

United Airlines: United offers customers a low-price guarantee. Find a lower fare on the company's website for the same itinerary you booked, and United will give you not only the lower fare but also a voucher good for 20 percent off your next purchase. But if you have a nonrefundable ticket — the type most people buy — and find a cheaper flight, United imposes a $150 "administrative" fee to make the change.

DirecTV: The California-based satellite TV firm, which has more than 18.7 million subscribers, has a policy that extends a customer's contract for an additional 24 months if new equipment is added. If you want to cancel your service, the penalty is an early termination fee.

Who's nice
And here are the 10 who landed on the nice list:

Southwest: Two pieces of checked luggage, no charge. And that includes bulky stuff such as golf clubs and skis.

L.L. Bean: 100 percent product satisfaction guarantee. Return anything at any time for any reason.

Zappos.com: Free shipping and free returns, including prepaid return label.

Costco: Open-ended return policy for virtually everything the warehouse retailer sells, minus some home electronics, which still come with a 90-day return period.

U.S. Cellular: While the FCC proposes that cell carriers alert consumers about to exceed their plans' monthly allotment of minutes, which could lead to significant overage charges, U.S. Cellular is giving its customers a heads-up.

Orvis: Shoppers can call a toll-free number and speak to a human being. It also offers live Web chat with support staff, e-mail queries and a guaranteed response time of two hours or less.

Hotels.com: The travel website never charges a fee to cancel or change a room booking. But consumers should still check the hotel's reservation policy to avoid any penalty imposed by the chain.

J&R: The electronics superstore and e-retailer has a price-match policy with few caveats and fine-print exclusions: Find it at a lower price at an authorized seller (the exception being a warehouse membership club) and "we will do everything possible to meet or beat that price" via a special telephone hot line. J&R also gives customers 30 days to ask for a price adjustment on existing orders if they find a lower price.

Walmart: No receipt, no problem. Customers can return most items to a Walmart store for a cash refund (for purchases under $25), a gift card (for purchases over $25) or even exchange. There's one catch: More than three such returns within 45 days requires a manager's approval.

Publix: If you need an antibiotic, the Florida-based supermarket chain will have its pharmacies dispense up to a 14-day supply for some of the most common generic ones, for free. All you need is a proper prescription.

Some generations grow weary of baby boomers

I thought some of you would find this article interesting.

Spotcrime Crime Alert Viewer for Nashville (37217)

This is a list of crimes that have happened within in 5 miles of Nashboro Village Area During the last few days!

Click on the above link and you can have the list to see what is going on around us and also if you like, you can sign up to have the alerts come directly to you.

Thanks,

Mindy

Nissan recalls 600,000 vehicles

ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 12, 2010

DETROIT — Nissan Motor Co. is recalling more than 600,000 vehicles in North and South America and Africa because of steering or battery cable problems.

Explore now...

The Japanese automaker said Thursday that the steering recall affects 303,000 Frontier pickup trucks and 283,000 Xterra sport utility vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and other Latin American countries. Nissan said a corrosion problem with the lower steering column joint and shaft can limit steering movement, making the vehicles difficult to steer. In some cases the corrosion can cause the joint to crack.

Nissan also is recalling 18,500 Sentra sedans because of a battery cable terminal connector problem that can make the cars difficult to start or stall at low speeds.

The Frontiers covered by the recall are from the 2002 through 2004 model years and were made from July 9, 2001, to Oct. 20, 2004, in Smyrna for the North American market, Nissan said in a statement. Frontiers made from Nov. 30, 2001, to June 26, 2008, in Curitiba, Brazil, for South and Central American markets are in the recall.

The 2002-2004 North American Xterras in the recall were made from July 9, 2001, to Jan. 6, 2005, also at the Smyrna plant. Xterras made from Feb. 17, 2003, to June 13, 2008, in Curitiba, Brazil, for South and Central American markets also are affected.

Owners will be notified in early December when parts are available. Dealers will fix the problem at no cost to the owners.

Extra snooze hour? Don't sleep on it, expert says

WKRN
Posted: Nov 05, 2010 11:52 AM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Standard time arrives Sunday at 2 a.m. and that "extra hour" is an illusion for many of us.

Dr. Beth Malow, the director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Disorders Center in Nashville, says the clocks will change, but it will take more, well, time for most people's systems to adjust. She says some may feel the benefit of sleeping in for 60 more minutes on Sunday morning but many will not.

Malow says some people's internal clocks are stronger than others.

In Lexington, Ky., operations minister Nate Collier of Broadway Christian Church found the congregation was 26% larger on the first November Sunday of 2009 than it was the week earlier.

In 2008, there was a 16% increase in attendance.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Crime Watch 2.0: Nashville neighborhoods try anti-crime signs

I think this is a great idea and will look into the signs to see if we have to pay or if I can get from the District 29 Alliance.
Mindy


By Stephanie Toone • THE TENNESSEAN • November 1, 2010

Would-be criminals have a message waiting for them in the yards of 85 different homes in East Nashville, Antioch and Germantown.

The two piercing eyes on black-and-white signs relay to criminals that burglaries will not be tolerated in those neighborhoods, said Manuel Delgado, Eastwood Neighbors Association member.

“You’re being watched,” Delgado said. “We want to get that image burned in people’s minds. We hope those with the intent to break in will pause and move on.”

Delgado and Gracie Vandiver, co-chairs of the association’s crime and safety committee, developed the sign idea this summer. By September, the association began selling the signs to residents throughout the area, Vandiver said.

Nashville photographer and designer Alison Slamon designed the signs, and they sell for $10, which covers the cost of printing and contributes to the association’s crime prevention projects.
The signs remind residents to call the Metro police department’s non-emergency number, 615-862-8600, if they see suspicious activity.

“It’s Neighborhood Watch 2.0,” she said. “They’ve (criminals) seen the old signs so much they ignore it. Hopefully, the signs will serve as a reminder to residents to trust your gut if you see something suspicious.”

Vandiver said she was motivated to raise awareness about crime when her East Nashville home was burglarized in May. She started talking to her neighbors after the break-in and realized the need for neighborhood crime prevention.

“One of my neighbors said she saw someone looking in her neighbor’s window, but she didn’t call the police,” she said. “The police can’t be everywhere, but we have to inform them when we see something suspicious.”

East Precinct Cmdr. Bob Nash said the effort could have an impact on crime in East Nashville and other neighborhoods. Residential burglaries in Nashville neighborhoods have increased over the last six months, he said.

“This is one of the ways we can fight the burglary problem,” Nash said. “We have to use different strategies to combat it. Crooks will see that this neighborhood is engaged.”

Wags and Whiskers, at 1008 Forrest Avenue, serves as the vendor for the crime watch signs. The Eastwood Neighbors Association will print 100 more signs this month, Vandiver said.

Bob Acuff, who holds weekly meetings on crime in East Nashville, said he has purchased a sign for his Woodland Street home because he wants his neighbors to know he’s watching out for them.

“Police officers can ride the neighborhood, but they don’t know the neighborhood better than the neighbors,” he said. “This gives our neighborhood a little energy. It’s a great idea.”

Reach Stephanie Toone at 615 259-8079 or stoone@tennessean.com.

Subject: Antioch's Gran Dale Mansion to get makeover

Hello District 29 Neighbors:

The Glendale House in Nashboro Village which we affectionately call, The White House, is getting a make over. For the past months since June, Mr. David Waynick, the proud owner and his crew has worked tirelessly on this jewel in District 29. I have discussed with Mr. Waynick at length about the great work that he is doing and his love for preservation. Check out the article that appeared in the Tennessean Davidson AM about a week ago. Here is the article just in case you missed it! Enjoy!


