Validity
Complimentary
September 2016 Vol. 6, Issue 9
Columbia Tennessee
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Inside this issue of
Validity
Table of Contents
New This Mont h!
Hoedown On The Harpeth
Ol timey country music and bluegrass thrive. Page 13
Orchestra and Opera Spring Hill Orchestra concerts include opera, classical and contemporary music. Page 14
Storytellers Museum By Bryce Martin Johnny Cash’s Bon Aqua Hideaway.
September 2016
Page 16
Vol. 6, Issue 9
Muletown Music Fest
Last year’s, the inaugural, was a hit. This year is bigger and better. Page 20 Page 18
Monster of a Man, Country Roots, Heart of Giving Back
Billy Roy Park, Woodcarver
By DeeGee Lester And this football phenom just entered high school. Page 23
Humble, hardworking hands with delicate, masterful skill.
Start with a “Yeard” By Josh Belcher Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society competes in the 7th annual National Beard & Mustache Championships . Page 25
Image Left, Artwork by Billy Roy Park, Photo Melissa Wickline Cover Image: Muletown MusicFest featuring Brandy Clark, Artwork by Joe Caliva
In Every Issue: Validity Recipes By Cari Marye Griffith and Katie Taylor Eat like a Mediterranean in Tennessee.
Ask A Lawyer
By Bill Pulliam
By Landis Turner
50 common birds, part 1.
Mr. Warf, Bud the parrot and Harry S. Truman.
Page 24 Page 6
July Book Reviews
Page 32
September Gardens
The Believer’s Walk
By Cassandra Warner
By James Lund
Page 28 Page 11
Validity Magazine is published monthly in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Validity Magazine reserves the right to edit editorial and advertising submissions for appropriateness of the publication. Reproduction of any part of Validity Magazine without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Validity Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions. Publishers Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Validity Magazine, Published 12 times per year, monthly, Vol. 6, Issue 9 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Validity Magazine, P. O. Box 516, Hohenwald, TN 38462-0516. Address Service Requested. Subscriptions are available on an annual basis at $20 per year. Mail check or money order to: Validity Subscriptions, P.O. Box 516, Hohenwald, Tennessee 38462.
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From The Publisher, Page 5 Reality Perspective, Page 5 Lookin’ Back, Page 33
By Charles Newbold
Preserving the harvest.
Sweetbitter.
Also in this Issue:
Ornithology Report
Unconscionable Cogitation, Page 34
What really matters. Page 33
Publisher Becky Jane Newbold, info@validitymag.com, 931-628-6039 Managing Editor Shane Newbold, info@ValidityMag.com, 931-628-6039 Director of Digital Innovation Cody Crawford, cody@validitymag.com, 615-768-9479 Contributing Writers, Bill Pulliam, Bryce Martin, Cari Marye Griffith, Cassandra Warner, Charles Newbold Jr. DeeGee Lester, James Lund, Josh Belcher, Katie Taylor, Landis Turner, Melissa Wickline Contributing Photographers, Cari Marye Griffith, Cassandra Warner, Joe Gladski, Katie Taylor, Melissa Wickline
Our Mission
Validity Magazine exists to reflect rural lifestyles of rural communities along the Natchez Trace Parkway in both storytelling and photo journalism. This local publication is designed to promote positive life experiences by delivering authentic, relevant content on healthy living, nature, outdoors, technology, gardening, entertainment and travel to the people who enjoy the small town experience.
From The Publisher
Fall Into Festival Fun By Becky Jane Newbold
F
estival time in Tennessee has hit its peak. All around the Highland Rim, and beyond, an event may be found almost every
weekend for at least the next two months, and you will find many within the pages of this issue. Touting all that make us who we are, festivals designed to intrigue, entertain, educate and fill the tummy are custom-designed. You know who they are in your hometown, the folks who have an abundance of enthusiasm and passion for hospitality. We have had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with many of your movers and shakers
and they all share one common core value: A genuine desire to share everything of cultural and historical value about the community in which they live. They are a competitive bunch. Who can have the greatest number of attendees? Who can boast the best food? Which festival is most entertaining to the entire family? And which will win awards? Two festivals in the region were recognized for excellence by the Southeast Festivals & Events Association in 2016. Remembering WW II, Linden: Best Creative Idea (Gold, French Fronts); Best Volunteer (Gold, The Dubois Family); Best Festival
– with a budget under $75,000, (Silver); and Best Event Program (Bronze). Planned for September 24-25, 2016 downtown Linden. The National Banana Pudding Festival, Centerville, Tennessee was recognized for Best Sponsor (Gold, Moon Pie); Best Digital Media (Silver); Best Creative Idea (Bronze, NBPF Cookbook); and Best Event Within An Event (Bronze). This year’s event, October 1-2, 2016. Check out a festival near you and enjoy a slice of all-natural Tennessee!
Find Validity in 9 Tennessee Counties! www.validitymag.com/find-validity
Reality Perspective
Writer’s Block
F
irstly, I don’t consider myself a writer, just a lowly man with an extensive enough vocabulary and experience to share my thoughts with others. Taboo on personal opinion is mandatory, but can sometimes sneak one in. Secondly, about the only particular I have in common with real authors is writer’s block. Hence, the lack of congruent content follows. One cannot get caught up in the absurd By Shane Newbold hardness of life when grandbabies are running through the house. The happy, hyper activity produces smiles, even from the most ornery ol cuss in the room. With all the bad news, here and abroad (childbombers recruited by terrorists; Louisiana floods; earthquakes in Italy; sexual predators wreaking havoc on our little girls; corrupt, opportunistic people at the highest levels taking advantage of the rest of us; etc.), life still is really, really good. For those who are burdened with monumental obstacles, I pray. South Central Tennessee is still a great place to live and is inundated with cool people doing cool things. Becky Jane and I hang out with them daily.
ed. Sending the appropriate emoji solves the problem. If you don’t know what an emoji is, you probably are not texting anyway. :-)
I’m quite sure people in my community “got my back.” I will certainly do my best to get there’s. Who in the world to vote for? Who in the world to vote against? Wonder if I will ever be able to indulge in homemade sweets, again? Lately, the phrase keeps popping up, “Another day in paradise.” Do people really think this is it? Being able to eat homemade sweets without detriment to my health would be a significant portion of paradise. Emojis are cool. Many complain that texts are often wrongly, emotionally interpret-
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You were warned it would be a random article. Just sharing thoughts that have consumed this singular moment in time. Probably not too far removed from your own and not overly complex. However, is not writer’s block just a step away from the randomness of thought penned in a specific duration, that then moves on, giving way for another random notion? Father to four and best friend to Becky Jane for 29 years, Shane Newbold lives life to the fullest fishing and enjoying his family.
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5 .
Validity Recipes
Mediterranean Eats By Cari Marye Griffith and Katie Taylor
T
abouli, or tabbouleh, is a popuQuinoa Tabouli Salad lar middle eastern dish with as many pronunciations as there Ingredients: are variations on its recipe. Tabouli is 1 cup quinoa, cooked according traditionally made with bulgar, which to package directions and chilled is a type of cracked wheat. This recipe 2 cups cucumbers, diced is made with quinoa, a grain rich in vi1 heaping cup cherry tomatoes, tamins and protein. I love the aromatic diced smell of freshly chopped parsley, gar5 green onions, diced lic and dill. Thanks to the lemon juice 1 ½ cups chopped parsley and red wine vinegar, it has a subtle 1 tablespoon chopped or dried burst of flavor followed by the meldill low goodness of fresh cucumbers and 1 teaspoon salt tomatoes. This dish functions well as 1 teaspoon pepper a stand alone salad, or makes a won2 cloves minced garlic derful side dish to accompany falafel, Juice from 2 lemons lamb gyros or a Mediterranean pasta. 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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Instructions: 1. Add chilled quinoa to large bowl and add cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, parsley and dill. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. 2. In a small pitcher or bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar and olive oil until well combined. 3. Pour dressing over quinoa mix and Cari Marye Griffith is a stir to combine. photojournalist turned 4. Serve and enjoy.
