November 3, 2022

BY ELI MOTYCKA AND MATT MASTERS

Andy Ogles appeared at a campaign rally Wednesday night at The Factory at Franklin’s Jamison Theater, speaking alongside U.S. Rep. Mark Green, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and conservative radio commentators.

Ogles is facing Democratic state Sen. Heidi Campbell from Oak Hill in the race for Tennessee’s recently redrawn 5th Con gressional District. The tour was organized by Cruz’s Truth and Courage PAC, a $5 million effort to support far-right congressio nal candidates, including Ogles.

In a roughly 15-minute address, Ogles led with inflammatory comments about trans gender athletes and rued America’s weakness, citing imminent geopolitical threats from Russia, China and Saudi Arabia. He blamed drug overdoses across the country on an insufficiently militarized border and fentanyl from China, which he cast as an act of war,

directing blame toward Secretary of Home land Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

Ogles told the crowd he would take action against Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. “This woke administration has weaponized the FBI and IRS,” Ogles told the crowd. “To the IRS agents — 87,000 — you better freshen up your résumé, because you’re fired.”

Once an essential Republican talking point, abortion access — left unprotected by the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in June — wasn’t mentioned a single time by any speaker. Before introduc ing Cruz, Ogles wrapped his remarks with messaging that reflected his campaign stump speech. “Sometimes you got to bring salt and pour it on the wounds to remind people where we went astray,” he told the crowd.

Cruz’s opening targeted the cognitive

abilities of Biden and Harris. “Every single thing they do is wrong,” said Cruz. The rest of his speech focused on inflation, which he illustrated via hypothetical anecdotes that referenced recent cultural lightning rods in conservative media. “It is so bad, Antifa can’t afford rent — it is so bad, Hunter Biden can’t afford crack cocaine,” said Cruz, to raucous laughter. “Revival is coming. And I believe that with all of my heart.”

The event opened to “God Bless the USA,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by state GOP Chairman Scott Golden and the “Star-Spangled Banner” performed live by Christian singer Gary Chapman. Mark Green, the sitting representative for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, led a prayer that focused on protecting veterans and the Constitution and conferred a special blessing on Ogles’ campaign.

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Over the last half-decade, the Lipscomb men’s soccer team has been slowly establishing itself on the national stage.

The Bisons won their first ASUN Conference tournament in 2017, subsequently earning the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament bid. The next season saw Lipscomb become collegiate soccer’s ultimate Cinderella story as the Bisons nearly made the Elite Eight of the College Cup, ultimately falling 2-1 on the road against No. 3 Kentucky in the Sweet 16. Last season, the Bisons returned for their third NCAA appearance in five seasons.

But 2022 has been different. Lipscomb currently sits at No. 10 in the latest United Soccer Coaches National Poll, not only the highest mark in program history, but the highest for any sports program at Lipscomb since the school’s transition to Division I in the late ‘90s. They have been at the top of the regional rankings all season and have been in the national top-25 for the majority of it.

Across the program, since before the season even began, players and coaches both have felt that 2022 could be a special year for the team. So far, they’ve been correct.

“It’s the most talented group that we’ve had since I’ve been here, for sure,” head coach Charles Morrow said.

Morrow has been at the helm of the program since 2005, but his involvement goes back even further. He suited up for the Bisons on the pitch from 1994-1996 and was an assistant coach from 1996 through 1997.

One of the things Morrow pointed out that’s different about his current squad is its depth. In the past, the Bisons might have relied on one or two key playmakers to carry them through a season. But this year, 11 different players have tallied at least two points. It feels as if they have three startingcaliber attackers coming off the bench every match.

“It’s special in that our top-

Why the Lipscomb men’s soccer team is Nashville’s best-kept secret

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Tennessee District 5 congressional candidate Andy Ogles (left) and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at the Oct. 26, 2022, “Take Back America” bus tour event in Franklin.

Four free and cheap family things to do in middle Tennessee

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

The costumes have all been put away, and hopefully the sugar highs from Halloween have come down by now. Now it’s time to save a little cash and find some free postHalloween fun.

This weekend you’ll find another Fall Festival, where kiddos can hop in the bouncy house and parents can dig in on drink specials. There’s also a Family Day in Franklin with rides aplenty, the chance to check out some shiny, fancy, fast cars in Lebanon, and several opportunities to check out a free Nashville Nutcracker Storytime throughout Middle Tennessee.

As part of our fall series on free and cheap things to do with the family, here are a few ideas for spending time together over the next week:

FAMILY DAY

At Harlinsdale Farm, Franklin Parks will host a free Family Day on Nov. 5, which includes many family-friendly activities on the historical farm. There will be miniature train rides, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and the chance to cane pole fish in the pond. Tri-Green Equipment will also have a Touch-a-Tractor area with small excavators for kids to operate and large tractors for kids to sit on.

NASHVILLE’S NUTCRACKER STORYTIME

The Nashville Ballet is offering a Nutcracker storytime on several dates in several locations throughout Middle Nashville. This holiday classic will bring the tale of Clara, who travels to the Land of the Sweets with the help of her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer.

FALL FESTIVAL

Just when you thought Halloween signaled the end of most fall festivals, on Nov. 5-6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Big Machine Distillery is inviting families out for a petting zoo, bouncy house, obstacle course, photo booth, live music, fall cocktail specials and more.

JAZZ AM NOVEMBER

Jazz AM, an interactive jazz concert for young people featuring music, puppets, improvisation, rhythm, and movement, is slated to highlight the music of Charlie Parker on Nov. 5. The program is run by professional jazz musicians and the event is ideal for children aged 2-10 and their families. The event is free, but attendees must register in advance.

