November 17, 2022

Ukrainian Leaders gather in Franklin to garner support from American Christian Communities

BY MATT MASTERS

Dozens of Ukrainian nationals gathered in Franklin on Nov. 10 and 11 for the Nashville Consultation on Ukraine, a conference featuring Ukrainian faith leaders and politicians. About 15 of the leaders flew to the U.S. from the war-torn country to discuss the role they hope American Christians can continue to play in the ongoing humanitarian efforts and future rebuilding of Ukraine. The conference was hosted by Mission Eurasia, a formerly Illinois-based organization that has relocated

to Franklin.

Mission Eurasia “trains, equips, and mobilizes national Christian leaders throughout Eurasia and Israel who are engaging in evangelism, church-planting, holistic ministries, and church growth to transform their countries for Christ.” A consultation also met in 2015 in London. This year’s event in Tennessee drew around 50 people to the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. Topics included Ukrainian independence, the preservation of democracy,

religious freedom, the role of the church in wartime, and the rebuilding of Ukraine as a “Christian nation.”

According to a 2019 U.S. State Department report, a national survey by the Razumkov Center — a Ukrainian non-governmental public policy think tank — reported that more than 60 percent of Ukrainian respondents identified as Christian Orthodox, with nearly 10 percent Greek Catholics being the next closest demographic. Conference speakers included

2022 Veterans Day parade remembers service and sacrifice

BY MATT MASTERS

Nashvillians gathered along Broadway on Friday morning to celebrate those who have served in the United States armed forces, including members of a variety of veterans and service groups, as well as

civilians who showed their appreciation for those who served and continue to serve.

The parade was led by the Antioch High School Marching Band, whose director Frank Zimmerer said that the band has led

the parade for the last two years, something that he said is a great opportunity for his students to show off their musical talents in support of veterans.

Murfreesboro resident John

Gov. Bill Lee wins reelection

BY D. PATRICK RODGERS AND HANNAH HERNER

“The people have spoken clearly,” Lee, who captured about two-thirds of the votes cast, told supporters in Franklin on election night less than an hour after polls closed. “We are expecting to win by a large margin. Our ideas have resonated with people from one end of the state to another.”

“I decided to run again because we have a lot more work to do,” Lee continued. “We have the leading economy of all states in America and we’ve done so with the lowest tax rate in America.”

Meanwhile, Martin’s supporters gathered at event space Saint Elle in WedgewoodHouston, where the first-time Democratic candidate conceded the race at about 9:30 p.m. In his 20-month campaign, the doctor visited all 95 of Tennessee’s counties, though he didn’t get the chance to debate.

Lee refused to debate Martin in the run-up to the election, recently telling the Chattanooga Times Free Press he was instead working “really hard to stay focused on being the governor.” Even so, he recently issued statements condemning the Pediatric Transgender Clinic at the

Republican incumbent Gov. Bill Lee has defeated Democratic challenger Jason Martin and will serve a second term.

PHOTO BY DANIEL MEIGS

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Ukrainian elected officials and religious leaders sign a resolution of solidarity on Nov. 11, 2022, at the Nashville Consultation on Ukraine in Franklin, Tennessee

Ukraine

Mission Eurasia president and Spring Hill resident Sergey Rakhuba; senior scholar at Paul Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin University Dr. John Bernbaum; Archbishop of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Yevstratiy Zorya; members of Ukrainian Parliament, and the mayor of Irpin, Ukraine.

Pastor Jay Strother from The Church at Station Hill, Brentwood Baptist Church affiliate issued the opening prayer for the conference.

Irpin Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn presented Rakhuba with the flag of Irpin as well as three commemorative coins — one signifying the fight of the city against the Russians, the second recognizing the city’s parks and development, and the last coin bearing Irpin’s coat of arms. A video of before-and-after images of the city showed the scale of the destruction, with some 70 percent of the buildings destroyed in what was just one year ago the home of an estimated 62,000 people.

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Markushyn spoke of his and his city’s experience fighting the Russian Army during early days of the war. He described that time as “the hardest month in the history of Irpin,” and a “battle of good and evil,” a battle in which he personally fought as part of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy bestowed Irpin the title of “Hero City,” but the battle also resulted in widespread destruction of the city, including Mission Eurasia’s office, and the deaths of some 300 civilians and more than 80 Ukrainian servicemembers.

“We paid a great price for this,” Markushyn said, adding that roughly 6,000 families had been left homeless, including some 8,000 children.

In September, the United Nations confirmed 5,767 Ukrainian civilian deaths and 8,292 injuries across the nation due to the war. Those numbers have undoubtedly increased over the past two months, although exact casualty numbers may never be known.

Markushyn said churches have served as “humanitarian hubs” throughout the war. He thanked U.S. Christians and asked for continued support as the country looks forward to reconstruction as Russian forces retreat from some occupied areas.

“If every church in the United States decides to help rebuild one small building, there will be no more destroyed buildings left in Irpin in one year,” Markushyn said. “This can be the beginning of a great good deed.

“We are convinced that only together we can rebuild our city of Irpin and Ukraine,” Markushyn continued. “We don’t just fight for land and for our independence today, we fight for all the democratic values of the world.

“Ukraine made its choice to be in the democratic community, and I am convinced that together we will win because our power is in unity. The truth is with us, God is

with us — Glory to Ukraine,” Markushyn declared, the crowd responding with a standing ovation.

Several other current and former government officials also spoke, including former Ukrainian Parliament member Pavlo Unguryan, who said aid first came through churches and praised the support shown by national U.S. political leaders including Sen. Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Lindsey Graham, who have all visited Ukraine.

