Swan Ball group retains rights to event trademark
Nashville swimmer Gretchen Walsh earns comparisons to sport’s all-time greats
Harpeth Hall grad sets 11 world records during six-day international meet in Hungary
JOHN GLENNON
Nashville’s Gretchen Walsh is being compared to some of the all-time swimming greats after her performance at the recently completed 2024 World Aquatics 25m Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
WILLIAM WILLIAM S
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens has finalized an agreement with SB Initiative Inc. that will allow the latter to retain all rights to the Swan Ball event name and trademark.
The resolution, announced in a release issued jointly by the two parties, resolves a months-long legal battle regarding control of the trademark.
Specifically, SB Initiative (SBI) will control the Swan Ball domain and all data and associated programs and platforms.
Cheekwood and SBI issued the following statement in the release:
“SBI and Cheekwood have agreed to prioritize their independent charitable missions and resolve this dispute by separating Cheekwood and the Swan Ball. SBI currently owns the Swan Ball trademark. SBI and Cheekwood wish each other well.”
SBI’s board comprises 13 former Swan Ball chairmen, “all of whom have supported
the Swan Ball and Cheekwood for many years,” according to the statement.
As The News sister publication the Nashville Post reported in mid-October, and according to a document filed in the federal court overseen by U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson, the two parties had submitted a joint notice of settlement, in which they state that they have reached an agreement in principle related to the ownership of the annual Swan Ball event’s trademark.
Prior to the settlement, Cheekwood contended it established and had owned the Swan Ball since 1963, when the gala was first held on the nonprofit’s Swan Lawn. Relatedly, Cheekwood claimed it has owned the Tennessee trademark registration for Swan Ball since July 2004. The event has generated more than $37 million in support of Cheekwood since 1963.
SBI on July 8 sued Cheekwood to retain
control of the event and trademark, alleging that Cheekwood had wrongly attempted to wrest Swan Ball operations from the group. Cheekwood later countersued SBI, claiming the entity did not have ownership of the event or trademark.
The Swan Ball will benefit Friends of Warner Parks in 2025 rather than Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, according to a press release issued in October. The event is set for June 7, 2025, at Edwin Warner Park, with the Metro Parks Department Board having approved permitting for the event.
Maia Woodhouse, an Adams and Reese attorney, represented Cheekwood, and Chanelle Acheson, Waddey Acheson cofounder and attorney, represented SBI.
This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Walsh set 11 world records (nine individual, two relay) and captured seven world titles (five individual, two relay) during the six-day meet held in a 25-meter pool, en route to being named the meet’s best female swimmer.
She won the title in all five of her individual events (50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter butterfly, 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter individual medley) and both of her relays (4×100-meter freestyle, 4×100-meter medley)
Walsh on Sunday set her ninth individual world record of the meet and won her fifth individual title in the 50-meter freestyle with a 22.83, breaking her own world record of 22.87 set Saturday in the event’s semifinal.
“I feel like short course (the 25-meter pool) is really where I found my groove, and I’m just happy to prove to myself that I’m capable of doing stuff like this,” Walsh told reporters after the race.
“So it’s been really fun racing in front of this crowd, in front of Team USA and for USA. I’ve just had a really great week, and I am always going to remember
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS
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Association.
Nashville swimmer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
more titles at a single global championship, joining Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Katie Ledecky and Caleb Dressel.
Per NBC Sports, Walsh’s performance put her on the same plane as Phelps and Spitz. Her 11 world records are more than Spitz’s seven at the 1972 Olympics and more than Phelps’ seven at the 2008 Olympics. Walsh’s seven gold medals make her the fourth American swimmer to win that many golds in an international event alongside Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Caleb Dressel.
Those kinds of results prompted ESPN and NBC Sports commentator Rowdy Gaines, a three-time Olympian, to post this comment on social media Saturday:
“Even with one day left, it is safe to say that Gretchen Walsh has had the greatest major international competition in history outside [Michael Phelps in 2008] and [Mark Spitz in 1972]. Simply amazing.”
