East Nashvillian Issue 02

Page 1

Vol. 1 Issue 2 October–December 2010

FALL

AND HOLIDAY

HAPPENINGS

IN AND AROUND EAST NASHVILLE

FROM EYESORE TO ASSET:

Eric Jans THE "MAYOR" OF EAST NASHVILLE




8SFRPLQJ 6KRZV DQG (YHQWV ,QFOXGH TPAC’S SIGNATURE SERIES

$@0P@ $@ (JTJN

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NOVEMBER 5, 8:00 P.M. s James K. Polk Theater

I was a band geek in high school so I love the fall. It reminds me of cool evenings drinking hot chocolate in the stands at football games. In East Nashville, the fall and holiday seasons are filled

TPAC PRESENTS

with all the liveliness and festivity you’ve come to expect from the side of town that does things just

$Q (YHQLQJ :LWK

/L]D 0LQQHOOL

a little differently. At Halloween, we’ve got pumpkin painting, a costume contest for the kids, trick or treating at

NOVEMBER 13, 8:00 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall

local businesses and the Haunted Historic Edgefield Home Tour. As the holidays roll around, take the hassle out of shopping and buy from our local merchants — and support a good cause — at the East Nashville Christmas Fest. There will also be a Christmas Parade, complete with singing, dancing and a visit from Old Saint Nick. Look for more details in this issue.

TPAC PRESENTS

)RU 7LFNHWV

and local musician Jesse Lee Jones, owner of the world-famous downtown honky tonk Robert’s

www.tpac.org 615-782-4040

Western World. In these pages, you will also find out about the exciting new development at 701

TPAC Box Office

We’ve included profiles on two outstanding East Nashville residents, HENMA president Eric Jans

Porter Road, get the scoop on changes with the East Nashville schools and pick up weatherization and gardening tips from local experts. Although this is only our second issue, The East Nashvillian is fast-becoming an important voice and a vital resource in this neighborhood. Every day, we are making connections with businesses

(Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills

JANUARY 15, 4:00 & 8:00 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall TPAC PRESENTS

JOAN RIVERS

TPAC, 505 Deaderick Street Schedules subject to change.

FEBRUARY 4, 8:00 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall

and residents. We are exchanging ideas, talking about issues and thinking of new ways to

TPAC PRESENTS

make this magazine reflect everything that is special about East Nashville. In partnership with TheEastSideStory.com, we shot exclusive, behind-the-scenes video of our interview with Jesse Lee Jones. Be sure to visit TheEastSideStory.com to check it out! I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to serve as editor of The East Nashvillian. I’ve lived

-!2#( s James K. Polk Theater

in East Nashville’s Inglewood area since 1997 and have a deep and abiding love for the character

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

4

and community on this side of the river. In future issues, The East Nashvillian’s staff looks forward to uncovering more stories about the people and places in this special community and sharing

TPAC PRESENTS

MOMIX

them with you.

MARCH 3, 7:30 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall TPAC’S SIGNATURE SERIES

Melanie Meadows editor@theeastnashvillian.com

,P>D<I< 3JPU< "M<UDGD<I $PJN A@<OPMDIB 2JH@MJ ,PH=<=J

MARCH 11, 8:00 P.M. s James K. Polk Theater Correction: In the August/September issue of The East Nashvillian, there was an error in the story “East Nashville Neighbors Rebound from the May 2010 Flood.” The home that was flooded on Moss Rose Drive belongs to Ruth and Jimmy Elkins. We apologize for any confusion and wish the Elkins well as they continue to recover from the flood.

TPAC’S SIGNATURE SERIES

#CMDN "MP=@>F N 4MDKG@ 0G<T A@<OPMDIB 0@O@M -<?><O 2POC *J@G "MJRI

APRIL 6, 8:00 P.M. s James K. Polk Theater


8SFRPLQJ 6KRZV DQG (YHQWV ,QFOXGH TPAC’S SIGNATURE SERIES

$@0P@ $@ (JTJN

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NOVEMBER 5, 8:00 P.M. s James K. Polk Theater

I was a band geek in high school so I love the fall. It reminds me of cool evenings drinking hot chocolate in the stands at football games. In East Nashville, the fall and holiday seasons are filled

TPAC PRESENTS

with all the liveliness and festivity you’ve come to expect from the side of town that does things just

$Q (YHQLQJ :LWK

/L]D 0LQQHOOL

a little differently. At Halloween, we’ve got pumpkin painting, a costume contest for the kids, trick or treating at

NOVEMBER 13, 8:00 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall

local businesses and the Haunted Historic Edgefield Home Tour. As the holidays roll around, take the hassle out of shopping and buy from our local merchants — and support a good cause — at the East Nashville Christmas Fest. There will also be a Christmas Parade, complete with singing, dancing and a visit from Old Saint Nick. Look for more details in this issue.

TPAC PRESENTS

)RU 7LFNHWV

and local musician Jesse Lee Jones, owner of the world-famous downtown honky tonk Robert’s

www.tpac.org 615-782-4040

Western World. In these pages, you will also find out about the exciting new development at 701

TPAC Box Office

We’ve included profiles on two outstanding East Nashville residents, HENMA president Eric Jans

Porter Road, get the scoop on changes with the East Nashville schools and pick up weatherization and gardening tips from local experts. Although this is only our second issue, The East Nashvillian is fast-becoming an important voice and a vital resource in this neighborhood. Every day, we are making connections with businesses

(Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills

JANUARY 15, 4:00 & 8:00 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall TPAC PRESENTS

JOAN RIVERS

TPAC, 505 Deaderick Street Schedules subject to change.

FEBRUARY 4, 8:00 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall

and residents. We are exchanging ideas, talking about issues and thinking of new ways to

TPAC PRESENTS

make this magazine reflect everything that is special about East Nashville. In partnership with TheEastSideStory.com, we shot exclusive, behind-the-scenes video of our interview with Jesse Lee Jones. Be sure to visit TheEastSideStory.com to check it out! I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to serve as editor of The East Nashvillian. I’ve lived

-!2#( s James K. Polk Theater

in East Nashville’s Inglewood area since 1997 and have a deep and abiding love for the character

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

4

and community on this side of the river. In future issues, The East Nashvillian’s staff looks forward to uncovering more stories about the people and places in this special community and sharing

TPAC PRESENTS

MOMIX

them with you.

MARCH 3, 7:30 P.M. s Andrew Jackson Hall TPAC’S SIGNATURE SERIES

Melanie Meadows editor@theeastnashvillian.com

,P>D<I< 3JPU< "M<UDGD<I $PJN A@<OPMDIB 2JH@MJ ,PH=<=J

MARCH 11, 8:00 P.M. s James K. Polk Theater Correction: In the August/September issue of The East Nashvillian, there was an error in the story “East Nashville Neighbors Rebound from the May 2010 Flood.” The home that was flooded on Moss Rose Drive belongs to Ruth and Jimmy Elkins. We apologize for any confusion and wish the Elkins well as they continue to recover from the flood.

TPAC’S SIGNATURE SERIES

#CMDN "MP=@>F N 4MDKG@ 0G<T A@<OPMDIB 0@O@M -<?><O 2POC *J@G "MJRI

APRIL 6, 8:00 P.M. s James K. Polk Theater


ile m S o T n o s a e R There Is A New ville In East Nash

1:;E> H? HGM>GML

Publisher Lisa McCauley Managing Editor Melanie Meadows

Full-Service Family Dentistry Cosmetics Implants Sedation

The Ultimate in New Technology And Comfort TVs in the Ceiling!

Dr. Thomas Had le

y

7 North Tenth St.

, Nashville, TN 3 7206 Across from Marc hĂŠ

615. 227. 2400 after

Photographers Tonda McKay Melanie Meadows Alison Slamon Contributing Writers Amanda Allen Amy Armstrong Helen Gaye Brewster Jaime Brousse Dr. Tom Hadley Katharine Heriges Francie Hunt Melanie Meadows Alan Murdock Lynn Taylor Webmaster and Producer Wendy Jans Printing Phillips Printing Advertising Contact: Lisa McCauley lisa@theeastnashvillian.com 615-582-4187 Cover photo by Tonda McKay Twitter: @EastNashvillian

before Work done by Dr. Hadley

www.eastsidesmiles.net

Š 2010 The East Nashvillian. All rights reserved. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher.

From Eyesore to Asset Troubled Corner Gets a Facelift By Jaime Brousse Profile: Eric Jans The “Mayor� of East Nashville By Helen Gaye Brewster Charity Spotlight: Park Center Restores Hope to Mentally Ill, Focusing on Needs, Choices and Strengths By Amy Armstrong Nashville Auto-Diesel College Hosts National “Green� Automotive Event By Amy Armstrong, Katharine Heriges Just Being Neighborly Home Tours Welcome Everyone to Historic East Nashville By Carole King East Nashville Christmas Fest 2010 Shopping, Food and Festivities – East Nashville Style! By Amanda Allen Jesse Lee Jones The Ambassador of Traditional Country Music By Melanie Meadows The ArtHouse Gardener: When “Summer� Has Worn Out Her Welcome By Alan Murdock East Nashville Living: Weatherization: Preserve Your Home’s Beauty and Lower Energy Costs By Lynn Taylor Finding and Making Great Schools In a Great Neighborhood By Francie Hunt

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

Art Director Alison Slamon

7


ile m S o T n o s a e R There Is A New ville In East Nash

1:;E> H? HGM>GML

Publisher Lisa McCauley Managing Editor Melanie Meadows

Full-Service Family Dentistry Cosmetics Implants Sedation

The Ultimate in New Technology And Comfort TVs in the Ceiling!

Dr. Thomas Had le

y

7 North Tenth St.

, Nashville, TN 3 7206 Across from Marc hĂŠ

615. 227. 2400 after

Photographers Tonda McKay Melanie Meadows Alison Slamon Contributing Writers Amanda Allen Amy Armstrong Helen Gaye Brewster Jaime Brousse Dr. Tom Hadley Katharine Heriges Francie Hunt Melanie Meadows Alan Murdock Lynn Taylor Webmaster and Producer Wendy Jans Printing Phillips Printing Advertising Contact: Lisa McCauley lisa@theeastnashvillian.com 615-582-4187 Cover photo by Tonda McKay Twitter: @EastNashvillian

before Work done by Dr. Hadley

www.eastsidesmiles.net

Š 2010 The East Nashvillian. All rights reserved. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher.

From Eyesore to Asset Troubled Corner Gets a Facelift By Jaime Brousse Profile: Eric Jans The “Mayor� of East Nashville By Helen Gaye Brewster Charity Spotlight: Park Center Restores Hope to Mentally Ill, Focusing on Needs, Choices and Strengths By Amy Armstrong Nashville Auto-Diesel College Hosts National “Green� Automotive Event By Amy Armstrong, Katharine Heriges Just Being Neighborly Home Tours Welcome Everyone to Historic East Nashville By Carole King East Nashville Christmas Fest 2010 Shopping, Food and Festivities – East Nashville Style! By Amanda Allen Jesse Lee Jones The Ambassador of Traditional Country Music By Melanie Meadows The ArtHouse Gardener: When “Summer� Has Worn Out Her Welcome By Alan Murdock East Nashville Living: Weatherization: Preserve Your Home’s Beauty and Lower Energy Costs By Lynn Taylor Finding and Making Great Schools In a Great Neighborhood By Francie Hunt

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

Art Director Alison Slamon

7


T ROUBLED CORNER GE T S A FACELIF T By Jaime Brousse Photos by Tonda McKay It is every neighborhood’s dream: get rid of that creepy eyesore down the street, and transform it into something attractive and functional. If you can meet your friends there for a microbrew, even better. That vision will soon turn reality at East Nashville’s newest redevelopment. The $1.6 million project, currently coined “701 Porter” is perched at the intersection of three neighborhoods — Lockeland Springs, Eastwood Neighbors and Rolling Acres. Construction crews have spent the last two years turning a dilapidated nursing home into new local businesses and housing for an underserved community. Many Nashvillians are already familiar with this part of East Nashville, even if they don’t know what to call it (see sidebar, “What’s In A Name?”). Whether it’s a margarita at Rosepepper Cantina, gourmet macaroni and cheese at Eastland Café, or a latte from Ugly Mugs or Portland Brew, more and more diners from other zip codes are drawn to the Eastland Avenue corridor. With the recent addition of restaurants Silly Goose and Wild Cow Vegetarian… could 701 Porter catapult the area into Five Points status? Packed tight with storefronts, 701 Porter emerges from the three-way stop at Porter Road and Eastland Avenue as a local take on the traditional strip mall. Comprised of eight businesses — most of which are a modest 275 square feet — the brick building’s contemporary design by architect John TeSelle features a modern metal and wood facade. What you can’t see from the sidewalk: renovations inside to build 30 eco-friendly, affordable apartments for the deaf and hard of hearing.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

8

Long-time 37206 residents know the address as The Cornelia House. The nursing home was fined and cited by the Tennessee Department of Health in 2006, and eventually shut down. The building found its fairy godmother in one of the state’s richest men, nursing home operator Forrest Preston. Preston bought and donated The Cornelia House to Nashville non-profit Urban Housing Solutions in 2008. Now the transition from neighborhood embarrassment to local hotspot is nearly complete. “It’s worked out far better than I’ve ever anticipated,” said District 7 Councilmember Erik Cole. “It creates a sense of ‘place.’ I see that intersection as a signature gateway, not just into my district, but into other parts of East Nashville. Hopefully it will bring people from across town.” But back to the beer: the success of the project may hinge on the popularity of anchor tenant, Cooper’s On Porter. The new restaurant and pub is the brainchild of local chef Cooper Brunk, offering a place to hang out even after surrounding restaurants have called it a night. A native Nashvillian, Brunk attended culinary school in Denver, then moved back to work in the local restaurant industry five years ago. He hopes to open in mid-October.