“We are asking for a strategic partnership between Christians of the United States and Ukraine,” Unguryan said, asking for prayer, humanitarian assistance including the “rehabilitation of Ukrainian orphans in the United States,” and calling for partnerships with U.S. cities, counties, states and local leaders.

Unguryan called Ukraine “the Bible belt of Europe,” and asked for support from conservative Christians who he called “the real America.”

Conference representatives confirmed that local and state officials including Gov. Bill Lee had been invited, but the conference was void of any prominent local, state or federal elected officials from Middle Tennessee.

And while many values and traditions may be shared between members and groups of both nations, the results of the 2022 midterm elections could impact future aid from the U.S. government to Ukraine, even as the U.S. announces $400 million in additional military aid, means that aid and support may be more reliant on the generosity of American Christians.

The two-day conference concluded with the signing of a resolution of support by speakers and attendees who pledged solidarity in the face of the mounting international crisis as the country looks to future stabilization.

“This war presents an urgent opportunity for the global church to demonstrate solidarity with those who are suffering, to advocate for religious freedom, and to help restore peace and justice,” the resolution read in part. “Churches can serve their historic role in developing a vision of hope and justice for the people of Ukraine, and with the nations of the world providing essential aid. The global Christian community can assist practically by supporting well-coordinated programs that create havens for social, spiritual, emotional, psychological and humanitarian assistance.”

“The citizens of [Nashville and] Williamson County, I really want them to understand that every single dollar that they donate to humanitarian organizations, like Mission Eurasia, that goes to helping Ukrainians there and makes a huge, huge difference,” Rakhuba said. “So with gratefulness. on behalf of all Ukrainian people, I want to thank them, and I want to plead [to] you, please don’t allow your generosity to slow down.”

Lee wins reelection

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and encouraging Tennesseans to vote yes on Amendment 1, which also passed on Election Day.

Martin says the lack of debate was unfair to Tennesseans, though he did characterize an election night phone call with Lee as “kind a graceful.”

Martin said in his concession speech that it’s important to have a “peaceful resolution of elections.” The Democrat also said he feels “like a million bucks” and that his campaign did all it could, saying Tennessee isn’t a red state, but rather a “nonvoting state.”

“Don’t be discouraged,” Martin told his supporters. “We’re going to keep going.”

Priorities during Lee’s first term in office included supporting charter schools, establishing a private school voucher program in Nashville and Memphis, limiting gun control and further restricting abortion rights.

Some of Martin’s campaign platforms included accessible health care and Medicaid expansion, reproductive rights, decriminalization of small drug offenses, gun control and LGBTQ rights.

A Democrat has not won a statewide election in Tennessee since Gov. Phil Bredesen won a second term in 2006.

Republican Andy Ogles wins redrawn 5th Congressional District

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT AND HANNAH HERNER

Republican Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles will represent much of southern Davidson County in Congress after beating Democratic nominee Heidi Campbell, a Nashville state senator, in the 5th Congressional District on Tuesday.

Ogles declared victory and Campbell conceded the race shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday.

“We have a lot of work to do in Tennessee, that’s obvious,” Campbell said.

Ogles’ win breaks a generations-long streak of Democratic control of the district, which until GOP-led redistricting this year included all of Davidson County. The new maps split Nashville into three congressional districts, with each favoring Republicans (though the 5th District seemed to be friendlier to Democrats than the 6th or 7th districts).

Former state House Speaker Beth Harwell, a Republican who challenged Ogles in the primary, said on NewsChannel 5 that Ogles did not ask her to campaign with him, adding that Campbell “ran a good campaign.”

Incumbent Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Nashville) opted to retire after the new maps were unveiled, calling the new district unwinnable.

Cooper said on NC5 that the redistricting “should never have happened.”

“You’re looking at the happiest man in America right now,” he added, noting that he plans to take a vacation once he leaves office in January.

Ogles is a former anti-tax lobbyist with Americans for Prosperity who opposes gay marriage and abortion rights. He said the 2020 presidential election was “stolen” and fought against COVID-19 prevention policies as Maury County mayor.

Ogles won a crowded and contentious Republican primary in August and kept relatively quiet until the final weeks of the general election. Campbell outraised and outspent Ogles during some parts of the campaign.

Andy Ogles

COURTESY OF ANDY OGLES

Election results show that moderation is key: ‘Red wave has crashed against the rocks of reality’

BY BILL FREEMAN

While, as of this writing, votes are still being methodically counted across the country, it is already abundantly clear that the “red wave has crashed against the rocks of reality,” as retired CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather so concisely put it.

The contrast between President Biden’s calm and measured initiatives and Trump’s angry rhetoric has never been more stark. ABC News described Trump as “fuming” on election night. One close Trump adviser was quoted as saying, “This is a sinking ship.” Speaking anonymously, another

Trump adviser said, “Like every other Trump catastrophe, he did this to himself with stupid and reckless decisions.” And this wasn’t a Democrat speaking — this was a top Trump adviser! Trump has imploded, taking the party with him bringing about the GOP’s loss of both houses of congress as well as the White House in just two years. As Republican former House Speaker Paul Ryan recently said, “We lost the House, the Senate and the White House in two years when Trump was on the ballot or in office, and I think we just have some Trump

hangover. I think he’s a drag on our ticket.” Outgoing Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks put it even more bluntly: “It would be a bad mistake for the Republicans to have Donald Trump as their nominee in 2024.” And Brooks, a Republican, didn’t stop there. “Donald Trump has proven himself to be dishonest, disloyal, incompetent, crude and a lot of other things that alienate so many independents and Republicans. Even a candidate who campaigns from his basement can beat him.”