Gratefully, Vivian

To view the contents on http://www.tennessean.com/, go to:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201010121410/DAVIDSON/101012073

Hickory Hollow Mall leases go to Metro Council

Metro to pay $1.8M annually for space in Hickory Hollow
By Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • October 26, 2010

Metro government would pay more than $1.8 million a year to lease space at Hickory Hollow Mall for several city facilities under plans Mayor Karl Dean has sent to the Metro Council.

The three lease agreements, with terms of 10 to 15 years each, call for Metro to rent more than 350,000 square feet in the former J.C. Penney and Dillard's buildings and in nine spaces on the mall's first floor. The city eventually would have options to buy the Penney and Dillard's buildings.

Dean announced last month that he planned to build a community center, a library, a public health center, a park, and the Tennessee State Fairgrounds flea market and expo center at the mall near Bell Road and Interstate 24. His administration filed the lease proposals with the council office Friday, giving them a chance to win final approval by mid-December.

Under the three agreements, Metro would:

• Lease 138,189 square feet in the J.C. Penney building for $690,945 a year — $5 per square foot. The city would be able to buy the building from Hickory Hollow/SB LLC for up to $4 million after two years, with the purchase price dropping with each passing year.

The two-story Penney building would house a 23,000-square-foot library and archives reading room; a new home for the library system's archives; and a 25,000-square-foot regional community center. A "multi-acre" public park would sit in front of the building, which would have 362 parking spaces.

• Lease 200,000 square feet in the Dillard's building for $1 million a year, also $5 per square foot. Metro would be able to buy that building from Hickory Hollow/SB LLC for an estimated $5 million after four years.

About half of the purchase price, which would drop by $200,000 each year, would repay Hickory Hollow/SB LLC for building out the space for Metro's use as a flea market and expo center.

Dean wants to redevelop the fairgrounds, which will stay open until the mall is ready for its events.

Hickory Hollow/SB LLC still needs to close on its purchase of the facility from Dillard's, Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling said.

• Lease 15,351 square feet of reception and clinic space from Hickory Hollow Mall Limited Partnership for the public health center on the mall's first floor. Metro would pay $12 to $16.12 per square foot over 15 years, with annual rent starting at $184,212 and ending at $247,458.

The agreement says Metro ultimately could consolidate the services it offers in that space with programs in other "mutually agreeable space" owned by Hickory Hollow Mall Limited Partnership or any of its affiliates.

The city also can terminate the lease with 90 days' notice if it loses federal funding.
Hickory Hollow owner CBL & Associates Properties Inc., which is based in Chattanooga, controls both of the entities Metro is negotiating with, Riebeling said.

Contact Michael Cass at 615-259-8838 or mcass@tennessean.com.

Crime Meeting

Just to let you know that Vivian Wilhoite (Council Woman of District 29) and I are trying to put together a meeting for all of District 29 to get together to discuss the crime issues and what we all can do to keep our neighborhood safer.

I will be going to speak to The Management Group of The Apartments, today to discuss security issues and what they are doing.

Will keep you all updated, because the meeting should be soon!!!

The Nashboro Greens Underground Blog Goes National

thoora - Discover what the world is talking about! They Felt that our blog had important information to share so they have a feed of our blog running on their site!

What does Thoora do?

Thoora is a new and unique service that helps people discover the news attracting the most attention within social and traditional media. In real-time,

Thoora identifies the most interesting stories by exploring the entire blogosphere, Twitter and nearly 5,000 traditional media sources to determine the stories attracting the most blog posts, comments, tweets, and news coverage.

Thoora then clusters the strongest “signals” from each media “silo” – blogs, Twitter and traditional media – to put the spotlight on the stories that people are really talking about.

Metro police inform residents on gang related activities

WKRN Channel 2
Posted: Oct 16, 2010 7:10 PM CDT
Antioch residents learn about gang activities

ANTIOCH, Tenn. – Metro police held a presentation to inform people about gang related activities on Saturday morning.

Dozens of Antioch residents attended the presentation, which was held at the Spirit of Life Church, to learn more about gang issues.

The presentation consisted of a slide show that showed the history of gangs and also explained gang hand signs, colors and symbols used by gang members.

"It really concerns the citizens when they start seeing these [gang] names, whatever gang name they use. People don't know the symbols," Councilman Robert Duvall told News 2.

Metro police explained to attendees that not all graffiti is gang symbolism.

"It's not all gang related, but it is all vandalism, so it is important to get that taken care of," Sergeant Suzanne Stephens told News 2.

Most of the citizens that attended Saturday's meeting not only fear gang-related activity, but also have sympathy for the kids that get involved with gangs.

"Kids start getting into gangs because they are intimidated, because they are not feeling loved," meeting attendee Linda Polk said, adding, "It's up to adults to start stepping up and letting these kids know we do them."

Brother Craig Schaub is the pastor of the Spirit of Life Church where Saturday's meeting was held.

He told News 2 he feels that kids are getting involved with gangs due to deterioration of families.

"Everyone is looking for someone to look up to," Schaub said.

He said that if children can't look up to someone at home, then they will look elsewhere.

Updated Info man Arrested In Connection with Nashboro Village Shooting

Channel 5 News
by Chris Cannon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro police have made an arrest in the Friday afternoon shooting of a woman in Nashboro Village. 18-year-old Jessica Biggs was shot during a possible carjacking at the Village Green apartment complex.

Late Friday night, police arrested 17-year-old Richard Starks and charged him with especially aggravated robbery in connection with the shooting.

That shooting happened at 3:40 p.m. on Village Green Drive in Nashboro Village.

Police said two women drove up to the apartments. That's when two men came up to the car and demanded them to get out. The women refused, and that's when police said one of the men opened fire through an open window.

"When she didn't get out of the car, fired a couple of rounds, one hitting her in the chest, the other hitting her in the leg," according to Metro Police Lieutenant John Drake.

Biggs was rushed to Vanderbilt University Hospital where she was listed in critical, but stable condition Friday night.

Starks is believed to have been acquainted with at least one of the women. He will be charged with especially aggravated robbery in Juvenile Court.

Police are investigating and said the shooting could be gang-related.

"We have had some incidents of gang activity. I don't know if it's related to this or not, but we are pursuing that lead as well. We do have a gang detective here that's looking into it. As of right now, we don't know until we identify suspects or persons of interest," said Drake.

Alice Stinson was inside her apartment when she heard the gunshots in her building's parking lot.

"And I looked out the window and all I saw was one little kid running and I could see the girl went to open the door and fell right in the door," Stinson explained.

This all happened outside her second floor bedroom window.

"All I could hear was her screaming, oh I can just hear her screaming, talking about 'somebody help me, don't let me die,'" Stinson said.

The shooting happened in the middle of the afternoon with many children in the area.

"Just seeing that is traumatic and makes you worry about the kids future over here and how safe are they," according to Teresa Stinson.A year ago this week a 21-year-old man was shot and killed not too far from the site of Friday's shooting. His death was linked to gang activity.

Email: ccannon@newschannel5.com

Woman Shot In Car Outside South Nashville Apartments

updated: Oct 15, 2010 7:44 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro police said a woman was shot during a possible carjacking at an apartment complex in South Nashville.

It happened around 3 p.m. on Village Green Drive in Nashboro Village.

Police said two women drove up to the apartments. That's when two men came up to the car and demanded them to get out. The women refused, and that's when police said one of the men opened fire through an open window.

One of the women was hit in the chest and leg. She was taken to the hospital, and is expected to live. The two suspects ran off, and police are still searching for them.

Police are investigating and said the shooting could be gang-related.

"We have had some incidents of gang activity. I don't know if it's related to this or not, but we are pursuing that lead as well. We do have a gang detective here that's looking into it. As of right now, we don't know until we identify suspects or persons of interest," said Metro officer John Drake.