Lipscomb men’s soccer team

Senior Hayes Wood, a Chattanooga native, has seven goals and two assists.

Freshman Malachi Jones, a Grace Christian Academy alum, has notched six goals and three assists. Junior Tyrese Spicer has compiled three goals and six assists. They have a seemingly never-ending group of players capable of setting up or scoring a goal.

“I was talking with a scout earlier today, and his comment was, ‘Hey, I’ve been watching a lot of the ACC games, and I’ve just started watching yours.’ And I said, ‘So you’ve watched ACC games, who is more dynamic in the attacking third than we are?’ He said ‘maybe Syracuse [the No. 4 team in the country].”

The roster has a good blend of impactful freshmen and entrenched veterans. The senior group especially has meant a lot to the program.

whole team is one group.

“We knew before the season started that it could be like this,” he continued. “Obviously, we didn’t know for sure if it was going to be like that, but we knew we had great guys coming in and we knew we had a great team from last year.”

Morrow highlighted how important this group of seniors has been in changing the program for the better.

“We challenge all of our guys to come in and leave the jersey in a better place and leave your mark on the program,” Morrow said. “By all accounts, that senior group has done just that.”

games. There’s so many of them that show up to each and every home game. It’s just been really special to know that there’s so many people in this community so close to home that support you. It’s like I didn’t really move out from my home. I just extended my family a bit by coming to Lipscomb.”

The Bisons are 12-2-2 on the season. Prior to this past weekend, their lone loss came on the road at Kentucky, currently the top team in the country according to RPI and the No. 2 team in the Top-25 rankings, by a 3-2 deficit.

end guys are very good. But we are really deep as well,” Morrow said. “It is a really dynamic and talented group. And then when you pair that with super capable, veteran players behind them [in the defense] it’s a tough group to play against for sure.”

Senior Jelldrik Dallmann, a transfer from Niagara, leads the team in goals with 11 and points with 24. Last season, he led the NCAA in goals per game. And even he hasn’t started every match thanks to the depth in the attack.

Thanks to every athlete being granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, an important group of fifth-year seniors were able to stick around for one last ride, including four-time ASUN All-First Team member Noah Gulden, who leads the team with eight assists despite being a defender, and his twin brother Scott, the team captain and an all-ASUN performer as well.

“The seniors, to me, are my best friends,” Scott said. “Most of them I’ve played four or five years with. But the most important thing is not that we don’t have groups or anything, not even just me and the seniors. It’s like the

Jones isn’t the only local alum making an impact for Lipscomb. Father Ryan graduate Will Turner and Ravenwood alum Nick Dang are key members of a stout Bisons backline. Independence alum Hunter Bossman and Malachi’s brother Levi, also a GCA grad, are on the roster as well.

“I think you could tell just from the first two weeks of preseason that there was for sure something special with this team,” Malachi Jones said. “It’s been a blessing to come in as a freshman, being able to play the minutes that I’ve been able to play and seeing the results that we’ve been able to have just based off of all these guys’ hard work.

The local connection has made the program feel immediately like home for Jones.

“Coming from Grace Christian Academy where I knew so many people in this area, in this community, and you can even see it in

Playing in a mid-major conference like the ASUN means needing to schedule as many difficult matchups as possible in the non-conference to earn higher rankings, a better seed in the NCAA Tournament, and potentially even a first-round bye.

“It’s just sort of a progression,” Morrow said. “We’re not trying to fly all over the country to play teams, but at some point as your program grows and develops, you get to a level that have to travel a little bit to find teams that really make sense to play and that help grow and develop your team.”

With just two games left in the regular season, the Bisons have high hopes for where they can go in the postseason. Another conference title or NCAA bid? Improving upon the Sweet 16 run? Morrow says it’s all potentially on the table.

“If you’re not trying to win at all, then what are you trying to do?”

PHOTO BY LIPSCOMB ATHLETICS

campaign rally

Green was followed by conservative commentators Ben Ferguson, who is joining Ted Cruz on the Truth and Courage tour, and Clay Travis, who lives in Franklin.

Earlier this month, Ogles earned the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

In a conference call last week, Trump said that Ogles is “America First all the way, he’s MAGA all the way, 100%,” with Trump

Campbell, whose recent FEC filings show a spending edge over Ogles, preempted the event with a press release. In recent months, Campbell has focused her campaign on Ogles’ opposition to reproductive rights and fundamental government-funded programs.

“Both MAGA Republicans [Cruz and Ogles] pledge to cut Social Security benefits

and opposed legislation that lowers health costs,” her statement reads in part. “Andy Ogles and Ted Cruz have told us what they will do with power: they’re going to cut Social Security benefits and increase the cost of prescription drugs for Tennessee seniors — all to give giant corporations and billionaires another tax break. In Congress, I’ll be a leader who takes on the CEOs pricegouging our families and who strengthens our healthcare and retirement programs.”

“Revival is coming,” Cruz said to the crowd with the presence of a preacher, saying that, “America is in greater jeopardy than we ever have been.”

Cruz pointed to Ogles’ response to the pandemic as his strength as a candidate and party leader.

“I think we will look back years from now and wonder at the collective insanity that overtook this country,” Cruz said, citing lower test scores from students following the first year of the pandemic.

Ogles said that “we are at a crossroads,” and called the Biden administration a “criminal enterprise that’s destroying our nation” that is “trying to poison our children.”