Walsh’s older sister, Alex Walsh, also produced an outstanding meet, bringing home six medals.
and cherish it. I felt so much love over the past week from people here in Budapest watching in person but also back home.”
Of Walsh’s 15 individual swims in her five events, nine were world records. In the 100-meter butterfly, she became the first swimmer to set a world record in the preliminary heats (53.24), semifinals (52.87) and finals (52.71) of the same event at a championship meet.
A Harpeth Hall School graduate, Walsh is one of six US swimmers ever to win four or
A Harpeth Hall grad as well, Alex Walsh won two gold medals (4×200-meter freestyle relay, 4×100-meter medley relay), two silver medals (200-meter individual medley, 4×100-meter mixed medley relay) and two bronze medals (200-meter breaststroke, 4×50-meter mixed medley relay).
Alex Walsh was part of a world-recordsetting team in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.
This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Metro deliberates new amphitheater operating contract
Live Nation holds advantage over competitors in Ascend bid process
ELI MOTYCKA
Entertainment giant Live Nation has pole position to retain control of Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville’s 6,800-capacity outdoor riverfront entertainment venue.
In addition to Live Nation’s renewal pitch, Metro is considering at least three rival bids, with a final decision anticipated in early 2025 as Live Nation’s current 10-year contract expires.
The News sister publication the Nashville Post has confirmed additional Ascend bids from Opry Entertainment Group, Mammoth Live and AEG Presents — the latter widely considered Live Nation’s main competitor. Venue giant ASM Global did not submit a bid. A pre-offer meeting with the city included at least six potential operators.
Ascend’s size offers a sweet spot for artists
who can’t fill stadiums but are too big for the city’s small- and medium-cap venues. The amphitheater has maintained a full calendar of events in recent years, including Hozier, Jack White, Noah Kahan, Maggie Rogers and Orville Peck’s Sixth Annual Rodeo. Its downtown location allows accessibility for tourists and multiple seating options across a pit, seated bowl and lawn space.
Some point to The Greek Theatre, a 5,900-capacity venue in Los Angeles, as an appropriate comparison. That venue went through an extensive and controversial bidding contest in 2014, awarding to Live Nation an operating contract that was later rejected by city officials. Today the venue is booked and run based on agreements between several operators,
Gretchen Walsh
PHOTO: MIKE LEWIS, USA SWIMMING
including Live Nation.
Metro Nashville initially opened bidding in early August with a Sept. 9 submission deadline. The city later extended this window twice — once to Oct. 16, then to Oct. 23 — following requests from potential operators. One bidder, which requested anonymity as the contract has not yet been awarded, tells the Post that it would not have been able to produce its proposal but for this extension.
Live Nation won a 10-year contract to operate the venue in 2014. The original deal required $400,000 per year from Live Nation plus a $2 ticket fee, which generated about $700,000 for the city in annual revenue. New proposals offer as much as $1 million per year for the city, according to individuals familiar with top bids.
The Metro Department of Parks and Recreation plans to ink an agreement in the first half of 2025. Similar to the way the Metro Sports Authority oversees Bridgestone Arena and Nissan Stadium, Metro Parks technically oversees Ascend, which is nestled inside Riverfront Park and the downtown greenway system. Metro Parks assistant director Jim Hester, listed as the bidders’ Metro contact on the city’s contract solicitation, did not return the Post’s request for comment in time for publication.
Live Nation, which also owns Ticketmaster, raked in $22.7 billion in revenue last year. Live Nation also promotes the majority of concerts at Bridgestone
Arena. The corporation has faced intense scrutiny from artists and consumers over its wide-ranging control of concert bookings and pricing. The new contract comes as Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti sits opposite Live Nation and Ticketmaster in an ongoing federal antitrust suit.
During the bid window, Metro did not share certain operating information requested by prospective bidders, including existing security plans and required fees and permitting. Bidders are blind to Live Nation’s naming rights contract with Ascend Federal Credit Union, for example, information that can be considered proprietary and confidential. On Oct. 7, just before the bid deadline, Live Nation hosted Mayor Freddie O’Connell for an office happy hour.
