STATE TARGETS NASHVILLE
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ENSWORTH HIRES HASSELBECK
DECEMBER 21, 2023 | VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 50
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Nashville set for full slate of New Year’s events BY LOGAN BUTTS
Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Bill Hagerty joined local leaders in a tour of tornado damage in Hendersonville on Dec. 15, 2023. PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS
Federal Disaster Declaration granted for Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner Counties BY MATT MASTERS
A Federal Disaster Declaration has been granted for Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner Counties following last weekend’s storm that killed six people and caused widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, including to a Nashville Electric Service substation. “State and local officials, first responders and volunteers continue to provide critical support to impacted Tennessee communities following significant storm damage,” Gov. Lee said in a news release, following the action by President Joe Biden. “As Tennessee rebuilds, I thank our
federal partners for granting resources to further our severe weather response and recovery across the state.” The Federal Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate the recovery operations, and citizens impacted by the storm can apply for assistance online here. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in those designated areas can also apply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Central Standard Time, where multilingual operators are available, or by using the FEMA App. “With the approval of this declaration, we
are able to meet survivors’ immediate needs in those most widely impacted communities,” Tennessee Emergency Management Agency director Patrick C. Sheehan said. “We will continue working to make sure Tennesseans have the resources needed for a swift recovery.” The Nashville Post, a sister publication of The News, reports that as Nashville faces another disaster, the city is reconsidering how to raise recovery funds. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell called on Nashvillians to join the volunteer effort to clean up storm damage >> PAGE 2
Music City will once again be one of the country’s main epicenters of New Year’s Eve celebrations as the third annual New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is set to take place downtown. The gates will open at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park at 4:30 p.m. The festivities will kick off at 5:15 with a special Music City Hip-Hop 50 celebration. The celebration will be curated by Belmont music business professor and The Lovenoise Group managing partner Eric Holt and local musician Jason Eskridge, emceed by radio personality Kenny Smoov, and will feature guest appearances by local artists Tim Gent and Daisha McBride. The event will conclude with remarks and a 10-minute DJ set from Mayor Freddie O’Connell. The television special, which will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, will start at 6:30 with a lineup featuring reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, Elle King, and a special 50th anniversary performance by legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd. At 11:55 p.m., the countdown to the music note drop will begin and the festivities will then conclude with a 90-second fireworks show at beginning at midnight. A number of food vendors and food trucks will be on site, including Collin’s Lemonade, Daddy’s Dogs, J&R Concessions, J’s Concessional, Logan’s Snack Shack, Mason’s Hot Dogs, NiQ’s Exquisite Eatz, Cousin’s Main Lobster, Driving You Donuts, Fat Cat BBQ, Hoss’ Loaded Burgers, Kettle Pop Shoppe, Loveless Events, MGC BBQ Pizzeria, Rollin’ Ribeye Guys, The Slice Pizzeria, Tasty and Delicious, and Travelin’ Toms Coffee. Phone charging stations and bag lockers will be available for rental, and there will be more than 250 portable toilets on the premises. Parking will be available at >> PAGE 2
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THE NEWS
New Year’s Eve events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Nissan Stadium for $10 in Lot E, and ride share drop locations will be at the following locations: • James Robertson Parkway between Fourth Avenue and Rep. John Lewis Way • James Robertson Parkway from Charlotte Pike to Rosa L. Parks Boulevard (Capitol Hill side) • Rosa L. Parks Boulevard from Farmers’ Market entrance to 10th Circle North • Jefferson Street between Sixth Ave. and Rosa L. Parks Boulevard WeGo will operate a free bus exclusively between Broadway and the events at
Bicentennial Mall. A stop will be located on Broadway in front of Hume-Fogg between 7th Ave. and Rosa L. Parks and at Bicentennial Mall on James Robertson Parkway between 6th and 7th Ave. These buses will run a continuous loop between 7th Ave. North and the Bicentennial Mall for event goers, leaving approximately every 10 minutes until 1:30 a.m. There will also be New Year’s Eve Train that arrives at Riverfront at 8 p.m. and departs one hour after event. Tickets are on sale now. The train pick-up schedule will be as follows: Lebanon – 7pm Hamilton Springs – 7:08pm Martha – 7:15pm Mt. Juliet – 7:25pm Hermitage – 7:35pm Donelson – 7:45pm For those unable to attend or unwilling to brave the crowd and the elements, there is an official watch party taking place at Brooklyn Bowl featuring the Grammy-nominated band Old Dominion. For more information, visit www. visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve.
Belle Meade recognizes longtime public works director Larry Smith STAFF REPORTS
District 59 State House Rep. Caleb Hemmer celebrated retiring City of Belle Meade director of public works Larry Smith with a proclomation on Dec. 13. PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS
Federal disaster CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
and help the victims of the storm. According to the mayor’s office, more than 500 Nashvillians have volunteered through NashvilleResponds.com, and 180 Nashvillians have registered to receive emergency assistance. A supply distribution center was set up at FiftyForward Madison Station, located at 530 Madison Station Boulevard, where those in need can receive cleaning and hygiene supplies. The distribution center is open Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. On Friday, Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Bill Hagerty toured Hendersonville’s storm damage. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development also announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible Tennesseans whose employment or self-employment was impacted by severe storms and tornadoes in those four counties. The disaster period ends on June 16, 2024, and applications will be accepted from “individuals who live in, work in, or travel through these counties” until Jan. 16, 2024.
State targets Nashville interstates for toll lane project BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
Nashville interstate
PHOTO BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
State officials are prioritizing Interstate 24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro for one of the first “Choice Lane” projects under the recently passed Transportation Modernization Act. The Tennessee Department of Transportation on Monday unveiled its 10-year project plan, including details on initiatives it wants to complete in the Nashville area. The state could seek bids from private companies interested in the Nashville-Murfreesboro project as soon as late 2024. The $15 billion plan encompasses
93 projects using the annual TDOT work program budget and the $3 billion appropriation from the TMA. TDOT’s Congestion Studies, completed in 2022, estimates that $26 billion is needed to address both urban and rural congestion. It has commissioned further traffic studies and is already talking to private-sector partners about the possibility of Choice Lanes, according to the plan. The 10-year plan explains that Choice Lane projects would add new lanes to the areas recommended for the so-called “user-fee facility” mentioned in the TMA
and would not be converting existing lanes. Drivers would pay a toll to access the added lanes. Research has found that adding lanes to highways can actually increase congestion in the long-term. TDOT will recommend the first Choice Lanes project in Tennessee be on I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. Other potential future locations include I-65 between Nashville and Spring Hill as well as locations in Chattanooga and Knoxville. Democrats have filed a bill to change the language of the TMA so that TDOT must get approval of the local government where proposed toll lanes would be constructed. House Bill 1612 was filed by state Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville). As written, the TMA gives the authority to choose where the lanes would be constructed to the Transportation Modernization Board, which is made up of appointees by the governor and House and Senate speakers. In a recently released audit of TDOT, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury reported that state transportation officials believed that a toll lane from Murfreesboro to Nashville would be too difficult to complete, though some sections of the route would be possible. The audit was completed at the end of September and noted that by December, when it was released, a further assessment of the Choice Lane options would be completed. TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley called the audit finding about I-24 “a
misunderstanding,” per the Tennessee Lookout, though a top TDOT official said the stretch could still be completed in pieces. The audit also notes that TDOT’s intention to use public-private partnerships as an alternative delivery method for construction of the Choice Lanes could “present new risks since the state has not previously engaged in these types of contracts.” The 10-year plan provides funds to replace eight bridges in the Middle Tennessee region. TMA spending in each region is expected to be about $750 million in the next 10 years. The majority of Middle Tennessee’s is planned to be spent by 2027. There are similar spending patterns in the other regions. The department is planning to complete eight road projects in Davidson County during the next decade, such as the widening of State Route 11 (Nolensville Road) between Nashville and Williamson County, I-40 interchange at McCrory Lane improvements and widening I-65 between Davidson and Sumner counties. None of the $15 billion in state and federal funding is designated for multimodal transportation. TDOT notes in the plan that it will also allocate an additional $6 billion, or $600 million annually, over the next 10 years for multimodal transportation plans across the state. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
Season to Remember STAFF REPORTS
Headed to BNA® this holiday season?
