The Contributor, November 22, 2023

$2

See page 2 instructions to pay with Venmo!

Include your Vendor’s Name & #

w w w . t h e c o n t r i b u t o r. o r g

Vo l u m e 1 7 | N u m b e r 2 4 | N o v e m b e r 2 2 - D e c e m b e r 6 , 2 0 2 3

n i g p P p a a r p er Issue!

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H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S ART WORK BY WENDELL J. (CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR)

IN THE ISSUE 3

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Contributor Board

Kerry Graham, Chair • Amber DuVentre, Chair Elect • Christine Doeg , Secretary • Cathy

Jennings • Demetria Kalodimos • Jerome Moore • O. Wade Nelson, Jr. • Waddell Wright • Robin Kimbrough-Hayes • Jim Shulman • Tom Wills • Drew Morris

9

7

Contributors This Issue Amanda Haggard • Linda Bailey • Ridley Wills II • Judith Tackett • Tom Wills • Jen A. • Norma B. • Chris Scott Fieselman • Joe Nolan • Michael G. • William B. • Daniel H. • James "Shorty" R.

Vendor Memorial

Contributor News

Vendor Writing

Waffle Shop

Longtime Contributor vendor Carol June Potts, who also wrote and did art in the paper, passed away last month.

After several years of as executive director, Cathy Jennings will be passing the torch to co-founder, Will Connelly.

Contributor vendors write in this issue about WeGo Senior Fares, customers, movies, art and being out and about.

The Waffle Shop began in 1924 as a fundraiser for First Presbyterian Church organized by The Women of the Church.

Contributor Volunteers Christine Doeg • Joe First • Andy Shapiro • Michael Reilly • Ann Bourland • Laura Birdsall • Marissa Young • Matthew Murrow • Gisselly Mazariegos • Tyler Samuel • Jamie Dore • Russ Heldman Cathy Jennings Executive Director Tom Wills Director of Vendor Operations Carli Tharp SNAP Specialist

HOW TO PAY A VENDOR WITH VENMO Any vendor of The Contributor can accept VENMO as payment.

Technology is a barrier to those experiencing homelessness. Many of our vendors don’t have phones or bank accounts, or use online commerce. Thus we simplified the VENMO process by using one account for all vendors. This means YOU MUST IDENTIFY YOUR VENDOR when using VENMO. Here is the skinny on how to do it right. #1 You must have a VENMO account.

Sign up at www.venmo.com if you haven’t already. #2 SCAN THE SQUARE QR CODE in the top left corner of the cover of this paper using your phone or tablet camera. Then press the button that appears once it has been recognized. #3 CLICK the blue “Pay or Request” button on the screen with The Contributor yellow and black logo. #4 TYPE in the amount you wish to pay.

The paper costs $2. Tips are welcomed.

Vendors get all the money you send and can pick it up the next business day at our office. #5 Most importantly, TYPE YOUR VENDOR’S NAME AND BADGE # in the “What’s this for?” box. Then hit the PAY button. Their name and 4 digit badge #

should be written on the front cover of the paper below the QR code. You must identify them to insure they will get the money. First name, last initial and 4 digit badge # will ensure that a vendor with a similar name doesn’t get confused for your vendor. You can also leave feedback in this field. But always identify the vendor. If they didn’t write their name or badge # on the cover of this paper, please describe where they were and what they looked like. This usually can identify them. #6 HIT THE PAY BUTTON. #7 The FIRST TIME you pay anyone using VENMO you will be asked to enter the last 4 digits of their phone number. Type 6829 in this field. Our phone number is (615) 829-6829. Or, you can scroll down and skip this step. (VENMO wants to protect you from sending money to the wrong person with a similar name. The next time you pay a vendor using our account, you won’t be asked to verify again.)

#8 ALWAYS TAKE THE PAPER HOME WITH YOU. When vendors sell out, the satisfaction of having a business that sells out its products begins to sink in! Vendors who sell out, come back to our office to buy more. This helps our vendors meet their sales goals. And, it is there that we can meet with them, give them their VENMO payments or mail and work on solving their barriers to housing and life’s goals. #9 Friend us on VENMO and leave feedback. Open the app and click on “Me” at the bottom. Then select “Transactions” to see your payments. Click on the payment to The Contributor in your transaction list and then click on our icon at the top of the screen to see all of those transactions between us. On this page you can “Friend” us and click on the speech bubble icons of all your payments to leave feedback on your experience. Constructive feedback and praise help encourage our vendors to do their best.

Ree Cheers SOAR Manager Andrew Terry IV SOAR Referral Specialist Rachel Ternes Housing Navigator Andreos Chunaco Housing Navigator Holly Bowman Director of Development Esther Mwandiko Kitenge Engagement Specialist Jesse Call Operations Consultant Raven Nye Director of Housing Initiatives Justin Wagner Resource Coordinator & Reporter Barbara Womack Advertising Manager Amanda Haggard & Linda Bailey Co-Editors Chelsea Jackson Vendor Office Manager Andrew Krinks Editor Emeritus Will Connelly, Tasha F. Lemley, Steven Samra, and Tom Wills Contributor Co-Founders Editorials and features in The Contributor are the perspectives of the authors. Submissions of news, opinion, fiction, art and poetry are welcomed.

The Contributor reserves the right to edit any submissions. The Contributor cannot and will not endorse any political candidate.

