Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit improvement program has cleared another hurdle in Metro Council.
Council passed the second reading of the ordinance on its consent agenda at its meeting Tuesday evening. Bills on second reading can be taken up on consent if all committees considering the item recommend approval unanimously.
The transit plan was heard and approved unanimously in three committees: Budget and Finance, Planning and Zoning, Transportation and Infrastructure.
At the transportation committee meeting on Monday, Michael Briggs, the mayor’s director of transportation planning, highlighted that the plan approves a sales tax surcharge of $0.005 to fund four key
areas: 86 miles of sidewalks, 600 signalized intersections, bus service improvements such as new 24/7 offerings and safety upgrades to bus stops and to 35 high-injury network intersections.
“We estimate 60 percent of the surcharge, the sales tax, being paid by visitors,” Briggs said.
He also reminded the
BY HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Nashville leaders are reacting to Saturday’s demonstration by white nationalist group Patriot Front with condemnation and outrage, as extremist groups continue to make their presence known in Middle Tennessee.
“My first priority in this moment — as always — was the safety of Nashvillians,” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I refuse to platform hate actors, so I have no interest in giving any group or member the attention they seek. But what we should all do is refuse to allow this to be normalized.”
“Just because someone is exercising their First Amendment rights does not mean we must accept someone shamelessly identifying as a Nazi as just another American. … Our law enforcement were engaged throughout the actions of [Saturday], and there were no incidents involving direct threats to anyone’s physical safety. Going forward, we’re exploring how we can thoroughly address unlawful activity of the group and prevent it in the future.”
“This cannot be the normal for us, we cannot normalize hate,” Metro Councilmember At-Large Zulfat Saura said in part in a video. “We cannot let hate win. We have to continue to live together as people.”
“It is essential to address the root causes that have led to the rise and confidence of the far-right in our state, exacerbated by the xenophobic, anti-trans, and
Mayor Freddie O’Connell unveils his transit plan, April 19, 2024 PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Mayor’s transit plan
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members that, after council approval, the plan will go to the election commission to be put on the ballot for voters in November. If approved, the tax will not go into effect until Feb. 1, 2025.
District 7 Councilmember Emily Benedict asked Briggs to explain how this will allow Metro to tap into new opportunities for federal transit funding. Briggs explained that because Nashville does not currently have its own dedicated transportation funding, it is behind some of its peer cities that are able to tap into federal funds from the bipartisan infrastructure law and other grant opportunities. He said Nashville is one of only four cities without that dedicated funding among 50 top cities.
“That infrastructure act money is money that the federal government is giving away every year to other places but it’s our federal income tax dollars that are being used to fund that act,” Bendict said. “This is a great way for us to get our income tax that we give to the federal government back right here instead of it going to other places around the country.”
A few Metro citizens did show up to the Tuesday council meeting to share their support for the future transit referendum during the public comment portion of the meeting.
“Transit presents us with a golden opportunity to re-envision, re-engineer and reinvest in our community in a way that truly works for everyone,” said Ashley Northington, chair of Moving Forward Middle Tennessee, a regional transit advocacy group supported by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The plan before you tonight is a foundational first step to a better, more sustainable, more connected, more efficient future,” Northington added.
Additionally, the transit program received support last week from both the Regional Transportation Authority and Greater Nashville Regional Council.
“The RTA is composed of county and city mayors from around Middle Tennessee who know that we can and should do better than our current transportation system,” O’Connell said in a release. “Their approval of this plan signals a future with regional coordination and cooperation to ensure Nashville and surrounding counties remain accessible to all residents.”
Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, chair of GNRC’s Mayors Caucus, said in a release that “a successful regional transit system relies on key investments in Nashville.”
“We also recognize that addressing traffic congestion and enhancing transit services requires cooperation across county lines,” Moore added.
The third reading of the council bill should be held at the next regular meeting on July 16.
Nashville leaders condemn
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pro-carceral policies aggressively pushed by the Republican supermajority,” said state Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) in a statement.
In October 2022, far-right hate group the Proud Boys made an appearance at an antitrans rally in Nashville that featured remarks by Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and several state leaders. In February of this year, another hate group, Blood Tribe, also marched through Nashville in a demonstration that drew national attention.
Extremist groups have increased their activity in the region over the past
decade, with showings from Nashville to Murfreesboro, Franklin and beyond. In 2023, Franklin’s municipal elections were marred by the presence of neo-Nazis who acted as muscle for failed mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson and saw the vandalism of the Williamson Herald office.
“This is what we’re fighting against in Tennessee,” Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus said in a statement. “This is what we’re fighting against in America. While our Republican state leaders sit quietly by, we refuse to let hate-filled racists terrorize our community.”
State Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) called out Utah’s Republican Sen. Mike Lee, who asked if the march was a “false flag operation.”
“Instead of playing cheap political games that give aid & comfort to the pathetic thugs that marched thru our city chanting Sieg Heil, you could help or at least condemn these wannabe fascists,” Yarbro said. “You’re a sitting United States Senator. Act like it.”
Transparency advocates worried Covenant documents ruling opens door to hide future crimes
Chancellor I’Ashea Myles rules that copyright, school security laws prevent MNPD from releasing shooter’s writings
BY CONNOR DARYANI, NASHVILLE BANNER
for more information.
After weeks of delay, Davidson County Chancellor I’Ashea Myles ruled that the Covenant School shooter’s writings would not be released. She filed her order in a 60-page ruling released at 11:58 p.m. Thursday night.
On March 27, 2023, three children
and three adults were killed by a lone shooter at the Covenant School. Since then, a contentious, year-long legal battle has ensued over the release of documents related to the shooting, including the journal of the assailant. More than two months after a two-day hearing in April, Myles ruled that while documents related to the investigation should be released under the Tennessee Public Records Act, Metro Police are correct in withholding those documents until the conclusion of their investigation. Additionally, Myles ruled that the shooter’s writings, on which much of the legal battle has been focused, should not be released.
“It’s a terrible ruling for transparency,” said Deb Fisher, the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government’s executive director.
The case is widely expected to go before the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
While MNPD has said from the beginning that the documents could be released upon the conclusion of their investigation, families of the Covenant victims intervened in the case as a third party to argue that in an effort to prevent further harm to the survivors, as well as possible copy-cat shooters, the writings should never be released.
The investigation, which MNPD initially said would conclude in June, is ongoing. An MNPD spokesperson told the Banner that there is no estimated end time but that “detectives are working to reach a conclusion.” They declined to comment on Myles’ ruling.
On the other side of the issue, The Tennessean, Tennessee Firearms
This story is a partnership between the Nashville Banner and The News. The Nashville Banner is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization focused on civic news. Visit nashvillebanner.com
A memorial at Covenant School PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Association, Tennessee Star and others argued that MNPD’s denial of their requests for copies of the documents represent a breach of the Tennessee Public Records Act.
Myles pointed to two reasons for denying the release of the shooter’s writings: federal copyright law and exemptions from the Tennessee Public Records Act for documents related to school security.
“Some information, which the Court finds most concerning, in relation to school security, is the detailing of specific plans and specified places and persons that assailant [Audrey] Hale intended to succumb to injury upon plan implementation,” wrote Myles. “Of grave concern to this Court is that the assailant in this incident relied on similar past events across the United States as a blueprint to accomplish and carry out the events on March 27, 2023.”
Throughout court proceedings, both sides brought in experts to testify as to whether or not the possibility of copycat shootings was a valid argument for keeping the shooter’s writings concealed from the public.
Myles wrote that she found the expert brought in by the Covenant families more convincing, and went on to say that her incamera review of the documents in question — which included hundreds of gigabytes of original videos, 911 communications, email communications, incident reports, clip art, receipts and mail, medical records, search warrants, original writings, news content, internal MNPD documents, original photos
and maps — left her further convinced that the release of the shooter’s writings and other materials would present a danger to school security.
“Hale studied the plans, writings and video content, inclusive of news coverage footage, of past assailants and idolized how prior terror events were conducted and implemented and the outcomes for both the victims and assailants,” wrote Myles. “Hale used the writings of other perpetrators in similar crimes to guide how this plan was constructed and accomplished, mimicking some not only in their methodology, but also choice of weapons and targets. Hale even held past perpetrators out as heroes in their attacks, idolizing them.”
The Covenant families applauded the ruling.
