Homeland Security Secretary In Town For Recovery Efforts

POSTED: 12:55 pm CDT September 1, 2010
UPDATED: 4:28 pm CDT September 1, 2010
Re posted by permission of WSMV TV News Channel 4 Nashville TN-

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday she returned to Tennessee to find out what more can be done to help Tennesseans recover from springtime floods.

Napolitano was meeting with emergency management officials Wednesday to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating floods in early May that caused more than $2 billion in damage in Nashville alone.

She told reporters during a news conference that she wants to know “how the rebuild is going. I want to know how the money is going. I want to know what needs still exist and get an assessment of that.” (Let’s give her an earful people, she wants to know? Let’s tell her all of the frustration we are going through in getting funds and services! -ed)

“It’s really coming back to say, ‘What more is needed for ultimate community recovery?‘” said Napolitano, who visited the state right after the flooding and said she was impressed with how quickly members of the community came together to help one another.

Earlier Wednesday, Napolitano announced her agency is collaborating with a consortium of southeastern states — including Tennessee — in the sharing of information about criminal activity. “A critical element of preparedness and response is ensuring that those on the front lines have the information that they need and they have it when they need it,” she said.

During her visit, Napolitano visited the Tennessee Fusion Center, which is among at least 40 that have been established nationwide in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The centers aim to help state and local law enforcement officials work together more effectively by allowing them to share information at a centralized location.

“If we can predict it, we can prevent it,” said Mark Gwyn, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which houses the state’s fusion center.

Napolitano also announced that her agency is expanding its national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign to the consortium. The campaign, which began on New York’s transit system, encourages the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Trained operators handle the calls and make sure the information gets to the proper authorities. The hope is that it helps find indicators of terrorism and disrupt threats, but the program has been criticized in New York for generating a lot of false tips.

“I would rather have a false tip than miss a tip to protect some public safety,” Napolitano said.

The number to call is 877-250-2333.

“It empowers citizens to take part in their own security,” she said. “After all, safety is a shared responsibility, and everybody has a role to play.”

Reporter Cara Kumari contributed to this story.

Only 2,227 Of 12,000 Affected Properties Have Filed! Please, spread the word and tell all your friends, FILE BEFORE THE DEADLINES! Don’t let all this money go away…. $20,000,000 unclaimed!

NOTE: According to Beech Bend Resident Scott Frame, you just need to go to the Davidson County Tax Assessor web site and follow instructions on-line – It only takes about 2 minutes to complete! The phone is 615-862-6080.

POSTED: 11:16 am CDT August 31, 2010
UPDATED: 6:20 pm CDT August 31, 2010

Reposted courtesy of WSMV News Channel 4, Nashville, Tenn. –

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper and Mayor Karl Dean held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to remind flood victims that the deadline to apply for property tax relief is Sept. 1.

Flood victims may be eligible for a prorated property tax assessment, a state sales tax refund and federal income tax write-offs.

The property assessor’s office said while almost 12,000 properties have flood damage, they have only received 2,227 applications. (This is sad folks because that money is going to go away if it is not claimed! -ed)

“We don’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity, so I urge Nashvillians to help each other. Tell your friends, family members, co-workers, anyone you know impacted by the flood,” said Dean.

In addition, flood victims who registered with FEMA can get up to $2,500 in sales tax rebates for appliances and building materials through the state. While the deadline for that isn’t until the end of November, only 160 people have filed claims.

There’s also Federal tax relief available to flood victims. Residents can deduct flood losses from their taxes. Those who suffered the worst damage can even deduct their entire house.

“There are no limits on federal tax relief here” said Cooper.

Learn more at NashvilleRecovery.com

RPC STRONGLY suggests that you watch the video accompanying this story by clicking this WSMV link.

But first, we really need a hand with something…

This is a post from Paula Swift to all Beech Bend/Harpeth Bend Residents:

Hi everyone~

As many of you know, there has been an interest in having a neighborhood event in the Beech Bend / Harpeth Bend area sometime in the near future. There are MANY aspects to putting this together, but we need YOUR HELP in finding a few facts before truly moving forward.

Our number one “need to know” item is:

Do you plan on residing in your home before by October 31, 2010 – regardless of whether all of your repairs are completed. We need to know residency status only at this time.

PLEASE respond to this if you are able – as this information is going to be very instrumental in our organization and planning of this event.

PS – a tentative date is planned for Saturday, October 16th and ALL Residents of the Beech Bend/River Bend areas are cordially invited!!

Just email your response to Paula Swift

You can also reply to info@riverparkcares.us and we will forward.

River Park Cares

info@riverparkcares.us
Marc@riverparkcares.us
Shannon@riverparkcares.us

If so, the Harpeth River Watershed Association wants to help!

Don’t forget. If you need clean-up work done on your riverbank, contact:

Harpeth River Watershed Association
P.O. Box 1127
Franklin, TN 37065
Phone: 615-790-9767 ext. 102
Email: michaelcain@harpethriver.org
www.harpethriver.org

Posted by RPC Staff

As you all know we have been pushing everyone we come across to help publicize the lack of current follow-through regarding getting money into the hands of neighbors quickly. We have pestered the Tennessean and WSMV and so far they have been reasonably responsive. But, it’s like everything else, the more people who make noise, the more articles will appear and the greater the chance something will be done.