Some attendees went further with their rhetoric, calling President Biden a “traitor” and shouting out calls for U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to be sent to the U.S. Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp prison which has jailed suspected terrorists without due process for 20 years and been the site of torture.

When asked during a post-event press conference what Republicans should do to combat extremism within their party, Sen. Cruz deflected, responding, “extremism we’re seeing in Washington is all coming from the Democrat party,” then blaming “the corporate media” and offering a non-answer to the question.

Sen. Cruz walked away ending the press conference, refusing to specifically address moderate Republicans who may be concerned with extremism from within the GOP ranks and base.

Last week, Tenn. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Johnson and House Majority Leader

William Lamberth were joined by other elected officials at Nashville’s Legislative Plaza where they spoke at the Daily Wire’s “Rally to End Child Mutilation,” which saw the presence of several members of the Proud Boys, an American far-right group that has been labeled terrorists by the governments of Canada and New Zealand.

Among the hundreds of attendees were Williamson County residents Dave and Michelle Robeson, who said that Ogles has earned their vote.

“It’s about our freedom,” Michelle Robeson said.

Fellow Williamson County residents Amber and Steve Hertstein said that they are concerned about their children and what they’re exposed to in school, which have in part motivated their engagement in politics during this election cycle.

Hertstein said that she wasn’t politically engaged until the 2016 election, casting a reluctant vote for Donald Trump which she said was really a vote against Hillary Clinton.

“When I went to the polls, I said, ‘Oh my God, I’m voting for Trump. What am I doing?” Hertstein said, adding that she began following then President Trump, his words and his actions.

Now, Hertstein, a California transplant, is all in for Trump, sporting a long sleeved white shirt that read “Yes, I’m a Trump girl, get over it,” and, “We are Q,” a slogan of the fringe element QAnon.

“Especially coming out here and being surrounded by people finally who believe

calling Ogles’ opponent Heidi Campbell a “far-left extremist.”

Tennessee District 5 congressional candidate Andy Ogles at the Oct. 26, 2022, “Take Back America” bus tour event in Franklin.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Hal Cato named Community Foundation leader

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Hal Cato, a veteran Nashville nonprofit leader and one-time potential mayoral candidate, has been named the new CEO of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Cato will succeed CFMT head Ellen Lehman, who is retiring at the end of the year. Cato’s appointment is effective Nov. 14.

The Community Foundation bills itself as Nashville’s largest nonprofit. The organization, founded by Lehman, manages disaster relief funds in the wake of tornadoes, floods and during COVID-19. Metro Nashville is currently reviewing the organization’s disbursement of funds following recent disasters, to which CFMT

responded that “we stand strongly by our work.”

Most recently, Cato was CEO of Thistle Farms. He previously founded and led Hands on Nashville and ran the Oasis Center. Cato seriously considered a 2023 bid for mayor before deciding last month not to run.

“Hal, who is deeply committed to Nashville and Middle Tennessee, is the ideal person to take the reins of The Community Foundation and establish a vision for our next era of philanthropy in Nashville during this time of tremendous growth and challenge across our region,” CFMT board chair Lyle Beasley said in a release. “Hal is uniquely equipped to maximize our impact while staying true to our important legacy that is marked by compassion and effectiveness.”

The CFMT also manages more than $550 million and helps other nonprofits with financial needs. The organization manages The Big Payback annual citywide giving event.

“Our goal has always been to make giving so comfortable, so convenient and so cost effective for people that they can’t help but give,” Lehman said. “I feel confident that Hal is the right person to protect the broad vision of The Community Foundation and its commitment to connecting generosity with need.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Hillsboro Village apartment complex sells for $4.4M

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

A quirky Hillsboro Village apartment complex once owned by a former decorated military man and cancer surgeon has sold for $4.4 million.

The new owner of Acklen Square Apartments, located at 2129 Acklen Ave., is a group that includes local real estate investor Austin Triplett, who could not be reached for comment.

The seller was a trust overseen by the family of the late Benjamin Byrd Jr., who died in 2006 at age 88.

Opened in 1974 and offering 13 units in four two-story buildings, Acklen Square Apartments is distinctive for its primarily pea gravel-surface central courtyard and unusual physical arrangement. Each building “trails” the other, creating a square pattern similar to that of four wrists locked as a symbol of unity.

In addition, one of the two buildings fronting Acklen Avenue does so with a blanked-wall side, a design orientation more typically found in suburban residential complexes and that was somewhat common in urban Nashville in the 1960s

PHOTO BY ERIC ENGLAND

and 1970s.

The deal is the equivalent of about $338,400 per unit. Each unit offers two bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

A Vanderbilt University graduate, Byrd served during World War II and was a member of a medical unit that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was honored with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star, according to an online VU source.

Byrd later worked at Vanderbilt, focusing on breast cancer. In 1976-77, he served as president of the American Cancer Society, the VU source notes. A year later, he bought Acklen Square Apartments for $273,000 (the equivalent of $21,000 per unit), Metro records note.

Kyle Mayes, a broker with Brentwoodbased The Kirkland Company, facilitated the transaction

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Haslam College of Business adds official for Nashville

The University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business has named Deborah

Watts as its director of executive programs in Nashville.

According to a release, Watts will build business graduate and executive education support in the region as an extension of the wider graduate and executive education portfolio based in Knoxville.

Watts comes to UT from Lipscomb, where she served as executive director of the university’s learning and development center Spark, with more than 20 years of experience. She will continue in her role as founder and CEO of consulting firm Hayde & Company.