Moderate voters in both parties have spoken: It’s time for logic and reason to rule the day. Examples abound of Trump’s meddlesome involvement and endorsements gone awry. In states across the country, moderate candidates and those who stood up to Trump beat their opponents. It happened in Pennsylvania, where voters chose to deny Trump-backed Mehmet Oz in a fierce Senate race, instead voting for Democrat John Fetterman — in a textbook example of a purple state, where election results often reflect the political diversity of its population. And Gov. Brian Kemp won reelection in Georgia — a Republican who famously stood up to Trump by refusing to cave on his baseless “election fraud” theories. Instead of the forecasted “red wave,” America is seeing a surging tide of purple. Americans are using the ballot box to say the far-right extreme has had its day.

What does this mean for Tennessee? We have some of Trump’s loudest cheerleaders in our congressional delegation, after all — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn being arguably the loudest. A glimmer of moderation is beginning to be visible, however. The desire for balance is growing in our state. We see it in the weak election of Andy Ogles, our newest member of Congress, who won 55 percent of the votes in a district gerrymandered to benefit Republicans. Ogles came pretty darn close to repeating what is happening in Georgia’s U.S. Senate race between Raphael Warnock and Herschel

Walker. Walker failed to convince more than 50 percent of voters that an endorsement from Trump is enough to counter numerous scandals and extreme views. We even see it in Tennessee’s GOP leadership, who sidestepped quick as a jackrabbit to say “no thank you” to Trump’s attempt to shoehorn Morgan Ortagus into our delegation.

(Ortagus infamously couldn’t even name the interstates that intersect our city.) Even in our solidly red state, we are seeing results that show that Tennesseans are growing tired of the far-right extreme and their intolerant ways.

So back to my question. What does this mean for Tennessee? Well, it means that our governor — who spent millions on his second campaign and who coasted to office handily — must have aspirations beyond the governor’s mansion. It speaks loudly that the juggernaut of his second campaign used the same slogan as his first: “Bill Lee for Tennessee.” But the fact that he blew through more than $3 million in ad buys during the final month of a campaign that was a pretty sure bet to begin with? That speaks louder. I think “Bill Lee for Washington” is more his thinking these days.

It also means that our far-right delegation should be wary of the balance in their home districts. It may be that Sen. Marsha Blackburn will feel the sting of a moderate Williamson County in 2024. It may be that Andy Ogles is unable to retain his weak majority of votes in the new gerrymandered 5th Congressional District. To be frank, I think all our extreme, far-right congressional delegates should be concerned. Time will tell.

Bill Freeman

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

Donald Trump

PHOTO BY WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Joe Biden

PHOTO BY WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Democrat Caleb Hemmer wins open state House seat

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

BY MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Nearly one year after Nashville Mayor John Cooper agreed to a preliminary deal with Bristol Motor Speedway to renovate the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, the NASCAR-to-Nashville dream inched closer to becoming a reality.

On Tuesday, the mayor’s office and BMS President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell presented a proposal to the Metro Fair Board that reportedly includes a 30year lease agreement that will make BMS solely responsible to “renovate, operate, and maintain” the speedway.

“This is a big step in being able to revitalize that great venue and turn it into something that can not only save what is there but make it better for the community as a whole, the racing community and the folks who live around it,” Caldwell said.

The deal is subject to approval from the Metro Council, the Metro Nashville Sports Authority and the Board of Fair Commissioners, who are expected to hold a formal vote in January 2023.

“Recognizing our obligation to maintain the track, we are leveraging investments from the state, the tourism industry, and facility users to make this a financial success for

the city,” Cooper said in a statement. “We can put this landmark back on the national stage. I look forward to working with the Fair Board, Sports Authority and the Metro Council in the months ahead.”

As part of the deal, NASCAR has agreed to hold Cup Series races at the track at least every other year for the duration of BMS’ lease with the city. In addition, NASCAR it will cover any deficits in revenue to ensure bond payments are met if a race is canceled or not held for any reason.

A $17 million grant from the State of Tennessee plus a $17 million payment from the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. (NCVC) would fund the track renovations, which include additional grandstand seating with a capacity up to 30,000, a state-of-theart sound system, new driver safety features, Revenue streams for the speedway will be comprised of Metro Sports Authorityissued revenue bonds, $1 million annual rent from BMS, $650,000 annual rent from the NCVC, ticket tax revenue, a facility sponsorship payment of up to $600,000 annually and 10 percent of revenue from the facility naming rights.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Newly-elected Tenn. State Rep. for District 59 Caleb Hemmer speaks with supporters at his election night watch party on Nov. 8, 2022.

The race was one of the few competitive campaigns in Davidson County, and Hemmer declared victory shortly before 9 p.m. Foreman did not respond to requests for comment. Davidson County election officials reported Hemmer leading by more than 1,400 votes with all precincts reporting at 11 p.m.

“The voters of Tennessee’s 59th District have spoken today and I am both humbled and honored to be chosen as their state representative,” Hemmer said in a statement. “I am so proud of the campaign we have run and of the incredible support we have received that propelled us to victory.”

Hemmer, a health care executive and former aide to ex-Gov. Phil Bredesen, ran on a “pragmatic and solution-oriented” approach while calling Foreman “more in the chaotic mold.” Hemmer far outspent Foreman, according to the latest filings, with support from legislative Democrats, Planned Parenthood and prominent Nashvillians. House Republicans supported Foreman’s bid.

The district was redrawn in GOP-led redistricting, with the new map including wealthier areas like Belle Meade and Green Hills. Previously, Democratic Rep. Jason Potts held the seat, though he opted not to run for reelection.

Democrat Caleb Hemmer beat Republican Michelle Foreman in the Tuesday general election and will be the new representative for House District 59 in Nashville.