Find More
Validity Online! www.ValidityMag.com
urban gardener with a deep love for good food, culture and community. Her comfort zone is a cup of Earl Gray, bright morning light and far too many house plants.
Validity Recipes
Recipe, photos and food styling by Cari Marye Griffith
Validitymag.com
7 .
Validity Recipes
M
editerranean food is at the top of the list for me. We have a local Moroccan restaurant near our house, and any time we go out to eat, it’s always a hard decision, because I just cannot get enough of their hummus, falafel and honey tea! This month we salute all things Mediterranean. With the Olympics wrapping up, I am getting the itch to travel, but for now, I’ll have to live it out in my kitchen. Falafel is a dish that may seem intimidating, but I promise, this is a no-fail recipe. Cari and I did all the failing for you all with our falafels this month. Ha ha. Let’s just say we made huge messes in our kitchens trying to figure out what made falafel, well, falafel. This is an easy, as well as healthier recipe than most. Win-win! Bacon-wrapped dates are a phenomenal option for an appetizer or party as well. You cannot go wrong bringing this dish to a gathering of friends. The goat cheese and balsamic reduction pair together so well. Now, go forth and enjoy!
Recipe, photos and food styling by Katie Taylor
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Everything Tastes Better At Emeralds! Baked (not fried!) Falafel with Tahini Dressing Serves 1-2 Ingredients for Falafel: 1 cup chickpeas/garbanzo beans, soaked overnight and boiled for 1.5 hours (can also use canned version) ½ large yellow onion ½ cup fresh parsley 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon cumin 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs Olive oil, for baking pan Ingredients for Tahini Herb Dressing: ¼ cup tahini paste 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons maple syrup Handful fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, cilantro (can also use ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning) 3 cloves garlic Warm water to thin Instructions: 1. If you are working with raw chickpeas/garbanzo beans, first soak them in a large bowl overnight. To make them easier to digest, you can also sprout them. Simply place them in a fine mesh strainer for an additional 24 hours after soaking, covering with a cloth. You will notice little sprouts coming out from the end of the beans. Finally, cover them with water in a sauce pan, and boil for 1.5 hours. Even though a little time consuming, I find this method to be preferred over canned beans. They taste bet-
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Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese Serves 4 as an appetizer Ingredients: 15 large Medjool dates, pitted 5 ounces fresh goat cheese 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 8 slices bacon 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction (Can make or buy this. To make, heat balsamic vinegar over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened) Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. If dates are not pitted, remove ter and are easier on the digestive Simply combine all ingredients in food processor and process until the pits. system. 3. In small bowl, combine the goat With your prepared beans, smooth. cheese and Italian seasoning. combine all remaining ingredients 5. You can serve the falafel on a 4. Stuff dates with ample amount except the bread crumbs and olive bed of greens with tomatoes and of goat cheese, wrap ½ piece of baoil into a food processor. Process the dressing (as pictured), or you can serve with pita bread. Your con around one date and bake for until somewhat smooth. about 20 minutes. Top with bal2. Form the falafel into round choice! samic reduction and serve warm. balls (can also do patties), and roll in bread crumbs. This will help make them crispy on the outside. 3. Pour an ample amount of olive oil into the bottom of a cast-iron pan or oven-safe pan, and then place the falafel onto the pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes, rotating when they become brown on the bottom. 4. While the falafel is baking, prepare the tahini sauce. Validitymag.com
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Validity Book Review
Sweetbitter
choose fine dining as a career path. t is nice to find a debut Tess has author who writes so procome to New ficiently the story feels York City like it was written by a seaalone, leavBy James Lund soned author with decades of ing an all experience. Stephanie Dantoo common ler has done just that and much childhood behind, complete with more with her new novel, Sweet- superficial relationships and a brobitter. ken home. She arrived in the city Sweetbitter, currently a naas many do, confused and overtional best seller, is the tale of a whelmed. She finds work at a top young woman who moves to New restaurant and is immediately beYork City in the summer of 2006 set by the intensity of the experiand finds work as a “backwaiter” ence. The food must be learned, in one of the many, fine dining the wine must be learned, the regrestaurants in the city. The story ulars and their preferences must is narrated by Tess, a twenty-two be learned and the personalities of year old who quickly finds her- the staff must be learned and naviself submerged in the culture that gated like a conciliatory politician, inevitably envelopes many who
By Stephanie Danler Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
I
“All Your Building Needs with Fast, Friendly Service”
all while trying to cultivate her life in the greatest, grandest, most devastating city in the world. Sweetbitter focuses on the relationships between the staff more so than the food, which is refreshing, h o w e v e r, the creation of our narrators’ palate plays an important role. Danler beautifully portrays daily life behind the scenes and extends the plot outside the kitchen. Having been in the industry myself for many years, I’ve often described the life of a single twentysomething with a career in fine dining as a lot like being a rock star, you work, pouring your passion into your art un-
til midnight, drink until sunrise, sleep all day, wake up and do it over again. Sex, drugs and rock & roll, without the rock & roll. Tess finds friendships, love, lust and an unfortunate cocaine habit that threatens to derail her drinking problem. She becomes part of the never ending storyline of a restaurant that composes personal lives and professional aspirations into a tragic soap opera in which no one escapes unscathed. I was reminded of Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain. This legendary industry memoir by the popular, irreverent, world traveling chef tells the story of his rise through the New York restaurant scene to become the executive chef of the storied Brasserie Les Halles on John Street in
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11 .
Manhattan. Kitchen Confidential is not pretty or polite. It’s dirty, gritty, vulgar and a true testament to the obscene expectations of anyone who wanted to work their way to the top in such an intense, competitive field in the days before silly cooking game shows and reality television. Although Sweetbitter is a work of fiction and focuses more on the
front of the house rather than the kitchen, Stephanie Danler, a veteran of the New York City restaurant scene, gives us a level of detail that only someone with significant time in the industry could accurately convey, which is where the similarities between the two books end. That experience, coupled with a beautiful writing style and the apparent chops of a veteran sto-
ryteller, has produced a novel that is nothing less than a gift to fine dining alumni as well as to customers past, present and future. You can find copies of Sweetbitter at The Old Curiosity Book Shop on the square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, or at your favorite indie bookstore. Remember to support your local indie shops, restaurants and publications. We
appreciate each one of you. James Lund, along with his wife Heather, own The Old Curiosity Book Shop in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. A native of Nashville, James moved to Columbia several years ago to get away from crowds and promptly opened a business whose purpose is to attract crowds.
Historic Hickman County David’s Body Shop, LLC
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BreecesCafe
New Event
A
t Hayshed Farms in Kingston Springs, Tennesee this fall, local and guest artists will play in an outdoor, country music festival on the Harpeth River. October 14 and 15 will be the inaugural Hoedown on the Harpeth festival. Hoedown on the Harpeth is unique in that its mission is one of preservation of the roots of country music. Ole time country music will be featured throughout the two day event. Two main stages will be filled with musicians day and night during the full moon phase of the month. Acoustic artists will play in tents in main areas of the festival, each tent having different themes and decorations. Other attractions at Hoedown on the Harpeth will include food trucks and vendors, arts and crafts, hay rides, games and music workshops for youngsters. Those wishing to camp on site may choose to stay in one of a few different areas: a generator-equipped RV area, a tent camping area, a late-night picking area or a quiet family area. Hoedown on the Harpeth was produced by Robert Dunn, an entrepreneur who grew up in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Dunn decided he wanted to gather people through music when he attended a Grateful Dead concert in 1992. “I fell in love with the country and bluegrass feel of The Grateful Dead, and I realized the entire vibe and social atmosphere of the concert was just as good as the music,” Dunn remarked. A tentative lineup of main stage musicians is available on the festival website, hoedownontheharpeth.com. The initial lineup includes Johnny Campbell & The Bluegrass Drifters, David Grier, Brad Folk & The Bluegrass Playboys, The Danberrys, Adam Olmstead, Colin O’Brien, Leroy Troy, The Rische Family Band and King’s Highway. The full lineup of musicians will be posted on their website at a later date. To receive updates on Hoedown on the Harpeth, visit
their Facebook page. Tickets have been available online since June 1 of this year. Two-day festival passes are $30 and single day passes are $20. Camping is available at $5 per night per person. Kids 12 and under get into the music festival for free with a paid adult admission. Festival gates are scheduled to open at 12
Visit
p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016. Hayshed Farms is located at 1514 West Kingston Springs Rd, Kingston Springs, Tennessee 37082. To see photos and videos of musicians performing at Hoedown on the Harpeth, or for more information about this event, please visit hoedownontheharpeth.com or visit their Facebook page.
