June 15, 2023

Special election set for Nashville state House vacancy

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Following the death of state Rep. Bill Beck (D-Nashville) on June 4, election officials have set the dates of a special election to fill the remainder of his term.

The primary for the vacancy in District 51, including parts of East Nashville and Madison among other areas, will be held on Aug. 3, coinciding with the Metro general election. The general election for the District 51 vacancy is scheduled for Sept. 14, coinciding with the Metro runoff. (The special election for District 52, the seat of the expelled and returned Rep. Justin Jones, is also on the ballot on Aug. 3.)

Candidates in the special election could pick up petitions to qualify for the

primary starting Tuesday, and the qualifying deadline is June 22.

The Metro Council could appoint a temporary representative to fill the position in the meantime.Beck, an attorney, served in the state House for nearly a decade. On June 8, his body lied in state at the Capitol where hundreds of people, including constituents and fellow elected officials, paid their respects to the late lawmaker.

Beck’s funeral was held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Polk Theatre on June 10, followed later by a private graveside service.

An Antioch man is facing felony theft charges for what the Metro Nashville Police Department says is his involvement in a string of multi-year thefts from The Mall at Green Hills.

24-year-old Antonio Crockett has been charged with two counts of theft ($2,500 or more), one count of theft-merchandise ($10,000), evading arrest in a motor vehicle, driving on a suspended license, and probation violation. The MNPD arrested Crockett at his home on June 5 days after an he allegedly fled an attempted traffic stop. Crockett was booked in jail on a $113,000 bond.

Police said that he is part of an “organized group” that has been shoplifting at high-end stores in The Mall at Green Hills since 2021, including most recently a February 2023 incident where handbags were

Antioch man charged in ‘organized’ multi-year thefts from The Mall at Green Hills STAFF

The Mall at Green Hills

PHOTO BY DANIEL MEIGS

Mourners gather at the Tenn. State Capitol on June 8, 2023, to pay their respects to late State Rep. Bill Beck where he lies in state. PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Bill Beck

Metro sues state — again

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

It’s been a busy year for the Metro Legal Department.

The city on Monday filed a suit against Gov. Bill Lee and Republican legislative leaders in an effort to stop the state’s planned takeover of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. The complaint follows other legal challenges of state legislation aimed at Nashville this year.

In the new suit, Metro makes similar arguments as it has in prior challenges. The city contends that the state violated the state constitution’s prohibitions on legislation targeted at one local government when the legislature passed a law, later signed by Lee, vacating the mayor-appointed airport board and creating a new system via which the governor and Republican legislative leaders could appoint a majority of the board’s members. Metro is asking the court to declare the law unconstitutional and enjoin its enforcement.

Earlier this year, Metro sued to stop a new state law cutting the Metro Council

Scheduling pileup imperils NASCAR deal

BY ELI MOTYCKA

An unannounced community meeting could bump Mayor John Cooper’s NASCAR hopes to next term, delaying a deal with regional track operator Speedway Motorsports — which operates Bristol Motor Speedway — that lacks support among his potential successors. The council can’t consider Cooper’s proposed lease, filed in late May, until after it passes the 2024 budget and has held a community meeting about the proposal.

Council Director Margaret Darby confirms to the Scene that District 17 Metro Councilmember Colby Sledge has scheduled that meeting for July 25, leaving just two council meetings to consider legislation that needs to pass three readings. The scheduling pileup has resulted from competing legislative priorities — like the mayor’s push to approve a $2.2 billion stadium for the Tennessee Titans — and left little time for the office, lobbyists and Speedway Motorsports to push through the 30-year agreement. Metro has no final cost estimation for the track overhaul, but documents presented by the mayor’s office to the Fair Board, which narrowly approved the deal in March, budgeted $164 million for debt service on the project.

Metro law stipulates that the council could not consider the NASCAR deal until the sitting district councilmember — Sledge — has convened a public meeting. When it filed the deal in late May, the mayor’s office included a loophole that would allow any member to call the requisite community meeting. Since the loophole is included in the NASCAR legislation, the loophole

itself cannot be considered until after Sledge calls a community meeting, according to multiple lawyers and sources familiar with Metro procedure.

Vice Mayor Jim Shulman, who’s running for reelection, has little to gain by corralling colleagues for extra work on a controversial deal late in the terms in order to appease a lame-duck mayor. The deal’s proximity and unfavorable resemblance to the Titans stadium — a favorite punching bag for mayoral candidates — has soured councilmembers on tourism and

development deals. Many representatives describe a “deal fatigue” in the chamber. Proponents on Thursday shared a poll whose findings have been disputed by opponents. Ongoing litigation has yet to determine what vote threshold the deal would need to pass council.

Darby tells the Scene that publicizing the July 25 meeting now rests with Speedway Motorsports.

“Information about the July 25 community meeting scheduled by Councilmember Sledge has not yet been

from 40 members to 20 members. A court panel enjoined that effort at least until after 2023 elections. The city has also sued to stop state-approved changes to city law governing renovations at The Fairgrounds Nashville. Other lawsuits regarding the legislature’s laws aimed at the Metro Sports Authority and the Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board could be forthcoming.

“The Nashville Airport has thrived with a bipartisan, business-oriented board appointed by Metro government for more than 50 years,” Metro Legal Director Wally Dietz told Axios. “As an agency and instrumentality of Metro, the Nashville Airport has consistently performed well and expanded its capacity, with more passengers coming through BNA than ever before. This hostile takeover only affects one local government and violates the Tennessee Constitution.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

posted on the Metro website,” Darby writes to the Scene. “Pursuant to MCL 2.24.230, all other notice is to be prepared and provided by the intended lessee.”

Councilmember Sledge has not responded to multiple requests for comment from the Scene. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.

Rendering of potential stadium PHOTO BY POPULOUS

Mayor John Cooper speaks at Nashville International Airport in January.

PHOTO BY OFFICE OF MAYOR JOHN COOPER

District Attorney Stacey Edmonson sworn into office

BY MATT MASTERS

From

Williamson County’s new District Attorney Stacey B. Edmonson was formally sworn into office on Thursday, June 8, following the unexpected death of former DA Kim Helper in March.

Edmonson was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee in May and was administered the oath of office by Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeff Bivins inside of Franklin’s historic courthouse on Thursday.

Edmonson has served the 21st Judicial District for 19 years, most recently as Deputy District Attorney General, a role she has held for 12 years.

“Stacey is a dedicated public servant and highly qualified attorney, and I value the significant experience she will continue to bring to the 21st Judicial District,” Lee said in a May news release. “I am confident she will lead with integrity, and I appreciate her service to Tennesseans.”

The event was attended by dozens of government and community leaders from across Williamson County and featured remarks by Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long.

“I talked to Gov. Lee during some of the decisions of who to represent Williamson County as the district attorney, and he got it right; she will be a fantastic district attorney,” Long said. “She has the integrity that she needs to have, she has the honesty that she needs to have, she also has the compassion that she needs to have.”

“This is exactly what Kim Helper

to any sea.

would want.”

Helper’s widower Gerry Helper gave the invocation at the ceremony.

Edmonson also spoke of following in Helper’s footsteps, albeit in a different way than she or anyone else in the 21st Judicial District had planned or wanted.

“The loss of Gen. Helper opened up this opportunity for me, but it was always our plan, this is what we had always planned, that eventually she would retire,” Edmonson said, adding that she is excited to take on the role.

