January 19, 2023

Nashville Police seeking public’s help in identifying carjacking suspect

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT AND HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

The Tennessee General Assembly kicked off its 113th session last week as lawmakers returned to Nashville.

The session’s first meetings were largely ceremonial and organizational, as legislators were sworn in and committee assignments were handed out. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Speaker Randy McNally, both Republicans, were both reelected to their leadership positions by overwhelming margins on the first day of the session. The legislature will return later this month for Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address and

the beginning of regular legislative work.

Dozens of bills have already been filed, but lawmakers can continue to submit proposed legislation in the coming weeks. So far, bills have been filed related to cutting in half the size of the Metro Council and far-right culture-war issues like criminalizing drag shows, restricting trans health care and prohibiting the manufacture of food with a vaccine in it.

Lee is expected to push an infrastructure plan that seeks to build new highway lanes by partnering with private companies that

could charge tolls. Lawmakers could revisit earlier laws including an abortion ban and an education law that critics say could result in significant numbers of third-graders across the state being held back a year.

On Jan. 10, the first day of the session, more than 100 protesters gathered at the Legislative Plaza to raise concerns over legislation related to abortion rights, drag shows, trans health care, privatization and education, among other issues.

Attendees came from across the state, including dozens on a chartered

The Metro Nashville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man they said carjacked a

According to a January 2023 MNPD news release, the incident took place at the intersection of Hillsboro Pike and Woodmont Boulevard on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, and involved an unidentified woman whose red Volkswagen Jetta was initially sideswiped by another vehicle.

That woman reported to police that the man got out of the vehicle and “demanded she get out of her car at gunpoint,” also taking the victim’s phone and other belongings inside of her car.

Police said that the man was recorded on a convenience store security camera driving the stolen Jetta, which was recovered in a Dickerson Pike hotel parking lot in December.

MNPD is asking that anyone with information about the man’s identity or whereabouts to call Crime Stoppers at 615742-7463.

woman in Green Hills in October.

STAFF REPORTS

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Hillsboro Pike Suspect

Gov. Lee inauguration celebrations set for this weekend

STAFF REPORTS

Gov. Bill Lee will be inaugurated this weekend following his reelection in November 2022.

Lee has served as the 50th governor of Tennessee since 2019, and, while he has remained in power since his defeat of Democratic challenger Jason Martin, a weekend of ceremonies and celebrations will mark the beginning of Lee’s second term.

Those celebrations will kick off with the Tennessee: Leading the Nation Reception at

Wildhorse Saloon at 8 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday’s events will begin with the Inaugural Worship Service at Ryman Auditorium at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Inaugural Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Legislative Plaza.

The First Couple’s Inaugural Dinner will take place at the Grand Hyatt Nashville hotel at 6:30 p.m. and the Inaugural Ball will take place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Public-private partnership to see $77 million rural broadband investment in Middle Tennessee

BY MATT MASTERS

A new public-private partnership will see a $77 million infrastructure investment aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across Middle Tennessee.

The expansion comes as part of a $53.4 million state grant, the largest of its kind related to internet access, which is being supplemented by a $14 million investment from United Communications as well as more than $10 million from multiple county governments, with much of that money made available to the state through the American Rescue Plan.

Nashville among ‘hottest’ housing markets for 2023?

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

BY MATT MASTERS

More than 100 community, government and business leaders gathered at Spring Hill’s Allenbrooke Farms on Jan. 9 to celebrate the announcement, which is a continuation of Project UNITE, a partnership between United Communications, Middle Tennessee Electric and Duck River Electric.

Though home sales in the Nashville area continued a precipitous decline in recent months, some analysts are still predicting a big year for the local housing market.

According to a Zillow analysis, Nashville will rank in the top five for “hottest” housing markets in 2023, trailing just Charlotte, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Dallas.

For the analysis, Zillow compared the 50 largest U.S. metro areas based on expected home value appreciation, anticipated growth in home value appreciation year-over-year, new jobs per new housing unit permitted, the speed at which homes are being sold and the estimated net new home-owning households based on demographic trends.

“This year’s hottest markets will feel much chillier than they did a year ago,” said Anushna Prakash, economic data analyst at Zillow. “The desire to move hasn’t changed, but both buyers and sellers are frozen in place by higher mortgage rates, slowing the housing market to a crawl. Markets that offer relative affordability and room to grow are poised to stand out, especially given the prevalence of remote work. The good news for buyers is that monthly housing costs have stopped climbing. Home shoppers who can overcome affordability hurdles will find a more comfortable market this year, with more time to consider options and less chance of a bidding war, even if they’re shopping in one of the hottest markets.”

Nashville ranked sixth in Zillow’s predictions for 2022.

There are more homes on the market as inventory climbs, according to a Realtor.com

analysis. Still, inventory lags pre-pandemic levels.

Nationally, active inventory of homes grew 54.7 percent year-over-year in December, but still fell nearly 40 percent short of the 2017-19 average.

In Nashville, inventory jumped 226 percent in December, compared to December 2021, putting Nashville just behind Raleigh as the biggest increases among the top 50 U.S. metros. Just one city on the list (Hartford, Conn.) saw a yearover-year inventory decline.

Rents continue to rise in Nashville. While Redfin reported that the median U.S. asking rent increased 4.8 percent yearover-year in December, that figure jumped 11.7 percent in Nashville, the fifth-largest increase in the country.

“Rents have room to fall. While they’ve cooled significantly from their peak, it still costs the typical renter 20 percent more to take on a new lease than it did two years ago,” said Redfin economics research lead Chen Zhao. “An increase in the number of rentals on the market should also cause rents to ease in the coming months. Rental supply is growing due to an influx of construction in recent years, ebbing household formation and a slow homebuying market, which is driving many homeowners to rent out their properties rather than sell.”