Homicide victims honored during ‘Season to Remember’ Family members and friends honored homicide victims by hanging personalized ornaments on wreaths during the 21st annual Tennessee Season to Remember memorial at Nashville’s First Baptist Church on Dec. 7.
PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS
The event featured remarks from founder and former First Lady of Tennessee Andrea Conte, as well as from keynote speakers Julie and John Mullinix, whose daughter Kimberly Wyatt and granddaughter Sarah Wyatt were killed in Crossville in 2006.
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4
THE NEWS
Latest admin hires include Gov. Bill Lee grants ex-codes director, Metro clemency to 23 people councilmember BY MATT MASTERS
BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT
Former Metro Codes Department Director Bill Herbert is returning to the role after a stint in the private sector, Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced Friday. Herbert, formerly Metro zoning administrator, ran the Metro Codes Department from 2018 to 2022, when he joined law firm Thompson Burton as a partner working on land use matters. Byron Hall has served as interim director of the department and has been promoted to deputy director, O’Connell said. Herbert will return to Metro in February. O’Connell also announced the hiring of former Metro Councilmember Dave Rosenberg as director of data and innovation. Rosenberg, an early supporter of O’Connell’s run for mayor, served two terms representing Bellevue on the council, ending earlier this year. He also runs data-focused political consulting firm Harpeth Strategies. Patrick Hamilton will be O’Connell’s deputy chief of staff, a role he held for then-Mayor David Briley. He has also held
positions with the Tennessee Democratic Party, Nashville CARES, the Megan Barry administration and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Also announced were the hirings of Tanisha Hall as director of transportation and mobility, Jordan Wilkins as special projects assistant and Maddie Rambowski as digital coordinator. Hall was previously CEO of transportation planning consulting firm Fairpointe Planning and director of long range planning for the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Gerald Smith will lead the Department of General Services, a role he previously held in Kansas City. More recently, he has been city manager of several smaller cities. Velvet Hunter has been interim director of the department. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
An early look at the Metro Nashville Public School Board election
Gov. Bill Lee has granted pardons to 22 people and has commuted one person’s sentence to parole as part of traditional clemency actions by the governor in the days before Christmas. Lee took the executive action on Friday, in consultation with the Tennessee Board of Parole, which issues non-binding recommendations for each case. According to the governor’s office, people who have applied for but have yet to be granted clemency remain eligible for the action in the future. “After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 23 individuals executive clemency,” Gov. Lee said. “Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process.” The Following people were pardoned, an official statement of forgiveness which is granted to individuals who have completed their time in prison and are no longer incarcerated: Amanda Vaughn, Perry County Ann Marie Byrd, Davidson and Williamson Counties Brendan Sullivan, Blount County Cheryl Douglas, Rutherford County Chris Ann Hobson, Fayette County Christopher Park, Davidson, Sumner County and Wilson Counties DeAndre Brown, Shelby County Demetria Garner, Davidson County
Donnell Spraggins, Shelby County Catrina Cabe, Hamilton County Eddie Criswell, Madison County Edward Guthrie, Bradley County Jimmy Harris, Overton and Putnam Counties Joseph Claggett, Davidson County Joshua Owens, Bradley County Kamiko Michelle Paris, Hamilton County Kevin Campbell, Hamilton County Melissa Whitehead-Gregory, Tipton County Rhonda Shelton, Davidson County Robert Scales, Davidson County Tara Woods, Hamilton County Tylor Trotter, Knox County In addition to the pardons, Lee commuted the life sentence of 44-yearold Michelle Lockwood-Tipton, who was initially convicted of felony murder, robbery and second-degree murder for the 2000 killing of Pamela Hale, an employee of a Pigeon Forge hotel. Her charges was later amended to one count of murder. Tipton’s husband, Brandon Tipton, was the one who actually killed Hale during a robbery. He was sentenced to life without parole after he was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery, and remains incarcerated at Northeast Correctional Complex in Johnson County. Lockwood-Tipton has served 25 years of her life sentence and will soon be released on parole from Nashville’s Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center.
partisan school board election following 2021 legislation that allows partisan labels in district school board races. District 3 representative Emily Masters will not run for reelection, instead choosing to endorse Zach Young, a Democrat and former District 10 councilmember who lost a 2023 reelection bid to Jennifer Frensley Webb. Young is contested by Republican Stephen North. The district encompasses parts of northeast Davidson County, including Madison and Goodlettsville. District 5 incumbent Christiane Buggs has also confirmed that she won’t run for reelection and is instead endorsing TK Fayne (a Democrat) as her replacement. Fayne is running against fellow Democrat Marilyn Slaughter to represent District 5, which is at the center of the county and includes HumeFogg High School, Martin Luther King Jr. High School, Nashville School of the Arts and Pearl-Cohn High School. The most crowded race is in District 1, which encompasses North Nashville and Joelton. Incumbent Sharon Gentry has held the seat for 15 years but is not running
for reelection. One Republican candidate, Demytris Savage-Short, is running for the District 1 seat against four Democrats: Dominique McCord-Cotton, Robert Taylor, Latonya Winfrey and John Little. Little was elected to temporarily fill the District 4 school board seat after its previous representative Anna Shepherd died in 2020. He faced but ultimately overcame residency challenges when running for reelection in District 4 in 2022, but was ultimately defeated by Berthena Nabaa-McKinney. District 7 incumbent Freda Player is running for reelection uncontested. Her district covers Antioch and contains Glencliff High School, Valor Charter Schools and Paragon Mills Elementary School. District 9’s Abigail Tylor is uncontested in her run for reelection, representing the West Nashville and Bellevue area. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
BY KELSEY BEYELER
Davidson County Board of Education School board districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are up for reelection in 2024, and some
PHOTO BY ERIC ENGLAND
incumbents are already endorsing possible successors. This will be Nashville’s second
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
State Rep. Sam Whitson will not seek relection in 2024 BY MATT MASTERS
Tennessee State Representative Sam Whitson State Rep. Sam Whitson (R-Franklin) will not seek reelection in 2024. The Williamson Herald first reported Whitson’s decision, on which he elaborated in a Thursday social media post.
PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS
“It has been my highest privilege and honor to serve the people of Williamson County and my beloved home state of Tennessee in the General Assembly,” Whitson said.