She also thanked her “massive family,” many of whom were in the audience that filled the Cornelia A. Clark Courtroom, along with numerous government, community, legal and law enforcement leaders.

“I look out and I see faces of people who have meant so much to me over the years and through my career,” Edmonson said, calling it an “emotional day.”

Edmonson told The News that the support and relationships throughout the community is “vital” to the success of her office and to promoting and pursuing justice for victims.

Edmonson also told The News that she plans to continue the efforts and focus that was established under Helper, specifically a focus on prosecuting drug crimes, violent crimes and retail theft, in an effort to prevent any escalation of crime through prosecution.

Tenn. Supreme Court Justice Jeffery S. Bivins issues the oath of office to 21st Judicial District Attorney Stacey B. Edmonson on June 8, 2023, in Franklin’s Historic Courthouse, while her husband and son stand at her side.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Alive Hospice sale called off

BY STEVE CAVENDISH, NASHVILLE BANNER

This story is a partnership between the Nashville Banner and the Nashville Post. The Banner is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization focused on civic news and will launch later this year. For more information, visit NashvilleBanner.com.

Alive Hospice will remain a nonprofit.

After weeks of speculation — and silence from Alive’s board and executives — the hospice announced late Tuesday afternoon that the board of directors had determined that “Alive will remain a not-for-profit, independent organization providing hospice, palliative care and mission-based support services to people across Middle Tennessee,” according to a statement released by CEO Kimberly Goessele. Founders David and Lynn Barton received a call from board secretary Jeff Landman with the news a little after 5 p.m. Tuesday. The executive committee of the board made the decision to not go forward after weeks of public pressure led to calls for Goessele’s resignation.

“I don’t know whether the executive board started to realize they might not have the votes [to sell], because people were changing their minds,” said Lynn Barton, one of Alive’s founders. “The community voice was so loud about it.”

State Republican leaders defend Trump following historic federal indictment

BY MATT MASTERS

Former President Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to face federal charges on Thursday afternoon, sparking responses from both state and local Republican Party leaders.

While the exact details and extent of the charges has not yet been made public, multiple news outlets are reporting that Trump has been indicted on seven federal charges stemming from the Department of Justice’s Special Counsel investigation led by Jack Smith, a former HCA Healthcare lawyer and federal prosecutor in Nashville.

The New York Times first reported that the charges include a violation of the Espionage Act.

Trump himself broke the news of his indictment in a Truth Social post on Thursday, in which he revealed that he has been summoned to appear in a federal court in Miami on Tuesday, June 13. He later posted a video to his Truth Social account where he further addressed his indictment.

Trump called the news of the indictment a “Dark day for the United States of America” and “election interference” and said that he will plead not guilty to any charges.

CNN reported that Trump was captured on an audio recording admitting that he was in possession of the classified

documents, a recording in which he also reportedly admitted that he could not simply declassify the documents, a claim he has made for months.

The saga of the two-year investigation into the missing classified documents has led to speculation from politicians, legal experts and political pundits about the impact of the now court case on the 2024 general election for which Trump is currently the Republican front runner.

Trump’s indictment led to a flurry of outcry and defense of the former president, including from some Tennessee representatives, whose statements can be read below.

“I take this with a grain of salt,” Williamson County GOP Chairman Tracy Miller told The News in reaction to the indictment of the de facto head of the national Republican Party. “They have been after him time and time again, and often falsely so, so I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt and I suspect this will shake out much the same way as a lot of these other accusations and charges have done in the past.”

Miller said that despite the news, the Williamson County GOP remains “energized.”

“The Republican Party, we’ve never

been more needed than we are right now, and I think that what they’re doing to President Trump is just another sign of that,” Miller said.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn called the federal indictment “the pinnacle of two tiers of justice at work,” calling into question other investigations over the handling of sensitive documents by former Sect. of State Hillary Clinton and current President Joe Biden.

Sen. Bill Hagerty also called the charges “our two-tiered justice system on full display” and that “making America look like a banana republic is incredibly irresponsible.”

Congressman Andy Ogles, who earned Trump’s endorsement during his 2022 campaign and in May touted another endorsement from the former president aimed at the 2024 campaign, called on Trump’s GOP competition for the presidency to speak out against the charges.

“Any candidate for the Presidency who refuses to immediately, unequivocally, and publicly denounce the Department of Justice’s blatant double standards and their politically-motivated witch hunt against President Trump is nothing short of an enemy of the people.”

Her husband, co-founder David Barton, agreed that the pressure campaign had begun to weigh on the board.

“The last three or four days, I don’t know whether you felt it, But if you took the pulse of concern about where Alive is going, the pulse was really increasingly strong,” said David Barton, a retired M.D. “There was more and more coming across the media and more and more phone calls and more and more texts. It was like they reached a crescendo.”

In calls made by the Banner on Monday to 17 different board members, there was a sense of exasperation by some that they could not speak out about the potential sale. A relative of one board member told the Banner, “At this time the entire board has been told they cannot speak nor write about Alive Hospice. It’s very frustrating.”

At the same time Landman was calling the Bartons, Goessele sent a statement to Alive employees with the news.

“This decision follows several months of working with third-party advisors to explore the industry and local dynamics that will impact Alive’s operations in the years ahead, from reimbursement changes to labor shortages and rising costs to privatization and consolidation across healthcare,” the statement reads. “Securing the future of Alive for the long term will require a significant investment of time, expertise and resources of our community, and we are planning to solicit feedback from the community to engage Middle Tennesseans in this effort.”

Alive was founded by the Bartons and Dr. John Flexner and opened its

Former President Donald Trump

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

doors in 1975 as only the third hospice in the U.S. Hospices were largely nonprofits until Medicare made the hospice benefit permanent in 1985 and the number of for-profits steadily increased, from 30 percent in 2000 to 73 percent in 2020.

The Banner first reported that Alive was considering a sale in April after the Bartons and others were denied a chance to speak to the board about the proposed deal with Amedisys.

In early May, “Keep Alive Alive” was formed by a group of current and former advisory board and board members who did not want to see the nonprofit be sold. The coalition eventually included former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and others who lobbied Tennessee Attorney General Jonathon Skrmetti to block the deal. A number of current employees joined the group and Keep Alive Alive released a letter from more than 100 former employees asking the board of the hospice to reconsider selling. The group included clinical staff, executives and the previous two Alive CEOs.

Alive’s statement seemed to acknowledge the flood of attention that had been turned onto the organization as calls, emails and letters urged the nonprofit and its board to reject any sale.

“The past several weeks have demonstrated how much Middle Tennesseans truly care about Alive and are committed to supporting its mission,” the statement reads. “The Board recognizes the recent outpouring of care Alive has received.”

Antioch Man

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

cut off security wires by a group of at least eight people who fled in three vehicles. Police called Crockett “one of West Precinct’s most wanted individuals” and suspect him of taking part in at least three theft incidents from the mall.

In April, MNPD charged several people in a separate shoplifting incident which saw the theft of $40,000 worth of luxury bags from the mall.

Antonio Crockett PHOTO BY MNPD

Q&A: Vice mayoral candidate Angie Henderson

BY NICOLE WILLIAMS

Angie Henderson has served as District 34’s Metro councilmember since 2015. Councilmembers are limited to two consecutive four-year terms in a particular office, so Henderson is term-limited and cannot run for reelection this year. In March, Henderson launched her campaign for vice mayor, a position currently held by Jim Shulman. Shulman has expressed his intention to run for reelection. Henderson says that during a recent 48-hour online fundraising event, her campaign raised more than $30,000 in donations and obligations.