“We’ve got some really nice, fresh, inventive entrees that could be done in fine dining, but we’ve scaled back and kept everything under $20,” Brunk said. The menu will also include familiar appetizers and bar food, as well as dishes that change seasonally and a Saturday brunch — all with value in mind. “When people leave, I want them to feel that every penny was worth it.” When it opens, customers will be able to cozy up in U-shaped, highbacked booths and admire the alligator print vinyl wall covering, or head to the 26-foot long bar and order one of the 24 American microbrews on tap, or a glass of wine. Occupying the large corner spot at 701 Porter, Cooper’s will feature two dining rooms — enough space to hold about 80 people. A new wrap-around deck outside will be able to serve another 40-50 people.

Cole’s neighborhood is about to grow. The first phase of onebedroom apartments that make up the remainder of the building should be ready for deaf and hard of hearing occupants by December 1. Urban Housing Solutions sought the help of a deaf and hard of hearing advocacy group for input on the design. “It’s really uncharted territory in Tennessee,” said Brent Elrod, Asset Manager for Urban Housing Solutions. Each unit will feature visual-based technology to assist deaf and hard of hearing adult tenants. Strobe lights built into smoke detectors and fire alarms can alert residents to potential emergencies. A video entry system is connected to the main building entry to serve as a visual doorbell. “The technology is really important,“ Elrod said. “But what’s also really important is the sense of community.” A common living room space, that Elrod hails as “heart and soul of the project,” is designed as a place for residents to gather and socialize or bring friends and family. It will include a large kitchenette, a dining area, and a living area, all to help foster connections between residents and build a sense of community. Being eco-friendly was a priority for builders, who were tasked with updating the 30-year-old building on a budget. The project is funded largely through a construction loan from non-profit lender The Housing Fund, which specializes in revitalization projects, and city and state grants. “All the walls we could save, we saved. All the windows we could save, we saved,” Elrod said. “We just tried to reuse what we could, but also making modifications to the interior and lighting to cut down on the energy load.” Green features like formaldehyde-free cabinets, recycledcontent carpet, and low-emission paint are included throughout. Incorporating environmentally friendly features also helps Urban Housing Solutions keep the cost down for renters. In Elrod’s words, “Rent can be low, but if the total cost to live in a place is high, it’s unaffordable.”

“We want to be known as a restaurant with an emphasis on beer,” Brunk said. “It’s a place we want people to come and be comfortable, not stuffy or pretentious in any way.” Families have been drawn to the 701 Porter building since Montessori East, the first tenant, opened a preschool and kindergarten in 2009. Now Nashville Guitar Repair, Made Boutique, Massage East, Sloss Fine Woodworking, BMerin Salon and Melted Memory Art Gallery and Studio have all signed on to the project. The Almond Tree Bakery will occupy one of the larger spaces, serving up special occasion cakes and cupcakes made to order. For customers near or far, getting there won’t be a problem. Sidewalks and crosswalks, 60 parking spots, and an MTA bus stop right in front are all part of the master plan to draw people in. “What’s tied into it, is the walkability and driveability,” said Cole. His work with the city and neighborhood associations to get two added stop signs installed on Porter Road and Eastland Avenue paid off earlier this year. Stroller-pushing moms, joggers, and sleepy coffeeseekers are no longer forced to anxiously run across the road during a quick break in traffic. Cole calls the all-way stop “a small victory for us, as a neighborhood.”

Monthly rent for the first 20 one-bedroom apartments will average around $500. According to 701Porter.com, the price point meets affordable standards for people earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income. Some local residents may turn skittish at the thought of “affordable” housing so close to home. However, studies from the National Association of Realtors indicate that low-income housing has no long-term negative impact on surrounding home values. The building isn’t the only part of 701 Porter that could get a facelift. A ravine behind it has grown into a jungle of trees, weeds, and trash. Developers plan to clean up the property, and are exploring the possibility of opening it as green space or adding a walking trail. Commander Robert Nash of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s East Precinct expects the entire project to have a positive effect on the neighborhood. “At the moment, we would not anticipate any changes in patrols,” Nash said via e-mail. “Vacant buildings are much more vulnerable to vandalism, trespassing, thefts and the like. Good development is generally a positive factor for crime prevention.”

What’s in a Name? If the popularity of monikers like The Gulch, 12South and Five Points are any indication, Music City loves to market its neighborhoods under the banner of a great nickname. What do you call the ambiguous East Nashville area that includes the Walden Building, Rosepepper Cantina and 701 Porter? Randy Carney lives across the street from 701 Porter. He hopes the phrase “Porter Heights” catches on. Steve Adams, a Shelby Hills resident, says the new neighborhood should be called “Far Eastland.” It’s not just the neighborhood having an identity crisis. Developers are open to considering a new name for the building now called “701 Porter.” And they might have to sooner rather than later: the finished awning over the residential entrance will actually feature a different address – 715 Porter – in very large lettering. Developers originally hoped to have the whole property under one address, but Metro Codes required on separate mailing addresses for each retail tenant (701, 703, etc.) and for the residential apartments (715 Porter Apt #1, #2, etc.). When asked if he had any ideas for a name, Council Member Erik Cole said, “I really like the whole Cornelia Fort story. We have the airport and a monument named for her in Shelby Bottoms, and if there were a way to continue that name, that would be really cool.” (Nashville debutante Cornelia Fort became the first female pilot in America to die on active duty in 1943.)

We want to hear from you. Find The East Nashvillian on Facebook and submit your naming ideas!

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

From Eyesore to Asset:

9


T ROUBLED CORNER GE T S A FACELIF T By Jaime Brousse Photos by Tonda McKay It is every neighborhood’s dream: get rid of that creepy eyesore down the street, and transform it into something attractive and functional. If you can meet your friends there for a microbrew, even better. That vision will soon turn reality at East Nashville’s newest redevelopment. The $1.6 million project, currently coined “701 Porter” is perched at the intersection of three neighborhoods — Lockeland Springs, Eastwood Neighbors and Rolling Acres. Construction crews have spent the last two years turning a dilapidated nursing home into new local businesses and housing for an underserved community. Many Nashvillians are already familiar with this part of East Nashville, even if they don’t know what to call it (see sidebar, “What’s In A Name?”). Whether it’s a margarita at Rosepepper Cantina, gourmet macaroni and cheese at Eastland Café, or a latte from Ugly Mugs or Portland Brew, more and more diners from other zip codes are drawn to the Eastland Avenue corridor. With the recent addition of restaurants Silly Goose and Wild Cow Vegetarian… could 701 Porter catapult the area into Five Points status? Packed tight with storefronts, 701 Porter emerges from the three-way stop at Porter Road and Eastland Avenue as a local take on the traditional strip mall. Comprised of eight businesses — most of which are a modest 275 square feet — the brick building’s contemporary design by architect John TeSelle features a modern metal and wood facade. What you can’t see from the sidewalk: renovations inside to build 30 eco-friendly, affordable apartments for the deaf and hard of hearing.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

8

Long-time 37206 residents know the address as The Cornelia House. The nursing home was fined and cited by the Tennessee Department of Health in 2006, and eventually shut down. The building found its fairy godmother in one of the state’s richest men, nursing home operator Forrest Preston. Preston bought and donated The Cornelia House to Nashville non-profit Urban Housing Solutions in 2008. Now the transition from neighborhood embarrassment to local hotspot is nearly complete. “It’s worked out far better than I’ve ever anticipated,” said District 7 Councilmember Erik Cole. “It creates a sense of ‘place.’ I see that intersection as a signature gateway, not just into my district, but into other parts of East Nashville. Hopefully it will bring people from across town.” But back to the beer: the success of the project may hinge on the popularity of anchor tenant, Cooper’s On Porter. The new restaurant and pub is the brainchild of local chef Cooper Brunk, offering a place to hang out even after surrounding restaurants have called it a night. A native Nashvillian, Brunk attended culinary school in Denver, then moved back to work in the local restaurant industry five years ago. He hopes to open in mid-October.

“We’ve got some really nice, fresh, inventive entrees that could be done in fine dining, but we’ve scaled back and kept everything under $20,” Brunk said. The menu will also include familiar appetizers and bar food, as well as dishes that change seasonally and a Saturday brunch — all with value in mind. “When people leave, I want them to feel that every penny was worth it.” When it opens, customers will be able to cozy up in U-shaped, highbacked booths and admire the alligator print vinyl wall covering, or head to the 26-foot long bar and order one of the 24 American microbrews on tap, or a glass of wine. Occupying the large corner spot at 701 Porter, Cooper’s will feature two dining rooms — enough space to hold about 80 people. A new wrap-around deck outside will be able to serve another 40-50 people.

Cole’s neighborhood is about to grow. The first phase of onebedroom apartments that make up the remainder of the building should be ready for deaf and hard of hearing occupants by December 1. Urban Housing Solutions sought the help of a deaf and hard of hearing advocacy group for input on the design. “It’s really uncharted territory in Tennessee,” said Brent Elrod, Asset Manager for Urban Housing Solutions. Each unit will feature visual-based technology to assist deaf and hard of hearing adult tenants. Strobe lights built into smoke detectors and fire alarms can alert residents to potential emergencies. A video entry system is connected to the main building entry to serve as a visual doorbell. “The technology is really important,“ Elrod said. “But what’s also really important is the sense of community.” A common living room space, that Elrod hails as “heart and soul of the project,” is designed as a place for residents to gather and socialize or bring friends and family. It will include a large kitchenette, a dining area, and a living area, all to help foster connections between residents and build a sense of community. Being eco-friendly was a priority for builders, who were tasked with updating the 30-year-old building on a budget. The project is funded largely through a construction loan from non-profit lender The Housing Fund, which specializes in revitalization projects, and city and state grants. “All the walls we could save, we saved. All the windows we could save, we saved,” Elrod said. “We just tried to reuse what we could, but also making modifications to the interior and lighting to cut down on the energy load.” Green features like formaldehyde-free cabinets, recycledcontent carpet, and low-emission paint are included throughout. Incorporating environmentally friendly features also helps Urban Housing Solutions keep the cost down for renters. In Elrod’s words, “Rent can be low, but if the total cost to live in a place is high, it’s unaffordable.”

“We want to be known as a restaurant with an emphasis on beer,” Brunk said. “It’s a place we want people to come and be comfortable, not stuffy or pretentious in any way.” Families have been drawn to the 701 Porter building since Montessori East, the first tenant, opened a preschool and kindergarten in 2009. Now Nashville Guitar Repair, Made Boutique, Massage East, Sloss Fine Woodworking, BMerin Salon and Melted Memory Art Gallery and Studio have all signed on to the project. The Almond Tree Bakery will occupy one of the larger spaces, serving up special occasion cakes and cupcakes made to order. For customers near or far, getting there won’t be a problem. Sidewalks and crosswalks, 60 parking spots, and an MTA bus stop right in front are all part of the master plan to draw people in. “What’s tied into it, is the walkability and driveability,” said Cole. His work with the city and neighborhood associations to get two added stop signs installed on Porter Road and Eastland Avenue paid off earlier this year. Stroller-pushing moms, joggers, and sleepy coffeeseekers are no longer forced to anxiously run across the road during a quick break in traffic. Cole calls the all-way stop “a small victory for us, as a neighborhood.”

Monthly rent for the first 20 one-bedroom apartments will average around $500. According to 701Porter.com, the price point meets affordable standards for people earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income. Some local residents may turn skittish at the thought of “affordable” housing so close to home. However, studies from the National Association of Realtors indicate that low-income housing has no long-term negative impact on surrounding home values. The building isn’t the only part of 701 Porter that could get a facelift. A ravine behind it has grown into a jungle of trees, weeds, and trash. Developers plan to clean up the property, and are exploring the possibility of opening it as green space or adding a walking trail. Commander Robert Nash of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s East Precinct expects the entire project to have a positive effect on the neighborhood. “At the moment, we would not anticipate any changes in patrols,” Nash said via e-mail. “Vacant buildings are much more vulnerable to vandalism, trespassing, thefts and the like. Good development is generally a positive factor for crime prevention.”

What’s in a Name? If the popularity of monikers like The Gulch, 12South and Five Points are any indication, Music City loves to market its neighborhoods under the banner of a great nickname. What do you call the ambiguous East Nashville area that includes the Walden Building, Rosepepper Cantina and 701 Porter? Randy Carney lives across the street from 701 Porter. He hopes the phrase “Porter Heights” catches on. Steve Adams, a Shelby Hills resident, says the new neighborhood should be called “Far Eastland.” It’s not just the neighborhood having an identity crisis. Developers are open to considering a new name for the building now called “701 Porter.” And they might have to sooner rather than later: the finished awning over the residential entrance will actually feature a different address – 715 Porter – in very large lettering. Developers originally hoped to have the whole property under one address, but Metro Codes required on separate mailing addresses for each retail tenant (701, 703, etc.) and for the residential apartments (715 Porter Apt #1, #2, etc.). When asked if he had any ideas for a name, Council Member Erik Cole said, “I really like the whole Cornelia Fort story. We have the airport and a monument named for her in Shelby Bottoms, and if there were a way to continue that name, that would be really cool.” (Nashville debutante Cornelia Fort became the first female pilot in America to die on active duty in 1943.)

We want to hear from you. Find The East Nashvillian on Facebook and submit your naming ideas!