The retired U.S. Army colonel has served in the state House since 2016 and touted his accomplishments such as the completion of the southwest Mack Hatcher Parkway extension, his sponsorship and passage of the Katie Beckett Waiver, and securing funding for Fairview High School’s mechatronics program. “Every bill I sponsored and every commitment I made were based on the values I learned as an Army officer with the firm belief in honor, decency and fairness,” Whitson said, adding that his life of service is not over. “I will continue focusing my remaining time in office on serving the citizens of Williamson County, including advocating for the disability community, ethics and campaign finance reform, public schools, responsible gun ownership, first responders and the trusted institutions that built our great state and nation.” Williamson County is split among four representatives; Whitson in District 65, District 61 Rep. Gino Bulso, District 63 Rep. Jake McCalmon and District 92 Rep. Todd Warner. Each is on the ballot in the November 2024 election.
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THE NEWS
Nashville’s co-response programs round out BY HANNAH HERNER
The REACH team, from left, Kelsey Taylor, Kiara Haynes, Michael Randolph, Capt. Jerry Pradines, Capt. Chad Walker PHOTO BY ERIC ENGLAND It wasn’t long ago that advocates were still calling for a non-police response option, amplified in November 2022 by a Metro Nashville Police Department officer shooting and killing an unhoused man who experienced mental illness. In February, that option appeared. Responders Engaged and Committed to Help (REACH) launched, pairing paramedics from the Nashville Fire Department and mental health professionals with the Mental Health Coop to respond to low-acuity crisis calls received by 911. At a Thursday Behavioral Health and Wellness Advisory Council meeting, the Metro Public Health Department presented data compiled from the first seven months of the REACH program (Feb. 13 through Sept.
30), plus an update on the city’s Partners in Care program, which launched in 2021. Partners in Care pairs mental health clinicians from the Mental Health Coop and police officers with MNPD. After adding the program at the Midtown Hills Police Precinct in April, Partners in Care is slated to be included at all city precincts in May 2024 — adding the East Police Precinct in March and the West Police Precinct in May. The program also hired a follow-up coordinator in December. From July 1 to Sept. 30, 5.8 percent of calls resulted in an arrest. REACH has a small team of two paramedics and two mental health professionals, and operates Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pilot program is set to run until June.
In its tenure, REACH professionals have increased their responsibilities. In August, they began to take individuals directly to the emergency room instead of calling an ambulance. REACH also stopped sending cautionary fire trucks with every call by the end of the first six months. REACH responded to 355 calls in its first six months, averaging 10 to 15 per week. The most commonly served ZIP code was 37203, near downtown. The next-highest was 37013, in Antioch — consistent with first-quarter results. The program is meant to help people get access to mental health care, but also to take pressure off emergency rooms and ambulances in the city. Forty percent of them ended up at the emergency room anyway. That number is down from 49 percent in the program’s first two months, but up from a low of 32 percent in April. In addition, 25 percent were transported to Mental Health Coop’s Crisis Treatment Center; 18 percent were provided resources or referrals; and 8 percent were transported to another inpatient center. Calls skewed male (54 percent) and young (23 percent between the ages of 25 and 34). Sixty-three percent were white, 30 percent Black and 7 percent another race. They also skewed low-income, with 36 percent unhoused or in temporary housing and 57 percent on Medicaid or Medicare. The 911 operators and dispatchers are crystallizing their list of questions for Partners in Care and REACH, emergency communications director Stephen Martini tells the Scene. “We’re not solely measuring the success of these programs by looking at, ‘What didn’t we send?’” he says. “We’re also looking to say, ‘Did we send the right resource to help the person in need? Were they truly experiencing a mental health crisis or a mental health concern, and did they need to be connected to mental health resources?’” Overall, 72 percent of the calls REACH responded to required a crisis assessment.
Michael Randolph, manager of the coresponse programs with the Mental Health Coop, said the level of need was higher, and more serious than he anticipated. Seventytwo percent of REACH calls involved people experiencing suicidal ideation, 25 percent experiencing psychosis, and 4 percent experiencing homicidal ideation. “All of the REACH calls would have ended with an ambulance transporting them to an ER, so we’re trying to streamline the care in a great way with some of these really high-intensity calls,” Randolph says. “That’s really good. We’re saving an ambulance bill and ER bill and, like, saving a person from having to tell the story a bunch.” Mental health beds are scarce in Nashville, but that hasn’t been a huge issue, Randolph says. Stays at the Crisis Treatment Center are short, usually around 24 hours to stabilize people and connect them to resources before transporting them home or to another treatment center. Randolph says his team is working to develop partnerships with area hospitals and drug treatment facilities to avoid long wait times for patients. “It is really hard to get someone into a location quickly,” he says. “We’ve been trying really hard to develop those partnerships and really advocate for the people we see.” Dia Cirillo, former senior policy adviser under Mayor John Cooper’s administration, led initial conversations about Partners in Care through Metro’s policing policy commission. She said the city’s co-response is a direct result of a demand for new services that followed the murder of George Floyd. “That happened in 2020, and we developed those new services, rolled them out, and those services are now meeting their original charge,” says Cirillo. “We’re developing a tool kit that never existed before. We’ve learned ‘tough on crime’ doesn’t work.” This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.’
Belmont lands largest gift in school history STAFF REPORTS
Belmont University has announced it has received a record $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. — a figure that is twice the dollar amount of the school’s previous high-mark gift. According to a release, the grant will fund programming related to sacred and popular music, performing arts, digital animation, sculpture and architecture. Billed as a national initiative, the program will include artists and theologians. Sarah Cates, who serves as Belmont vice president for imagination, strategic initiatives and partnerships, will oversee the initiative.
The previous record gift to Belmont, announced in December 2021, was a $15 million donation made by the Barbara Massey Rogers and Jack C. Massey Foundation. The Jack C. Massey Center, which that gift funded, is located on 15th Avenue and houses the Belmont Data Collaborative, an admissions welcome center and the Cone Center for Entrepreneurship. The announcement follows Belmont’s having announced in October its School of Theology and Christian Ministry had received a grant of $421,596 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the
Nashville Preaching Cooperative. Relatedly, and in January 2020, Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Belmont a $1 million, five-year grant to help support local churches’ efforts to effectively function as they face community, denominational and cultural shifts.. “Belmont is deeply committed to the arts and diverse communities and traditions of Christian faith – as well as the intersections among them,” Belmont President Greg Jones said in the release. “We are so grateful to Lilly Endowment for its investment in this important initiative,
and we look forward to the impact it will have on the public as well as with artists, scholars and partner organizations.” Headquartered in Indianapolis, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 through gifts of stock in the Lilly family’s pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. The foundation’s endowment offers assets of more than $30 billion. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
Ensworth hires former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck as head football coach
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In a continuing trend of local schools hiring NFL veterans, Ensworth announced on Friday that former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck will be the program’s new head coach. Hasselbeck will be replacing Roc Batten, who resigned in November following five seasons as the head coach at Ensworth. During his tenure with the Tigers, Batten compiled a 33-22 record with playoff appearances in four of his five seasons. The former Vanderbilt player and assistant coach was also an assistant at Ensworth from 200511 prior to an eight-season stint as the head coach at Battle Ground Academy. Hasselbeck is not unfamiliar to the Ensworth coaching tree. The Boston College grad has led the Ensworth Middle School football team for four seasons. “I am deeply thankful and honored for this opportunity to lead the Ensworth football program,” Hasselbeck said in a news release. “Our family has been part of the Ensworth community for nearly a decade, and this Ensworth community has been like family to us. Our football team, as students of Ensworth, will carry the mission to pursue integrity and excellence on the field, in the classroom, and as contributors to the City of Nashville.” On the field, Hasselbeck was a twoyear starter at Boston College before going undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft. He spent time with seven franchises, most notably two seasons with the New York Giants. He also won a World Bowl with the Berlin Thunder in 2002. Following his retirement, Hasselbeck was hired by ESPN as an NFL analyst. Hasselbeck’s older brother Matt was a 17year NFL veteran who was selected to three Pro Bowls and spent two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Last season, Ensworth finished 8-5 and lost to MBA in the Division II-AAA state quarterfinals. The Tigers return a talented roster that includes 4-star defensive lineman Ethan Utley.