“This is an active solicitation, so [we] are limited in what information we can provide,” Zak Kelley, a procurement adviser in the Metro Finance Department, told the Post in an email. “Proposal(s) received for this solicitation are currently in evaluation. We do not have a timeline for award.”
The city has not yet indicated when reviewers will make a final decision.
Live Nation is also the preferred booker and promoter for Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Metro reviewed that contract at a special-called meeting on Dec. 12.
This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Scene.
Vanderbilt Poll: Tennessee Sees Increase in MAGA Supporters
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
According to the latest Vanderbilt Poll, the recent election had minimal impact on Tennesseans’ stances on key issues — with noteworthy exceptions being increased approval for state lawmakers since May and an increase in self-identified MAGA supporters.
The semiannual statewide poll found registered voters in Tennessee voiced overwhelming support for Medicaid expansion, including 55 percent of MAGA Republicans, with those polled believing that health insurers and pharmaceutical companies are largely responsible for high health care costs.
Widespread support continues for women’s health and reproductive care, as more than half of Tennesseans identified as pro-choice and indicated strong support for some specific allowances for abortion.
Also notable was the misalignment between the public’s views and the state government’s regarding gun reform and legalization of recreational marijuana — both of which have bipartisan backing.
As noted, the poll showed increased approval for state legislators, despite what those polled feel is lawmakers often holding positions on some issues that are out of step with those of Tennesseans.
Views vary by gender, with 60 percent of
men believing the state is moving forward in a positive manner, compared with only 41 percent of women. Independents were roughly split on their view of the direction of the state. Three-quarters of non-MAGA Republicans view the state as on the right track — 5 points higher than MAGA Republicans — while 80 percent of Democrats view the state as on the wrong track.
Since fall 2022, the Vanderbilt Poll has asked self-identified Republican registered voters whether they view themselves more as supporters of the GOP or of the MAGA movement. The latest poll saw a notable increase in those who identify as supporters of MAGA — from 46 percent in May 2024 to 60 percent now.
“While much ink has been spilled about what the election results mean about the electorate, these results suggest little change in the opinions of Tennesseans, which means the misalignment between voters and elected officials continues,” John Geer, Vanderbilt Poll co-director and senior advisor to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, said in the release.
Vanderbilt’s survey canvassed 955 Tennessee registered voters from Nov. 18 to Dec. 4. The poll was conducted in English. This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Claus is coming to town, but first, he’s coming to the Skydeck on Broadway and The Factory at Franklin for one last roundup of wants and needs on the Christmas lists. If you’ve already checked in with the big
a couple of puppet shows at the downtown Nashville Public Library that have no Christmas crossover for those of you who are already over the holiday cheer.
As part of our series on free cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:
SKYDECK CHRISTMAS MARKET
Skydeck on Broadway is hosting its first Christmas Market right before the holiday (Dec. 19-23). Folks can stroll through the space, which will be decked out for the holidays, and vendors will be on site. Holiday activities and entertainment will also be happening throughout the Skydeck, and the regular host of restaurants will have special drinks and food for the occasion. Santa will also be on-site on Saturday from 3-5 p.m.
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
On Dec. 20, Warner Park Nature Center is inviting folks to come celebrate the beginning of winter and the longest night of the year. The annual event, which takes place from 4-7 p.m. this year, will include seasonal wreath-making, a luminary trail through the forest, campfires, s’mores, astronomy, music and more.
KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON
Kidsville at the Parthenon is hosting special celebrations throughout December
on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Register ahead of time to join Dec. 21, where the kids can celebrate and honor the first day of winter. Guests will make their own coin art based on the book Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money. Register ahead of time at kidsvilleonline.org/calendar/kidsville-at-theparthenon-december.
SANTA AT THE FACTORY
On Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin, your family can come meet Santa Claus in the Grand Hall. Parents and caregivers are welcome to snap a photo with Santa in front of the 20-foot live Christmas tree. The tree will be decorated with historic stoves made by manufacturers who once called The Factory home. This might be one of your last chances to meet with the big man before his big travels begin.
