Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence spoke at Middle Tennessee State University on Sept. 17 during the university’s annual Constitution Day celebration — though he did not note if he will vote in the presidential election.
Pence spoke on “Defining Democracy” in conversation with MTSU Honors History Professor Mary Evins and took questions
from the public in MTSU’s Tucker Theatre.
The free event saw students, faculty and the general public fill the 831-seat theater with several protesters holding signs outside the building. The celebration also saw students recite the U.S. Constitution and register to vote across campus.
The 48th vice president’s appearance at MTSU drew criticism from some students
and community members in the weeks leading up to the event, including from the school’s LGBTQ+ community, some of whom Evins said have “somehow felt fearful” of Pence’s presence on campus.
“We had a controversy in Indiana when I was governor,” Pence said, adding that he believes that “marriage is between one man and one woman.”
Tennessee’s “abortion trafficking” legislation will not be enforced for now, with a judge ruling that it infringes upon the First Amendment right of free speech.
Under Public Chapter No. 1032, passed earlier this year, an adult who “intentionally recruits, harbors, or transports a pregnant unemancipated minor” for the purpose of receiving an abortion or obtaining abortion pills would face a class-A misdemeanor for “wrongful death of an unborn child,” which could result in one year of jail time.
Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) and abortion fund member and attorney Rachel Welty brought a lawsuit against the district attorneys general for Middle Tennessee in June, asserting that the law could interfere with sharing information about abortion access in other states. Tennessee has a nearly total ban on abortion.
United States District Judge Aleta A. Trauger wrote Friday that the defendants’ motion to dismiss was denied and Public Chapter No. 1032 should not be enforced.
“Welty and Behn do not just have a right to speak their message, they have a right to live in a state where that message can be repeated by all who find it valuable [and] to all who wish to hear it,” the judge wrote. “Otherwise, there would be no actual freedom of speech — just freedom of a few speakers to address a silenced population.”
The district attorneys general defendants include Glenn Funk in Davidson County, as well as Bryant C. Dunaway, Jason Lawson, Jennings H. Jones, Robert J. Carter, Ray Whitley, Robert J. Nash, Stacey Edmonson, Brent Cooper, Ray
Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at Middle Tennessee State during Constitution Day celebration. PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Pence calls for confidence
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“I stood up for people in my state, and I said, ‘no one should ever be mistreated or abused because of who they are, who they love and what they believe.’ I hope my career is reflective of that.”
That statement was met with both applause and boos from the crowd.
“That’s what freedom sounds like,” Pence responded.
Pence did not shy away from answering questions from the public, including defending his decision in 2003 to support the United States’ invasion of Iraq, reiterating his commitment to supporting Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and brushing off a call from one student for Pence to endorse current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency.
Pence characterized Harris as having a “radical left philosophy” and called the idea of endorsing her for president as “not possible.”
He also dodged a direct question from Evins on whether he would even vote in the upcoming general election, having previously said that he won’t be endorsing former President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who he served alongside.
Pence declined to field any questions from news media in attendance. When asked why he wouldn’t speak to the press by The News, Pence responded that he “did that for four years.”
Pence defied Trump’s attempts to overturn the legal certification of the 2020 election during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, which many American view as an insurrection.
Evins called Pence a “hero of the U.S. Constitution” who “will be in history books forever” for what she called “an act of moral and civic courage.”
“He will be remembered as the vice president of the United States, who, against all odds and against own personal advancement, believed so strongly in U.S. principles, in the U.S. Constitution and his own oath of office, ‘so help him God’ that he stood up for the U.S. Constitution.”
Despite the attack on the nation’s capital, which saw chants of “hang Mike Pence” from MAGA rioters, Pence detailed in his
Enforcement
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Crouch and Hans Schwendimann.
Idaho passed a similar law in 2023, which was blocked in November. Proceedings are still underway in a federal appeals court.
2024 memoir that he and his former boss (who he blamed for the attack) “parted amicably” before he “decided it would be best to go our separate ways” as Trump returned to his signature divisive rhetoric throughout the ongoing 2024 election cycle.
“I will always look at January 6 as a day that our institutions held,” Pence said.
Pence spoke about what he said is his top long-term domestic issue, “to restore the sanctity of life back to the center of American law,” referring to work across the nation aimed at further dismantling reproductive rights, and called work to “confront the debt crisis facing this generation” the “urgent calling of our time.”
He advocated for “restoring the fiscal integrity of the United States” and said that the U.S. should “recognize that China is the greatest economic and strategic threat the United States faces in the 21st century, and we have got to stand strong against China.”
Pence also contrasted his views from those of his former boss by reiterating his support for Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia.
“What I learned when I was your vice president is, if America isn’t the leader of the free world, the free world isn’t being led,” Pence said.
“The reason I think the United States needs to support Ukraine is not, as President Biden has said many times, that Ukraine is some paragon of democracy… If [Russian President] Vladimir Putin overruns Ukraine, it will only be a matter of time before he crosses a border that our men and women in uniform are going to have to go fight.”
Despite the historic moment facing the nation, Pence voiced a message of hope.
“To solve the challenges America faces today, we should move back to and rededicate ourselves to the principles and the framework of the Constitution of the United States,” he told the crowd.
“I would just encourage you, do not worry about the future of democracy; participate in it. Do not worry about the future of the Republic. Be confident that our republic is strong, so long as we stand by the Constitution of the United States.”
“This is a monumental victory for free speech and the fight for abortion rights,” Behn said in a statement. “This law was a blatant attempt to stifle crucial conversations about abortion resources and intimidate people into silence. But today, we celebrate that the court has affirmed our right to speak openly about abortion options without fear of legal repercussions.”
Welty said in a statement: “As an attorney, this victory is a powerful affirmation of our right to provide clear and confident counsel on abortion care. This law directly attacked the attorney-client relationship, threatening the ability to offer trusted legal advice without fear of prosecution.”
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at Middle Tennessee State during Constitution Day celebration. PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Former Vice President Mike Pence takes a selfie with a student at Middle Tennessee State during Constitution Day celebration. PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
MTSU Students register to vote during the university’s Sept. 17, 2024, Constituton Day celebration. PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
MNPD chief urges Nashvillians to utilize free gun locks, retrieval program
A Friday night vigil at the Metro Courthouse honored victims of gun violence
KELSEY BEYELER
Following the accidental shooting death of 8-year-old Phillip’e Woodard on Sept. 14, Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake is calling on Nashvillians to utilize free local gun safety resources.
An ongoing MNPD investigation revealed that Phillip’e was left alone with his 10-year-old brother and a 16-year-old family friend at a relative’s house. Phillip’e was reportedly playing with a loaded gun before it went off.
“Tragedies like this need not happen,” says Drake in a video posted to MNPD’s social media pages.
Drake goes on to remind Nashville residents that free gun locks are available at all police precincts, in the MNPD headquarters’ lobby and the Madison Records Division Counter. He also notes MNPD’s gun retrieval program for those who wish to surrender unwanted guns. Through the program, people can anonymously give up firearms at one of several churches throughout Nashville, with the guns then handed over to MNPD. More information about the gun retrieval program and participating locations can be found on
MNPD’s website.
Phillip’e is the fourth child to die from an accidental firearm death in Nashville this year. While those four deaths aren’t considered homicides, an MNPD representative tells The News sister publication the Nashville Scene that an additional 11 people under the age of 18 have been the victims of fatal shootings this year. In total, there have been 71 homicides in the city, 64 of which are from shootings.