Submissions may be emailed to: editorial@thecontributor.org Requests to volunteer, donate, or purchase subscriptions can be emailed to: info@thecontributor.org Please email advertising requests to: advertising@thecontributor.org

The Contributor P.O. Box 332023, Nashville, TN 37203

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Vendor Office: 615.829.6829

Proud Member of: Printed at:

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PAGE 2 | November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Copyright © 2018 The Contributor, Inc. All rights reserved.

IN MEMORIAM

Vendor June Potts remembered for her spark, commitment Longtime Contributor vendor Carol June Potts, who also wrote and did art in the paper, passed away on Oct. 14 after a battle with cancer.

She was 66.

“A mixture of sadness and admiration well up in me when I think of June,” said Cathy Jennings, The Contributor’s executive director.

“Her recent struggle with cancer, her determination to get to her spot and see her customers and sell her papers, despite her treatment, and her quiet courage to just live her life.”

June wrote a series for the paper about a mouse that lived in her apartment that she decided to make friends with. Her humor and kindness always came through in her writing, but she never wanted to be

in the spotlight. She could always be counted on for a wink at the right moment to let you know she was watching.

“She was one of the quiet people that live in our midst, whose absence will probably felt stronger than her presence,” Jennings said. “Breakfast on Wednesday has an empty spot for June.”

June was the daughter of the late Silas Junior Potts and Blanche Marie Marks. She was survived by her children James Robert Bures and Amanda Marie Bures, along with several grandchildren. June is also survived by siblings Michael Potts, Joyce Robinson, Gale, Payne, Betty Potts, Darcy Rhoad and the late Gladys Burke and Darin Potts.

Dear June, a letter from a Contributor founder, Thank you. You helped open my heart again just by being you.

Since the pandemic, vendor deaths have been an especially hard subject for me. As a founder of The Contributor, one of the burdens of leadership has been to be there when vendors pass away, or rather to be left behind and to have to move on.

No one may even have noticed my silence here. Our staff has picked up the mantle, covering their deaths in the paper. A cloud of witnesses, of contributors-to-society, have left us and when I didn’t have the words to share our deep and remarkable staff did a dignifying job of being there to tell their stories. Meanwhile I was mute, typically without words to describe their effect on me.

As a part of the city’s collection of non-profits known as continuum of care for housing our most vulnerable residents, death notices come frequently down the pike — 123 names have come since 2020.

June, you knew many of them. Two worked with you right here on her Belmont Blvd. Small world.

Anthony Gunter worked for a while just a stone's throw from your spot at Martin’s BBQ. He picked the spot because of the pandemic.

Martin’s was offering to go food as fast as it could to save its business. Anthony did the same, offering the paper on the sidewalk near their outdoor operation. They were like oil and water, and you, June, got an earful of how that didn’t work.

Larry Burrus died of cancer a year ago after years of stoic work down the street at the end of Belmont Blvd. Larry was a U.S. Navy veteran and former worker at CSX railroad before he came to us to make ends meet in his old age. He had a walker toward the end of his life and never seemed to complain. His customers missed him dearly after his passing.

I was sad to learn you had cancer, too. It is my job to train vendors to sell the paper and to

help them sell it as long as they want or need to. I set goals for them, and sometimes I think I use those goals to help keep them alive. You were definitely one of those, not that you really needed my goals to get up and get going. When you were sick, you had customers like Karen, who works at the Belmont Bi-Rite, who would bring you to the office, or you would ask me to bring you papers on my way home. When I visited you in the hospital when you had a blood clot in your lung, you asked me to give Karen the keys to her subsidized apartment in Edgehill so she could get your things before you were released. The last time I heard from you, you were doing the same, you had called the day before you passed asking for more papers.

At the funeral I met your family, your daughter and saw some familiar faces. One was David, who I used to strike up conversations with at the now closed P.M. on Belmont Blvd., and there was Nick Miller. I had never met Nick before, but he told me he had tried

to start a street paper in Houston, Texas, after he had seen what we were doing here. Small, small world.

On All Saints Sunday at The Downtown Presbyterian Church, I mentioned your name, June, and Bronson Hunter’s name as members of our community who passed on along with the likes of Jean Prueher, who as a single mom raised a son to become the US Commander of the Pacific Fleet and eventually the US Ambassador to China (a.k.a A Navy guy like Mr. Burrus).

Thank you, June, for worming your way into my heart. My daughter remembers you too, from our detours from the school pick-up line to bring you papers and give you rides to the Bi-Rite. I miss you. You helped a broken man become more whole.

Sincerely, Tom Wills

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Donate Here: www.thecontributor.org/donate November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 3

NEWS

Learn More About the Intersection of Transit and Homelessness

BY JUDITH TACKETT During his campaign, Mayor Freddie O’Connell focused heavily on transit and made it clear that he believes, “better transit options will make Nashville more affordable.” He pledged that “on day one as Mayor, I will immediately take steps toward building a Frequent Transit Network — one that brings transit closer to communities, extends hours and frequencies, and introduces more technology.”

O’Connell’s focus on public transit as part of addressing affordability issues in Nashville is spot on. Without access to reliable transportation, people have a hard time escaping poverty. Transportation is essential to access stable employment, health care, child care, education, etc.

When examining the average household expenses in 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics listed transportation as the second largest expense right behind housing costs.