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

From Eyesore to Asset:

9


-/,#&)"

anode.com

ERIC JANS By Helen Gaye Brewster / Photos by Alison Slamon

ric Jans is sometimes laughingly called the mayor of East Nashville. And, when you get to know him, you sometimes start thinking it’s true. If we really had a mayor for the Eastside, he’d get my vote. Quiet, almost a little shy, and definitely not one to talk about his accomplishments, he gets more done in the community in a day than some of us manage to get done all year. So, when I had a chance to sit down with him in his “office” at Ugly Mugs, I got to ask how he got started and why he gets so much done for business in our ‘hood.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

10

Eric’s not a Nashville native. He grew up in Fairbank, Iowa with a population smaller than East Nashville. That’s where he learned to have a sense of community. But, when I asked him if he and his wife, singer/songwriter Wendy Jans, chose East Nashville because of the sense of community the answer was, “No. When we moved here in 2002, at first we thought we’d made a mistake! There was very little business and quite a bit of crime. Folks we knew in other parts of Nashville kept asking, ‘Why’d you move there?’” Eric started his company, Eric Jans Insurance, after getting laid off from a web design job. He was already involved in the community through the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association and active in crime prevention in East Nashville. He’d worked on the creation of the Shelby dog park, and then became involved with Re-Discover East. What

{

The “Mayor” of East Nashville

he really wanted was a job as a community activist, but the city was in a hiring freeze. He thought about being a realtor, but decided on insurance instead. When I asked him what he likes about selling insurance, he laughed and said, “Actually, to most people insurance is kind of boring.” “A lot of my clients are my neighbors, I don’t want to run into them at the coffee shop and have to apologize for selling them something they didn’t need. I try to find people the best health and life insurance for the price. I make it easy. I want to guide people in making smart decisions about their insurance and finances for the long term. I want them to understand what they’re buying.” He started off selling to neighborhood businesses and the majority of his clients are on the Eastside, making him the go-to guy for businesses and individuals who need life and health insurance. Almost anyone with a business in East Nashville knows Eric because he’s probably asked them to join the Historic East Nashville Merchant’s Association, fondly known as HENMA. Now in his third year as president, Eric’s been involved with HENMA since the beginning, when it was known as the Greater 5 Points Merchant’s Association. The first time he went to a meeting was to talk about the Lockeland Springs Christmas Home tour, but before he knew what had happened, he was a member. He originally joined HENMA for networking, but at that time the focus was primarily on group advertising. When he found HENMA wasn’t as effective for his business as he’d hoped, in typical Eric style, he set out to make it better. And, in 2008 when they were looking for a new president, Meg MacFadyen of Art & Invention Gallery asked him if he’d run. Now in his third

}

year as president, he says he gets his ideas for changes for HENMA through a collaborative effort with his co-officers Vice President Wynn Smith of the Chop Shop and Secretary/Treasurer Amber Robertson-Smith of Art Dude. They love working together. They all planned to do one year as officers but are still together in their third year.

Designing interactive experiences and marketing communications for nearly twenty years in the Nashville community

Some of the changes Eric and his team have made have been holding monthly networking mixers hosted by member businesses (previously mixers were held on a less regular basis), having workshops

anode.com 926 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206 - 615.742.1490 _interactive _branding _web _animation _digital signage

best symbolizes what being a good East Nashville neighbor means. Each winner receives a cash prize, plaque and recognition at the first HENMA meeting each year. I asked Eric what he thought when he looks to the future of HENMA, “Weird to say, but I feel like it’s still in the beginning stages. It’s going to explode over here with developments like 800 Main St. and Main St. in general. Then there’s 701 Porter and the Walden Development on Eastland. HENMA’s area covers all the way to Trinity and Ellington so we’re poised for business up and down Gallatin, rather than just concentrated at Five Points and Riverside Village.” Eric would also like to see is the installation of a full board of directors for HENMA.

for members, bringing in speakers and starting sponsorships. Eric and his team also created the East Nashvillian of the Year Award. This award is given in two categories: One is for a business or business owner that portrays the best of what East Nashville has to offer. The second award is for a private citizen who

I also wanted to know if he felt HENMA has a role in economic development here. Currently HENMA focuses on helping existing businesses or new businesses that have already decided to move here. But, as HENMA moves to having a board of directors, attracting business may become a role the organization plays. “HENMA shows businesses that East Nashville is a vibrant community.” Eric’s not planning to run for HENMA president again. Instead he’ll focus on his position on the board of Chamber East, the Area Advisory Council of the Nashville Area Chamber of


-/,#&)"

anode.com

ERIC JANS By Helen Gaye Brewster / Photos by Alison Slamon

ric Jans is sometimes laughingly called the mayor of East Nashville. And, when you get to know him, you sometimes start thinking it’s true. If we really had a mayor for the Eastside, he’d get my vote. Quiet, almost a little shy, and definitely not one to talk about his accomplishments, he gets more done in the community in a day than some of us manage to get done all year. So, when I had a chance to sit down with him in his “office” at Ugly Mugs, I got to ask how he got started and why he gets so much done for business in our ‘hood.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

10

Eric’s not a Nashville native. He grew up in Fairbank, Iowa with a population smaller than East Nashville. That’s where he learned to have a sense of community. But, when I asked him if he and his wife, singer/songwriter Wendy Jans, chose East Nashville because of the sense of community the answer was, “No. When we moved here in 2002, at first we thought we’d made a mistake! There was very little business and quite a bit of crime. Folks we knew in other parts of Nashville kept asking, ‘Why’d you move there?’” Eric started his company, Eric Jans Insurance, after getting laid off from a web design job. He was already involved in the community through the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association and active in crime prevention in East Nashville. He’d worked on the creation of the Shelby dog park, and then became involved with Re-Discover East. What

{

The “Mayor” of East Nashville

he really wanted was a job as a community activist, but the city was in a hiring freeze. He thought about being a realtor, but decided on insurance instead. When I asked him what he likes about selling insurance, he laughed and said, “Actually, to most people insurance is kind of boring.” “A lot of my clients are my neighbors, I don’t want to run into them at the coffee shop and have to apologize for selling them something they didn’t need. I try to find people the best health and life insurance for the price. I make it easy. I want to guide people in making smart decisions about their insurance and finances for the long term. I want them to understand what they’re buying.” He started off selling to neighborhood businesses and the majority of his clients are on the Eastside, making him the go-to guy for businesses and individuals who need life and health insurance. Almost anyone with a business in East Nashville knows Eric because he’s probably asked them to join the Historic East Nashville Merchant’s Association, fondly known as HENMA. Now in his third year as president, Eric’s been involved with HENMA since the beginning, when it was known as the Greater 5 Points Merchant’s Association. The first time he went to a meeting was to talk about the Lockeland Springs Christmas Home tour, but before he knew what had happened, he was a member. He originally joined HENMA for networking, but at that time the focus was primarily on group advertising. When he found HENMA wasn’t as effective for his business as he’d hoped, in typical Eric style, he set out to make it better. And, in 2008 when they were looking for a new president, Meg MacFadyen of Art & Invention Gallery asked him if he’d run. Now in his third

}

year as president, he says he gets his ideas for changes for HENMA through a collaborative effort with his co-officers Vice President Wynn Smith of the Chop Shop and Secretary/Treasurer Amber Robertson-Smith of Art Dude. They love working together. They all planned to do one year as officers but are still together in their third year.

Designing interactive experiences and marketing communications for nearly twenty years in the Nashville community

Some of the changes Eric and his team have made have been holding monthly networking mixers hosted by member businesses (previously mixers were held on a less regular basis), having workshops

anode.com 926 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206 - 615.742.1490 _interactive _branding _web _animation _digital signage

best symbolizes what being a good East Nashville neighbor means. Each winner receives a cash prize, plaque and recognition at the first HENMA meeting each year. I asked Eric what he thought when he looks to the future of HENMA, “Weird to say, but I feel like it’s still in the beginning stages. It’s going to explode over here with developments like 800 Main St. and Main St. in general. Then there’s 701 Porter and the Walden Development on Eastland. HENMA’s area covers all the way to Trinity and Ellington so we’re poised for business up and down Gallatin, rather than just concentrated at Five Points and Riverside Village.” Eric would also like to see is the installation of a full board of directors for HENMA.

for members, bringing in speakers and starting sponsorships. Eric and his team also created the East Nashvillian of the Year Award. This award is given in two categories: One is for a business or business owner that portrays the best of what East Nashville has to offer. The second award is for a private citizen who

I also wanted to know if he felt HENMA has a role in economic development here. Currently HENMA focuses on helping existing businesses or new businesses that have already decided to move here. But, as HENMA moves to having a board of directors, attracting business may become a role the organization plays. “HENMA shows businesses that East Nashville is a vibrant community.” Eric’s not planning to run for HENMA president again. Instead he’ll focus on his position on the board of Chamber East, the Area Advisory Council of the Nashville Area Chamber of


ERIC JANS

CONT...

Commerce made up of Nashville Chamber members who are located in East Nashville. Chamber East provides an opportunity for getting involved in solving problems, discussing issues and implementing special projects and events for the benefit of the area. He was attracted to Chamber East when he began looking for the next natural step after HENMA presidency. He joined the Chamber and became part of the Chamber East board. When he started, he knew no one on the board but now works with all of them for the benefit of East Nashville. When I asked why he wanted to be on the board of Chamber East, he replied, “To work on larger issues. For instance, working on a business incubation center for East Nashville.� He’s seen small businesses come here and open without ever having a business plan. “They don’t get involved in the community and then they close and no one ever knew they were here.� I asked if Eric saw any alignment with Chamber East and HENMA. “There’s some crossover. They work hand in hand.�

More ethnic food. A mom & pop business center for faxing, copying, mailing, shipping. And, an independent theatre and performance space.� When Eric’s not dreaming about or working on helping East Nashville businesses, or selling insurance, or volunteering for the Tomato Art Fest, well, he’s still busy. He loves working with his wife’s music. I wanted to know what his current favorite song of Wendy’s is. “I love all of them. It’s like a constant soundtrack.� Then I asked what he does if he ever takes a second to stop working. “I don’t watch much TV, but I love to read. One of my recent favorites was Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller.� As we were getting ready to leave I asked Eric if there was anything he’d like to change in his business or volunteer life. Not surprisingly, coming from a guy who does so much in our community, his reply was, “I’d want more hours in the day! I get to the end and wish I just had time to do more.�

Since we were talking about the future, I asked Eric what his dream businesses are for East Nashville. “More retail. Shopping, shopping, shopping. Specifically books, clothing, gifts.

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ERIC JANS

CONT...

Commerce made up of Nashville Chamber members who are located in East Nashville. Chamber East provides an opportunity for getting involved in solving problems, discussing issues and implementing special projects and events for the benefit of the area. He was attracted to Chamber East when he began looking for the next natural step after HENMA presidency. He joined the Chamber and became part of the Chamber East board. When he started, he knew no one on the board but now works with all of them for the benefit of East Nashville. When I asked why he wanted to be on the board of Chamber East, he replied, “To work on larger issues. For instance, working on a business incubation center for East Nashville.� He’s seen small businesses come here and open without ever having a business plan. “They don’t get involved in the community and then they close and no one ever knew they were here.� I asked if Eric saw any alignment with Chamber East and HENMA. “There’s some crossover. They work hand in hand.�

More ethnic food. A mom & pop business center for faxing, copying, mailing, shipping. And, an independent theatre and performance space.� When Eric’s not dreaming about or working on helping East Nashville businesses, or selling insurance, or volunteering for the Tomato Art Fest, well, he’s still busy. He loves working with his wife’s music. I wanted to know what his current favorite song of Wendy’s is. “I love all of them. It’s like a constant soundtrack.� Then I asked what he does if he ever takes a second to stop working. “I don’t watch much TV, but I love to read. One of my recent favorites was Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller.� As we were getting ready to leave I asked Eric if there was anything he’d like to change in his business or volunteer life. Not surprisingly, coming from a guy who does so much in our community, his reply was, “I’d want more hours in the day! I get to the end and wish I just had time to do more.�

Since we were talking about the future, I asked Eric what his dream businesses are for East Nashville. “More retail. Shopping, shopping, shopping. Specifically books, clothing, gifts.

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PARK CENTER RESTORES HOPE TO MENTALLY ILL, FOCUSING ON

Needs, Choices and Strengths By Amy Armstrong Photos by Alison Slamon Wilbert carries a folded up index card in his wallet to help him remember the things he promised himself over a year ago. The card has goals that have been accomplished, with the exception of one, but he intends to keep the card just the same. He talks about being homeless for about two years and how a friend told him about Park Center. “At first I felt embarrassed about my situation, but Park Center changed my way of thinking,� he says. “I keep going every day to meetings and listen to people. I tell them all that I’m here if they need me.� Park Center opened its doors in 1984 as a 501c3, non-profit agency for adults in Middle Tennessee diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness. The center’s mission is to restore hope, provide opportunities and promote recovery of persons with mental illness through holistic services that focus on their needs, choices and strengths. “We provide a continuum of services to educate people who don’t know about mental illness,� says Barbara Quinn, president and CEO of Park Center. “We are especially concerned with recovery from mental illness, which can be accomplished.� People seek help for addiction and substance misuse problems every day, so it is important that people realize there is a place out there to help them deal with mental health issues. “As everyone knows, there is a stigma associated with mental illness, so it is important to educate the public about recovery,� says Lynece Benton-Stewart, associate director and a licensed professional counselor. “We give people hope that it is possible to recover, which is important until people have the strength to get the hope from themselves. We provide a vision for them and let them know that it is okay to ask for help.� Park Center offers a variety of tools for all of the different phases of recovery. They educate people about the types of mental illness, as well as helping people identify their particular mental illness. They

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offer classes for illness management, medication management and recovery; one successful program is the Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Each person comes up with their own plan to prevent a crisis and creates a plan for the steps to take to help them get through a tough situation. They start with what keeps them well; how they feel when they are well; and what things they need in their lives to stay well. The action plan also addresses what to do if they feel a breakdown coming. Their plan covers everything from paying bills, taking care of pets, what hospitals will be used and which family members should be notified and involved. It also includes an advance directive, which prevents hospitals from undertaking any unwanted procedures. The action plan helps people take charge of their lives and get back on track in the event of a crisis. After a crisis, counselors are on hand to assist with any lingering issues, so there is always someone to talk to here. Park Center has recently begun a partnership with United Neighborhood Health Services to start wellness classes at their center. “Many people don’t get proper medical care because of their mental illness, so we help to get them on track for a healthier lifestyle,� says Quinn. They will offer nutrition classes and a fitness center with certified instructors on hand to assist people with their programs. Park Center has four guiding principles: hope, choice, education and quality. With hope, they believe that individuals can be active and contributing members of their community by defining their lives apart from their mental illness. With choice, they believe that individual recovery is possible with loving care, educated choices and support services. With education, they believe that active and ongoing advocacy, education about mental illness and the recovery process are necessary in order to empower members and reduce stigma in our community. Lastly, with quality, they believe that services should be continuously improved to align with current and emerging practices.