A candlelight vigil organized by the Tennessee Hispanic Action Network was held on the Metro Courthouse steps on Sept. 20 The vigil was held in honor of victims of gun violence, including 18-year-old Yasser Paz, who was shot and killed outside of a nightclub earlier this month. Paz’s family held a press conference Friday asking for help identifying the shooter.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Scene.
Free
gun locks PHOTO: TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
FBI conducting new investigation into Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Questioning has focused on VUMC orthopedics department, according to those interviewed by federal agents
ELI MOTYCKA
The FBI has conducted multiple interviews at Vanderbilt University Medical Center over the past 18 months. The new ongoing investigation seems to center on VUMC’s orthopedics department, according to two individuals who have been interviewed by federal agents. Both sources say that additional FBI interviews took place among their colleagues. Both spoke to the Scene on the condition of
anonymity, citing professional concerns.
The VUMC health system runs seven hospitals in Middle Tennessee, anchored by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. VUMC is the largest nongovernmental employer in Tennessee, claiming more than 40,000 employees and a reported 3.2 million patient visits in 2023. The health system is legally and financially
independent from Vanderbilt University as of April 2016.
Rick Wright chairs VUMC’s orthopedics department and serves as VUMC’s chief medical officer for clinical affairs. At least three employees have alleged workplace mistreatment by Wright.
Those interviewed say the current investigation is unrelated to a separate FBI investigation into VUMC’s alleged sharing of health records of transgender patients confirmed last year. Instead, agents’ questioning has focused on the orthopedics department, which oversees muscle, joint and bone health care, including certain joint replacement devices from medical manufacturer DJO (since rebranded to Enovis) provided by local distributor Music City Orthopaedics.
In a lawsuit filed in March, former VUMC employee Chris Hoedt describes a financial conflict of interest involving orthopedic surgeon Gregory Polkowski and certain knee, hip and shoulder joint replacements.
“These devices were sold to VUMC and to [Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital] through a manufacturer’s representative with whom Dr. Polkowski had a relationship that allowed him to receive compensation in the form of consulting fees and royalties when DJO devices were used in the surgeries he performed,” Hoedt’s initial complaint
reads. “The exact relationship Dr. Polkowski and others in the Vanderbilt Department of Orthopaedic Surgery had with this manufacturer’s representative is not known, but Dr. Hoedt was pressured to use these devices, with Dr. Polkowski stating that while he could not force him to use the devices that if he ‘wanted to be a team player,’ he would.”
Federal agents have also collected documentation — including recordings and photographic evidence — as part of the investigation. Based on the investigation, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee will choose whether to bring charges against VUMC on behalf of the federal government.
In a conversation with The News sister publication the Nashville Scene, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment on the matter, but did not deny an ongoing investigation. VUMC did not return the Scene’s request for comment.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Scene.
Jonathan Saad, formerly a grant manager with Metro Arts, secured a $150,000 offer from city lawyers less than two months after filing suit against his ousted former boss Daniel Singh.
Over 12 pages, attorneys for Saad — who was passed over by Singh for three full-time positions in Metro Arts — describe the former grant manager as a victim of racial discrimination, hiring bias and workplace retaliation. Despite no direct evidence of any of Saad’s specific claims, the city did not contest his version of events, choosing instead to quickly agree on a payout according to court documents. Disputed facts between Singh and Saad could have forced the matter to trial.
Saad’s settlement is the latest embarrassing and costly misstep for Metro’s
ongoing Metro Arts cleanup job. The department fell under public scrutiny for bungling grant distribution more than a year ago. Saad’s settlement will come from $3 million allocated by the city to resolve outstanding claims related to Singh’s tenure at Metro Arts.
Saad filed his initial lawsuit on May 23 — a day before the city announced a $200,000 settlement terminating Daniel Singh. Two weeks later, he took a position leading The Forge Nashville, a maker space formerly known as Fort Houston. Saad filed to dismiss his employment suit on July 19.
Multiple Metro councilmembers have raised concerns about the settlement when speaking with The News sister publication the Nashville Scene on the condition of anonymity. Some worry it will create
additional legal exposure for employees with lingering animosity toward Singh. At least one source describes the timing of the lawsuit, which dropped amid unified public outcry toward Singh, as “opportunistic.”
Saad argues that he faced retaliation for pushing back against Singh’s management decisions, invoking state whistleblower protections extended to those “refusing to participate in or remain silent about illegal activities.” Saad alleges racial discrimination but does not specify how his racial or ethnic identity — clarified in the complaint as halfwhite and half-Lebanese — was a factor in formal bias from Singh.
Saad’s scorn, and his claims of retaliation and discrimination, rests on being passed over for three full-time jobs within Metro Arts, one of which he was performing on a
contract basis. In a Feb. 9 email reviewed by the Scene, Singh says former Metro Arts director Jen Cole had received “three separate allegations of sexual advances by [Saad] from female grantees” who had not filed formal complaints out of fear of retaliation. While these allegations were never investigated, they could present at least one compelling reason why Saad was not hired for further employment. If the council approves the settlement at Tuesday’s meeting, the matter will not be litigated further.
City attorney Melissa Roberge, Metro’s lead litigator on the case, will appear this evening at the Metro Council’s Budget & Finance Committee meeting to field questions from councilmembers.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Scene.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center PHOTO: ELI MOTYCKA
Jewelry, fragrance boutique opens in Green Hills Department offers high-end home decor, fashion items at
The
Courtyard on Bandywood
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
High-end jewelry and fragrance boutique Department has opened in Green Hills.
According to a release, owner Camille Seven operates the business at 2209 Bandywood Drive in a space formerly occupied by Ever Alice at The Courtyard on Bandywood shopping center.
Department’s ready-to-wear jewelry is priced starting at about $1,000, with the boutique also working with customers to create custom pieces. Fragrance and candles start at $175 and tabletop range from $50 to about $300.
Seven, who is known for her The Dress Theory and LVD Bridal, is sourcing her inventory largely from suppliers located in Paris and New York. Department bills itself as introducing multiple brands to the Nashville market. Jewelry designers include Jade Ruzzo, Marlo Laz, For Future Reference Vintage, Sorellina, Devon Woodhill, Jenna Blake, Lucy Delius, Joelle Kharrat and Van Robot. Fragrance brands include Régime des Fleurs, Heretic, Nette, Maison d’Etto, Amoln and Liis. Tabletop item suppliers include Akua Objects, Sophie Lou Jacobsen
and El Mono Home.
Seven began her boutique retail career in 2012 with the opening of The Dress Theory in Seattle, later bringing the bridal boutique to San Diego and Nashville and opening LVD Bridal in East Nashville, a sister brand offering designer wedding dresses for consignment. She holds a degree in art history from the University of California in San Diego. In addition,
Seven is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris’s Diplôme de Cuisine, Shillington Design School in Manhattan (graphic design) and The Perfurmer’s Studio in Los Angeles. She is currently seeking an Applied Jewelry Professional diploma from The Gemological Institute of America.
Terms of the lease with The Courtyard on Bandywood owner (a partnership seemingly affiliated with Nashville-based commercial real estate company Eakin Partners, Metro records note) and the cost to get operational are not being disclosed.
“Over the last 12 years styling 10,000 brides through The Dress Theory and LVD Bridal, I have witnessed firsthand … that
finishing touches are what … make a gown individual,” Seven said in the release.