Other cities with big rent increases were Salt Lake City, Raleigh, Indianapolis and Cleveland. This story first appeared in our sister publication Nashville Post.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

PHOTO

United Communications President and CEO William Bradford

Governor Bill Lee

bus from Knoxville, with speakers including faith leaders, doctors, government officials, educators and community activists.

Franklin Community Church senior pastor Kevin Riggs called for the state legislature to “adopt a moral agenda.”

“A moral agenda protects those in the margins of our society, instead of passing laws that harm them, and push them farther into the margins, in the same way a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” Riggs said. “So democracy is only as strong as its most

silent voices.”

“The longer the Tennessee legislature allows the Human Life Protection Act to stand as it is, the more hardships everyday Tennesseans will face as a result,” Nashville emergency physician Dr. Katrina Green said. “Recently there have been several news stories featuring Tennessee

lawmakers stating they plan to change the abortion ban to allow exceptions for rape, incest, life of the mother and finally get rid of the affirmative defense that would criminalize my fellow physicians and myself. While I applaud these politicians for finally seeing the error of their ways, I asked them, ‘Who will provide these

abortions while it remains illegal in our state? Who’s going to provide this health care? And what about the women who are told late in their pregnancies that their fetuses that they carry have anomalies incompatible with life?’

I have not heard one peep about that.”

This story was first published in our sister publication the Nashville Scene.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Tenn. Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton

State Representatives of the Tennessee General Assembly’s 113th session take the oath of office.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

infrastructure project will expand internet services across portions of Bedford, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore and Williamson Counties.

“United was founded 75 years ago by farmers and rural neighbors who wanted to connect to one another,” United

Communications President and CEO William Bradford said. “We’re here 75 years later with largely the same mission. Through Project UNITE, we’ve brought service to over 17,000 locations, and we’re just getting started.”

Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee called the investment “life changing” for rural residents, schools, governments, and businesses, and commended the government-business partnerships.

“The ability to work from home, the ability to be educated from home, the ability to get access to health care from home, the ability to live and work in rural communities in today’s world requires broadband expansion, so when we came into office, we decided to make this a priority. And we have done so every year, but this is the year that we really [did that],” Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee said.

“Because of the American Rescue Plan, we created a Tennessee emergency broadband initiative that combined allowed us to put $450 million into the broadband expansion for our state that will serve an estimated 150,000 more people, and that access will be important to folks,” Lee said.

Five free and cheap family things to do in middle Tennessee

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

Map of rural areas that will see broadband internet investments starting in 2023.

“Rural development and economic development are important for the state,” Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said. “We value our local partners, and what we’re announcing today is another example of why those partnerships work.”

There’s a whole lot of literacy happening in this week’s list of free and cheap things in Middle Tennessee. The Nashville Public Library is offering two free events this week: Check out Buddy Bear at the Goodlettsville Branch of the library system or if you’re interested in adding a little theater to the mix, go to the Thompson Lane Branch for an interactive reading of one of the Llama, Llama, Red Pajama books. In Brentwood, there’s a chance to buy books, music, movies, games and puzzles from the library’s annual book sale. Or you can head down to Murfreesboro for some storytime and crafts focused around quilting. And, last but not least, get outside with the littles on Jan. 21 at a Wild Wigglers program at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center.

As part of our series on free and cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:

BUDDY BEAR LITERACY PROGRAM

On Jan. 18, the Buddy Bear Literacy program is coming to the Goodlettsville Branch of the Nashville Public Library. The event is a short, interactive program created for storytimes in child-friendly community settings. It is focused toward ages 2-6 and is interactive, including stories, singing, crafts and more.

FRIENDS OF THE BRENTWOOD LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Friends Book Sale in Brentwood

offers deals on books, music, movies, games, puzzles, and more. This event is a fundraiser for the library. It’s open on Jan. 19 for just members and then open to the public for select hours on Jan. 20-22. Bring the kids along to pick out some reading materials.

TODDLER ADVENTURES AT CANNONSBURGH: QUILTS AND PATTERNS

At Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, they’re hosting an event focused on quilts and patterns. In this latest Toddler Adventures event on Jan. 19, families can bring their favorite blanket or quilt to cozy up in for a storytime and to show or identify their own quilt’s patterns. After the story, kids can make a craft. Reservations are required and the event has a cost of $3 per person.

WILD WIGGLERS

At Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, your budding naturalist can come join (with a caregiver) in some hands-on activities, crafts and time outside. Registration is required, but the event is free and for children under 5.

FAMILY STORYTIME WITH NCT

Nashville Children’s Theatre is partnering with the Nashville Public Library Thompson Lane Branch for a fun “Drama Llama” story time from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Jan. 24. A professional NCT Teaching Artist will lead an interactive story time with one of Anna Dewdney’s books from the beloved Llama, Llama book series.

LOGAN BUTTS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MATT MASTERS, NEWS REPORTER AND PHOTOJOURNALIST

BRENDA BATEY, SOCIAL CORRESPONDENT

LISA BOLD, PRODUCTION MANAGER

CHELON HASTY, SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER

HEATHER CANTRELL MULLINS, PUBLISHER

ELIZABETH JONES , CORPORATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TODD PATTON , CFO

MIKE SMITH , PRESIDENT AND CEO

BILL FREEMAN, OWNER

The

Belle Meade releases new app to ‘connect’ with citizens

BY MATT MASTERS

The City of Belle Meade has released a new mobile app, Belle Meade Connect, which allows citizens to get important communications from the city, such as road closures or emergency notifications, right to their phones.

The free app is available on Android and IOS devices, and Belle Meade City Manager Beth Reardon said in an email that they hope that the app will help better connect citizens and the city, having previously primarily relied on email communications.