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Park Center is proud of its homeless outreach center, a place that helps people without homes gain access to benefits and healthcare. The process to qualify the homeless for benefits often takes years, but Park Center helps to shorten this process. Persons are often able to acquire disability, healthcare and housing in as little as 45 to 60 days. Benton-Stewart also discusses their co-occurring program, a term used to describe persons who may have drug and alcohol problems along with mental illness. “We received a grant that will help us with our co-occurring program,� she states. This involves a 12-step program, as well as daily living skills, substance misuse help, behavior modification and therapy. Licensed alcohol and drug counselors will be accessible to help those in need. Park Center already has 10 staff members who are certified psychiatric practitioners. “We want this to be a one-stop shop for our community’s mental health needs,� adds Benton-Stewart. Park Center’s East Nashville location is on Woodland Street, but there is also a location on 12th Street. These facilities, combined with outreach programs, serve more 500 people in the Nashville area. They have scattered housing all over the Metro Nashville area. “We want to reach out to everyone in our community,� says Quinn. “We think of ourselves as a family. We are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so anyone in need always has somewhere to go.� People who have been helped by these programs are a great source of hope for others. Those who have successfully returned to their jobs come back to encourage others and show them that it is possible to recover. The transitional youth program allows students to go back to school and participate in activities they missed out on because of their illness. Benton-Stewart shares the story of a girl who is thriving. “This girl started out with no friends and no one to help her. Her illness had isolated her from her peers. She ended up dropping out of school. After successfully completing one of our programs, she is now giving violin lessons. Her social skills have increased and she is approaching peers to ask for friendship. She now attends Nashville State Community College, where she has a 4.0 grade average.� Another girl simply wanted to attend her senior prom and Park Center helped to make that dream a reality. Park Center has some upcoming events that can help people get involved with the organization. In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, a group of East Nashville musicians led by Mark Horn will perform at The Family Wash on Saturday, October 9th starting at 7:00 pm. The suggested donation for this event is $15. Beginning November 1, Park Center will have an ugly Christmas sweater sale online, where a variety of sweaters will be available for auction. Be sure to pick out an eyesore for your next ugly Christmas

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sweater party! Sweaters will start at $15 and all proceeds will benefit the Homeless Outreach Program. They will also be having an online auction beginning November 15 that will feature local artists and celebrities. These individuals have created one-of-a-kind pieces using mirrors as the common theme. Participating artists include Paul Harmon, Ted Clayton, Pepe Presley, Kim Barrick, Matsu and Emme Baxter.

For more information about Park Center’s programs or services, visit: www.parkcenternashville.org.


PARK CENTER RESTORES HOPE TO MENTALLY ILL, FOCUSING ON

Needs, Choices and Strengths By Amy Armstrong Photos by Alison Slamon Wilbert carries a folded up index card in his wallet to help him remember the things he promised himself over a year ago. The card has goals that have been accomplished, with the exception of one, but he intends to keep the card just the same. He talks about being homeless for about two years and how a friend told him about Park Center. “At first I felt embarrassed about my situation, but Park Center changed my way of thinking,� he says. “I keep going every day to meetings and listen to people. I tell them all that I’m here if they need me.� Park Center opened its doors in 1984 as a 501c3, non-profit agency for adults in Middle Tennessee diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness. The center’s mission is to restore hope, provide opportunities and promote recovery of persons with mental illness through holistic services that focus on their needs, choices and strengths. “We provide a continuum of services to educate people who don’t know about mental illness,� says Barbara Quinn, president and CEO of Park Center. “We are especially concerned with recovery from mental illness, which can be accomplished.� People seek help for addiction and substance misuse problems every day, so it is important that people realize there is a place out there to help them deal with mental health issues. “As everyone knows, there is a stigma associated with mental illness, so it is important to educate the public about recovery,� says Lynece Benton-Stewart, associate director and a licensed professional counselor. “We give people hope that it is possible to recover, which is important until people have the strength to get the hope from themselves. We provide a vision for them and let them know that it is okay to ask for help.� Park Center offers a variety of tools for all of the different phases of recovery. They educate people about the types of mental illness, as well as helping people identify their particular mental illness. They

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offer classes for illness management, medication management and recovery; one successful program is the Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Each person comes up with their own plan to prevent a crisis and creates a plan for the steps to take to help them get through a tough situation. They start with what keeps them well; how they feel when they are well; and what things they need in their lives to stay well. The action plan also addresses what to do if they feel a breakdown coming. Their plan covers everything from paying bills, taking care of pets, what hospitals will be used and which family members should be notified and involved. It also includes an advance directive, which prevents hospitals from undertaking any unwanted procedures. The action plan helps people take charge of their lives and get back on track in the event of a crisis. After a crisis, counselors are on hand to assist with any lingering issues, so there is always someone to talk to here. Park Center has recently begun a partnership with United Neighborhood Health Services to start wellness classes at their center. “Many people don’t get proper medical care because of their mental illness, so we help to get them on track for a healthier lifestyle,� says Quinn. They will offer nutrition classes and a fitness center with certified instructors on hand to assist people with their programs. Park Center has four guiding principles: hope, choice, education and quality. With hope, they believe that individuals can be active and contributing members of their community by defining their lives apart from their mental illness. With choice, they believe that individual recovery is possible with loving care, educated choices and support services. With education, they believe that active and ongoing advocacy, education about mental illness and the recovery process are necessary in order to empower members and reduce stigma in our community. Lastly, with quality, they believe that services should be continuously improved to align with current and emerging practices.

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Park Center is proud of its homeless outreach center, a place that helps people without homes gain access to benefits and healthcare. The process to qualify the homeless for benefits often takes years, but Park Center helps to shorten this process. Persons are often able to acquire disability, healthcare and housing in as little as 45 to 60 days. Benton-Stewart also discusses their co-occurring program, a term used to describe persons who may have drug and alcohol problems along with mental illness. “We received a grant that will help us with our co-occurring program,� she states. This involves a 12-step program, as well as daily living skills, substance misuse help, behavior modification and therapy. Licensed alcohol and drug counselors will be accessible to help those in need. Park Center already has 10 staff members who are certified psychiatric practitioners. “We want this to be a one-stop shop for our community’s mental health needs,� adds Benton-Stewart. Park Center’s East Nashville location is on Woodland Street, but there is also a location on 12th Street. These facilities, combined with outreach programs, serve more 500 people in the Nashville area. They have scattered housing all over the Metro Nashville area. “We want to reach out to everyone in our community,� says Quinn. “We think of ourselves as a family. We are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so anyone in need always has somewhere to go.� People who have been helped by these programs are a great source of hope for others. Those who have successfully returned to their jobs come back to encourage others and show them that it is possible to recover. The transitional youth program allows students to go back to school and participate in activities they missed out on because of their illness. Benton-Stewart shares the story of a girl who is thriving. “This girl started out with no friends and no one to help her. Her illness had isolated her from her peers. She ended up dropping out of school. After successfully completing one of our programs, she is now giving violin lessons. Her social skills have increased and she is approaching peers to ask for friendship. She now attends Nashville State Community College, where she has a 4.0 grade average.� Another girl simply wanted to attend her senior prom and Park Center helped to make that dream a reality. Park Center has some upcoming events that can help people get involved with the organization. In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, a group of East Nashville musicians led by Mark Horn will perform at The Family Wash on Saturday, October 9th starting at 7:00 pm. The suggested donation for this event is $15. Beginning November 1, Park Center will have an ugly Christmas sweater sale online, where a variety of sweaters will be available for auction. Be sure to pick out an eyesore for your next ugly Christmas

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sweater party! Sweaters will start at $15 and all proceeds will benefit the Homeless Outreach Program. They will also be having an online auction beginning November 15 that will feature local artists and celebrities. These individuals have created one-of-a-kind pieces using mirrors as the common theme. Participating artists include Paul Harmon, Ted Clayton, Pepe Presley, Kim Barrick, Matsu and Emme Baxter.

For more information about Park Center’s programs or services, visit: www.parkcenternashville.org.


National AVF Day Odyssey features:

Nashville Auto-Diesel College

• Exhibits of hybrid vehicles, electric cars, biodiesel and other displays • Metro Transit Authority representatives will discuss adaptation of new technologies

HOSTS NATIONAL “GREEN” AUTOMOTIVE EVENT

• Featured speakers: Radio personality Phil Valentine and Nissan North America VP Mark Swenson

Web Resources: • Nashville Auto-Diesel College – nadcedu.com • Clean Cities of Middle Tennessee – tennesseecleanfuels.com Contributing writers: Amy Armstrong, Katharine Heriges Photos by Tonda McKay

With a history going back nearly 100 years, the Nashville Auto-Diesel College (NADC) has seen its share of changes in automotive technology — and the college has proven that it’s ready to embrace change and stay on the leading edge of the industry. On Friday, October 15, NADC will host the nation’s largest alterative fuel and advanced vehicle technology event — the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey (NAVFVD). NADC is co-hosting the event with Clean Cities of Middle Tennessee. Located at the NADC’s Gallatin Road campus, the event will feature exhibits such as hybrid vehicles, electric cars, biodiesel and other fuel displays. Presenters will be on hand to answer any questions about the various alternative energies. Representatives of the Metropolitan Transit Authority will also be there to discuss ways in which they utilize the latest in hybrid technologies. Radio personality Phil Valentine and Mark Swenson, Vice President of Manufacturing and Vehicle Production for Nissan North America, will be featured speakers and share their views of the options available to help the U.S. solve critical energy problems.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

16

The National AFV Day Odyssey is coordinated by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) at West Virginia University. NAFTC is a nationwide alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle training organization that conducts education and outreach activities. It includes a group of 45 higher education institutions dedicated to educating technicians and the public about clean, cost-effective vehicles. NADC is one of the NAFTC training centers. NADC understands the importance of emerging green technologies, especially as they relate to automobiles. Consequently, NADC has expanded its training to include classes on servicing today’s modern, electronically controlled cars, as well as high performance engines. NADC knows that alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and advanced technology vehicles offer hope as our country faces foreign oil dependence and environmental issues. “Those technologies are going to change dramatically over the next nine to ten years,” says Doug Fox, vice president of

• National Alterative Fuel Day Odyssey – nationalafdodyssey.org

NADC. “It will impact not only what we need as Americans, but it will impact what our students need to know.” Since 1919, NADC has trained some of the nation’s best mechanical technicians. In order to assure that NADC’s training stays relevant to the times, the school’s curriculum

NATIONAL ALTERNATIVE FUEL

VEHICLE DAY ODYSSEY

NADC Campus 1524 Gallatin Rd.

Friday, October 15, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

FREE and open to the public For more info, contact: Doug Fox at (615) 226-3990 or dfox@nadcedu.com

Types of Alternative Fuels: • Biodiesel • Electric • Ethanol • Hydrogen and fuel cells

• Methanol • Natural gas • Propane

has evolved throughout the years in order to meet new challenges in the transportation industry and new vehicle service needs. Electric cars, in particular, are on the NADC curriculum, in anticipation of the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric vehicles; set to roll out within the next year. NADC offers four main fields of study: Automotive (which provides the teaching of head-to-toe car repair in the traditional sense), Collision (where students learn how to work on the body of the vehicle), Diesel (in which students are taught to work on diesel engines for large vehicles), and High Performance (where training is given for modifying and repairing professional and personal high performance sport vehicles). The college provides state-of-the-art technical training facilities and offers student housing in two on-campus dormitories and available off-campus apartments, as well as an all-you-can-eat cafeteria and other student support services. The college has attracted students well outside the local area and eventually expanded it’s scope to include all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. In 1935, the college added the diesel engine to its curriculum and in 1946 added Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. Today, NADC is an affiliate of Lincoln Educational Services, which operates a nationwide network of technical training schools offering a wide variety of professional programs.

NADC: A NASHVILLE TRADITION

FOR NEARLY A CENTURY

Most East Nashvillians are familiar with the Nashville Auto Diesel College building on Gallatin Road at the corner of Douglas Ave. It’s hard to miss the large “NADC” logo emblazoned on the front of the building or the groups of students gathered in matching mechanics uniforms walking among the buildings between classes. What is easier to miss, perhaps, is the depth and breadth of the college, both in terms of its physical campus and the technical curriculum it offers. “People typically drive past, and only see what fronts Gallatin Road,” explains Doug Fox, vice president of NADC who has been with the school for 15 years. “However, today we have 19 acres, 22 buildings, and we have residential halls that house 700 full-time students on our campus. We have a tremendous impact on the community, and I think it’s a positive one.” NADC was established by H.O. Balls in 1919 as an auto mechanic training school for Nashville area residents. The college was originally housed in a shop building on 11th Avenue North, with the office located on the floor of the nearby YMCA. In 1932, the college moved from downtown to its current location in East Nashville. The current campus is situated on a historically significant site that includes an ornate former residence now used as the Administrative Building. This former residence was originally constructed in 1855 by Zachariah Stull and later occupied by the Percy Warner family. The estate, known as the Renraw Mansion (which is Warner spelled backward), was home to Trevecca College from 1912 until 1932, when NADC purchased the property.