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13 .
Spring Hill Orchestra Fall Lineup Their most recent series of concerts included selections from Mofter a successful round zart’s opera, The Marriage of Figaro. of summer concerts, the Three vocalists sang a diversity of Spring Hill Orchestra characters from the piece with ac(SHO) is set to perform several companiment from the orchestra. The vocalists were sopranos times this fall. Photos by Jimmy Clutter
A
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Melissa Dufrechou and Rachel Baker, who sang the roles of Susanna, Cherubino and Countess Almaviva. Justin Colon, who sang bass baritone, played the roles of Count Almaviva and Figaro. The SHO performed two different free concerts, one at Faith Lutheran Church in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee and the second at the Williamson County Public Library in Franklin, Tennessee. The Spring Hill Orchestra has a full lineup of concerts slated for fall, the first being a pops concert on September 17, 2016 at 3 p.m. for the Spring Hill Arts Walk. Broadway music, movie music, bluegrass and tango will be performed
on the front lawn of the Tennessee Children’s home. Pieces planned for the concert are “Tonight” from West Side Story, a Pirates of the Caribbean medley, selections from Star Wars
and “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins, among many others. The SHO will have several other performances throughout the fall and winter season, including a Broadway dinner show fundraiser at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 17 from
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “The intent is to fundraise for The Spring Hill Performing Arts Center of Entertainment,” commented Rebecca Vendemo, who is the founder, director and conductor of the non-profit orchestra. Tickets will be required for
Spring Hill’s “Moments of Broadway” fundraiser dinner. Tickets are $20 each and include a boxed dinner. Besides the Spring Hill Orchestra, local performers for the dinner show will be the SPACE Theatre Troupe, All That Dance, HarMo-
nix, Sabre Music Artists and more. For more information about this performance, please visit their Facebook page or call 615-614-1295. To learn more about the Spring Hill Orchestra or to get information about upcoming concerts, please visit springhillorchestra.org.
DR. JOEY
HENSLEY STATE SENATE
Validitymag.com
15 .
The Storytellers Museum and Johnny Cash’s Hideaway Home By Bryce Martin
T
he pilgrim returns. Located 19 miles eastnortheast of Centerville, in Bon Aqua, the Storytellers Museum opened a few weeks ago. The site is a museum dedicated to Johnny Cash, who at one time owned the refurbished old store and other property in the immediate region. Down the road, is the old Johnny Cash home place, purchased by Brian and Sally Oxley. The 107-acre spread sold for a pretty penny, $895,000. On a pleasant Saturday afternoon in the Edenic hills, Brian sat on a couch for a talk in the living room, while Sally tended to other chores. Occasional guests arrived
and Jo Gossett, who has lived a short distance down the road all her life, in the Blackwater area of Bon Aqua, acted as a reliable and detailed tour guide of the home and grounds. As for Brian’s rationale for the Storytellers Museum, he says, “I think of it as more of a pilgrimage than a museum. I don’t even like the word museum for the place, but I couldn’t come up with a better word for it.” Asked if the museum had a primary religious theme, Brian answered no, but added, “If it was primarily a museum devoted mostly to religion, who would be a better storyteller than Jesus Christ.” More than once on this sunny afternoon, he was described by kin
D o w n t o w n
and associates as “hard to keep up with, with all his many flowing ideas.” When Brian says the word “pilgrimage” in relation to the museum, he really does mean it as a trip to a sacred place. “I’m not trying to deify Johnny Cash,” he explained. “Clearly, he was a troubled man in many ways. I’m not trying to drum up a religion. However, in a miraculous way, I feel this was all here waiting for me. It helps to give me a platform, to meet people and to make friends.” Brian and Sally are both the children of missionaries. The Oxleys have written several books, mostly ones with religious themes. They met while both attended Wheaton College in Illinois where they graduated during the 1970s. “I grew up mostly in Japan,” Brian said. “Most of my friends to this day are Japanese and Asian. Being a family of missionaries we traveled all over. We even came to Nashville a few times. Still, I knew nothing unique to Johnny Cash, his songs or anything. I knew he was a singer and that was it.” Mostly by chance, Brian be-
came drawn into the Cash charisma through many channels and a plan started forming in his fertile imagination, one that is still unfolding. “The depth of his narrative caught my attention. Some people are cold to religion. They don’t want to hear about it. I was amazed at his in-your-face at times approach to religion that people would listen to. They may not have wanted to hear about religion, but when it came from the man, Johnny Cash, they listened.” Skeptics as to Brian’s true intentions are out there, he admits. Mostly though, the Cash family has offered full endorsement. “A couple of the siblings aren’t so sure,” Brian said. “I can understand that. I can say this, at age 65, I want my life to have meaning. Knowing as little about Johnny Cash as I did when this all started makes me a least likely one to start such a project. It’s not a flip. I didn’t start this to build up a business and then sell it off.” As part of the farm tour, Jo Gossett offered numerous and wonderful lore. “Johnny taught his four girls how to drive here,” she said, pointing out a window to a large,
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OktOber
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23nd Annual Fall Classics Car and Truck Show
Saturday - 8 a.m. through 12 p.m. Judging begins at 12:30 p.m. On the lawn - Lewis County Court House 110 Park Avenue North, Hohenwald
For More Information Contact: Hohenwald/Lewis County Chamber of Commerce 931-796-4084
director@hohenwaldlewischamber.com
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compose the Oak Ridge Boys’ hit song, “Elvira.” The handwritten lyrics to the song “Saturday Night in Hickman County” is for viewing, Cash’s Bon Aqua fishing license and much more. Some prized Cash items had previously found new homes from private collectors and other museums around the country. For example, the Johnny Cash, Bon Aqua Martin D-28 is housed in the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota. The museum’s renowned collection includes more than 15,000 instruments from all cultures and historical periods. Cash named the guitar Bon Aqua, and he used it for strumming sessions periodically in his Hickman County retreat. A somewhat oddball item associated with Cash met the crusher years ago, the One Piece At A Time Cadillac. The Oxleys own and disCourtesy photo
green and flat expanse of land. “His third daughter, Cindy, told how he showed her where and how to find arrowheads, how to hunt and fish, right here.” The dogtrot, farm house was built before the Civil War by the Weems family. The farmland contains a pond, a creek and three springs. The farm was a secret hideaway that Cash enjoyed thoroughly, especially after long journeys on the road. Area people knew him but purposely left him to his privacy, according to Gossett. “I kind of regret that I didn’t at least bring him a cake,” she said. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, his wife, both passed away in 2003. When the Hendersonville landmark, House of Cash museum in Sumner County, closed in 2004, with the blessing of the families involved, artifacts and components scattered to all corners. Then, nearly a decade later, in late May 2013, a new Johnny Cash museum opened
in a booming downtown Nashville. Filling that new space took on the task of gobbling up most of what items involving the Cash imprint were left available to showcase to the public. The former House of Cash in Hendersonville displayed some items not directly related to the Cash legacy, such as a motorcycle once owned by rocker Buddy Holly. It’s the same with the Storytellers Museum, where one can view a leaf from an ancient and historic Gutenberg Bible, or the piano used by songwriter Dallas Frazier to
Keg Springs Winery Bringing Wines
to
play a remake of the original. “One Piece at a Time” was a hit song by Johnny Cash. The spoken-word song was written by Wayne Kemp and first released by Cash in 1976. The black Cadillac now displayed at Bon Aqua is not the original 1949-70 Cadillac built to hype the song. That one was crushed at a Nashville-area wrecking yard years ago. While still in transition, the farmhouse and museum is open to the public and is located a short drive down Old Highway 46 off Highway 100 in Bon Aqua. Every other Saturday night, live music shows are on stage at the museum and admission is free. Days and times are Wednesday-Saturday. Call 931-996-4336. Visitors will not be disappointed. Martin is a semi-retired journalist with several decades of staff experience with daily newspapers, regional and national magazines. He currently has a book in print, Kern County Sports Chronicles, and is working on a book for a major publisher about the history of Bakersfield country music.