Posted: Oct 15, 2010 5:18 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 15, 2010 5:44 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro police are investigating a shooting at an apartment complex in South Nashville.

It happened around 4 p.m. on Village Green Drive in Nashboro Village.

Police said two women drove up to the apartments. That's when someone ran up to the car and opened fire on the woman in the passenger seat. Police said the suspect and the driver of the vehicle took off.

The woman was transported to the hospital, but her condition is unknown.

Police are investigating and searching for the shooter.

As I find more info I will update the blog..

Fire severely damages Nashboro Village Townhome

WKRN Channel 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One man was taken to the hospital early Thursday morning following a fire that broke out in the kitchen of his Nashboro Village townhome.

Nashville fire officials said the blaze began around 4:30 a.m. in the complex located on Long Hunter Court.

Crews extinguished the fire quickly, but the townhome suffered heavy damage.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the one unit.

"Each apartment on each side is all good," a fire department chief said, "but, for us to be able to take a row of six units like this, knock out a fire in the downstairs of one of them, and have everybody else go back home, is pretty good. The guys did a good job this morning."

The victim was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He is expected to be okay.

The Red Cross will offer their assistance, officials said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Antioch's Gran Dale Mansion to get makeover

By Juanita Cousins • THE TENNESSEAN • October 12, 2010

An antebellum house that has hovered between icon and eyesore could soon become a hub for the Antioch community.

Former Mt. Juliet Mayor David Waynick bought the Gran Dale Mansion in June with plans to move his Donelson law office to its second floor and create a community facility on the ground floor.

Construction began in August with Waynick recruiting his father and son to tear down rotting wood and scare snakes away.

Pending Metro Planning Commission rezoning, he plans to open in December.

“I hope it will be an asset,” he said. “I’ve received a lot of calls from people who are appreciative. It’s nice to have that kind of response.”

The house dates to an era before Nashboro Village was first built in the 19th century. During the Civil War, it was a hospital for the Union forces.

Confederate spies were hanged on its lawn. The Dale family bought it in 1930, adding two side wings.

In recent years, the 15-room home has remained vacant and was a source of tension between residents and development.

A developer petitioned Metro to demolish the historic home and replace it with a Kroger grocery store and asphalt parking lot in 1996. Residents objected.

Eventually, the developer and grocery store won a rezoning case and the home was moved to an adjoining seven-acre tract.

With plans to turn the historic home into a bed and breakfast, wedding chapel or restaurant, resident Bob Amity won the Gran Dale from a pool of several people who submitted proposals. After banks denied him a second loan, the mansion faded from memory.

“It was something the community members were really concerned about,” said Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite. She took turns doing neighborhood watch duties to keep squatters and vandals away.

“The difference that Mr. Waynick’s renovation makes is that it gives another sense of community,” Wilhoite said. “His vision is broad but centered around the community.
Everyone is elated because what happens on that property bleeds over into our residential properties.”

Waynick is working with the Metro Historical Commission to preserve the mansion’s integrity. He has preserved its original wood mantel and will keep its 15 rooms in the same layout.

“I am a big believer that properties like that should be shared with the public as much as possible,” Waynick said.

Reach Juanita Cousins at 615-259-8287, jcousins@tennessean.com or Twitter.com/talljournalist.

Board Meeting September 16, 2010

Missing Meeting Minutes for June, July, and August

Board Meeting
September 16, 2010

Present: Anthony Miller, Fran Oroson, Gary Petersen, Justin Sauer Jim Curley

Monthly financials were reviewed and accepted. There were two expenses paid during the month that were not ordinary expenses:1) house repairs due to water damage in unit 207, and 2) repairing the garage front in unit 138. Unit 136 needs the same type of repair done and is scheduled to begin in a week or so. A reimbursement check was sent to Unit 207 for repairs the Board agreed to pay for. Unit 207 also requested his unit be power washed; however, this request was declined because all units will be power washed as soon as bids are received, and it is more cost effective to do all units are one time rather than one at a time. Gary Petersen wrote a letter to the owner of Unit207 outlining what the Board approved and disapproved and the reasons why.

Jim Curley Properties (JCP) was asked to get pricing for power washing, and gutter cleaning and replacing where needed.

Delinquencies are down and the largest delinquency has been paid by the court.

JCP advised that it is now possible to get insurance for sink holes. Since we have already experienced two rather large sink holes in our community the Board requested JCP check into the premium for this coverage.

It was suggested that an escrow account be set up for gutter replacements, and the Board agreed that this should be included in the 2011 Budget. JCP was instructed to have the 2011 Budget ready for review by the November Board Meeting. It was the view of the Board the gutters probably should be cleaned three times per year, rather than twice as is now being done.

Unit 183 requested permission to build a fence in the back of the unit. This fence will be like the ones already in other units and was approved.

Nine cars were towed between September 2 and September 11th. JCP and the Board experienced some unhappy residents and some praise from others. The owners of Unit 121 requested they be reimbursed for the cost of towing their son’s car. After discussion the Board voted against reimbursement. Several letters have been sent telling everyone cars would be towed if parked in the visitor’s only space that did not indicate they were visiting and to which unit they were visiting. Cars illegally parked in visitor only spaces will continue to be towed. There was discussion about having parking tags for residents and getting specific visitor stickers. The Board decided that residents who park in their garages and driveways really didn’t need tags. And residents who have guests need only put a visitor’s sign their guest’s car window, with the unit number where the guests are staying, the date, and how long they will be visiting. There still will be no parking on the street.

At the Nashboro Village Master Association meeting the possibility of having a 24 hour drive security service was discussed. It was suggested that if all the associations were to go together to pay for this service it might be more cost effective. Fran and Gary attended this meeting and received the quote for this service -- $10,388 per month. Even with dividing this amount among all of the associations it was the consensus that The Greens did not have the funds to participate in this service.

JCP was asked to send a letter to all Greens residents advising them there will be three Board positions open at the 2011 Annual Meeting. Anyone interested in becoming a Board Member should let JCP know.

Due to health issues Marissa Harpley resigned from the Board effectively immediately. Bob Wolfgang was asked to come back onto the Board and has agreed to do so.

The next Board Meeting will be October 21, 2010, 6:00 PM. Location to be determined, as the club house at Deer Field is booked for another group.

Respectfully submitted,


Anthony Miller

Do No Forget About Saturday!!

If anyone can help with making some signs to put around the other neighborhoods that would be great!!!

2nd Annual Gargage Sale - Anyone interested?

It is time for our 2ND Annual "Nashboro Greens" Garage Sale!



When: Saturday, October 9, 2010

Time: 6AM-??? (we had a very early turnout for the last sale)

Where In Front of Your Garage!!!


Needed: People to help put up signs around the area the Thursday or Friday before the event!

I will place Ads like I did last time in local papers, local networks and so on.

If you are interested in being part of this event please just let me know by emailing me at mssphotography@aol.com, with your Unit# and your Name!

We had a great turnout for the Spring One so Hopefully we will have the same results for this one!!!

Thanks,

Mindy

(This is not an HOA Sponsored Event)

Emily Stone's Crime Watch (Tools to Track Criminals in your Neighborhood

This article originally appeared on the website Criminal Justice Degree and thought that it supplied some important information. One of my clients is a crimionologist and passed this piece onto me...

Just as technology advances, so too does crime. The good news is that crime fighting and prevention tools are also available on the web. Thanks to recent laws certain criminals and crimes are required to be reported and are available as public information. This can include everything from type of offense, to address of the offender, and even a picture of him or her.

So you are able to cut down on your Google time and more of it spent looking out for yourself, family, and friends, we have gathered ten free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood. They range on everything from search engines just for crime to an iPhone app that can literally save your life or the life of a loved one.

1. Crime Reports All you need to do here is type in your street address to begin getting crime reports. A street number, city, or zip code can instantly pull up crime reports in that area. You can sort by crime, date,

and distance. Click on analytics to choose your jurisdiction or click on home to get more.