Watts holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and an MBA degree, both from Lipscomb, and a doctorate in leadership and professional practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.

The Haslam College of Business offers degree programs in leadership and strategy, global supply chain management, health care and defense/aerospace. Two recent focuses include data analytics and cybersecurity.

“The Haslam College of Business prides itself on providing practical, relevant and impactful support to our colleagues and partners in the business community,” Bruce Behn, associate dean for graduate and executive education, said in the release. “Deborah brings extensive experience in corporate and consulting roles and teaching and leadership, which makes her the ideal person to spearhead our presence in Nashville.”

Commercial property at busy west side intersection sells

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

A quirky Hillsboro Village apartment complex once owned by a former decorated military man and cancer surgeon has sold for $4.4 million.

The new owner of Acklen Square Apartments, located at 2129 Acklen Ave., is a group that includes local real estate investor Austin Triplett, who could not be reached for comment.

The seller was a trust overseen by the family of the late Benjamin Byrd Jr., who died in 2006 at age 88.

Opened in 1974 and offering 13 units in four two-story buildings, Acklen Square Apartments is distinctive for its primarily pea gravel-surface central courtyard and unusual physical arrangement. Each building “trails” the other, creating a square pattern similar to that of four wrists locked as a symbol of unity.

In addition, one of the two buildings fronting Acklen Avenue does so with a blanked-wall side, a design orientation more typically found in suburban residential complexes and that was somewhat common in urban Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s.

The deal is the equivalent of about $338,400 per unit. Each unit offers two bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

A Vanderbilt University graduate, Byrd

served during World War II and was a member of a medical unit that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was honored with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star, according to an online VU source.

Byrd later worked at Vanderbilt, focusing on breast cancer. In 1976-77, he served as president of the American Cancer Society, the VU source notes. A year later, he bought Acklen Square Apartments for $273,000 (the equivalent of $21,000 per unit), Metro records note.

Kyle Mayes, a broker with Brentwoodbased The Kirkland Company, facilitated the transaction

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Page girls soccer stays unbeaten to win Class AA state championship

BY LOGAN BUTTS

The Page Lady Patriots won in dominant fashion 3-0 against Murfreesboro Central (18-7) on Saturday to win their second Class AA girls soccer state championship in a row.

Their opponent was a familiar one. The two teams had already faced off on three occasions this season, all Page wins, including twice in the postseason, and the Patriots defeated the Lions 4-2 in last season’s state final.

Saturday continued Page’s winning ways as they finished the season undefeated at 23-0-2 and continued their unbeaten streak to 31 games overall dating back to last fall. Their last loss? You guessed it, against Murfreesboro Central in 2021.

Page got on the board early with a goal in the 14th minute from freshman Reagan Vaughan on an assist from junior Kate

ENTERTAINMENT LAW FIRM

GROWING IN NASHVILLE

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

A law firm specializing in entertainment industry transactions and based primarily in Los Angeles and New York City is growing its Nashville presence.

Matt Jacobs, an equity partner at 3B Law, moved to Nashville in 2021 and has since hired two associates locally. The firm is currently based in temporary office space but is working with Cushman Wakefield agent Cameron Grier to find a permanent space in the Nashville urban core, Jacobs said.

Most of Jacobs’ and the firm’s work involves film studios, streaming companies and production houses, including financing, production and distribution deals for film and television projects. For now, much of Jacobs’ work remains in Los Angeles and New York, though the goal, he said, is to continue to build a client base in Nashville. One local client is Skyway Studios, a Dickerson Pike film production studio.

The two new associates are Jacob Vega and Sophia Kostas, and Jacobs said he plans to hire more in the near future. After graduating from University of Tennessee College of Law, Vega practiced with Legility, King & Ballow and Ransom Legal. Kostas also attended UT and later earned an Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University. She also interned with the Tennessee Valley Authority and OMNIA Partners before joining 3B this summer.

Jacobs has practiced entertainment law in Los Angeles and New York since 2009 after starting his career doing mergers and acquisitions. He joined 3B in 2019 and in September was named an equity partner.

“Having been with us for 3 years, Mr. Jacobs was our first foray into bringing on a lateral partner,” founding partner Hamish

Nelson.

But it was another 55 minutes before Page would score again when sophomore Margaret Brzica headed in a free kick from Nelson to build the lead to 2-0 with just 12 minutes left to play.

With under four minutes left in the game, junior Gracie Segundo sealed the win with a third and final goal.

In all, Page outshot Murfreesboro Central 18-2 with a 7-0 shots on goal advantage. The Patriots defense held strong as they have all season, forcing their 17th shutout in 24 matches.

It is also the third straight state title for head coach Nate Clapp who won a boys state championship with Page in the spring sandwiched in between the two girls titles.

Lipscomb Academy football moving up to Division II-AAA

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Starting next season, the Lipscomb Academy football program will be moving up a classification from Division II-AA to Division III-AAA for the 2023-2025 TSSAA classification cycle.

“This new classification is the best choice for the Lipscomb Mustangs as it allows football to have a competitive 2023 season in a strong conference and statewide league,” Lipscomb Academy communications director Amanda Price said in a release.

Led by fourth-year head coach Trent Dilfer, the Mustangs are currently 9-0 this season and have won 17 consecutive games overall, including the 2021 DII-AA state championship in which they defeated rival Christ Presbyterian Academy 27-0.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Berry said in a release. “The collaboration has been a wholehearted success and Mr. Jacobs has been instrumental is supporting the continued growth of the firm, specifically the recent opening of the Nashville office, as well as playing a major role in the professional development of our entire team.”