No wonder then, that we see reports and studies cite the lack of transportation as a contributor to homelessness. Studies have shown that public transit and walking are the most common means of transportation for people experiencing homelessness. Most people relied on social service providers to help them pay for transit.

In recent years, many nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness have created Uber or Lyft accounts to help fill in the transportation gaps to help ensure people get to appointments on time. But nonprofits are only able to use these services sporadically due to the high cost. Bus passes are another option used by nonprofits.

Usually, they hand out day passes for clients to see a doctor, a mental health provider, or to get to a government office to access diverse needs such as getting food stamps, ID replacements, birth certificates, etc., or simply to get to a shelter.

The city’s focus on improving public transit, including bus services, is vital to decrease poverty rates and homelessness.

But these transit services must be accessible and convenient for everyone.

To streamline its services and increase efficiency at boarding, WeGo has meanwhile fully implemented its QuickTickets, which are reloadable plastic cards or can be accessed through a phone app. Since Oct. 1 bus riders are required to use their QuickTickets or have the exact change ready. Fares remained the same through this change.

But I encourage you to read Jen A.’s article (on Pg. 7) to give you a full perspective of how any changes to public transit impacts people differently.

In some areas of the country, public transit providers believe that the presence of people experiencing homelessness impacts their ridership. A review of literature conducted in 2019 did not find clear evidence of the extent of impact homelessness has on public transit.

Eric Melcher, WeGo’s public information officer, told me that WeGo takes a collaborative approach when it comes to addressing homelessness and is in close contact with

the Office of Homeless Services, the Mayor’s Office and other Metro departments to coordinate around needs for people experiencing homelessness.

I personally can attest to WeGo's collaborative spirit over the past years. Actually, since Steve Bland became CEO of WeGo, Metro implemented several programs over the years that have continually been improved, two of which I would like to highlight. One is the ongoing support of helping transport people to shelters when temperatures fall to or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Currently, when Metro runs its cold weather shelter, bus route 23B is free during the evening hours from WeGo Central in downtown to the shelter location on Brick Church Pike. In the mornings, Metro hands out free public transit rides for people who leave the shelter. That’s also when people experiencing homelessness may receive a QuickTicket card they can reload and use to use the bus system. For people who are unfamiliar with how to handle the QuickTicket system, WeGo Central has in-person customer service available.

Undoubtedly, some people experiencing homelessness use public transit systems to sleep, rest and get warm. And we have certainly seen people without housing bundled up in a Nashville bus shelter or at a bus stop to try to be a little protected from the elements. WeGo usually reaches out to the Office of Homeless Services and their outreach team to engage people and link them to services — another collaboration that has been in place for a few years.

In 2017, Metro’s Homeless Impact Division (back then it was still called the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission) in partnership with WeGo launched a pilot program that provided annual bus passes to people experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness. The conditions of this partnership were that up to 500 annual bus passes would be provided to people who actively worked with a housing navigator, had a disabling condition, and had experienced homelessness for at least five months.

Melcher said that program was still going on. Just to avoid that WeGo gets bombarded with calls from people who want to access any of these annual bus passes, let me state clearly that this program is managed by the Office of Homeless Services and bus passes are only available to partnering nonprofit organizations who then are able to offer them to eligible clients.

In my personal experience as the former director of the Metro Homeless Impact Division, WeGo has been a transparent community partner and has been open to suggestions. When I worked with them in the past, I observed quickly that WeGo never said “no” when I approached them with a request. On the contrary, under Bland’s leadership, the WeGo Team would take any suggestion into consideration and evaluate what was doable at the moment.

Overall, WeGo has taken a solutions-oriented approach. The organization under-

WeGo is expanding its transit centers to help avoid people having to drive downtown to cross the city. The first transit center opened in Hillsboro Village. A second one, called the Dr. Ernest “Rip” Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center, is scheduled to open in spring of 2024.

And a third one is in conversation for the Hickory Hollow area as part of Metro’s redevelopment efforts.

WeGo is holding public input sessions for its proposed Spring Service Changes and will focus specifically on the following routes, which are related to the North Nashville Transit Center: • 9 MetroCenter • 14 Whites Creek • 22 Bordeaux • 41 Golden Valley • 42 St. Cecilia/Cumberland • 71 Trinity (New crosstown route connecting NNTC and Gallatin Pike) • 75 Midtown • 77 Thompson-Wedgewood Eric Melcher of WeGo said while these routes are the main focus, people are invited to comment on any public transit issues at these meetings, which are scheduled for: • Tuesday, November 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. McGruder Family Resource Center, 2013 25th Avenue N., Nashville, 37208.

• Thursday, November 30 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Virtual meeting (Webex); Access Code: 2492 123 2795; Password: MgpabmVJ875; Phone: 720-650-7664.

• Tuesday, December 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. McGruder Family Resource Center, 2013 25th Avenue N., Nashville, 37208.

• Thursday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Trinity Community Commons, 204 E. Trinity Lane, Nashville, 37207.

People who are unable to attend any of these meetings can either call WeGo at 615-862-5686, email them at WeGoTransit@nashville. gov, or submit written comments by mailing them to WeGo Public Transit Community Engagement, Attn: Public Meeting Comments, 430 Myatt Drive, Nashville, TN 37115. All comments must be submitted by Dec. 18, 2023.

stands that public transit plays a big role in the affordability conversation our city is engaged in and in addressing homelessness.