Below, find our interview with Henderson, which has been edited for length and clarity.

Why are you running for vice mayor? In 2018, you opted not to run — what changed?

In 2018, I had very specific policy goals that had not been fully achieved. And I think now, I’ve learned a lot, and it really is, for me, reaching back and building a bridge. I’ve enjoyed this work, but it’s sometimes been particularly — and often unnecessarily — difficult. I want to continue to serve, and

I think [vice mayor] is the best role for my skill set.

You said you think sometimes it’s been unnecessarily difficult — do you think that the vice mayor has been an impediment to progress on policy issues?

I would not characterize it that way. I think you have to respect each legislator’s individual autonomy, but there is a way to be more strategic in how we do the work. Often I say to folks, it is a strategic puzzle. Turtle wins the race. We’ve got to be deliberate in that regard.

In discussing your decision not to run for vice mayor in 2018, you said you “ran for elected office to improve policy, which I could not do as the vice mayor.” Why not run for an at-large seat?

I have done a fair amount of the work that I intended to do. My perspective has evolved somewhat. I have, over time, come to see how the [vice mayoral] role is important to the strategic optimization of the policy work that we do. And in

contemplating continuing to serve with the current vice mayor, I was not particularly excited or optimistic about that. I think communication and support are very important. We are stronger as a legislative body when we work intentionally and we support each other.

Do you have a particular instance where you feel like you weren’t supported by Vice Mayor Shulman?

I think there have been some concerns around how we do our committee work. We’ve been through an unusual time, and so I try to extend some grace in that regard. I don’t think that it was particularly helpful, as we first came into this term, to create five or six brand-new special committees to be chaired by folks who had just arrived at the council. You’ve got to be intentional about the knowledge that you garner over the years.

Speaking of committees, I’ve developed something I call the “Neighbors to Shulman” spectrum. Diane Neighbors, who served as vice mayor from 2007 to 2015, was really strict about using committees to hash out the details of legislation. Vice Mayor Shulman has been much looser about that. Where do you fall on the “Neighbors to Shulman” spectrum?

I think I fall right in the middle. I think Vice Mayor Neighbors was correct, in that we need to be more intentional about the work in committee. I do also feel, though, that on matters of broad community concern, there is merit to having some debate on the floor. But [the vice mayor] can speak into the room, “I understand there was extensive debate in committee about this.” You can kind of narrate the meeting. That keeps it moving along, but it doesn’t give [residents] the impression that we don’t care.

You’ve had some pretty public disagreements with the mayor’s office. The vice mayor generally remains “neutral” in a way CMs don’t have to. How would you handle disagreements with the mayor’s office?

I think that what you’re wanting to do [as vice mayor] is empower your colleagues to have that voice in a way that is constructive. Not this tit-for-tat between the mayor’s office and council when councilmembers speak up about something or criticize something. That’s literally our job. And so I think some of that is just going to the mayor’s office and saying, “This is not helpful, let’s do better,” and not being afraid to engage the conversation. You can’t just mute yourself in an effort to be civil.

One of the major jobs of the vice mayor is to assign committees. What would your process be for committee assignments? How would that differ from Vice Mayor Shulman’s process, if at all?

I think it is very important to speak

with all incoming councilmembers and to understand their background in service; their background professionally; their primary concerns. If somebody is asking good questions in committee, if they’re doing policy work that is aligned with that committee, then let’s move them into that vice-chairmanship role. If they do well as vice chair, and they have a desire to serve as chair, let’s move them into that role. That would be a logical progression.

I don’t think we should just arbitrarily, every year, say, “OK, new chairs!” You shouldn’t harden into one- or two-year terms. But you need to have the option for that, because if you have a whole lot of inprogress work in committee — especially on oversight — just tossing up the fruit basket is not helpful.

Vice mayors also have to serve as a referee on interpersonal squabbles among councilmembers. I’ve done quite a bit of that behind the scenes already. It doesn’t have to be “Kumbaya.” But I say to colleagues, “Don’t burn bridges. You may disagree on this bill, but don’t make it personal.” Councilmembers need to feel like the vice mayor is not picking favorites. The vice mayor is about the work of the body, not picking sides.

Do you feel like Vice Mayor Shulman picks sides?

I’m not sure. I think some colleagues do feel that way. Again, I don’t mean any disrespect, but I do hear from a broad range of colleagues that they have concerns about his leadership.

In 2020, during a marathon budget public hearing, Shulman lost his cool. At one point, he went out into the hallway and berated the people who were waiting to speak. How would you have approached that?

That was a high-stress time, but that’s part of leadership. You cannot succumb to that stress and pressure. You have to maintain your clarity and your leadership in that moment and respect the people who are there. I know we were tired, but you can’t do that. You cannot lose control like that.

As vice mayor, you’re one resignation or death away from becoming mayor. Are you prepared to be mayor?

I am. Nashville is my hometown. I care about it a lot. I have really enjoyed and appreciated this opportunity to serve on council. And I think, being chair of multiple committees and executing major policy initiatives, I have a pretty good handle on a lot of the issues. I could do the job. I am confident in that.

Angie Henderson PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGIE HENDERSON CAMPAIGN

Poll highlights strong backing for racetrack renovations, NASCAR’s return

BY BILL FREEMAN

A recent poll commissioned by Bristol Motor Speedway has shed some light on how Nashvillians feel about the proposed renovations at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and the return of NASCAR. The poll, conducted by Washington, D.C.based Hart Research Associates, provides valuable insights into the opinions of our community. And in my mind, it highlights the overwhelming local support for the renovation project.

According to the poll results, many Nashvillians were not familiar with the details of the proposed deal between the city and Bristol Motor Speedway. However, when those polled were provided with an explanation of the proposal, support for the renovations outweighed opposition. After receiving a description of the deal, 67 percent of those polled countywide expressed their support, with 27 percent in opposition and 6 percent remaining uncertain. The numbers are even stronger among residents in the neighboring communities, where an overwhelming 72 percent rallied behind the renovations following a description.

As reported by The Tennessean, “Most respondents reported positive feelings toward the fairgrounds.” Nearly half (48 percent) of voters “said they have attended fairgrounds events in the last five years, and 21% said they’ve visited the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.” This signifies the potential for widespread enthusiasm among our residents once they become more informed about the project.

But it is also important to note that John Ingram, CEO of the Nashville Soccer Club, has raised concerns about the racetrack renovations. One of his chief concerns seems to be that the racetrack will be “competing” with the Nashville SC at Geodis Park. As a dedicated businessman, Ingram is naturally driven to protect his investments. Still, it is crucial for our city’s decision makers to consider the greater good of Nashville and listen to the voice of the people, remembering the potential benefits for our entire community. And as I mentioned in my last column, the Nashville Soccer Club built on its site with complete awareness of the speedway’s historic value and Nashville’s intention to maintain and improve the facilities. I also wrote, and still believe, that “through open dialogue and collaboration,” we can all win.

The speedway renovations hold great promise for our city. Not only will they bring back the thrill of NASCAR racing, but they will provide a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and cultural

revitalization. As noted in a response letter by Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, the plan is “to restore the track, add additional parking for non-racing events such as soccer games, flea market, and concerts at GEODIS Park, build a sound absorption barrier to substantially reduce auto racing sounds, and provide hundreds of wellpaying jobs for the community.” The positive impacts seem to far outweigh the negatives, and considering the numbers from the poll, many Nashvillians agree.

