Smyrna, TN - The Statewide Organization for Community eMpowerment, known as SOCM, is holding a community kayaking event on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 11AM to 4PM. The event will be at the Jefferson Springs Recreation Area in Smyrna. If you’re an experienced kayaker on the water, or a beginner wanting to learn more, you’re invited to be a part of the upcoming event.

For the beginners, you will be able to learn the basics about water safety and our local waterways. For the experienced outdoorsmen, bring your own vessel or flotation device and participate to help others become more familiar with the Stones River and J. Percy Priest Lake. If you don’t have a kayak, not to worry… there will be plenty of extras on hand for you to enjoy.  

Candida Layne, a 17+ year Rutherford County resident, told WGNS that SOCM helps to empower area residents “…to speak up about environmental and social injustices.” Layne continued, “I became a member due to our landfill issues over the years.” Layne told said there has always been a concern about keeping our natural recourses natural. SOCOM was founded 50-years ago.

The Smyrna event is on the Stones River, just before it opens to J. Percy Priest Lake at the Jefferson Springs Recreation Area off West Jefferson Pike. This event is to engage our Rutherford County Community and educate them about our wonderful waterways throughout Tennessee. Families are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and to pack a picnic to enjoy the day. Learn more: https://fb.me/e/12mEjtROr 

Address of event: Jefferson Springs Recreation Area at 7660 W Jefferson Pike, Smyrna, TN 37167. Site: JS Loop Group Site. The free event will be from 11AM to 4PM.