“This opinion is an important first step to making sure the killer can’t hurt our babies anymore,” said Dr. Erin Kinney, mother of Will Kinney. “The importance is even more clear due to the leaking of stolen police documents, which has violated our parental right to protect our traumatized and grieving children from material that could destroy their lives. We are more resolved than ever to fight to keep our children and everyone’s children safe from this murderer.”
But Fisher was left unimpressed by Myles’ reasoning.
“She applied that [exemption] very broadly,” said Fisher. “And I do believe the school security exemption is supposed to be things like, ‘We don’t want other people to
know how to break into this school,’ right? That’s really what that’s about. It’s not about, ‘Hey, this person did this crazy thing, and other people want to be a copycat.’”
Fisher argued that the copycat argument is inconsistent and that, if anything, security camera footage of the shooter, which was released by MNPD just days after the shooting, never should have seen the light of day.
One of the more novel aspects of this case came when the Covenant families revealed that the parents of the shooter had
transferred ownership of all materials created by the shooter to them. They argued that this gave them a copyright claim on the materials, and that their release would represent a copyright infringement. Myles agreed
“Compliance with the request of the Petitioners as to the original works of authorship, derivative works and compilations as set forth in 17 United States Code Annotated §§ 101, 102 and 103, created by Hale, would require [Metro] to infringe upon the exclusive
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Covenant School PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
New law will allow ‘moonlighting’ for International medical graduates Change could improve retention of physicians in Tennessee
BY HANNAH HERNER
For people pursuing a career in medicine, “moonlighting” has a specific meaning. After they’ve completed medical school, graduates enter into residency for further, more handson training that varies in length based on their chosen specialization. After the first year, they can apply for a temporary license to work and earn money at the hospital while they finish their residency.
Those who graduated medical school outside the U.S. are not afforded the same opportunity to obtain that license in Tennessee. But thanks to a law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year, international medical graduates will soon have the chance to moonlight, just as American-educated students do.
State Rep. Michele Carringer (R-Knoxville), the bill’s co-sponsor, tells the Scene a constituent brough her the idea for the legislation. It’s now set to go into effect in January — delayed from July to allow the Board of Medical Examiners and the Tennessee Department of Health to establish rules around the law.
Carringer also co-sponsored a bill this year cracking down on undocumented immigrants. That legislation, which passed, received pushback from the nonprofit Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.
“I support and am grateful for the many legal immigrants who come to Tennessee,” Carringer tells the Scene in a statement. “Any [international medical graduate] who comes to practice medicine in Tennessee currently has to be here on some sort of legal statute (work visa, green card, etc.).
HB2124 would not change that. I would also like to add that many IMGs are American citizens, who attended medical school outside of the U.S.”
Dave Chaney, executive director of the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians, says when his organization lobbied for the IMG bill at the Tennessee General Assembly this year, they were sure to point out that the law would also affect those who were born in the United States, but completed medical school abroad.
He also says the change can help with physician shortages and make Tennessee more attractive to students looking to start their residencies. Neighboring states already allow moonlighting for international medical graduates.
“We have been losing good doctors to other states,” Chaney says.
Medical students often stay in the area where they complete their residency. In Tennessee, about 47.5 percent of students
Area home sales see 13
remain after residency, regardless of where they completed school, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges
The average first-year resident physician makes about $60,000 per year. Some international medical graduates are forced to leave the profession entirely or remain underemployed because they don’t have the ability to earn money while they get recertified here.
Chaney says the most important aspect of moonlighting is additional experience, but it also allows for extra income for survival, paying off medical debt and putting down roots in Tennessee.
“We want to get doctors in at the point in their career to keep them here, so we can build up our physician workforce,” he says.
Victoria Yibirin is someone who could benefit from the law, having just finished her first year of residency in family medicine in Nashville after completing medical school in Venezuela. She would like to put down roots here after fleeing her country due to violence.
“There are so many mixed backgrounds here in Nashville,” she says. “We have people from every part of the world. I love that. I love working with people with multicultural backgrounds and being able to also stay
percent
The Nashville area saw 3,042 home closings in June — a 13 percent decrease compared to June 2023, when 3,533 residences changed ownership.
Relatedly, and according to a Greater Nashville Realtors release, the median price
for a single-family home for the month was $505,000, up from the $499,996 mark of the previous month. As April saw a median price for a single-family home of $505,000 also, the area seemingly has now topped $500,000 twice for that metric.
in touch with the Hispanic population. Everyone has been so receptive, and the culture is so nice and friendly. … My plan is to hopefully stay here, land a job and be able to stay after graduating.”
Yibirin says this change in law is a step in the right direction, though IMGs face additional challenges compared to their American-educated counterparts. They must have strong skills in English, often their second language, and find a willing sponsor for their visa. Those who are further past medical school have a tougher time finding a willing residency host, though a law passed in 2023 allows certification for those who have practiced abroad for three or more years. It’s a long and tedious process, she says, but it’s valid. If an American doctor has to do it, she should have to do it, too.
“I think it’s a good way of helping the low rates of medical doctors that we have right now,” she says. “I think it’s going to be a good way to fill in those spots. I’m very curious to see how the process is going to be.”
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
drop year over year
The median price for a condominium in June was $345,000, up from the $330,000 figure from the same month of last year and down from the $351,000 mark of May.
For a recent comparison, the median prices for a residential single-family home and a condo in February were $478,870 and $339,990, respectively.
Related to closings, May saw 3,509 home closings — a 2 percent increase compared to the figure from May 2023.
There were 2,703 sales pending at the end of June, compared to 2,894 pending sales at this time last year.
Inventory at the end of June was 11,255, a 15 percent increase from the 9,594 active listings reported for the same period in 2023. Currently, the area is seeing a 3.5-month supply of inventory, GNR statistics show.
The GNR release does not note the average number of days on the market for a residence in June. In May, the figure for a single-family home was 44. April and March saw an average number of 46 and 52 days,
respectively, while February registered 59 and January recorded 57. In 2023, homes often sold in no more than 40 days.
“While closings were down for June, they have remained steady for the first half of the year,” Kevin Wilson, Greater Nashville Realtors president, said in the release. “This decrease is attributed to robust property values in the region combined with the Fed’s current monetary policy. Listings have increased by 15 percent, providing more options for buyers.”
Wilson said residential sales prices have risen by 6 percent year over year.
“This suggests that demand for properties remains robust, buyers are willing to pay higher prices, and overall market confidence is high.”
The GNR data was collected from Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Zimmerman earns dream selection to U.S. Olympic soccer team
BY JOHN GLENNON
Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman will get to live out a dream as a member of the U.S. men’s soccer team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Participation in Olympic men’s soccer is limited to players under the age of 23, but each country is allowed three overage players.
The 31-year-old Zimmerman was announced Monday as one of the Americans’ three exceptions, along with FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson and Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic.
Playing in the Olympics will be a first for Zimmerman, who was an under-23 member of the 2016 U.S. team that came up short in its bid to qualify for the 2016 competition in Brazil.
“It’s definitely something you dream about as a kid,” Zimmerman said recently. “You grow up watching opening ceremonies, watching the U.S. walk around the track, for sure dream about it …. The Olympics is like the penultimate sporting event in the world. That’s what makes it really exciting, the
prospect of doing that.”
The U.S. team opens play against host nation France on July 24 at 2 p.m. CT, followed by matches against New Zealand on July 27 at noon CT and Guinea on July 30 at noon CT. All group-stage matches will air live on USA Network and Telemundo, and stream on Peacock.
It’s unclear how many Nashville SC games Zimmerman will miss at the Olympics, as the event’s gold-medal game is Aug 9. He could conceivably play in the team’s game at Philadelphia on July 20. Nashville’s next two games — July 31 and Aug. 6 — are Leagues Cup competitions. The Boys in Gold return to MLS play on Aug. 24.
Nashville (6-8-8) is currently in eighth place — a playoff spot — in the 15-team Eastern Conference, with 12 games left in the regular season.
Zimmerman is a decorated U.S. international soccer vet, having made 42 appearances for the red-white-and-blue since 2017. He was an important piece of the U.S.
men’s team at the 2022 World Cup, helping lead his nation to the Round of 16 with four appearances and three starts.
A Georgia native, Zimmerman has scored three times for his country, including his most recent score against Honduras in a World Cup qualifier two years ago.
The Nashville captain is looking forward to playing a leadership role at the Olympics.
