Here's how I pass some of my free time

[Volzfan]

Almost 2 years ago I got involved in volunteering to help out with some of the cleanups around our council district in Nashville (D-30). One thing lead to another and I was enjoying the feeling of making a small difference in the appearance of the community. I was asked to take the position of Beautification Commissioner for D-30 and I decided to take it. (Non-paying position).

I help to organize special trash collection days, bulk item collections, hazzardous waste collections, etc., working with neighborhood groups and obtaining supplies from Metro Public Works. I help to get garbage picked up that gets dumped on the side of the road such as old furniture and other debris. I pull down illegal signs from the light poles, sign posts and from the right-of-way, sometimes as many as 200 a week.

I have also been very active in fighting the graffiti problem in my district. I don't seek out recognition but I have been written up a few times in the Tennessean about my efforts.

I was just wondering if anyone here would like to lend a hand. There is supposed to be 1 Beautification Commissioner for each council district but some are vacant at this time. I can get you in touch with the Commissioner in your District if there is one or you can volunteer for the position which is appointed by the mayor. If you live in my district I would be glad to get some help. Just send me a PM and I'll get you started. Only do what you have time for. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

Here is what I did this morning.

Here are a before and after picture of a privacy fence that is on Bart Dr in Antioch. It was tagged over the weekend and I try to get it covered ASAP but had to wait thru a couple of rainy days before I could tackle this problem. They also tagged 2 other sections on the front and other side of the house, about 120' total. Took about 4 hours. I have had this fence tagged about 8 times in the last 18 months. There is another a few blocks for this one that has been tagged about 12 times. Sometimes they only have a small "work of art" on them that may only take 5 or 10 minutes but then today was the other extreme.

[Guest NYCrulesU]

Very nice! Keep up the good work.

[daddyo]

We need folks like you out there. Thanks for what you do!

[Guest FroggyOne2]

Yep.. that is pretty cool.. good for you

[Fourtyfive]

Nice , if only everyone did like that.

[enfield]

If only the city workers would do the same, since they're paid to do it.

You're a good person.

[LagerHead]

It sucks you have to continuously repaint the same fences, etc. over and over again. But it's nice to hear that there are people willing to do so for the good of their community. You rock.

[peejman]

Goodonya.

Wait... free time? What's free time?

[Dennis1209]

If I lived near Nashville I'd definately pitch in, good job. I personally pick up a mile of litter on my country road. If more individuals like yourself would get involved, maybe people could start taking back their gang infested neighborhoods. Speaking of gangs, I noticed a MS-13 tag. I assume it's their territory?? Be safe!

[Volzfan]

Speaking of gangs, I noticed a MS-13 tag. I assume it's their territory?? Be safe!

MS13

SUR13

BP (Brown Pride)

LP (Latino Pride)

Kurdish Pride

There is a list of the main ones in the area. I keep a very close watch on every car that drives by while I'm painting over their "art", especially if they are going very slow or happen to make more than one pass. I let MNPD know I'm out there and usually see a marked car or two come by.

I try to get this crap covered in a hurry because if it sits the other gangs will start tagging over the others.

I was expecting to see it tagged again this morning but it wasn't.

[Pain103]

MS13

SUR13

BP (Brown Pride)

LP (Latino Pride)

Kurdish Pride

There is a list of the main ones in the area. I keep a very close watch on every car that drives by while I'm painting over their "art", especially if they are going very slow or happen to make more than one pass. I let MNPD know I'm out there and usually see a marked car or two come by.

I try to get this crap covered in a hurry because if it sits the other gangs will start tagging over the others.

I was expecting to see it tagged again this morning but it wasn't.

Those are definitely the typical South Nashville gangs. They aren't anything to play with either. But good job on what you do and keep safe doing it. It would be nice if the idiots would get the message and just stop tagging stuff.