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17 .
Billy Roy Park:
Melissa Wickline
Woodcarver
I
I said. “I’ve admired it for ’ve always said years.” that if anyone I introduced myself and were ever outside told him how much I loved the pretty house on historic homes. the hill, I would stop He generously replied, to compliment the “Well, my name’s Billy Roy owner on their lovely Park and I’m a wood carver. home. That’s how I Come on in.” met my friend at his *** mailbox… a chance By Melissa In 1945, Billy Roy Park encounter that took Wickline rode into the driveway of his ten years. “Your house is so beautiful,” family’s new home. Just fifteen, .
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Billy’s entire world changed when his father sold the old home place in Fountain Heights, Tennessee and moved the family to a house Billy has now called home for seventy years. A farmer his entire life, Billy worked along side his father and brother, and they became F. A. Park & Sons, growing rye, wheat and soybeans across 365 acres of their beautiful, middle Tennessee farm. Billy looks back on those times
with a grin, “People said we would never make this farm a success but, we showed them.” F. A. Park & Sons would last another forty-four years together, building the family business, one innovation at a time. Tenacity and hard work paid off. The Park farm was the first farm in Maury County to incorporate “no-till farming,” and Billy believes their success came from taking chances. “Back in those days, no one would ever think of raising a crop and not tilling the soil,” he said. Other exciting innovations occurred on Billy’s farm. Billy beams with pride when asked about the grainery built by F. A. Park & Sons in 1951. “It was ahead of its time,” Billy says. “No other farm had anything like it. Folks came from miles around to see the grainery. It was the first of its kind in all the surrounding counties.” Billy speaks fondly of his many years of farming along side his father and brother. “My dad could fix anything, and my brother did all the accounting. He was a very smart man. My job was the farming, and together, we made a very good team. Never once did we even argue.” Although retired from farming, Billy’s heart will always be in the land, and the land, in Billy’s heart. Never a visit goes by without a discussion of crops, the rain level, soil conditions or armadillos, Billy’s only known enemy. Aside from farming, Billy served in the National Guard from 1950-1956, as an armorer, then a supply clerk. Billy’s philosophy of hard work and diligence paid off as he reached the rank of Sergeant First Class in six years. “I never did mind working. I would always stay at something until I figured it out. I’ve always been that way.” This wonderful story would seem, as Victor Hugo once said, “As full of life as a multitude.” But to know Billy, you would know this history is missing one major detail. At age 14, Billy began wood carving to pass the time. Caricatures, reliefs, ornaments, animals, puzzles, walking sticks, miniature furniture, flowers, crosses and most especially, Love Spoons, which are Billy’s favorite of all his work. Usually presented as a gift to
Melissa Wickline
Melissa Wickline is a lover of historic places and funny, interesting people. She enjoys exploring and restoring old homes, art and discovering new places, cultures and food.
and your neck, and ...
Melissa Wickline
Mrs. Martha, his wife of 20 years, who passed away in 2010, the church he’s attended since his youth, Pleasant Mount Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where Billy serves as a deacon, and Billy’s rows of sunflowers or his sweet potatoes, of which he proudly yields 12 bushels a year in a small garden in his side yard. “Has it been a hard life?” I asked. “Oh no,” he said without hesitation, “I would do it all over again the very same way.” And perhaps this defines his legacy, along with those wonderful spoons, and wood-carved critters and sunflowers up on the hill. It’s Billy’s gratitude and humble demeanor, along with a humble mind, that stay with me long after our visits end. Above all, the beautiful land, the pretty house and lifetime of carvings, Billy is the real treasure for any soul explorer. Grace to the humble, and humble you are, Mr. Billy. To think you introduce yourself as simply a wood carver.
Melissa Wickline
Melissa Wickline
celebrate life’s most joyous occasions, love spoons are beautifully carved with unique symbolism ranging from hearts, flowers, intricately carved chains and knots. Their designs are often simple, but generally, the most valued and stunning Love Spoons incorporate complex details that illustrate the carver’s skill level. Billy has carved hundreds of love spoons over his lifetime, ranging from simple, porridge-looking spoons, to masterful Celtic designs. Upon seeing Mr. Billy’s vast collection of wood carvings, I commented that it wasn’t one lifetime of work, but the work of ten lifetimes. He smiled and said, “A person can do a lot in a lifetime.” A few other topics close to Billy’s heart that always come up in an afternoon conversation:
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T
he second annual Muletown MusicFest will be held this year on the Historic Downtown Square in Columbia, Tennessee. It is planned for September 30 and October 1, 2016. Featuring live music, the Muletown MusicFest will have most artists performing free shows, with select venues available with the purchase of a wristband. Validity had the opportunity to visit with Rick Clark, the creator of the event. Read on for an exclusive Muletown MusicFest Q&A. Q. Going into the second year, tell us about Muletown Music Fest and it’s economic impact on Columbia, including donations made last year to local non-profits. A. Last year’s Muletown Mu-
Q. We are intrigued by the fact that there is not a typical “main stage” at your festival, but instead, your team places music within local businesses. Talk about your philosophy and the reactions by both the business owners and the visitors last year. A. Many small city and town music events that are centered around downtowns tend to fill up their squares with one, large outdoor stage and a number of food trucks and vendors. It is like a circus comes to town and, even though the event lures people from around the area, it does little to truly tell the visitors about the place and its unique assets. When the circus leaves, often very few of the businesses downtown benefit. From the outset, we decided to strip away the elements that got in the way of really showing off the
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Brandy Clark is among the headliners at the 2016 Muletown Music Fest.
town and county’s homegrown offerings. Instead of obstructing the downtown businesses, we essentially turned a number of them into performance spaces. As a result, Muletown MusicFest attendees get to see our lovely historic square and experience it as we do everyday. One other benefit is that the Muletown MusicFest is practically weather-proof, since almost everything is indoors. Basically, the whole concept is a win-win for everyone and last year’s success was proof of that. Even though we had a very rare, cold, wet day for that time of year, all of the venues were bustling and most had record days. Q. We hear you have special guests from Hell on Wheels as well as a musical performance related to the show. What’s the scoop?! A. I was the Music Supervisor for the AMC television show Hell on Wheels, which is an exceptional Western about the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s. The show has millions
fine Dining & spirits 813 West Main Street • Hohenwald, TN 38462 931-796-5351 • www.tcathohenwald.edu Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Hohenwald is an equal opportunity institution and offers equal opportunity for employment and admission to programs to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, religion, natural origin, age, physical disability or veteran status.