‘CINDERELLA’
PUPPET SHOW
Tom Tichenor’s puppets will perform the classic fairytale Cinderella at the Nashville Public Library Dec. 20-21. Wishing Chair Productions will put on the musical, which will feature magical surprises in the Children’s Theater at the Nashville Public Library downtown. Performances begin at 10:30 a.m.; get there early to ensure your spot.
Pause Studio opens in Green Hills
STAFF REPORTS
Wellness center Pause Studio opened its first location in Tennessee on Dec. 6 in Green Hills.
The Green Hills establishment is located at 3822 Bedford Ave. and is owned by Mike and Zach Bailey.
Pause offers holistic services and wellness treatments, including oatation therapy, infrared saunas, LED light therapy, IV therapy, contrast therapy, cryotherapy and naturopathic medicine.
Bailey said in a news release. “We understand the toll living today can take on our bodies. With Pause, we want to help others feel restored to the best version of themselves while enjoying an elevated experience from start to finish.”
Pause Studio Green Hills is offering exclusive introductory packages and memberships for its clients to celebrate its opening. It will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
•
“We’re thrilled to bring the Pause experience to Nashville, introducing our community to an everyday escape where they can take a pause for themselves,” Mike
For updates on the Pause Studio Green Hills location and more information on Pause, visit pausegreenhills.squarespace.com.
Pause Studio ribbon-cutting ceremony PHOTO: PROVIDED
Tennessee Chamber of Commerce names president
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tennessee Manufacturers Association have named Josh Brown to the role of president and CEO.
Brown replaces Bradley Jackson, who abruptly stepped down in September after eight years in the role.
Brown most recently worked for Pfizer as vice president of U.S. government relations. He had been with the company for nearly 15 years.
A Lipscomb University alumnus, Brown previously served on the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He has also been involved in Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s state government relations committee. Earlier in his career, he worked in the administration of former Gov. Don Sundquist.
Gov. Bill Lee congratulated Brown in a statement.
“I look forward to working together to ensure Tennessee remains the best state in the nation for companies to do business, which means greater opportunity for every Tennessean,” he said.
Andrew Tavi, chairman of the chamber’s board added: “Josh’s deep roots in Tennessee, along with experience in corporate, government and association settings, make him an ideal candidate to represent our state’s business community. We are fortunate to have his leadership as we continue to work with the state legislature and other key stakeholders to ensure a thriving environment for Tennessee residents and their employers.”
This article was first published via our sister
the Nashville Post.
Bellevue 37221 (Former
HANNAH HERNER
Josh Brown
PHOTO: TENNESSEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NOTICE TO BELLE MEADE RESIDENTS
PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE
A public hearing will be held during the regular Historic Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Road, Nashville, for consideration of proposed amendments to the Belle Meade Citywide Conservation Overlay (Historic) Design Guidelines.
Public comments will be accepted in writing prior to the meeting and in-person during this public hearing. Parties wishing to speak on these issues shall be present at the meeting or submit comments to Belle Meade’s Planning Director, Mary Samaniego, 4705 Harding Rd, Nashville TN or via email to Msamaniego@citybellemeade.org on or before the public hearing date and time. Copies of the proposed Citywide Design Guidelines for Belle Meade are available for inspection at City Hall during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am to 4pm, or online on the City’s homepage at www.citybellemeade.org.
Jennifer Moody, City Manager City of Belle Meade
City of Forest Hills Planning Commission
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
January 16, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. City Hall
The Planning Commission members for the City of Forest Hills will hold a Public Hearing on January 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall, 6300 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. The purpose of the Public Hearing will be to consider a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for amendments and additions to the city’s Zoning Ordinance and Stormwater Management Plan. Changes to the Zoning Ordinance and Stormwater Management Plan are being updated and improved to comply with the new NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) general permit requirements for discharges from MS4s (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems). Copies of Zoning Ordinance are available for review at the City Hall during regular business hours. Copies are also available from the city’s website at www.cityofforesthills.com.
For further information, contact Mark Hill / City Manager at (615) 372-8677 or mark.hill@cityofforesthills.com.