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8
THE NEWS
OPINION
Nashville’s future:
Mayor O’Connell’s pragmatic leadership amid MLB speculation BY BILL FREEMAN
FreddieO’Connell
PHOTO BY ERIC ENGLAND
In Nashville’s ever-evolving landscape, Mayor Freddie O’Connell continues to demonstrate a pragmatic and measured approach to governance, prioritizing the city’s long-term well-being over flashy developments and potential sporting triumphs. Recent discussions surrounding a possible move of the Chicago White Sox to Nashville during the MLB Winter Meetings have ignited speculation and excitement among some residents. However, Mayor O’Connell’s response has been characteristically composed, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and maintaining a focus on core city priorities. Nashville, known for many decades as Music City, has long been a hub of cultural and economic growth, attracting attention from various sectors, including professional sports leagues. As noted by Axios earlier this month, Nashville is an attractive destination for major sports franchises: “Because Nashville’s existing pro teams — the Predators, Titans and Nashville SC — are thriving, the city is routinely mentioned as a desirable location for an expansion franchise.” And as reported by Southside Showdown: “The idea of expansion has been around for a while, as there is a movement
by owners to bump up the number of teams to 32. Nashville happens to be one of the more popular destinations for MLB to plant its flag.” Despite the allure of having a Major League Baseball team call Nashville home, Mayor O’Connell remains steadfast in his commitment to a fiscally responsible approach. The mayor has consistently advocated for privately funded sports facilities, emphasizing that the burden of financing should not fall on the taxpayers. Notes Axios, “On the campaign trail in August, Mayor Freddie O’Connell said he ‘would be delighted to entertain a conversation with anybody who wants to fully privately fund our next public entertainment facility.’” This stance not only reflects sound financial management but also underscores O’Connell’s dedication to ensuring the economic welfare of the city and its residents. The ongoing discussions about a potential MLB team coincide with another significant project on the horizon — the development of the East Bank. Anchored by a $2.1 billion Titans stadium, the East Bank redevelopment plan represents a major urban revitalization effort. Mayor
O’Connell’s administration is in early talks with the Fallon Company, which is tasked with leading the redevelopment. O’Connell emphasizes the need for careful consideration, ensuring that the project aligns with the city’s long-term goals and benefits all neighborhoods. This emphasis on the East Bank development shows Mayor O’Connell’s strategic approach to urban planning. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure investment, the mayor aims to understand the annual costs associated with the project while maintaining a commitment to “equivalent substantive investments” in neighborhoods across Davidson County. Even during his campaign, when discussing the East Bank, O’Connell stated, “The East Bank gives us an opportunity to fully embrace smart transit infrastructure, with thousands of units of housing built along our first bus rapid transit corridor.” He added that access and connectivity would be of great benefit not only to those working at the stadium, but to all Nashvillians. This measured approach to major developments ensures that Nashville’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive. In addition to overseeing major development projects, and considering what future major league sports would be a good fit for Nashville, Mayor O’Connell also faced a test of leadership recently in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes that swept through Middle Tennessee on Dec. 9. His response exemplified his genuine commitment to the health of Nashville’s residents. As a state of emergency was declared, allowing the city to access state and federal resources, Mayor O’Connell handled the situation calmly and effectively, coordinating resources and emphasizing the city’s strong support system. He posted regularly on social media, asking all to be extremely careful around the tornado-stricken areas due to potential downed power lines and other hazards. In the midst of speculation about MLB teams and ambitious urban development plans, Mayor O’Connell seems to remain grounded in his commitment to the people of Nashville. As discussions about the potential move of the Chicago White Sox — or any MLB team — to Nashville continue, the mayor’s composed and principled approach is a testament to his leadership abilities. With a full term ahead, Mayor O’Connell has already shown a keen understanding of Nashville’s needs and
a dedication to ensuring that the city’s growth benefits all its residents. As Nashville navigates major developments, potential sporting triumphs and even natural disasters, having Mayor O’Connell at the helm provides a sense of assurance that the city’s future is in capable hands — hands that prioritize the well-being, safety and prosperity of every Nashvillian. Bill Freeman Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.
LOGAN BUTTS ASSOCIATE EDITOR MATT MASTERS NEWS REPORTER AND PHOTOJOURNALIST NICOLLE S. PRAINO STAFF REPORTER LISA BOLD PRODUCTION MANAGER CHELON HASTY SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER HEATHER CANTRELL MULLINS PUBLISHER ELIZABETH JONES CORPORATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR TODD PATTON CFO MIKE SMITH PRESIDENT AND CEO BILL FREEMAN OWNER
FW PUBLISHING, LLC THENEWS @ FWPUBLISHING.COM 615.298.1500 | THENEWSTN.COM TICKED OFF: tickedoff@fwpublishing.com FW Publishing, LLC. 210 12th Avenue South, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203
9
DECEMBER 21, 2023
OPINION
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT
TICKED OFF! NEW GUN LAW Kudos to the writer of the “New Gun Law” letter. Pay attention folks, the writer is telling it like it is. Nationwide, there are more gun laws than a ninth grade Algebra book has problems and most are just sitting on the books gathering dust. Don’t know of any gun laws that are proactive, just reactive. Why? Most laws are reactive, they only come into effect when someone breaks the law. These laws were put on the books by legislators who wanted to just do something. Following the lead of the loudest drum banger or special interest group, these laws are on the books just to shut people up. Criminals don’t care about gun laws. Pass all you want. They need a gun, they’ll find one. Lots of talk about passing “sensible gun laws”. What is a sensible gun law and WHO says what’s sensible? Are we talking about guns or the people who use them for illegal acts? Are we trying to legislate common sense? That’s a whole other cartoon show. Will someone take the time to list “sensible gun laws’ and please include how those laws will be enforced. Stop demonizing law abiding, legal gun owners, their help may be needed if sensible gun laws can even make it through the legislature. Don’t even talk about bans. The ATF, FBI, state and local agencies don’t have a clue as to how many guns are in this country. This pipe dream about disarming this country is just that, a pipe dream, get over it. Never known a gun that had a mental issue. It’s the PERSON. Is it going to be a requirement to have brain scans to check for defects or maybe a speeding ticket is going to be a disqualifier? So have fun passing more gun laws, even if it is rancid politics, and while all this legislation is being written don’t forget about the 2nd Amendment. MARSHA AND THE DAMNFELLAS Well, our illustrious Senator Blackburn and her puppet, Bill Hagerty, plus Representatives Harshbarger, Burchett, Fleischmann, DesJarlais, Rose, Green, Rose and Tennessee’s version of George Santos, Andy Ogles, just fined almost $6K for multiple campaign finance violations, have all signed Governor Drippy Faucet’s plea for relief funds after the tornadoes. How ironic that the entire bunch have refused to sign any bill the Democrats have brought up to help the people of the United States, regarding relief, infrastructure, health, even voted in it’s entirety to impeach President Biden with no proof of what they are
impeaching him for, you get the idea, then stand united with their hands out wanting help. Give me a ****ing break. If you want the pay, learn to play with others. It’s time to vote the bums out. Get the picture Repubs? UPS WAGES I hope that a lot of people who read the article in the Tennessean Dec. 15 about the wages paid to UPS drivers and warehouse men also realize how hard these people work in all sorts of weather, hot, cold, snowing, icy roads, and Nashville traffic < that one mainly. Whether you think their wages are worth what they are giving their employer or not, think of this. These are UNION people and if the voters in Tennessean are happy with what they make so be it. If not you might just thank Gov. Lee for making it almost impossible for you to work for a union organized company with his right to work state I doubt if there will be many UNION jobs in the future. TOLL LANES So the Gov. wants to put in toll lanes, oops, choice lanes. Call it what you want it is a TOLL if you choose to use the lanes. Yup, something needs to be done to free up the roads and maybe a “choice lane” will be the answer but why??? hasn’t the Gov enlisted the input of some Democrats rather than all his Republican buddies? Waaay to much government overreach. It sure seems like the Lee administrations attitude is “play ball with us or get the bat jammed up where the sun doesn’t shine” EDUCATION So the Gov. can turn down a billion plus in federal money that WE the tax payers put in for education. That is just great, I guess, but then he wants to use state tax money to allow private schools to charge the school system to educate the less fortunate or the more fortunate. I think the real fortunate ones who are running this deal. I sure wish I had taken more math when I was in school because I cannot for the life of me understand where this is going to benefit students or the taxpayers of TN. I would like to see a person like Phil Williams get involved and follow the money trail to see how much of it disappears at the State House. The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND LETTERS OF INTEREST The City of Forest Hills, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of a professional consultant engineering firm to provide services related to construction of the Tyne Boulevard Bikeway, which will connect Hillsboro Pike (US 431/SR 106) to Robert E Lee Drive, PIN 134429.00. This project is funded through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program Grant. The project shall be accomplished in accordance with TDOT Local Programs Guidelines. The professional consultant engineering consulting firm must be on TDOT’s pre-approved list or have a completed pre-qualification form filed with TDOT by the deadline for the Letters of Interest. The prequalified firm must have unlimited status.