“We feel this phone app will greatly benefit the City and the residents because it can reach more people very quickly, which is crucial when there is an emergency that needs to be communicated immediately,” Reardon said.

The city will also explore possible future additions to the app which would allow citizens to report non-emergency issues, such as potholes, but currently those additions have not been finalized.

The city said that the app is not designed to be used by citizens to report emergencies.

While the city can issue emergency information to the public, citizens in need of emergency medical, fire or police services should always call 911, while non-emergency issues can be reported to city hall by calling 615-297-6041.

Belle Meade Connect

Fisk to launch Freeman Center via $10M in federal aid

STAFF REPORTS

Mayor John Cooper and Fisk University have announced the future launch of the Darrell S. Freeman Sr. Incubation and Innovation Center, with the facility operational, in part, with $10 million in federal funding.

According to a release, the Freeman Center will focus on supporting startups and entrepreneurs and will be housed at Burrus Hall, which anchors the intersection of 16th Avenue North and Meharry Boulevard.

Metro’s COVID-19 Financial Oversight Committee approved in November 2022 $10 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to refurbish Burrus Hall, with the Metro Council approving the effort in December.

To be led by Sufyan Baksh, the center will honor the memory of Freeman, who died in June 2022 at age 57. Baksh will serve as the

center’s executive director of innovation and as a Fisk professor of business.

“Incubators are distinct ecosystems populated by curious and inquisitive entrepreneurs, free agents, programmers, designers, dreamers, angel investors, tinkerers, venture capitalists and this center marks the next stage in Nashville’s remarkable development,” Fisk University Executive Vice President Jens Frederiksen said in the release. “The late Darrell Freeman knew this and he embodied everything this center is about: determination, focus and innovation. Over the next many years, students, faculty and community founders will follow in his large footsteps and launch businesses and support neighborhood growth and development.”

This story first appeared in our sister publication Nashville Post.

Lipscomb University to host free recital featuring music of Beethoven and Bartók Jan. 20

STAFF REPORTS

Lipscomb University will host a free recital on January 20 featuring the music of Beethoven and Bartók as performed by Lipscomb music professor Jerome A. Reed.

The performance is open to the public and will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, in Lipscomb University’s Ward Hall whose address is Ward Hall, Nashville, Tenn., 37215.

According to Lipscomb University’s website, Reed has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America, including giving recitals and masterclasses

in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, England, Hungary and Uruguay, and has worked on several recordings.

In 2003, Reed was awarded the Avalon Award for Creative Excellence and in 2006 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Music Teachers Association, and was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 by TMTA. In 2019, Reed was inducted into the Steinway Teachers Hall of Fame in New York.

Lipscomb taps public policy school executive director

STAFF REPORTS

Former Tennessee Department of Education official Laura Encalade has been appointed executive director of the Lipscomb University School of Public Policy.

According to a release, Encalade previously served as co-president of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, a national nonprofit founded by the Milken Education Foundation that increases educator capacity across K-12 and higher education partners in more than 21 states. She served in several leadership roles at NIET including as executive vice president for strategy and partnerships and senior vice president for strategy and innovation.

From 2011-19, Encalade worked in various roles at the Tennessee Department of Education, including as executive director of strategy and operations in the Teachers and Leaders Division, as director of policy and research, and as chief of staff in the Office of the Commissioner. She began her career through the Teach for America program as a middle school teacher in Saint Louis Public Schools.

Lipscomb University President Candice McQueen was previously CEO of NIET and commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, overlapping with Encalade in both roles.

The Lipscomb School of Public Policy, housed in the university’s College of Leadership and Public Service, offers a graduate program in leadership and public service.

Encalade has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and global studies from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Education degree in secondary education from the University of Missouri at St. Louis and a Master of Public Policy degree with a concentration in education policy from Vanderbilt University. She is a board member with the Nashville Classical Charter School and with Friends of Metro Animal Care and Control.

“Laura brings a unique perspective to this role with her diverse experience in various aspects of government and education,” Steve Joiner, dean of the College of Leadership and Public Service. “Her experience in this arena helps her relate to the challenges and opportunities our students experience in their roles in public service. The College of Leadership and Public Service is the place where Tennessee turns for leadership, and Laura will be an extremely valuable asset in developing leaders that will make a positive impact on our state for years to come.”

This story first appeared in our sister publication Nashville Post.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY

Jerome Reed

Fisk University Executive Vice President Jens Frederiksen

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISK

Two new art exhibits are opening at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens on Jan. 28, including “Spanning the Atlantic: The Arts and Crafts Movement in America,” the second of a two-part art exhibition examining the international arts and crafts movement.

The show will run through April 2, featuring the works of a variety of artists including Gustave Stickley, Rookwood Pottery, Marie Zimmerman, Adelia Robineau and Newcomb Pottery.

“This highly anticipated exhibition will explore how the British approach to aesthetic ideas and philosophical ideals were adapted by American artisans and disseminated across the continent through publications, journals, magazines and lectures,” a news release reads.

“The Arts and Crafts movement first gained traction when anxieties over industrialization fueled a reevaluation of societal morals, in turn spurring the resurgence of traditional handicraft. With the intention of creating a ‘total work of art’ in domestic spaces, resulting wares were produced with impeccable workmanship and designs were simple yet striking for furniture, ceramics, glass, metalware, textiles, jewelry and interiors.”

Visitors can see more than 100 objects of fine art, furniture, decorative arts and textiles on display throughout the Cheekwood Mansion’s temporary exhibitions galleries.

“Cheekwood is proud to present Spanning the Atlantic: The Arts & Crafts Movement in America,” Vice President of Museum Affairs Sarah Sperling said. “The exhibition provides our visitors with a rare opportunity to view extraordinary examples of American Arts and Crafts furniture and decorative arts within our intimate gallery spaces. We are grateful to Crab Tree Farms for their generosity in sharing these treasures.”