The renovations address the concerns raised by the community, including sound mitigation and increased parking for non-race events. By actively addressing these issues, the project demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and comfort of both residents and visitors.

To boot, Metro Nashville’s fact sheet on the speedway provides comprehensive details about the funding structure, with public funding sources covering the majority of renovation and construction costs. This means Nashville taxpayers will not bear the burden of financing the project, creating a fair and equitable distribution of responsibility.

Though all concerns should be heard and addressed, let’s remember the potential of this project. It can revive a beloved venue, reignite the spirit of NASCAR, and unite our community in celebrating something good — something that families

and neighbors can do together. By moving forward with this project, we invest in our city’s future, reputation, culture and wealth. Nashville is changing so rapidly. Holding onto something that has been here for more than a century is a good idea. You can’t get back something once you tear it down. Today no one would ever consider tearing down the Parthenon or the Ryman. Think of how successful the Ryman has been since being brought back from the brink of destruction. Some wanted it razed. Nashville without the Ryman is unthinkable today. In 20 years, let’s hope people will be saying the same thing about Nashville and its racetrack.

As a proud citizen of Nashville, I wholeheartedly advocate for the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway renovations. The poll only emphasizes what this means to the people of Nashville — and to racing fans. I think this project symbolizes our city’s resilience, ambition and commitment to growth. I say we put the pedal to the metal — and go full speed ahead.

Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.

Bill Freeman

Bristol Motor Speedway

PHOTO BY RAY ASHLEY

OPINION

GIVE BLOOD OR NOT

I am upset and have been for many, many years. Why you ask? Well for many years I gave blood religiously. I was called in on many occasions from the Blood Bank in need of my blood type. As I stated earlier, I had given blood long enough to get my 3 gallon pin and was working on my 4th when I received a letter from those in charge stating in no uncertain terms that I would never be able to ever give blood again – “so don’t even try.” My blood did not pass the test. I was so upset when I read that letter I immediately set up an appointment with my GP. My blood was tested and almost immediately he told me that nothing was wrong with my blood, it was just that the

ARC received a “false positive” for infection/ nonusable blood. I knew there was nothing wrong with my blood but I did not have a path to reverse this decision and was never able to give blood again. I heard on the radio or TV that now that there is usually an ongoing blood shortage, the ARC is actually running blood through, I hope extensive, tests in order to clear HIV patients the ability to give blood. After so many years that I gave blood you’d think they would have at least run a quick second test just to be sure.

The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.

Send your comments to tickedoff@thenewstn.com

GEODIS unveils expansion project at Brentwood headquarters

BY STAFF REPORTS

International logistics company GEODIS unveiled the results of a major expansion project at its Americas headquarters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Brentwood last month.

Several local dignitaries and GEODIS executives were on hand for the unveiling including former Brentwood Mayor Rhea Little, Vice Mayor Ken Travis, and City Commissioner Nelson Andrews.

The renovation project, which began in fall 2019, more than tripled the square footage of GEODIS’ workspace from 28,000 square feet when they began working out of the Brentwood corporate office in 2005 to 132,607 square feet.

“We created a steering committee back in 2018, going into 2019, and we said to ourself we need to be different; we need to

set ourselves up for growth. “GEODIS in Americas President and CEO Mike Honious said. “We can build a place for our Geodians that they would love to come and work at.

“It’s more than just the office, it’s a multiuse area...We want to create an environment that people want to come to, not have to come to.”

The project also included increased capacity from approximately 880 seats to over 1,000 and a transition of the workspace from dedicated cubes and offices to a freeaddress environment.

GEODIS’ Brentwood headquarters functions as the company’s hub for the entirety of its North American operations across eight countries. The company also has Middle Tennessee locations in Nashville, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, and La Vergne.

Brentwood government officials and GEODIS leaders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEODIS

Team behind Common Ground announces expansion into Berry Hill

BY CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

In early May, Gep and Katie Nelson, the owners of The Yellow Porch, announced that they would be closing the venerable restaurant that had been a neighborhood fixture in Berry Hill since 1998. In truth, the couple had been investigating that option as far back as 2018 and had made changes in service throughout the pandemic that they never undid, like serving lunch for example. While fans of the restaurant are understandably disappointed to see it go, the Nelsons have certainly been an important part of the dining scene in Nashville for a long time.

Their legacy will live on in some way as they have reached an arrangement to turn over the keys of their restaurant to the ownership group behind Common Ground, effective June 1. Industry veterans Matt Ramos and Wes Taylor lead operations of that group, and this expansion fits into exactly what they told me before they opened the first outpost of Common Ground late last year at 4001 Charlotte Ave. In that interview, Ramos mentioned that they were already seeking out a second potential location before their first restaurant even opened.

A key factor to them was to make sure that they could provide a need for the neighborhood they settled in. “The biggest thing was we wanted to be where it was a real neighborhood, where native Nashvillians are living or maybe working remotely,” Ramos said.

While the Berry Hill location probably doesn’t have the same population density as the original restaurant spot on the border

between the Nations and Sylvan Park, Ramos sees the opportunity to draw from nearby neighborhoods like Woodbine and 12South.

“We had always planned to open two in the first year, and we developed a restaurant that was ready to plug and play,” he says. “We’d been talking to Gep and Katie for a few months and jumped at the opportunity to be a mile from the soccer stadium and all the potential business from the music studios in the neighborhood, which is kind of turning into the new Music Row.”

Ramos and Taylor are comfortable with multi-unit operations and expansion thanks to their experience working with the M Street and Red Pebbles hospitality groups in the past, and they believe that their concept of hospitality will align well with those of The Yellow Porch. They are also confident about being able to staff up, having retained about 90 percent of their original employees over their first year of operations on Charlotte.

Despite coming into the first restaurant with a clear vision that included a fast-casual cafe service and a strong commitment to their coffee program, they weren’t afraid to pivot early in the process.

“You have to let the guests dictate the evolution of the menu,” says Ramos. “We saw early on that there was a lot of cafe competition in the neighborhood ... so we did away with the cafe hours and focused on brunch, lunch and dinner.”

Another surprise was how popular their cocktail program became. “We use fresh juices for everything, and we’ve become

much more of a cocktail bar and restaurant than a cafe like we thought,” he says. “I figured our wine, beer and cocktail sales would be about equal, but the majority of our beverage sales have been cocktails.”

Common Ground has also drawn tipplers in with special theme nights like an evening devoted to tiki drinks. The front bar is also activated during the restaurant’s popular weekend brunch service that will soon expand to include Fridays.

In an effort to attract former fans of The Yellow Porch, Common Ground plans to enhance their wine list to reflect how robust the Nelsons’ offering was, even if they won’t end up having quite as many bottles as the previous resident of the space.

Speaking of space, Ramos is excited about the new digs, saying “We’ll have a two-tiered outdoor deck with 36 semi-enclosed seats. That will really enhance the experience over the small patio we have now.”

The menu in Berry Hill will reflect the offering in Sylvan Park with lots of small shareables along with larger plated entrees and their popular Black Hawk Farms wagyu smashburger. Some of the lunch items are also on the brunch menu alongside various toasts and salads. Ramos is particularly proud of Common Ground’s lox made using salmon cured in-house with gin, spiced with bagel seasoning from their neighbors at Savory Spice Shop in L&L Market, and served on bread from Charpier’s Bakery just a short drive away.