ISSUE DATE: Dec 21st, 2023 TITLE: Request for Qualifications & Letters of Interest CONTACT: Mark Hill, City Manager of the City of Forest Hills TELEPHONE: (615) 372-8677 E-MAIL ADDRESS: mark.hill@cityofforesthills.com QUESTIONS DEADLINE: January 8th, 2024 SUBMITTAL DEADLINE: January 11th, 2024
Firms may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest along with qualifications to the City of Forest Hills via the City’s online procurement portal which will have more details listed. Visit the City’s website at https://www.cityofforesthills.com/ and navigate to the Vender Registry for
Send your comments to
Bids/Opportunities. All letters of interest must be received by the City of Forest Hills on or before 3:00
tickedoff@thenewstn.com
PM CT, Thursday, January 11th, 2024. The letter of interest and qualifications shall indicate the scope.
10
THE NEWS
Lawsuit: Comptroller forced employee to quit after gender transition BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT A former employee of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury is alleging that leaders in the state office forced her to resign the day after she informed them that she was changing her name and preferred pronouns as part of a gender transition. According to a lawsuit filed in federal court on Monday, Arietty Brush worked as a field staff auditor for the comptroller for more than 14 years until January 2022. She alleges in the lawsuit that supervisors forced her to resign because of her gender transition. A representative for Comptroller Jason Mumpower declined to comment, citing pending litigation. According to the lawsuit, Brush began “gender transitioning treatment” with medical providers in June 2021. That same month, according to the lawsuit, she was put on her first and only “performance improvement plan” at work. The PIP was completed within 90 days, in September 2021, with her supervisor
informing her “that she was meeting all of the expectations in the PIP and had successfully completed all of the PIP’s requirements,” the lawsuit alleges. Two months later, Brush received her first estrogen prescription and wore women’s clothing to work for the first time. She alleges that her supervisor “treated her differently and less favorably” after she began wearing women’s clothing to work. In December 2022, Brush alleges, she legally changed her name, and on Jan. 4, 2022, she asked human resources to change her name on her work email and other work systems. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges, Brush on Jan. 4 informed her supervisor that she now used female pronouns and asked for help “breaking the ice” with the rest of team. The next day, on Jan. 5, 2022, according to the lawsuit, supervisors called a meeting and said they planned to fire her unless she resigned, citing performance issues. Brush resigned due to accrued retirement benefits
she would lose if she were fired, she said. According to the lawsuit, state officials told the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that they decided to fire Brush on Dec. 28, before the Jan. 4 notification of pronoun preference and name change. But Brush alleges in the lawsuit that comptroller’s office leaders were aware of her gender transition, in part due to her wearing women’s clothes. And Brush also contends that if the firing were due to performance, it would have occurred at the end of the PIP, in September, before she began wearing women’s clothing and asked supervisors to use female pronouns. Comptroller’s office leaders allegedly told Brush she was being fired for failing to complete work “in a timely fashion.” In the lawsuit, she contends that “virtually none” of her peer auditors had completed their county audits by the end of the fiscal year and none was terminated. Brush is asking the court for
Vanderbilt’s Hayball, TSU’s Allen earn slew of national accolades BY LOGAN BUTTS
Vanderbilt’s Matthew Hayball
PHOTO BY DAVID RUSSELL
Although no Nashville-area college football teams will be participating in the postseason, a pair of local players have compiled an impressive haul of national recognition. Vanderbilt punter Matthew Hayball has been named to three All-America teams by various outlets. The graduate senior was voted second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and the Associated Press.
The Australian native and Florida Atlantic transfer led the SEC in punting average this season with a 47.6 yards per punt mark, good enough for fourth in the nation. He also ranked seventh nationally with a net punting average of 43.1 yards and was the second-highest graded punter by Pro Football Focus (88.8). Hayball, who was also named a finalist for the Ray Guy award given to the best punter at the FBS level, owns the best career
punting average in Vanderbilt history at 46.5 yards per punt. He is the first Commodore to earn AllAmerican honors since former Tennessee Titan Zach Cunningham earned unanimous honors in 2016. Tennessee State’s Terrell Allen is also filling up his trophy cabinet. The graduate senior defensive lineman was named a firstteam All-American by the Associated Press and FCS Football Central and an HBCU All-American by BOXTOROW Media. Allen wreaked havoc in opposing backfields during the 2023 campaign, finishing the season with an FCS-best 14.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. He also compiled 65 tackles, five forced fumbles and 10 quarterback hurries. Allen’s performance led to him being named the Big South-OVC Defensive Player of the Year, the HBCU Defensive Player of the Year, and the FCS Football Central Defensive Player of the Year. He has also been named one of three finalists for the Buck Buchanan award for the FCS Defensive Player of the Year. The award will be given out on Jan. 6 at the FCS National Awards Banquet. In addition, TSU’s Jordan Grant and Eriq George were named Freshmen All-Americans by FCS Football Central. George, an MBA alum and head coach Eddie George’s son, was also voted the Big South-OVC Defensive Freshman of the Year.