I think we all agree that much work still needs to be done. For a city the size of Nashville our public transit system is not up to date, and local public officials would likely agree with that statement. As with any approach, the special needs of marginalized populations are harder to accommodate, and we all need to speak up and remain vigilant to ensure that any transit improve-

PAGE 4 | November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

ments are considerate of everyone’s needs.

I am speaking of the mom who has to drop off her children at daycare prior to getting to her job at the other end of the city or the person living in the outskirts of Nashville who has to walk four miles to the next bus stop. And for folks for whom the current options create undue barriers to getting where they need to go. In short, if our transit system fails our neighbors who depend on it, I don’t think we will be able to tackle our homelessness crisis.

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ROOTS OF OUR MUSIC

OPEN NOW

Photos courtesy of Tennessee State Library & Archives and Library of Congress

FREE ADMISSION 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.

615.741.2692 TNMuseum.org

November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 5

FEATURE

(Above) Will Connelly works in his office at Community Care Fellowship (Ken and Carol's)in 2008 during the early days of The Contributor. (Lef t) A page from The Contributor's first issue, published in 200 featuring a column written by Connelly. To read the full story from this issue, scan the QR code.

New Leadership, Continued Mission at The Contributor S TA FF RE P O R T S

The Contributor, a leading organization dedicated to addressing homelessness and empowering individuals in need, is thrilled to announce a significant leadership transition.

After several years of dedicated service as executive director, Cathy Jennings will be passing the torch to a respected advocate and co-founder, Will Connelly.

Connelly, a co-founder of The Contributor and a prominent local and national figure in homelessness advocacy, will be stepping into the role of executive director as of Dec. 1.

Since 2018, Jennings has led The Contributor with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing

homelessness. Under Jenning’s guidance, the organization has achieved remarkable milestones and expanded its outreach programs, thanks to the support of our valued donors and partners and her willingness to get in there and do the work.

His deep-rooted dedication to the organization’s mission, coupled with his innovative and compassionate approach, makes him the ideal leader to guide The Contributor into its next chapter. His expertise and leadership will drive the organization's continued success in addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals.

“Will’s background as a founder of The Contributor newspaper, his expertise in housing and SOAR and his experience work-

ing with the population of people experiencing homelessness in both a private and public capacity make him the perfect fit for this role,” Jennings said. “That combined with our existing nimble, person-centered approach will truly expand The Contributor’s impact in our community. This is an exciting move toward more growth.”

Jennings will be transitioning to a new role within the organization, remaining on the board and continuing to contribute their expertise by managing grants and finances. Her continued involvement ensures a seamless transition and ongoing support for Connelly as he assumes his new responsibilities.

As the organization moves forward, The

PAGE 6 | November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Contributor remains steadfast in its mission to create positive change for those experiencing homelessness. The organization's ongoing initiatives, outreach programs, and advocacy efforts will continue.

The support of our dedicated supporters and partners has been instrumental in our success thus far.

"As I step forward to help lead The Contributor, I am inspired by the profound sense of belonging that this organization fosters,” Connelly said. “We are more than a platform for voices; we are a community turning empathy into action. My commitment is to nurture this connection, transforming understanding into a tangible force that uplifts every individual we serve.”

VENDOR WRITING

WeGo Snaps Back!

BY JEN A., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

I wrote in the Oct. 25 issue of The Contributor about the changes WeGo, Nashville's transit authority has made that will burden senior riders. The very day that issue hit the street, WeGo emailed to complain about the accuracy of the article.

To be clear, the proposed changes to senior fares that require QuickTickets, not cash are: • Seniors (Ages 65 and older) • 2-Hour Pass - $1 • All-Day Pass - $ 2 • 20-Ride Discounted Pass - $20 • 31-Day Discounted Pass $33 The qualifying note reads: Discounts will not be applied to fare pricing until the rider has a Discount ID.

My apologies to WeGo if they feel my article misrepresented them and their new fare structure. This proposed fare structure for senior riders is basically the same as it was before this round of WeGo fare adjustments. The difference is that to get these fares you have to have an official WeGo senior discount card and that specific QuickTicket.

That said, my point remains.

These adjustments disadvantage senior riders.

My status as a senior rider is dependent on my ability to purchase QuickTickets. However, I cannot purchase these special discounted tickets unless I provide an inordinate amount of personal information to WeGo. In my mind, the threshold of information necessary to purchase should be “Are you 65 or

older?” For the privilege to gain this status, I have to pay WeGo a $3 "processing fee" to get their senior discounted fare.

The original title of my last article was, "Hey WeGo — Process This!" Looking back, I wish I had kept that title in place. But I felt that might be a little too harsh.

Now I think maybe I wasn't harsh enough. Please stop with the senior fees and added charges! How many privilege cards am I supposed to keep track of? I'm old!

I have a state-issued picture ID card. It cost me $28 and is good for six years. It is accepted at all other businesses and state agencies that require official verification of my age and voting eligibility.

Why does WeGo need to issue me another discount fare ID card and charge me $3 of my limited funds to get it? This makes no sense to

me! I'm being charged extra for being 65+ for no rational reason.

The requirement that I submit to this documentation is blatantly and outrageously discriminatory.

Is WeGo going to require that the parents of children under four years of age get a special $3 discount card to prove their children are under four to ride for free?