The staff is in the middle of a cosmetic flip of the Yellow Porch, aiming to accomplish the work in the same rapid two-

Belmont taps Neder as associate dean

STAFF REPORTS

Belmont University has announced the appointment of Dr. Adam Neder as associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences serving the School of Theology and Christian Ministry.

The appointment is effective Aug 1, according to a release.

Neder is currently a professor of theology at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. He was voted most influential professor by the 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2017 Whitworth senior classes.

Neder earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Covenant College and received his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.

At Belmont, Neder will lead more than

20 theology and Christian ministry faculty and staff, approximately 100 School of Theology and Christian Ministry students and more than 7,000 undergraduate students who are required to take two STCM courses through Belmont’s general education curriculum.

“We are eager to welcome [Neder] to Belmont,” Dr. David Gregory, Belmont provost and executive vice president for academic excellence, said in the release. “I am confident that [he] will be an asset to STCM and to its faculty, staff and students.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

month time frame that they took to convert Chaatable into Common Ground. They’ll begin taking reservations on Resy in midJuly with an eye on an early August opening. Like at Sylvan Park, the new Common Ground will always set aside some seating for walk-ins, a move that has encouraged repeat visits from loyal neighbors.

“I’m surprised by the number of regulars that are already coming here two or three times a week,” Ramos says, “and it’s great to see so many people walking here.”

Ramos and Taylor do plan to hit pause on further expansion for at least a little while after they move to the new location. “We want to create a place that can fit into anyone’s weekly routine, and we’re really enjoying this model,” says Ramos. “We just don’t want to expand the concept anymore yet until we get these two up and going.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Scene.

Vanderbilt hospital president stepping down

BY STAFF REPORTS

Shon Dwyer, president of Vanderbilt University Hospital, is stepping down from her position at the end of the fiscal year, the hospital has announced.

Dwyer joined VUH in March 2020, the same month that Nashville recorded its first COVID-19 case. A release from last week does not note what Dwyer, who has worked in hospitals for 36 years, will do next, though she plans to “further expand and leverage her leadership capabilities toward a greater impact on U.S. health care.”

Prior to working at Vanderbilt, Dwyer was executive director at University Hospital in Michigan.

Lee Ann Liska, chief operating officer for VUH, will serve as interim president. She joined the hospital a few months after Dwyer.

“Shon has been a passionate leader in service of VUMC, so that we can meet the needs of the patients we serve,” Wright Pinson, deputy CEO and chief health system officer for VUMC, said in the release. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to Shon for her service and many efforts to advance our mission.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Dr. Adam Neder

June 9 West Nashville crash kills Kingston Springs man

STAFF REPORTS

A five-vehicle crash on Charlotte Pike at Brook Hollow Road killed a Kingston Springs man on June 9.

According to a Metro Nashville Police Department news release, 36-year-old Derek Doster was a passenger in a Jeep Gladiator, driven by 21-year-old Jonathan Mark Wingate, also of Kingston Springs, which they said was “traveling northeast on Charlotte Pike at a high rate of speed” when Wingate lost control of the vehicle.

The Jeep rolled onto its driver side and began to slide, causing four other vehicles to crash.

Everyone involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts except for Wingate and Doster, which resulted in “critical” injuries to Wingate, while Doster died after arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

MNPD’s Crime Laboratory will analyze a blood sample from Wingate to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in this fatal crash.

Former Franklin Mayor Dr. Jeff Bethurum dies at 79

BY MATT MASTERS

Former Franklin Mayor Dr. Alva Jefferson “Jeff” Bethurum died on Sunday at the age 79.

Bethurum served as mayor from 1977-87 and served on the medical staff at Williamson Medical Center for 47 years as a vascular and general surgeon.

“Jeff was a longtime friend, medical school classmate, and colleague,” current Franklin Mayor Ken Moore said in an email. “His contributions to our community are numerous in addition to his practice of medicine. He set the course for Franklin’s growth for many years to come. His contributions will be remembered in Franklin’s history and an example for all.”

Bethurum’s obituary calls the Franklin native and Battle Ground Academy graduate a “devoted husband, father, physician, pilot, mayor, community servant, and Christian.”

He received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and later attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

Throughout his career, Bethurum served for nine years as WMC’s Chief of Staff, eight years as Chief of Surgery, and 37 years on the hospital’s Board of Trustees, earning

The Patient’s Choice Awards in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014. He was also honored as Physician of the Year in 1991, retiring on his 78th birthday in 2022.

In addition to his service as mayor, Bethurum also served on the Franklin Planning Commission and has been noted for his crucial role in the investment of infrastructure projects in Franklin, including the beginning of the creation of Mack Hatcher Parkway.

In April, Moore recognized Bethurum with a proclamation honoring all of his contributions to the city. It was also proclaimed that October 26 would officially be known as “Dr. Jeff Bethurum Day” in Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dr. Bethurum to Williamson Health Foundation, 4321 Carothers Parkway, Franklin, TN 37067.

Former Franklin Mayor Dr. Jeff Bethurum

PHOTO BY WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL

Vanderbilt heptathlete earns silver medal at NCAA Championships

BY LOGAN BUTTS

The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships took place in Austin last week, and a handful of local athletes competed among the nation’s best.

Vanderbilt graduate student Beatrice Juskeviciute turned in the top performance from a Nashville-area athlete, placing second in the heptathlon to earn a silver medal. It was the highest finish for a Commodore at the NCAA outdoor championships since Simone Charley, now with the Portland Thorns of the NWSL, finished second in the triple jump in 2016.

Juskeviciute scored a personal best 6,117 points to earn the second-place finish, breaking the program record for the third time this season. She also won the gold medal in the event at the SEC championships earlier this season.

Vanderbilt junior Jada Sims also competed in the heptathlon. She was

ranked 21st after the first four events, but had to bow out of the competition after the fifth event.

Fellow graduate student Brooke Overholt earned first-team All-America honors by blazing to a personal-best time of 55.50 seconds in the 400m hurdles finals to place fourth. It is her second time earning firstteam honors.

A trio of Commodore earned secondteam All-American status. Graduate student Taiya Shelby finished 15th in the 400m with a time of 51.63 seconds to earn second-team honors for the third time.

Allyria McBride placed 15th in the 400m hurdles, which was the top time of any freshman in the competition. Veronica Fraley earned her second-career second-team AllAmerican honor with a 17th-place finish in the discus. Her mark was 52.91 meters.

Middle Tennessee senior Alaba Akintola

competed in a pair of events at the outdoor championships. The sprinter finished 13th in the 100m with a time of 10.07 seconds, good enough for second-team All-American honors and just three spots away from making the final.

Akintola also placed 16th in the 200m with a 20.46-second mark. He earned second-team All-American status in that event as well.

Lipscomb sophomore Lydia Miller honorable mention All-American status by finishing 19th in the 5000m run with a time of 16:14.55. The mark was just 22 seconds off of her personal best.

Belmont’s Sheppard generating NBA Draft first-round buzz

BY JOHN GLENNON

It’s become apparent for a while now that Belmont University’s Ben Sheppard is likely be selected in the NBA Draft on June 22.

The question now: How high will he go?

Up until a few weeks ago, almost every NBA draft analyst figured Sheppard, a 6-6, 195-pound shooting guard from Atlanta, would be picked in the second round.

