May 21, 2009

Angela's Blog - What Are Neighbors For?

A few weeks ago after mowing my yard, a neighbor and I decided to mow the grass of an elderly couple’s yard nearby. Both have been very ill and were unable to do it for themselves. We were already doing yard work anyway, what was a little more?

So, the two of us tackled their grass. It was rather high and took its toll on us. However, when we finished, we felt really great about the good deed we had done. The wife called the next day and thanked us as they weren’t sure when or who would be able to get to it. What a great feeling!

Since I work with St. Luke’s Community House, I’m aware that we once provided a mowing service to seniors in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, this had to be cut in 2007 because of budgeting issues. With donations down because of the economy, we will not be able to start the mowing program again any time soon.

Volunteers through West Nashville Community Development Partnership mow a few homes in the area when they do their once a month work day. Unfortunately, they are not able to do this very often or for very many yards.

According to Neighborhood Resource Center, there are more than 1,000 seniors age 60 and above in West Nashville including the Nations area and Charlotte Park. They live among us and could use our help. If we all looked around on our street, we could probably identify a senior that could use some help.

Maybe not just with yard work but also with picking up items for them when we are at the grocery or just checking in on them. While most of us have family members we could rely on for this, many seniors do not.

I had prepared to mow the yard again for my neighbor this past weekend as I had noticed it was getting tall. When I came home Friday from work, I realized another neighbor had already mowed it. Isn’t it great when everyone takes the time to help others?

We will hopefully continue to work together to help this elderly couple through the summer. If an out of shape, thirty-something mother of two could help them every few weeks, couldn’t you help one of your neighbors? Isn’t that what neighbors are for?

Angela Bryan

May 12, 2009

Scott's Blog - Updates

--Recycle Walmart--

In case you havn't heard, the recycling center that was by Strike and Spare has moved two miles west to Walmart. Thanks to Public Works, Buddy Baker, Lee Scott and all that saved the recycling center in West Nashville! Remember there is another recycling center at TSU that may be closer to those of use who live in the Nations.

--Watching the River Flow--

Your tax dollars are at work next to West Park. They have trucked out tons of top soil to build a new storm water holding place next to the water plant. With all the rain we've had today I'm glad we have it so raw sewage doesn't enter Richland Creek.

RUN Meeting Minutes - April 9, 2009

Billy called the meeting to order at 7:00.

The meeting was pretty much about keeping up with the police force with commamder Anthony Carter of the North precinct and Ricky Williams of the West. They said crime had gone down in 2008 and continues to be reduced this year. They are studying crime maps to find patterns and pockets of drug activity. Mr. Carter said there is a new number (862-7873) to report suspicions without leaving your name. But the 242-DOPE number is still open.

Angela asked about the comstat meeting every week where he has to identify the crimes and what he is doing about it. The news media and Chief Serpas are there. They have a crime analysis person to direct the focus of the investigations. They have a flex unit who drive those unmarked grey cars to catch more crooks.

Mr. Williams said there may be new officers hired with money from the Feds. He said watch your GPS systems and report gang graffiti. He didn't know if the West building would replaced any time soon.

BG is still fighting for her section 8 landlord bill. Norma said there is $781.97 in the bank (isn't that more that usual?) and the native american people were booked up for the next four months.