pa r t I E S
Anna Grimes and Tom Noser, Ellen and Buddy Koonce
Pam Lewis, Ellen More, Laura Turner
Mary Wade, Sarah Reisner
Will Nowell, Mark Humphreys, Michelle Nowell, David Hanchrow
Watching the River Flow
Hank and Liz Delvin
An outpouring of support at River Swing
F
airpath Farm, Susan and Todd Kaestner’s bucolic setting on the banks of the Harpeth River, is ordinarily a quiet place where horses spend their days in the pasture. But for Harpeth River Watershed Association’s 13th annual River Swing, the equine residents yielded their space to cars bringing supporters ready to celebrate 15 years of the organization’s impressive efforts to restore and maintain an ecologically healthy river. While sipping cocktails and munching on olive tapenade crostini and goat cheese stuffed peppadews, guests petted the horses that wandered over to check out the hubbub. Up in the barn, others selected scenes of the Harpeth to adorn their walls at a sale by The Chestnut Group plein air painters. After watching a splendid Middle Tennessee sunset, everyone found their way to the tent where an abundant buffet from Whole Foods Market included smoked shredded beef with chimichurri and Mediterranean herb chicken. A mashed potato bar with a number of tempting toppings balanced healthy sides like orzo kale salad, Brussels sprouts and roasted root veggies. Before heading back for chocolate or vanilla cake, eager bidders checked their standing at the silent auction, which included a St. Barth’s getaway and a private beer tasting for 20 at Little Harpeth Brewing with bites from Whole Foods. HRWA Executive Director Dorie Bolze concluded her brief remarks by ordering the crowd to “get back to the party.” Bizz & Everyday People took to the stage, and everyone, including Emma Otter, took to the dance floor until it was time for the cows — um, the horses — to come home. For 15 years, the Harpeth River Watershed Association has worked to preserve and protect the State Scenic Harpeth River, all 115 miles from Rutherford County to the Cumberland River. With successful River Swings, it can promise another 15 years of cleaner water and healthier ecosystems. As Dorie said, “We are the river … We are the solution.”
Lin and Bill Andrews, Brownlee and Agneta Currey
by Holly Hoffman photographs by daniel meigs continued on page 30
Bo and Lillian Stewart
Shannon Finnegan, Rose Hinman
28 >> december 2016 | nfocusnashville.com RiverSwing.indd 28
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