But thanks in part to a strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine in mid-May, Sheppard is now considered by some as a first-round pick.

Should that happen, Sheppard would become Belmont’s second first-round selection in the past five years, as the Cleveland Cavaliers selected forward Dylan Windler in the first round (26th overall) of the 2019 draft.

The Athletic’s most recent mock draft had Sheppard as a second-round selection, taken by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 47th overall pick. The NBA Draft Room projects Sheppard to go early in the second round, 34th to the Charlotte Hornets.

But at least two other sites now list Sheppard as a first-round selection.

SI.com has Sheppard going 28th overall, to the Utah Jazz, and offered this prospect profile:

“Sheppard feels like a real sleeper in this class, being a jumbo guard with shooting touch and the length to defend at a high level. He has a good feel for the game given he has played point guard in the past, so he

has lead guard skills but is more of an NBA off-ball guard or wing with his size.”

Bleacher Report ups the ante on Sheppard in its most recent mock draft, forecasting the Miami Heat to take Sheppard at No. 18 overall.

“Interest in Sheppard has snowballed since the NBA combine, as he now has teams with picks in the teens bringing him in for workouts,” Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote. “Scouts and executives suddenly started to take his 18.8 points and 58.2 true shooting percentage at Belmont more seriously after he torched groups of second-round prospects in Chicago. Sharp pick-and-roll offense and shooting versatility are earning Sheppard legitimate consideration in the mid-to-late first round.”

Sheppard was named to the all-Missouri Valley Conference team last season at Belmont after averaging 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He shot 48 percent from the field overall and 42 percent from three-point range.

In Sheppard’s first scrimmage against elite prospects at the NBA combine, he totaled 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.

But Sheppard truly opened some eyes in his second scrimmage, when he scored a game-high 25 points, hitting on eight-of-10 shots overall and three-of-five from threepoint range. He added four rebounds, three assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

Sheppard has reportedly worked out for multiple NBA teams, including Atlanta, Golden State, Indiana, New Orleans,

Ben Sheppard PHOTO COURTESY OF BELMONT ATHLETICS

Beatrice Juskeviciute

PHOTO COURTESY OF VANDERBILT ATHLETICS

Vols headed to College World Series thanks to local contributions

BY JOHN GLENNON

Tennessee’s baseball team is headed to the College World Series for the second time in three years, thanks to some big contributions from Nashville-area players in Monday’s 5-0 win over Southern Mississippi in the NCAA Hattiesburg Super Regional.

The victory came in a decisive third game, after Southern Miss had won the series opener on Saturday and the Vols had rebounded with a win on Sunday.

Tennessee’s pitching was the key difference in the game, as three Vol pitchers combined to limit the Golden Eagles (46-20) to seven hits — all of which were singles.

Sophomore right-hander Drew Beam, a 6-4, 208-pound Murfreesboro native and Blackman High grad, delivered a dominant starting effort for the Vols (43-20). In six shutout innings, Beam struck out seven, allowing seven hits and one walk.

It was the second straight strong postseason performance for Beam, who helped the Vols defeat Charlotte at the Clemson Regional a week earlier. In that game, Beam also went six innings, striking out 10 and allowing two runs on just four hits.

In the seventh inning on Monday, the Vols called upon 6-4, 195-pound reliever Chase Burns, a Gallatin native and Beech High grad who entered the

game with Southern Miss runners on first and third base. Burns struck out the next two batters to end the inning, screaming and pumping his fists on the way to the dugout as Tennessee maintained a 4-0 lead at that point.

Burns would shut down the Golden Eagles for the remainder of the game, striking out four in 2-2/3 hitless innings.

The City of Oak Hill Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

The City of Oak Hill Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

The City of Oak Hill, Tennessee, hereby provides certain financial informa;on for the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget in accordance with the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 6, Chapter 56, Sec;on 206.

The City of Oak Hill, Tennessee, hereby provides certain financial informa;on for the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget in accordance with the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 6, Chapter 56, Sec;on 206.

The City of Oak Hill, Tennessee, hereby provides certain financial informa;on for the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget in accordance with the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 6, Chapter 56, Sec;on 206.

The bulk of Tennessee’s offense came thanks to third baseman Zane Denton, a Brentwood native and Ravenwood High grad. Denton, who transferred to Tennessee from Alabama, hammered a three-run homer to center field in the fifth inning, giving the Vols a 4-0 lead.

It was the fourth postseason home run for Denton, who hit three in the Clemson Regional and leads the Vols with 58 RBIs.

Tennessee will open College World Series play on Saturday, taking on Southeastern Conference rival LSU at 6 p.m. on ESPN.

The Vols are making their sixth trip to the College World Series, and are one of just four teams in the nation — along with Stanford, Texas and Virginia — to have reached Omaha, Neb., in two of the past three seasons.

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post

There will be a public hearing concerning the Budget at City Hall, on June 27th, 2023, at 6:00 PM. All ci;zens are welcome to par;cipate. The Budget and all suppor;ng data are public record and available for public inspec;on by anyone at the City Hall.

There will be a public hearing concerning the Budget at City Hall, on June 27th, 2023, at 6:00 PM. All ci;zens are welcome to par;cipate. The Budget and all suppor;ng data are public record and available for public inspec;on by anyone at the City Hall.

There will be a public hearing concerning the Budget at City Hall, on June 27th, 2023, at All ci;zens are welcome to par;cipate. The Budget and all suppor;ng data are public record available for public inspec;on by anyone at the City Hall.

Tennessee pitcher Drew Beam

PHOTO BY DAVID RUSSELL/NASHVILLE POST

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Five free and cheap family things to do in middle Tennessee

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

There’s one small sad moment in this week’s list of free things to do, which is that this is the last week to check out Musician’s Corner. The last set of the series is local queen of folk Erin Rae. Don’t forget to check it out before it’s too late.

In Franklin on June 16, you can check out Moana at Pinkerton Park for the ultimate outside singalong with your little ones. There’ll be a celebration of history and community at the Juneteenth Festival in Franklin the next night. If you want to get

out for a drive into the country, check out the annual RC Cola-MoonPie Festival in Bell Buckle. And if dad is into tunes, there’s the perfect event for Father’s Day down at Jazz on the Cumberland on June 18.

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:

MOVIES IN THE PARK: FRANKLIN

At Pinkerton Park in Franklin, there are two remaining dates to enjoy a free night out watching a movie. June 16, bring the kiddos out for a singalong of Moana and on June 23 Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark provides a family-friendly night for the older kiddos in your crew. Folks can bring their own blanket, chair and snacks for a Friday night family movie. Movies begin at 8 p.m.

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

On June 17, Franklin Justice Equity Coalition is slated to host its third Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Franklin. The event is free and begins at 10 a.m. Families can enjoy music, food trucks, a DJ and a Kids Zone. The event is also pet friendly.

MUSICIANS CORNER

Nashville’s free concert series Musicians Corner is slated to host its last spate of shows this coming weekend at Centennial Park. This weekend attendees can see Blessing

Offor, Bre Kennedy, Abigail Osborn, Gabe Baker, Mandi Mapes, Erin Rae, Coco, Jobi Riccio, SmallTown Strings, Molly Frances, David Vogel, Ryan Neal, Willow Zhu and Khrys Hatch. Over the past few weeks, dozens of artists have performed at Centennial Park. Come out for one last super family-friendly show before it ends.