“The same goes for homes, dinner tables and personal style. The finishing touches can be as seemingly small as your favorite handmade mug for your morning coffee, the perfume that reminds you of your favorite destination, or a pair of earrings that always make whatever you’re wearing feel special and complete. I have always loved discovering and sharing these finds with family and friends. To now be able to do so on a larger scale through the opening of Department is a lifelong dream come true.”
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Department owner Camille Seven
PHOTO: ERIN FOX
I ndependent candidate Alana LeBlanc running long-shot campaign for House District 61 seat
First-time Independent candidate Alana LeBlanc is vying for Tennessee’s House District 61 seat in a long-shot race against incumbent Republican Rep. Gino Bulso and Democratic challenger Claire Jones.
“I am running for office to blur the line between political parties, heal the divide, and create a more collaborative legislative environment and return focus back to the issues that affect us all and get to the root cause of those issues,” LeBlanc told The News, adding that she has ambitions of one day running for federal office.
LeBlanc, a realtor and former home renovation reality tv host, moved to Franklin from Las Vegas about 10 years ago.
She said she initially wanted to run two years ago and made her decision to file her election paper work in the spring of 2024 after
a service at Nashville’s CrossPoint Church.
“I saw the divisiveness in the House over the last couple years, and I just felt led to go that direction,” LeBlanc said, adding that she has ambitions for federal office.
“We’ve got Republicans and Democrats fighting against each other and not fighting for the people and for a better cause,”
LeBlanc said. “Then they’re just so focused on their own ideas and beliefs, they’re just forgetting that there’s so many other people that don’t have those same beliefs.”
LeBlanc is a self-described “huge supporter” of former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has since endorsed former President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump.
LeBlanc broadly lists “Freedoms and Rights,” “Healthcare” and “Education” among her legislative issues and expanded upon her views on several pressing issues facing the legislature in conversation with The News
SCHOOL VOUCHERS
LeBlanc said that she does not support the proposed statewide school voucher bills that failed in the state House last session, but voiced support for some level of voucher program, a topic which will be front and center when lawmakers return in January.
“I know that we are very blessed here in Williamson County to have amazing schools, and so it’s not something that we would want or we feel that we would need here, but there are other schools in other districts in our state that are not as fortunate as us, and [I support] parents having the choice to send their child to a school that they feel would be a better fit for them.”
State opioid abatement council releases funding
HANNAH HERNER
Tennessee’s Opioid Abatement Council announced $20 million more in funding for opioid remediation efforts.
Interested parties can apply for the funding to be used for an approved list of activities, including harm reduction, treatment, recovery support, education and research, according to a press release. The funds came from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers negotiated by the Tennessee Attorney General’s office.
This second round of funding follows the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council awarding $81 in opioid abatement grants earlier this year. Nashville recipients have begun working on their respective projects. Nashville also awarded some of its own
opioid abatement funds in June. “What we’re looking for in this second Announcement of Funding is to break new ground with organizations doing great work. We want to hear from the grassroots, local agencies who see the need in their community and want to respond in innovative, collaborative ways,” said Mary Shelton, TN Opioid Abatement Council executive director. “Because the hurt across our state is so great, we know there are even more organizations creating space for healing who can utilize this funding.”
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
ABORTION
“I think, within reason, women should have the right to choose, but they should not have the right to abuse abortions,” LeBlanc said, adding that she doesn’t agree with allowing “multiple abortions” and believes that abortions should not be allowed after “somewhere between six weeks and 12 weeks.”
“I don’t believe it should go past that, with the exception of the mother’s life being at risk.”
GUN REFORM AND ARMING TEACHERS
In April, the legislature passed a bill allowing teachers to carry firearms in schools, but that will not be implemented in Williamson County or Metro Nashville Public Schools.
LeBlanc said that she supports rural communities who may have less funding for school resource officers to be able to have armed teachers, calling mental health the “root cause” of gun violence in the United States.
“In my opinion, it’s not necessarily access to guns,” LeBlanc said. “I think that if somebody has access to a gun and they’re mentally stable, then we don’t have any issues.”
LIBRARY RESTRICTIONS AND PRIDE FLAGS IN SCHOOLS
LeBlanc said she is more concerned with legislators focusing on “nutrition, social, emotional learning, how our kids [utilize] adaptability, collaborative work, critical thinking,” in regards to education legislation, versus more culture war-focused bills.
Many of those culture war issues have been championed by her Republican
opponent, including lawsuits targeting “obscene” books in school libraries and a failed bill that aimed at banning Pride flags from public schools.
“I think that the issue should not be focusing on banning books but getting our kids to actually read books,” LeBlanc said, adding that she does support having “ageappropriate” books in school libraries.
“Our kids don’t even read books,” LeBlanc said. “They don’t even go to the library, so I don’t know what the concern is with them picking up a book off the shelf that has something that you don’t agree with when they’re not even in the library.”
She called the topic of banning Pride flags from public schools a “non-issue to me” meant to divide people, while adding that she doesn’t support the discussion of LGBTQ issues in elementary schools.
“I think that we as parents are supposed to raise our children in the way that we want to raise our children and raise our children to accept people how they are,” LeBlanc said. “If you’re worried that your child is going to be influenced, maybe you’re not influencing them well enough at home.”
LeBlanc said she has both Republican and Democrat friends and family and has received mostly “very positive” reactions from voters she’s talked with while knocking on doors.
“I’m just trying to have the approach of empathy and listening, because I think that a lot of times people are listening but they’re not hearing what people want or what people need,” Leblanc said. “So that’s my approach, just being authentic and focusing on the issues that are not dividing us.”
Early College High School named National Blue Ribbon School
STAFF REPORTS
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education revealed its 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools and six schools in Tennessee were among the honorees.
Nashville’s Early College High School was selected for the prestigious honor.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program highlights public and private elementary, middle and high schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student group scores and graduation rates:
Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing
schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
ECHS was named an Exemplary High Performing School. The school will be recognized during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Nov. 7-8.
The other honorees from the state include Jordan Elementary School (Brentwood), Glenwood Elementary School (Oak Ridge), Merrol Hyde Magnet School (Hendersonville), Miller Perry Elementary School (Kingsport), and Spanish Immersion at Barksdale (Clarksville).
HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Alana LeBlanc
PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
Ex-Metro official to oversee city’s finance department
Jenneen Kaufman Reed has worked with Titans, Nashville Symphony
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Mayor Freddie O’Connell has announced the appointment of Jenneen Kaufman Reed as director of the Metro Department of Finance, beginning in January 2025.
According to a release, Interim Finance Director Kevin Crumbo will remain in his role through early 2025 to aid in the transition. The Metro Council will need to approve Reed’s appointment during its
Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 meetings.
Reed brings more than 28 years of experience working in public, private and nonprofit finance and administrative roles, including three years as deputy director of the Metro Department of Finance, 23 years as senior vice president and chief financial officer for the Tennessee Titans and, most recently, (and since November 2023) as chief financial officer for the Nashville Symphony.
Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee.
Crumbo, a former KraftCPAs partner and investment manager, served as Metro finance director during the first half of former Mayor John Cooper’s term, leaving the role after the conclusion of the 2021 budget process. He returned to Metro as interim finance director in October 2023, succeeding Kelly Flannery.
“Jenneen is well-respected by her peers and has deep experience in Nashville and with public finance,” O’Connell said in the release.
“I witnessed her knowledge and work ethic first-hand when I first took office. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kevin Crumbo for his diligent work over the past year and his dedication to ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.”