2. USA on Watch This national organization is dedicated to help you track crime in your neighborhood. The program allows citizens to help in the fight against crime by being more observant and involved in the well-being of their communities. Visit to find a program in your neighborhood, register one, start one, and much more. Be sure not to miss the Resource Center with loads of free tools.

3. Family Watchdog This site’s tagline is “awareness is your best defense.” They help this happen by helping you find offenders in your area, free alerts, and much more. You can also take advantage of their statistics, product recalls, and safety tips.

4. LiveSecure Click here to get a free DVD just by entering your information. Each package contains a child ID kit, where you can store your child’s photo, fingerprints, and other information. Dr. Van Zandt is an expert in crime and has many other crime fighting and tracking tools on his site, including a regularly updated blog.

5. AMBER Alerts Standing for America’s Missing: Broadcasting Emergency Response, this system was named after a young child was abducted and murdered in 1996. These alerts are distributed whenever a child is abducted and at serious risk for harm. Clicking on this site shows all the active AMBER alerts across the nation and can be clicked on for more information. The site even offers live support online.

6. McGruffVisit here to get free online tools for the kids to help track crime at home. They have games, polls, and even a club for them to join. Current hot topics include how to stop bullying.

7. National Crime Information CenterGo beyond free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood with this national site from the FBI. The NCIC currently contains over 15 million active records in 19 different areas on everything from terrorism to sex offenders. There is also a site especially for law enforcement, kids, and other crime prevention resources. You can also submit a crime tip and report internet crime.

8. National Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenThe days of the milk carton are long over with the help of this site. A simple visit brings up the pictures of missing children. You can also do a search for children who are or may be missing in your area. Topics include safety, information on sex offenders, natural disasters, and much more. There is also a cyber tipline where you can report child pornography or suspected child exploitation.

9. Do Not Call RegistryDid you know that under certain circumstances a soliciting telephone call can be a crime? Keep this from happening in your very own home by registering your phone number here. Phone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently and do not need to be re-registered unless you wish to remove it. It is completely free and can be used for a home phone or cellphone number.

10. Silent BodyguardNot exactly a free tool to track crime, it can still save your life for only 99 cents. It is an iPhone application that acts as a silent alarm alerting your emergency contacts of your location- without alerting an onlooker or an attacker. In two easy steps you can alert your emergency contacts of an urgent situation and option it how you want.

If the above top ten free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood have peaked your interest, try visiting the Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security. The DOJ offers updates on crime statistics, various resources, and even a blog. The DHS can help your family stay safe whether in your own neighborhood or traveling abroad. Popular searches on the site include case stats, forms, green cards, passports, and threat levels.

Crime Watch - Sunday Night 9-12-2010

I just wanted to leave everyone a big thank you, if you were one of the many people that called the police last night after the gunshot(S) was heard. I think that is why we had a very quick response from the Police in this matter.

Details are still going back and forth what really happened, but the shot came from the corner of Longhunter and Nashboro Greens Entrance.

Like I have stated before, from the meetings I have had with other Neighborhood Watch Groups, HOA Groups, and the Police, if you hear or see something that does not look or sound right call the Police. They would rather come out here for nothing then not be notified.

The only way we get more Police in our area is to report any incidents.

If you do not call! How are the Police or your Neighbors Supposed to know what is going on!

------------Updates For September------------------

• 

Hello All! Hope You are Having a Great Summer! I just figured

I would give you some updates and Hopefully Set a Date for another Garage Sale!

**I let the HOA that I do not have the Minutes for the Meetings of May-June-July- August for the Blog. They do not appear on the Website either.

**Do you all know that if you have a visitor and they are going to be parking in the guest parking they need to put a note on their dashboard stating "Unit # they are visiting - and the Dates they will be staying at your house"?

Also, is anyone ready to have another "Garage Sale"? We had a good turn out for the first one and also know to start it off earlier!!!

How about Saturday October 9, 2010 for the next one? I will need some help with getting signs around this year, due to illness, if people would like to help. I would appreciate it....I will post AD's like I did last time.......

Hopefully, we can all plan on maybe a get together sometime after the Garage Sale!!!!

Any other questions or to let me know about the Garage Sale just feel free to leave me an email @ mssphotography@aol.com

I will be Appearing at the Summer Fest @ The Dive This Weekend!

I will be showing off my photography this Saturday and would be happy if you have the time free you could stop on by and see all the great crafters.

Thanks,
Mindy

Where: The Dive (515 2nd Ave South)
Time:10am - 4pm
When:Saturday August 21st 2010

We are so excited to be teaming up with The Dive in Downtown Nashville in host our first ever Summer Fest!!

This is going to be a fun filled day of shopping, friends, family, food and more. We are looking forward to bringing you a great event for the whole family. This will be a great time to start your Holiday shopping while getting great deals from our local work at home and small business owners.

End of summer sales, and fun for everyone!!!!

If you cannot attend just send me an email and y.ou can check out my work at my house.

Email: Mssphotography@aol.com

Nashville loses video of 1,300 traffic stops

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Metro Nashville police say a computer software problem has blanked about 1,300 police dashboard camera videos. The loss puts prosecution of some DUI and aggressive driving cases in doubt.
The president of the software provider, however, said the program worked correctly.

The Tennessean quoted police officials who said the video erasures occurred when the department tried to install a flawed electronic update to its system in May.

Police spokesman Don Aaron said the majority of the lost video was recorded traffic stops and the department believes electronic evidence of some DUI arrests no longer exist.

"We are pretty incensed," said police spokesman Don Aaron.

The prosecutor's office says the loss could hurt cases.

"Once we identify each case that has an associated video that has been lost, it definitely hurts the prosecution of the case," said Assistant District Attorney Kyle Anderson, head of the prosecutor's Vehicle Crimes Unit. "It's always problematic going forward when there was a piece of evidence that existed and it no longer does."

Reached at her office in Lenexa, Kan., on Friday, Laura Owen, President and Chief Operating Officer of ICOP Digital, Inc., said the company's product wasn't at fault.

"ICOP's software performed exactly as it was designed to do, given the settings that were applied by the Nashville police department," she said.

Owen said the erasure came not from hard drives in the police cars, but when the data was downloaded to digital servers for storage.

The original loss was close to 1,600 files, but some of the data has been recovered, Owen said. The remaining files are not retrievable.

That was possible because of a "safe delete" feature of the software that allows deleted files to be recovered, based on the maximum number of days the user selects, Owen said.

The department has used the$100,000 system for more than a year.
It was purchased in late 2008 and has been installed in six cars used by the DUI squad, four cars used by the aggressive driving unit and two cars assigned to the fatal crash team.
___
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

Nashville launches Smart911for emergency calls

The city announced Friday the launch of Smart911, which allows people to submit information such as medical conditions or disabilities through a secure web site that can be accessed during an emergency call.


Emergency Communications Center Director Duane Phillips said they see a growing number of calls from mobile phones and this service would help them more efficiently process emergency calls.

The web site is www.Smart911.com

Updated neighborhood crime report for Davidson County

Over-the Counter Medicine Recalled

Channel 5 News

Check your medicine cabinet. More over-the-counter medicines are being recalled.



Saturday, Johnson and Johnson announced the recall of 21 lots of the drugs after complaints of a musty or moldy odor.

The expansion recall includes certain types of Children's Tylenol as well as adult-strength Benadryl, Motrin I.B., Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Day and Night and Tylenol P.M.

Johnson and Johnson says there is no risk of serious health problems from the odor.

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE - NO CHARGE - Passed on by the HOA

Everyone should do this and keep copies!!! If you have NOT already done this, do it NOW!!!

Not A Joke!! Even If you dislike attorneys..You will love them for these tips.

