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April 22, 2007
Earth Day
Today is Sunday, April 22, 2007 -- Earth Day. Thanks to everyone who is taking care of our planet by reducing energy use, driving less, planting trees, recycling, etc.
I would like to challenge Sumner County to return the recycling bins to Portland. The Sumner County Resource Authority removed the bins a couple of years ago. Since then, they have replaced the bins in Gattaltin and Hendersonville, but not Portland. Hopefully, the City of Portland will work with Sumner County to make sure this happens by next Earth Day! Thank you.
Posted by admin at 10:42 AM | Comments (48)
April 07, 2007
Setting Up Shop In Portland... Is it Possible for Small Businesses?
I hear the people of this town screaming for more retail, more choices, let us keep our hard earned money at home and not take it across the state boarders. We've asked the City to make this a #1 Priority along with some other important issues, are they listening??
I am all for the City and Cleaning up this town, something that is long overdue.
My question is what has happened over the past year that is now making it almost impossible for small retail businesses to call Portland home? I know there are two sides to every story, but just the other day a new post was added under the topic of Retail that I urge everyone to read. It is a bit lengthy but rather eye opening to say the least.
Are we going in the right direction, perhaps, but if you look at some of the other businesses that have opened in the past few weeks, ex; the furniture store near occasions, oh myyyyyyyy............. What's with that! Are the new rules being enforced for everyone or Are City Leaders and Codes hand picking businesses that want to come to our town? I don't know, read the story for yourself and tell us what you think.
http://www.portlandtn.net/2007/02/retail.html
Copy and paste to go directly to the post or find it at the bottom of the main page
Posted by judy at 09:03 AM | Comments (70)
April 03, 2007
Give it up for Corey
Posted by B. Ruckle at 12:30 AM | Comments (12)
April 02, 2007
Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups
Many concerns have been raised about keeping our children safe at home, summer is right around the corner and a good time to start thinking about ways we as citizens could make our home, our neighborhoods a safer place for everyone.
The first thing that came to mind was neighborhood crime watch groups, for those of you that live in subdivisions, this would be a great start. And what a better way to get to know your neighbors.
I have included a little information below, It may be a little lengthy but gives a good idea as to what may be involved. Having lived in the South where Crime was much greater than it is here, I can only confirm that these types of groups do work and definately worth puting one together.
Neighborhood Watch
The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office sponsors a Neighborhood Watch Program.
It has been our experience that caring and concerned neighbors can make a difference in preventing and deterring criminal activity. Neighborhood Watch Program volunteers have successfully reduced criminal activities in their areas and provided assistance to law enforcement to apprehend those criminals who chose to operate in our communities. Members of the Sheriff’s Office will meet with any interested neighbors and assist with an organizational meeting to discuss an overview of the Neighborhood Watch Program. Follow up meetings can be scheduled to formalize a Crime Watch Coordinator, select Block Captains, and provide assistance for posting of signs and distribution of literature.
If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch program in your area, please contact any of the following:
Sheriff Bob Barker (615) 452-2616 extension 1821
Sergeant David Dodds (615) 452-2616 extension 1676
Deputy Ron Brawner (615) 452-2616 extension 1670
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Good Site with lots of information:
National Crime Prevention Council http://www.ncpc.org/
From: http://www.ncpc.org/Topics/Neighborhood_Watch/index.php
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer.
Sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries.
Launched in 1972, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. (The program took off quickly: in just ten years, NSA data showed that 12 percent of the population was involved in a Neighborhood Watch.) Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur; it doesn’t rely on altering or changing the criminal’s behavior or motivation.
Tips
Work with the police or sheriff’s office. These agencies are critical to a Watch group’s credibility and are the source of necessary information and training.
Link up with your victims’ services office to get your members trained in helping victims of crime.
Hold regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to decide upon program strategies and activities.
Consider linking with an existing organization, such as a citizens’ association, community development office, tenants’ association, or housing authority. They may be able to provide an existing infrastructure you can use.
Canvass door-to-door to recruit members.
Ask people who seldom leave their homes to be “window watchers,” looking out for children and reporting any unusual activities in the neighborhood.
Translate crime and drug prevention materials into Spanish or other languages needed by non-English speakers in your community. If necessary, have a translator at meetings.
Sponsor a crime and drug prevention fair at a church hall, temple, shopping mall, or community center.
Gather the facts about crime in your neighborhood. Check police reports, conduct victimization surveys, and learn residents’ perceptions about crimes. Often, residents’ opinions are not supported by facts, and accurate information can reduce the fear of crime.
Physical conditions like abandoned cars or overgrown vacant lots contribute to crime. Sponsor cleanups, encourage residents to beautify the area, and ask them to turn on outdoor lights at night.
Work with small businesses to repair rundown storefronts, clean up littered streets, and create jobs for young people.
Start a block parent program to help children cope with emergencies while walking to and from school or playing in the area.
Emphasize that Watch groups are not vigilantes and should not assume the role of the police. Their duty is to ask neighbors to be alert, observant, and caring—and to report suspicious activity or crimes immediately to the police.
Posted by judy at 02:11 PM | Comments (3)