Rep. Mark Green beats Democrat Odessa Kelly in 7th congressional district

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

7th Congressional District. The district, in addition to part of Nashville, includes a portion of Williamson County and part or all of 12 other counties stretching between Tennessee’s northern and southern borders to the west of Nashville.

counties.

PHOTO BY U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mark Green

U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-Clarksville) will represent the northwestern portion of Davidson County and downtown Nashville after he beat Nashville organizer and Democratic nominee Odessa Kelly in the

Kelly, who was backed by national progressive group Justice Democrats, originally launched her campaign in 2021 as a Democratic Primary challenge of U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper in the 5th Congressional District. After GOP-led redistricting split Nashville into three congressional districts, Cooper decided to retire and Kelly switched to the 7th District. While the 5th District, which previously included all of Davidson County, was reliably Democratic, splitting Davidson County into parts helped Republicans gain an advantage in all three districts.

The redrawn map led to widespread confusion during early voting, when the Associated Press reported that hundreds of Nashville voters were given incorrect ballots. The problem also popped up in other

“Tennessee is not a red state,” said Odessa Kelly at her team’s election night watch party at Germantown Pub before the polls closed. “Tennessee is an oppressed state, it’s a nonvoting state. And there’s so many people, when someone actually engages them, and they really listen to them and see past all these surface issues, you can connect with them.”

“Look at this room,” Kelly continued. “What we fight for in the street every day, what people go to work for every day, and they talk about the urgencies that we have. This campaign has proven that we need more people who are speaking to that. And I’m very honored that even after the racist Republicans gerrymandered our district, we stayed in this fight.”

But Kelly was ultimately defeated, conceding the race shortly before 10:30 p.m. “Although the outcome of this race wasn’t what we had hoped for, I’m tremendously proud of what we built these last twenty months,” Kelly said in a statement. “We

always knew this was going to be a tough race. We faced just about every systemic hurdle that could possibly have been thrown at us. ... We created an unprecedented Southern organizing infrastructure that we intend to expand and strengthen for elections to come. This journey has only just begun.”

About a mile away, U.S. Rep. Mark Green held his campaign’s watch party at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville.

“I will be your voice despite the fact that you did not vote for me,” Green said from the victory party.

Green was first elected to the seat in 2018 and has previously supported efforts to cap congressional terms at three (the upcoming term would be his third). He served in the Army and state Senate, and his nomination by former President Trump as Secretary of the Army faltered amid questions about Green’s comments about trans people and Muslims. Green supported multiple efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

All four proposed state constitutional amendments pass

BY CONOR DARYANI

Tennesseans on Tuesday voted on four proposed constitutional amendments. All four amendments passed by comfortable margins, and while they largely pertain to language updates and clarifications, Amendment 1’s passage could have significant implications for the future of labor in Tennessee.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1

Tennessee has been a right-to-work state for about as long as right-to-work has existed. And now, following a big push from Gov. Bill Lee including a misleading and inaccurate open letter in support of the amendment, right-to-work language will be codified in the state constitution.

Tennessee was already one of 27 rightto-work states, but Amendment 1’s passage will make it far more difficult for future state

legislators to reverse the right-to-work laws. In states with right-to-work laws, wages are lower and unions have far less bargaining and advocacy power, leaving employers with more control over the workforce. This is because it allows workers to opt out of unions and their dues, even if they benefit from union-negotiated contracts. Advocates for the amendment say right-to-work makes Tennessee more attractive to employers, which is likely true: Evidence is mounting that right-to-work laws are more beneficial to business owners than to workers themselves.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 2

Article 3, Section 12 of the state constitution previously stated that in the case of the governor’s death, resignation or removal from office, the powers of the governor’s office are delegated to the speaker

of the state Senate, followed by the speaker of the House. This amendment essentially adds clarifications on what exactly this process should look like. It also makes it clear that while fulfilling the governor’s duties, the speaker can retain their seat in the legislature but cannot vote as a member of the legislature.

Additionally, the amendment confirms that should the speaker take the governor’s seat, they will still receive a speaker’s salary. The amendment also temporarily exempts the speaker from a law that prohibits representatives from holding more than one state office while they are performing the duties of governor.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 3

Article 1, Section 33 of the state constitution previously allowed slavery as

punishment for a crime. Amendment 3 removed the so-called “punishment clause” from the constitution, prohibiting slavery outright. A stipulation also added that “nothing in this section shall prohibit an inmate from working when the inmate has been duly convicted of a crime,” a change that prisoner advocates and activist groups have shown support for.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 4

Article 9, Section 1 of the state constitution previously prohibited ministers and priests of any denomination from holding a seat in the state legislature. The U.S. Supreme Court declared the provision unconstitutional in 1978, and the rule has not been enforced since then. Amendment 4 officially removed this prohibition from the state constitution.

Nashville Democrats elected to state legislature

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Other than the redrawn House District 59, most Davidson County state legislative races were relatively quiet ahead of Tuesday’s general election.

New to the Davidson County delegation are Democrats Justin Jones and Charlane Oliver. Both won competitive primaries in August. Jones was unopposed in the House District 52 general election, while Oliver bested Republican Pime Hernandez on

Tuesday in Senate District 19.

Jones, an activist, succeeds Rep. Mike Stewart (D-Nashville), while Oliver, a cofounder of The Equity Alliance, is taking the place of Sen. Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville).

Elsewhere in Davidson County, incumbent Democratic Reps. Bo Mitchell (District 50), Bill Beck (District 51), Vincent Dixie (District 54), John Ray Clemmons (District 55), Bob Freeman (District 56) and

Harold Love (District 58) were unopposed in the general election and will return to the state House. Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) defeated independent candidate Rueben Dockery and will continue representing District 19.