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Muletown Music Fest 2016
sicFest generated ticket sales from Key West, Florida to Chicago. It was good for local hotels and businesses, many who had record days. This year is going to be even better, as people increasingly are seeing the potential of the Muletown MusicFest.
of fans. The star of the show is Anson Mount, who played the role of Cullen Bohannan, a former Confederate soldier, whose life leads him to working on the building of this huge railroad. MacKenzie Porter played Cullen’s wife, Naomi. They will be appearing at this year’s Muletown MusicFest. I got to know Anson over the course of the show and really like him a lot. He also grew up in White Bluff, Tennessee next to my favorite BBQ ribs joint, Carl’s Perfect Pig. I asked him if he would be interested in making an appearance at this year’s Muletown MusicFest, which was also created to benefit the local United Way, and he accepted and got involved in some of the brainstorming. Laurelyn Dossett worked with me on some of the music and wrote and sang one of the show’s best loved songs, which was called “That I May Know Your Face.” A day doesn’t go by where someone doesn’t say something about that
song, which was performed during one of the most heartbreaking scenes in season 4, the burying of the boy Ezra. Laurelyn will be performing that song, as well as another song she cowrote with me and Matt Johnson called “Safe In The Hands Of God.” There will be other music performed related to the show, too. Q. Who are your sponsors this year and how significant is their support? A. ListerHill Credit Union and the Maury County Visitors Bureau are the presenting sponsors. Without them, there wouldn’t be a Muletown MusicFest, but we also have a number of other fine sponsors who have helped make the event as good as it is this year. We have had a very generous anonymous donation from a teacher, who truly believes in this undertaking and wants to see it succeed. It is participation like that which demonstrates how committed this community is to share its goodness.
last year that we brought them back. Fans of classic rock will love The Long Players who will be featuring singers Dan Baird (of The Georgia Satellites) and Grammy winning Ashley Cleveland. Leyla McCalla, who played with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, is like a Creole-Haitian Bobby Gentry. Her music is sophisticated and
earthy and a must-see. Blank Range, Pujol, Sun Seeker, Quichenight, Boyscott are big with fans of indie rock. Maury County artists Damien Boggs, Daphne & The Mystery Machine, Callie Hopper and Scott Holt will be performing and are ample testament to the vibrancy of our local music scene. There are so many fine artists at
this year’s Muletown MusicFest and, unlike many music events like this, most of it is free and the prices for the two ticketed venues are very reasonable at $30 for Saturday and $50 for Friday night and Saturday. For more information about Muletown MusicFest, visit muletownmusicfest.com.
Q. How is this year’s festival going to be better than last? A. We listened to all the feedback and came up with a line-up where there is something of excellence for everyone, from jazz and R&B to Americana and rock and much more. There is no doubt people will love what they experience. Brandy Clark, one of country music’s most critically acclaimed rising stars, will be one of our headliners. Her latest album earned a fourstar lead feature review in Rolling Stone. Jason Eskridge is regarded by fans of R&B and soul as one of the best out there and his singing can be heard on Oprah Winfrey’s new TV drama Greenleaf. Tim Akers & The Smoking Section’s 70’s style funk and R&B was such a hit
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When I first entered Lewis County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I was scared. I always thought when you went to the nursing home, those were your last days. Well, they proved me wrong. They were the kindest and sweetest people. I knew most of them and their families. When I first arrived, I could not walk without help, couldn’t do the simple things of daily living by myself. All encouraged me and said I’d soon be walking by myself. Well, here comes Maranda Clark and Sarah Barber to the rescue. They started me on physical therapy and one day I could walk by myself and lift my feet up on the bed. Daily I improved. I even loved the food they served, to everyone’s surprise. They have wonderful cooks. Then I graduated and got to go home. Physical therapy came to my home several weeks and I improved with their continued support, guidance and know how. Now I am staying by myself again. I would highly recommend our Lewis County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for anyone in need ~ Wilma Hamm
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dreams and abilities has enabled Preston to travel with his grandfather to Nashville, Atlanta, Canton and Las Vegas for tryouts, combines and games with top players from across the U.S, and Canada. Each of these experiences places him in an elite group of young athletes, whose talents are spotlighted as future players to watch and track by college recruiters. Press coverage and grabbing the spotlight are easy for high profile positions on offense such as quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, but as offensive tackle, Preston accepts the lack of razzledazzle associated with his job. “No, it doesn’t bother me,” he laughs, acknowledging that for linemen, “notice” tends to come with mistakes. “If I don’t block for them (backfield), they get hit and everyone notices who didn’t block.” He takes his responsibility to those he protects seriously. Preston doubles down, focusing on what is in front of him, while simultaneously aware of what is going on behind him. “Repetition, repetition, repetition helps with that,” he says. “In Las Vegas, our quarterback from Ohio said he was accustomed to running for his life at home, and he loved our offensive line, calling us his best buddies.” Preston particularly likes the energy and intensity of one of his football heroes, Ray Lewis. However, the young man who will knock down his opponent to open a hole, will also reach down and give him a hand back up to his feet. His own playing style exhibits this strong, quiet leadership, placing his focus and energy into doing his best to complete each play and protect his backfield. Credit for his own success is widely distributed to family, coaches and Jesus Christ. A country boy life on a ranch, riding cattle on his horse, Copper, driving T-posts and loading
Preston Perdue:
Country Boy Strong
H
Courtesy Photo
is 6’4”, 315 pound frame and athletic achievements give the impression of a freshman entering a major college football program. In reality, Preston Perdue is an incoming freshman at Lewis County High School. Over three years of middle school athletics, By DeeGee Preston’s dediLester cation to skill development and stepping up to opportunities to improve resulted in an impressive list of accomplishments. He has been listed for three consecutive years in Tennessee Future Stars – one of 52 players selected from a field of 450 in tryouts across the state. In January, he was named to the U.S.A. All American Team for the second straight year and played against the Canadian team in Las Vegas, Nevada. And he was recently named one of the top three linemen (over athletes from across the U.S.) in the Class of 2020 Best of the Best at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Strong family support for his
Preston Perdue
hay bales contribute to a physical strength as well as a strong work ethic. The country boy and the young man of faith combine in his active membership at Thousand Hills Cowboy Church in nearby Ethridge, Tennessee. “I help with church a lot,” he says. A unique feature of cowboy church is the availability of an arena behind the church attracting new members, providing fellowship and opportunities for church fundraisers and spotlighting the riding, roping and other rodeo talents of young people like Preston. Physical strength and character have been reinforced by steady, consistent skill development from coaches and team staff. After three years of play under midPerdue on the field dle school coaches Danny McKnight (6th/7th Christ,” Preston says. “All of this I grades) and Damion Clayton (8th give to Jesus Christ. He is the one grade), Preston moves onto the you look to.” Lewis County High School varsity team under long-time coach DeeGee Lester serves as Director Bobby Sharp, one of Division 1, of Education at the Parthenon Class 2-A’s top coaches in the state. in Nashville and is the author of He also credits Brent Williams of several books. NextGen football camp and trainer Eric Spencer, Preston’s “go-to” guy who has helped him with areas such as strength, flexibility and footwork – all necessary skills for top linemen. “I am never satisfied and want to constantly improve everything. It’s my life’s desire to keep going with football,” Hickman cOUnTY FaRm BUREaU says Preston as he looks forward to high school, college Alan Potts • Agency Manager “somewhere in the South, 825 Hwy 100 • Centerville, TN 37033 close to home” and hopes of Phone: (931) 729-2292 Fax: (931) 729-9921 a possible NFL career. Aware that even the success of all of LEWiS cOUnTY these dreams requires prepaBud Malone • Agency MAnAger ration for a career after footBlake Warren, Agent ball, Preston plans to get a 483 E. Main Street, Hohenwald, TN 38462 teaching degree and eventuPhone: (931) 796-5881 ally become a coach. Fax: (931) 796-1477 “It’s really important to me to give back to the comClaims: 1-800-836-6327 munity by coaching and by www.fbitn.com spreading the word of Jesus Validitymag.com 23 .
f o o r P
Ornithology Report
50
Common Birds -Part 1
I
different birds are different from each other. This will help unlock the “secret codes” that will allow you to make sense of what your bird book is saying. So, with this in mind, for the next 10 months I will be highlighting 50 of the most common and conspicuous birds in the Validity readership area, five at a time. Keep in mind that almost any time you go outside you are likely to come across a bird that is not on my “Top 50” list. But these will give you the framework to build on, if you choose. This month, we’ll begin with five familiar species that are likely to be found around your home, wherever it is, just about all year: Blue Jay, Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse and American Goldfinch. The Blue Jay is probably familiar to all of you. It is our only “jay bird” in this area. It is loud and conspicuous most of the year. With its largish size, bold patterns of black, white, cerulean and violet and loud voice, it is usually hard to miss. But the next time you have one that is nearby, take a close look at it. Imagine that you have Eat Pizza. never seen one before and study it. They are actually quite beautiful birds. And, like all the jays and crows, Blue Jays are among the most intelligent of all birds. Which means they are excellent at foiling human An American Original schemes to keep them away Since 2011 from anything they might take a fancy to! 931-388-7770 The Northern Mock1144 Riverside Dr. ingbird is also likely familiar C olumbia , TN to most. It is a bit smaller Wednesday-Thursday than the Blue Jay, with a Be A 11 am 8 pm G r rounded crestless head and o rits upie Friday-Saturday GFollow it is often seen perched on Us! 11 am - 9 pm power lines and other conSunday 11 am - 7 pm spicuous elevated perches. Closed moNday-Tuesday It is overall a gray bird with www.TruelovesPizza.com a longish tail. Its most con-
.