“I’m always wanting to be there for my teammates whether they’re younger or older,” Zimmerman said. “I think it will be a good opportunity to lead some of these guys and learn from them as well. Get some energy from their youth, but also, just having had some bigger tournament experience, hopefully offer up pieces of advice for some of those guys as they head into what is arguably the biggest tournament of their career so far.”
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Walker Zimmerman heads the ball away from the Nashville SC goal
PHOTO: DAVID RUSSELL
MNPS announces 16 new principals for ‘24-25 school year STAFF REPORTS
Angela Burns, Interim, Alex Green Elementary
Dr. Angela Burns brings more than 10 years of elementary education experience to her new role as interim executive principal of Alex Green Elementary. She recently served as assistant principal of Amqui Global Communications Magnet School in Madison, Tennessee. Dr. Burns has worked in Metro Nashville Public Schools as a classroom teacher, school-based literacy coach, district literacy coach, and dean of instruction. She holds a doctorate and educational specialist degree from Middle Tennessee State University, a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University.
Kate Finn, Interim, Andrew Jackson Elementary
Dr. Finn has lived and worked at a variety of schools across the country and has 22 years of experience in education, which she will bring to her new role as interim executive principal of Andrew Jackson. She landed in Nashville in 2007, where she worked in private school admissions before joining MNPS. Dr. Finn continued her career with MNPS as a District Lead Science and STEAM Coach, then moved to Maury County Public Schools as a STEM Director. She returned to MNPS in 2021 as Assistant Principal at Head Magnet Middle School. Dr. Finn attended the University of San Francisco and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She holds both a master’s degree in instructional practice and a doctorate in learning organizations and strategic change from Lipscomb University.
Robyn Beard-Tillman, Brick Church Middle
Dr. Robyn Beard-Tillman, a dedicated educator, has been named the new principal
education to the school community. Her career began in the classroom before she took on the role of a literacy coach. Building on her passion for educational excellence, Crumbo transitioned into administration, serving as an assistant principal and, most recently, as executive principal of Westmeade Elementary.
Mathew Portell, Goodlettsville Elementary
an academy principal, she was a teacher and a lead teacher. Holdren earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctoral degree from Lipscomb University.
of Brick Church Middle School. Her unwavering commitment to education and her visionary leadership will be instrumental as we welcome Brick Church back to the MNPS family, ensuring a seamless transition and a promising future for our students and staff. Beard-Tillman has a storied history in MNPS and most recently served as the principal of Alex Green Elementary School.
Andrew Holt, DuPont Elementary
Andrew Holt, a seasoned educator and Nashville native, brings 11 years of experience in MNPS to his new role as the principal of DuPont Elementary. With a master’s degree in instructional practice, an Ed.S. degree in educational leadership, and a doctoral degree in the works at Lipscomb University, Holt’s qualifications are a testament to his commitment to educational excellence.
Gwen Jaskoski, DuPont Hadley Middle
Starting July 1, Gwen Jaskoski will serve as the interim principal of DuPont Hadley Middle as the current principal, Dr. Kevin Armstrong, completes a one-year residency program. Jaskoski has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University and a master’s in educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has worked in Metro Schools since 1999 as a middle school teacher, family involvement specialist, and instructional coach. She has been at DuPont Hadley since 2013.
Mattie Crumbo, Eakin Elementary
Dr. Mattie Crumbo will serve as the executive principal of Eakin Elementary School. A Nashville native, Crumbo brings over 12 years of dedicated service in
Mathew Portell’s career with MNPS spans over a decade and a half. During this time, he has served as a 4th-grade teacher, district instructional coach for teachers of English learners, literacy coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. After spending two years working for a national nonprofit organization, Portell returned to MNPS in January 2024 as a principal success coach, supporting a cohort of school principals. Portell is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He obtained his administrative licensure from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Jenna Query, Gower Elementary
Dr. Jenna Query is the new principal of Gower Elementary, where she was most recently the assistant principal. Query enters this role with over 12 years of educational experience, including roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and instructional specialist. She earned both her educational specialist degree and doctorate in educational leadership from Austin Peay State University.
Cara Meissner, Harris-Hillman School
Cara Meissner, former assistant principal at Harris-Hillman School, has been named the next executive principal. Meissner is entering her 20th year in education. She began her teaching career in New York City while pursuing her master’s in special education. Since 2008, she has been an integral part of Harris-Hillman, ensuring that students with diverse learning needs have equitable access to education – first as a teacher and later as the dean of instruction and assistant principal.
Danielle Holdren, Hillsboro High
Dr. Danielle Holdren is entering her 19th year in education and has spent the last 10 years working with the Hillwood and James Lawson High School communities as an academy principal. She will begin the 2024-25 school year as the executive principal of Hillsboro High School. While at Hillwood and James Lawson, she served as the Freshman Academy principal and as principal of the Health Science and Business Hospitality academies. Prior to her tenure as
Colin Hunt, Lockeland Elementary Lockeland Elementary welcomes Dr. Colin Hunt as the new executive principal. Hunt has spent 10 years serving in MNPS schools across the district as a teacher, literacy coach, and dean of instruction. He most recently served as an assistant principal at J.T. Moore Middle School. In addition to his work in schools, Hunt advocated for students throughout the district and state as a TNScore Educator Fellow, a member of the Mayor’s Teacher Cabinet, and an educator representative with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Public Education development program. Hunt earned his doctorate and master’s degrees from Lipscomb University and his bachelor’s degree from New York University.
Laura Duran, McGavock Elementary Laura Duran will join Metro Schools as the new executive principal of McGavock Elementary School. She comes to MNPS with 16 years of administrative experience as a district director of data and assessment, principal, and vice principal for preschool through 8th grades in Southern California. Prior to her administrative career, she was an elementary school teacher. She holds a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Northridge.
Jawan Davis, Interim, Moses McKissack Middle School
McKissack Middle welcomes Jawan Davis, a Nashville native and MNPS graduate, as its interim principal. He has more than 15 years of experience as a teacher, dean of instruction, and assistant principal. Most recently, Davis served as assistant principal of Haynes Middle. He has spent the majority of his professional career in school turnaround work and has found that true education begins and ends with a school community’s ability to work together to provide wraparound support for all scholars. Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Bethel University, and is soon to finish his doctorate in leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Brenleigh Oswanski, Shayne Elementary
Brenleigh Oswanski is the new executive principal of Shayne Elementary
New principals 2024 PHOTO: MNPS
School. She was most recently the assistant principal at McGavock Elementary, fostering a culture of equitable access, high expectations, and engagement. Oswanski has served in Metro Schools since 2015 as a teacher, instructional coach, dean of instruction, and assistant principal. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from McGill University, a master’s in elementary education with an English Language Learners endorsement from Vanderbilt University, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Lipscomb University.
Brit Sikes, Una Elementary
Dr. Brit Sikes brings more than 25 years of experience to her new position at Una Elementary, holding a strong background in teaching, coaching, and literacy foundations. She previously served as an assistant principal at Paragon Mills Elementary. She has also served as an adjunct professor in the Elementary and Special Education Department at Middle Tennessee State
University. A native of Norway, Dr. Sikes has lived in the U.S. for most of her adult life, with Nashville being her home for the past 20 years. She attended Simmons University in Boston, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and English. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and earned her doctorate in leadership and professional practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Sikes has been a classroom teacher (National Board Certified), literacy coach, dean of instruction, and assistant principal.
LaDonna Williams, Interim, Westmeade Elementary Metro Schools is excited to announce we have appointed assistant principal Dr. LaDonna Williams as the interim principal of Westmeade, replacing Dr. Crumbo, who has accepted the principal position at Eakin Elementary, effective July 1. Dr. Williams is an experienced educator and is well-known to staff and students. We know she will provide a smooth transition at Westmeade.
Nashville Symphony director to step down following
‘24-25 season
STAFF REPORTS
The Nashville Symphony has announced conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez will step down as principal pops conductor at the end of the 2024-25 season.
According to a release, Lopez-Yañez will return in the future to conduct some Nashville Symphony concerts. For now, he will continue as principal pops conductor for the Detroit and Pacific Symphony Orchestras and as principal conductor for the Dallas Symphony Presents.
Lopez-Yañez has been the Nashville Symphony principal pops conductor since 2019 and joined the organization in 2017 as assistant conductor. He has led hundreds of concerts with artists such as Nas, Trisha Yearwood, Patti LaBelle, Toby Keith and Ben Rector. He created new symphonic shows that premiered in Nashville and engaged the local Latino community with performances at Plaza Mariachi.