Incumbent Democratic Reps. Darren Jernigan and Jason Powell beat Republican challengers on Tuesday.

After redistricting, Wilson County

Republican Sen. Mark Pody saw his District 17 take on a sliver of Nashville, and he was reelected unopposed. Senate District 20 is not up for election until 2024, and incumbent Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) ran unsuccessfully in the 5th Congressional District.

NSC defenders Moore, Zimmerman named to USMNT World Cup squad

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Nashville SC defenders Shaq Moore and Walker Zimmerman were named to the final 26-man United States Men’s National Team World Cup roster on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Nashville SC was one of two MLS clubs, alongside the Seattle Sounders, to have two players named to the World Cup squad.

“It’s a pretty big relief, honestly,” Zimmerman said at the roster unveiling event at Brooklyn Steel in New York City. “It’s a call you’ve been waiting for your entire life. And so when it finally comes it’s just a big breath of fresh air and you’re just excited to get going.”

The pair were two of nine total defenders named to the squad. And while Zimmerman, a mainstay among the national team’s backline, was an expected selection, Moore was a bit of a surprise choice.

“He’s [Moore] got a great mentality, a relentless player,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “He had to rely on his 1v1 defending. We think in the World Cup, he’s a guy that can help in that role.”

Zimmerman, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year winner and a member of the last four MLS Best XI squads, has made 33 caps

for the USMNT senior team, including six appearances where he donned the captain’s armband.

Zimmerman is tied with fellow World Cup participants Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson for the most caps in 2022 with 10. He also appeared in 10 of the USMNT’s 14 World Cup qualifying matches.

After making his senior team debut in 2018, Moore has earned 15 caps, including all six 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup matches — where he was named to the tournament’s Best XI — and four World Cup qualifying matches.

Moore signed with NSC this summer after spending the last eight years in the Spanish professional system. He appeared in 11 matches for Nashville, notching three assists.

The USMNT will begin the group stage of the World Cup against Wales on Nov. 21, followed by outings against England on Nov. 25 and Iran on Nov. 29. All three matches will kick off at 1 p.m. CT and air on Fox and Telemundo.

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NSC defender Walker Zimmerman with the USMNT at the World Cup Qualifier played in Nashville at Nissan Stadium in September 2021.

Five free and cheap family things to do in middle Tennessee

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

As these days get dark and the weather turns cold, this next week brings some opportunities to stay toasty. In light of Thanksgiving, there’s the chance to see the film “Gather” at the public library, and a meteor shower viewing tied to a thankfulness-themed bonfire. There’s also the chance to see one of many John Updikeinspired puppet shows. And it wouldn’t be November without some chances to see Santa and get that perfect holiday card photo.

As part of our fall series on free and cheap things to do with the family, here are a few ideas for spending time together over the next week:

TOASTY & THANKFUL + LEONID METEOR SHOWER VIEWING

On Nov. 17, Bells Bend Outdoor Center is hosting an after hours bonfire and viewing of the Leonid meteor. The event lasts from 4-9 p.m., includes s’mores, and is free, but you must register ahead of time.

Native American Heritage Film: Gather

At the Richland Park branch of the Nashville Public Library, they’ll be hosting a screening of the film “Gather” in honor of Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 17. The film shows the stories of “natives

on the frontlines of a growing movement to reconnect with spiritual and cultural identities that were devastated by genocide,” according to the library. “The featured stories combine to show how the reclaiming and recovery of ancient food ways is a way forward for native Americans to bring back health and vitality to their people.”

PUBLIC PAINT DAY

At this free event in Smyrna (that’s also the same day they’re handing out free grilled cheese sandwiches), you can eat some delicious sandwiches while creating your own personalized tote bag. The event will have a variety of materials and there will be two sessions on Nov. 19.

A CHILD’S CALENDAR

Beginning on Nov. 18 and then running through the first two weeks in December, the Nashville Public Library’s puppets will take on John Updike’s collection of poems for children. Each one will depict poems in musical puppet show form in a score by Sarah Hart and Brian Hull.

CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND

The City of Clarksville will begin its Christmas on the Cumberland display

on Nov. 22. The nearly milelong display includes thousands of Christmas displays and more than one million Christmas lights.

GRESHAM SMITH ANNOUNCES

CEO CHESTER AS BOARD CHAIR

Nashville-based architecture and engineering firm Gresham Smith has announced CEO Rodney Chester as its board chair, effective at the start of 2023.

Chester, who replaced Al Pramuk in January, has worked for the firm for nearly 26 years. He joined its board in 2015 and had served as COO since 2018. Chester previously served in various leadership positions at Gresham Smith, including as senior vice president of firmwide operations and as division vice president.

According to a release, Pramuk will transition out of his board roles when his term ends at the end of 2022. He will continue working with the firm on a parttime basis, focusing on government and community relations in Middle Tennessee in addition to firmwide growth initiatives and mentoring assignments.

In addition, Gresham Smith has added a board of directors vice chair role, which will be filled by current board director and Executive Vice President of Transportation Kent Black. Black is based in Atlanta.

Also, and after having served as a board

On Dec. 10 and 17, the event will have a visit from Santa Claus, which also includes free hot chocolate and crafts.

director for 11 years, Healthcare Senior Vice President Orlando Lopez-Isa will transition out of his board role at the end of the year. Lopez-Isa will continue working full time with the firm in business development roles.

Similarly, external board director Cora Carmody will transition off the board at year’s end. The firm expects to announce a new external board member in the first half of 2023.

Incoming board members include Wilson Rayfield, aviation executive vice president, based in Richmond; Jim Langlois, healthcare executive vice president, based in Charlotte; and Carolyn Blake, healthcare technical practice leader, based in Jacksonville.