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Texas man charged with threatening to kill Nashville DA Glenn Funk
The arrest comes after weeks of neo-Nazi actions targeting Middle Tennessee
HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
A Texas man has been arrested after threatening to “lynch and kill” Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk. The arrest follows weeks of neo-Nazi threats and action in Middle Tennessee.
Fifty-nine-year-old David Aaron Bloyed of Frost, Texas, has been charged with communicating a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to five years in federal prison. The arrest stems from weeks-long confrontations in Nashville between a neoNazi hate group who traveled to Middle Tennessee to harass and intimidate citizens, religious groups and elected officials. According to federal prosecutors, following the arrest of one neo-Nazi who engaged in a July 14 fight in downtown Nashville, a Telegram user later identified as Bloyed
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allegedly posted threats against Funk with the caption “getting the rope.” Other posts included “a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrases, ‘The “Rope List” grew by a few more Nashville jews today,’ and ‘Will you survive the day of the rope?’”
In 2023, the Texas Observer identified Bloyed as one of four men who were cited by Fort Worth, Texas, police for distributing antisemitic flyers.
“In a functioning democracy, we simply cannot tolerate threats of violence against elected officials,” says U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis in a Sept. 20 release. “The charges announced today are just the latest illustration of the Department’s commitment to protecting public servants and upholding the rule of law.”
Jenneen Kaufman Reed PHOTO: PROVIDED
Our picks for the best fall concerts and festivals Highlights include Pilgrimage Festival, Kacey Musgraves and Drkmttr Fest
STEPHEN TRAGESER
This fall, the calendars at Nashville venues large and small are overflowing with concerts. Some massive tours that you’re likely aware of are coming through, including Chappell Roan (Oct. 1 at FirstBank Amphitheater), Charli XCX and Troye Sivan (Oct. 2 at Bridgestone Arena), Sabrina Carpenter (Oct. 16 at Bridgestone Arena), Post Malone (Oct. 19 at Nissan Stadium) and Billie Eilish (Nov. 6 at Bridgestone Arena). The News sister publication the Nashville Scene rounded up some more that caught our eye, with extra notes on a handful of them.
Sept. 28-29: Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, 239 Franklin Road, Franklin At Pilgrimage, there’s something for most music fans (at least those whose tastes tend toward roots, rock and pop). And with noteworthy sets scattered throughout the day, it’s been one of the more familyfriendly fests in our area since 2015. The trend continues this year: Saturday’s lineup includes Celisse, Allison Russell, Willi Carlisle and headliner Dave Matthews Band, while Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge, Myles Smith, COIN and headliner Noah Kahan are among those on deck for Sunday.
Oct. 11: Kyshona at 3rd and Lindsley, 818 Third Ave S. Expert songwriter and phenomenal singer Kyshona explores her family history in depth on her latest LP Legacy. This challenging task was even harder because her ancestors were enslaved people, and a great deal of information was lost or never even collected. The result is a vital, vibrant expression of strength and resilience in a rocking and soulful musical setting. Don’t miss this chance to hear her bring it to life.
Oct. 19-20:
Drkmttr Fest at Drkmttr, 1111 Dickerson Pike
Since 2015, all-ages space Drkmttr
has stepped up in all kinds of ways for Nashville’s music community. This year, the co-founders took a major step and became a federally recognized nonprofit. A wide range of great musicians — from Georgia post-punk aces Pylon Reenactment Society to Nashville guitar wizard William Tyler and beyond — will help them celebrate this achievement and raise funds at the inaugural Drkmttr Fest.
Oct. 28: BigXThaPlug at Eastside Bowl, 1508A Gallatin Pike S., Madison
One of the most fun sets at Bonnaroo this year was from Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug. He’s a master at working the crowd with gestures and expressions, timing his dropping of bars for maximum impact. His flow is reminiscent of Biggie at three-quarter speed, his stage presence is a bit like Andre the Giant, and he’s primed to blow the doors off Eastside Bowl.
Nov. 9:
The Privates at The Basement, 1604 Eighth Ave. S. Though they never got to build the outside-of-Nashville following of contemporaries like JEFF the Brotherhood, The Features or Those Darlins, nervy quartet The Privates played a key role in leveling up Nashville rock ’n’ roll in the Aughts. In August, YK Records released the longoverdue retrospective compilation We’re Really Rocking Now, Haven’t We?, bookended by two excellent new songs; now The Privates have scheduled their first show in more than a decade. Whether it’s a one-off or the harbinger of a revival to come (a là Be Your Own Pet), it’s a reason to celebrate.
Nov. 23:
Kaitlin Butts at Exit/In, 2208 Elliston Place
This has been a huge year for country songsmith Kaitlin Butts, with months of touring — from clubs to festivals of all sizes — in the run-up to and in the wake of her excellent LP Roadrunner! You don’t need to know it’s inspired by Oklahoma! to enjoy it; it’s just outstanding songwriting and playing in an updated honky-tonk mode. Don’t sleep on tickets to her homecoming show; it’s highly unlikely she’ll play intimate rooms like this for much longer.
Dec. 6-7:
Kacey Musgraves at Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway
Kacey Musgraves’ Deeper Well is exactly the kind of album you hope the champion singer-songwriter would make more than a decade into her career. It’s a spiritual and tonal reset that builds on all the work she’s been doing — personally and professionally — and it sounds simultaneously softer
than much of her previous work and more confident than ever. She’ll celebrate with a two-night blowout at the ’Stone with Lord Huron and Nickel Creek supporting.
25 more shows for your consideration:
Sept. 27: Musicians Corner Season Finale feat. Parker Millsap, Larysa Jaye & more
Sept. 30: Khruangbin at Ascend Amphitheater
Oct. 2: La Luz at The End
Oct. 9-12:
You Got Gold: Celebrating the Life and Songs of John Prine at various venues
Oct. 10-13, Oct. 17-20: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Ryman residency
Oct. 10:
Amanda Shires: Off the Record — Unplugged and Untamed at Exit/In
Oct. 11-12: Breakaway Nashville feat. Tiësto, Marshmello and more at Fair Park
Oct. 11: Jeff Lynne’s ELO at Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 11: Vampire Weekend at Ascend Amphitheater
Oct. 12: Maggie Rogers at Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 18:
Teddy and the Rough Riders Album Release at Soft Junk
Oct. 19: Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Ascend Amphitheater
Oct. 25: Sturgill Simpson at Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 25: X at Brooklyn Bowl
Oct. 27: Latto at Municipal Auditorium
Oct. 28: Tinashe at Marathon Music Works
Oct. 31: Being Dead at The Blue Room at Third Man Records
Nov. 4: Clairo at the Grand Ole Opry House
Nov. 7: Julie Williams at The Blue Room at Third Man Records
Nov. 11-13: Leon Bridges at the Ryman
Nov. 14-16: Briston Maroney’s Paradise at Brooklyn Bowl
Nov. 20: Chapel Hart’s Hartfelt Family Christmas at City Winery
Nov. 20: Gwar at Brooklyn Bowl
Dec. 6-7: The Mavericks at the Ryman
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Scene.
LOGAN BUTTS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS NEWS REPORTER AND PHOTOJOURNALIST
NICOLLE S. PRAINO STAFF REPORTER
BOLD PRODUCTION MANAGER
Kacey Musgraves
PHOTO: KELLY CHRISTINE SUTTON
Middle District U.S. Attorney to resign
NICOLLE S. PRAINO
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry Leventis has announced he will resign effective Oct. 4. According to a release, Leventis submitted his resignation to President Joe Biden earlier this week and plans to return to private practice. He has led an office of 85 federal prosecutors and employees in representing the United States for two years in the Middle District which covers 32 counties. The release touts Leventis’ focuses during his time in the office as public safety, civil rights and health care.