TriStar opens Bellevue emergency room
$16M facility began hosting patients Dec. 17
HANNAH HERNER
The $16 million TriStar Bellevue emergency treatment facility is set to begin welcoming patients on Dec. 17.
The freestanding emergency department building, located at 7734 Highway 70 S., is part of TriStar Centennial Medical Center and hosted a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday.
The 11-bed facility offers laboratory and imaging services as part of its emergency offerings. The organization had initially planned 12 beds with an estimated cost of $15.5 million and a March 2024 opening. Parent company HCA Health Services of Tennessee paid $1.2 million for the property in April 2023.
“The care teams at TriStar Bellevue ER will deliver exceptional quality care to
Bellevue and its surrounding communities,” said Tom Ozburn, president and CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center. “We are thrilled to be able to provide patients needed access to emergency care closer to home.” The opening comes as as TriStar Centennial Medical Center in November named Ryan LeMasters to the role of COO.
TriStar is also planning a standalone emergency room for East Nashville following a lawsuit regarding the land. HCA bought land on Dickerson Pike a few blocks away in July. The locally based hospital giant also plans a hospital location for Spring Hill. This article was first published via our sister publication the Nashville Post.
OPINION
TICKED
HOMELESS
It surprises me how the homeless is in treated in Nashville, especially around this year. I understand people are tight on money and such, but people rather spit on the unfortunate than speak to them.
WRECK CLEANUP
Why aren’t the wrecker services responsible for cleaning up the debris after a wreck. It can cause flats and other issues for other drivers. Monroe Boyd it happens all the time
LAFAYETTE DOLLAR GENERAL
So, now that the Dollar General has closed on Lafayette St. the locals are complaining that now they are without a close place to buy food and other supplies. I guess Dollar General closed because of the amount of theft that went on there. Well you can’t blame them, the store was there to make a profit, maybe a small profit but never the less when the theft outweighs the profit it’s kind of a no brainer you have to get out. Maybe, just maybe the store tried what I am suggesting. If not, if so then it is what it is.
Hang a sign out front. THIS STORE HAS SUFFERED A FINANCIAL LOSS DUE TO THE EXCESS THEFT. WE WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR ONE MONTH FROM TODAY. IF OUR SHOPPERS CANNOT TELL THEIR NEIGHBORS TO PAY FOR ALL OF THEIR PURCHASES WE WILL CEASE AND DESIST AND COLSE THE DOORS.
I feel that the people who do pay for their goods will still have a close place to shop. If those shoppers can’t look out for each other well, you all suffer.
The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW
LOGAN BUTTS EDITOR
HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS NEWS REPORTER AND PHOTOJOURNALIST
NICOLLE S. PRAINO STAFF REPORTER
LISA BOLD PRODUCTION MANAGER
CHELON HASTY SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER
ELIZABETH JONES CORPORATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TODD PATTON CFO
MIKE SMITH PRESIDENT AND CEO
BILL FREEMAN OWNER
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Anne Byrn’s Virginia Spoonbread
BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE
This spoonbread--party souffle, part cornbread--makes a glorious side to any holiday meal. It’s courtesy of cookbook author and Nashvillian, Anne Byrn and
her new cookbook “Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories”. For holiday entree recipes go to ediblenashville.com
INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, plus 2 teaspoons
3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons salt, plus a pinch
1 cup (130 grams) finely ground white cornmeal
1. Heat oven to 350F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish or 6-cup soufflé dish with 2 teaspoons butter.
2. Place milk and salt in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat, and while it is boiling, slowly whisk in cornmeal, stirring to keep the mixture smooth. Reduce heat and simmer. Cook, stirring, until very thick, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove pan from heat. Add 6 tablespoons butter, sugar, nutmeg and cayenne and stir until butter melts.
4. Separate eggs, placing the yolks in a small dish and the whites in a large, stainless steel bowl. Add a pinch of salt to the
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
3 large eggs
whites and set aside. Blend a spoonful of the cornmeal mixture into the egg yolks and stir to temper them (gradually bringing up their temperature). Add egg yolks back to the pan of cornmeal and stir until smooth. Set aside.