The new board directors will join the firm’s existing directors: Chief Operating Officer Peter Oram, Chief Strategy Officer Randy Gibson, Chief Financial Officer Dwayne West, Chief Development and Engagement Officer Kelly Knight Hodges, Director of Risk Management Carl Munkel and Director of Architectural Design Jeff Kuhnhenn.

“We have a formal, well-established process for board transitions and the selection of incoming directors to maintain a

BUSINESS BRIEFS

well-rounded board that, collectively, has the right diversity of perspectives and experiences to cover all aspects of our business. It’s one of our key strengths,” Chester said in the release.

LOCAL MEDICAID CONTRACTOR MERGES WITH HEALTH TECH COMPANY

Nashville-based government-sponsored insurance contractor Kepro announced Wednesday it will merge with Virginia-based health care IT company CNSI.

The combined company will help government-sponsored health care agencies and payers expand access and lower costs, according to a press release. CNSI’s CEO Todd Stottlemyer will lead the new company, with Susan Weaver, Kepro president and CEO, to become president. Both companies will maintain their existing locations with a rebrand slated for early 2023.

“Health care is changing rapidly, and we believe the combination of our capabilities will help our clients meet and adapt to these changes,” Weaver said. “Kepro gains a partner with extensive large-scale systems implementation experience, and CNSI gains a partner with deep clinical expertise. Together our employees will also benefit with new opportunities to diversify their skill sets and advance their careers.”

Apax Partners, of which Kepro is a portfolio company, will be exiting its investment through the transaction. CNSI is backed by Washington, D.C.-based investment firm The Carlyle Group.

Kepro has more than 1,700 employees across 17 offices, while CNSI has 1,200 employees.

In 2021, Kepro laid off 85 people after a state Medicaid contract termination, including closing its Donelson office. Later that year, the company appointed Benjamin Adams to chief financial officer.

This past October, Kepro purchased Baton Rouge-based health management platform eQHealth for an undisclosed amount, which included implementing a cloud-based software platform.

DUNN LAUNCHES ONE SPARK ENTERTAINMENT

Artist and brand manager Craig Dunn has begun operations in conjunction with mtheory of One Spark Entertainment.

Relatedly, and as musicrow.com reports, One Spark Entertainment has named Nicole Lewis as management coordinator.

Dunn has more than 20 years of managing artists and building digital marketing, merchandising, ticketing and fan club campaigns, label operations and revenue development. His clients include Sara Evans and Everette.

Previously, Dunn served as vice president at Collective Artist Management beginning in 2012 before moving on to work as senior VP at digital marketing and merchandise company Music City Networks.

Vet Day parade

Jaques, a U.S. Navy veteran who served on the USS Ohio from 1983-86, attended the parade with several other submarine veterans who have gathered together for the parade for the 24th year.

“The submarine service is the silent service, so you don’t hear much about them, you don’t see much about them, they’re never well-publicized, but we feel that it’s important to be a part of the Veterans Day parade just so people see that there’s a group of us here and we’re honoring the memory of our departed shipmates.”

Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Sheila Shipman served from 1986 through 2010 and now works with the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration in Nashville and attends the parade each year with friends and colleagues to support her brothers and sisters.

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Willie Parham lives in North Nashville and served from 1971-2003. He was one of the last of the Vietnam War-era draftees and continued to serve in the Army Reserve, including service in Desert Storm.

Parham said he’s been attending the parade every year for more than a decade, and while the turnout of civilian attendees has dropped over the years, he’s still showing up just like he showed up for his country for more than 30 years.

“It’s a different world when you come back,” Parham said, adding that despite

Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Sheila Shipman with the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration poses for a photo with friends and colleagues prior to the start of the 2022 Nashville Veterans Day parade.

the challenges that veterans face returning home, he “feels pride” seeing civilians lining the street and recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans of all branches of service and eras.

Members of the Antioch High School Marching Band pose for a photo prior to the start of the 2022 Nashville Veterans Day parade.

U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Patrick Ryan retired in 1998 after 26 years of service, including on the USS Pargo submarine.

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Willie Parham lives in North Nashville and served from 1971-2003. He was one of the last of the Vietnam War-era draftees and continued to serve in the Army Reserve, including service in Desert Storm.

PHOTOS BY MATT MASTERS

TICKED OFF! Where Freedom of Speech is Alive & Well

ANDY MEETS GERRY

Angry Andy is our new Congressman and that ticks a lot of Nashville folks off.

Check how many votes he didn’t get. This guy is from the political stone age. The rumor is that he will be spending more time at the border before he goes to Washington. The question is whether he will cross the border. No one knows if he is at the Davidson County or Mexico border. He knows that 3rd-grade conspiratorial nonsense doesn’t sell outside of Maury County.

Nashville and its economy supply the financial support to keep guys like Andy in high cotton. Isn’t that the expression that you used when America was great? Just one last thing, Andy. Don’t tell anyone you are from Nashville, not cause you are from Maury County but because you don’t share Nashville values. We are not crazy town.

WHAT NATURAL AND UNALIENABLE RIGHTS MEAN TO AMERICANS

“All men are created equal. This is a natural right. In America, no one person has rights that are superior to another person. We do not get these rights from the government. They are natural and unalienable we are born with them.”

This was written by Paul G. Summers in the Sunday Tennessean Sunday Plus Civility Tennessee section. I think we all learned this in our history class in high school. The main part of this article which I don’t understand is — IN AMERICA NO ONE PERSON HAS RIGHTS THAT ARE SUPERIOR TO ANOTHER. WE DO NOT GET THESE RIGHTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT — Then why has the government given the right to some politicians to ignore a subpoena issued by the courts and thumb their noses at the law? If you or I were to do just that the law would be down on us like frosting on cake. Just wondering.