“It has been a real pleasure to work with Enrico for these past seven years and to witness the development of his career and his meteoric rise as a gifted pops conductor and consummate entertainer. I’m excited to see where his promising career leads next,” Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine said in the release.
“His innovative programming and focus on diverse voices has immeasurably enriched our organization and the Nashville community, and we look forward to his future visits as a guest conductor.”
Lopez-Yañez’s departure follows Nashville Symphony music director Giancarlo Guerrero’s announcement that he will be stepping down as the full-time music director at the end of the upcoming season. Guerrero will transition to music director laureate in the 2025-26 season and lead the orchestra part-time in 2026-27 as his successor transitions into the full-time role.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
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Enrico Lopez-Yañez
PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND
Short-term rental units approved for Second Avenue building
Bomb-damaged location formerly housed Old Spaghetti Factory, apartments
BY HANNAH HERNER
Short-term rental permits were approved for the former Old Spaghetti Factory building at the Tuesday night Metro Council meeting. It was the second attempt at the resolution for District 17 Councilmember Jacob Kupin, who saw his initial proposal for 62 units shot down in early June. Instead, 55 units designed by Hastings Architecture
are slated for the building, which offers an address of 160 2nd Ave. N.
The building is owned by Lofts 160, which formerly managed residential apartments in the space. The company could not be reached for comment.
The plans leave space for a retail or restaurant on the ground level, along with
three short-term rental units and a fitness center at the back of the floor plan toward First Avenue. According to the blueprints, the second and third floors will offer a mix of studio and one-bedroom units, with the second floor offering a courtyard. The fourth and fifth floors will offer a mix of twobedroom and one-bedroom units.
“This property was damaged due to the 2020 bomb on a street that was further damaged by the pandemic,” Kupin said at Tuesday night’s meeting. “In recent weeks, we have tried to explore further options for work force housing or long-term housing and unfortunately, due to the condition of the building, it’s just not possible to finance.”
He added that the Metro Historical Commission supports the project.
Several councilmembers changed their votes from the first iteration of the resolution, which Kupin said failed due to a technicality — short-term rentals are permitted within the Downtown code, but the 160 2nd Ave. N. building needed Metro approval because of its proximity to Riverfront Park.
District 13 Councilmember Russ Bradford said he is not a fan of non-owneroccupied short-term rentals, especially in residential neighborhoods, but Second Avenue is a place where they make sense.
District 18 Councilmember Tom Cash, who voted against the previous resolution, said he got swept up in a moving speech at the previous meeting.
“I still agree with the principle that we need to be on the lookout for where we can put long-term rentals over short-term rentals,” Cash said. “However, I think this is a good place for short-term rentals.”
Jordan Huffman, District 14 Councilmember, added that he is a “big defender of those who just want some peace and quiet,” but he trusts Kupin’s assessment.
“Tourists need a place to stay, and tourists power this economy,” Huffman said.
Old Spaghetti Factory closed in 2021 following major damage from the December 2020 bombing and the building owners choosing not to renew the lease. Four heavily damaged nearby are for sale, The Post reported in November.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
LOGAN BUTTS ASSOCIATE 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
Second Avenue in June 2024 PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
View of Second Avenue the morning of the explosion
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
OPINION
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
VOTING THIS YEAR
I noticed the other day that there are some, led by Federalist writer Erika Anderson, that are criticizing Dolly Parton for her nonjudgemental approach to life and her claim that she loves everyone — including members of the LGBTQ community, whom she has supported. Parton tends to speak out about her faith and love of God. In her 2020 book “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics” she said, “I’m not that religious, but I’m very, very spiritual. I grew up in very religious surroundings. I grew up with a Bible background, and I’m glad I did.”
In a 2023 interview with The Guardian Parton said, “I ain’t that good a Christian to think that I am so good that I can judge people. That’s God’s job, not mine. So as far as politics, I hate politics.”
I’ve always thought that Dolly was a living saint. If you can’t agree with Dolly who can you agree with. When it’s time to vote if you can’t pick a candidate write in Dolly. Thanks, Dolly, for your perspective, love, and caring.
Michael Frankline Old Nashville Vietnam Vet
TICKED OFF!
TRACTOR SUPPLY
Tractor Supply altering its initiatives: That was the headline in the July 3, 2024 business section of the Tennessean.
Reading the article I was very impressed with Tractor Supply’s business attitude and with there actually having a feeling for their employees and the environment plus accepting people no matter the color of their skin or their choice of whom they want to love i/e LGBTQ+ community.
Then we have a far right winger from California, (Robby Starbuck) sticking his nose in how he thinks Tractor Supply should be running there business. Robby Starbuck then said that “ I’m a Tennessean who loves to support TN companies but as a proud Tennessean I know these woke priorities don’t align with our state or @TractorSupply’s customer base.” I have a request for Robby Starbuck--- Please take your anti woke ass back to California where you belong.
I hope seeing that Tractor Supply has kowtowed to the far right they don’t loose to many customers but I for one will now go back to supporting my local Ace Hardware and Home Depot and Lowes.
If I wasn’t such an old geezer I wouldn’t mind working for Tractor. Supply before they fell for such B/S from Robby Starbuck.
PUPPET PRESIDENT
Many folks are really concerned about President Biden’s fitness for office. In my
mind it makes no difference at all because I see him as just a “Puppet President” with Obama, Harris, and Palosi pulling the strings. They tell him what to say and do as well as influencing much of what happens in both the House and the Senate. I believe they are the power of our government. Joe Biden doesn’t have to think or make discissions. That is done for him.
Today I saw a picture on the Internet of former president Obama with a ventriloquists’ dummy of Joe Biden on his knee. I guess I’m not the only one who sees things this way.
HOUSE PRICES
In recent years, it has become obvious that the prices of high-end properties have grown significantly. The rise in luxury home prices often widens the gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population, making it increasingly challenging for middle and lower-income families to afford suitable housing.
Furthermore, the inflation of luxury housing costs can have broader implications for local economies and communities. It may lead to gentrification, pushing out long-time residents and altering the social fabric.
The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.
Tell Us About it!
Are you in the know about what’s going on down the street or on the corner? Anyone ever call you nosy? Have good writing skills?
Be a neighborhood news ambassador for
Looking for a few neighbors who want to write about interesting things happening in your neighborhood. Specific neighborhoods of interest are Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Bellevue, West Meade, Green Hills.
Yes, you need to have some writing chops; extra credit if you’ve contributed to a newspaper at some point! Interested?
Email neighbornews@theNEWStn.com and let us know what neighborhood you are interested in and include a few writing samples.
SPORTS
Nashville SC names BJ Callaghan as new head coach Former U.S. men’s national team assistant also has MLS experience
BY JOHN GLENNON
Nashville SC has its second head coach in franchise history, as the team on Wednesday named U.S. men’s national team assistant B.J. Callaghan to the position. Callaghan replaces Gary Smith, who was fired May 16 after guiding Nashville through its first four Major League Soccer seasons as well as 12 games this year.
Callaghan will officially join the club on July 22, ahead of Leagues Cup 2024 and Nashville SC’s match against Mazatlán F.C. on July 31 at Geodis Park.
Rumba Munthali, the team’s player development coach, has been serving as interim head coach, guiding the team to a 3-2-3 record in eight games.
“Taking the head coach position at Nashville SC is an incredible opportunity and an exciting next step in my career,” Callaghan said in a release. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to [U.S. coach] Gregg Berhalter for his mentorship and support throughout my time with the U.S. Men’s National Team. The experience I’ve gained here has been invaluable, and I’m deeply appreciative of the relationships and memories made along the way.
“While I am thrilled to embark on this new journey, it is bittersweet to leave a team and staff that I believe in so deeply. I have full confidence in the exceptional coaching staff we have in place and know the team is in great hands. As we approach the 2026 World Cup, I’ll be cheering on the team every step of the way. Thank you to everyone at U.S. Soccer for the support and camaraderie. It has truly been an honor.”
Nashville (6-6-8) currently sits seventh — in a playoff position — in the 15team Eastern Conference, with 14 games remaining in the season. The Boys in Gold play Wednesday night at the Columbus Crew, and will play four more MLS games before Callaghan takes over.
One of his first responsibilities will be finding a way to charge Nashville’s offense, as the team has scored just 24 goals this season, more than only three other squads in the 29-team league.