The problem as we see it is that unless a LOT of people raise hell, it’s going to be hard getting the powers that be, to move off the dime. As we at RPC have been saying for a while now, it will take a concerted effort with both the politicians and the media to get anyone to move forward.

We MUST get issues of survival and repair difficulties constantly in front of the press and pols in order to have any meaningful impact. We have tried to get people to use us as a collection, dissemination point to create a greater impact but it has been hard to get support for the effort.

The problem with individually going after support is that, as we all know, there is strength in numbers. We need to find a way to make a bigger noise. And, as annoying as it sounds, we have to keep this noise up, loudly, until needs are met. It is very sad it requires this, but it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

RPC stands ready to help any and all effected residents, in any way we can, but we can not do it alone, as you know. Let us know what more we can do…

We urge as many people as possible to write letters for Posting and list email as we have many of the people we need to reach on our list and as regular readers of the RPC web site. However, we still only have a small handful of contributors. We need more for greater impact.

Also, an idea raised by Nancy Holland, that we attend a Metro Council meeting, IN FORCE is a valid and potentially valuable approach.

We at RPC want your input to this. Are you willing to participate? If so, please send your Contact Info and availability to info@riverparkcares.us. Let us know if you agree, or provide an alternative concept.

RPC will gather your replies and provide them to the people who are trying to organize a concerted effort to get some attention for the lack of funds actually reaching homeowners.

We would like to organize this effort for either the next planned Metro Council meeting or the one right after it. But to do so, we NEED your involvement, and support.

The delay in getting funds, specially Donated funds, out to the neighborhood is appalling and needs to be improved ASAP. Help us help you, your neighbors and friends. Sign-up now by sending email to info@riverparkcares.us.

LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE PEOPLE!!

Watch this space for continuing information.

From a compiled story submitted by Cindy Lockhart.

Tax information augmented by Buddy Baker courtesy of Janice Simpson.

Updates…

Everyone needs to file online with the Tax Assessor’s Office to get their property taxes reduced during May, June, July and August.

Supposedly, they are going around and checking to see if your in your house or not. If your not in your house before Sept. 1st, they are going to reduce your taxes from May to Dec 31st.

It makes me so mad that if I am staying upstairs but don’t have a kitchen yet, so I am going to have to pay FULL property taxes!

Also, I talked with We are Home today and they said they have NOT GIVEN ANY MONEY out to date but have 28 files that may be ready to go by the end of next week.

I understand that helps… NOT! We need to continue to voice our opinion to anyone and everyone! People all over town are really suffering but Metro sure did help the Grand Ole Opry!

Trash was picked up but not on Footpath. I did get a call from Sgt Trip, he said they would continue to patrol until Sept 31st and when I complained he called me back and said they would do more, evidently the emails are working somewhat!

PLEASE KEEP UP THE EMAILS!

Cindy

This story was recieved by RPC this week.  It enphasizes an issue we have been bringing to peoples attention since June.  Please, do not just read it, react to it.  It means a lot to many of our friends and neighbors and frankly, it is just NOT RIGHT!

Nancy Holland received this email from a neighbor and sent it to RPC:

Our Son lives on Beech Bend and has applied for the We Are Home assistance. The inspector is due out on the 30th. However, our neighbor on Harpeth Pkwy E, applied and when the inspector came he was told he wouldn’t qualify for anything because he had too much completed already!

I don’t understand this because he was using his FEMA money and Family help up to that point. He was still $15-20,000 short of of being able to complete everything. Our son was told whatever he had done already would be subtracted from what he will qualify for, if any! It seems if you have an estimate for $45,000, and FEMA gave you $29,900 you should still be eligible for at least $15,000. This is donated money for Flood Victims so I don’t understand how or why you would be denied or penalized from receiving help just because you’ve started repairing your home!

And, I really don’t believe you should have to “Borrow” donated money. Our Son does not need another payment. He wasn’t trying to get a loan before the Flood and he sure doesn’t need one now. I have talked to several people that called in with donations during the Concert who said if they had known it was going to Metro before the Victims, they would not have called in! I do hope Nancy Amons, Dennis Ferrier or someone will bring this to the public’s attention!

This is just one more reason to contact the media. The We Are Home criteria never said anything about stopping rebuilding in order to get money from them. I can’t believe they expect us to let our houses rot while waiting to get money from them. The only criteria announced for getting money was being flooded and not getting SBA or insurance money.

As a teacher, I’d get fired if I didn’t give students expectations/requirements at the beginning. This lack of planning on their part should NOT be our problem. BTW, I’ve talked with Nancy Amons’ stepdaughter this morning. Ms. Amons is aware of what we’re facing. Maybe she’ll do a report.

(See article #25 on our “Stories” page.)

