Jazz, home cooking will make the day special

Jazz and the aroma of home cooking will fill historic Gran Dale mansion Saturday, as I welcome residents of District 29 for a meet-and-greet.

Amanda Bridgette will provide musical entertainment while we enjoy goodies catered by Carol from Carol Ann's Home Cooking Cafe. These two talented women are both from District 29.

As part of my campaign to serve on the Metro Council, I am inviting residents to come and tell me what matters to them and to their families. The best ideas come from the people, and I am eager to listen.

We'll be at Gran Dale, 200 Nashboro Blvd, from 2-5 p.m. Saturday. Hope to see you there!

Be my guest at Gran Dale mansion

Please join me this Saturday afternoon at historic Gran Dale mansion. I'd like the chance to meet those of you I don't know and greet those of you who are already friends!

This fine old home, built in 1859, has been restored and is a jewel of our community. Many of you haven't had the chance to see it, and that's why I chose Gran Dale as the place to hold this event.

Most importantly, though, this is an opportunity for your voice to be heard. I am inviting you and your family to come and tell me about the issues that matter to you.

So, please come and be my guest from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, at the Gran Dale mansion, 200 Nashboro Village. I'll be looking forward to seeing you!

Congratulations, Nashville Predators!

History was made Sunday as our Nashville Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks to win the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the first time in franchise history, the Preds now advance to the second round of the playoffs.

The Predators, along with the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Sounds, not only make our community proud, but they provide quality entertainment for our families. And many of these pro athletes generously share their time with children in our community, such as the young patients at Children's Hospital.

So thank you, and to the Predators, good luck!

Easter Bunny busy in Southeast Nashville

There were Easter egg hunts all over Nashville this weekend, including two in our community that kept the Easter bunny busy. It was fun to see so many friends at Priest Lake Presbyterian and Compton's Foodland. Good weather made it a perfect weekend for plenty of District 29 families to enjoy the festivities.

For more photos, visit my Facebook page.

Friends gather to honor Bill Hampton

It's no secret that Bill Hampton has a lot of friends, but he was surprised last Friday to see how many of them showed up for a party at Inspiration Center to honor his retirement. Among those who came to wish Bill well: Mayor Karl Dean and Sheriff Daron Hall.

Earth Day Festival means big fun

“Make your mother proud” is the theme of this year’s Earth Day Festival, and the festival will give you all kinds of opportunities to put a smile on Mother Earth’s face.

The Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday at Centennial Park.

There will be a scavenger hunt, with a green twist, and there will be multiple opportunities to recycle goods ranging from bikes and bike helmets to new or gently worn shoes.

There will be plenty of music and craft activities for kids, and all sorts of chances to learn about being green. There will be sessions on running vehicles off the sun and water, several programs on electric cars, points for composting, as well as information on hiking and wildlife.

Eating locally and seasonally will be a key part of the festival, with information on everything from wild edibles to preserving food.

Speaking of eating, there will be lots of good food, from vegetarian choices to kettle corn to pizza.

This is just a sampling of what will be going on. Visit www.nashvilleearthday.org to learn more. Hope I see you there!

Big day at Southeast Easter Event

A little April chill didn't stop the hundreds of families who came to enjoy our annual Southeast Easter Event!

We had it all: Easter egg hunts, live entertainment (including the kids pictured above, who demonstrated some awesome dancing), tables with goodies and lots of good community information.

Go to my Facebook page to see all the pictures we took. And "like" the page while you're there!!!

Looking forward to seeing all of you at Satuday's Easter Event

Whether you come for the baked goods or the entertainment or the vendors or the games or for the Easter eggs, there will be something for everyone at Saturday's Southeast Easter Event.

I have had the chance to watch this event grow since I started the tradition 7 years ago, while I was on the School Board. Last year, we had more than 3,000 people in attendance.

So, bring your family over to the park on Blue Hole Road across from Antioch Middle School, starting at 9 a.m. this Saturday -- and prepare to have a blast!

Monell's opening in old New Orleans Manor

On Easter Sunday, Monell's will start serving up Southern food, family style in the old New Orleans Manor location. Welcome to Southeast Nashville!

Monell's, already a favorite in Germantown and Berry Hill, will bring their family-style dining -- including skillet-fried chicken at every meal -- to the historic mansion originally built in the late 1800s by railroad magnate Col. E.W. Cole. Monell's will also make the mansion available for weddings.

This brings our community yet another great dining experience -- a place where families can be just as comfortable as business executives. We think Monell's made an excellent choice!

Karen reschedules meet-and-greet for District 29 at Gran Dale Mansion to Saturday, April 30 from 2pm until 5 pm

Karen Johnson, candidate for Metro Council in District 29, has rescheduled her meet-and-greet at historic Gran Dale Mansion to April 30.

"We had an overwhelming response to our invitation," Johnson said. "Having the opportunity to meet and listen to as many residents as possible is the highlight of this event.

"Listening and responding to the concerns and suggestions for improvements in District 29 will be my top priority on the Council."

Attorney David Waynick and his wife Becky are restoring the 19th century Greek Revival home to its original grandeur, for use by community groups and others.

Metro Council elections will be held Aug. 4, with early voting beginning July 15.

For more information regarding the campaign, to volunteer, or make a donation, please visit www.karenjohnson.org. To receive the latest news of the campaign, visit Karen Y. Johnson for Council on Facebook, or follow Karenyjohnson on Twitter.

Karen Johnson invites District 29 residents to meet-and-g​reet at Gran Dale Mansion

Attorney David Waynick and his wife Becky were instrumental in saving and preserving this historic treasure that graces our community. “Having this get-together at Gran Dale Mansion is extra special for our district. As a member of the Tennessee Preservation Trust and a supporter of Historic Nashville, I applaud them for preserving this rich history that is a part of District 29.”

Karen Johnson, a candidate for Metro Council in the 29^th District, invites residents of the district to stop by the Gran Dale Mansion from 2-5 p.m. April 9 (this Saturday).

“This is an opportunity for Your voice to be heard. This invitation is for you and your family to come and speak about the issues that are important to you.” Johnson said.

Located just off of Murfreesboro Pike at 200 Nashboro Blvd., Gran Dale Mansion was built in 1859. Its architectural highlight is a central portico with two large columns.

Please come out and share what issues matter to you and how we can work together to make good things happen for our families.

Metro Council elections will be held Aug. 4, with early voting beginning July 15.

For more information regarding the campaign, to volunteer, or make a donation, please visit www.karenjohnson.org.

Great turnout for Jerry Maynard's kickoff

Jerry Lee, Karen and A.J. Starling

Karen, Lisa Stetor and Derek Tibbs

Theo Morrison and Karen

Karen and Ashford Hughes

Bob Tuke and Karen