And will children be required to get a $3 photo ID to take advantage of their fare discount? If not, then why are seniors held to this higher standard?

Recently, I took my photo ID to the information counter at the downtown bus station and tried to purchase some of their "senior discounted" QuickTickets. They're having a "half off" sale until Jan. 1 and being the thrift-conscious senior that I am I thought I'd stock up on some tickets for when the

prices go back up.

The woman behind the glass told me that even though I had a valid state photo ID, she would not sell me the senior discounted tickets unless I had the WeGo senior card. She also told me something that WeGo didn't put on their senior discount form. They are going to put your picture on the card. Now I don't just need a photo ID to drive a car in Nashville, I need a different photo ID to take the bus! This is ridiculous!

I will not give WeGo a proprietary claim to my personal information and photo. When I need to take the bus I will pay the adult fare. Otherwise, I'll be walking. WeGo has failed this senior, again. I can hear old women across Nashville crying out, "I've lost my WeGo senior discount card and I can't take the bus!”

Customers Who Keep Me Warm, Well-fed and Hydrated

BY NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Many of my customers know I will trade a paper for something to eat or drink. Here are just a few of the most recent examples: Everyone who’s lived in Tennessee for any length of time knows the weather is subject to change without much notice.

Such was the case one chilly day when a young man heard me say that I was cold. As many of my readers know, I recently moved out and back in again and I hadn’t found the box with my coats and jackets in it. The next time the young man saw me out, he whipped into the parking lot and brought me a hunter-green hoodie with ‘Country Farms’ on it to keep me warm! Well, this country girl who spent A LOT of time on a farm REALLY appreciated it!

Jessamine gave me one of the best gifts on a hot, sunny day: an ice-cold bottle of water and a bottle of SPF 50 sunscreen! I’d run out and was beginning to look like an overcooked lobster!

Ethan came by one day and asked about the paper, but had no cash. The next day he returned with three bottles of water, one

regular and two flavored (or liquid gold as I call it on such an EXTREMELY hot day.)

Jerry bought food for my granddaughter at the end of the day after school — her favorite from McDonald’s — a crispy chicken sandwich and McNuggets!

Harmond (I had him spell that to make sure I got it right) bought me a gyro plate, taking the time to take my order as if he were a waiter. I thanked him for actually taking the paper, I was fighting back tears explaining it had been a slow day, and it’s REALLY hard to take pride in what I do if people DON’T take the paper. He seemed to understand. He’s since returned bringing his young son Roman, who’s about to turn 3, and again he bought my dinner, this time without jotting it down.

What a memory he has!

A lady named Joy brought me a shrimp boil (like they have at Juicy Seafood, but it was from some place in Mt. Juliet).

Turns out, it was enough to feed my granddaughter who LOVES those, and myself — with a little left over for my daughter too!

Zach, who recently moved here from Arizona and his girlfriend Hallie who still lives near Scottsdale but was in town for a visit stopped to ask what I was doing. I explained about the paper. Though they didn’t have any cash, they gave me some Taco Bell in trade.

Since that first meeting, they’ve returned with even more Taco Bell.

Most recently I told him I almost didn’t recognize him without Taco Bell. Instead, he’d surprised me with some tasty fried chicken! I ate a piece immediately; I was hungry!

Turns out, it was enough to feed the whole family. He’s also sent some cash via Venmo!

Carlos stopped for a visit as he walked up the sidewalk, he had quite a story to tell (it may find its way into a future issue of The Contributor). The following day, he returned with his girlfriend Janet and some tasty quesadillas from Saint Anejo’s Cantina as a thank you for taking the time to listen to his story! Yum! A young lady and her dad, while visiting from Indiana, stopped by with a good bit of fruit and water. They were curious

about what I was doing, and when I explained they said there’s nothing like The Contributor where they’re from.

I said, “Well, if you like what you read, maybe you could start a paper of your own to help those in need where you live.”

The light changed and away they went.

One of my MTA drivers happened to be in the area while I was out and noticed I had no water like I usually do. When he finished his run that day he returned with two gallons of water!

Sequoia (like the tree) from Branson, Mo, recently stopped and asked about the paper but had no cash. Instead, she bought me a gyro and some cheese fries and kept me company while I waited for my ride.

Brian always brings me coffee — iced on warm days and hot on cold ones.

Rosalyn often brings food on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This particular day turkey, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes were on the menu. She asked where I’d been lately, and when

November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 7

I explained she said she comes out to Antioch too when she has food left, and now that she knows where to find me she promised to come for a visit!

To others who have been missing me at my usual location at OHB and Central Pike, I’ve been hanging out some in Antioch near my granddaughter's new high school.

At Starbucks I’ve received plenty of water, some breakfast sandwiches with bacon, eggs and Gouda cheese, and even an Impossible, plant-based breakfast sandwich. Both Woody and Monae have my coffee order down, and Monae has even brought a bag with all kinds of goodies in it and a fuzzy blanket that was particularly useful one chilly morning.

Meanwhile at McDonald's: in just one day was given three cups of coffee, an Arnold Palmer with no ice (my favorite) in addition to two double cheeseburgers and fries, and two McChickens. They definitely keep me fed and hydrated!

Thanks for EVERYTHING! It is greatly appreciated.