National AVF Day Odyssey features:

Nashville Auto-Diesel College

• Exhibits of hybrid vehicles, electric cars, biodiesel and other displays • Metro Transit Authority representatives will discuss adaptation of new technologies

HOSTS NATIONAL “GREEN” AUTOMOTIVE EVENT

• Featured speakers: Radio personality Phil Valentine and Nissan North America VP Mark Swenson

Web Resources: • Nashville Auto-Diesel College – nadcedu.com • Clean Cities of Middle Tennessee – tennesseecleanfuels.com Contributing writers: Amy Armstrong, Katharine Heriges Photos by Tonda McKay

With a history going back nearly 100 years, the Nashville Auto-Diesel College (NADC) has seen its share of changes in automotive technology — and the college has proven that it’s ready to embrace change and stay on the leading edge of the industry. On Friday, October 15, NADC will host the nation’s largest alterative fuel and advanced vehicle technology event — the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey (NAVFVD). NADC is co-hosting the event with Clean Cities of Middle Tennessee. Located at the NADC’s Gallatin Road campus, the event will feature exhibits such as hybrid vehicles, electric cars, biodiesel and other fuel displays. Presenters will be on hand to answer any questions about the various alternative energies. Representatives of the Metropolitan Transit Authority will also be there to discuss ways in which they utilize the latest in hybrid technologies. Radio personality Phil Valentine and Mark Swenson, Vice President of Manufacturing and Vehicle Production for Nissan North America, will be featured speakers and share their views of the options available to help the U.S. solve critical energy problems.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

16

The National AFV Day Odyssey is coordinated by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) at West Virginia University. NAFTC is a nationwide alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle training organization that conducts education and outreach activities. It includes a group of 45 higher education institutions dedicated to educating technicians and the public about clean, cost-effective vehicles. NADC is one of the NAFTC training centers. NADC understands the importance of emerging green technologies, especially as they relate to automobiles. Consequently, NADC has expanded its training to include classes on servicing today’s modern, electronically controlled cars, as well as high performance engines. NADC knows that alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and advanced technology vehicles offer hope as our country faces foreign oil dependence and environmental issues. “Those technologies are going to change dramatically over the next nine to ten years,” says Doug Fox, vice president of

• National Alterative Fuel Day Odyssey – nationalafdodyssey.org

NADC. “It will impact not only what we need as Americans, but it will impact what our students need to know.” Since 1919, NADC has trained some of the nation’s best mechanical technicians. In order to assure that NADC’s training stays relevant to the times, the school’s curriculum

NATIONAL ALTERNATIVE FUEL

VEHICLE DAY ODYSSEY

NADC Campus 1524 Gallatin Rd.

Friday, October 15, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

FREE and open to the public For more info, contact: Doug Fox at (615) 226-3990 or dfox@nadcedu.com

Types of Alternative Fuels: • Biodiesel • Electric • Ethanol • Hydrogen and fuel cells

• Methanol • Natural gas • Propane

has evolved throughout the years in order to meet new challenges in the transportation industry and new vehicle service needs. Electric cars, in particular, are on the NADC curriculum, in anticipation of the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric vehicles; set to roll out within the next year. NADC offers four main fields of study: Automotive (which provides the teaching of head-to-toe car repair in the traditional sense), Collision (where students learn how to work on the body of the vehicle), Diesel (in which students are taught to work on diesel engines for large vehicles), and High Performance (where training is given for modifying and repairing professional and personal high performance sport vehicles). The college provides state-of-the-art technical training facilities and offers student housing in two on-campus dormitories and available off-campus apartments, as well as an all-you-can-eat cafeteria and other student support services. The college has attracted students well outside the local area and eventually expanded it’s scope to include all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. In 1935, the college added the diesel engine to its curriculum and in 1946 added Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. Today, NADC is an affiliate of Lincoln Educational Services, which operates a nationwide network of technical training schools offering a wide variety of professional programs.

NADC: A NASHVILLE TRADITION

FOR NEARLY A CENTURY

Most East Nashvillians are familiar with the Nashville Auto Diesel College building on Gallatin Road at the corner of Douglas Ave. It’s hard to miss the large “NADC” logo emblazoned on the front of the building or the groups of students gathered in matching mechanics uniforms walking among the buildings between classes. What is easier to miss, perhaps, is the depth and breadth of the college, both in terms of its physical campus and the technical curriculum it offers. “People typically drive past, and only see what fronts Gallatin Road,” explains Doug Fox, vice president of NADC who has been with the school for 15 years. “However, today we have 19 acres, 22 buildings, and we have residential halls that house 700 full-time students on our campus. We have a tremendous impact on the community, and I think it’s a positive one.” NADC was established by H.O. Balls in 1919 as an auto mechanic training school for Nashville area residents. The college was originally housed in a shop building on 11th Avenue North, with the office located on the floor of the nearby YMCA. In 1932, the college moved from downtown to its current location in East Nashville. The current campus is situated on a historically significant site that includes an ornate former residence now used as the Administrative Building. This former residence was originally constructed in 1855 by Zachariah Stull and later occupied by the Percy Warner family. The estate, known as the Renraw Mansion (which is Warner spelled backward), was home to Trevecca College from 1912 until 1932, when NADC purchased the property.


Just being neighborly… Home Tours Welcome Everyone to Historic East Nashville What makes a neighborhood more than just a group of houses with a common zip code? Take in one or both of these upcoming home tours in two of Nashville’s most unique urban communities and find out for yourself! By Carole King Photos by John Guider & Karen Hoff

The Haunted Historic Edgefield Home Tour Nashville’s first historic home tour began in Edgefield in 1976 and this tradition continues this fall. Edgefield’s rich history started in the 1850s as an independent township and first suburb of Nashville and today it remains the city’s most historic residential area. The district contains more than 400 homes with diverse architectural styles ranging from Antebellum to Late Victorian.

Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association is proud to offer its 32nd annual holiday home tour, A Celebration of Homes presented by Karen Hoff and Historic and Distinctive Homes,

John Guider

Come kick off the fall holiday season by touring many of Edgefield’s hauntingly beautiful homes. The Historic Edgefield Neighborhood Association invites you to tour a select group of neighborhood standouts the fourth weekend in October – just in time for Halloween! Dates are October 23rd and 24th.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

18

No moon? No problem. Candlelit sidewalks will set a glowing mood for the Saturday evening tour, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Afraid of the dark, especially this close to All Hallows’ Eve? Take in the tour on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. Homes will be decorated to suit the season on both days. The Tour Starts Here. Head to Edgefield Baptist Church at 700 Russell Street (also on the tour) to purchase tour tickets and pick up a brochure, which will serve as your pass to each home. Cost is $10.

Lockeland Springs Christmas Tour of Homes The history of Lockeland Springs began in 1875 when the East Edgefield Land Company laid out 218 parcels for residential development and the area remains one of Nashville’s few surviving late 19th century streetcar suburbs. In order to preserve this history, the area became a Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Overlay District in 1985 and there are more than 1,500 homes in the area ranging in architectural styles from Classical Revival, English Tudor, Queen Anne to Bungalow.

John Guider

this coming December. Scheduled for December 11th and 12th, the 10-home tour promises a wide range of architecturally significant houses. Tour hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. One neighborhood, many perspectives. As in prior years, the Lockeland Tour of Homes is not only about touring the beautiful

Karen Hoff


Just being neighborly… Home Tours Welcome Everyone to Historic East Nashville What makes a neighborhood more than just a group of houses with a common zip code? Take in one or both of these upcoming home tours in two of Nashville’s most unique urban communities and find out for yourself! By Carole King Photos by John Guider & Karen Hoff

The Haunted Historic Edgefield Home Tour Nashville’s first historic home tour began in Edgefield in 1976 and this tradition continues this fall. Edgefield’s rich history started in the 1850s as an independent township and first suburb of Nashville and today it remains the city’s most historic residential area. The district contains more than 400 homes with diverse architectural styles ranging from Antebellum to Late Victorian.

Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association is proud to offer its 32nd annual holiday home tour, A Celebration of Homes presented by Karen Hoff and Historic and Distinctive Homes,

John Guider

Come kick off the fall holiday season by touring many of Edgefield’s hauntingly beautiful homes. The Historic Edgefield Neighborhood Association invites you to tour a select group of neighborhood standouts the fourth weekend in October – just in time for Halloween! Dates are October 23rd and 24th.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

18

No moon? No problem. Candlelit sidewalks will set a glowing mood for the Saturday evening tour, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Afraid of the dark, especially this close to All Hallows’ Eve? Take in the tour on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. Homes will be decorated to suit the season on both days. The Tour Starts Here. Head to Edgefield Baptist Church at 700 Russell Street (also on the tour) to purchase tour tickets and pick up a brochure, which will serve as your pass to each home. Cost is $10.

Lockeland Springs Christmas Tour of Homes The history of Lockeland Springs began in 1875 when the East Edgefield Land Company laid out 218 parcels for residential development and the area remains one of Nashville’s few surviving late 19th century streetcar suburbs. In order to preserve this history, the area became a Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Overlay District in 1985 and there are more than 1,500 homes in the area ranging in architectural styles from Classical Revival, English Tudor, Queen Anne to Bungalow.

John Guider

this coming December. Scheduled for December 11th and 12th, the 10-home tour promises a wide range of architecturally significant houses. Tour hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. One neighborhood, many perspectives. As in prior years, the Lockeland Tour of Homes is not only about touring the beautiful

Karen Hoff


Just Being Neighborly Cont...

NASH V ILL E’S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS

homes found here; it is also about celebrating what makes East Nashville special. To this end, the Lockeland Neighborhood Association has asked local residents, including students, to describe what makes East Nashville home for their holiday. Neighbors will explore this theme by calling upon their own experiences through stories and poems to be shared with tour guests. No matter what holiday you celebrate, this vibrant neighborhood invites everyone to enjoy the tour’s festive spirit.

NEIGHBORHOODS

NO. OF HOMES 1939 OR EARLIER

East End

159

East Hill

188

Eastwood

652

Greenwood

285

Edgefield

228

Maxwell

109

Inglewood

569

TOTAL

2190

Belmont/Hillsboro

958

Duncanwood

12

Hillsboro/West End

851

Historic Waverly

148

Woodland

95

Sylvan Park

742

TOTAL

2806

Erin Borzak, a senior at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School, accomplished artist and Lockeland Springs resident, designed the souvenir tour poster. During the tour, guests will have opportunity to purchase the poster in the garden of Steven and Dana Hall at 128 South 17th Street. (Their home is at the corner of Russell and 17th Streets, with the Garden entrance on Russell.) Get Your Tickets! Ticket-purchasing options are as varied as the neighborhood itself. Tickets sold prior to the tour are $10 and may be purchased at www.lockelandsprings.org through a special PayPal page. Early birds can also get discounted tickets at several East Nashville businesses: Alegria, ArtHouse Gardens and Pied Piper Creamery. Tickets purchased day-of will cost $12 and will be available at the newly renovated and expanded Masonic Lodge at the corner of Eastland Avenue and 14th Street, as well as the Hall garden at 128 South 17th Street.

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Just Being Neighborly Cont...

NASH V ILL E’S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS

homes found here; it is also about celebrating what makes East Nashville special. To this end, the Lockeland Neighborhood Association has asked local residents, including students, to describe what makes East Nashville home for their holiday. Neighbors will explore this theme by calling upon their own experiences through stories and poems to be shared with tour guests. No matter what holiday you celebrate, this vibrant neighborhood invites everyone to enjoy the tour’s festive spirit.

NEIGHBORHOODS

NO. OF HOMES 1939 OR EARLIER

East End

159

East Hill

188

Eastwood

652

Greenwood

285

Edgefield

228

Maxwell

109

Inglewood

569

TOTAL

2190

Belmont/Hillsboro

958

Duncanwood

12

Hillsboro/West End

851

Historic Waverly

148

Woodland

95

Sylvan Park

742

TOTAL

2806

Erin Borzak, a senior at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School, accomplished artist and Lockeland Springs resident, designed the souvenir tour poster. During the tour, guests will have opportunity to purchase the poster in the garden of Steven and Dana Hall at 128 South 17th Street. (Their home is at the corner of Russell and 17th Streets, with the Garden entrance on Russell.) Get Your Tickets! Ticket-purchasing options are as varied as the neighborhood itself. Tickets sold prior to the tour are $10 and may be purchased at www.lockelandsprings.org through a special PayPal page. Early birds can also get discounted tickets at several East Nashville businesses: Alegria, ArtHouse Gardens and Pied Piper Creamery. Tickets purchased day-of will cost $12 and will be available at the newly renovated and expanded Masonic Lodge at the corner of Eastland Avenue and 14th Street, as well as the Hall garden at 128 South 17th Street.