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards . Instead, put ' PHOTO ID REQUIRED .'
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers . The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine . Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards..

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6.. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to do this.)
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number.. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit..

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks..

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289 1-800-680 7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271 1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything.

If you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.

I have also come upon a place that you can obtain your credit reports for free (you must be careful, because many of the places offer free reports - but they are not free). I used it and it is free! People should run their reports once a year because you never know what you are going to find out. I found that I have lived in places, I have never lived,
or even know where they were and also utilities bills showing that I had used it CT (10 years ago)...

www.annualcreditreport.com

Stay Safe.

Mindy

Car stickers could help diabetics get help faster

By Christina E. Sanchez • THE TENNESSEAN • July 1, 2010

Diabetics have warning bracelets and wallet cards to alert emergency responders to their health condition, and now they will have car stickers to hasten their chances to get lifesaving care.

The Nashville area today joins a growing initiative in Tennessee called "My Diabetes Alert," a free program that provides diagnosed diabetics with a window sticker for their vehicle. It is supposed to make law enforcement and emergency personnel aware that a person who is driving erratically on the road or has been in an accident could be having a diabetic attack.
For Josh Overstreet and other diabetics, quick care could mean life or death if blood sugar drops too low or goes too high.

"I think it's great that they are coming out with stickers and training law enforcement to be able to know how to help a diabetic," said Overstreet, who blacked out a year ago while driving when his blood sugar dropped too low. The 25-year-old Hermitage resident drove into five cars, finally stopping after he hit a retaining wall.

Baptist Hospital in Nashville and Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro are heading up the local sticker program in a joint effort with the founders, Wellmont Health System in Northeast Tennessee. The hospitals believe that at least 10,000 people would be eligible to get the sticker. Any diagnosed diabetic can sign on to the program, with documentation from a doctor.

Tennessee has among the highest diabetes rates in the country, with more than 13 percent of people suffering from the chronic condition.

"It's a serious thing," said Mary Gaines, program director for Baptist and Middle Tennessee Medical Center diabetes centers. "The more we do to educate people about ways to take care of diabetes, the more we improve chances that they will get the best help possible at the most crucial moment."

'Educate community'
My Diabetes Alert began in Northeast Tennessee in three counties — Hawkins, Washington and Sullivan — in November 2009. More than 2,000 stickers have been distributed in those counties, which have among the highest concentrations of diabetes in the state, ranging up to nearly 16 percent of the population, said Jim Perkins, diabetes program director for Wellmont.

"We were seeing more people with hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events while on the roadways, and we developed this window sticker to help folks with diabetes," said Perkins, who also is a member of the state diabetes advisory council. "We want law enforcement to be aware of this, and to educate the community."

Some people aren't aware of the symptoms of a diabetic attack. Victims may be dizzy, confused, nervous, agitated or drowsy. They also could have fruity breath or start to vomit.

In Overstreet's case, his blood sugar levels had dropped to 27, well below the ideal 80 to 120 range. His blood sugar kit inside his car eventually alerted the police officer who followed him that he might be a diabetic. He suffers from Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, in which the pancreas can't produce insulin. It is different from Type 2 diabetes, which typically appears in middle age and often is connected with obesity.

During his erratic driving incident, the police officer thought Overstreet was drunk. "He tried to stop my car, but there isn't much you can do when you have someone passed out behind the wheel," Overstreet said. "He even videotaped me because he thought I was drinking."

That's exactly the misconception that Perkins hopes to change for diabetics. Besides stickers, the diabetes alert program also gives police pocket cards on what to look for.

"The sticker can be an indicator for law enforcement that something else is going on," Perkins said.

Lt. Teddy Douglas with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said it's another tool to help law enforcement officers do their job. "It's a great thing, and it's going to be a big help to emergency medical professional if they get to a crash scene where there is a diabetic," Douglas said. "It may help them get the help they need quicker."

Find where to watch fireworks

Davidson County:
Nashville:

•Nashville Zoo

"Red, White, and Zoo", July 3, festivities 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Riverfront Park, Downtown

- Fri., July 2: General Jackson cruises at 1:30 and 4 p.m., fireworks at 8 p.m.

- Sat., July 3: Festivities begin at 12 p.m., live music at 8 p.m., fireworks to follow

- Sun., July 4: Festivities begin at 12 p.m., live music at 2 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
 
•Greer Stadium

- Chestnut Street, south Nashville

- Fireworks following the Nashville Sounds game

TPAC Presents series includes Liza Minnelli, Bill Cosby, 'Stomp' and more

By Fiona Soltes • FOR THE TENNESSEAN • June 27, 2010


What better way to celebrate veteran status than by rolling out a lineup of long-loved art?

This fall, as Tennessee Performing Arts Center marks its 30th anniversary, the organization adds to its already-announced HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC series with a roster of tried-and-trues: Bill Cosby, Liza Minnelli, Les Misérables and more, most of it under the banner of "TPAC Presents."

"We wanted a 30th anniversary celebration that included some audience favorites, so we are bringing back some of our past big hits as well as offering some new shows," says Kathleen O'Brien, TPAC's president and CEO.

One of the "new" shows is contemporary dance/visual theater company MOMIX's Botanica, Moses Pendleton's latest work. The critically acclaimed "visual spectacle" based on nature's seasons has sold out houses across the globe.

"Botanica is an exciting new work — filled with color, special lighting effects and illusion — that integrates the performing arts with science, geography, self-expression, communication and more," O'Brien says. "Bringing MOMIX to Nashville is a perfect illustration of our purpose, the reason why TPAC was founded 30 years ago. Our mission is to offer rich, diverse programming for audiences of all ages."

Pendleton, whose celebrated career goes back further than TPAC's beginnings, brings new meaning to that diversity. He found inspiration for Botanica, he says, amid his own expansive Connecticut sunflower garden.

"Flowers have a great deal to tell us, but they don't have a voice," the enigmatic artistic director and choreographer says. "Artists have to go out and translate for them. . . I find that being in the garden is the very process of finding your soul in the soil, and the magic and mystery of all of this is something I think a lot of people are being denied. I think there should be more attention spent to unplugging at least for a while, on going out and experiencing something."

He speaks of not having much patience for sitting still and staring at "blue screens," though he's always wired and downloading ideas into an MP3 player while he's out in nature

"Many of the ideas I might not have thought of otherwise, I get while I'm moving," he says. "You let the changing light or the smell of June grass or the movement of the trees, whatever it is, affect you. . . . In a way, I'm collaborating with all of these elements."


The piece, which debuted in Italy before hitting the United States last year, has been lauded for its athleticism, whimsy, outrageous costuming, and use of music ranging from Vivaldi to natural birdsongs.

Here's how it fits into the overall lineup:

An Evening with Liza Minnelli, 8 p.m. Nov. 13: The Tony Award-winning songstress offers a rare concert appearance with her quartet and special guest Billy Stritch.

Bill Cosby, 4 and 8 p.m. Jan. 15: The award-winning comedian, actor and author brings his unique voice to the stage.

Ella, March 1-6: The new musical highlights the life and music of Ella Fitzgerald with an onstage band.

MOMIX Botanica, 7:30 p.m. March 3: The piece explores the natural world through dance and illusion.

Les Misérables, May 17-22: The iconic show, one of the best-attended musicals in TPAC history, receives a restaging for its 25th anniversary. Les Mis is presented as an HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC "special."

Stomp, June 14-19: This audience favorite, considered an "adventure in percussion," includes performers who create rhythms through everyday objects.

The Color Purple, June 21-26: The well-received musical, adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Steven Spielberg's film, sold out earlier this year, so it returns for another engagement. Like Les Mis, the show is presented as an HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC special.