“As the chief federal law enforcement official in the nation’s health care capital, United States Attorney Leventis prioritized fighting fraud, waste, and abuse in federal health care programs,” the release states.
“During the same period, United States Attorney Leventis increased his office’s outreach to health care industry stakeholders, both in Nashville and around the country.”
Under Leventis, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District worked on the Project Safe Neighborhoods program in Davidson County and prosecuted a Kansas man who threatened to bomb a Nashville Pride event, a Columbia man who engaged in a two-hour shootout with police, four men involved in a double homicide murderfor-hire conspiracy, and a $59 million settlement with eBay related to the sale of thousands of industrial-grade pill press machines and counterfeit pill stamps.
Last month, Leventis announced a federal civil rights investigation into the state’s largest prison, Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, managed by CoreCivic. The office also intervened in a private lawsuit against the state’s gender-affirming care ban and will argue the ban is unconstitutional in the United States Supreme Court this year.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
OPINION
TICKED OFF!
VOTE NO ON THE SALES TAX!
I voted for Mayor O’Connell for mayor last year and based on his overall performance in office so far, I plan on voting for him again in the next mayoral election. I do have one issue of disagreement with him over the transit plan. I am not necessarily against the plan but I am against the current financing of it. There is no way we should increase the sales tax anymore. I know Mayor O’Connell is an Ivy League highly educated individual, so I am disappointed that he does not understand that the sales tax is the most regressive tax that there is. The burden of the tax falls more heavily on those that have smaller incomes. It falls on the backs of the citizens that Mayor O’Connell has been
wanting to help.
Nashville is represented by 3 US House members and also 2 US Senators who live in bedroom communities of Nashville (Gallatin and Franklin). Has Mayor O’Connell had that meeting with our five congressional representatives? With that much support in Congress, I believe that some of our federal tax dollars could be used to finance this project. Therefore, I will be voting against this highly regressive sales tax increase and encourage you to do also.
The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.
All bids must be made on the forms included in this solicitation.
City of Oak Hill, Tennessee
Public Notice of Passage of Stormwater Ordinance 2024-05
The City of Oak Hill Board of Commissioners
Adopted this Ordinance on Second Reading on August 27th, 2024:
ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-05:
AN ORDINANCE UPDATING EXISTING ORDINANCES TO COMPLY WITH THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES – PHASE II) PERMIT AND APPLICABLE REGULATIONS (40 CFR § 122.26) AND TO EXERCISE THE POWERS GRANTED IN TENNESSEE CODE ANNOTATED TITLE 68, CHAPTER 221 FOR STORM WATER DISCHARGES. THE ORDINANCE IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS THE MANNER IN WHICH STORM WATER IS MANAGED IN AREAS OF NEW DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT, AND SIGNIFICANT REDEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION AND POST-CONSTRUCTION TO MAINTAIN OR BENEFIT WATER QUANTITY, WATER QUALITY AND EFFECTS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE CITY.
This Ordinance may be viewed at Oak Hill City Offices at 5548 Franklin Pike, Nashville,TN 37072 or at the City’s Website at www.oakhilltn.us
Henry C. Leventis
PHOTO: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Five questions for Predators as training camp begins
Nashville ready to deploy new additions Stamkos, Marchessault, Skjei
JOHN GLENNON
The Predators took their first steps toward a highly anticipated 2024-25 season on Sept. 19 when training camp began at Ford Ice Center in Bellevue.
After posting a franchise-record, 18-game point streak and returning to the playoffs last season, the Predators made a huge splash in free agency — signing forward Steven Stamkos, forward Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei.
So it’s fair to say more will be expected of the team this year under coach Andrew Brunette, who finished second in the NHL in coach of the year voting last season.
Here are five questions for the Predators looking ahead to the regular season, which gets underway Oct. 10 against Dallas at Bridgestone Arena:
CAN KEY VETS REPRODUCE HUGE YEARS?
One of the big reasons for the Preds’ surprising success last year was that four veterans — forwards Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist, along with defenseman Roman Josi — produced tremendous seasons.
The 30-year-old Forsberg totaled career highs in goals (48), assists (46) and points (94), playing 82 games for the first time since 2016-17. The 35-year-old Nyquist produced 23 goals, while also recording career highs in assists (52) and points (75).
The 33-year-old O’Reilly had 69 points (26 goals, 43 assists), his most since the 201819 season. The 34-year-old Josi notched 85 points (23 goals, 62 assists), the secondhighest total of his career.
The four of those players missed a combined one game last year, a pretty incredible feat. Can they stay anywhere near as healthy this season, and can they produce similar stats to last year?
WHERE WILL PREDS SLOT STAMKOS?
The biggest of the Predators’ free-agent signings over the summer, Stamkos began his career as a center. But for the last several years in Tampa Bay, Stamkos played mainly on the wing. If the 34-year-old Stamkos is up to the rigors of a return to center, it would fill a big hole for the Preds, who are weakest at that position. He would almost certainly have fellow free agent Jonathan Marchessault on one wing, and perhaps budding talent Luke Evangelista on the other. If the Preds choose to leave Stamkos on the wing, the team would have to center his line — assuming Brunette chooses to keep together the Forsberg-O’Reilly-Nyquist trio. One candidate to serve as the No. 2 center in that situation would be offensivelyminded Tommy Novak, whose skills and vision might make a nice fit with Stamkos and Marchessault. Another option would be
veteran Colton Sissons.
WILL JUUSE SAROS BOUNCE BACK?
Bounce back might be a bit of an exaggeration, considering Saros did go 3524-5 last season, finishing fifth in Vezina Trophy voting. But many of Saros’ numbers were not up to his usual elite form. His save percentage of .906 was a step down from his career mark of .917, and his 2.86 goals against average was a step higher than his career mark of 2.63. Most notably, Saros — after posting an NHL-best goals saved above expected mark of 46.7 in 2022-23 — tumbled all the way into a tie for 68th in that department last season, recording a goals save above expected of minus 3.0.
It’s fair to say the Preds are hoping last year was an outlier, considering the team signed him to an eight-year, $61.9 million deal in July. Perhaps a little more rest this season is in order for Saros. He’s led the NHL in games played for three straight years and led the league in shots against for the last two years. Scott Wedgewood provides an experienced backup.
CAN THE PREDS IMPROVE THEIR SPECIAL TEAMS?
The Preds’ special teams did not get the job done well enough last season, as the power play produced a 21.6 percent success
rate (16th in the NHL) and the penalty kill had a 76.9 percent success rate (22nd). The power-play struggles were even more evident in the playoffs, when Nashville went just 2-for-22 with the man advantage, a 9.1 percent success rate that ranked 14th out of 16 postseason teams.
But Predators fans are likely already salivating about a first-team power-play unit that will likely be composed of Stamkos, Marchessault, Forsberg, O’Reilly and Josi. Stamkos has scored 49 power-play goals over the past five seasons, the fifth-best total in the NHL. He had 19 power-play goals last year, tied for the second-most of his career. Marchessault has netted a combined 17 power-play goals over the past two seasons. The power play should be far better.