THE SOUTHERN PERSPECTIVE

We really don’t know what we are getting with the new Congressional reps now installed by the rural ruling class in Tennessee. We know that Mr. Trump is their talisman and as one of the new Congressmen said, we Americans are at war. War as in January 6th, a ‘tourist’ event that was attended by quite a few Tennesseans. Remember the zip-tie guy who brought Mom along?

Well, there is more to it, and it has a similar tourist theme.

Down in Maury County, along with the

gravesite of Klan founder Nathan Bedford Forrest, there is the National Confederate Museum. And their stated purpose is to tell the story from the perspective of the South. There is a website that explains that you are going to get the truth if you visit. While I have never been to the museum there are some things to notice.

The stars and bars are prominent in the logo/coat of arms.

There is a focus on the truth according to the web site, but ‘from Southern perspective.’

Memberships are available and get you discount admissions.

The adjacent Elm Springs House was built by cotton merchants (had nothing to do with the cotton picking business) and is available to tourists.

What is ticking me off is that I didn’t go to Maury County and get the flavor of the place as my Congressional candidate is from Maury. It would have been helpful to get the truth about where he is coming from, as a candidate. Wonder if you can get zip ties or hoodies at gift shop? Probably call my Congressman, he’ll know.

GOP TAKETH AWAY MY VOTE

With the ink of the conservative Governor’s pen, my vote for Congress was rendered immaterial. A Nashville vote for Congress was gerrymandering at its best. Gone is moderate Jim Cooper and in comes right-wing election deniers. Guess it’s wonderful when a rigging plan comes together. But the good news is those elected this year will be spending their time solving made-up QNON problems.

But what is scary is the things they will take away from you and I. Here is a partial list:

1) For seniors get ready to lose earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare.

2) For women, your right to health care. (sorry, in Tennessee gone)

3) For married couples, family planning is on the chopping block.

4) Parents and students, they are taking away books and giving history a full whitewashing.

5) For us all they’re taking our money and handing it out to their donors.

Now that the Nashville voters are nullified what’s a non-Q Tennessean to do? Maybe go out to Fly, TN and practice my rebel yell? This gerrymandering is the pits if you are not Q. And the governor says that they are just getting started, oh it’s going to be more crazy town.

Public Notice

Board of Zoning Appeals

Friday Dec 9th, 2022, at 8:00 am Forest Hills City Hall 6300 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 372 8677

This appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals will be heard at a meeting set for Friday Dec 9th, 2022, at 8:00 am regarding the Stop Work Order, Notice of Violation, and Storm Water Violation Penalty Worksheet issued on October 11, 2022 to the property owner at 1608 Chickering Road. For more details, view the city’s website at: www.cityofforesthills.com

Property owner information: Daniel T Heard, Trustee of a Trust Agreement, Brandon Jenkins, GP Luxury LLC Map Parcel 144 09 0 005.00

1608 Chickering Road, Nashville, TN 37215

Hal Holden-Bache’s Root Vegetable Dauphinois

BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE

This classic custardy gratin of vegetables is super versatile. You can use all potatoes, or your choice of sweet, white and turnips, any kind of cheese and the caramelized

onions or not. But this version by Chef Hal Holden-bache of Lockeland Table is hard to beat. Hal uses a mandolin to thinly slice the vegetables.

ACROSS

Vegetable rich in vitamin K, appropriately

Undergrad conferrals, for short

Sticks around a classroom?

“I have no ___”

Gymnast Raisman

Captivate

Top 10 funk hit from War with an iconic bass line (1975)

Initial attempts

Inspiration for some psychedelic music

___ Kondo, organizing guru

Ser um vessel

Classic Wilson Pickett cover (1966)

Bad streaks

Garment traditionally woven from white wool

Close chica

Car toon collectible

Spor ts trainer’s concern, for short

Tracy Chapman hit with the line “I had a feeling I could be someone” (1988)

Available, as a London cab

Prefix with city or state

People that built the Temple of Kukulkan

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated gruyere cheese 2 teaspoons salt

1. Saute onions in butter until browned and caramelized, about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350F.

3. Rub baking dish with garlic. Place melted butter in shallow gratin or baking dish. Combine eggs, cheese, cream, salt, pep per and thyme; whisk well.

4. Combine the potatoes and turnip slices. Layer one third sliced vegetables, one third caramelized onions, and one third

greens in prepared dish. Pour one third custard over, repeat layering vegetables, onions, greens and cream mixture. 5. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour or until potatoes are soft or tender when pierced with a knife. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Edible Nashville. For more recipes and all things local food, follow Edible Nashville on instagram @ediblenashtn and their website ediblenashville.com. And look for their beautiful magazine around town. To subscribe to the magazine that comes out 6x/year, go to ediblenashville.com.

What “XXX” might represent in comics

Small dog

“You got me this time!”

Water balloons on a hot day, say

Wore out

Seeks at an auction

Janis Joplin’s final recording, which had an anticonsumerism message (1970)

“I have no ___”

Water balloon sound

Proof finale, in brief

Rich, fashionable sorts

Modern music staple that’s a punny description of 17-, 24-, 38- and 48-Across

ANSWER TO PUZZLE

PUZZLE BY DREW SCHMENNER

MBA Spaghetti Supper

BY BRENDA BATEY PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY

The Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) Mother’s Club held the 78th annual Spaghetti Supper to benefit the venerable school for boys in grades seven to twelve.

Christie Bragg and Mary Pierce were cochairs of the event.

Founded in 1867, MBA is committed to building boys into citizens who will make a positive difference in the community.

As a part of Homecoming 2022, the Spaghetti Supper tickets were sold by the students and they received prizes and incentives based on sales volume, which made the endeavor more fun.