”
“
t is hard for most people to fully comprehend the great diversity of birds found in the wild. Worldwide, there are over 10,000 species, and just within Tennessee there are over 300 species found each year. Our own little 40 acres of Lewis County has turned up By Bill Pulliam 190 species in the years we have been here. This large number of different birds is often daunting to people who are trying to learn more about the bird life of their own area. When faced with that many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. For most people, there is a fairly simple answer to this: Start at home. Wherever you live, there are birds. Learn the common birds around your home, learn the differences between them, and you will have started learning the ways that
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spicuous marks are the bright white flashes in its wings and tail when it flies. As Mockingbirds are active and aggressive, they fly quite often. Mockingbirds are also intelligent, and have recently been found to be able to recognize individual human faces. So that Mocker in your yard is likely watching you and keeping track of whether you are naughty or nice (at least in bird terms)! Mockingbirds are also famous for their voices. They also often sing all day, and even into the night if the moon is bright. True to their name, they are master imitators of other birds, and even random sounds like doorbells and car alarms. But they always incorporate their imitations within their distinctive song pattern. They repeat each phrase rapidly about 5-7 times, then switch to a new phrase. Many of the phrases are distinctive mockingbird calls, not just imitations. The Mockingbird song is one of the archetypal sounds of the southern landscape. In contrast to those two larger birds, the Carolina Chickadee is one of our smallest local birds. Chunky, fluffy and marked with a distinctive black throat and black cap, the chickadee is easily recognized. Other than their head pattern, they are a plain grayish bird with out stripes, spots or streaks. Chickadees are active and noisy, frequently calling their own names, “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” The Carolina Chickadee also has a distinctive song that you may hear fairly often. It is a series of three whistled notes, often transcribed as “fee-bee-feeboh.” The “fee” notes are the highest, with the “bee” and “boh” notes lower in pitch. Many people will call them “Black-capped Chickadees,” but this is actually a different (though closely related) species that occurs farther north than here. Telling these two birds apart is difficult, but fortunately in this area, you can safely assume that every single chickadee you have ever seen or ever will see is a Carolina. The Tufted Titmouse is a close cousin to the chickadees, and along with its cousin is often seen at bird feeders. It is a bit bigger, lacking any prominent black markings, but has a pointy crest (the “tuft”)
on its head and a pinkish wash on its sides (often covered by the folded wings). It is also active, noisy and conspicuous. Its common call is a raspy “zhee zhee zhee” along with gentler high-pitched tinkling sounds. Its loud song might be heard all year, a distinctive whistled “peter-peter-peter-peter” with the “er” note about a minor third lower in pitch than the “pete” note. Finally, the American Goldfinch is another small bird often seen both at feeders and out in the rural landscape. In late summer and autumn, the males are brilliant yellow highlighted by a little black cap and black-and-white wings and tail. The goldfinch is short-tailed and has a short, stubby, conical bill, two traits that help distinguish it from many other mostly yellow birds that are also out there. The female goldfinches are a drab version of the males, without the black cap, and with brownish/greenish shades to their yellow. Goldfinches are noisy and often found in flocks, making a variety of squeaky “finchy” sounds. In flight, they often give a distinctive call of four, short staccato notes, with the first or second note the highest in pitch. When a whole flock calls together, it becomes just a twirdling chorus. The full goldfinch song is mostly heard in summer and early fall and is a long, musical canarylike series of trills, whistles and other notes. Indeed, a common colloquial name for the goldfinch is “wild canary.” So there you have five of the most common of the hundreds of species of birds in middle Tennessee. If you are new to bird watching, just spending time looking at and listening to your most common avian neighbors is the best way to learn how to really see and begin to understand wild birds. Bill Pulliam got started in birdwatching by his junior high science teacher in 1974, and has been an avid birder ever since in 48 U. S. states and 7 foreign countries. He is currently the Tennessee editor for eBird, a online project that compiles millions of observations from tens of thousands of birders around the world.
Mustache & Beard
T
rium will serve his year, Labor Day as the venue weekend, Music City in which men will have an accumuand women lation of bearded and musalike will comtached folk known as “Beardspete in over man” gathering from all over 18 different the world with one goal in categories that mind. To compete in The will include full National Beard & Mustache By Josh Belcher beard, partial Championships presented by Just for Men. September 3rd at 8 beard and mustache offerings that p.m., the Historic Ryman Audito- will be judged on appearance,
Joe Gladski
Competition
resents the varied interests of people who enjoy the great outdoors. Beard Team USA will donate $1 per ticket sold, or a minimum of $5,000. You can learn more at the competitions website at www.nationalbeardchampionships.com Locally, middle Tennessee will have representatives from the Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society, Nashville, Tennessee’s beard and mustache club. Active since 2011, and in February of 2012, the club entered the world of competitive bearding. According to the club’s website, “Our beards, mustaches, chops and more began competing for charity and glory!” Since 2012, MPS has placed over 75 times collectively. A few of our members also have earned the prestigious title of Best in Show at a number of events. Pogonotrophy, according to Merriam-Webster, is the act of cultivating, or growing and grooming, a mustache beard or other facial hair. I had an opportunity to interview Cody Corcoran, president and founder of Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society, to discuss middle Tennessee representing in the competition. Q. Why do you think they picked Nashville for the 2016 Competition? A. “Nashville is hotter than the chicken. Everyone wants Nashville. I travel all over this country and hear the same thing, ‘I love Nashville.’ I’m sure it was an easy choice.” Q. Do you have people from the Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society representing middle Ten-
style and personality of contestant. Costumes and hats are encouraged as well. Approximately three hundred persons are expected to compete in this year’s competition. This is the 7th annual event of its kind, which has drawn thousands of fans and spectators to past cities such as New Orleans, Louisiana, Portland, Oregon and Brooklyn, New York, to name a few. This year’s competition also has a local beneficiary: the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry Program. According to tnwf.org, the federation is one of the oldest and largest in Tennessee and is dedicated to the conservation of the state’s wildlife and natural resources through Mon. - Fri., 10a - 6p , Sat., 9a - 5p 2482 Nashville Hwy. • Columbia, TN 38401 stewardship, youth engagement and pub931-486-1939 lic policy. The TWF northsidegun@yahoo.com • James Roberts, owner brings together and repValiditymag.com 25 .
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nessee in the competition? A. “We do have people headed to the event. Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society houses a few looking to retain or improve their titles from last year. Including first place Garibaldi, third place Donegal and fourth place Hungarian.” Q. I noticed that there are events in which females can compete. How and what do they display? A. “The ladies, now that is a competition. I’ve always said that they put in the real work for these competitions. Typically, the ladies have two categories, Realistic and Creative. Both are craft based. However, a true bearded lady is guaranteed to win Realistic, I assure you. The Creative class is limited only by imagination. It is my favorite category to see at a n y competition. I’ve seen beards with lights, motorized beards, beards with live animals. You name it and it has likely been a beard, or it will be. Unfortunately, the event coming to town does not cater to the ladies competition. Our events and so many more around the country do and would love to see everyone there! Q. You have a big gnarly beard. How long have you had it? When you are in public, do people approach you to touch it and how do you feel about this? A. Well thank you kindly. I really don’t know off hand anymore. I know it is over five years. It took me three and a half years to get to this 24 inches you see today. Do people touch?! I often wish they were that kind. People dive in like I wear a pool on my face. If I walk around stroking people’s hair, aggressively frolicking on their head, they’ll have the police question me. A little couth would go a long way. I’m glad folks are excited and I’m like any other .