PAGE 8 | November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

FEATURE

Thursday, Dec. 7th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Benefiting homeless ministries outreach The $15 ticket includes: • Waffles, along with grits, a choice of Hattie B’s Chicken or Puckett’s country bacon, choice of Frothy Monkey Coffee or spiced tea • A free guided tour of the church’s beautiful historic Egyptian Revival sanctuary

The Downtown Presbyterian Church to Celebrate its 99th Waffle Shop

BY RIDLEY WILLS II, CHURCH HISTORIAN

The Waffle Shop began in 1924 as a fundraiser for First Presbyterian Church.

Organized by The Women of the Church, one of its members, Mary Thompson (Mrs. Sam) Orr, provided early leadership by bringing with her to the church her African American cook, Katherine Douglas, who provided the recipe for the waffles that have been served in Fellowship Hall at the church on the first Thursday in December for 99 years. In the early 1990s, when Katherine was 84 years old, and still cooking for the Waffle Shop, she revealed her recipe. Here it is. “For each batch of more than fifty waffles, use two dozen eggs, a pound of flour mixed with a little salt and baking powder, a gallon of milk, and two and one-half cups of vegetable oil.” It works beautifully,” Katherine added.

It used to be that the Waffle Shop was the quai-official start of the Christmas season when people traveled downtown to shop at Cain-Sloan and Harvey’s and at Everett Holzapfel’s to get dad a new tie.

Those days are long gone, but the Waffle Shop has held its ground. While the food may not be fancy, hip or gourmet, it is warm and delicious. This year, on Thursday, Dec. 7, between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., volunteers will serve homemade waffles, a choice of Hattie B’s mild or hot chicken or Puckett’s Country bacon along with Frothy Monkey coffee and spiced tea.

You will also enjoy the camaraderie as you may find yourself seated beside a Nashville fireman, a U.S. Senator or a mayor. The Downtown Presbyterian Church, a National landmark, known all over the world as one of the finest examples of Egyptian revival architecture, is a small progressive church open to all and dedicated to serving the poor.

The funds raised from the Waffle Shop will go towards purchasing food and supplies for the weekly meals served to the less advantaged members of our community.

While at the Waffle Shop, take historian Jim Hoobler’s tour of the sanctuary, which formally opened on Easter Sunday, 1850.

Music director William Taylor will also be playing the organ at various times. Holiday music in Fellowship Hall will be provided by musician Les Kerr while you enjoy your lunch. Be sure and visit the silent auction where you can bid on hotel rooms, museum passes, sports tickets and much more. And take the opportunity to shop at the church’s gift shop which includes homemade baked goods and other holiday merchandise.

Free parking will be available in Lot B at the Nissan Stadium and an Old Town Trolley will provide shuttle service. Tickets are $15 in advance and will increase to $20 the day of the event. To purchase a ticket or for more information, go to the church’s website (dpchurch.com) and support Waffle Shop 2023.

• The opportunity to shop at the church’s gift shop which includes homemade bake goods and other holiday merchandise • A chance to bid on wonderful items at the Silent Auction Purchase tickets online at: dpchurch.com Tickets will increase to $20 the day of the event.

Free parking for patrons at Nissan Stadium Lot B and shuttle service provided by Old Town Trolley Event takes place at the Fellowship Hall at Downtown Presbyterian Church 154 Rep. John Lewis Way N. Event Sponsors:

November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 9

PIECES OF POETRY - 11

The Humble Street Vendor Letters to the Editor

WRITTEN BY ANNETTE CUNNINGHAM EXCERPT FROM: “LESSONS LEARNED FROM WISDOM’S WORDS”

Dear Linda, I got another Brainstorm Idea, For The Contributor to disregard.

A simple solution that’s perfectly clear, That comes from a vendor’s heart.

I want to get desperate people, Wasting time, flying signs, To see the possibilities, And help them make up their mind.

I want to take up an entire centerfold, That a customer’s bought and a vendor has sold, And use it to accomplish my goal.

Four pages from the paper, to give away, With something very important to say.

To give to the next beggar they come across.

That’s more like a road map to someone who’s lost, To help them find their way, And change their life today.

I spotted the man on the corner, waving his paper at me.

Rain or shine he is always there.

I passed on by giving little thought to his circumstance.

One day I decided to smile and wave.

I see him every day.

His face lit up and he waved back at me!

One day I bought a paper. It only cost a dollar.

WRITTEN BY CHRIS SCOTT FIESELMAN

THEME: CATS & DOGS DOWN ACROSS 1. Labels with a name, on 28. Call forth 1. Baby powder 29. Two identical moleFacebook 5. Hundredweight, acr. cules put together 2. Major or general em8. Same as gauge 32. Rubber sandal ployer 12. S squared, e.g.