5. Beat egg whites on high speed with an electric mixer until stiff but not dry, 2–3 minutes. Fold the beaten whites into the cornmeal mixture until nearly smooth. Turn batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Place pan in the oven.
6. Bake until the spoonbread has puffed up and is golden brown, 40–45 minutes. Serve at once.
Follow Edible Nashville on instagram @ediblenashtn and their website ediblenashville.com.
To subscribe to the magazine that comes out 6x/year, go to ediblenashville.com.
ACROSS
1 RATING: ★ A big ditch in a big deser t. Big deal.
8 See 66-Across
13 Word with practice or professional
14 Disney villain with black-and-white hair
16 Divine messenger
17 Old T-shirt, maybe
18 Mishmash
19 “___ well!”
21 Part of a U.C.L.A. URL
22 When to see la lune in Lyon
23 Genoese god
24 RATING: ★ Sin, sun and sand … so? Not worth the gamble.
26 Pennsylvania-based snack company
27 Skin flick
29 Suffix with Sydney
30 Liam of “Schindler’s List”
32 School stat
34 Laura in the Songwriters Hall of Fame
35 RATING: ★★★ Graceland and the Great Smoky Mountains. I volunteer to visit again!
38 “The Thin Man” terrier
41 Succor
42 Low points
46 Cloud name prefix
48 Following
50 Bowl call
51 RATING: ★★★★★★★★ Fresh salmon and spectacular scenery. Go north, young man!
53 Crew need
54 Pear or quince
55 Frame of a film
66 With 8-Across, the sources of the 31-Down in this puzzle’s reviews
67 RATING: ★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ Peaches, peanuts and pecan pie. You’ll always be on my mind!
DOWN
1 Speaker on a stage, maybe
2 Change one’s ways?
3 More than just respect
4 “Shut your mouth!”
5 Cuatro y cuatro
6 Dundee denial
7 Member of the constellation Aquila
8 Makes a big deal (over)
9 ___ alone
10 “You’re finished that quickly?!”
11 In a better frame of mind
12 Sight in the Sonoran Deser t
56 F ine dining no-no
58 Actors McKellen and McShane
59 How many TV hosts are dressed
61 Intimates
64 On the lam
65 What strings of random letters make
14 450, in ancient Rome
15 Utter destr uction
20 Strongly desired
22 Many a role in “Sister Act”
23 Part of DKNY
25 Like the outfield walls of Wrigley F ield
27 Creator of the sleuth C. Auguste Dupin
28 Photo ___
31 Rating symbols, as seen in this puzzle
33 Ed of “Up”
36 Actress Vardalos
37 Where to catch some waves?
38 Common trees in Australia
39 Ballet ending?
40 Catchphrase for Captain Underpants
43 Working on a board, perhaps
44 Pharaoh named for the sun god
45 Her par tner
47 “F ine with me”
49 Studio activity
52 Sacha Baron Cohen character who was featured in a Madonna music video
54 Less bright
57 People of the Great Basin
58 ___ facto
60 Went to the bench
62 Rapper Kool ___ Dee
63 Windswept expanse
ANSWER TO PUZZLE
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 9,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/ crosswords ($39.95 a year).
Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/ studentcrosswords.
PUZZLE
SOCIAL
Loyal Royal Secret Order of Hooligans’ Christmas gathering
HOLLY SPANN PHOTO: HOLLY SPANN
Seated: Aaron Holt, David Smith, Mike Murphy and Terry Cobb. Standing L-R: Ricky Rooker, Joe Hall, Greg Adkins, Eddie Davidson, George Rooker, Rob Mortensen, Stan Settles, Pat Curran, Toby Compton, Barrett Hobbs, Father Philip Halladay, Bobby Joslin, Parker Toler, Mark Fishburn, Terry Crotzer, Tim Pardue, John Curley, Blake Freeman, and Bob Freeman. Not pictured: Buddy Baker, Jim Campbell, Benji Cook, Jad Duncan, Tee Gorham, Joe Hobbs, Darren Jernigan, Bill Purcell and John Steinhouse
This year’s Loyal Royal Secret Order of Hooligans’ Christmas gathering took place at Peg Leg Porker. As the room was called to order, Peg Leg Porker owner Carey Bringle welcomed everyone and gave a brief talk about his family-owned and -operated restaurant and catering company. Father Phillip Halladay blessed the food, which included smoked prime rib and salmon with delicious side dishes of mixed green salad, green beans, mac and cheese, baked potatoes and corn bread muffins. The desserts were blueberry and peach cobbler. As with any Hooligan gathering, friendships are honored, jokes are told, laughter is frequent and gratitude is dominant. It was announced that the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Loyal Royal Secret Order of Hooligans annual gathering will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Nashville Palace.