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cat, I like to be petted. Just ask or dangle a treat in my face. Q. Do any of your members pray or have any interesting rituals before you compete? A. We seem to have just one ritual before competition. We drink a beer and repeat at different rates of speed. Q. Is your Beard Club exclusive to people you hand pick like a fraternity, or is it open and how do you learn more about joining? A. Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society is so open that you don’t even need facial hair. All members start as an associate, where they remain for the first year. If we don’t all like each other by then, we will all be plenty aware. Anyone interested in membership should join us at one of our Business Meetings held at Little Harpeth Brewing, every first Thursday of the month. Or meet up with us at a Pub Night. The location varies, so check the website, mpsnashville.com, Facebook/mpsnashville, Twitter @MPSbeards, or email info@mpsnashville.com for details. Maybe even Instagram @MPSnashville. Q. What would your advice be to someone who was interested in growing a beard for the first time? A. Our advice at MPS is to just grow. We suggest the “yeard.” Let it all go for a year with neck and cheek trimming only. After that, you will know your style exactly. Everyone has a style that suits them best. And there are a lot of styles. During that year, properly maintain your facial hair. We recommend our current beard oil made by Roughneck Beard Company (You can’t see me but I’m giving you a wink and thumbs up). Q. There is a lot of speculation that women, for the most part, are not fans of beards. What are your thoughts on that? Tell that to the proud Whiskerinas or even to the groupies. I don’t like sushi but that isn’t keeping anybody awake either.
Joe Gladski
Joe Gladski
Joe Gladski
www.ValidityMag.com
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27 .
September’s Garden
Preserving The Harvest And A Fresh Start
I
t is always special to have the vegetables we grow in the summer garden show up on our plates in the cold of winter. The beautiful, abundant bounty from our summer garden gave us the chance to preserve and put back much of that diBy Cassandra Warner vine harvest. I think it is of great value today to have as much security and
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safety in our food as we can provide for ourselves. It is a satisfying feeling to know that you have grown safe, healthy food for you and your family and then a double blessing to be able to preserve some of it for future security and enjoyment. There are many ways of preserving the harvest. We freeze, can, dehydrate. This year, we invested in a Harvest Right freeze dryer. This season, we have freeze dried asparagus, green beans, avocados, onions, peppers, tomatoes, peas, pimentos, swiss chard, okra,
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potatoes, cheese, peaches and blueberries, so far. I have also been preparing some casseroles, cheese cake and, yes, even ice cream to freeze dry. Soon, we will be putting apples in it. Once the freeze drying process is complete, you can store the food in canning jars that you add an oxygen absorber to before you close it up. We have been doing that a lot and also we vacuum seal the jars with the attachment on a Food Saver. You can also store in mylar bags with an oxygen absorber. The amazing thing about the food freeze dried
is that it only loses about two percent of the nutrition. Meats are preserved with this method for 10-15 years, with fruits, vegetables and other foods up to 25 years. The flavor of the dry foods (not rehydrated) is amazing. We are still newbies to this method, and it’s a bit of a learning curve, but I think it will probably be our most preferred method of preserving our harvest in the future. As we say farewell to this year’s sizzling hot and extremely wet summer, our gardens will transition into the beginning of the cool
and crisp, as fall arrives. As each season in the garden comes and goes, some things are always missed, but then there are other things that will soon be enjoyed and much loved in the season that follows. When the days begin to get cooler and shorter, the summer crops slow down and die off, a time of change. The fall season means a fresh start. Time to dig in and get the cool season crops going. Planting
*Savory, rustic greens such as arugula, mustard, collards, kale and turnip. *Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, chives, celery, kohlrobi, leeks, cilantro, leaf lettuce, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, swiss chard and garlic. *Late season annuals such as sweet alyssum, pansies, violas, snapdragons, ornamental kale and cabbage. *Fall blooming perennials such as asters, chrysanthemums, golden rod, perennial sunflowers and sedums.
Harvest
*Continue to harvest remaining vegetables and herbs. *Remember to harvest and save seeds from some of your best heirlooms for next year. Maintenance
*Time for that fresh start for your garden soil, so add organic matter such as compost, worm castings, manures and leaf mold. *Clean up all fruits that have fallen to the ground. *Prepare beds for fall planting. *Sow cover crops, or cover with mulch, wheat straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, compost or other organic matter any beds you will not be using until spring. *Keep the garden debris cleaned up, and add to the compost pile anything that is free of disease and pest. * Put a fresh layer of mulch on berries, fruit trees and perennial beds. *Clean out cold frames and greenhouse to get ready for use. *Dig and store tender bulbs. *Remove any dead branches from fruit trees or roses, but don’t
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29 .
Cassandra Warner
Freeze-dried foods in vacuum-sealed packets boast a 25 year shelf life. But who can wait to eat it!
then smashed, add butter, salt and pepper, mix with tomatoes that The bold and beautiful were baked with fresh oregano and No not the soap opera, maybe basil and cheese and, of course, top the squash opera. Zucchini Ram- it off with cheese. Delish! picante has been a real star of the squashes this season. It only takes Eco-enzyme? Garbage enzyme? one to feed the whole gang! They Enzyme ferment fertilizer? can be eaten as a summer squash or When preserving the harvest, let mature (and they will grow very save some of the fruit and vegetable long) and use for a winter squash. I scraps to produce your own fertilhave cut them up and baked them, izer.
prune them yet.
My Mom went to a class on Chinese remedies to learn how to make enzyme ferment fertilizer. At that time, we had an abundance of peach peels, so she decided to try it. I did some research on the topic and found several different names for the process which takes three months to complete. The technique was developed by Dr. Rosukon Poompanvong of Thailand (one of the pioneers of Thailand’s
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www.sctta.net
organic movement). She developed this method to tap the full potential of soil organisms by using fermented organic waste to increase crop fertility and protection against pests. How to make it!
Use sturdy plastic container with tight fitting lid. *1 part brown or raw sugar. (don’t use white) mixed in 10 parts water. *Add 3 parts chopped fruit and or vegetable waste. (We used 1 cup brown sugar, 10 cups water and 3 cups of scraps in a 1 gallon plastic mayonnaise jar which worked out perfectly to be 80 percent filled.) *Fill the container about 80 percent with the mixture leaving room for the fermentation. Close the cap. *Place container in cool, dry place at room temperature. For the first month, open the cap daily and stir with a stick or wooden spoon clockwise to release gases. Recap tightly
Cassandra Warner
each time. “My rule of green *For the second thumb for mulch is to and third month double my initial esonly release any timate of bags needed gases if necessary. and add 3. Then I’ll Especially if it looks only be 2 bags short.” like it might ex— Author Unknown plode, (ha). A white layer on the surface “Learn to be an of the enzyme soobserver in all seasons. lution means it is Every single day, your working, but if you garden has something see worms, add in new and wonderful to a handful of sugar, show you.” — Author mix well and recap Unknown tightly. The worms will disappear overThere are always night. many different festi*After 3 vals during this time of months, filter and year. Temperature beremove residue. The gins to moderate, and, residue can be used likewise, the garden to start a new batch adding it with the Bountiful harvests yield opportunity for preserving during fall is a festive homegrown foods for cold, winter months. place to be. It is filled scraps, or add it to with all the wonderful the compost pile fall food and flowers! or direct compost Hope you all enjoy and delight it. Put the strained liquid in a Garden quotes in Autumn’s glow and a fresh bottle with a cap on it. “The kiss of the sun for start in your fall gardens. The end product is used dipardon, the song of the birds luted as follows: for mirth. One is nearer God’s Originally from Texas, Cas*Vegetable fertilizer: Mix 1 heart in a garden than any sandra Warner is a transplant 2/3 cup enzyme mixed with 1 where else on earth.” — Doro- to the garden of Tennessee. gallon water in sprayer. Spray thy Frances Gurney Gardening has been one of on garden once a week. her passions for forty years. *If pests are a big problem, “The home gardener is part “Gardening connects you to mix equal amounts of enzyme scientist, part artist, part phi- the miracle of life and proand vinegar in 1 gallon spraylosopher and part ploughman” vides healthy exercise and er and fill with water and use stress relief.” — John R. Whiting once daily for 3-5 days.
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31 .