Also for sale were homecoming tee shirts, mums, boxes of sweets from Dessert Designs, and more.

Numerous volunteers joined together to serve spaghetti, green salad, bread and cookies.

After the supper, MBA’s Varsity squad met Baylor School’s team in the Tommy Owen Stadium for a hard-fought game of football. Both teams were undefeated and the exciting game saw the lead change hands several times.

To the delight of the home fans, MBA prevailed over Baylor, 42 to 34.

Dan and Pat Solomon, and Gina and Martin Nunn

Cari Freitag and Dianne Vasser

Jeff and Christine Weller

Stephanie, Austin and Jay Tant

Robert, Deborah and Henry Pitt

Mike McGuffin, Mary Sifford, and Shannon McGuffin

Lilliana

Rose Kennedy and Ella Fisher

Mary

SOCIAL

Land Trust’s Once in a Blue Moon

BY BRENDA BATEY PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY

The Land Trust for Tennessee held its largest fundraiser of the year, Once in a Blue Moon, which supports the mission to conserve the unique character of Tennessee’s irreplaceable landscapes.

The celebration took place at The Land Trust’s historic 64-acre Glen Leven Farm and featured a seated dinner by Menu Maker Catering and beverages provided by Lipman Brothers.

Later the guests, who were comfortable in boots and jeans, enjoyed live music, followed by s’mores roasted over a huge bonfire.

Remarks were made by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects on plans for the future of Glen Leven Farm.

Event co-chairs were Kristin Payne and Ellen Smith and honorary chairs were Bill Coble, Barbara Daane, and Ridley Wills II.

Committee members included: Louise and Will Alexander, Lexie and James Armstrong, Louise and Matt Beasley, Ashley and Will Brockman, Tiffany and Frazer Buntin, Daphne and Rawls Butler, Nicole

and Larry Combs, Katherine Dobie, Jillian and Brian Eischeid, Bill Forrester, Peaches Forrester, Rachel and Bob Freeman, Mary and Phillip Graf, Mary Lankford Harlin, Hunter Jones, Leiyan and Larry Keele, Corinne and Brock Kidd, Jodie and Hal Lawton, Monica and John Loar, Mary and Colin Looney, Farrell and David Mason, Rosemary McIlhenny, Claire McInturff, Amy and Vaughn Millette, Carter Paine, Lauren Palmer, Jennifer and Jamey Parker, Laura and William Roberts, Katie and Austin Robinson, Amanda and Luke Smiley, Virginia and John Voigt, Harriet Warner, Jeannette Warner, Mary Ann and Ben Weprin, Jenny Zhang, and Jason Cheng.

The Land Trust’s mission is to conserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural and historic landscapes and sites for future generations. The organization was founded in 1999 by Phil Bredesen, along with a group of visionary conservation leaders.

For more information, visit LandTrustTN.org or call 615-244-5263.

Earle and Mary Katherine Simmons, Lauren Lunsford, and Kiki Morton

Martha Hayworth, and Cathy and Tom Greir

Corey Carpenter and Kate Hatfield

Abbey Thomas and Noel Lagace

Lisan Martelli, Monica Loar, and Kimberly Bochy

Tej Patel, Jenny Zang, and Jason Cheng

Eric and Jessica Straton, and Briana and Nathan Succop

Sandra Kane, Trey and Dianne Smith, and Jane and Jim Melrose

Dana Jurien and Alicia Fitts

Jennifer and Mercer Borden

Laurie Bair, Linda Breggin, and Mike Vandenberg

Caleb and Lori Henner

SOCIAL

Mark Brown Retirement Party

BY BRENDA BATEY

PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY

Since it was built in the mid-1850s by Adelicia and Joseph Acklen, Belmont Mansion has been the scene of thousands of parties, including festive gatherings while the family was in residence to more recent times with charity fundraisers and wedding receptions.

The latest event was a retirement party for Executive Director Mark Brown, who served the mansion for 36 years, overseeing restoring the edifice to its original glory.

While guests admired recent significant changes in the mansion, they enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres by The Clean Plate Club including: shrimp on skewers, country ham and sweet potato biscuits, chicken Wellington, and much more.

Belmont Mansion is one of the most architecturally significant houses of the 19th century south and a majority of the rooms in Belmont Mansion have been meticulously restored, complete with original and period

furniture, artwork and statuary.

The Grand Salon, more than 2,000 square feet, unites all first-floor rooms, becoming the visual and architectural focus of the entire house. Both the ceiling and floor now look as they did in the Acklens’ time, as well as the elegant staircase that rises from the salon to the second floor.

Among other areas in the home which have been restored are Adelicia Acklen’s bedroom with colorful and detailed wallpaper and carpet, the library, and more. The ceiling in the Central Parlor was repainted to match the original, with a gorgeous floral motif.

Words cannot adequately describe the exceptional mansion and the history behind it and a visit to the estate, including the grounds, is highly recommended.

For more information about Belmont Mansion, call 615-460-5459 or visit belmontmansion.com.

Jim Johnson, Sherry Male, James Blair, and Terry Komp

Retiring Executive Director Mark Brown and incoming Executive Director Myers Brown Michael Ann and Don Robinson

Don Greene, Kent Blazy, and Yvonne Greene

Betsey Johnson, Gary and Bonne Crigger, and Steve Townes

Cheryl Vance Tudor, Adelicia Acklen’s great, great, great granddaughter Lattie Miller Brown, and Acklen’s great, great granddaughters Holly Anderson Wilds and Lattie Noel Brown

Beth Trescott, Belmont Mansion Curator of Collections Jerry Trescott, and Robert Dillingham

no

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