Health-care safety net may come too late for many

Bosses, workers, states face health-care crisis

By Noam N. Levey • TRIBUNE WASHINGTON BUREAU • June 28, 2010

WASHINGTON — Despite passage of the landmark health-care overhaul this spring, the nation's existing health system is continuing to fray, raising the prospect that the country could experience a crisis before the law establishes a new safety net in 2014.

Three months after President Barack Obama signed the law, state governments struggling with budgets savaged by the recession are contemplating further cuts in health-care aid for the poor, despite the promise of more federal dollars.

At the same time, several million laid-off Americans and their families who have used federal assistance to hold on to health insurance will lose coverage in coming months as the special assistance program expires. Those with jobs face their own challenges as employers continue to look for ways to pare health benefits and shift more costs to employees, if not drop health coverage altogether.

And people in all walks of life face rising health-care prices and skyrocketing insurance premiums, which in many parts of the country are rising at double-digit rates this year.

"If the economy does not improve substantially, we may be taking some steps backward before we take steps forward," said Ron Pollack, a supporter of the health-care overhaul who heads the consumer group Families USA.

Worse before better
Obama's senior health-care adviser acknowledged that the road ahead may be rough. "Will plans continue to raise prices? Will some people continue to lose coverage? I think the answer is yes," said Nancy-Ann DeParle, head of the White House Office of Health Reform. "It is something we are concerned about."

DeParle called the next several years a "bridge period" until 2014, when Americans will get guaranteed access to health coverage along with billions of dollars of federal subsidies to help them pay their insurance bills.

The Obama administration thinks a series of initiatives in the new health-care law will help hold the line during this period.

Since the law's passage, administration officials have begun offering new tax breaks to small businesses to encourage them to offer their employees health benefits. The administration is developing regulations designed to increase oversight of insurance companies and prevent major rate increases.

The Department of Health and Human Services is working with states to set up high-risk pools for people who have been denied coverage.


"I think we have tools that will help make things better than they would have been" if the health-care legislation had not passed, DeParle said.

Costs outstrip aid
Early research suggests that some of the short-term aid in the health-care law, such as $5 billion for new high-risk pools, may be inadequate.

"This is not about health-care reform," said Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health, an organization of large employers that provide coverage to 50 million workers, retirees and dependents. "It's just existing pressures on the system. It's business as usual."

In a March survey, a sampling of 507 large employers reported that their health-care costs would jump an average of 6.5 percent this year, slightly less than last year, but still more than three times as fast as prices are rising in the overall economy.

Many large employers are shifting more of those costs onto employees. Small businesses, which are less likely to offer their employees health benefits, are under even more pressure as they wrestle with insurance premiums that are shooting up by more than 20 percent in some parts of the country.

More businesses appear to be either cutting benefits or shedding employees to offset rising health-care costs, according to early responses to an economic survey by the National Small Business Association due next month.

COBRA subsidy wanes
So far, federal and state officials have managed to hold together a health-care safety net with the help of billions of dollars of stimulus spending authorized by Congress last year. Washington provided an estimated $2 billion in 2009 to help more than 2 million people and their dependents hold onto their health benefits after being laid off.

Now, under pressure to control spending, Congress appears certain to end the COBRA assistance, which provided unemployed workers with a 65 percent subsidy to help them pay their premiums. Normally, people who lose their jobs but want to keep their insurance through COBRA must pay the full cost of the premiums, making it unaffordable for most.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are moving to provide states with money to prop up their Medicaid programs, which have seen a huge surge in enrollment since the recession began. For many, the extra aid is not expected to be enough.

Fed website to list health-care plans

Costs, benefits data to be added

By Phil Galewitz • KAISER HEALTH NEWS • June 24, 2010

Wish finding health insurance were as easy as shopping for an airline ticket?

A federal government website that starts July 1 takes a step in that direction. The site, for the first time, will give consumers a list of all private and government health-care plans for individuals and small businesses in their areas.

The nation's new health-care law requires the site (http://www.healthcare.gov/). Initially, it will provide just basic facts, such as the names of companies, health plans and Web links. Beginning in October, it will list detailed cost and benefits information. Consumer groups and insurers are clashing over exactly what information should be displayed.

"What we are trying to do is create some order in the marketplace," said Karen Pollitz, a top official at the new Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the Department of Health and Human Services.

She acknowledges the site won't be the Expedia of health care any time soon: "This ain't like buying a plane ticket; it is much more complicated."

For example, unlike the popular travel sites where people can immediately buy an airline ticket, consumers will have to contact insurers directly to sign up.

Insurers including UnitedHealthcare and Aetna say HHS is going too far in planning to list certain data, such as the percent of claims that health plans deny, the rate at which they cancel policies after customers get sick and the number of times patients appeal coverage decisions. They say the data would mislead potential customers.

"Let's do what the legislation sets out and not overcomplicate, which will lead to consumer confusion and higher costs," said Aetna spokesman Mohit Ghose.

Consumer groups such as AARP and Families USA say the data are vital in helping people pick a plan.

The site can "be the great equalizer so consumers can have equal access to information and be on the same playing field as insurance companies," said Elisabeth Benjamin, co-founder of Health Care for All New York, a consumer health- care coalition. "The government needs to make the information as open as possible."

Big change in 2014

The site aims to help consumers navigate the insurance market. The main part of the health overhaul law takes effect in 2014, when there's a major expansion of insurance coverage and the creation of new state-based health insurance exchanges, which are marketplaces to make it easier for individuals and small businesses to buy insurance. These exchanges will have their own websites.

"It is a very important first step to give consumers the information they need so insurers are competing on quality of care and customer service," AARP lobbyist Paul Cotton said.

HHS has said that in October, when it will begin listing premiums for insurance plans, it will use what Pollitz calls "sticker prices." Actual rates could be significantly higher, based on an individual's health status. Until 2014, insurers are allowed to charge sicker people more and to deny applications altogether.

UnitedHealthcare is concerned that consumers could misinterpret even those base prices. The company wants the site to list average prices.

Consumer advocates such as Benjamin say consumers should be able to get exact prices from insurers on the site. That could require patients to submit detailed medical histories, at least until 2014.

Some Photos Around "The Green's Community" - More to Come

Davidson County neighborhood crime report May 28-31

Board Meeting May 19,2010

Present: Fran Oroson, Gary Petersen, Jim Curley
Absent: Anthony Miller, Justin Sauer, Marissa Harpley

We did not have a quorum present at the meeting. However, we did go through the Agenda Items for reporting purposes for the Association Members who read the Minutes on the website.

The Minutes for the April meeting were approved by the Board Members via e-mail before they were posted on the website.

There were not unforeseen expenses for the month and we are within budget on all accounts. There were a few roof leaks reported after the heavy rains Nashville experienced, and Jim Curley Properties (JCP) reported they had been addressed and repaired to the best of our knowledge. Water leaks are very hard to locate, as where the water seen is not necessarily where it is coming into the property.

It has been recommended that new bushes be planted at the front entrance of The Greens. JCP will talk with the landscaper and see what type of bushes would be best suited for that area and report back.

A third new tree will be planted at unit 279. The owner has requested her tree be replaced again. For some reason, either the soil there is bad or it doesn’t get enough water, but the trees planted there do not do well. JCP will check into the best type of tree to be planted there and it should be replaced in the next week or two.

We continue to have problems with cars parked in the visitor spaces and on the street. JCP will be coming out and putting tags on all cars parked in the visitor spaces stating this is the last warning. If these cars are found in the visitor spaces again, they will be towed. Any cars parked on the street will be towed. The towing expense will be the responsibility of the car owner. There are a limited number of reserved spaces available at a monthly rate, just contact JCP.

All street lights that have been reported as not working have been repaired.

There will be no Board Meeting in July, unless a special meeting is called. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2010 at 6:30 pm, Deerfield Club House (unless otherwise notified).