Cheekwood hosted the first part of the two-part exhibition from February-April 2022, which included works by Charles F. A. Voysey, William Morris and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and this dual-show followed Cheekwood’s 2021 exhibition “Spanning the Atlantic: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain.”

advocating for ruralism (country living and values) over urbanism and city living,” a news release reads.

“The style derived its formal characteristics from the work of Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, and John Steuart Curry – the Regionalist Triumvirate. Their works feature among the 20 works on

paper in this exhibition, which examines the compositions and contexts of agrarian imagery produced in this country between 1920 and 1950.”

Cheekwood is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Advanced reservations are required and can be purchased at cheekwood.org.

George Kendrick (American, 1850-1919) for Grueby Faience Company (18941920) and Tiffany Studios (1885-1930), Lamp, c. 1900, Earthenware, leaded glass, and bronze, Collection of Crab Tree Farm. © Jim Prinz/ Farm. Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Cheekwood will also host the opening of another exhibition, “The Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Ruralism and Regionalism in American Art,” which opens on Jan. 28 as well and runs through May 14.

“Beginning with the advent of farming during the Neolithic Era, humans have long cultivated an intimate relationship with land through agricultural practice. In the early 20th century, Regionalist art celebrated American agrarianism and its adherents with emotion-laden landscape scenes while

BUSINESS BRIEFS

TRISTAR

CENTENNIAL

CEO RESIGNS

Three HCA Healthcare executives have recently resigned, including the president and CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Becker’s Hospital Review on Jan. 6.

Scott Cihak announced his resignation from the role of president and CEO of TriStar Centennial Jan. 3, citing personal reasons, according to internal correspondence obtained by Becker’s. Friday was his last day in the role. Cihak had served as president and CEO since 2016, previously working as CEO of an HCA hospital in Florida.

COO JW Newman will serve as interim CEO, TriStar spokesperson Anna-Lee Cockrill confirmed to the Post. She also confirmed the reports that Friday was Cihak’s last day in the role and that he cited personal reasons for his departure.

In addition, Ashley McClellan, CEO at HCA Midwest Health’s Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., announced her last day in the role would be March 1. CFO John Krajicek has been selected as interim CEO.

In a letter to staff, McClellan also shared that Olevia Pitts, chief medical officer at the same research medical center, left her role. Pitts took a role outside of the organization

after having served as chief medical officer since 2017.

METRO PLANNING ADDS DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Metro Planning Department has hired Todd Okolichany as deputy executive director, with his tenure to begin Jan. 30.

According to a release, Okolichany joins Metro after seven years as the planning and urban design director for the City of Asheville (North Carolina). He replaces Bob Leeman, who left the department in July.

During his tenure in Asheville, Okolichany led the creation of the city’s urban design and place strategies team to implement the public’s vision for community-driven planning, urban design and inclusive public spaces. He also oversaw the adoption of the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan, which outlined an environmentally and socially responsible framework for community growth in the Western North Carolina city over the next 20 years.

In addition to his time with the City of Asheville, Okolichany has worked as the principal planner for the Department of Sustainable Development in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners and a LEED Accredited Professional in

California Closets of Tennessee hosts national sales and design symposium

STAFF REPORTS

California Closets of Tennessee hosted a national sales and design symposium for the national brand, which drew representatives from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

The company cites the Nashville locally-owned location’s “growth, high customer satisfaction marks, and its stateof-the-art Center of Excellence, which

houses their administrative offices, cuttingedge production facility, and Nashville showroom,” as their choice for the event.

According to their website, the company focuses on “premium and luxury space management” with more than 100 locations worldwide, including the Nashville location which serves Franklin, Brentwood, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Huntsville, Alabama.

Neighborhood Development.

Okolichany holds a Master of Science degree in city and regional planning from Pratt Institute.

“As Nashville continues to see tremendous growth, Todd brings with him more than 20 years of progressive, responsible and interdisciplinary experience spanning the public and private sectors that will serve our department as we work to create a more livable city,” Lucy Kempf, Metro Planning executive director, said in the release.

WORK CONTINUES ON GREEN HILLS PROJECT

A major permit has been issued related to the construction currently underway for a senior living services building to be called The Crestmoor at Green Hills.

Valued at $1.21 million, the permit will allow for foundation work at the site, located at 3808 Cleghorn Ave. and once home to Tokyo Japanese Steak House.

An LLC affiliated with Houston-based Bridgewood Property Company owns the one-acre property, having paid $9.65 million for it in September 2022.

Crane Construction is the general contractor, with Charlotte-based BB+M handling design work and Nashville-based Catalyst Design Group overseeing landplanning and engineering duties. ESa, a

locally based firm, previously undertook preliminary design work.

As the Post reported in October 2020, Bridgewood is developing the site with a 12-story building that will offer 191 senior living residences, various amenities and a leasing office. The facility will include memory care, assisted living and independent living units.

To rise more than 100 feet, The Crestmoor will be one of Nashville’s tallest buildings of its type.

This is Bridgewood’s first project in Nashville. The company, which focuses on the Texas market, owns properties in Memphis and Birmingham.

Bridgewood acquired the property from Rochford Realty, which developed an adjacent site home to the Green Hills Hampton Inn & Suites hotel. Prior to Tokyo Japanese Steak House operating within the building, Mexican restaurant La Paz was a tenant. The Mall at Green Hills sits nearby.

Nearby, work continues on 22-story mixed-used tower Hillsboro Town Centre, rising next to the home of the Bluebird Café.

Have a promotion you wish to submit to Business briefs? Send to news@gcanews.com

Local design firm to move within Berry Hill

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

Nashville-based Dryden Architecture and Design will move in early fall from one Berry Hill commercial building to another.