RC COLA-MOONPIE FESTIVAL

In Bell Buckle, just south of Nashville about an hour away, the RC Cola-MoonPie Festival offers a fun way to celebrate two southern staples. Visitors come from all over the world and the day includes many contests, including one to find out who came from the furthest distance to enjoy the fest. Thousands of folks will come through Bell Buckle’s small downtown to enjoy a parade, vendors, clogging, dancing, music, food and more. And the drive down there is just lovely once you get off the interstate.

JAZZ

ON THE CUMBERLAND 2023

Jazz on the Cumberland Concert Series will be hosting its select Sunday monthly show on Father’s Day in June. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., folks can head to Nashville Cumberland Park next to Nissan Stadium to enjoy some free jazz music. The evening offers local, regional and national players all with a view of the downtown skyline. There’ll be food and drink for sale and a Kids Zone for the youngins.

The City of Belle Meade, Tennessee, hereby provides certain financial information for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget in accordance with the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated Title 6, Chapter 56, Section 206. There will be a public hearing concerning the budget at City Hall, on June 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. All citizens are welcome to participate. The budget and all supporting data are a public record and are available for public inspection by anyone at the office of the Finance Director.

The City of Belle Meade, Tennessee, hereby provides certain financial information for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget in accordance with the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated Title 6, Chapter 56, Section 206. There will be a public hearing concerning the budget at City Hall, on June 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. All citizens are welcome to participate. The budget and all supporting data are a public record and are available for public inspection by anyone at the office of the Finance Director.

Embered Sweet Corn with Lime-Basil Butter

BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE

The simple addition of fresh lime juice and basil to buttered corn is a revelation. Grilling or charring it adds an extra dimension. You can grill the corn on the cob, then cut off or cut the kernels from the

cob and grill in a grill pan with fine holes. Either works. This recipe is courtesy of Serial Griller: Grillmaster Secrets for Flame Cooked Perfection by Matt Moore 2020.

ACROSS

1 Toot one’s own horn

5 Opposite of “sans”

9 Crime lord strangled by Princess Leia

14 T ibetan monk

15 Home of the Sphinx

16 Elba who por trayed Nelson Mandela

17 Ursa Major and Ursa Minor?

19 They’re found around castles

20 1992 role for Robin Williams or 2019 role for Will Smith

21 [I’m right here!]

23 Three-way intersection

24 Side dish with ribs

27 Mystical mixtures

29 Scorpio and Cancer?

33 Therapists’ org.

34 Close up tight

35 Taqueria topping

38 Thomas who won the 1929 Nobel Prize in Literature

40 Critical resource har vested in “Dune”

43 Southern pronoun

INGREDIENTS

6 ears fresh shucked corn, kernals cut from cobs 8-12 large fresh basil leaves, torn fine sea salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 teaspoons grated lime zest 2 tablespoons lime juice

1. Fire up grill. Place grill basket with fine holes directly on coals to preheat for 3 minutes.

2. Add corn and half of torn basil to hot basket and season with salt. Roast directly on coals until the kernels start to char, 3-5 minutes. (For gas grill, cook in

basket on grates over high heat for 8-10 minutes.)

3. Transfer corn to large metal mixing bowl. Toss with butter (it will melt from the residual heat of the corn), remaining torn basil, lime zest, and juice. Add more salt to taste.

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.

44 Outer boundaries

46 Tupperware lid sound

48 Onetime Saturn S.U.V.

49 Sagittarius and Orion?

53 Entourage

55 Something to perform tricks with

56 Low stat for a top pitcher

57 Small complaints

59 Modern lead-in to squat

63 Telegraph pioneer Samuel

65 Pegasus?

68 Change with the situation

69 “___ Enchanted” (2004 film)

70 Many a textbook

71 Famed diarist Samuel

72 Study, e.g.

73 Wonderstruck DOWN

1 Modern journal

2 Rapturous review

3 “Preach it!”

4 Obtr usively showy

5 A growing number?

6 By way of

7 Journalist Klein who co-founded Vox

8 F irst nut listed on a can of Planters

Deluxe Mixed Nuts

9 Pries open

10 Trouble

11 World capital 50 miles from Vienna

12 Risky dog to own

13 Foolish sorts

18 They go through loops

22 Right-angle shape

25 Good hole cards in Texas hold ’em

26 It’s filled, and may be filling

28 It sees right through you

29 Be specific about, in a way

30 Magic Keyboard go-with

31 Genre for N.W.A and Ice-T

32 Defensive line?

36 Offensive line?

37 Pub choices

39 Classic soft drink brand

41 Big Apple educational syst.

42 “And so … “

45 154 Shakespeare wor ks

47 Intimidate, in a way, with “out”

50 Avignon affirmative

51 T ie to a post, say

52 Tundra, for one

53 Lay out in a new pattern

54 Wear away

58 Bulk storage area

60 Forehead

61 She’s found in “She loves me not”

62 Cattail, e.g.

64 John le Carré figure

66 Day-___

67 ___ radio

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.

EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ NO. 0510

PUZZLE BY VICTOR BAROCAS

Travellers Rest Historic House Museum receives $500,000 grant for repair, preservation STAFF

REPORTS

Travellers Rest Historic House Museum recently received a $500,000 grant from the State of Tennessee for repair and reservation. It is only the second time in its history that the historic building has received support from the state.

“The historic house is in immediate need of preservation,” Katie O’Bryan, Executive Director of Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, said.

“We are very grateful to the elected officials who helped us secure the funds necessary to undertake this work. The brick wall between the 1808 and 1828 addition is separating and needs to be repaired. The state funds will go towards this project. Work is expected to commence before the end of the year.”

The museum staff believes that the $500,000 grant is approximately half of what is necessary to meet the preservation needs of the historic house.

Several local government officials were on hand for the check presentation

Nashville mayoral candidate.

“Thanks to Governor Lee, his chief of staff Joseph Williams, our Crieve Hall State Representative Caleb Hemmer and Senator Heidi Campbell, and also Senators Bo Watson, Jack Johnson, Jeff Yarbro, and Representatives Bob Freeman and Johnny Garrett. Without their help this critical preservation work would not be possible,” Travellers Rest Board President Clinton J. Holloway said.

“I’m proud to have worked on providing these much-needed funds to Travellers Rest as they move forward with projects to restore this important and beloved community asset,” Rep. Hemmer said.

Built in 1799, Travellers Rest was originally home to John Overton, the namesake of Overton High School and a Tennessee Supreme Court Judge.

“It has been almost thirty years since Travellers Rest last conducted a capital campaign,” Board President-Elect Laura Roberts said. “And the Board of Directors

Travellers Rest Historic House Museum is owned by The National Society of The House Museum, Inc. Travellers Rest recently launched a $3

Local government officials and Travellers Rest board members were present for the check presentation. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVELLERS REST HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM

A Tennessee Waltz Kickoff

BY BRENDA BATEY

PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY

Valentino’s Ristorante hosted a committee meet and greet for A Tennessee Waltz’s auction, patron party and the main event.

Everyone enjoyed a wonderful cocktail buffet offering risotto with sauteed mushrooms and cheese, bruschetta, prosciutto with cantaloupe, fried calamari, and a variety of flatbreads.

After the event, many of the guests stayed for dinner at the restaurant, enjoying delicious salads, steaks, pasta, seafood and much more.

Chairmen of the patron party are Liz and Karl Sillay, Spencer Bowers and Charlie Clark and Jonathan Turner and Milton White are heading the auction.