The 43-year-old Callaghan, a New Jersey native, served as interim head coach of the USMNT last summer, leading the squad to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League championship and the semifinal round of the Gold Cup. He returned to an assistant coach role upon the reappointment of Berhalter as national team coach.
Callaghan’s tenure with U.S. Soccer began in 2019 as a strategy analyst before he was promoted to assistant coach that same year. Since his appointment, the U.S. team captured the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup in 2021, before reaching the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with Nashville defenders Shaq Moore and Walker Zimmerman on the roster.
He has also coached Nashville’s Tyler Boyd and Dan Lovitz while with the national team.
Before his tenure with U.S. Soccer, Callaghan was an assistant coach with MLS’ Philadelphia Union, helping that franchise to the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and the MLS Cup playoffs in 2016 and 2018.
“We are so excited to usher in this new era for Nashville Soccer Club with B.J. as our head coach,” Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs said in the release. “B.J. has a tremendous amount of experience that spans all levels of soccer at the highest levels of the game and has excelled throughout the MLS ecosystem.
“He is an exceptional leader who gets the most out of the players and teams that he has coached and brings a hard-working and relentless mentality to our club. B.J. is ready for this opportunity to continue to build and develop a winning culture and is the right person to drive our club’s ambition for success.”
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Predators strike quickly, sign Stamkos, Marchessault, Skjei Nashville adds two Stanley Cup winners, two players who hit 40-goal mark last season
BY JOHN GLENNON
The Predators have bolted out of the starting blocks for a second straight year in NHL free agency, reportedly agreeing to terms with former Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, former Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault and former Carolina defenseman Brady Skjei.
Stamkos’ deal in Nashville will wind up being about four years and $32 million, per The Athletic, while Marchessault’s deal is roughly five years and $27.5 million.
Skjei’s deal is seven years for $49 million, per The Athletic.
Stamkos and Marchessault combined for 82 goals last season, with Marchessault collecting a career-best 42 for Vegas and Stamkos recording 40 for the Lightning.
To put that in perspective, the Predators have only had two players score 40 or more goals in franchise history. Filip Forsberg has hit that mark twice and Matt Duchene did it once.
Stamkos and Marchessault’s teams have combined to win three of the past five Stanley Cups.
The No. 1 pick in the 2008 NHL draft, Stamkos has played his entire 16-year career in Tampa Bay, where he led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.
Stamkos is 34 years old, but despite his advancing age, he has remained highly productive, totaling a career-best 106 points (42 goals, 64 assists) in 2021-22, 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists) in 2022-23 and 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) last season. Stamkos has missed a combined five games over the past three seasons, after missing 35 games in 2019-20 and 44 games in 2020-21. He will add punch to an offense that averaged 3.24 goals last season (10th in the NHL), but one that managed just 12 goals in six playoff contests last season. The Preds’ power play, which finished 16th last season at 21.6 percent, will also benefit from Stamkos. His 19 power-play goals tied for third in the NHL last season, and his 39 power-play points were tied for eighth.
A seven-time 40-goal scorer with 1,137 career points (555 goals, 582 assists),
Stamkos will also bring a tremendous playoff presence to Nashville. He has played in 128 postseason contests, recording 101 points (50 goals, 51 assists).
The 33-year-old Marchessault has scored at least 20 goals in seven of his 11 NHL seasons.
In 2023, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the NHL playoffs when he steered Vegas to the Stanley Cup, totaling 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 22 postseason games.
Like Stamkos, Marchessault should be a big boost to the Preds’ power play. He’s scored a combined 17 man-advantage goals over the past two seasons, including eight last season—which was second behind Jack Eichel for Vegas.
Undrafted, the 5-9, 183-pound Marchessault began his NHL career in Columbus in 2012, but had his breakout season with Florida in 2016-17, totaling 51 points (30 goals, 21 assists) in 75 games.
Marchessault was an original member of the Golden Knights expansion team in 2017-18, which reached the Stanley Cup
Final in its first year.
The 6-3, 210-pound Skjei, a left-handed shot, will bolster Nashville’s blueline following the trade of veteran Ryan McDonagh to Tampa Bay.
A nine-year NHL veteran, Skjei posted a career-high 47 points last season, scoring 13 goals and adding a career-best 34 assists in 80 games.
Over the past three years combined, the 30-year-old Skjei has totaled 40 goals, 84 assists and 124 points. He’s played all but three games during those three seasons.
Skjei is versatile, as he averaged 2:12 short-handed ice time last season and :59 power-play time.
Like Stamkos and Marchessault, Skjei has plenty of playoff experience. He’s played in 76 postseason contests over his seven seasons, producing seven goals and 18 assists. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
B.J. Callaghan PHOTO: NASHHVILLE SC
TSWA names all-state performers for spring high school sports
Last week, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association announced the 2024 all-state teams for baseball, softball, boys soccer, and golf.
Players from the Nashville area are listed below.
BASEBALL
Class 1A
C: Nathan Brown, Eagleville, Sr.
IF: Brayden Baker, Eagleville, Sr.
IF: Brady Burns, Eagleville, Jr.
P: Josh Jeffcoat, Eagleville, Sr.
Class 2A
IF: Justin Smith, White House Heritage, Jr.
Class 3A
P: Carter Casabella, Station Camp, Sr.
Class 4A
OF: Coleman Neas, Stewarts Creek, Jr.
UT: Kaden Powell, Beech, So.
UT: Dawson Sweeney, Nolensville, Sr.
P: Lake Morris, Hendersonville, Sr.
P: Chase Clatur, Nolensville, Sr.
P: Saxon Roberts, Independence, Sr.
P: Roman Petricca, Mt. Juliet, Sr.
Division II-A
C: Rinaldo Matti, Providence Academy, Jr.
C: Peyton Vaughn, Davidson Academy, Jr.
IF: Quin Long, Friendship Christian, Sr.
OF: Nathan Eisfelder, Providence Academy, Jr.
OF: Bishop Quarles, Goodpasture Christian, Sr.
UT: Rylan Moses, Goodpasture Christian, Sr.
UT: C.J. Durrough, Columbia Academy, Sr.
P: Gunnar Skelton, Columbia Academy, So.
P: Jackson Lee, Columbia Academy, Jr.
P: Josh Owens, Providence Academy, Jr.
P: England Bryan, Middle Tennessee Christian, Sr.
P: Luke Vierkant, Goodpasture Christian, Jr.
Division II-AA
C: Brock Beddingfield, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Jr.
IF: Connor Cobb, Ensworth School, Sr.
OF: Dominic Monaco, Brentwood Academy, Sr.
OF: Spencer Yu, Ensworth School, Sr.
UT: Reagan McCluskey, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Jr.
P: Matthew Shorey, Father Ryan, Sr.
SOFTBALL
Class 1A
IF: Brinli Bain, Eagleville, Jr.
OF: Emmaline Whitt, Eagleville, Jr.
Class 2A
C: Kenslee Gregory, Liberty Creek, So.
IF: Callie Buhler, Watertown, Sr.
IF: Maddie Floyd, Liberty Creek, Jr.
OF: Emerson Fitzwilson, Liberty Creek, So.
OF: Macie Harter, Cheatham County, Sr.
P: Kaylor West, Liberty Creek, So.
Class 4A
IF: Jadyn Brawley, Stewarts Creek, So.
IF: Avary Stockwell, Green Hill, So. OF: Kaitlyn Graham, Beech, Sr. OF: Adriana Callahan, Page, Jr.
OF: Saviya Morgan, Columbia Central, Sr.
P: Madi Creasman, Nolensville, So.
P: Mackenzie Ventura, Siegel, So.
Division II-A
C: Madi Crocker, Goodpasture Christian, Jr.
IF: Addison Oberbroeckling, Nashville Christian, Jr.
General Admission Enjoy a day of shopping the many boutiques at Fashion for a Fraction! VIP Admission
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BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Two Berry Hill properties located one block east of Eighth Avenue South and whose owner has worked in the cabinet-making industry for more than 40 years has been listed for sale for a collective $9.45 million.
Offering about 12,960 square feet and sitting on 0.40 acres, one of the properties (which accommodates two buildings) sits at 2606 Westwood Drive.
Judy Northcutt Gaertner and Robert Gaertner own that property, having paid $180,000 for it in 1996, Metro records note. Robert’s Gaertner Cabinet Co. has been in business since 1982 and operates within the building. Similarly, Northcutt Gaertner operates her Northcutt & Associates advertising business from one of the for-sale structures on the site, which is listed for $6.75 million.