Nick Dryden, DAAD owner, recently paid $2.1 million for the future home of his business, with an address of 702 Melpark Drive and previously owned by a former Forest Hills mayor.

Dryden said the property from which DAAD currently operates, which he owns and is located at 2520 White Ave., is offered for lease and garnering interest.

DAAD, then under a different ownership structure, moved to the existing 2,000-square-foot building in 2005 with five employees. The design firm now has 20 employees, prompting the need for a larger space (the just-acquired building offers 6,000 square feet).

“We’re excited about this next chapter to support our steady growth,” Dryden told the Post. “We looked all over town but ended up finding a place two blocks away. We are happy to be staying in the neighborhood.”

A trust affiliated with the estate of the late John Lovell was the seller of the property, which is located in the Woodland-InWaverly neighborhood (in both Nashville and Berry Hill). Lovell, who died at age 75

in October 2022, operated J.T. Lovell Co. He served on the City of Forest Hills Board of Commissioners for 24 years as vice mayor and mayor, according to his obituary in The Tennessean. Lovell paid $185,000 for the property in 1986, Metro records who.

Dryden has landed a loan, valued at $2,191,200, from Nashville-based Pinnacle Bank.

The late Kermit Stengel — a local developer and philanthropist who was perhaps the key figure in saving the iconic Belle Meade Theater building from demolition — once owned the property with colleague Karl Haury (a deceased developer who co-founded the defunct Haury & Smith with the late Reese Smith Jr.).

The local office of Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators (in business since 1964) operates at 702 Melpark Drive and will move to a property located nearby on Eugenia Avenue, according to the company.

Cushman & Wakefield brokers Ronnie Wenzler, Madison Wenzler and Michael Havens represented both parties in the transaction involving the just-sold property.

This story first appeared in our sister publication Nashville Post.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATHAN MORGAN

Titans fire OC Todd Downing plus three other assistants

BY MICHAEL GALLAGHER

It was a move most saw coming.

The Tennessee Titans fired Todd Downing on Monday, ending his underwhelming two-year stint as offensive coordinator. The team also parted ways with offensive line coach Keith Carter, secondary coach Anthony Midget and offensive assistant Erik Frazier.

“I want to thank Todd, Keith, Anthony and Erik for their service and commitment to our team over their time here in Tennessee,” Titans coach Mike

Vrabel said in a statement. “Each of them made an impact on our organization, were dedicated to the process and loyal members of our coaching staff.”

Following a middle-of-the-road season in 2021, Downing seemingly regressed in his second year as OC. Tennessee finished 13th in rushing offense, 28th in scoring offense and 30th in both total offense and passing offense just one year after finishing fifth, 15th, 17th and 24th, respectively, in each category.

The Titans failed to score 30 points in a game this season for the first time since 2014 Midget served as Tennessee’s defensive backs coach for the last three seasons. During his tenure, the Titans allowed 89 touchdown passes to 45 interceptions and 11.2 yards per completion.

Statistically, Tennessee had the worst pass defense in the NFL in 2022, allowing an NFL-high 274.8 yards passing per game with the second-most touchdown passes (29), the third-most first downs via

pass (215) and the fourth-most yards per completion (7).

Carter, who’s been the Titans OL coach since 2018, led one of the least effective offensive lines in the league this season, allowing 49 sacks — fifth-most in the NFL — 198 quarterback pressures, 128 QB hurries and 37 QB hits, per Pro Football Focus.

This story first appeared in our sister publication Nashville Post.

Ex-BA DC Lilly to lead Lawson football in inaugural season

BY LOGAN BUTTS

COURTESY OF LAWNSON HIGH SCHOOL

Lawson High School head football coach Brian Lilly

James Lawson High School announced on Monday that Brian Lilly has been hired as the inaugural head coach of the school’s football program.

Lilly joins the Lightning program after serving multiple stints at Brentwood Academy. Lilly was most recently the Eagles defensive coordinator and the school’s Assistant Director of Athletics and Admission. He also spent the 2020 season as the defensive coordinator of Cisco College, a junior college in Texas.

“After interviewing Coach Lilly, we landed in the rare, sweet spot with both sides extremely desirous to partner with the other. The future is truly bright for the Lightning football program,” James Lawson High School Executive Principal Dr. Stephen Sheaffer said in a release.

Lilly will be taking on his first head coaching gig in what will be the Lightning’s debut season. Lawson, located in Bellevue, is set to open in August 2023. It will be first

new Metro Nashville Public School since 2008, and they will compete Region 6-5A alongside Centennial, Glencliff, Hillsboro, Nolensville, and Page.

“Coach Lilly brings a great deal of coaching experience and leadership on and off the field,” Lawson High School Athletic Director Pete Froedden said. “He understands what it takes to grow this new program to an elite level. We could not be more excited about the energy Coach Lilly will infuse into Lawson Lightning football.”

Lilly replaces Tom Moore, who resigned after of the program. During his time coaching Hillwood, Moore compiled a 1028 record.

The following is a Q&A between Lilly and Lawson High School’s media team:

What is your desire for each of your players athletically and academically?

“My desire is for the Lawson football team to flourish as student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field. Their

education and the importance put upon it will successfully segue them into the next chapter of their lives. Great coaches are great teachers so our staff will strive to instill our core values while developing the skills, techniques, and the IQ needed for them to play at a championship level and be successful young men in life.”

What should the parents of the Lawson Lightning players see in the personal / character development of their sons?

“First and foremost, our job as men is to make sure that the next generation are even better men than we’ve ever been. We will love our players while equipping and instilling the qualities and characteristics that they will need to be successful in life as men. These are the same qualities that will serve them as sons, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, and fathers.

Football is so much bigger than X’s and O’s…we will ensure our players know we love them while holding them accountable with discipline and empathy as a family should. They will acquire the tools for success as they embark upon daily lessons to fully develop each of them and stand out above the rest.”