reinstatement to an equivalent job, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys fees. She is represented by Brentwood attorney Douglas Janney and the ACLU of Tennessee’s Stella Yarbrough and Lucas Cameron-Vaughn. “Gender identity or expression has no bearing on a person’s ability to perform their job, be productive and contribute meaningfully to society,” Yarbrough said. “Life’s challenges for trans people arise not from their gender identity but from discriminatory practices and prejudices that persist across our state. We brought this lawsuit because no one should be forced to endure the workplace discrimination that Ms. Brush faced simply because she chooses to live as her most authentic self.” This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Arnold’s to reopen temporarily STAFF REPORTS
Arnold’s Country Kitchen, known for its meat-and-three fare, will reopen temporarily for lunch service beginning on Jan. 8, owner Kahlil Arnold told News sister publication Nashville Scene. The restaurant closed in January 2023 as the Arnold family reached a deal with development company SomeraRoad to sell the Gulch property home to the restaurant. That deal fell through, as the Post reported, and Arnold’s briefly reopened over the Thanksgiving weekend. The property is still for sale, Arnold said, so it is unclear how long the lunch service will last. The property is now being listed for sale by Avison Young’s Lisa Maki, Henry Trost and Mike Jacobs. Arnold called the service “one last goodbye.” He also told the Scene that he is looking for a new location with the goal of opening a new Arnold’s with the same food but different service model. Founder Jack Arnold, Khalil Arnold’s father, died in September. “We’re fortunate to have been here so long, but a single small business can’t really afford to pay the ‘Nashville premium’ downtown anymore where everything is more expensive, from taxes to services to utilities,” Khalil Arnold told the Scene. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
Five free and cheap family things to do in middle Tennessee BY AMANDA HAGGARD
SOLSTICE SUNSET STROLL On Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. at Mill Ridge Park, they’ll be hosting folks for a first day of winter one-mile walk to explore the park’s grassland trail and view the sunset at the park. The walk will be for folks who can walk an easy to moderate route on grassy terrain involving hills and stream crossings. After the walk, they will roast s’mores and view the night sky. They suggest attendees wear closedtoe shoes and pants and bring a water bottle. ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ AT THE PALACE THEATER At the Palace Theater in Gallatin, there will be a free screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. See an angel get his wings in this Christmas favorite. The movie starts at 7 p.m. Donations will be accepted and concessions will be available for purchase. This is a lovely way to see a Christmas classic for the first time with your kids. Christmas is upon us, and it’s the last week to pack in some fun traditions. There’s a stroll marking the first day of winter on Dec. 21, if you want to begin a new healthy for the mind and body tradition. You can also embark on a journey to Gallatin to see a free screening of a Christmas classic. And it’s the very last weekend to take a free
carriage ride or go to Winter Wonderland in Springfield. Or stick around Nashville and head over to Belmont for some darker Christmas tales. As part of our series on free and cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:
WINTER WONDERLAND AT J. TRAVIS PRICE PARK SPRINGFIELD The City of Springfield’s Winter Wonderland is on for the Winter Wonderland’s 23rd year at J. Travis Price Park in Springfield. The tradition continues with drive through and walkable experiences as well as family-friendly activities. The
free event will have its last evening on Dec. 23 from 5:30-9 p.m., where there will be a petting zoo. Food will be available for purchase during the activity nights from a variety of food vendors including Whitt’s BBQ, Delish Dogs and Maria’s Snack Shack. A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER In the Grand Salon of the historic Belmont Mansion, A Holiday to Remember is a Nashville holiday tradition including David Alford’s rendition of two classic Truman Capote short stories, “The Thanksgiving Visitor” and the much loved “A Christmas Memory.” The two stories are performed with original music by Paul Carrol Binkley. Doors open at 7 p.m. and Dec. 22 is the last day to see the show. FREE CARRIAGE RIDES Springfield is hosting a free horse-drawn carriage through historic downtown this holiday season. On Dec. 21, the horse-drawn carriages will take folks on a path to see the lights, bells and beautiful downtown in Springfield for the last ride of the season. The rides are weather permitting and first-come, first served. Folks will be set up at 4 p.m. to begin registering folks for rides.
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12
THE NEWS
DIY Charcuterie Board
EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ
BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE
A great charcuterie board should have a mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, fruity and rich.
NO. 1115
ACROSS 1 Half of an orange? 4 Stand of trees 9 Nourished 12 Dedicated work 13 Got on a soapbox,
say 14 “It’s ___-brainer” 15 Bad thing to burst 16 Obnoxious
houseguest? 18 “Already?” 20 Marble made of
metal 21 Not a fan of
postmillennials? 23 Brief brouhaha 24 Tournament
placement 25 Coyote sounds
PUZZLE BY GARY LARSON
28 Introspective subject 29 Passionate 32 On the light
1. Charcuterie boards are a good opportunity to use up condiments and bits and pieces of things from the fridge. Jams, spreads, cheeses, deli meats, pickled veggies, and vegetables can all be put to good use with a little love. That mango chutney in the back of the fridge? Now’s the time to use it. Pimento cheese, yes please. 2. Intersperse dips and sauces with meats and cheeses. For winter we love fig jam, a bright pesto, and herby hummus interspersed with crunchy crackers, fresh soft pita, and sweet crisp carrots. Also local honey drizzled over cheese is divine. And turn run-of-the-mill balsamic vinegar into a Balsamic Syrup (at ediblenashville.com) with a tad of turbinado sugar and some heat. 3. Splurge on good flavorful cheeses, such as sweet and nutty Gruyere, Comte, Gorgonzola, aged Parmigianno Reggiano, aged sharp cheddar, creamy French brie and pungent goat cheese and feta. Shop in the cheese section of a good grocery store or purchase local cheeses for novelty and taste.
farmers markets as are carrots. and perfect for a quick pickle. Pears are peak now and apples fit the bill anytime. 5. Look for good olives such as Kalamata or the royalty of olives, Castelvetrano Green Olives. We love Warm Marinated Olives (recipe at ediblenashville.com) too. Oh and don’t forget the nuts, Marcona salted almonds are divine. 6. For meats, salami is king, we like calabrese and sopressata varieties. For a different texture, cut salami into wedges and bake for 25 minutes at 450F for crunchy salami chips.
For more charcuterie board ideas and recipes go to ediblenashville.com
4. For vegetables go with the season. For winter, radishes are peak and abundant at all the
34 Rapper Mos ___
4 Kind of knot
35 Bit of water splashed
5 Bit of light
on a ship’s front? 38 Pioneering Dadaist 41 Baptism, e.g. 42 Roasting platforms 46 Told tales 48 Syrian’s
northern neighbor 50 Showed up 51 North Africa’s
53 Cap worn at a
Shriners Christmas party?
6 Handle that goes up
and down? 7 Release some
pressure
11 Start to sleep
for a while 13 Central Plains tribe 16 Soak 17 Ones showing
19 Song one might flip
for
64 Historical period
26 Course
sensei 68 Management
positions 69 One-to-one,
1 Reel
attachment
to it
letter to end this puzzle on
44 Past academics 45 “___ who?”
boats 52 ___ kebab 54 One side in a Senate
vote 55 Tabloid news
org. 57 Pot starter
ANSWER TO PUZZLE
27 Lost traction 30 Neither’s
partner 31 Nincompoop 33 Fraternity letter 36 “Disco” dude on “The
37 Brand of cold and
DOWN
63 Appropriate
standard
Simpsons”
e.g.
state bird 43 Sure thing, or close
“Sex Education” 22 Flies, maybe
67 Apt name for a
61 Improvisational
21 Actor Butterfield of
62 Show ___
66 Summer in la cité
line session
49 Arctic skin
10 Qualify
58 Neutrogena shampoo
40 Louisiana’s
9 Blamed
59 Go on and on
Beyoncé’s beau?
the hits “How We Do (Party)” and “Poison”
47 Musty
56 Slicker topper
60 Making fun of
39 British singer with
8 Outer limits
up in the middle of supper?