The big addition to the penalty kill will be Skjei, signed as a free agent in July. Skjei averaged 2:12 ice time on the penalty kill last year in Carolina, helping the Hurricanes finish first in the league with an 86.4 percent success rate. In addition, it seems likely that new assistant coach Darby Hendrickson will handle penalty-kill duties. He replaces Dan Hinote, who handled that role last season.
WHICH PROSPECTS WILL CHALLENGE FOR ROSTER SPOTS?
The offseason signings of Stamkos, Marchessault, Skjei and Wedgewood mean roster spots are at a premium. We’ll assume also that forward Juuso Parssinen and defenseman Spencer Stastney will be back on the NHL level as well. The status of Philip Tomasino, who has 148 games of NHL experience is unclear, as he remains without a contract.
One prospect who’s sure to get a long look in training camp is forward 21-yearold Zach L’Heureux, a 2021 first-round pick who had a great year in Milwaukee last season — totaling 48 points (19 goals, 29 assists) and a whopping 197 penalty minutes during the regular season, then adding 15 points (10 goals, five assists) and 62 penalty minutes in 15 playoff contests. He might just earn a fourth-line spot with his combination of skills and abrasiveness.
Others to keep an eye on: center Fedor Svechkov, a 2021 first-round pick who had 39 points in 57 games at Milwaukee last season; forward Joakim Kemell, a 2022 firstround pick who had 41 points at Milwaukee last season; defenseman Marc Del Gaizo, who looked good in nine games on the NHL level last season; and defenseman Ryan Ufko, whose pro career got off to a promising start in Milwaukee late in the 2023-24 season. This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
The Nashville Predators celebrate a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets PHOTO: CASEY GOWER
Vanderbilt unveils Institute of National Security
University continues work with federal government, U.S. military via engineering school-housed entity
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Vanderbilt University has announced the launch of its Institute of National Security.
According to a release, initial funding for the center was provided by Discovery Vanderbilt. However, the release does not note a funding amount.
The Institute of National Security — created to help the federal government and military combat evolving threats and develop the next generation of national security leaders — emerged from Vanderbilt’s collaboration with the defense community and aerospace and cyber domain industries. Similarly, the release notes the new entity will build upon the success of Vanderbilt’s annual Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, which military officials and leaders in the U.S. intelligence community attend.
The institute will be housed in Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering and include involvement from faculty, staff and students from the university’s schools and colleges of engineering, medicine, education, business, law, humanities and, soon, connected computing. Douglas Adams, a civil and environmental Engineering professor, will serve as the first executive director.
Paul Nakasone, former director of the National Security Agency and retired fourstar general, serves as founding director of the institute.
By bridging academia and practice, the Institute of National Security aims to address complex security challenges through research and partnerships, Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said in the release.
12South pizzeria to close
“Meeting today’s national security challenges will require a new spirit of radical collaboration,” Diermeier said. “We need military officers that understand cyberspace and engineers that understand national security. We need interdisciplinary approaches that bring together diverse lenses of law, computer science and engineering. That’s precisely what we do at Vanderbilt.”
During the past five years, Vanderbilt faculty have completed several national security projects with the U.S. military. For example, VU engineers and soldiers collaborated to create the Advanced Dynamic Spectrum Reconnaissance device, which detects and analyzes the electromagnetic emissions from an adversary’s devices as well as their own.
Similarly, a multidisciplinary team led
by Associate Professor Karl Zelik created an exoskeleton that augments soldiers’ strength and endurance for lifting heavy loads such as artillery. The technology was commercially developed by HeroWear and has been deployed at Fort Campbell and other Army installations.
Likewise, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Tonia Rex from the VU School of Medicine worked with Adams to develop a solution that dampens repetitive percussion and low-level blasts in aircraft to protect military personnel from short- and long-term brain impairment. The vibrationreducing technology has already undergone testing in Black Hawk helicopters. This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Mafiaoza’s owners to cease operations in October after 21-year run STAFF REPORTS
Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria and Neighborhood Pub is tentatively slated to cease operations in 12South on Oct. 6 after 21 years of operations.
The owners of the restaurant, one of 12South’s initial then-new businesses following the district’s reinvention beginning in the early 2000s, announced the closing via social media. Multiple media reports note the closing is due, in large part, to increasing operational costs.
Business partners Michael Dolan, Lars Kopperud and Brett Corrieri launched Mafiaoza’s, located at 2400 12th Ave., in 2003
“The path to success that we needed to take after the pandemic looks so much clearer in hindsight,” the owners posted.
“The new way to operate in the service industry is no longer service focused.
Higher prices, lower staff, automated systems, etc., took away from our identity.
We decided to hold onto the things that made us uniquely us. If that was our downfall, so be it. We did not compromise who we are.”
Mafiaoza’s (stylized as “MAFIAoZA’s”) operates in a building owned by Mary McMillen and Martha Thompson, who
own or have owned and sold multiple 12South properties over many years.
The Mafiaoza’s owners also operated sister restaurant and bar Embers Ski Lodge in the same building. The status of that business is unclear.
In 2015, the Mafiaoza’s owners opened an outpost in Franklin at The Factory at Franklin. That business closed in 2023.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
i3 Verticals completes $438M sale of merchant services business
Green Hills-based payment processor also announces new CFO, chief strategy officer
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Payment processor and software firm i3 Verticals has completed the approximately $438 million sale of its merchant services business to Payroc WorldAccess.
According to a release, the transaction was undertaken with cash and follows i3 Verticals January 2023 acquisition of Accufund Inc., a provider of fund accounting solutions for government entities and nonprofits.
With the sale to Payroc, i3 Verticals’ software business will focus solely on the
public sector (including education) and the health care industry.
The release does not note how many i3 Verticals employees will now be employed by Payroc, which is based in Tinley Park, Illinois
Relatedly, the Green Hills-based i3 Verticals also announced Monday that Geoff Smith, who previously served as the company’s senior vice president of finance, has been appointed chief financial officer, while Clay Whitson, who previously served
as CFO, will now work in the newly created position of chief strategy officer. Whitson will focus on capital allocation, investor relations and mergers and acquisitions, while remaining a member of the i3 Verticals board.
“Geoff has excelled at taking on increasing responsibilities over the last few years and we are confident this will be a smooth transition,” Greg Daily, i3 Verticals chairman and CEO, said in the release. “This transition will give Clay time to
work side-by-side with Rick Stanford, our president, and me on a variety of projects across the company.”
Shares of i3 Verticals (ticker: IIIV) were priced at $21.86, down $0.13 (0.59 percent) in early afternoon trading. The company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq exchange and began the year valued at $21 per share. This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Mafiaoza’s PHOTO: FILE
Retailer sues One Hundred Oaks owner Ross contends Chicago company violated agreement in leasing ex-Burlington space to Vanderbilt Health
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
claiming a violation of the uses permitted in the facility.
The lawsuit comes as building owner 100 Oaks Plaza LLC recently finalized a lease related to 85,000 square feet of former Burlington (a clothing retailer) space — which sits adjacent to Ross — to Vanderbilt Health. Ross charges that the lease agreement does not allow for non-retail uses in the space
According to a document filed in the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee, Ross contends such health care usage will pose “a serious threat” to its business by segregating the retail store from similar such business at the facility and by “severely limiting available parking for its customers (presumably with Vanderbilt Health patients to eventually use the parking spaces), “thereby causing irreparable damage” to Ross’ operations.
Via the aforementioned 100 Oaks Plaza LLC, Chicago-based LaSalle Investment Management paid $49.2 million for the 51.69-acre property in December 2006, according to Metro records.