Coming from the Brentwood Academy facilities, what are your thoughts on the quality of the Lawson High School campus and football facilities?

“James Lawson High School will be the gold-standard of facilities in the state of Tennessee. The Metro Nashville area will be amazed when they see what all Lawson has to offer their students as this campus will be second to none in every aspect.”

What the Lawson community should expect from your teams?

“I want for every member of our program to have an insatiable passion and desire for the pursuit of greatness in life. By maintaining our core values (work hard, improve every day, be unselfish,

and be the best), we will run a first-class program in everything we do. You will see our student-athletes being held to a high standard in school, during competition, and as they represent us in the community. The Lawson Lightning colors, and brand will be represented with an immense pride and respect by our student-athletes.”

“The Lawson Lightning football program wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for people like Coach James Crawford and his dedication to leading the Bellevue Owls the last time high school football was played in the great community of Bellevue. My desire is to encourage and intrigue both the alumni of Bellevue and Hillwood to support our young men the way they were supported during their playing days. Our goal is to continually pay homage to the faithful programs, coaches, players, and loyal fans of both schools that paved the way in the past for us to have our bright future here at James Lawson High School. I cannot wait to get out in the community and meet all the faithful fans and alumni that have longed for this school.”

What is your long-term vision for the program?

“My long-term vision for the Lawson Lightning football team is to build a great foundation with the first class to walk through the hallways, so each year afterwards can be used as a building block on the road to success. From there, we will strive to rise to prominence as the “gold-standard of Tennessee” by maintaining our core values and doing everything possible to instill championship qualities in our studentathletes on the field and in life. The Lawson Lightning Football program will be a firstclass program that everyone will know and respect because of how we carry ourselves and conduct business both on and off the field.”

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GOP

LEADERS FILE

BILL TO CUT NASHVILLE’S COUNCIL

GOP Leaders file a bill to cut Nashville’s council. WOW !!! so the legislators in the state dept. want to cut Nashville’s council from 40 members to 20. First of all why is the state sticking their nose in local politics?

Nashville seems to be doing OK just as we are governed by the leaders we have. Don’t get me wrong, I do think that our council is very top-heavy but I believe that it should be up to people living in Nashville to decide how much representation we need in our local government. Not not the state govt. House Majority Leader William Lamberth from Portland and Bo Watson from Hixon are the ones that seem to be upset because the council of the city of Nashville voted to

not invite the Republican Party to hold their convention here. So folks here is just another reason the Super Republican Majority is going to end up biting us in the long run. This is a perfect example of how these babies act. Play ball with us or get the bat jammed up your butt.

TWO FACES RESPONSE

WOW, how is it that everyone is just now realizing that the infamous Andy Ogles is “two-faced”? How is it you didn’t see it when he was running for office? All of the clues of this condition were plainly evident and a blind eye was turned, Then again, he’s not the only one on the Hill that has this affliction. Take a look at Blackburn and Hagerty, two of the worst puppets ever.

Hagerty cannot make a decision on his own, make a statement on his own nor come out of his cushy office in fear of facing the people he and Marsha have deceived.

When are the people going to realize they have been duped for the sake of voting Republican?

TICKED OFF LETTERS

I don’t know if it is a damn shame or we are the luckiest town in Tennessee. We may consider ourselves lucky because according to the lack of letters in the ‘Ticked Off’ columns in this very valuable newspaper nobody is upset the way things are going on in Nashville. Last edition there was only one letter, in the past, it was very interesting to see what upset the population of Nashville,

even though at times some of the letters seemed foolish and some were right on point with legitimate complaints. It is a damn shame that people are not voicing their complaints. Are we really that happy with life in Nashville right now or have we given up? I realize with the Super Republican Majority there will be an uphill battle with just about anything the Democrats desire to make Nashville an equally divided political city where there is compromise rather than bullying by the dominant political party. Please do not give up folks, keep the ‘ Ticked Off’ letters coming. Your voice being heard is very important. As an upside the letters are anonymous, no one knows who you are or where you reside.

MNPS

Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition

STAFF REPORTS

More than 20 students from seven Metro Nashville Public Schools were recognized in the 15th annual Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition which was on display at The Parthenon. The show was presented by the Tennessee Art Education Association and The Parthenon and closed Jan. 6, with three students named “Best of” winners who will have their work exhibited at the Tennessee Arts Academy at Belmont University this summer.

Those three students include:

Best of High School winner Hume-Fogg

Academic Magnet High School senior Donya Sarafian

Best of Painting winner Hume-Fogg

Academic Magnet High School senior John Montague

Best of Digital winner Nashville School of the Arts senior Sheala Smartt

“We are incredibly proud of the art students whose artwork was selected for this special exhibit,” MNPS Visual and Performing Arts Director Jeff Smith said in a news release. “Their art teachers also deserve our praise for supporting a culture of high expectations and academic excellence in the arts. I am excited to see the ‘best of’ work again this summer.”

Other student artists include:

Apollo Middle School

Eighth graders Remus Adams (1st place, mixed media); Meshayla McNeill (3rd place, mixed media); and Daniella Berrios (honorable mention, mixed media.)

Cane Ridge High School

Senior Fiorella Barrientos (honorable mention, digital.)

Hillsboro High School

Sophomore Serenity Safeeullah (2nd place, drawing); junior Ava Thorsen (3rd place, mixed media); senior Dia Abdullah (honorable mention, photography.)

Hillwood High School

Macio Picket, grade 11: 2nd place, Mixed MediaHume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School

Juniors SJ Clayton (1st place, painting); Clara Mathes (3rd place, painting); and sophomore Amanda Palo (1st place, printmaking.)