The residential building on the site (and in which the Gaertners live) was constructed in 1925, and the commercial building (positioned in the back of the property) opened in 2019.
The asking price is the equivalent of $521 per square foot based on the buildings’ collective size. Sources said some smaller Berry Hill commercial buildings can command up to $800 per square foot.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Marketing materials note that the bungalow on the site was renovated in 1994 to provide a home office for live-work purposes. It offers custom cabinetry and private workstations, a library, copier room, and kitchen; original unpainted millwork with oak flooring; and a large basement.
The 9,395-square-foot commercial structure with studio spaces features a private office upstairs. Its basement has a drive-in 18-foot overhead door on a solid concrete slab and a 1,177-square-foot room with a safety-dropping security roll door.
The Gaertners also own an adjacent Berry Hill property at 2604 Westwood Drive which is listed for sale for $2.7 million. They paid $41,230 for that property in 1984, according to Metro records, with Robert having moved, at the time, his business to the structure, which now accommodates four for-rent live-work residences. He later relocated the business to the present space at 2606 Westwood.
The offering comes as two nearby Berry Hill commercial properties, with addresses of 2601 and 2603 Westwood Drive, recently were listed for sale. The asking prices are $4.7 million for 2601 and $4.3 million for 2603, according to a source.
The Gaertners have enlisted Dwaine Anderson, owner of Nashville-based The Anderson Co., to handle the marketing and
sale of the property.
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Agriculture Department announces division director
STAFF REPORTS
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has announced Matthew Wade as the director of the Consumer and Industry Services (CIS) Division.
According to a release, Wade has been a business consultant in the livestock sector for TDA since February. In his new role, he will be in charge of the division that regulates products and services for quality, consumer protection and a fair market. The CIS division is in charge of various programs and licenses, including those involving food and dairy, fuel quality, pesticides, plant health and prevention of youth access to tobacco.
Previously, Wade was the director of Middle Tennessee State University’s director of farm laboratories, where he led staff and operations of the 900-acre learning and research centers. He spent nearly 30 years
with the university, of which he is also a graduate. Wade earned his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and a Master of Business Administration degree.
“Matthew’s extensive experience with guiding diverse teams, managing laboratory and farming operations, and navigating regulatory requirements make him a great fit for this role,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said in the release. “Since joining TDA, stakeholders have benefited from Matthew’s leadership in a variety of ways, including from his work to form the Tennessee Association of Meat Producers and his hosting of a delegation from India seeking agribusiness opportunities in Tennessee.”
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.
Music a vital part of healing for vocalist Jason Barton Talking with the singer-songwriter about recovering from a traumatic brain injury
BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
On July 2, 2023, Jason Barton was getting his family’s pool ready for a Fourth of July gathering. When he was working near the filter pump system, it exploded, and debris hit him just above his left eye with such force that it caused bleeding in four different areas of his brain. His wife Jennifer rushed to his aid and called an ambulance. It was four days before he opened his eyes, and around five weeks before he returned home. Walking out of the hospital, Barton was a different man, who was now learning to live
with a traumatic brain injury that changed the way he thinks, feels and acts.
“I think the hardest thing for me was to really know that I was going to be OK,” Barton says. “I just sat there every day thinking, ‘I’m going to be this hurt for the rest of my life … I don’t know if I can do this.’”
Barton is an accomplished singersongwriter who was a member of the boyband-esque CCM group True Vibe in the early Aughts and started country-influenced CCM trio 33Miles with friends. Prior to
his accident, he’d ramped up his work in public speaking, mostly with musicians and nonprofits.
For at least six years, Barton sang backup vocals during Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s annual run of Christmas concerts at the Ryman — a full-circle opportunity, since Barton’s first concert was an Amy Grant show when he was in high school. One of the few things he can recall from his stay in the hospital is glimpses of Grant coming to visit. (She is still recovering from her own traumatic brain injury after a 2022 bike accident.) With less than five months between the beginning of recovery and the beginning of the Christmas shows, Barton didn’t know if he’d be ready to sing.
“It was weird trying to come back and get a voice, and make my brain do all the things that it needs to do,” he says. “Going to rehearsals was a big deal. I went to my first day of rehearsals, and I just loved it.”
When the shows came in December, they were a big success for Barton. In an emotional highlight, Grant shared his story during the show every night.
“For me to go through what I went through — almost dying to stepping on the stage and singing, on the Ryman stage — it was all I could handle,” he says. “It was amazing.”
The Bartons agree in crediting Jason’s recovery to both a miracle and modern medicine. Doctors examining his chart often expressed awe at the speed of his progress. Still, Jason was worried he would not have the same relationship with his sons, wife or friends after his injury. He had trouble remembering just about everything. He had moments of frustration and anger, which he
would try to share only with those closest to him and not with doctors or nurses. All in all, his wife explains, he still kept in mostly high spirits.
“He was like Buddy the Elf,” Jennifer Barton says. “They say with a brain injury it’s, like, one way or the other. People are usually mean and mad, or how he was — like the happiest person in the world.”
One year later, both the happy-go-lucky personality and the challenges remain. Jason says he sometimes gets overwhelmed in complex situations, but most conversations are no different than before the accident.
“People would meet me and think, ‘You have a brain injury? I would never even think that,’” says Jason. “People necessarily wouldn’t notice, but know behind the scenes I struggle on a daily basis.”
Adjusting to this major change is shaping Jason’s music, and he says his purpose now is to focus on his healing and what’s in his heart. He’s recorded three new as-yetunreleased songs: one to thank those who prayed for his recovery, another for his sons, and one exploring this new phase of his life.
“Nothing reaches me, to the deepest part of myself, more than a song,” Jason says. “Music does bring so much healing to my life. That’s why singing for Amy at Christmas was huge for me. I was like, ‘If I can stand on this stage and sing, then I know that I can make it back.’”
This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.
Studio Tenn and TPAC return with ‘A Cabaret Experience’
Two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin kicks off collab series on July 13
BY AMY STUMPFL
It’s not unusual to find first-rate vocal talent in and around Music City. But with the return of Studio Tenn and TPAC’s popular Cabaret Experience, audiences can expect more than just great music. They’ll enjoy an intimate evening of Broadway songs and stories, performed by some of today’s hottest talent.
“The original Cabaret on Stage idea came out of COVID, as a way to get people back in the theater,” Patrick Cassidy, Studio Tenn’s artistic director, said. “Susan Egan performed our first show, and we had about 80 people, socially distanced and wearing masks. Its was a huge success, and it’s just gotten bigger with people like Norm Lewis, Judy Kuhn and Kristin Chenoweth performing.
“But over the last three years, we realized that we needed to focus more on the experience itself – not just the big names. Because they’re all extraordinary performers, with multiple Tony Awards and nominations. And what we’ve found is that once people get in the theater, they’re far less concerned with the name on the program and more excited about the experience itself. So let’s call it what it is – A Cabaret Experience that blends the music of Broadway with incredible storytelling in a really intimate setting.”
Beyond the new name, the series also has a new home – in TPAC’s cozy Johnson Theater. It’s a move that Cassidy says will open up more seats, along with tiered ticket
pricing.
“We’ll still have cabaret tables set up close to the stage, but we’ll also have more traditional theater seating available,” Cassidy said. “I like to compare it to an evening at the Bluebird Cafe – except instead of country music, we’re bringing you these incredible Broadway stars. It’s a great atmosphere that allows the audience to really relax, enjoy and connect with the artists.”
For two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin – who kicks off the series on July 13 – it’s that sense of connection that makes the art of cabaret so unique.
“I know when I go to a cabaret performance as an audience member, I want to get to know who that person
Kate Baldwin PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Jennifer and Jason Barton
PHOTO: JASON BARTON
is,” said Baldwin, a seasoned artist known for her work in hit shows like Hello, Dolly!, Big Fish and Finian’s Rainbow.
“I want to feel like their show speaks to me on some level. So that’s what I try to do when I’m performing in a cabaret setting. I like to start with something familiar – songs that people know, although maybe they haven’t heard my version. And I like to tell stories that people can relate to – not just the insider stuff, although there’s a bit of that. But more about what it’s like being a child, or a parent, or just a human being trying to navigate this crazy world.”
One of those stories actually inspired the title of Baldwin’s show – Sing Pretty, Don’t Fall Down.