Firm clients include A24, Jax Media and Mockingbird Pictures, the release noted.

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY POSTS THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS

Tractor Supply Company has posted third quarter earnings of $2.10 per share, up 7.7 percent compared to the number of the same period of 2021 and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09.

Zacks reports Tractor Supply management has raised its 2022 outlook to more accurately reflect the recent acquisition of Orscheln Farm and Home. That deal, recently finalized (read here), is expected to contribute $75 million to sales for the Brentwood-based retailer in the fourth quarter and for 2022.

Tractor Supply shares have lost 16.6 percent year to date; however, Zacks reports the shares remain ahead of the industry’s 42 percent drop.

In addition, Tractor Supply net sales increased 8.4 percent year over year to $3.27 billion but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.28 billion.

The company’s gross profit rose 7.4 percent, to $1.16 billion, compared to the Q3 mark of 2021, with its gross margin having contracted 32 basis points to 35.6 percent.

Operating income increased 3.1 percent to $306.4 million compared to $297.2 million in the third quarter of 2021.

“Tractor Supply delivered another record quarter as we continued to gain market

share and extended our trend of consistent and stable net sales and earnings growth. In a dynamic environment, the underlying health of our business remains resilient given our needs-based, demand-driven product categories, best-in-class customer service and customer relationship management capabilities,” Hal Lawton, Tractor Supply president and chief executive officer, said in a company release.

TWO LOCAL PR AGENCIES MERGE

Local public relations industry veteran Amanda Virgillito has joined Reed Public Relations.

According to a release, Reed (stylized as “REED”) and Virgillito’s Squeaky Wheel Public Relations, which has focused on the food and beverage industry, have merged.

Virgillito joins Reed PR as a vice presi dent, reporting to agency founder and CEO Lauren Reed. As a member of the leadership team, Virgillito — who operated her busi ness solely — will lead strategy and account management for various brands.

The release notes the transition will enhance Reed’s existing work in the hospi tality and food and beverage spaces. Clients include Loveless Cafe, Jim ‘N Nick’s, White Bison Coffee, Nashville Shores and Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge.

Virgillito founded Squeaky Wheel in 2014 and has since planned and implement ed PR campaigns for 8th & Roast Coffee Co., Christie Cookie Co., M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers, Sinema Restaurant & Bar and Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen.

Virgillito’s experience spans nearly two decades, including seven seasons managing public relations strategy for touring Broad way shows and concerts at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. She spent several

Lipscomb Academy also reached the state final in 2020 where they fell to CPA 35-28. In all, the Mustangs have gone 40-10 during Dilfer’s tenure atop the program.

Lipscomb Academy’s fall enrollment of 479 students placed them atop the DII-AA enrollment list. Now, they will be playing up a class in DII-AAA which consists of schools with an enrollment of 531 or greater.

10 other programs were confirmed for DII-AAA: Briarcrest, Baylor, Father Ryan, Memphis University, Montgomery Bell Academy, McCallie, Knoxville Catholic, Ensworth, Brentwood Academy, and Christian Brothers.

years at The Andrews Agency as an account supervisor, before launching Squeaky Wheel Public Relations.

“Squeaky Wheel is an industry leader, and Amanda’s hospitality roots run deep,” Reed, who founded the business in 2012, said in the release. “When we began these conversations, it was quickly evident that we shared both cultural and client service values. I am confident this move will significantly contribute to REED’s continued growth.”

Reed allows employees to work remotely for four weeks of the year (provided they are willing to work Nashville time zone hours from their travel locations) and an incentive program via which all employees equally split 10 percent of the company profits each month.

“I admire not only the excellent client work by REED PR, but also the camaraderie among the team,” Virgillito said. “Lauren and I have been friendly colleagues for some time. And as I considered the continued growth of Squeaky Wheel PR after nearly nine years in business, this merger was a clear choice. I’m excited to learn from and work with this incredible team as we blend our talents.”

HANCOCK WHITNEY TAPS HEALTH CARE BANKING ARM HEAD

Lisa Fletcher has been named managing director of health care banking for Hancock Whitney, the company announced Wednesday.

Fletcher joined the company in March as senior vice president of health care lending before taking the helm this month. She has 33 years of banking experience, including at Denver-based Sunflower Bank as well as with Franklin Synergy Bank and CapStar.

Hancock Whitney is headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi, though

the bank holding company’s health sector is based in Nashville.

“We are very fortunate to welcome Lisa Fletcher as head of Hancock Whitney’s health care banking,” Eric Obeck, Hancock Whitney executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer, said in a release. “We believe her solid expertise in health care and commercial lending and commercial real estate and proven record of building and growing successful health care banking operations will further enhance the extensive products, services and advisory capabilities we can deliver to our health care clients.”

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West Nashville Catholic property could see addition

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

The West Nashville property home to Villa Maria Manor, a residential building accommodating Catholic seniors, is slated for an addition with a focus on affordability. According to a Metro permit related to water and sewer capacity and availability, the future 214-unit building could offer up to 150 one-bedroom units and 64 twobedrooms.

The property includes the eight-story Villa Maria Manor (which is billed as housing targeting low-income senior residents) and Mary Queen of Angels (an assisted living facility). The main address is 30 White Bridge Pike.

Joe Cacopardo, Diocese of Nashville director of strategic communications and marketing, said the diocese has entered a letter of intent with a company that would undertake the development of the site with the future building, to offer affordable housing. The diocese is not identifying the prospective developer.