Nashville School of the Arts

Junior Fox Nelson (1st place, sculpture); freshman Sarah Thompson (1st place, mixed media); senior Cora Williams (honorable mention, sculpture); junior Mason Friddell (honorable mention, mixed media.)

Oliver Middle School

Sixth graders Summer Jackson (2nd place, mixed media); Rozhwan Fakhraddin (2nd place, painting); Aaliyah Huddleston (honorable mention, painting); seventh grader Grace Grimes, (honorable mention, painting.)

Artist and businessman Ron York has many accomplishments

BY BRENDA BATEY

regional artists.

During the last couple of years, he has been creating small works using vintage postal stamps. He cleverly calls these paintings his “Going Postal Series” and expanded it to include a group of seasonal holiday pieces. This past year York added “The Crown” series, using assorted postage featuring Queen Elizabeth II.

York’s art has sold in the U. S. and abroad and can be found in the collections of Belmont University, Tom Collins Music, First Baptist Church, Renasant Bank, and The Nashville City Club, as well as in those of celebrities such as Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Kelly Clarkson and others.

novel that will follow this summer will tie everything together, coming full circle back to the first novel, “Nathaniel and The Midnight Movers,” to conclude the series.

In 2021, York adapted his novel “King Peeper” into a stage play for the Del Shores Foundation’s first competition for Southern Gay Writers.

A Renaissance man is a person who has wide interests and is an expert in several areas. Ron York certainly fits those parameters.

Well-known author, artist, interior designer, musician, and successful businessman, York works harder and accomplishes more than most people can imagine.

He is also known to long-time Nashvillians for co-owning with his mother the popular Mistletoe Christmas Shop in the 1980s.

Born in Miami and raised in Nashville, York studied voice and piano at Belmont University as well as interior design at O’More College of Design.

York initially worked as an interior designer prior to opening his first art gallery in 1990. He began painting the following year and now sells several hundred of his pieces annually, working diligently every morning at his easel to produce the volume of works. His current company, York and Friends Fine Art, represents 30 local and

York is also an accomplished musician with eight albums of exquisite music. Six albums are original instrumental compositions and a seventh is original vocal compositions. The eighth record is a Christmas album featuring York’s arrangements of traditional Christmas songs.

York has authored two non-fiction books and seven novels. In 2017, he released his first memoir based on a family secret gleaned from a box of letters, newspaper clippings, and photographs discovered long after his parents had died. This began his writing journey.

He wrote the award-winning “Kept in the Dark” to tell his parents’ story, a shocking memoir of family secrets, forgiveness, and healing. In that book, he revealed a secret of his own which led to his second book (and personal memoir) “Songs from an Imperfect Life.” York’s vocal album of original compositions is a companion to the book.

His six novels and two memoirs have won awards in either the LGBTQ nonfiction, or LGBTQ fiction categories.

The novels began as a trilogy, but when York began the second series, he chose to use the same fictional towns allowing for several crossover stories and characters. Although the books stand alone, they are part of an interconnected universe as different characters become the leads of each story.

York’s ninth book, “Charlie’s Encore,” is being released this month. And the

In addition to all these creative outlets, York is an avid gardener and has transformed the property he bought nearly three years ago. The home had been unoccupied for several years, and the yard had been neglected. Now his backyard is a sanctuary for wildlife and a refuge for York. Hundreds of bulbs have been planted including iris, lilies, tulips and more. Hydrangeas and azaleas add a punch of color as well.

“I lived in a condo for many years and was hesitant to buy a home and take on the responsibility of a yard,” York said. “But, I find immense joy and satisfaction when I see the results of my efforts.”

Through the years, York has been involved in helping numerous charity organizations, often using his experience and contacts with art donations for silent auctions.

“I feel that I have been blessed and want to give back,” said York. “I’ve never had the means to write big checks, but I’ve been willing to put in the work and use my connections to help any way that I can.”

He currently serves on the board of STARS, a school and community-based nonprofit committed to providing equitable access to mental health care.

“I first began with STARS as a contributing artist for their Chair-ish event when asked to paint a chair for the silent auction,” York said. “I then moved on to be a part of the committee recruiting artists as the event evolved into Cherish the Night. Eventually, I was asked to join the board. My involvement with STARS grew because of the love of the people involved. Then, as I learned more about what they do, I appreciated the organization as much as the people working there.”

For several years York co-chaired Arts &

Flowers when he was on the board of Alias Chamber Ensemble. And, he has worked on committees for the Temple Art Show and the Christ the King annual art show. He helped create Art on the Westside for the Jewish Community Center and co-chaired the event for three years. He also previously served on the board for Watkins College of Art.

Someone with so many interests and activities of course would have more than one website. For more information on York, visit www.yorkandfriends.com, www.yorkandfriendsmusic.com, or www. jronaldmyork.com. In addition, his books are available at Parnassus Books Nashville, York and Friends Fine Art, and Amazon.

Ron York

Ron York

Ron York’s “Lyrical”

Ron York’s “Confetti Grand”

Ron York’s “Wildflowers”

Easy Clam Chowder

BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE

Here is a quick and easy clam chowder made with canned clams. Whenever we cook shrimp, we make a quick shrimp stock with the shells (boil shells in water for 20 minutes, to use in place of the clam juice. But bottled clam juice works too. If you

use half-and-half (or whole milk) in place of cream, be careful not to overheat the chowder or it will break or curdle. With cream, this is an indulgence, but one that goes a long way. Serve with Feta Parmesan Cornbread, recipe at ediblenashville.com.

ACROSS

Word with straw or exit

PUZZLE BY MATTHEW STOCK

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces bacon

1 small onion, chopped

2 tablespoons flour

3 red potatoes, peeled and chopped

12 ounces canned clams

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

16 ounces shrimp stock or clam juice

1 cup heavy cream

1. Saute bacon in large saucepan until browned and crispy. Remove bacon with slotted spoon, reserving drippings in pan.

2. Add onion to drippings and saute 10 minutes.

3. Add 2 tablespoons flour, stir well and cook 2 minutes.

4. Add potatoes and stir well.

Add clams with their juice, parsley and shrimp stock or clam juice. 2 6. Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Reduce heat to low, add cream and heat through. Serve in bowl topped with bacon.