The Symphony Ball Patrons Party sets the stage for the upcoming Symphony Ball
JANET KURTZ PHOTOS: ANGELINA CASTILLO
On a chilly December night, guests of the Symphony Ball Patrons Party gathered in the lobby of The Hermitage Hotel. This year’s event held a special significance as it kicked off the celebration of the 40th Symphony Ball. Most guests turned out in red or green holiday attire — complete with festive sparkles. The hotel’s lobby was masterfully transformed by Bruce Pittman and his team with light blue, white and antique silver accents to carry out the Winter Wonderland theme. Co-chairs Jason Bradshaw and Bob Deal made sure that no detail was left unattended — even creating a separate bar dedicated to martinis. As guests visited, they enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres like mini beef Wellington and some of the special martinis and cocktails.
When the cocktail hour came to an end, guests filed into the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The neutral palate of the room was a perfect backdrop to the blue-gray linens, white rose centerpieces and glowing votives on the tables. As guests dined, Alan Valentine, president and CEO of the Nashville Symphony took the front of the room to express his gratitude to the room full of generous and loyal supporters. Alan took a moment to reflect on the first Symphony Ball — chaired by Jeannie Hastings and Judy Simmons on a Wednesday night in 1985. While the day of the week on which the event is held has changed, the Symphony Ball has remained a steadfast tradition, raising crucial funds for the Nashville Symphony’s educational programs.
Tony and Kleetha Thomas Bill and Tracy Wade
Nan Parrish, Marci and Stephen Houff
Ashton Jennings, Kimbelry and Michael McLemore, and Jillian Neal
General Robertson DAR Chapter Holiday Party
BY BRENDA BATEY PHOTOS: BRENDA BATEY
The General James Robertson Chapter Christmas luncheon was held at Hillwood Country Club, where there was great company, delicious food and lovely Christmas decorations.
Regent Beth Hamilton welcomed everyone and told about some upcoming projects and events. She also congratulated members who had milestone anniversaries.
Among those given red roses for their anniversaries were 5 years: Carol Taber, Joanne Slaughter, Mary Prue Alley, Deborah Brewington and Martye Jeffords; 10 years: Rosemary Husband and Nell Bransford; 15 years: Cathy Shell; and 20 years: Paula Snyder and Anne Guerra. Anne Morgan was acknowledged for 40 years as a member of the chapter.
Lovely decorations for the event were provided by Barbara Rogers and Pam Wallace, who used nutcrackers, ginger jars, holly, magnolia leaves and a jolly Santa for a festive look.
Tables were set with elegant cream cloths and napkins with red overlays. Gold Chiavari chairs provided comfortable, yet stylish seating.
The delicious meal included chicken breasts with lemon sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes and holiday cookies.
The namesake of the DAR chapter, James Robertson, an American frontiersman and a founder of Tennessee, led a group of settlers from Orange County, N.C., to Tennessee in 1769
Robertson explored the Cumberland River country, including most of what constitutes present-day Middle Tennessee, and in 1780 helped found the settlement of Fort Nashborough, which became Nashville.
Robertson was the chief civil and military officer of the community, and his shrewd leadership was largely responsible for its survival.
The Daughters of the American
Revolution is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States’ struggle for independence.
A nonprofit group, it promotes historic preservation, education and patriotism. The DAR has over 185,000 current members in the United States and other countries. Its motto is “God, Home, and Country”.
For more information about the Daughters of the American Revolution, visit www.dar.org.
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