As summer nears an end, school is closer to being in session. Rather you’re a returning college student or starting your first day of elementary school, one thing’s for certain. There’s always a to-do list to knock out before ever planting your buttocks in a desk chair. In between scrambling from store to store and checking items off mental notes, you may need a handy reminder of local events that will make your back to school hustle affordably less stressful. Let this beat serve as that reminder! Here’s some great dates to get the most out of your buck while keeping chilled the entire time.

​​Basically, this weekend is the perfect time to stock up on nearly everything school related. From potential wish list items to computers, get everything you think you’ll need this school year and then some. As mentioned before, there are stipulations to this holiday. Find them listed below:

• Computers must be $1500 or less
• School supplies must be $100 or less
• General apparel must be $100 or less
• All jewelry, handbags, business or trade items, sports and recreational equipment ARE still taxable

Although there are exceptions, you can still land a pretty nice deal on some much needed items. Get this. You don’t even have to be a student to take advantage of this holiday. Anyone can participate!

If you are a bride-to-be, this weekend is the perfect time to go gown shopping. The wedding gown has to be $100 or less in order to qualify for the text exempt policy. Finding a wedding gown under $100 shouldn’t be that hard considering the sale David’s Bridal is having right now!

For additional tax free items, visit Tennessee Department of Revenue’s website.

BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS

Parents, don’t forget this major step! Immunizations are extremely important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and academic performance. Certain immunizations are required before entering specific grades so check with your child’s primary care physician and school to ensure your child is up-to-date in this area. If you are uncertain of which vaccinations are required, there’s a quick breakdown on the Tennessee Department of Health’s website. Without these vaccinations, a student is prone to chronic diseases and illnesses. Some diseases and illnesses include but are not limited to:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap, DT, or DTap if appropriate)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella

To read up about these and other possible diseases and illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. If your child doesn’t have their shots for school, grab a pen and paper because this next event will perform wonders!

The Metro Public Health Department will host a back to school immunization clinic at the Woodbine Health Center on Saturday, July 30th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. That means you have three hours to drop in and get vaccinated. No insurance? No worries. Anyone without insurance or a primary care physician may receive an immunization. Those who do have a primary care physician or private insurance may receive immunizations but at an administration fee. For more information about the Metro Public Health Department’s Back to School Immunization Clinic, visit the Metro Public Health Department’s website.

I hope this beat makes your back to school rituals less stressful!

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Remember to always preach unity and peace in the city we all love! Nashville, have a blessed day!

The screech of spider monkeys swinging through trees interrupt the sounds of swift rolling strollers and zoo patrons. Every motion moving closer to an adventurous thrill. All day long, zoo patrons take in exotic animals and scenic trails until closing. But what about when the sun goes down? One thing’s for certain, the nightlife is nothing short of fun for all ages. Read about a couple of night events the Nashville Zoo offers its patrons every year in this week’s beat.

2nd Annual Red, White and Zoo

Every year, one specific evening at our zoo guarantees guests an international experience worth tasting. The Nashville Zoo’s 2nd Annual Red, White and Zoo wine tasting event promises to take attendees to Europe, Pacific Rim, South America and Africa through its unlimited wine samples. Guests will have the opportunity to peruse around designated trails in the zoo and purchase food until sundown. The following exhibits will be open for patrons to explore: cassowary, Flamingo Lagoon, tortoise, and Unseen New World. Afterwards, they may enjoy performances by local artists Cullen Wade & the Waters, DJ Frost and the Mudbug Boogie Boys, Steel Grooves and Suspended Gravity. There will be up-close encounters with animals at the zoo.

This event may have started as an alternative but has progressed to a highly anticipated event at the zoo.

Tickets are still available for purchase. Ticket prices vary but all proceeds go towards the Zoo’s annual operational fund. For more ticket information, visit the Nashville Zoo’s website.

This event is scheduled for Friday, July 8.

Zoovie Night

That’s right, Nashville Zoo hosts a family movie night series during the summer. On select Fridays, after closing, the Nashville Zoo welcomes guests to fun under the stars with inflatables, games and a movie. It wouldn’t be a night to enjoy without food so Nashville Zoo has vendors available to their attendees.

Zoovie Nights include inflatables, games and a DJ to keep the festival field active for kids and their parents. To top off the evening’s activities, face painting and crafts will be available. Lastly, the carousel and zip line will remain open for attendees. All shows begin at 6pm.

The final Zoovie Night is September 2nd. How to Train Your Dragon 2 will be showed.

Visit the Nashville Zoo’s site for more details.

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*Check out the Photo of the Week of Emmett, the new baby two-toed sloth, and Edith, Emmett's mother, exploring the tree-top canopy in the Unseen New World Aviary at the Nashville Zoo below!*