In addition to the Vanderbilt Health (on the second floor) and Ross, the building
— a former shopping mall that opened in 1967 — houses other retailers on its main level, including TJ Maxx and Michaels. The property also includes a building accommodating Guitar Center and the structure housing the Regal Hollywood movie theater complex. One Hundred Oaks is located at 719 Thompson Lane.
Ross is asking that the court issue a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting 100 Oaks Plaza LLC from allowing the non-retail usage in the exBurlington space. The plaintiff is requesting the LLC pay its attorneys’ fees and costs that it claims it has incurred related to the lease arrangement with Vanderbilt Health.
Lucas Davidson and John Baxter, attorneys with Nashville-based law firm Buchalter, are serving as counsel for Ross Dress for Less Inc. The News sister publication the Nashville Post was unable to determine the legal representation for 100 Oaks Plaza LLC.
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
The Ross retail store at One Hundred Oaks PHOTO: GOOGLE EARTH
HANNAH HERNER
Belle-Meade area senior living community Abe’s Garden announced Thursday it is nearing a $20 million campaign goal to expand its campus.
The organization has already raised $16.5 million toward that goal, according to a press release. Abe’s Garden, which focuses on dementia care, is slated to add 38,000 square feet to its existing building to accommodate 40 more residents in its residential area as well as a 50 percent increase in assisted living and memory care suites. Earlier this year, Abe’s Garden filed a permit to begin the addition onsite at 115 Woodmont Blvd.
Upon completion, the addition will include a music therapy lab, which will also be used to conduct research into how music affects the mood and behavior of people who have Alzheimer’s.
“This expansion stands as a profound testament to our enduring commitment to provide unparalleled care and support for our residents,” said Mike Shmerling, chairman Abe’s Garden Community, which he co-founded with his sister Judy.
“We are deeply excited about the
This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.
Rendering of proposed facility PHOTO: ABE’S GARDEN COMMUNITY
Honey Crunch Granola
BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE
This is our go to granola from Edible contributor, Teresa Blackburn. All the ingredients are pretty interchangeable.
Use whatever nuts and dried fruit you have on hand. Perfect with yogurt or milk for breakfast.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup slivered almonds
½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
½ cup quinoa (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon molasses juice of 1/2 lemon sprinkle of sea salt 1/2 cup dried peaches ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
1. Preheat oven to 300F. In a large mixing bowl toss together oats, slivered almonds, pepitas, and quinoa.
2. Combine olive oil, honey, molasses, and lemon; whisk well. Drizzle over oat mixture and toss until ingredients are well coated. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, stir. Bake another 10 minutes, stir again. After 20
minutes remove the pan from the oven. Add dried fruit and coconut to the pan and toss well. Bake another 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
“Crunch up” granola before storing in glass jars with tight-fitting lids.
Follow Edible Nashville on instagram @ediblenashtn and their website ediblenashville.com.
To subscribe to the magazine that comes out 6x/year, go to ediblenashville.com.
ACROSS
1 Use a loofah
6 Biodiverse underwater ecosystem
10 Something in the air
13 Cinnabon enticements
15 ___ mater
16 “So ___ heard!”
17 Gathering for lathering?
19 Be a thorn in the side of
20 Weapon for Viking warriors
21 Feed, as a fire
22 Distrusting
24 Assistant who’s always being questioned
25 Cheek
26 Jewels for fools?
32 Puer to ___
33 What houses resemble from an airplane
34 Toy found in King Tut’s tomb
35 Universal donor’s blood type, for short
36 Events at which you tr y not to lose track?
38 The Floor Is ___ (kids’ make-believe game)
39 Browser subwindow
40 Japanese noodle
41 Ancestral tales, often
42 Fryer piled higher?
46 Wolverine and others
47 Like wafers
48 Gold coin of old Europe
50 Apt setting for a French kiss
52 Wrath
55 Outfit inspiration for a Swiftie
56 Cup to drink up?
59 Interact with a Magic 8 Ball, say
60 Not out
61 What some credit cards offer rewards points for
62 Issa of Hollywood
63 T ime machine entry
64 Music, informally DOWN
1 Fleetwood Mac song with Stevie Nicks on piano
2 Heart
3 Post-shower wear
4 Actress Thurman
5 Hardly a hear tening harbinger
6 Unlikely thing off of which to buy haute couture
7 She: Fr.
8 Bird that can r un up to 30 m.p.h.
9 Workspaces with 3-D printers and laser cutters, informally
10 Tries something
11 Declare
12 Descriptor for some Halloween costumes
14 Kama ___
18 Simplify, with “down”
23 Course for some new immigrants, for short
24 Manage to get, as tickets
25 Pepper and others: Abbr.
26 Singer/actress Shore
27 No-bake desser t that’s chilled before serving
28 Perfect
29 “Why ___?”
30 Most common Czech surname
31 F igs. on college transcripts
32 Univ. program with cadets
36 Reaction upon tasting a decadent desser t
37 Fall off
38 What a picket fence may enclose
40 Sus
41 Outfit for the mountains
43 Nashville-based awards org.
44 Other, in Oaxaca
45 Dependent, often
48 Cherished
49 Bear of constellations
50 Guinness record holder for “Mammal with the most names”
51 Golden ___ (retiree)
52 “Let’s do it!”
53 Mysterious character
54 Charges of male emperor penguins
57 Get into the weeds?
58 Bearded beast
ANSWER TO PUZZLE
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 9,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/ crosswords ($39.95 a year).
Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/ studentcrosswords.
PUZZLE BY STACEY YARUSS MCCULLOUGH
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
WOODMONT BAPTIST CHURCH
Red Cross Tiffany Circle Fall Luncheon
BY BRENDA BATEY
PHOTOS BY BRENDA BATEY
The Tennessee Region Tiffany Circle Fall Luncheon was held at Belle Meade Country Club and hosted by Denice Johnson and Barbara Turner.
The club ballroom was full of Tiffany Circle members, who donate a minimum of $10,000 annually to the American Red Cross.
The event focused on sharing and celebrating the lifesaving activities of the Red Cross and the vital financial role Tiffany Circle plays in supporting the mission.
The Nashville Area Tiffany Circle is a founding chapter and is one of the largest and most established nationally.
Everyone was welcomed by hostesses Denice Johnson and Barbara Turner, and Nashville Tiffany Circle Vice Chair Joanne Sowell gave the blessing.
The light and lovely lunch was then served and included: tomato gazpacho, Strawberry Fields Salads with grilled chicken, mixed greens, candied pecans, strawberries and Balsamic dressing.
The delicious dessert was a lemon mousse with raspberry sauce.
Nashville Tiffany Circle Chair Keri McInnis introduced Keynote Speaker Melanie Sabelhaus. Co-founder of the Tiffany Circle, Sabelhaus has a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in business, government and philanthropy.
Sabelhaus discussed how the Tiffany Circle has become a cornerstone of women’s philanthropy within the Red Cross, and she emphasized the power of collective female leadership in philanthropy.
She founded a leading global interim housing company that went public on NASDAQ. And from 2002 to 2005, she
served as the deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, where she played a key role in policy development and program supervision across the agency’s 80 offices.
Sabelhaus has been deeply involved with the American Red Cross, where she served as National Board Vice Chair and Honorary Chair of the Red Cross Philanthropic Board.