SOCIAL

Travellers Rest’s Twelfth Night Celebration

BY BRENDA BATEY

Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum held its Twelfth Night celebration, where guests enjoyed touring the historic home, music from The Traveling Caudells, parlor games, and refreshments.

Twelfth Night is a holiday in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany, or the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world and the coming of the Magi. Twelfth Night marks the end of the Christmas festivities.

Staff at Travellers Rest helped visitors explore the evolution of this winter holiday and learn the origins of many time-honored traditions, including why the faithful sing about twelve days of Christmas.

Everyone enjoyed a guided tour of the home, which was decorated as it would have been in the early 1800s, and there was live music played by James Bobo on the 1821 pianoforte in the ladies parlor.

The house was adorned with fresh greenery, pineapples, apples, oranges, lemons, pinecones and other items found locally. Of course, there was no electricity in the 1800s, so candles burned throughout the home, lending a festive atmosphere.

The cake on the dining table, which featured Seven Swans a Swimmin’ on top, was baked with a bean inside. Whoever found the bean would serve as king or queen for the evening and could decide the parlor games to be played and the songs to sing for the celebration.

Guests ended their evening in the 19th century tavern with singing, dancing, games and refreshments. Performers included Paul and Kim Caudell, who specialize in 18th

and 19th century period music on the violin and guitar.

John Overton, who built Travellers Rest, was born in 1766 and died in 1833. He was a planter, advisor of President Andrew Jackson, a judge on the Superior Court of Tennessee, a banker and political leader.

He was born in Virginia and in 1787 he began his law career and moved to Nashville in 1789 to continue his practice of law.

Travellers Rest is the oldest historic house museum open to the public in Nashville. The primary mission is history education and more than 12,000 children and adult visitors take part each year.

Programs and events cover 1,000 years of history, from the Mississippian period Native American settlement through the 19th century, using the cultural resources of John Overton’s 1799 home.

The staff endeavors to more accurately tell the stories of all former residents of Travellers Rest, including those who were enslaved, members of native communities who resided on the land prior to 1799, and property owners and their descendants.

The plantation building was saved from threatened demolition and restored in 1954 to become a museum. As of 2008, the Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum houses exhibits that document the life and work of John Overton, the history of the Overton Plantation and Nashville in the Civil War.

Travellers Rest is located at 636 Farrell Parkway in Nashville. For more information, call 615-832-8197 or visit historictravellersrest.org

Becky and Steve Hoover

Andy Blair, Peggy Davitt, Ellen Campbell Marsh, and Joan Campbell

Clara, Maddie, Janet, and Wesley Brazle

Performers Kim and Paul Caudell

Shawna Noel and C. J. LaPietra

James Bobo played the piano forte, an early piano from the mid-18th to early19th centuries

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Laura Landress and Alan Woodard

Descendants of John Overton: Michele and Baxter Overton, Susan Snyder, and Tom Overton

Jennifer Butt, Ellie Fox, and

Rest Executive Director Katie O’Bryan

Ralph Garrett and Janet Lamb

Betsy Ames and Shelley Meadows

Julie O’Brien and Erin Powers

Maria, Lucy and Chasen Plunkett

The lovely dining room table in the Great Room, where most of the entertaining was done.

A smaller table in the Great Room and the beautiful mantel decorated with greenery and fresh fruit.

Sew and Sow Garden Club Meeting With Nashville Sites

BY BRENDA BATEY PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY

Sew and Sow Garden Club held its January meeting at the Bellevue Library, where hosts were Louise McKenzie, Anne Lane, Laura Hill, and Cynthia Moroney.

The speaker was Jessica Reeves, from Nashville Sites, which provides virtual tours of Nashville by the Metro Historical Commission (MHC) Foundation at nashvillesites.org.

Everyone enjoyed lunch provided by the hostesses, which included pimento cheese and chicken salad sandwiches, with chips and brownies for dessert.

Nashville Sites is a virtual tour option that can be used to take a tour from anywhere in the city on any device. It also is a great way to preview or take tours if you are not in Nashville.

A major new program funded and sponsored by the MHC Foundation, Nashville Sites focuses on incorporating scholarly research with historic sites in Nashville with delivery available on all devices: mobile, tablet and desktop. The tours are pre-planned and based on themes, but participants have the opportunity to

customize their experience based on their interests—providing an individualized adventure-style experience.

This project is designed to provide an expansive range of walking and driving tours that guide the user throughout the city and provide credible and accessible information, images and audio.

As a city known to promote both tradition and progress, the tours are based on a wide range of themes that focus on Nashville’s history and culture: celebrations and conflicts, accomplished women and men, landmarks and hidden histories.

There are numerous Metro markers, state and nationally designated and recognized historic markers, sites, buildings, and districts in Metro Nashville. Points included in this project range from the earliest known business and the Ryman Auditorium to historical churches and government buildings.

For more information, call 615-862-7970 or visit info@nashville sites.org.

Robanne Legan and Ellen More Kathy Berry and Barbara Martin

Donna Summar, Cookie Richardson, and JoAnn D’Andrea

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Speaker Jessica Reeves, with Nashville Sites, which provides virtual tours of Nashville. Alice Yopp and Joyce Deason

Lynn Parsons and Mary Myers

Paula Snyder and Rena Thomison

Jean Bowden and Debbie Townsend

Anne Lane and Cynthia Moroney

Susan Creagh and Judith Bracken

Laura Hill and Louise McKenzie