FROM: RPC Editors
TO: All Flood Victims

We at River Park Cares do not believe you should have to repay donated money and we feel that what happened to these people is just plain wrong. It is also wrong that months later, ALL of the donated funds have yet to be distributed. What are they waiting for? Another catastrophy? Our neighbors need help NOW, not next year.

Let’s make some noise. We need you all to contact the media and your Politicians and raise hell about this.

Thank you for your kind support.
-ed

Reposted courtesy of WSMV Channel 4

POSTED: 5:23 pm CDT August 23, 2010
UPDATED: 10:25 am CDT August 25, 2010

Program Funded With Stimulus Money

Those who invested in a new air conditioner or other major appliance this summer with one of those Energy Star labels can now ask the government for some money back for it.

Like Cash for Clunkers, the government is funding the Cash for Appliances Program with stimulus money. The idea was to get people shopping again and to promote energy conservation at the same time.

In Tennessee, the purchase period started April 22. The estimated savings statewide is about 16 million kilowatt hours per year.

To access a Refund Application or get more information, just click HERE

Energy Star purchases eligible for rebates include air source heat pumps, central and room air conditioners and gas furnaces. For rebates on these appliances, mail the signed, completed application and supporting documents to:.

CSG Incentive Processing
TN Appliance Rebate Program
P.O. Box 290189
Nashville, TN 37229-0189

The rebate rates range from $40 for room ACs to $250 for central AC and heat pumps. In all, $5.9 million in rebates is available, but people should apply fast because the payouts are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The rebate application process can be started online Tuesday at noon or by phone at 1-877-741-4304. The receipt and a recent utility bill will be needed to finish the application.

For rebates on room ACs, mail the signed, completed application and supporting documents to:

EFI Incentive Processing
TN Appliance Rebate Program
Room AC Application
P.O. Box 1248
Westborough, MA 01581-1248

Operation Photo Rescue will be headed to Nashville, TN on Sept 10-11 at Belmont University. Below is the press release being sent out.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation Photo Rescue to Send Volunteer Photo Restoration Team to Nashville, TN

El Dorado, KS August 11, 2010

Operation Photo Rescue (OPR), a global not-for-profit organization, is gathering a team of volunteers in Nashville, Tennessee to digitally copy family photos damaged during recent flooding.

Hosted by Belmont University, the OPR team will set up operations at the University Ministries office at 1900 Belmont Blvd on Friday September 10 and Saturday September 11, 2010. Hours of operation Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Any Nashville residents with photos damaged during 2010 flooding may bring in 20 images to be restored free of charge. Those images that can be repaired will be digitally copied and later restored, printed and mailed back to the image owners at no cost.

On Friday, guests will find reserved parking on the 6th floor of the Curb Event Center parking garage. On Saturday, guests are welcome to park in any lot on campus. Guests who need assistance may call 615-460-6617 for an officer to give them a ride from their vehicle to Universities Ministries. University Ministries is located between the cafeteria and the Hitch Science Building. (See #22 and 26 on the campus map). Click HERE to view or download the campus map.

Since OPR was founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in January 2006, the organization has grown into a network of over 2,000 volunteers. Volunteers come from all 50 states and from 49 other countries. OPR volunteers have restored and returned over 6,000 damaged photos to date for victims of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other disasters.

“We’ve had an unbelievable outpouring of support from volunteers who have joined our cause from all over the world,” Dave Ellis said, Co-Founder of Operation Photo Rescue. “What started out as two people trying to make a small difference has turned into a global effort that has helped more people than we ever thought possible.”

When disaster strikes, people often try desperately to retrieve their family photos, Ellis said.

“Insurance doesn’t replace memories,” he said, “but we do.”

For additional information:

Contact: Greg Pillon, Office of Communications, Belmont University at (615) 460-6645, greg.pillon@belmont.edu

Or

Margie Hayes, Operation Photo Rescue President
Email: mhayes@operationphotorescue.org or info@operationphotorescue.org
website: http://www.operationphotorescue.org

Major trash collection in Bellevue is a problem for many.  Specially since major trash pick-up has been stopped.

Nancy Holland got this for us, we felt it was worthy of posting.

Nancy says:  If these are the “convenience centers” for dropping off trash. When I looked at the list, I wondered for whom these were convenient.  None of these is convenient for anyone in Bellevue unless you’re working in East Nashville, Madison, or Downtown/Donelson.  One more reason why they should pick up in our neighborhood!

Many people can not afford to rent the needed dumpsters and the locations set up for this are too far away unless you have a large truck.

From the Office of Neighborhoods:

East Center
943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Drive
Nashville, TN 37207
862-8631
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7:30am-5:00pm and Sun. Noon-4:00pm

Omohundro Center
1019 Omohundro Place (entrance on Freightliner Drive)
Nashville, TN 37210
880-1955
Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 8:00am-4:30pm

Anderson Lane Center
939A Anderson Lane
Madison, TN 37115
860-2588
Hours: Tues.-Sat.: 8:30am-5 pm

RPC recommends that ALL effected Bellevue residents contact the Mayor’s office AND their Congressman about this. If we do not band together, many people will have trash problems. One more stress in already difficult lives.