Closing remarks were given by Barbara Bovender, a founding member of the Nashville Area and Tennessee Region Tiffany Circle. She has been a dedicated American Red Cross donor and volunteer for more than a decade. Bovender is a National Chairman’s Council member and she has held numerous leadership roles in the organization
For more information about the Nashville Area Red Cross, call 615-250-4300 or visit www.redcross.org/local/tennessee.
Betsy Wills, Claudia LeLay, Maxine Majors, and Meade Wills
Rowena Cuffe and Mandy Peebles
Maxine Majors and Vernon Rose
Lisa Williams, speaker Melanie Sabelhaus, Nashville Tiffany Circle Chair Keri McInnis, and Holly Whaley
Tiffany Circle Torchbearer Barbara Bovender, and hostesses Denice Johnson and Barbara Turner
Doris Dunn, Courtney Fitzgerald, and Cheryl Read
Mary Franklin and Stephanie Darimont
SOCIAL
Lisa Manning and Tooty Bradford
Nancy Osman, Carli Patton, Courtney Fitzgerald, and Pampee Young
Jeanne Curtis, Jill Howard, and Gina Haining
Katie Crumbo, Joanne Sowell, Janice LaGasse, Anne Russell, and Laurie Seabury
Peter Rousos, Keri Johnson, and Leisa Gill
Barbara Turner, Tricia McDowell, and Ellen More
Collie Daily, Tricia McDowell, Janet Bentz, and Sheila Shields
Leigh Ann McWhorter, Kelly Crockett, Danielle Breezy, and Divya Shroff
Chuckers for Charity Polo Match
PHOTOS: PROVIDED
The 28th Annual Chukkers for Charity polo match presented by Medical House Calls was held at Riverview Farm to a sold-out crowd. The signature event raised record funds for Rochelle Center and Saddle Up!, organizations that provide essential services to people with disabilities in Middle Tennessee. This year’s co-chairs were Falon Viet Scott and Brittany Haugh, avid volunteers for the event and charities.
Iron Horse Farms team won the match 7-6 and included players Nic Roldan, Aaron Barrett, Alejandro Gonzales and Zulu Scott-Barnes, against the Lifepoint Health team that included players Adam Snow, Wes Finlayson, Whistle Uys and Stevie Orthwein. Roldan was named the most valuable player.
Snow’s horse, Rum-Runner, was awarded best playing pony by Monty McInturff and given a blanket sponsored by Tennessee Equine Hospital.
Attendees enjoyed a vintage-themed day, “Legends of the Fall,” with a silent auction and a “Return to Rustic” VIP lounge. This year’s attendees donned western inspired outfits that matched their creatively decorated tailgating tents. The first-place tailgate decorating prize went to Eliza O’Neill and Natalie Pauley for the secondconsecutive win featuring their hand-painted backdrops. Jon Papaik of JunKing Journey earned the runner-up spot, while Kim Mallory, Jessica Adams and Evan Howard claimed third place.
Alyssa Johnson and Emily Winters Charlie and Dana Burke
Earl and Janet Bentz and Robert Lipman
Gavin and Kendall Royal and Andrea and Josh Robinson
Chukkers Co-Chairs Brittany Haugh and Falon Veit Scott Ellen and Emily Reynolds
SOCIAL
Collin Butler, Matt Tyler, Lauren Leroy, Noelle and Sean Linebac
Brenda Black and Kristie Williams Amber Williams and Sandi Pirtle
Brittany and William Haugh Audrey Kidd and Debbie Chadwick
Alicia Covington, Deborah Woolf, Robin Kupersmith, Brittany Mincey, Allison Hyde and Rebecca Toca
Darron Word and Eric Ellis
Tell us about it!
Are you in the know about what’s going on down the street or on the corner? Anyone ever call you nosy? Have good writing skills?
Five free and cheap family things to do in Middle Tennessee
AMANDA HAGGARD
There’s something for everyone this week on our list. The whole family can head to the Kidsville Family Festival at Centennial Park, and Family Day is happening at New Heights Brewery for a more laid-back time. The indoor kids can get creative at Third Coast Comedy with their playshop designed for kids aged 4-9. (This is a personal favorite in our house.)
The family can get into the spooky spirit with a painting and decorating activity with a take-home piece of decor for every participant at 7 Fine Arts Studio and Gallery. And then there’s a slate of autograph signing events, cards, and memorabilia exhibits at the Music City Sports Card, Collectibles & Autograph Show down in Williamson County.
As part of our series on free cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:
THIRD COAST COMEDY KIDS PLAYSHOP
On Sept. 28, Third Coast is hosting its playshop for kids aged 4-9 at 10 a.m. The hourlong event includes improv games led by improvisers passionate about early childhood development. Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to join in on the fun. Whether your creative kid is a budding comedian or just needs to get some wiggles out or social interaction, it’s a great time for the whole family.
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN LIGHTS: FAMILY FRIENDLY 3-D PAINTING EVENT
KIDSVILLE FAMILY FESTIVAL
Looking for a few neighbors who want to write about interesting things happening in your neighborhood. Specific neighborhoods of interest are Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Bellevue, West Meade, Green Hills. Yes, you need to have some writing chops; extra credit if you’ve contributed to a newspaper at some point! Interested?
Email neighbornews@theNEWStn.com and let us know what neighborhood you are interested in and include a few writing samples. Be a neighborhood news ambassador for
Kidsville Family Festival is slated for Sept. 28 at Centennial Park, where they’re planning a day full of performances, crafts, games, face painting, food trucks, character meet and greets, and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and welcoming to family members of all ages, but most of the events are geared toward children.
FAMILY DAY
New Heights Brewing hosts Family Day every Sunday beginning at noon. The day includes sunshine, green grass, and a bounce house obstacle course. New Heights invites the family to let the kids run all afternoon while you relax.
At 7 Fine Arts Studio and Gallery, they’re hosting a Halloween event full of creativity for the whole family from 1-4 p.m. There’ll be a chance for folks to design, paint and decorate unique items using paint, glitter, rhinestones and more. Items will be taken home the day of the event, and the day will also include coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot cocoa and cookies.
MUSIC CITY SPORTS CARD, COLLECTIBLES & AUTOGRAPH SHOW
At the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, dealers from across the country will be set up with everything from sports trading cards and autographed memorabilia to music collectibles and more. Autographs from guests including Mike Tyson, Pete Rose, The Dukes of Hazzard, Wade Boggs, and more will be available as well. The event will be hosted from Sept. 27-29 with varying hours each day. The cost is $10 per person.
A booth at Kidsville PHOTO: KIDSVILLE
HelP Wanted
Mechanical engineer
(La Vergne, TN) – Resrch, desn, eval, & install automatd machinery, systems & processes. Req a BS in Mech Engg or Mfg Engg +2 yrs exp in job offrd. As altntv, High school diploma +4 yrs exp in automated machinery, inclsv of the 2 yrs exp in job offrd is acceptbl. Req skills & workng knowldg of CAD, AutoCAD, 3D modeling, Mechancl Desn, automatn control PLC programmg, Mitsubishi PLC & Siemens PLC. Send rés w/code YIL009 to HR, Wonton Food (TN), 220-222 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206.
THE 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.
One bedroom & studio apartments available starting at $650 per month. Must be 62 and older and live independently.
greenhillsapts@comcast.net 615-297-7536
Dawn (615) 513-8905
I am super personal assistantHousehold / pet management, driver, security, business / legal consulting, problem solver. $50 / hr. Stellar References. (615) 292-7615
957-7661
“For those who want it right the first time!”
for the first 15 words, .30 cents each word extra. Call 615-298-1500 to place an ad