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Shopping, Food and Festivities – East Nashville Style! By Amanda Allen / Photos By Gina Gallup

As the holidays approach, the idea of Christmas shopping might seem more like a chore than anything else. Take the hassle out of shopping this year and support local merchants by visiting the Second Annual Christmas Fest in East Nashville. This two-day festival benefits buyers and vendors alike by bringing some of East Nashville’s best merchants together in one place to showcase their wares. Hosted by First Church of the Nazarene and sponsored by the Historic East Nashville Merchants Association, the event will take place rain or shine because all of the vendors and activities will be indoors.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

22

“We like to think of it as the sights, sounds and smells of the season,” says Jeff Sexton, senior associate pastor for First Church of the Nazarene. “It’s not just Christmas shopping, but a Christmas experience.” As a founder of the event, Sexton and his team are working hard to pull out all the stops to make it a huge success. In addition to the high quality merchandise offered by vendors, the event will also feature music and food. On Saturday night, December 4th, the children of First Church of the Nazarene will be performing a Christmas Music Concert for everyone attending. Period-dressed carolers will be singing Christmas favorites throughout the weekend as well. For those who’ve worked up an appetite, food and drink vendors will also be on hand. And what’s a Christmas event without Santa Claus? Old Kris Kringle will be there to pose for photos with the children and participate in other activities. Last year’s event drew around 500 people and even more are expected to attend this year’s festival. There will be repeat vendors as well. Tammy Derr, owner of Fairytales Bookstore in East Nashville, is one who has already signed up. “Last year, I did nearly a week’s worth of business in just two days!” And for Derr, the setup and location is a plus as well. “It’s just such a great representation of the businesses here. People can find us all in one place, instead of having to drive around, especially if they might be unfamiliar with our side of town.” She also appreciates what the festival benefits. The First Church of the Nazarene incorporated the event into their annual budget in order to put 100 percent of

the proceeds toward benefitting the East Nashville Cooperative Ministry. According to their website, the Ministry serves as a “safety net” and “developer” of the East Nashville community. They help the elderly, poor, disabled, unemployed and disadvantaged with emergency food assistance and emergency access to clothing. They also work to empower community well being through food security. They educate on matters of food production and consumption and grow, glean, and reclaim fresh whole foods for allocation in East Nashville. In addition to the showing fees paid by vendors, all visitors will be asked to contribute three dollars toward the cause. Keep an eye out for the new Christmas Fest banners by Five Points Digital Imaging that will be hanging from the new light posts being constructed around the community. These banners will be the first designs to grace these new pieces of architecture. With food, fun and shopping, the Second Annual Christmas Fest is sure to be a great community event for everyone involved. Come out and support local merchants with the money being given right back to the East Nashville community. Avoid mall hassles and have a great holiday experience at the Second Annual Christmas Fest!

SECOND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FEST Saturday, December 4, 2010, 10am – 4pm Sunday December 5, 2010, 12pm – 5pm

First Church of the Nazarene 510 Woodland Ave.

Children’s Christmas Music Concert Saturday, December 4, 5pm To reserve booth space and register for the East Nashville Christmas Fest go to: www.christmasfest.net or call 615.690.4421


Shopping, Food and Festivities – East Nashville Style! By Amanda Allen / Photos By Gina Gallup

As the holidays approach, the idea of Christmas shopping might seem more like a chore than anything else. Take the hassle out of shopping this year and support local merchants by visiting the Second Annual Christmas Fest in East Nashville. This two-day festival benefits buyers and vendors alike by bringing some of East Nashville’s best merchants together in one place to showcase their wares. Hosted by First Church of the Nazarene and sponsored by the Historic East Nashville Merchants Association, the event will take place rain or shine because all of the vendors and activities will be indoors.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

22

“We like to think of it as the sights, sounds and smells of the season,” says Jeff Sexton, senior associate pastor for First Church of the Nazarene. “It’s not just Christmas shopping, but a Christmas experience.” As a founder of the event, Sexton and his team are working hard to pull out all the stops to make it a huge success. In addition to the high quality merchandise offered by vendors, the event will also feature music and food. On Saturday night, December 4th, the children of First Church of the Nazarene will be performing a Christmas Music Concert for everyone attending. Period-dressed carolers will be singing Christmas favorites throughout the weekend as well. For those who’ve worked up an appetite, food and drink vendors will also be on hand. And what’s a Christmas event without Santa Claus? Old Kris Kringle will be there to pose for photos with the children and participate in other activities. Last year’s event drew around 500 people and even more are expected to attend this year’s festival. There will be repeat vendors as well. Tammy Derr, owner of Fairytales Bookstore in East Nashville, is one who has already signed up. “Last year, I did nearly a week’s worth of business in just two days!” And for Derr, the setup and location is a plus as well. “It’s just such a great representation of the businesses here. People can find us all in one place, instead of having to drive around, especially if they might be unfamiliar with our side of town.” She also appreciates what the festival benefits. The First Church of the Nazarene incorporated the event into their annual budget in order to put 100 percent of

the proceeds toward benefitting the East Nashville Cooperative Ministry. According to their website, the Ministry serves as a “safety net” and “developer” of the East Nashville community. They help the elderly, poor, disabled, unemployed and disadvantaged with emergency food assistance and emergency access to clothing. They also work to empower community well being through food security. They educate on matters of food production and consumption and grow, glean, and reclaim fresh whole foods for allocation in East Nashville. In addition to the showing fees paid by vendors, all visitors will be asked to contribute three dollars toward the cause. Keep an eye out for the new Christmas Fest banners by Five Points Digital Imaging that will be hanging from the new light posts being constructed around the community. These banners will be the first designs to grace these new pieces of architecture. With food, fun and shopping, the Second Annual Christmas Fest is sure to be a great community event for everyone involved. Come out and support local merchants with the money being given right back to the East Nashville community. Avoid mall hassles and have a great holiday experience at the Second Annual Christmas Fest!

SECOND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FEST Saturday, December 4, 2010, 10am – 4pm Sunday December 5, 2010, 12pm – 5pm

First Church of the Nazarene 510 Woodland Ave.

Children’s Christmas Music Concert Saturday, December 4, 5pm To reserve booth space and register for the East Nashville Christmas Fest go to: www.christmasfest.net or call 615.690.4421


FALL AND HOLIDAY EVENTS @ FIVE POINTS Five Points Halloween Fun Saturday, October 30th, 10 am to 12

• Pumpkin Painting with Meg McFadyen of Art and Invention • Costume Contest at 12 pm with prizes for ages 1 to 12 years • Local businesses giving away candy

7th Annual Yazoo Hallowest Pub Crawl Sunday, October 31st, 7 pm Get on your best goulish garb and join Lighting 100 and Team Green in East Nashville’s Five Point’s at Red Door East, Drifter’s BBQ , 3 Crow Bar, Beyond the Edge and Batter’d & Fried starting at 7pm on Halloween night - Sunday, October 31st. Participants will enjoy fantastic drink specials at each location and be awarded prized throughout the evening included awards for sexiest, scariest, most original and best celebrity look alike costumes. Visit all five locations and qualify to win an autographed guitar. The Yazoo Halloweast pub crawl is a free event but participants must be 21. All locations are within walking distance so please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation to and from 5 Points.

Christmas and Holiday Fun 3rd Annual “Santa Claus Coming to East Nashville� Saturday, December 4th, 10:45 am to 1 pm 10:45

Bongo Java (side lot)

11:00

Begin Parade

11:30

Entertainment

11:45

Santa Arrives (stays until 1 pm)

On this weekend each year, Santa brings his reindeer to the fine doctors at the Iroquois Steeplechase for a last-minute checkup. While the reindeers are being checked out, Santa pops over to ArtHouse Gardens to meet all of the good kids. First, we’ll gather at the lot next to Bongo Java at for the Big Christmas Parade. We’ll walk the block singing, dancing, parading and more before we get into ArtHouse Gardens and wait for Santa’s arrival. There will always be live entertainment and a great time. Remember to get your picture taken with Santa!

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FALL AND HOLIDAY EVENTS @ FIVE POINTS Five Points Halloween Fun Saturday, October 30th, 10 am to 12

• Pumpkin Painting with Meg McFadyen of Art and Invention • Costume Contest at 12 pm with prizes for ages 1 to 12 years • Local businesses giving away candy

7th Annual Yazoo Hallowest Pub Crawl Sunday, October 31st, 7 pm Get on your best goulish garb and join Lighting 100 and Team Green in East Nashville’s Five Point’s at Red Door East, Drifter’s BBQ , 3 Crow Bar, Beyond the Edge and Batter’d & Fried starting at 7pm on Halloween night - Sunday, October 31st. Participants will enjoy fantastic drink specials at each location and be awarded prized throughout the evening included awards for sexiest, scariest, most original and best celebrity look alike costumes. Visit all five locations and qualify to win an autographed guitar. The Yazoo Halloweast pub crawl is a free event but participants must be 21. All locations are within walking distance so please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation to and from 5 Points.

Christmas and Holiday Fun 3rd Annual “Santa Claus Coming to East Nashville� Saturday, December 4th, 10:45 am to 1 pm 10:45

Bongo Java (side lot)

11:00

Begin Parade

11:30

Entertainment

11:45

Santa Arrives (stays until 1 pm)

On this weekend each year, Santa brings his reindeer to the fine doctors at the Iroquois Steeplechase for a last-minute checkup. While the reindeers are being checked out, Santa pops over to ArtHouse Gardens to meet all of the good kids. First, we’ll gather at the lot next to Bongo Java at for the Big Christmas Parade. We’ll walk the block singing, dancing, parading and more before we get into ArtHouse Gardens and wait for Santa’s arrival. There will always be live entertainment and a great time. Remember to get your picture taken with Santa!

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THE AMBASSADOR OF TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC By Melanie Meadows Photos by Melanie Meadows & Alison Slamon play for tips. We are here to entertain people and make people happy.” How Jesse Lee Jones came from his native Sao Paulo, Brazil, a city of 20 million people, to be the proprietor of one of the most famous honky tonks in the world, is a story with many twists and turns. Jesse left Sao Paulo in 1984 and came to the U.S. to pursue his dream of a career

he hoped to make contact with a family from there whom he had met in Brazil some years earlier. “I never found that family, but I was taken in by a family of 12 in Peoria – Mom, Dad and 10 kids,” explains Jesse Lee. “I got to babysit and learn English while watching Inspector Gadget and Sesame Street. To earn money, I delivered papers for USA Today and The Chicago Tribune. I went from living in a tropical country to a city with a windchill factor of 40 below zero. I will never forget that.” His adopted family helped Jesse Lee buy a beat up, old Epiphone guitar for $50. He kept working on his English and began playing music in small venues around Peoria. “A year later, I was still singing ‘Three Corn Peaches’ instead of ‘Three Corn Patches,’” he laughs.

Jesse Lee Jones, Brazilbilly

26

If you’ve ever visited Robert’s and seen Jesse on stage, you’ve probably heard him say something like this: “Welcome to Robert’s Western World. This is the home of good old traditional country music, right here in the historic Lower Broadway district of downtown Nashville, in the shadow of the mother church of country music – The Ryman Auditorium. We take no breaks. We

in music. He didn’t have much besides his guitar, the clothes on his back and what little cash he could save for the trip. Shortly after he arrived in Miami, he was robbed on a Greyhound bus. The thief took everything he had and, to make matters worse, Jesse Lee didn’t speak a word of English. Some fellow travelers took pity on him and helped him find his way to Peoria, Illinois, where

by the sound of Robbins’ voice. Marty Robbins became his muse and inspiration. At the time, he didn’t even realize there were different styles of country music, but this traditional Country Western sound resonated with him. He decided it was time to go to Nashville. It was 1994.

Jesse Lee stayed in Peoria for nine years. During that time, he played music and also attended college, studying law enforcement. In 1990, he became a U.S. citizen. He was asked to sing at his own citizenship ceremony, something that was unheard of at the time. He got some media attention and had been noticed by some very prominent people, including U.S. congressman Bob Michel.

“I started hanging out on Lower Broadway. Of course, Lower Broadway was very different back then. I do miss the old days. I don’t necessarily miss the adult book stores, peep shows and massage parlors, but it was gritty and real,” says Jesse Lee. “Robert Wayne Moore was a longtime honky tonk operator on Lower Broad and had owned Tootsie’s at one point. He decided to let that go and he got 416 Broadway, which is the original home of ShoBud Steel Guitars. That’s how Robert’s got started.”

“The Gulf War had just started and I got a call to represent Central Illinois and put a band together to entertain the troops,” remembers Jesse Lee. “We went to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and when I got back I decided it was time to paint the bigger picture.”

Robert Moore called his new place Rhinestone Western Wear. It was a clothing store, but Robert had always been a honky tonk man and it was in his blood, so he decided to incorporate the honky tonk lifestyle into the place.

It was around this time that one of his college professors introduced him to the music of Marty Robbins. While listening to his ballads, Jesse Lee became fascinated

“He started serving pork chop sandwiches, PBR beer and hot dogs. All of the sudden, it became a honky tonk. It was unbelievable. Lucinda Williams, Greg Garing, the boys from BR-549, everybody

was hanging out at Robert’s Western World. It was just phenomenal. It was raw. It was so real. To me, it has to be believable. And Robert’s is still real to this day.” Jesse Lee auditioned for Robert and soon became a regular, playing gigs at the honky tonk. BR-549 was the house band at the time, and one of the members once remarked that Jesse Lee was a Brazilian Hillbilly; this morphed into “Brazilbilly” and now Jesse Lee had a catchy name for this band. After BR-549 moved on, Brazilbilly became Robert’s official house band. When Robert decided he wanted to sell the place, he approached Jesse Lee and asked him if he would like to take over. He became the bar’s new owner in 1999. “It’s been an incredible journey, really, but a good one,” says Jesse Lee. “One of the reasons why Robert came to me when he wanted to sell the business is because he knew I was an avid fan of traditional country music. I love Marty Robbins and Hank Williams and once I was introduced to that music, I fell in love with it. He knew I would be true to it. So soon after buying Robert’s, I decided to call it, ‘The Home of Traditional Country Music.’” According to Jesse Lee, Robert’s is different because Robert’s is real. He’s had some wonderful experiences over the years, like the night when a

Open Monday through Saturday, 11am – 3am Sunday Morning Gospel Fellowship, Sunday, 10:30am – 12pm Robert’s Western World is the undisputed home of traditional country music. There is never a cover charge at Robert’s and the bands play mostly for tips. As Jesse Lee likes to remind the patrons, “Tipping is not just for cows!” Come down to Robert’s and enjoy some of the house specialties – cold beer, hamburgers and fried bologna sandwiches with sweet potato fries. On Sunday, Robert’s has a traditional spaghetti and meatballs to complement The Spaghetti Westerneers, an acoustic, traditional country/western band. “The vibe I get that makes me happy and makes me proud to be part of Robert’s is that it brings the best out in people. There were a couple of ladies there from the Ukraine in here one Saturday night. They came back on Sunday. They said this was the first place in America that they felt at home. They couldn’t explain why. They just said, it felt ‘real.’ It’s down to earth. It’s Hillbilly Heaven. It’s the simple pleasures. Those are the things that really matter.”