65 Some barbecue fare
Follow Edible Nashville on instagram @ediblenashtn and their website ediblenashville.com. To subscribe to the magazine that comes out 6x/year, go to ediblenashville.com.
and “Up” 3 Taken down a notch
side
___ Mountains 7. For breads, choose fresh baked baguettes, perfect size when thinly sliced. High end crackers will do better than ritz or saltines and are a better foil for rich cheeses. We love the long rectangular Rosemary Sea Salt Baked Mediterranean Crackers from Firehook. Pita bread or lavash are also good choices.
2 Actor in “Elf”
allergy relief products 38 Fearing the
worst
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 9,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/ crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/ studentcrosswords.
13
DECEMBER 21, 2023
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14
THE NEWS
SOCIAL
General Robertson DAR Chapter 100th Anniversary BY BRENDA BATEY
PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY
The 100th anniversary of the General James Robertson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was celebrated at Belle Meade Country Club, with LaRawn Scaife Rhea serving as event chair. As they arrived, everyone was greeted by “General James Robertson,” portrayed by Ted Clayton dressed in his holiday finest, and by “Founding Regent Queenie Woods Washington,” recreated by Lisa Whitten. Guests were offered glasses of Queenie’s Champagne Punch and harpist Meg Boulden performed for the event. Trees and greenery with white lights were sparkling all over the club. The lovely centerpieces, created by Barbara Rogers, Pam Wallace and Robin Heyne, featured magnolia leaves and red and white flowers, with overlays of red on white tablecloths. Gold Chiavari chairs added a regal note. All of the luncheon recipes were from Queenie Washington’s Cookbook, which LaRawn Rhea happened to have in her cookbook collection. The chapter’s first DAR meetings 100 years ago also were held at Belle Meade Country Club. Bread service featured Quick Sally Lunn Bread, which was one of George Washington’s favorite breads. The delicious meal offered Steak Bordelaise, Spanish Chicken Rice, green peas with onions, and the vegetarian option was Queenie Woods Washington’s Stuffed Mushrooms. The dessert course was chess pie, with coffee and tea service. The first Regent of the General Robertson Chapter was Maria Kirkman “Queenie” Woods Washington, who was born in 1868
in Nashville and died in 1951 in New Orleans. She is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville. In 1894, Queenie married George Augustine Washington, Jr., a descendant of President George Washington’s father. Queenie was said to have danced beautifully, read widely, and she made her home a showplace. Her husband inherited 1,065 acres from his father and built a 44-room estate. Furnishings were imported from Italy and France, including a beautiful stained-glass window, which was on the first landing of the stairway. The third floor of the mansion was a grand ballroom. The namesake of the DAR chapter, James Robertson, an American frontiersman and a founder of Tennessee, was born in Virginia in 1742. He was raised in North Carolina and lead a group of settlers from Orange County, N.C., to Tennessee in 1769. Robertson explored the Cumberland River country, including most of what constitutes present-day Middle Tennessee, and in 1780 helped found the settlement of Fort Nashborough, which became Nashville. Robertson was the chief civil and military officer of the community, and his shrewd leadership was largely responsible for its survival. Robertson died close to what became Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1814, and was reinterred in Nashville’s City Cemetery in 1825. The DAR’s General James Robertson Chapter is charged with maintaining the family burial ground of James Robertson, as well as locating and preserving historic spots and observing historic anniversaries.
Event Chair LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Lisa Whitten, as Founding Regent Queenie Woods Washington, Ted Clayton, as General James Robertson, and Regent Beth Hamilton
Caroline Sheffield, Stephanie Sheffield-Arredondo, Phyllis Heard, and Sherry Sonnenberg
Mary Ann Mudd, Susan Dale, Betty Ann Goodall, Chris Follansbee, and Ruth Hagerty
Ginger Stephenson, Beth Hamilton, harpist Meg Boulden, Jenny Gremillion, and Debbie Bryan
DECEMBER 21, 2023
SOCIAL
Barbara Rogers, Pam Wallace, Robin Heyne, and Myra Leathers
Mary Pillow Kirk, Janice LaGasse, and Lyn James
Sharon Bell, Bitsy Hughes, Marees Choppin, Sallie Norton, and Irwin Fisher
Joanne Slaughter, Paula Snyder, Jeanne Gore, and Susan Ramsey
Ann Olsen and Sallie Swor
Elizabeth Coble, Elaine Youngblood, Heather Buffkin, and Rosemary Husband
Denise Davis Arnold, Donna Nichols, Ashley Whitten, Alex Painter, and Tracy Waggoner
Ruth Cannon, Lucie Carroll, Bea Thompson, Peggy Brown, Anne Guerra, and Kay Barry
15
16
THE NEWS
SOCIAL
Jan Todd’s Christmas Party BY BRENDA BATEY
PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY Jan Todd hosted her annual Christmas party at her home, which was stunningly decorated with numerous bright Christmas trees and much more. Todd said it takes her and a couple of helpers two days to decorate for the holiday. She has all kinds of Santas, crystal bowls with shiny ornaments, candles, and even a large portrait of the Jolly Old Elf above the fireplace. And each holiday season, her decorations and menu are different from the year before. Her dining room table was beautifully set with a forest of clear and white Christmas trees as the centerpiece. Guests used white and gold plates and cups with gold rims. A tall decorated tree in the living room was shining with white lights and every
inch was covered with dazzling ornaments. All kinds of beautifully-wrapped presents crowded the base of the tree. The children’s Christmas tree was laden with ornaments, big stars and peppermint candies. At the foot of the tree was a tiny village in the snow and a colorful carousel. Todd presented a huge buffet on her dining room table and in the kitchen. The delicious food included roll ups, chicken tenders, fruit, vegetables with dip, shrimp cocktail, little sandwiches, deviled eggs, various meats and cheeses, and lots of holiday cookies. All of this added up to a wonderful evening for Todd’s family and friends and a great start to the holiday.
Frances Sowell and Sally Woodard
Nancy Thompson and Jim Cuzzort
The children’s Christmas tree is laden with ornaments, big stars and peppermint candies.
Wilburn Thacker and Terry Chappell
Host Jan Todd and Nora Schenk in front of the beautiful dining room table.
17
DECEMBER 21, 2023
SOCIAL
An aluminum tree and Santa and his sleigh are visible from the stairway.
Elli Nemets, Ann Price, Bobby Wright and Pat Thacker
Andrew Barth and Elli Nemets Pamela and Jim Bennett, and Jennifer and Johnny Moore
Clarice and Andy Tate
Donald and Joan Chandler
18
THE NEWS
SOCIAL
Symphony Ball 2023 PHOTOS BY KATHY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY The Nashville Symphony and co-chairs Kayla Counts and Suann Davis welcomed close to 500 guests to Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Dec. 9 for the 39th annual Symphony Ball. The white-tie gala, one of the Nashville Symphony’s annual signature fundraisers that supports the organization’s educational and artistic programs, was a vision in scarlet, with event planner Bruce Pittman at the helm. Guests were welcomed to the cocktail hour by a glittering Champagne tower, before enjoying a three-course dinner from Kristen Winston Catering in Laura Turner Concert
Hall. Country music legend Kix Brooks was the recipient of the 2023 Harmony Award, presented by Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine and Dr. Carl Awh. Following the award presentation, Brooks performed acoustic versions of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “Red Dirt Road,” regaling the crowd with tales of the early days of his music career. The elegant evening also included a performance from the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, including a beautifully orchestrated Brooks & Dunn medley, and dancing to the tunes of the Late Party band, Life of the Party.
Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine and Jan Valentine
Jim and Laurie Seabury
Dr. Carl Awh, Harmony Award Recipient Kix Brooks, Nashville Symphony Board Chair Mary Cavarra, Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine
Sharon and Todd Sandahl, Kim Hewell and Norm Scarboroug
Geof and Amanda Vickers, Suzie and Jason Epstein
Symphony Ball Co-chair Kayla Counts, Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine, and Symphony Ball Co-chair Suann Davis
Shari Martin and Julie Schneider
Symphony Ball Co-chair Suann Davis and Sarah Reisner
DECEMBER 21, 2023
19
SOCIAL
William and Victoria Pao, Jay Jones, and Allie Reed
Betsy Wills, Symphony Ball Co-chair Kayla Counts, Elizabeth Papel, and Amanda Vickers
Katherine Lane, Stratton Lindenmuth, and Donna and Marc LaGasse
Dr. Carl and Grace Awh, Harmony Award Recipient Kix Brooks and Barbara Brooks
Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine, and Harmony Award Recipient Kix Brooks, and Dr. Carl Awh
Donnie and Symphony Ball Co-chair Kayla Counts, and Symphony Ball Co-chair Suann and Ralph Davis
John Schneider and Morel Harvey
Hillary and Chad Blackburn, Marsha and Chuck Blackburn, Lexi Sestak, and Nancy Gregg
20
THE NEWS
SOCIAL
Symphony Ball Patrons Party PHOTOS BY KATHY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY Devoted supporters of the Nashville Symphony gathered at The Hermitage Hotel for a stunning Symphony Ball Patrons Party. The black-tie event began in the historic hotel’s spectacular lobby and veranda, adorned with holiday decor, where guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, refreshing libations, and selections from a designated martini bar while being serenaded by choir members from St. George’s Episcopal Church. The singers, dressed in festive attire courtesy of the Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker, performed classic Christmas carols for the crowd. Following the cocktail hour, guests moved into the ballroom — staged by event planner Bruce Pittman in elegant gold hues with deep scarlet floral centerpieces — for a three-course dinner that included a Fall Harvest Salad, Smoked Asparagus Soup, Braised Beef Short Rib, and Chocolate Cheesecake. The enchanting evening was the perfect precursor to the forthcoming 39th annual Symphony Ball, co-chaired by Kayla
Counts and Suann Davis and honoring country music star Kix Brooks.
Rob Turner and Jay Jones
Sharon and Will Cheek
Symphony Ball co-chairs Suann Davis and Kayla Counts
Joe and Joann Sowell, and Donnie and Symphony Ball Co-chair Kayla Counts
Frank and Julie Boehm, Jeff and Melinda Balser, and Andre and Doreatha Churchwell Mark and Nancy Peacock, and Janice Elliott Morgan and David Morgan
Craig and Nichole Huseby, and Melissa and Dave Mahanes
Karyn Frist, Betsy Wills, and Anne Russell
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
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eleCtriCAl SvCS. eleCtriCiAn Priced Right! New Work, Old Work & Service Calls. 10% senior discount. Licensed-Bonded-Insured (615) 522-1339 BBB Accredited w/ Reviews 20 year advertiser!
floorinG
Hardwood floors, cleaned, waxed, buffed, sanded and/or refinished. Over 75 years in flooring. Corlew & perry, inc. (615) 832-0320
CLASSIFIED for SAle
African Gray Red Tail Parrot $500; Cage $500; Fixer upper motorcycle $300; Mink coat $500; Boat and motor $2000; 1977 Vet motor $350; Grandfather clock $300; Gun cabinet $100; Volkswagen Guitar $300; Barbie Dolls (all nationality) $20 each; Elvis dolls $30 each; Old China Cabinet $100; Large vase w/flowers $50; Stand with water and bowl $50; Desk chairs $10 each; Hermitage Memorial burial lots $5000 each (two); Porcelain dolls $20 each. (615) 889-3910
GutterS
Goodfred Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Gutters • Downspouts Cleaned • Debris Removal • Gutter Guards • Gutter Repair (615) 382-5127
HoMe iMproveMent THE REMODELING SPECIALISTS 42 3 7 Years Y e ar s of of Remodeling Re mo de li ng Experience E x pe r ie nc e
For All Of Your Home Renovation Needs • Extensive reference list • Licensed & Insured
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www.broderickbuilders.com Complete Home repair & improvements Native Nashvillian in business since 1992. Additions, Decks, Window Replacement, Furniture and Playground Equipment Assembly. All Types of Repairs. Licensed, Bonded, Insured Call Bob (615) 300-5558
loCkSMitH
Green Hills lock & key Servicing the area since 1974! Deadbolts Installed Locks Re-keyed • Lockouts Locks Repaired & Serviced (615) 269-3616
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MovinG/HAulinG i HAul AnYtHinG - Since 1990 Deliveries, Estate Property Clean Outs, Brush & Appliance Removal, Construction Waste, Demolition & more... No Job Too Small! Wyatt Mallonee (615) 499-2218
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prAYer
need prayer? If you are in need of prayer, call 888-388-2683 The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will have prayer partners available to talk with you 24/7.
preSSure WASH kyle’s pressure Cleaning Property Pressure Washing: Driveways, Back Decks, Front Porch, Swimming Pool, Concrete & more. (615) 424-5354
roofinG
r. H. Callis & Sons inc. Roofing, Siding, Metal, Slate, Flat Roofs. 38 yrs experience. References. (615) 969-7717 CallisRoofing.com License, Bonded & Insured
tree ServiCe eric’s tree Service, llC Big, Tall or Small, We Do It All! Insured • Free Estimates Call Eric / Owner (615) 779-1870
Drain Cleaning Service Licensed, Bonded & Insured All Work Guaranteed! (615) 232-9051
bulldog tree Service • Topping / Deadwooding • Stump Removals • Trimming • Lot Clearing Free Estimates. Insured. Call John 24 / 7: (615) 300-6254 (615) 313-7375
lAndSCApe
lAndSCApe
Carter plumbing Commercial & Residential
New Installation & Repair Service
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tree ServiCe
Wood
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formerly Gist Tree Service Trees Trimmed / Removed Stump Removal, Great Clean-up 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE HAZARDOUS WORK Senior & Single Parent Discount Licensed & Insured, Free Estimates All Major Credit Cards Accepted
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WAnted
We buY Vinyl Records, Comic Books, CDs, Blu-Rays, DVDs, Toys, Video & Role-Playing Games, CCGs, Stereo Equipment, Music & Movie Memorabilia, and much more. In business 40+ years; No collection too large or small. Mention this ad when you call. BUY - SELL - TRADE the Great escape Call 615-364-3029 TheGreatEscapeOnline.com
W E BU Y R E C O R D S 45’S, 78’S, LP’S We pay more than any store! Any Size Collection No Problem Also Buying Old Windup Phonographs
Call Paul 615-953-7388
Paying TOP DOLLAR Over 45 Years
WiCker repAir
Chair caning and all styles of weaving. Wicker repair available. Pick up and delivery. the CAne-erY (615) 269-4780 / 414-5655
WindoW CleAn WINTER LEAF REMOVAL
All Seasons Window Cleaning Specializing in residential windows. Serving Nashville over 38 yrs! Licensed - Bonded - Insured Free Estimates Low Prices (615) 889-9164