33. Exclamation of sur3. Same as #36 Down, 13. Actor Wyle prise 14. Undergraduate's field archaically speaking 36. *Fido, in Latin 4. Painter's surface of study 38. More then one crocus 15. J. Edgar Hoover's man 5. Receipt listings 40. *Canine command 6. *Corgi's homeland 16. Norse capital 41. Newspaper VIP 7. Marvel Comics ham17. Extremely angry 44. ____ beef mer wielder 18. *Tweety chaser 46. Meandered 8. *Jon Arbuckle, Odie 20. Bob Ross' do 48. Leaves at the alter, e.g. and ____ 21. Not quite right 49. Uniate church mem9. A bit cracked 22. Hawaiian dish 10. Kind of move, 2 words ber 23. Directed 50. Of the highest quality 11. Bard's before 26. Brought down 51. Open-mouthed aston13. End of rugby match 30. Deed ishment 31. Rifle's backward move 14. *Cat sound 52. Thorny gift 19. Manicurist's file 34. Denim innovator 53. Large book 22. Neighbor of Ger. 35. Like salad greens 54. Pelvic parts 23. *Nome, AK hero 37. Greek R 55. Smart but awkward 24. Continental divide 38. Read-only memory one 25. Like old cracker device 56. "A stiff upper ____" 26. *Rhodesian Ridge39. Western Samoan back's target money 27. *Old episodes of Eddie 40. Oklahoma athlete Crane's TV show 42. Tiny guitar 43. Relating to dreams 45. Like certain Debbie?

47. U.S. Marine Corps gift recipient 48. Gin mixer 50. Title for Turkish leader 52. *1929 Best Actor Oscar nominee 56. Lallygags 57. Medley 58. Pineapple producer 59. Suggestions 60. *Lassie's mark in Hollywood sidewalk 61. Arabian bigwig 62. Banana leftover 63. New York time 64. "Wanted!" state

The first page explains what has to be done, And how making the effort helps everyone.

The two pages in the middle are going to be fun.

Pictures and stories of, how far some have come, Where they are now and about where they’re from.

The last page should be... A Heartfelt Final Plea, That being a beggar’s not what they should be.

A page from the paper that customers share, And a couple bucks extra to cover bus fare.

That’s my solution. It’s not worth a dime.

Just another Chris Scott F. waste of time rhyme.

Letters to the Editor 2 WRITTEN BY CHRIS SCOTT FIESELMAN

Dear Linda,

I’m glad Tom agreed to bestow upon me, Free Bus Passes at last.

That was The First Hurdle, The Big Obstacle, We can say that we finally got past.

Thank you for seeing and agreeing to a meeting.

For me it was truly a blast.

Now together, we can see, the possibilities, And things are finally progressing fast.

So, Let the Dice Be Cast...

Creating a brochure would surely be, A good way to welcome them in.

Knowing there’s someone, Out there who cares about?

What’s happening to them?

An Opportunity that might be like, Finally finding a way to win.

And that little reminder that gets left behind, Might be... Their chance to begin again.

A Step in the Right Direction, When they could really use a friend.

If not right now?

Then when?

PAGE 10 | November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

It didn’t mean much to me but it did to him.

This man shares his many poems and has been published.

“Street Paper” is one of my favorites.

He shares his thoughts and writes about his experiences.

He writes songs and poems, But does not gain recognition.

He is homeless and lives on the streets.

He is a talented, intelligent man, Who loves his God, his family and his fellow man.

He is a very interesting person indeed!

He is a humble man, A street vendor and a homeless man.

We are all together in this world.

Each one has a story.

Reach out and touch someone.

The rewards are plenty, And as Chris Scott F. says: “God Bless Your Steps I Pray”

A Dollar

WRITTEN BY ANNETTE CUNNINGHAM EXCERPT FROM: “LESSONS LEARNED FROM WISDOM’S WORDS” You ask my friend, “What can a dollar spend?”

It’s insignificant to you and me, But to that man or woman, Standing on the corner with papers in hand.

Making a living the best they can.

Standing proud and tall, day after day.

In all kinds of weather, faithful and true.

Not asking for a handout, not at all.

A dollar can buy something to drink or a bite to eat.

It can be a phone call home or to a long-lost friend.

A room for the night, if you get enough of them.

Sometimes it exchanges hands, when one realizes, He needs it more! God Bless!

Weren’t we put on this earth to help each other?

It blesses them and helps them through.

After all they still have laundry to do.

So yes, a dollar, a buck, a greenback, Or even some lose change, Can help make someone’s day better.

So next time, Stop, Got a buck? Give a buck, And two souls will be blessed.

CORRECTION In our previous edition of the paper, we missprinted Chris's poems. To read his poems "The Movie 'Saint Cloud Hill'" and "Ain't My First Rodeo" scan this QR code. We regret this error.

MOVING PICTURES

David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’ is a hitman movie about hitman movies

BY JOE NOLAN, FILM CRITIC David Fincher’s new hitman film, The Killer is a movie about a killer-for-hire, his personal code, his hands-on trade, and the mess that the murder business can make of one’s personal life.

But, more importantly, The Killer is a movie about hitman movies and about mundane, mainstream culture in general. It’s a thriller packed with scenes of quiet waiting, a globetrotting revenge story set in budget hotel suites, a white knuckle ride in a Hertz rent-a-car.

Two of the most audacious elements of The Killer are its conspicuous lack of action and the running inner monologue of its antihero protagonist. The movie opens with the nameless killer (Michael Fassbender) in an abandoned WeWork office, spying on a luxury apartment hotel suite, waiting for his target to arrive home. The idea of a hired murderer camping out alone in the brand name co-working space is a hilarious bit of irony. So are the more than 20 minutes that open The Killer in which nearly nothing happens, right before everything goes wrong. Like many hitman movies, The Killer is a film about precision — and the lack of it. While the killer sleeps, does yoga, fiddles with his Smartwatch and listens to The Smiths, he also talks to himself. “Stick to your plan. Anticipate. Don’t improvise. Trust no one. Never yield an advantage. Fight only the battle you’re paid to fight. Forbid empathy.” It’s an interesting mix of affirmation and philosophizing that should keep him free from entanglements and cool when the pressure is on. And it works, until it doesn’t.