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

nglewood resident Jesse Lee Jones is a busy man. As the proprietor of Robert’s Western World in downtown Nashville, he runs one of the most famous and successful honky tonks in the world. He’s also a member of the house band, Brazilbilly and The Spaghetti Westerneers, a traditional “Cowboy Western” style band. Jesse Lee is a very hands-on business owner and he prides himself on hard work and staying true to his values.

27


THE AMBASSADOR OF TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC By Melanie Meadows Photos by Melanie Meadows & Alison Slamon play for tips. We are here to entertain people and make people happy.” How Jesse Lee Jones came from his native Sao Paulo, Brazil, a city of 20 million people, to be the proprietor of one of the most famous honky tonks in the world, is a story with many twists and turns. Jesse left Sao Paulo in 1984 and came to the U.S. to pursue his dream of a career

he hoped to make contact with a family from there whom he had met in Brazil some years earlier. “I never found that family, but I was taken in by a family of 12 in Peoria – Mom, Dad and 10 kids,” explains Jesse Lee. “I got to babysit and learn English while watching Inspector Gadget and Sesame Street. To earn money, I delivered papers for USA Today and The Chicago Tribune. I went from living in a tropical country to a city with a windchill factor of 40 below zero. I will never forget that.” His adopted family helped Jesse Lee buy a beat up, old Epiphone guitar for $50. He kept working on his English and began playing music in small venues around Peoria. “A year later, I was still singing ‘Three Corn Peaches’ instead of ‘Three Corn Patches,’” he laughs.

Jesse Lee Jones, Brazilbilly

26

If you’ve ever visited Robert’s and seen Jesse on stage, you’ve probably heard him say something like this: “Welcome to Robert’s Western World. This is the home of good old traditional country music, right here in the historic Lower Broadway district of downtown Nashville, in the shadow of the mother church of country music – The Ryman Auditorium. We take no breaks. We

in music. He didn’t have much besides his guitar, the clothes on his back and what little cash he could save for the trip. Shortly after he arrived in Miami, he was robbed on a Greyhound bus. The thief took everything he had and, to make matters worse, Jesse Lee didn’t speak a word of English. Some fellow travelers took pity on him and helped him find his way to Peoria, Illinois, where

by the sound of Robbins’ voice. Marty Robbins became his muse and inspiration. At the time, he didn’t even realize there were different styles of country music, but this traditional Country Western sound resonated with him. He decided it was time to go to Nashville. It was 1994.

Jesse Lee stayed in Peoria for nine years. During that time, he played music and also attended college, studying law enforcement. In 1990, he became a U.S. citizen. He was asked to sing at his own citizenship ceremony, something that was unheard of at the time. He got some media attention and had been noticed by some very prominent people, including U.S. congressman Bob Michel.

“I started hanging out on Lower Broadway. Of course, Lower Broadway was very different back then. I do miss the old days. I don’t necessarily miss the adult book stores, peep shows and massage parlors, but it was gritty and real,” says Jesse Lee. “Robert Wayne Moore was a longtime honky tonk operator on Lower Broad and had owned Tootsie’s at one point. He decided to let that go and he got 416 Broadway, which is the original home of ShoBud Steel Guitars. That’s how Robert’s got started.”

“The Gulf War had just started and I got a call to represent Central Illinois and put a band together to entertain the troops,” remembers Jesse Lee. “We went to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and when I got back I decided it was time to paint the bigger picture.”

Robert Moore called his new place Rhinestone Western Wear. It was a clothing store, but Robert had always been a honky tonk man and it was in his blood, so he decided to incorporate the honky tonk lifestyle into the place.

It was around this time that one of his college professors introduced him to the music of Marty Robbins. While listening to his ballads, Jesse Lee became fascinated

“He started serving pork chop sandwiches, PBR beer and hot dogs. All of the sudden, it became a honky tonk. It was unbelievable. Lucinda Williams, Greg Garing, the boys from BR-549, everybody

was hanging out at Robert’s Western World. It was just phenomenal. It was raw. It was so real. To me, it has to be believable. And Robert’s is still real to this day.” Jesse Lee auditioned for Robert and soon became a regular, playing gigs at the honky tonk. BR-549 was the house band at the time, and one of the members once remarked that Jesse Lee was a Brazilian Hillbilly; this morphed into “Brazilbilly” and now Jesse Lee had a catchy name for this band. After BR-549 moved on, Brazilbilly became Robert’s official house band. When Robert decided he wanted to sell the place, he approached Jesse Lee and asked him if he would like to take over. He became the bar’s new owner in 1999. “It’s been an incredible journey, really, but a good one,” says Jesse Lee. “One of the reasons why Robert came to me when he wanted to sell the business is because he knew I was an avid fan of traditional country music. I love Marty Robbins and Hank Williams and once I was introduced to that music, I fell in love with it. He knew I would be true to it. So soon after buying Robert’s, I decided to call it, ‘The Home of Traditional Country Music.’” According to Jesse Lee, Robert’s is different because Robert’s is real. He’s had some wonderful experiences over the years, like the night when a

Open Monday through Saturday, 11am – 3am Sunday Morning Gospel Fellowship, Sunday, 10:30am – 12pm Robert’s Western World is the undisputed home of traditional country music. There is never a cover charge at Robert’s and the bands play mostly for tips. As Jesse Lee likes to remind the patrons, “Tipping is not just for cows!” Come down to Robert’s and enjoy some of the house specialties – cold beer, hamburgers and fried bologna sandwiches with sweet potato fries. On Sunday, Robert’s has a traditional spaghetti and meatballs to complement The Spaghetti Westerneers, an acoustic, traditional country/western band. “The vibe I get that makes me happy and makes me proud to be part of Robert’s is that it brings the best out in people. There were a couple of ladies there from the Ukraine in here one Saturday night. They came back on Sunday. They said this was the first place in America that they felt at home. They couldn’t explain why. They just said, it felt ‘real.’ It’s down to earth. It’s Hillbilly Heaven. It’s the simple pleasures. Those are the things that really matter.”

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

nglewood resident Jesse Lee Jones is a busy man. As the proprietor of Robert’s Western World in downtown Nashville, he runs one of the most famous and successful honky tonks in the world. He’s also a member of the house band, Brazilbilly and The Spaghetti Westerneers, a traditional “Cowboy Western” style band. Jesse Lee is a very hands-on business owner and he prides himself on hard work and staying true to his values.

27


Jesse Lee Jones Cont... group of guys in bib overalls – a Hillbilly entourage, if you will – came in to the bar. One of the men walked up to the stage and said, “Hey son, can I play your guitar? I hear you are a big Marty Robbins fan.� Jesse Lee said, “Yes, sir.� And soon, the man was playing one hit after another for the ecstatic crowd. The visitor was Merle Haggard. “Being around the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, a lot of people here take it for granted,� says Jesse Lee. “I can’t do that. I can’t afford to take things for granted. I respect everything that I’ve worked so very hard for.� “If you’ve ever been to Robert’s and you’ve seen me up on stage with Brazilbilly, you know that I will say some things from time to time that may offend some people. I don’t mean to, that’s not the purpose. But we don’t play “that stuff� that they call country music nowadays at Robert’s,� says Jesse Lee. “We are very true to the style. If I had my way, every musician on stage would be wearing a Manuel jacket with rhinestones, acting like a real performer and not dressed like someone who’s been flipping burgers on his grandmother’s backyard grill all day. That’s how I see it.� The bands at Robert’s play mostly covers from the traditional era of country music (1950s and 60s). However, the bands can play original music as long as it reminds people of the old days. “I write new music and there are some guys in the band who write. But the stuff we write sounds like something that would be played

on the radio in the 1950s.� explains Jesse Lee. “I can’t change what Broadway does or how other people think, but at Robert’s Western World, you have to be authentic. You have to be true. You have to be real. Lots of bands want to play at Robert’s, but if they don’t play traditional country music, I don’t even listen to the CDs. Traditional country music, as I see it, is the music that made Music City. I see no reason for us to turn our backs on this great art form. Robert’s is a place that will definitely keep traditional country music alive for many years to come.� Jesse Lee moved to East Nashville in 2009. This is actually his second experience living in this neighborhood. Years ago, he lived in a house on Truett Ave. near Rosepepper. Then, he built his dream house in Gallatin. While he loved the house, the 45-minute commute to downtown Nashville was a strain. He found a nicely renovated home in Inglewood with a massive garage that is perfect for his vintage Cadillacs. “I’m a huge fan of East Nashville. I believe in this neighborhood. I would love to be more involved with East Nashvillians. There are so many people here who are so talented and they are so important to this community,� says Jesse Lee. “There are so many reasons why people should visit Nashville. And East Nashville is where the people in Nashville love to go. Just like the locals who come to Robert’s, they know that East Nashville is the vibe. It’s real. I just really appreciate the fact that I live here and I’m honored to live here.�

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Jesse Lee Jones Cont... group of guys in bib overalls – a Hillbilly entourage, if you will – came in to the bar. One of the men walked up to the stage and said, “Hey son, can I play your guitar? I hear you are a big Marty Robbins fan.� Jesse Lee said, “Yes, sir.� And soon, the man was playing one hit after another for the ecstatic crowd. The visitor was Merle Haggard. “Being around the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, a lot of people here take it for granted,� says Jesse Lee. “I can’t do that. I can’t afford to take things for granted. I respect everything that I’ve worked so very hard for.� “If you’ve ever been to Robert’s and you’ve seen me up on stage with Brazilbilly, you know that I will say some things from time to time that may offend some people. I don’t mean to, that’s not the purpose. But we don’t play “that stuff� that they call country music nowadays at Robert’s,� says Jesse Lee. “We are very true to the style. If I had my way, every musician on stage would be wearing a Manuel jacket with rhinestones, acting like a real performer and not dressed like someone who’s been flipping burgers on his grandmother’s backyard grill all day. That’s how I see it.� The bands at Robert’s play mostly covers from the traditional era of country music (1950s and 60s). However, the bands can play original music as long as it reminds people of the old days. “I write new music and there are some guys in the band who write. But the stuff we write sounds like something that would be played

on the radio in the 1950s.� explains Jesse Lee. “I can’t change what Broadway does or how other people think, but at Robert’s Western World, you have to be authentic. You have to be true. You have to be real. Lots of bands want to play at Robert’s, but if they don’t play traditional country music, I don’t even listen to the CDs. Traditional country music, as I see it, is the music that made Music City. I see no reason for us to turn our backs on this great art form. Robert’s is a place that will definitely keep traditional country music alive for many years to come.� Jesse Lee moved to East Nashville in 2009. This is actually his second experience living in this neighborhood. Years ago, he lived in a house on Truett Ave. near Rosepepper. Then, he built his dream house in Gallatin. While he loved the house, the 45-minute commute to downtown Nashville was a strain. He found a nicely renovated home in Inglewood with a massive garage that is perfect for his vintage Cadillacs. “I’m a huge fan of East Nashville. I believe in this neighborhood. I would love to be more involved with East Nashvillians. There are so many people here who are so talented and they are so important to this community,� says Jesse Lee. “There are so many reasons why people should visit Nashville. And East Nashville is where the people in Nashville love to go. Just like the locals who come to Robert’s, they know that East Nashville is the vibe. It’s real. I just really appreciate the fact that I live here and I’m honored to live here.�

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7JG $TV+QWUG *CTFGPGT By Alan Murdock Photos by Tonda McKay

When “Summer’’ Has Worn Out Her Welcome How do you tell a friend that enough is enough? Typically, I look forward to a particular guest’s arrival with anticipation every year. She roars into town somewhat aloof as to what people are doing. She expects us to drop everything and pay attention to her. Somehow we find this charming and since we’ve been waiting with anticipation for her arrival, we do as she expects.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

30

This friend, we’ll call her “Summer,” tends to visit us in Nashville as school is getting out. She is brilliantly austere yet she has a way of taking urgency out of everyday life for those she surrounds. She’s beautiful and certainly has a gift for bringing people together in all sorts of ways. Sometimes her greatness is consuming — even unbearable for those who depend on her. For all of the wondrous things that I can say about Summer, I must confess that she can be temperamental, thoughtless and even caustic. You just never know what kind of mood Summer will be in. This visit, her behavior was downright rude. In one of Summer’s diabolical rages, she caused property damage throughout our community. She irreverently trashed lawns, garden beds and the way she personally treated my plants is just inexcusable. Don’t get me started on the air conditioning bill that Summer has left me! I hate it when she gets this way. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy Summer’s company. I just wish she could be a bit more compassionate and considerate at times — especially when she has overstayed her welcome. Just when we considered moving north to escape Summer’s wrath, a mutual friend of ours arrived. We’ll call her “Autumn.” Autumn and Summer — along with a few other friends of ours — own a few time shares together. They don’t hang out

together very long, as their personalities are so different, but they certainly cross paths. Autumn is really a breath of fresh air — especially after a prolonged visit by Summer. You can really feel the tension when Autumn and Summer get together for the first time each year and it’s not long before they have a big blowup and the tears start flying. Fortunately, Autumn is able to cool Summer down enough that she starts thinking clearly. Summer starts realizing how much energy she actually expended trying to be “on” all of the time. It was obvious that she realized that this year she had created a lot more damage than usual and needed to move on. She could confidently do so knowing that Autumn would help pick up the pieces. Autumn does so every year as she has a true gift of healing and calming while lifting people’s spirits. Yes, I’ll miss Summer. I always do. I simply hope that when Summer decides to return she’ll do it with a bit more kindness and consideration. Now that Summer is gone and Autumn has arrived, let the healing begin! Here are some invaluable tips on what you should do over the coming months in preparation for autumn’s nemesis — Winter!