Respectfully submitted,

Fran Oroson

District 29 - Cleanup Saturday May 22, 2010

(Sorry for the late notice, but I just received today)

The Alliance of District 29

Spring/Summer
Great American Clean-up
Saturday, May 22, 2010
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Smith Springs Church of Christ • 2783 Smith Springs Road


7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Clear signs off intersections, telephone poles and public rights-of-way.


9 am - 11am Swap Shop

If you are bring something that you do not want and someone wants it, you can have it.

What not so used items that is left by 11 am will be provided to Goodwill.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 Donate your not-so-used clothing to Goodwill.
 Shred all of your confidential documents for FREE.
 Throw away your large household items until the roll-off bins are full.
 Donate your old cell phones and chargers to domestic violence shelters.
The shelter will give your old cell phone to victims to call for help.
 Donate your soda can tabs to help the Ronald McDonald House.
 Sign the District 29 Community Pledge to help keep our neighborhoods clean.
 Get a FREE T-shirt, gloves, trash bags and flower seeds.
 Get with neighbors to clean-up eye sores areas in your immediate neighborhood.

FEMA representatives will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 Bring a lawn chair for fun, fellowship and food after the clean-up.


Sponsored by The Alliance of District 29 with help from friends:
Mayor Karl Dean & Shred-It
The Office of Neighborhoods Call for Help
Metro Beautification Publix

Questions? Contact: Juanita Veasy @ 399-6846 or Lena Brown Prince @ 361-3728 Council Lady Vivian Wilhoite @ 589-2003 or visit www.vivian-29.blogspot.com

FEMA District 29 Meeting

FEMA District 29 Meeting

tomorrow, Friday, May 14th

Priest Lake Presbyterian Church

2787 Smith Springs Road

6 pm - 7 pm



Over the last couple of weeks, the Nashville - Davidson County



community worked diligently together to restore our homes and city.



In speaking with one of our District 29 neighbors on Tuesday, she



asked that I conduct a meeting for our District although we were not



affected as compared to some of the most devastated parts of



Nashville. Such a meeting will allow for residents who we did not know



was affected to obtain direct response to their



questions and concerns. So I quickly requested a meeting and



the FEMA organization responded.



I hope you can attend.



The Small Business Administration will also be on hand.



FEMA representatives will also be on hand at our



Great American Clean-up on May 22nd. More info to come when available!!!

METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY

5/11/2010 Updates from Vivian. Also save the date of May 22 for our 7th Annual Great American Clean-up. More information to come! Stay tuned.


MAYOR DEAN EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR DAVIDSON COUNTY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mayor Dean has signed another Executive Order to extend the current State of Emergency. State law limits a State of Emergency declaration to seven days but authorizes the Mayor to extend the order by seven day increments as needed. Due to last week’s unprecedented rain event that resulted in widespread flooding, emergency actions by government agencies are still necessary in order to safeguard the citizens of Davidson County.

CURRENT DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Metro has identified over $1.56 billion in property damage throughout Davidson County and the assessments are still ongoing. Approximately 99 percent of the property assessments are complete and damage has been identified on nearly 96-hundred (9,651) parcels. Follow-up inspections to inaccessible parcels and self-reported areas have begun.

The damage figures include only building damage and not personal property or infrastructure damage. It doesn’t include damage to areas such as greenway trails and facilities. The value of damaged public buildings and building contents is not included.

GREENWAYS TEMPORARILY CLOSED

For safety reasons, Metro Parks closed the Greenways system pending a safety assessment after last week's historic flooding. Some greenways sustained significant damage to bridges, boardwalks and barriers. Some sections of trail are impassable, and Metro Parks has deemed it in the best interest and safety of users to close the trails system until further notice.

Damage assessments are underway and estimates should be completed in the next couple of days. In the meantime, individuals should refrain from using the Greenways until they are re-opened and please don't attempt to circumvent gates or other barriers.

FLOOD-RELATED FATALITIES INCREASES TO TEN
The body of a 53-year-old man, who was known to camp in a wooded gulch in the 1100 block of Elm Hill Pike, was recovered this morning. Friends reported they had not seen him in several days and began looking for him in the area. During heavy rains, the gulch regularly and quickly fills with flood waters. His name is being withheld pending notification of family.

The other flood-related fatalities were previously identified as: Billy Rutledge, 70, Mary Rutledge, 65, Graybar Lane; Mary Jane McCormack, 86, of Sawyer Brown Road; Robert Woods, 74, W. Hamilton Avenue; Joshua Lanotroop, 21, of Valley Way; Andrew J. England, 78, and Martha England, 80, 908 Delray Drive; and Joseph Formosa, 88, and Bessie Formosa, 78, of Sawyer Brown Road.

SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSONS
Two men remain missing. Danny Tomlinson, 39, was last seen Saturday, May 1, at 11:30 p.m. inside a car on Newsom Station Road that was overcome by flood waters. Daniel Brown, 18, was last seen on Sunday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. when he and two other men tied floatation devices together to go tubing on Mill Creek. The makeshift raft struck a bridge and was dragged under water. The other two men made it ashore.

Recovery efforts will continue today following a week-long search for the two missing men from two of the areas that were affected by the floods. Representatives from the Nashville Fire Department, Metro Police, Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR), and several volunteer groups have assisted in combing the areas by foot, boat and air since Sunday.

Metro will continue to coordinate the responders in both locations.

METRO WATER SERVICES UPDATE

Metro Water Services customers can do essential loads of laundry and dishes but we ask that water not be used in excess. Laundry mats and nurseries have been allowed to resume water use for necessary operating purposes. The effect of this water use on our reservoirs will be assessed and a decision will be made regarding the continuation of water conservation efforts as we move forward. However, customers must remain vigilant about continued conservation.

As a courtesy to those who need water for cleaning and watering plants while water is in short supply, non-potable water is being made available at West End Summit - 1600 West End. This water supply should be used for activities including nursery plant watering, sidewalk and street cleaning, and neighborhood cleanup. Those picking up water must provide their own tanks intended for transporting non-potable water and pumps. This non-potable source is not for filling milk jugs, pitchers, or other small containers. The site will be open Monday - Friday from 9 am. until 3 p.m. or until the supply is depleted. Entrance to the site will be allowed off of West End or 16th Avenue. Metro Water Services and the property owners assume no liability.

Assessment and repair at the K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plant continues. Draining of the 9 million gallon clear well began Sunday, after inspection by divers, in preparation of further inspection. Assessment and repair will be a lengthy process. The flood water destroyed the electrical systems within the plant as well as the computerized monitoring system, flooded pumps and motors and contaminated basins and storage wells at the facility. Power has been restored to the property and contractors will be hired to begin necessary electrical work within the facility this week. The pumps and motors have been removed and are in the process of being dried and assessed.

DISASTER DEBRIS CLEAN-UP
This morning, a combined fleet of nearly 80 trucks left LP Field to begin running multiple routes collecting discarded furniture, appliances and other disaster debris from flood-ravaged homes. At least one truck will be dispatched to each of Metro's 12 maintenance zones; however, today the majority of trucks will be returning to neighborhoods in Bellevue, Antioch, North Nashville and Pennington Bend/Music Valley Drive.

All three Metro Convenience Centers are open during regular business hours this week and accepting residential debris. Today through Sunday, May 16, Public Works is waiving usual fees at the Centers, and residents will be able to make up to three (3) visits per day for free.

Locations, operating hours and phone numbers for Convenience Centers are at www.nashville.gov/pw. The EOC Community Hotline -- 862-8574 -- can provide information about where businesses can dispose of commercial debris.