One Lawyer’s Opinion
Musings Q. In your column about Mr. Warf, you didn’t mention how he handled county finances. How about it? A. He prepared the annual county budget just like he did with everything else. By himself. It always passed unanimously. When I first moved here, there was one By Landis anti-Warf man Turner on the county commisssion. Votes were 24 to one. Howard always found that amusing. Once he lowered the property tax by 10 cents, a significant and substantial amount, when considered with the fact that at that time the rate was only $2.00.
***** A couple’s pet parrot could be used as evidence to prove the wife murdered her husband. Fourteen months after he was found dead from several gunshot wounds in their home, the wife, 48, was in jail accused of murder. The family thinks they quarreled over unpaid bills, foreclosure on their home and her gambling debts. After she allegedly shot her husband, they believe she tried to kill herself. The attempt failed. A few weeks after he died, the parrot began repeating a loud, profane argument between a male and a female. He told her to “get out.” “Where will I go?” Then, in what the family believes to be his last words, he said, “Don’t #*$@ shoot.” A former wife, who now cares for the parrot, said, “I believe Order online at: www.cornerstonehs.com
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with all my heart that those are his last words. I recognized two different voices screaming and yelling and it always ends with, “Don’t #*$@ shoot.” The prosecutor said they are studying the parrot’s words, trying to determine whether they are admissible evidence. “It’s an interesting novelty and its been a great opportunity for me to learn about African parrots,” he said. “It is something we are going to be looking at to determine if it’s reliable to use or if its information we need to prosecute this case.”
of Margaret’s concert. I’ve come to the conclusion that you are an “eight ulcer man on four ulcer pay.” It seems to me that you are a frustrated old man who wishes he could have been successful. When you write such poppy-cock as was in the back section of the paper you work for it shows conclusively that you are off the beam and at least four of your ulcers are at work.
It is not as uncommon as it sounds for animals to be in court. Sometimes dogs accompany a witness to the witness stand, where their presence seems to sooth the witness’s nerves. This is usually true when a child testifies in a child abuse case. Also, it is not all that unusual for a dog to be evidence or a witness used to identify someone. ***** It is well known that President Harry S. Truman was fiesty, but never more so than when his beloved daughter, Margaret, was criticized. Margaret was a singer who mainly sang operatic arias. When she gave a recital in Washington, D. C., he could not restrain himself and wrote this letter:
Some day, I hope to meet you. When that happens you’ll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes and perhaps a supporter below. Pegler, a guttersnipe, is a gentleman alongside you. I hope you’ll accept this statement as a worse insult than a reflection on your ancestry. H. S. T.
The White House Washington Mr. Hume: I’ve just read your lousy review
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This column discusses legal issues of general interest and does not give legal advice on any reader’s personal situation. The law is not a one-size-fits-all hat. Consult a lawyer of your choice. Landis Turner is a graduate of the University of the SouthSewanee and Vanderbilt University School of Law. He is a former president of the Tennessee Bar Association.
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What Matters
W
e hear a lot of debate today about who matters, but consider for a moment what matters. We are born into a natural, physical environment in which we rely heavily upon the stimuli of our basic five senses: hearing, touch, By Charles E. sight, Newbold, Jr. smell and taste. Our perception of the natural world is experienced through these receptors. The physical, natural world is our initial reality wherein we value what matters and what does not matter. We form opinions not only on what we hear, see, touch, smell and taste, but on values we are taught, things we experience and events that shape our thoughts and feelings. The world in which we live forms our perception of reality. What matters to one of us is not the same as what matters to another. Thus, we have a myriad of differing opinions relating to religion, politics, morality, social norms and all else. Some of these perceptions matter so much that people kill over them. Along came Jesus Christ, who preached and taught about the Kingdom of God. He proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21). He instructed us to pray for God’s Kingdom to “come on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In so doing, Jesus presented a completely different reality, giving us a different kind of receptor through which we reevaluate our worldview. Nevertheless, our natural, physical, worldly worldview is so overpowering that it is difficult to understand what it means to live the Kingdom of God in our daily lives. How can we reconcile this conflict between the world and the Kingdom? I dare offer to offer an explanation. It is this: What matters in heaven matters on earth. If it does not matter in heaven, it does not matter
on earth. The challenge for us now is to determine what matters in heaven. Can we know that? We can read our Bibles and come up with what we think matters while the person next to us reads the same Bible and comes up with a different set of “what matters.” We find, then, we cannot depend upon our earthly, worldly, reasoning minds to determine what matters to God. We need God to tell us what matters to Him. He has made that possible in the gift of His Holy Spirit who teaches us all things. Once we turn to His Holy Spirit to inspire truth in us, as confirmed in the scriptures, we can better know what matters and what does not matter to Him—what matters in heaven. The thing is, once we know what matters in heaven, is it going to matter to us? Do we really care? Is that new knowledge going to change anything in our lives? It should make all the difference in the world in how we live our lives. This change of reality should greatly alter what we think about finances, careers, relationships, affiliations, religion, politics, ethical behavior and moral standards—everything that pertains to our existence in the world. We are in the world, but not of the world. Living in the Kingdom of God is radically different from living in the kingdoms of this world. If we claim true citizenship in God’s Kingdom, then what matters to God matters to us. The extent to which we live according to “what matters in heaven,” will be the extent to which we live according to the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Ultimately, we find that what matters to God embraces who matters to God.
d
Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr. has served as pastor, teacher and is an author calling forth Christians to live the laid-down life for Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Nancy McDonald Newbold, live in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Charles continues his writing.
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33 .
Unconscionable Cogitation
Women Love...
T
he perpetual, biological clock is ticking. I think that turning sixty this summer brought me to new heights in my understanding of how things work, especially with regard to w h a t women love. Not that I’m By Shane Newbold smarter (still mostly dumb, actually), but maybe somewhat wiser and undisputedly more observant. Women love calling the plumber because their own man is either too busy (never home) to fix the faucet, too drunk, too lazy, too inept or a combination of the aforementioned. And they really love some strange man squatting in the kitchen revealing his plumber’s butt. Some women love this scenario so much, they call service repair men even when there is no repair needed. Women love the significant male in their life walking through doors ahead of them, especially the heavy sprung, commercial types that whack the second person across the face.
Women love the slobbering, snoring, drunk husband sleeping it off on the living room couch, with the football game blaring, while the cat gets drunk licking the dribbled beer from the unkept beard the man sports thinking it makes him look more like a man. Women love cat calls. A woman loves a man who: Calls her his “ol lady.” Yells at the kids and never plays with them. Holds her to a higher standard than he does himself. Is jealous and angry. Never bathes. Hides under the bed when a possible intruder turns out to be a opossum. Scared of both, obviously. Fights the six-year-old daughter for the last ice cream sandwich. Is mean to the mother-inlaw. Awkwardly reveals that he thinks her BFF is prettier. Engage political confabulation on date night with strangers. Carries on hostile conversations with drivers in other cars who cannot hear him. Is world record holder in the local, backyard, BBQ, flatulence tournament. Pays attention to other
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women more than her. Spends Saturdays with the guys. Continually feeds the beer belly. Attempts home repair on her car, but never finishes or actually fixes it. Kicks the dog. Never laughs or smiles. Suppresses her strengths. Stifles her life progress and upward mobility. Doesn’t help with the #2 diaper changes. Doesn’t help her enjoy hobbies as much as she helps him. Doesn’t massage the kinks out of her back. Thinks she needs makeup. Is quick to self satisfy, leaving her unfinished and unfulfilled. Gropes instead of caresses. Doesn’t love sushi. Constantly reminds her of Ephesians 5:22, “Wives, submit (subject) yourselves to your husbands...” This list is short and inadequate. But it makes the point. Like eternity coursing and my birthday clock never needing a battery or winding, men absolutely have never nor will ever understand what women really love. All the while, many goobers believe they do (God’s gift to females) and act worse than those of us who realize we fall short. In all seriousness, if you men meet a woman who truly loves the aforementioned attributes, RUN! And, some women love other women. That certainly solves the worthless man problem. Father to four and best friend to Becky Jane for 28 years, Shane Newbold lives life to the fullest fishing and enjoying his family.
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