A Tennessee Waltz is celebrating its 30th year as the Tennessee State Museum Foundation’s (TSMF) annual fundraising gala, supporting the Tennessee State Museum.

A Tennessee Waltz will be held Saturday, September 30 at the Tennessee State Capitol, with Chairs Senator Bo and Nicole Watson and Co-chairs Cheryl McKissack Daniel and Austin Pennington.

The Watsons are community philanthropists, supporters of the arts in Tennessee, and longtime champions of the mission of the State Museum Foundation. Senator Watson is chairman of the Douglas Henry State Museum Commission and has long supported the programs and mission of the museum.

Nicole Watson has been a long-time advocate for the conservation of the history of Tennessee and programs offered to children and adults by the museum.

Born in Nashville to architect William

DeBerry and teacher Leatrice McKissack, Cheryl McKissack Daniel represents the fifth generation of the McKissack family’s century-old business, McKissack & McKissack, the oldest minority and womanowned professional design and construction firm in the nation.

Austin Pennington is a developer and builder, community activist, philanthropist, supporter of the arts, longtime museum member and half of the first mother and son duo to chair an event for the TSMF, which was Sparkle and Twang. Austin also served as chairman of the TN Waltz Ladies and Gentlemen’s Committee in 2018 and TN Waltz chairman with his mother, Anne Cain, in 2019.

The Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s event will be July 15 at the TN State Museum and will include a buffet with a bar, moonshine tasting by Sugarlands Distillery, and music by Modern Mozarts.

The Patron Party is set for August 19 at the Hermitage Hotel and will feature a delicious seated dinner.

The mission of the Tennessee State Museum is to procure, preserve, exhibit, and interpret objects which relate to the social, political, economic, and cultural history of Tennessee and Tennesseans, and to provide access to educational and cultural programs and exhibitions for the people of the state.

For more information about A Tennessee Waltz, contact nancy.russell@tn.gov or call 615-253-0105.

Milton White, and Teresa and Richard White

Rob and Nikki Peal, and Jim Marvin

Jim Knestrick, Gracie Stover, Shealia Hearn, and Sharon Dennis

Jake Tudor, Karen Roach, and Spencer Bowers

Eric England, Janet Kurtz, and Nancy Russell

ABSOLUTE AUCTION

• 2 BEDROOM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21st 10:30 am

1717 16TH AVE. NORTH NASHVILLE, TN 37208

From Nashville take I-65 N. to Exit #47-Spring Street / Jefferson St., continue on Jefferson St. to Right on DB Todd Jr. Blvd., to right on Wheless St., then left on 16th Ave. North.

This single-family home has been remolded. It has an open floor plan with a living room, kitchen w/ appliances, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and utility room. The home has central heat & air, replacement windows, metal roof, off street parking, and level lot with privacy fence and deck. Great location in the Buchanan Arts District and close to restaurants, shopping, German town, and downtown.

TERMS:

CASH - PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS WITH NO CONTIGENCIES. 15% Non-Refundable Earnest Money due at conclusion of sale, with balance due at closing. Deed and Insured Title Furnished by Seller.

PAYMENT FORMS ACCEPTED: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash. Government issued photo identification required for Bidding Number.

Bobby Colson LIC. #20 Auctioneer | www.colsonauctions.com

$25 Will Be Given Away

COURT AUCTION

• 3 BEDROOM HOME

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21st 12:30 pm

1006 33RD AVE NORTH

NASHVILLE, TN 37209

From Nashville take I-40 West to Exit #207 - 28th Ave. North and turn left, then immediate right on Albion St., then right on 33rd Ave North to sale.

This one-story, single-family home that is zoned R6. It has a living room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, laundry closet, central heat & air., accessible entry ramp, off street parking, and a level yard. Convenient location in College Heights Clifton and is directly across from Tennessee State University and near Swett’s Restaurant. With some updating and repairs this will make a great investment or personal residence.

TERMS:

CASH - PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS WITH NO CONTIGENCIES.

15% Non-Refundable Earnest Money due at conclusion of sale, with balance due at closing. Deed and Insured Title Furnished by Court.

PAYMENT FORMS ACCEPTED:

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash. Government issued photo identification required for Bidding Number.

Bobby Colson LIC. #20 Auctioneer | www.colsonauctions.com

$25 Will Be Given Away

Kurt Tarter and Andrew Potts

Leigh Hendry and Liz Sillay

Jenny Jackson and Will Muse

Ashley Howell and Shealia Hearn

Charlie Clark and Lynda Jones

GREEN HILLS APARTMENTS

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.

Complete Home repair & improvements

Native Nashvillian in business since 1992.

Additions,

HoMe iMProveMent

Pets

Puppies 7 weeks

Pure Pyr Loves family!

TO CUTE! Will text pics & video $100 (615) 496-0012

PLuMBinG

Mt. Juliet Plumbing and Leak Detection

“Beariffic Plumbing Repair Service!”

LoCKsMitH

Green Hills Lock & Key Servicing the area since 1974!

Deadbolts Installed Locks Re-keyed • Lockouts Locks Repaired & Serviced (615) 269-3616

MovinG/HauLinG

i HauL anytHinG - since 1990Deliveries,

Estate Property Clean Outs, Brush & Appliance Removal, Construction Waste, Demolition & more... No Job Too Small!

Wyatt Mallonee (615) 499-2218

PaintinG/PaPerinG

Local Licensed experienced Plumbers (615) 733-5665

Carter Plumbing Commercial & Residential New Installation & Repair Service Drain Cleaning Service

Licensed, Bonded & Insured All Work Guaranteed! (615) 232-9051

Prayer

need Prayer?

If you are in need of prayer, call 888-388-2683

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will have prayer partners available to talk with you 24/7.

Pressure WasH

Kyle’s Pressure Cleaning

Property Pressure

Washing:Driveways, Back Decks, Front Porch, Swimming Pool, Concrete & more. (615) 424-5354

rooFinG

r. H. Callis & sons inc.

Roofing, Siding, Metal, Slate, Flat Roofs. 38 years experience References. (615) 969-7717

CallisRoofing.com

License, Bonded & Insured

tree serviCe

tree serviCe

eric’stree service Big, Tall or Small, We Do It All!

Insured • Free Estimates Call Eric / Owner (615) 779-1870

top notch tree service

Topping & trimming, deadwooding, removals, brush chipping, stump grinding Insured & Free Estimates Call Mike (615) 834-6827

Bulldog tree service

• Topping / Deadwooding

• Stump Removals

• Trimming

• Lot Clearing Free Estimates. Insured. Call John 24/7: (615) 300-6254 (615) 313-7375

We Buy Vinyl Records, Comic Books, CDs, Blu-Rays,DVDs, Toys, Video & Role-Playing Games, CCGs, Stereo Equipment,Music & Movie Memorabilia,and much more. In business 40+ years; No collection too large or small.

Mention this ad when you call. BUY - SELL - TRADE the Great escape Call 615-364-3029

TheGreatEscapeOnline.com

WiCKer rePair

Chair caning and all styles of weaving. Wicker repair available. Pick up and delivery. the Cane-ery (615) 269-4780 / 414-5655

WindoW

CLean

all seasons Window Cleaning Specializing in residential windows. Serving Nashville over 38 yrs! Licensed - Bonded - Insured Free Estimates

Low Prices (615) 889-9164