“I went to Northwestern, and my senior
year, we did a revue of Stephen Sondheim songs – which was wonderful,” Baldwin said. “But when you think about it, the majority of his work is meant to be sung by people who are older than college students – people who have experienced a bit of life. So my professor had hired this incredible opera singer to sing one of Sondheim’s most famous songs, ‘Send In the Clowns.’ It totally worked because she had the voice and glamour and gravitas.
“Well, of course, she had to back out last minute, so he asked me to step in. And I’m thinking: ‘I can’t do that! I don’t even understand what this song is about.’ And he says: ‘You’ll be fine – all you have to do is walk out there, sing pretty, don’t fall down.’ So I did, and I got through it. And
I later realized that was pretty great advice. All these years later, I still think about it. I was standing in the wings at Carnegie Hall the other night, and the nerves start up – all those feelings of anticipation – and I thought ‘Just sing pretty, and don’t fall down.’ That’s good advice.”
Baldwin says she’s excited to return to Nashville and is eager to share more stories with fans, along with songs from her favorite Broadway shows.
“I’ll definitely being doing songs from Hello, Dolly!, Finian’s Rainbow and Big Fish,” Baldwin said. “But there’s also a jazz standard that I’m very fond of by Rodgers and Hart, a song from U2, Celine Dion – I definitely like to mix it up with a little something for everyone. It’s all about
connection. That’s our whole purpose here –to connect and share.”
A Cabaret Experience opens on July 13 with Kate Baldwin’s Sing Pretty, Don’t Fall Down. Fans can also check out Wicked’s Ginna Claire Mason and Teal Wicks in a new show called Pink Goes Good with Green on Aug. 3; and Alton Fitzgerald White (Broadway’s longest-running Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King) will present Broadway My Way on Aug. 17.
To learn more, visit studiotenn.com/ cabaret-experience-24 or tpac.org.
Five free and cheap family things to do in Middle Tennessee
BY AMANDA HAGGARD
It’s party time in July. At the Nashville Farmers Market, they’ll be celebrating the tomato. Lane Motor Museum invites folks in for a Museum Fun Day. Summertime Family Fun Day (with free snow cones and beer for the parents) is happening down in Murfreesboro. Glen Leven Farm will be open for a day of celebrating nature. And then there’s the ‘Teens Take the Frist!’ opening celebration, where your family can come check out all the art of our local
Nashville teens.
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:
2024 TOMAT-O-RAMA FESTIVAL
Not to be confused with the East Side’s festival of similar sorts, the 2024 TomatO-Rama Festival will be at the Nashville Farmers Market on July 13. The day, which
begins at 10 a.m., will celebrate all things tomato. Nossi College of Art and Design chefs will be on site creating free dishes to try, and there will be several other foods and drinks for sale on site as well. For the kids, there are food trucks, crafts, a kid’s zone, photo booth and more.
MUSEUM FUN DAY AT LANE MOTOR MUSEUM
Lane Motor Museum is hosting a
Museum Fun Day on July 13 that comes with regular paid admission. The special event day will include free vault tours, free rides in select museum vehicles and inmuseum vehicle demonstrations. Car rides and vault tours will be on a first-come, firstserved basis.
SUMMERTIME FAMILY FUN DAY
At Bumpus Harley Davidson in Murfreesboro, they’re inviting folks to come check out Harleys while the kids play. The bike dealership is offering a full day of bounce house fun, a balloon artist, corn hole and other games. There’ll be a jump rope contest at 2 p.m. First prize is a $100 gift card. There will be free beer for parents and snow cones for kids, while supplies last.
‘TEENS TAKE THE FRIST!’ OPENING CELEBRATION
The sixth annual Teens Take the Frist! art show will be hosted on July 13, and it begins with a film screening of Nashville Film Festival Film Camp participants followed by an afternoon of art activities and performances by nonprofit Southern Word. Kids can make nature mandalas, paint rocks, draw on the art wall, print their own T-shirts and take photos at the selfie station. The event is free and light snacks and drinks will be provided.
JULY COMMUNITY DAY
Community Days at Glen Leven Farm invites folks to explore all 64 acres of The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Glen Leven Farm for free on July 13. The farm is just 10 minutes south of Nashville, and they offer a field guide to hike the nature trail on site. Folks can also check out the blooming flowers and miniature donkeys.
Teens Take the Frist PHOTO: FRIST
Spicy Gazpacho
BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE
ACROSS
1 Ponied up
5 Grain husks
Excerpted from Tomato Love by Joy Howard. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.
Heartier versions of gazpacho have their place, but if you haven’t made (or eaten) one that’s silky smooth, I urge you to give it a try. To achieve the texture, the ingredients are blended together then strained through a sieve, leaving behind all the teensy bits. You’ll want the best tomatoes you can find, so if it’s not tomato season, save this recipe for later.
For more fresh tomato recipes visit ediblenashville.com.
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds sweet, ripe tomatoes, seeded, cored, and roughly chopped
1/2 English cucumber, roughly chopped
1/2 medium red onion, quartered
2 medium ribs celery, from the center of the bunch, roughly chopped
1 small red bell pepper, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos
1. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, vinegar, jalapeños, salt, and black pepper to large bowl and toss together. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes.
2. Place mixture in blender, add oil and bread, and purée until smooth. Strain through a sieve and refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. Serve cold. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, more oil, and cilantro.s. 4 SERVINGS
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
1 cup cubed hearty white bread, crusts removed
Sungold or red cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish cilantro leaves, for garnish
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.
10 Elev.
13 Where to find one’s U.C.L., as suggested by its first letter
14 Feeling that can be caused by the final three letters of this answer
15 Afore
16 One who might object to the phrase “around the globe”
18 Judo rank
19 “Obsequy” and “exequy” are fancy terms for these rites
20 Stoops (to)
22 Anger
23 It star ts with janeiro
24 Suffix with centi- or milli-
25 Maker of squishy balls
27 Easy-to-carry weapons
32 ___ Cr uces, N.M.
35 Call on the high seas
36 Muffin morsel, maybe
37 State of order that this puzzle fails to achieve?
40 Org. that specifically prohibits bowling pins and pool cues
42 Word with shot or shine
43 It holds a lot back
44 Collection of fine threads
47 Cultivate
51 Sub
52 ___ Lingus
55 One of 17 in Monopoly: Abbr
56 Oxymoronic-sounding pain relief brand
59 Their drawers might contain drawers
61 Net suppor ter
62 Unlikely sailors
DOWN
1 Bird also called a “sea parrot”
2 Draw
3 More silly
4 Inadvisable time to talk about one’s ex
5 Tennis star Alcaraz
6 Simple shelters
7 Volcanic debris
8 Social media display
9 Cost to ride
10 Natural proper ty line
11 She might be great
12 Most nail-biting
14 ____-violence (really tearing into an Indian appetizer?)
17 Laundr y detergent brand
21 Brew that might be “double dryhopped,” for short
26 Seasonal vaccine target
28 State that’s nearly 90% forested
29 Philip of “Kung Fu”
64 Gossip, in slang
65 Wears away
66 Lake Superior’s ___ Royale
67 Mine is ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛-⬛⬛⬛⬛: Abbr.
68 Fresh
69 River where Achilles took a dip
30 Appear, as a webpage
31 Harp-shaped constellation
33 Company at the center of the murder in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”
34 Candy bar with a toffee center
37 Proprietor of cheeses and butters
38 Farm female
39 “Holy cow!”
40 Common merch items
41 Gorilla gorilla, e.g.
45 Play-___
46 Fourth-mostproduced grain wor ldwide (after corn, wheat and rice)
48 Hardest to find, perhaps
49 Too
50 Bygone kingdom of ancient Britain
53 Weighty birds
54 Deprive (of)
57 Flamenco cries
58 F igure skater Lipinski
59 Takes something as a plus?
60 Head of the Eg yptian god Thoth
63 Some sur vey responses
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 BY DAVID ROCKOW
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
WOODMONT BAPTIST CHURCH
Headline Homes: May 2024
BY AMANDA HAGGARD
In May, the top home also made the list in April. It sold for $8.45 million and just one month later, the then-new owners sold it for $8.75 million. Not a bad turnaround. The rest of the list shows us that the prices aren’t coming down anytime soon — the bottom of the barrel for pricey abodes this month was a stunning $4.9 million. Below are May’s top 10 home sales in Nashville and the surrounding counties, ranked by sale price.