“Affordable housing is a major part of the mission of that property,” Cacopardo said. “This will be the at least the second time we’ve entered into a letter of intent that would advance that mission.”

If it materializes, the future building will rise on a site sandwiched by Villa Maria Manor (which is billed as housing that targets low-income senior residents) and Mary Queen of Angels Assisted. That site previously accommodated the one-story Saint Mary Villa, which offered day care and office space before being razed during the pandemic.

The Diocese of Nashville has enlisted Catalyst Design Group for land-planning and engineering duties, the permit notes.

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

STADIUM PROBLEMS

As usual, Nashville isn’t looking very far into the future. Now they want to build a 60,000-seat stadium to replace the existing stadium which seats thousands more. Along with that, it will be an enclosed stadium which is great but, if the crowds that are bound to increase require a larger stadium, where will the extra seats come from? Do they knock out a wall, raise the roof? What?

Maybe the planners haven’t noticed that people are moving into Nashville at quite a large rate and I feel a bunch of them will be football fans and music-goers. Why not at least build a stadium the same size or larger now while it is in the planning stage?

On a somewhat related subject, while all these people are moving into Nashville it seems like they are doing so with two or three cars, so will the roads be able to handle

the extra? If the planners would plan for 20 years down the road rather than 20 months it would be great.

CAN YOU HELP SENATOR?

Hell no, she’s not going to help us. She is much too busy spewing conspiracy theories, letting her mouth write a check her butt can’t cash, and filling her own coffers while spending ours on total BS. I totally agree with Bill Freeman in the editorial page, we desperately need a change in regime and get this useless person out of Washington. Don’t let her smoke screen fool you as she has done previously. She is not there to help us, she’s there to benefit herself.

TENNESSEE’S 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

some but not all and our Governor is just getting started.

Think about it for a moment:

You want to vote, Tennessee has made legal voting harder.

You are not a Qnon follower, Tennessee ensures that your elected representative is full-on Q like Green and Ogles.

Your child is a victim of your uncle, the Governor makes the daughter a mother.

Your father is a gambler, Tennessee is promoting wagering to the masses.

Your brother got a girl he just met pregnant, Tennessee guarantees fatherhood and prison for his date if she doesn’t deliver.

Your little sister has a girlfriend, she is told to get lost at the marriage license clerk’s office.

HERMITAGE FUNERAL HOME AND MEMORIAL GARDENS

HIBBETT & HAILEY FUNERAL HOME 615-883-2361

INVITATION TO BID CITY OF BELLE MEADE SNOW & ICE REMOVAL CONTRACT

Sealed bids for a 2-year contract for the removal of snow and ice and salting of streets within the Belle Meade city limits will be accepted at Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205 (615-297-6041) on or before 10:00 am CST on Monday, November 14, 2022, at which time said bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Specifications and plans will be available on or after 12 noon, Monday, October 31, 2022, at City Hall or online at https://citybellemeade.org/finance/. Please contact Larry Smith, Public Works Director or Nathan McVay, Assistant Public Works Director at 615-297-6041 or lsmith@citybellemeade.org, nmcvay@citybellemeade.org for questions or information.

The City reserves the right to waive informalities and to reject any and all bids.

City of Belle Meade

Beth Reardon City Manager

What gives with this bizarre campaign ad by Mark Green, incumbent candidate for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District? Joe Biden “divisive”? No sir, there’s only one party that accepts violence against its opponents, as happened on January 6, 2021, and was repeated in the deadly assault on Speaker Pelosi’s husband. That party is your Republican Party, and it represents the most divisive form of politics imaginable. Photo of an anonymous closed industrial plant? When was the photo made? Is it even in Tennessee? Stupid stock photo. Helicopters suggesting military action inside the country? We aren’t at war right now; why use wartime images in the ad? What a crock! Let me simply ask readers here: Do you think a Clarksville physician will ever care a flip about Nashville? Not a chance. On the other hand, Nashville resident and Democratic candidate for TN 7th, Odessa Kelly, is the real deal. She is smart, listens to different ideas, and is the right person to represent us.

WEST MEADE STOP SIGNS

When did it become normal to blow thru stop signs? Every day I watch cars & trucks, big & small, old or new run the STOP signs in West Meade. Who are all these self-important people with no driving skills or manners? To make matters worse some are parents with their children on board. Probability the same parents who park in the handicap parking spots with no sticker or handicap. Guess what mom & dad, your kids will do the same thing when they start driving. One last thing, slow down. Some of us like to walk with a stroller or a dog, and if you’re driving SLOW DOWN plus move over. I don’t want to be run over by a careless driver.

ALL FAMILIES MATTER

If you have seen our Governor in his latest TV political ad you’d swear that guy was looking out for everyone and their families. But, like when America was great the last time it, depends on who you are. America and Tennessee have been great for

You are homeless, Governor does nothing to help.

You sell suspect school curriculum, Tennessee gives multi-million dollar contracts to experiment on certain children.

You own a football team, you get a billion dollars of tax money.

I got it, Governor. As the family goes, so goes Tennessee. Unfortunately, all families do not matter with the ‘All lives matter’ crowd. Some families do not matter and the Governor picks the winners and losers. Just wish the Governor would pick my family.

FOOTBALL FOLLY

Time surely flies, but not nearly as fast as your taxpayer dollars. It seems a short while ago, on the eve of 2000, that the City of Nashville picked up the lion’s share of that $290 Million [$470 in today’s deflated dollars] tab for the then New Titan Stadium. It also seems a short while ago, circa 2021, Mayor Cooper said, and I paraphrase, “We’re about completely broke and needed to tax the life out of every property owner, ‘else the hospital people, the police, the firemen and the teachers would all have to go home on unemployment. [In fact, the teachers did stay home, but for a different set of illogical reasons.]