ROADWAY AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPAIRS/ESTIMATES
Numerous Public Works crews continue working to repair roads, bridges and traffic signals. Metro's trash and recycling collections have resumed and operating on schedule. Roadway crews are repairing streets damaged by flooding, sinkholes and mudslides, and getting them re-opened for traffic. As of Sunday, engineering crews had repaired over a dozen traffic signal cabinets that had been flooded, and technicians are continuing to monitor and repair traffic signals. Other Public Works employees are supervising and coordinating Metro Beautification volunteers, crews from the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, Drug Court and community service workers who are assisting with cleanup.

METRO HEALTH OFFERS TETANUS SHOTS, MOLD INFORMATION
The Metro Health Department continues to offer free tetanus shots at the Lentz Public Health Center, 311 23rd Ave. North, East Health Center, 1015 East Trinity Lane, and Woodbine Health Center, 224 Oriel Avenue, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. 2,400 doses are expected to arrive Monday afternoon.

Nashville residents and volunteers cleaning up after the recent flooding should not be concerned about the risk of tetanus from floodwaters, and should not delay participating in the clean up efforts because of not having a tetanus shot. Exposure to flood waters does not increase a risk for tetanus infection according to officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tennessee Department of Health. According to CDC, there has never been a diagnosed case of tetanus related to floods or flood cleanup in the United States.

Metro Health Department is taking calls and providing information to residents concerned about mold following last week’s flood. Informational flyers are available in English and Spanish on the Nashville.gov web page.

METRO CODES VISITS FLOOD-DAMAGED NEIGHBORHOODS
Metro Codes officials are producing flyers today that detail the process homeowners must go through in order to apply for flood-damage repair permits. They will go door-to-door in flood-damaged neighborhoods handing out flyers and answering permit questions from residents. The information will also be posted on the www.Nashville.gov flood web page.

In addition, Codes representatives will be stationed at the disaster information centers to assist citizens with the permitting process.

To verify the status of any licensed contractor or any business licensed by the Board of Licensing Contractors, visit www.verify.tn.gov or www.liscrch.state.tn.us.

METRO STUDENTS RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM MONDAY
Classes at Metro Nashville Public Schools resumed today. Overall, the district is pleased that schools are open and operating smoothly with some accommodations given the unusual circumstances.

Employee attendance is consistent with normal operations. Student attendance information is still being gathered, but at this point it appears to be good under the circumstances.

Transportation ran smoothly this morning with 137 portions of some bus runs modified.

In addition to MNPS school counselors, Vanderbilt and Centerstone are providing counselors to help support our students.

DISASTER RECOVERY EFFORTS

Disaster Information Centers
Disaster Information Centers will be open this week from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Disaster Centers will remain open until FEMA centers are up and operational on the ground. Centers provide food, water, personal hygiene supplies and information about city services and FEMA registration. Metro Public Health and Social Service case workers are on site. The public can come to the Centers to pick up limited quantities of cleaning supplies to assist with home restoration efforts.

Centers are not equipped for emergency medical needs. Residents who have security and health emergencies should call 9-1-1. Disaster Information Centers are in the following locations:

• Bellevue Community Center, 656 Colice Jeanne Rd. 37221

• East Community Center, 700 Woodland Street, 37206

• Hermitage Community Center, 3720 James Kay Lane, 37076

• Hadley Community Center, 1037 28th Avenue North, 37208

• Coleman Community Center, 384 Thompson Lane 37211

The Disaster Information Centers served approximately 2,109 people affected by the flood last weekend:

East: 436
Hadley: 175
Hermitage: 299
Bellevue: 965
Coleman: 234

TOTAL= 2,109

FEMA Flood Relief Assistance
FEMA inspectors are contacting Tennessee disaster applicants who sustained losses from the storms, tornadoes and flooding. It is important to emphasize that legitimate FEMA inspectors will not ask for personal information, such as a Social Security number, or request payment at the time of the inspection. They will also wear an official FEMA photo ID badge.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties are urged to begin immediately applying for assistance by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. When applying please have the following information available:

• Current telephone number

• Address at time of disaster and address where you are currently staying

• Your social security number, if available

• A general list of damages and losses

• If insured, the name of your insurance company and your policy number

• Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance by using direct deposit

Individual assistance to homeowners and renters can include grants to pay for temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs. Also, low interest loans are available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Nashville for those affected by severe storms and flooding last week. The DRC is located at 100 Oaks Mall, 719 Thompson Lane, near the Hollywood 27 theater. The center is open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Nearly 18,000 Tennesseans have registered with FEMA and more than $28 million has been approved in individual assistance monies.

Red Cross Disaster Assistance
Red Cross Assistance is available by calling toll-free 1-866- GET- INFO (1-866-438-4636). Two Red Cross shelters remain open: Lipscomb University with 132 residents and capacity for 200 and the Al Menah Shrine center with 45 residents and capacity for 300.

Other assistance being provided by the Red Cross includes:

• Fixed feeding sites at two shelters, Sawyer Brown Community Center, 1417 Murfreesboro Road, Riverwalk Community Pool at Riverwalk Road, as well as 13 mobile feeding routes. Residents in need should look for ARC Emergency Response Vehicles in their neighborhoods.

• “Clean up kits” are available at the five Disaster Information Centers in Davidson County. The kits contain the following items: bleach, buckets, storage containers, coolers, work gloves, hand sanitizer, hoses with nozzle, insect repellent, dust masks, rakes, rope, shovel, sun screen, duct tape, and trash bags.

• In Davidson County, to date the Red Cross has provided 20,190 meals, 21,244 snacks, 4474 clean up kits, 2609 comfort kits, 991 health services contacts and 776 mental health contacts to affected families and individuals.

NASHVILLE ELECTRIC SERVICE OUTAGES AND REPAIRS

NES currently have about 300 total outages countywide, largest pocket in the northeast/Hendersonville area. On the downtown network, all 4 primary circuits on the Demonbreun East Network are restored; about 2 dozen businesses remain disconnected because of internal damage they are repairing. Their power will be restored when they are ready for it. In addition, Municipal Auditorium is back to normal.

Power was restored earlier today to the Country Estates, Sheffield on the Harpeth, Morton Mills and Hickory Estates subdivisions in Bellevue. We have replaced the necessary equipment and energized transformers to restore power to the River Plantation area in Bellevue by late this evening; some of these customers, however, may not be ready for power.

The Stadium Substation is energized and power to LP Field was restored around noon today. Crews continue making significant progress at the McCrory Substation and the West Substation.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE
Citizens seeking mental health assistance can contact the local "Crisis Line" at (615)244-7444. This hotline is free, manned by trained volunteers and is available 24/7.

The national "Talk Line" at 1-800-273-TALK is also available. This is a federally-funded hotline that routes the calls (by area code) to local mental health professionals.

HANDS ON NASHVILLE VOLUNTEERS DONATE THOUSANDS OF HOURS

Over nine-thousand Hands On Nashville volunteers spent nearly 40,000 hours participating in flood recovery efforts between May 2nd and Sunday, May 10th. The projected economic impact of Hands on Nashville volunteerism is $815,235.

NASHVILLE SALVATION ARMY STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ASSIST FLOOD VICTIMS

Salvation Army personnel continue to partner with OEM Disaster Information Centers, providing relief to flood victims at the Bellevue Community Center, Coleman Community Center and Hadley Community Center. The Salvation Army is on hand at each location to provide food, water and spiritual support. From May 1- 7, the Salvation Army has served 7,210 hot and cold meals, provided 9,499 drinks (soda, coffee, juice, water) and 4,610 snacks (donuts, cakes, chips). In addition, The Salvation Army has provided the same services for those working at the Office of Emergency Management, as well as to emergency responders working out of the Metro Police Department’s Southeast Precinct.

FLOOD EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHS
Flood recovery effort high-resolution photographs are available for download at www.metrophotos.nashville.gov/eventphotos/images/flood-recovery-efforts.html.