1. Deerfield Court, Franklin 37069
Buyer: Sowers Family Trust
Sale price: $8.75 million
Seller: Deerfield Ranch LLC
Seller’s agent: Michelle Maldonado and Erin Mervis-Hoppe, Compass RE
Buyer’s agent: Stephanie Buhalis and Anne Johnson, Compass RE Kimberely Graddy, a partner in healthcare business ProMed, and husband Greg, who retired from health care tech company Hologic at 37, just closed the sale of this home for $8.45 million in April. Deerfield Ranch LLC then sold it for $8.75 to the Sowers Family Trust in May. The house has eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms and more than 11,000 square feet. A “party barn” clocks in at 3,600 square feet on the property, which is a gated, level eight-acre lot.
2. Harlow Drive, College Grove 37046
Buyer: Kelly Ann Wallace Management Trust
Sale price: $8.5 million
Seller: Melissa M. and Jay Yadon Revocable Trust
Seller’s agent: Marabeth Poole, PARKS
Buyer’s agent: Jennifer Gramling, LHI Homes International Home No. 2 is slightly less costly than No. 1 this month — this one in College Grove was purchased for $8.6 million. It sits within the Troubadour Golf and Field Club and includes custom wide-plank hardwood flooring, a backyard “oasis” and en suite bathrooms in each bedroom. A carriage house on the property features a kitchenette, bedroom and full bathroom for guests.
3. Granny White Trce, Nashville 37220
Buyer: Granny White Trace Trust
Sale price: $7.4 million
Seller: Catherine Moore, Trustee of 5250 Gwt Trust
Seller’s agent: Beth Molteni, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Buyer’s agent: Richard B. French, French King Fine Properties
This hilltop property offers a panoramic view of the nature preserve at Radnor Lake. It was custom-built by builder Austin Rogers, architect Jonathan Torod, landscape designer Wade Rick and interior designer April Tomlin to maximize indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces. It features large windows, electronic window treatments, a massive outdoor pool, and several covered porches with views of the property. Inside, there is a home studio, a full gym and a four-bunk bonus room with a full bathroom. The property also has a detached garage office with a half bathroom.
4. Peytonsville Arno Road, College Grove 37046
Buyers: Brian Timothy Jacobsen and Jennifer Drozdowski Jacobsen, trustees of Jacobsen Trust
Sale price: $7.15 million
Seller: Peasy LLC
Seller’s agent: Fran Wolfe, Compass RE Buyers’ agent: Cindy Wallace, Compass Tennessee, LLC
This College Grove abode was initially priced at $7.3 million and sold for $7.15 million in May. The 8,200-square-foot home has six bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a four-car garage with attached studio apartment. It sits on 5.5 acres and has a heated infinity saltwater pool, sauna, outdoor bar and pool house. The home may or may not have been sold with all the furniture inside.
5. Wimbledon Road Nashville 37215
Buyer: 2807 Wimbledon Road Trust
Sale price: $6.35 million
Seller: Encore Construction LLC
Seller’s agent: Steve G. Fridrich, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Buyer’s agent: Whitney Musser and Shea Ghertner, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Encore Construction built this brandnew 7,414-square-foot home. The home has automated features throughout, a chef’s
kitchen, three laundry areas, heated tiles, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. The home has a five-car garage, a scullery kitchen and an elevator on all three floors.
6. Wayland Drive, Nashville 37215
Buyer: Edward J. Dobbs Grantor Trust
Sale price: $5,235,000
Seller: Bna Holdings LLC
Seller’s agent: Caroline Parks, PARKS
Buyer’s agent: Jennie Garth Lovvorn, Fridrich & Clark Realty
This Forest Hills home has undergone several recent upgrades. In 2021, the owners added a custom plaster pool and spa with a hidden motorized pool cover and a custom teak spa cover. In 2022, they added new steel doors and made several upgrades to the primary bathroom, including a custom slab shower and heated stone flooring. The 7,663 square feet of living space has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and several bonus rooms, including one outfitted as a media room and another as a gym. The home also has a four-car garage, gas fire pit, motorized screened-in porch with a wood-burning fireplace and additional heaters, a newly installed generator, a fully irrigated yard, turf space and a half bathroom dedicated to the pool area.
7. Wallace Lane, Nashville 37215
Buyer: Alison Disalvo-Ryan
Sale price: $5,175,000
Seller: Chesnut Infill GP
Seller’s agent: Tim Kyne and Molly Mason, Keller Williams Realty
Buyer’s agent: Alexander Brandau IV, Keller Williams Realty
Alison Disalvo-Ryan purchased this five-bedroom European transitional home designed by Craftsman Residential in May. The home features a stone facade with a porte cochere gated entry and cobblestonelined motor court with a three-car garage, several sets of French doors and seven gas lanterns. The 8,222-square-foot space inside includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms and a primary suite with heated flooring in the bathrooms and separate but connected guest quarters. In addition to the bedrooms, the home has a gym, recreation room, playroom and a second laundry room.
8. Edmondson Pike, Brentwood 37027
Buyers: Patricia Nightingale and Brian
Nightingale, Nightingale Trust
Sale price: $5.1 million
Seller: Superior Remodeling LLC
Seller’s agent: Garrett Beasley, Brentview Realty Company
Buyers’ agent: Greg Fritz, PARKS On a two-acre wooded lot in Brentwood, this home is fully dedicated to sports lovers. It has a full gym and workout level in the home, which includes a rock climbing wall, basketball and pickleball court, exercise room and golf simulator. Outside, there’s a pool and sauna. If the 9,224 square feet isn’t enough, an additional 50 X 25 space could be turned into a connected but separate apartment.
9. Duncanwood Drive Nashville 37204
Buyer: James Sage Trust
Sale price: $4.9 million
Sellers: Jessalyn Traylor Trujillo and Mario Andres Trujillo
Sellers’ agent: Lacey Newman and Jonathan Heard, Compass RE
Buyer’s agent: Bob Garges, PARKS Bates Construction built this home, which was designed by Amber Pierce. It has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a living area of 7,435 square feet.
10. Windstone Blvd., Brentwood 37027
Buyers: Margo Gassen and Clark Gassen
Sale price: $4.9 million
Seller: 834 Windstone Boulevard
Revocable Living Trust
Seller’s agent: Beth Molteni, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Buyers’ agent: Amy Pappas, PARKS
Margo and Clark Gassen, who run The BeliEve Foundation, bought this nearly $5 million home in Brentwood. The house is located just over the Williamson County line. The outdoor space at the home includes a pool, hot tub and pool house pavilion, as well as an oversized four-car garage with expansion space above. There are elevators to the second floor of the home and a wholehome generator for when the storms come. This
Wallace Lane PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND
Wayland Drive PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND
Timeless custom designed open floor plan on one level! Magnificent Private Master Suite with entry to Music Room. Spacious master bath with designer closet. Sunny and bright in all rooms. Corner lot with huge backyard patio. Wonderful HOA amenities including clubhouse and pool and tennis courts
34 Fox Vale Lane Nashville, TN 37221
Fifteen acres fenced and cross-fenced. Elevator available to all three floors. Master is on the main level. Generac generator. Total yard irrigation system with well water. Beautiful view and great location.
Must See!
Co-listed with Cindy Garvey
CLASSIFIED
Reach Your Customers!
is no longer just for retired teachers. All seniors 62 and older may apply with no fee. Efficiencies start at $500 which includes utilities.
One bedroom & studio apartments available starting at $625 per month. Must be 62 and older and live independently.
One bedroom & studio apartments available starting at $650 per month. and older and live independently.
Place a classified ad in The News! $10 for the first 15 words, .30 cents each word extra. Call 615-298-1500 Get Results, Advertise Your Business in the News! Call 615-298-1500
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eLderLY Care
BurgEr Week
The NEW Burger Week app is here! VotE
At the end of the week, vote for your favorite burgers by visiting sceneburgerweek.com and clicking VOTE. The winning restaurant will win a super cool plaque to hang on their wall, a VIP Experience at the 2024 World Food Championships, qualification into the 2025 World Food Championships in the Burger Category and BRAGGING RIGHTS!
Voting ends Monday, July 15
Best Overall Burger
Vote in three categories: Visit
Best Unique Toppings
Best Traditional Burger
Browse participating locations, view drink specials, plot your route and win prizes just by downloading the free app!