“Mayor Cooper sir, why another new stadium, can’t we just ‘roof’ and expand the existing one, after all, it’s paid for?”

“Why heck no son, that would just be CP, Cost Prohibitive, costing millions, besides all the seats need to be covered or painted or whatever they do to old seats. Besides it is just too darn small at 69,143.”

“But Mr. Mayor it reads here in the Business News that the new stadium will cost nearly $1.2 Billion yet holds only 60,000 fans.”

“Son, you DON’T understand! The New stadium CAN be expanded to that same size someday, the Old stadium [I don’t think] can. Any more questions?”

WE WANT CHANGE WITHIN REPUBLICAN PARTY

When we the people vote out Democrats

and congress and the senate are the majority, we want change in Republicans. We the people do not want anyone from California or New York or blue states in charge of anything in a leadership role. The speaker of the house and majority leaders should be red states with backbones, guts, fortitude, courage, and be willing to fight. We do not want what we have had for past years that compromise and never finish solving problems. What we had were cowards who stabbed people in the back and kept spending going at full blast. We the people are sick of these backstabbers claiming that they are conservatives Republicans and turn on a dime to vote with Democrats to give them another win on a bill to kill America. It’s time for Republicans to become one to get the job finished of saving our country. We are tired of the compromising cowards like Graham. Graham does stupid things and then tries to cover it up by doing good things. But it’s never enough to turn around what he voted on with Democrats to kill our country. We the people want unity among all Republicans until we take back our country and get the debt paid, build back our militaries, oil reserves replaced, closed border, wall built in completion, energy independent again, immigration redone with

Freedom of Speech is Alive

punishments for illegal entries with a path to citizenship, stop global world chaos, stop climate or global warming scam, build more electricity plants, build at least two more oil refineries so prices can be steady where plans can be made. We want laws that say a President does not have the authority to shut down pipelines, stop fracking, stop coal mining, stop building or tear down border wall, cannot override any laws that are on the books, cannot shut down businesses of any kind, cannot use oil reserves unless war has been declared, cannot sell shots that don’t work or prevent anything, cannot shut down our schools and does not have authority to give away money to fight another country’s battles or wars. All of the above are jobs for congress and the people to make the decisions. We want a new set of laws to hold congress and the senate accountable for their actions. A new law that prevents stacking of bills or bundling of bills where thousands of pages of bills are not read for weeks. A law that says only one bill is presented at a time and read out loud before congress and the senate, presented to congress and the senate at least three weeks before the deadline. A bill of more than four hundred words cannot be presented and this gives time where people at large can express their

Well

opinions. These new laws will stop the pork barrel spending, cheating, stealing, payoffs, and giving our money away to foreign countries so Politicians can play the system. You know like Joe, Susan, Mitch, and others that play the system. We want people to have authority and know they have never had any power by stepping over the line. We need to come together and not let the people down. These new laws will let everyone know what’s in a bill and transparency is discovered

again. These new laws put the brakes on all politicians, so this stops the needless spending and stealing of our tax money.

The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.

Artisan Fair

Art, Jewelry, And Religious Items

By Fine Artists In The Community

Saturday And Sunday, Nov 5 and 6 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM

St Stephen Church 14544 Lebanon Rd, Old Hickory

Roasted Cauliflower with Sorghum Vinaigrette

BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE

garlic

and

of fresh lemon.

and photo courtesy of

and

Nashville.

to

which

fingers

letter “R,” in

(what Mar

Moore is to Dudley Moore)

PUZZLE BY JEFF STILLMAN

Symphony Fashion Show Kickoff

BY BRENDA BATEY PHOTOS BY KATHY THOMAS

The Symphony Fashion Show Kickoff was held at Gus Mayer, where Chairs Mary Morgan Ketchel and Lisa Manning and Executive Chair Sandra Lipman welcomed everyone and shared some news about the spring event.

Lipman recognized Janice Elliott Morgan and LaRawn Scaife Rhea, who chaired the first fashion show for the Nashville Symphony that featured a known designer, Zang Toi. The two ladies were on hand at the event, continuing their support of the symphony.

Brandon Maxwell will be the featured designer for the annual event, which will take place on April 25, 2023 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Maxwell is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear label that launched in 2015 in New York.

Prior to launching his brand, Maxwell studied photography at St. Edward’s University and established a styling career acting as fashion director to internationallyknown singer Lady Gaga. His designs have been worn by Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah and Michelle Obama, among many others. Maxwell is also a television personality, most recently serving as a judge on BravoTV’s Project Runway.

Guests at the kickoff were able to shop Maxwell’s Spring 2023 collection, which was recently shown at New York Fashion Week.

It also was announced outstanding actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth will be the emcee and entertainer of the show. The Tony and Emmy Award winner has credits in musical theatre, film, and television.

The multi-talented Chenoweth sang gospel music as a child and studied opera before deciding to pursue her successful career in musical theatre, which then grew to

include projects in many media.

Maxwell has a special affinity for a specific lavender shade, Pantone 270 cp. To showcase the color, the signature drink of the evening was a French 75, featuring lavender colored Empress Gin, served with French champagne donated by Tom Black. The glasses were garnished with dried lavender pics and a lemon peel.