Fincher understands that the best hitman movies are procedurals that take viewers into the shadow world of the killers that may move among us. We want to see exotic weapons and hidden compartments, fake passports, untraceable vehicles, hideouts and icy cool killers in slick disguises. We’re invited into an assassin’s secret life in Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samourai (1967) and in the John Wick Trilogy we are treated to an entire hidden

underworld of crime and criminals. Fincher delivers the goods here, but at a discount: the killer drives rented cars and eats at McDonalds; he flies coach and his headquarters is just a storage unit big enough to hold a van; his only disguise is “German tourist” in a bucket hat and shades; his aliases are all lifted from characters in television sitcoms.

The references, however sly, to other genre masterpieces lend the film a metanarrative quality and viewers know they're watching a movie about movies when the killer uses the unattached scope from his gun to spy the scene at his target’s apartment. The POV shots find the viewer looking through the camera’s lens as much as looking through a rifle scope. When the film’s long quiet opening shatters with a chaotic twist, Fincher mostly gets to have it both ways: The Killer is a film about movies about assassins that we can just relax and enjoy.

In the meantime his murderous protagonist gets to ponder ideals of balance and precision in a world that rarely allows for much of either.

Jim Jarmusch’s 2009 film The Limit’s of Control is a hitman movie featuring international destinations, intentional lack of action and Tilda Swinton, and we should be hearing more comparisons between these films. Jarmusch literally eliminates all the action from his film, omitting the scenes that arguably define the assassin movie genre. It would be interesting to see a cut of Fincher’s film with no internal monologue. It would be slower and sadder. It would be more solemn, but not necessarily more sincere. I think this killer really is just a smart ass trying to cope like the rest of us. In one scene he even quotes Popeye the Sailor: “I am what I am.”

The Killer is currently streaming on Netflix.

Joe Nolan is a critic, columnist and performing singer/songwriter based in East Nashville. Find out more about his projects at www.joenolan.com.

VENDOR WRITING

Out and About

BY WILLIAM B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

I come from the world of cassettes, VHS tapes, marbles, jacks, and other games that I miss seeing people play. Next Thanksgiving, I’ll be 75 years old. I’ve been clean for 17 years and I feel good. My health is important; I want to live to be at least 100.

Being able to stay active and do what I love is keeping me alive.

I’m quick for my age, and I like

being out and about every day and seeing new faces. It’s been difficult lately, not only with my personal health but with trying to stay safe on the streets. The sidewalks are all cut up and people don’t look both ways when they’re driving like they should. For my safety and the safety of others, this needs to improve; please help us continue doing what we love.

I’m always trying new things and learning new things. Soon, I hope to learn how to use a computer. What I’d really like to do is make demos and videos of my music for myself and The Contributor. There’s a lot of talent out here people just don’t know about.

I have lots of ideas in the work that I hope to share with you all very soon.

Michael G’s Movie Reviews Three movies for the price of a paper

BY MICHAEL G., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

The Banana Splits Movie (2019) Rated: R Duration: 1 hour, 29 minutes If you remember The Banana Splits Hour in the 1970s and you love horror movies, then this is for you. Watch it if you dare.

Willy’s Wonderland (2021) Duration: 1 hour, 28 minutes Not Rated I believe that Nicolas Cage was paid extra money not to say a word in this movie. If you like Nicolas Cage movies then you’ll love this one. It’s his greatest movie ever because he doesn’t say a word.

Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) Rated: PG-13 Duration: 1 hour, 49 minutes This is the third “animatronics gone wrong” movie that I’m reviewing. It’s an OK horror film, so you can watch it if you like horror movies.

Matchbox Wendy

BY DANIEL H., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, I was invited by my friend Wendy to make matchboxes. When I arrived at Loaves and Fishes I noticed a large turnout of homeless people and volunteers to help distribute the material. Everyone was talking and sharing stories as they colored or decorated their matchboxes.

The energy levels were extremely high. It was explained to us that all proceeds raised from sold matchboxes would be used to feed the

homeless who eat at Loaves and Fishes. Wendy, who used to work for The Contributor now has several causes that she supports.

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, Wendy will have a booth at the HCA Healhcares’s Nonprofit Holiday Market, located at 2000 Health Park Dr., Brentwood. The event will take place from 2:30 - 4 p.m.

The booth will also be at the Corporate Campus Holiday Market on Thursday, Dec. 7. The loca-

tion of this event is One Park Plaza, also from 2:30-4 p.m.

If you want to get out and enjoy the day come one down! You won’t be alone. There will be approximately 300 healthcare workers in attendance at the first event, and 400 at the second. Come show your support for Loaves and Fishes by buying an artsy matchbox or two! Thank you, from the people at Loaves and Fishes.

We Shall Overcome

BY JAME S "SHOR T Y R., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

One day at a time as I have said. There are many tests and tribulations that we have to face

head-on. We pray daily with each passing moment we share.

Let’s make the best of it all.

November 22 - December 6, 2023 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 11

Pray for everything He gives us.

We shall overcome this one day at a time.