The menu enjoyed by the guests was presented by Kristen Winston and offered chilled corn soup sips with coconut and lemongrass, Mediterranean chicken salad on wonton crisps, crostini with triple crème, fig jam and candied almonds, and mango passionfruit tartlets with purple violas.

Everyone gave full measure to produce the fabulous look of the evening, which was particularly noteworthy. Jen Soulsby created the floral arrangements atop large modern wire urns, which flanked the counter and featured the Maxwell logo in lavender.

Soulsby’s bouquets held blooms in varying shades of lavender and purple, such as purple allium, dusty lavender roses, viburnum berry, thistle, Clematis, roses, and antique purple carnations.

Vertical banners with the Maxwell logo at the store entry were festooned with a coronet of florals and clusters of iron lanterns with lavender wax pillars were placed at the front door.

Gus Mayer’s display windows were backed in seamless orchid colored paper which highlighted images from Maxwell’s spring runway collection.

After experiencing the splendid kickoff event, guests are now eagerly awaiting the fashion show in the spring.

For more information, visit nashvillesymphony.org/sfs.

Dana Curtis, Andrea Powell, and Mary Huddleston

Sandra Lipman, Janice Elliott Morgan, and Tracy Piazza

Barbara Bovender and Mary Carol Beesley

Ann Ralls Brown and Francie Corcoran

Andra Perkerson and Mary Wilson

Janet Kurtz and Laura Niewold

Molly Ramsey, Casey Dyer, Laura Niewold, Natalie Miller, and Caroline McWilliams

SOCIAL

Catherine Branstetter, Ann Ralls Brown, and Casey Dyer

Kick-off Co-chairs Tori Wimberly and Ashley Stringfellow

Co-chairs Lisa Manning and Mary Morgan Ketchel

Katie Curry and Becca Lear

Katie Crumbo and Grace Awh

Selina Pepper and Connie Richardson

Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing

BY BRENDA BATEY

PHOTOS BY AMANDA LAGINESS, MICHAEL GOMEZ AND BRENDA BLACK

More than 1,000 supporters attended Harpeth Conservancy’s 19th annual River Swing at River Circle Farm in Franklin.

This was the sixth year Christian Currey chaired the fundraiser, which is held on his property. He made a significant commitment to the event this year with the installation of River Swing Way, a service road that will allow the evening to be held regardless of the weather.

Olivia Olive Oil provided bite sized samples for the attendees and Puckett’s served passed appetizers and a buffet meal with their award winning barbecue.

Beverages were donated by Lipman Brothers, and Bill Forrester’s team stocked and staffed the bars that offered a special “Watermelon Splash,” featuring Finlandia Vodka.

A new addition this year was an upgraded whiskey bar with products from Jack Daniel’s, Happenstance, O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey, Old Hickory Whiskey and Bourbon and Sweetens Cove.

The silent auction was expansive with 162 packages, including two tickets for all three

days of Widespread Panic at Red Rocks in 2023, a chainsaw from TriGreen that sold for $25,000, and an autographed guitar from Mötley Crüe by lead singer and River Swing attendee Vince Neil.

Table decorations were rocks from the Harpeth with floating candles keeping water and rivers literally at the center of the event. Event direction was from Garden Delights Fine Florists and AmosEvents.

The highlight of the evening was music by five-time Grammy Award Winner, Keb’ Mo’, along with music from Trevor Clark Trio, The Bluff and The Sweet Lillies.

Harpeth Conservancy’s mission to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships.

Tennessee’s waterways provide drinking water to more than three million people, as well as for recreation and vital transportation.

For more information about Harpeth Conservancy, visit www.harpethconservancy.org.

Kayla Onan, Jill Brothers, and April Tomlin

Carrie DuRard, Haylee Waddey Hall, and Huck and Kerri Johns

Chairman Christian Currey and Margaret Currey

Allison Hammond and Diana Thompson

Rusty and Jane Longhurst, and Tom and Katie Steele

Catherine McNamara, Rachael Lipsey, Jordan Spurlock, Margaret Fitzgerald, and Mattie Boyd

Bobette Smith and Susan Tirrill

Grace Stranch and Abby Tylor

SOCIAL

Latisha Holt, Shane Hixon, and Adrienne Moore

Will and Sara Schaedle, and Rachel and Dick Lodge

Rife Hughey, Mike Smitherman, Paula Hughey, and Marvin Wilker

Barbara and John Dab Steve and Amy-Beth Mason

SOCIAL

Halloween in West Meade

BY BRENDA BATEY PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY

On a very hilly street in West Meade, parents got together with a great idea and held a Trick-or-Treat parade, with participating families setting up treat stations by the road so children would not have to climb the steep driveways.

There were kids dressed as super heroes, animals, skeletons, cheerleaders, Greek goddesses, ghosts, vampires, and even a fire truck! Carved pumpkins and other seasonal decorations made everything look festive.

Those who set up for the event gave out all kinds of candy, from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Twix to Snickers and Butterfingers and so much more! There also were non-edible treats for the tiniest of the revelers.

After strolling along the street to each candy station and loading up on treats, not tricks, everyone enjoyed a pot luck get together, where guests loved sampling each dish and admiring all the creative costumes.

Bonna, Terry and Bryn Johnson

Back row: Evans, Mark, and Allison Valiquette, and front row: Jack and Davis Valiquette

Yancey and Charlotte Sullivan, and Charlotte and Helen Gebeau

Robert and Karen Hayes, and Jay Haber

Praveen and Carly Bhave

Mike and Chip Atwood

Care

Serving

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floral/events

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615-883-3989

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The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will have prayer partners available to talk with you 24/7.

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