* C T F G P K P I 7 K R U H Q T 2 E V Q D G T ' G E G O D G T • Bulbs: You should be planting plenty of spring flowering bulbs starting in October. Planting in November and December is okay too, but don’t wait much past December 5th. • Mulch: Mulch your beds anytime between October and mid-December but November is

ideal. November mulching neatens up beds and should be the most effective in staving off the effects of winter on your plants and even carry over into spring just a bit. Please note: If you’re wanting to spruce up your yard prior to holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, work timing out in advance with your landscaper as everyone wants their yards spruced at this time. • Lawn Reparation: Aerate, over seed and thatch your lawns in late September to early October, preferably. This provides ideal temperatures for your seed to germinate. Seed can germinate other times of the year, but you’ll get closer to 100% rate by doing it during this time frame. If you use pre-emergent you will need to wait six weeks for the seed to germinate first or you’ll kill the young grasses trying to come up. If your yard is mostly Bermuda or weeds, you can also consider planting rye grass for winter color and less mud. If you have fescue or zoysia grass, do not plant rye. Rye will just take up valuable space in the early spring when these grasses are wanting to fill in and stretch their roots. • Sod: October and November are excellent times to put down sod. Consider getting a push (reel) mower if you put down sod. This is the type of grass they were made for and they’re great for the environment. • Leaves (Don’t fire your lawn guy just yet!): Leaves are so important to the health of our lawns and gardens. But don’t leave them lying around. Leaves left alone on top of your grass will kill your grass and you’ll have mud in its place. Leaves mulched with a mulching lawn mower will nurture your grass. If you have an overabundance of leaves, then start a compost pile this fall. Also, farmers always need leaves to add to their composts. Consider bagging these for your local farmers. • Veggie Gardeners: If you are a vegetable gardener but are not planting a cool season crop, make sure you clean up your beds and areas around your beds thoroughly. (You should have done so if you planted cool season crops.) Squash bugs will overwinter underneath leaves, limbs, boards, etc. in or near your garden beds and simply come out to eat again next spring. Use insecticidal soap if you suspect some of these bugs have penetrated the ground near these beds.

9GIGVCDNG QH VJG 0QOGPV

/(778&( By Dr. Tom Hadley

As the sweet, juicy tomatoes and crisp, spicy peppers of the summer garden begin to fade into memory, it is time to turn attention to the cool season garden. Beets, collards, chard, kale and spinach all are delicious and nutritious veggies that can be grown well into the fall; but my favorite is by far – Lettuce. Lettuce is an ancient crop that was first introduced to America by Christopher Columbus and belongs to the sunflower family. The soil for a lettuce garden should be a rich, sandy humus that stays evenly moist. Dry, heavy soils will cause the plant to prematurely go to seed or “bolt.” Lettuce can be planted one month before the last frost in the springtime and again in the fall for a second harvest. There are four main types of lettuce: Crisphead, Romaine, Butterhead and Leaf lettuces. Crisphead being the most popular consumer variety – think Iceberg – and Leaf lettuce being the most likely one to grow in your backyard as it is considered “easy” and also heat tolerant. Black Seeded Simpson and Red Sails are two favorites. When planting lettuce, the seeds should be covered with no more than ½ inch of fine soil. After germination, plants should be thinned to about 6 inches apart for leaf varieties and 8-12 inches for Butterhead varieties. Watering should be about a half inch to an inch per week but more importantly, the soil should stay evenly moist. For an easier beginning, use vegetable starts available at most garden centers. For an extended fall crop, lettuce does well in mini greenhouses or cold frames. Something as simple as an old window can be used to cover a raised bed and protect the lettuce leaves from frost or snow. Just make sure to use a small frame to raise the window above the plants. Also keep an eye out for a warm fall day and prop the window open to prevent overheating inside the cold frame. Lettuce is a great crop to keep interest going in the cool season garden. It is easy to grow, provides a bountiful harvest and, most importantly, it’s delicious! Dr. Tom Hadley is a local dentist and avid gardener who often presents “The Vegetable of the Month” during the free spring organic vegetables classes at ArtHouse Gardens.

• Plan and Plant: October through December are great times to plant trees and shrubs. Work with your landscape designer to come up with a fall and spring plan. Having a plan will cause less work and money later. • Fall Color: It’s tempting to pick up mums, pansies and violas in September but your best bet is to wait until October. Mums that are blooming in September will be bumming in October and November. Don’t forget pumpkins! Pumpkins are not just for the front porch. Strategically place pumpkins throughout the yard. Place them so they are visible at close range and even in the distance for extra fun. • Watering: If it’s dry, which it is often in September and October, you should water arborvitaes, hollies, laurels and evergreens in general or winter might just do them in. • Read Up: Check out Tara Jo’s journey into organic greatness at www.tomatojane.com. Tara Jo is a gung-ho beginner and has a lot to teach in the way of self-exploration in the world of gardening! Her blog is called: “So Fresh and So Green.” For specific answers to questions you have about your lawn or other planting tips, please contact me at murdock02@comcast.net. Questions and answers are always free. Here’s to a beautiful East Nashville all year round! Alan Murdock is a landscape designer and gardener who is a firm believer that a better yard is a better you. He also owns ArtHouse Gardens Landscaping and DIY Center in the 5 Points Historic District. You can contact Alan with gardening questions at murdock02@comcast.net Who knows? Perhaps your question might show up right here in The East Nashvillian.


7JG $TV+QWUG *CTFGPGT By Alan Murdock Photos by Tonda McKay

When “Summer’’ Has Worn Out Her Welcome How do you tell a friend that enough is enough? Typically, I look forward to a particular guest’s arrival with anticipation every year. She roars into town somewhat aloof as to what people are doing. She expects us to drop everything and pay attention to her. Somehow we find this charming and since we’ve been waiting with anticipation for her arrival, we do as she expects.

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

30

This friend, we’ll call her “Summer,” tends to visit us in Nashville as school is getting out. She is brilliantly austere yet she has a way of taking urgency out of everyday life for those she surrounds. She’s beautiful and certainly has a gift for bringing people together in all sorts of ways. Sometimes her greatness is consuming — even unbearable for those who depend on her. For all of the wondrous things that I can say about Summer, I must confess that she can be temperamental, thoughtless and even caustic. You just never know what kind of mood Summer will be in. This visit, her behavior was downright rude. In one of Summer’s diabolical rages, she caused property damage throughout our community. She irreverently trashed lawns, garden beds and the way she personally treated my plants is just inexcusable. Don’t get me started on the air conditioning bill that Summer has left me! I hate it when she gets this way. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy Summer’s company. I just wish she could be a bit more compassionate and considerate at times — especially when she has overstayed her welcome. Just when we considered moving north to escape Summer’s wrath, a mutual friend of ours arrived. We’ll call her “Autumn.” Autumn and Summer — along with a few other friends of ours — own a few time shares together. They don’t hang out

together very long, as their personalities are so different, but they certainly cross paths. Autumn is really a breath of fresh air — especially after a prolonged visit by Summer. You can really feel the tension when Autumn and Summer get together for the first time each year and it’s not long before they have a big blowup and the tears start flying. Fortunately, Autumn is able to cool Summer down enough that she starts thinking clearly. Summer starts realizing how much energy she actually expended trying to be “on” all of the time. It was obvious that she realized that this year she had created a lot more damage than usual and needed to move on. She could confidently do so knowing that Autumn would help pick up the pieces. Autumn does so every year as she has a true gift of healing and calming while lifting people’s spirits. Yes, I’ll miss Summer. I always do. I simply hope that when Summer decides to return she’ll do it with a bit more kindness and consideration. Now that Summer is gone and Autumn has arrived, let the healing begin! Here are some invaluable tips on what you should do over the coming months in preparation for autumn’s nemesis — Winter!

* C T F G P K P I 7 K R U H Q T 2 E V Q D G T ' G E G O D G T • Bulbs: You should be planting plenty of spring flowering bulbs starting in October. Planting in November and December is okay too, but don’t wait much past December 5th. • Mulch: Mulch your beds anytime between October and mid-December but November is

ideal. November mulching neatens up beds and should be the most effective in staving off the effects of winter on your plants and even carry over into spring just a bit. Please note: If you’re wanting to spruce up your yard prior to holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, work timing out in advance with your landscaper as everyone wants their yards spruced at this time. • Lawn Reparation: Aerate, over seed and thatch your lawns in late September to early October, preferably. This provides ideal temperatures for your seed to germinate. Seed can germinate other times of the year, but you’ll get closer to 100% rate by doing it during this time frame. If you use pre-emergent you will need to wait six weeks for the seed to germinate first or you’ll kill the young grasses trying to come up. If your yard is mostly Bermuda or weeds, you can also consider planting rye grass for winter color and less mud. If you have fescue or zoysia grass, do not plant rye. Rye will just take up valuable space in the early spring when these grasses are wanting to fill in and stretch their roots. • Sod: October and November are excellent times to put down sod. Consider getting a push (reel) mower if you put down sod. This is the type of grass they were made for and they’re great for the environment. • Leaves (Don’t fire your lawn guy just yet!): Leaves are so important to the health of our lawns and gardens. But don’t leave them lying around. Leaves left alone on top of your grass will kill your grass and you’ll have mud in its place. Leaves mulched with a mulching lawn mower will nurture your grass. If you have an overabundance of leaves, then start a compost pile this fall. Also, farmers always need leaves to add to their composts. Consider bagging these for your local farmers. • Veggie Gardeners: If you are a vegetable gardener but are not planting a cool season crop, make sure you clean up your beds and areas around your beds thoroughly. (You should have done so if you planted cool season crops.) Squash bugs will overwinter underneath leaves, limbs, boards, etc. in or near your garden beds and simply come out to eat again next spring. Use insecticidal soap if you suspect some of these bugs have penetrated the ground near these beds.

9GIGVCDNG QH VJG 0QOGPV

/(778&( By Dr. Tom Hadley

As the sweet, juicy tomatoes and crisp, spicy peppers of the summer garden begin to fade into memory, it is time to turn attention to the cool season garden. Beets, collards, chard, kale and spinach all are delicious and nutritious veggies that can be grown well into the fall; but my favorite is by far – Lettuce. Lettuce is an ancient crop that was first introduced to America by Christopher Columbus and belongs to the sunflower family. The soil for a lettuce garden should be a rich, sandy humus that stays evenly moist. Dry, heavy soils will cause the plant to prematurely go to seed or “bolt.” Lettuce can be planted one month before the last frost in the springtime and again in the fall for a second harvest. There are four main types of lettuce: Crisphead, Romaine, Butterhead and Leaf lettuces. Crisphead being the most popular consumer variety – think Iceberg – and Leaf lettuce being the most likely one to grow in your backyard as it is considered “easy” and also heat tolerant. Black Seeded Simpson and Red Sails are two favorites. When planting lettuce, the seeds should be covered with no more than ½ inch of fine soil. After germination, plants should be thinned to about 6 inches apart for leaf varieties and 8-12 inches for Butterhead varieties. Watering should be about a half inch to an inch per week but more importantly, the soil should stay evenly moist. For an easier beginning, use vegetable starts available at most garden centers. For an extended fall crop, lettuce does well in mini greenhouses or cold frames. Something as simple as an old window can be used to cover a raised bed and protect the lettuce leaves from frost or snow. Just make sure to use a small frame to raise the window above the plants. Also keep an eye out for a warm fall day and prop the window open to prevent overheating inside the cold frame. Lettuce is a great crop to keep interest going in the cool season garden. It is easy to grow, provides a bountiful harvest and, most importantly, it’s delicious! Dr. Tom Hadley is a local dentist and avid gardener who often presents “The Vegetable of the Month” during the free spring organic vegetables classes at ArtHouse Gardens.

• Plan and Plant: October through December are great times to plant trees and shrubs. Work with your landscape designer to come up with a fall and spring plan. Having a plan will cause less work and money later. • Fall Color: It’s tempting to pick up mums, pansies and violas in September but your best bet is to wait until October. Mums that are blooming in September will be bumming in October and November. Don’t forget pumpkins! Pumpkins are not just for the front porch. Strategically place pumpkins throughout the yard. Place them so they are visible at close range and even in the distance for extra fun. • Watering: If it’s dry, which it is often in September and October, you should water arborvitaes, hollies, laurels and evergreens in general or winter might just do them in. • Read Up: Check out Tara Jo’s journey into organic greatness at www.tomatojane.com. Tara Jo is a gung-ho beginner and has a lot to teach in the way of self-exploration in the world of gardening! Her blog is called: “So Fresh and So Green.” For specific answers to questions you have about your lawn or other planting tips, please contact me at murdock02@comcast.net. Questions and answers are always free. Here’s to a beautiful East Nashville all year round! Alan Murdock is a landscape designer and gardener who is a firm believer that a better yard is a better you. He also owns ArtHouse Gardens Landscaping and DIY Center in the 5 Points Historic District. You can contact Alan with gardening questions at murdock02@comcast.net Who knows? Perhaps your question might show up right here in The East Nashvillian.


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East Nashville Living:

For more information on energy efficiency in historic homes, check out Lynn’s blog at www.taylormadeplans.wordpress.com.

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For more information on energy efficiency in historic homes, check out Lynn’s blog at www.taylormadeplans.wordpress.com.

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888-ask-phil | philprint.com 949 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206 Proud printer of the East Nashvillian


FINDING AND MAKING GREAT SCHOOLS

IN A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD By Francie Hunt Photos By Tonda McKay The reasons why residents choose to stay and move into our neighborhood is easy to see. East Nashville is wonderfully diverse with a strong creative, civic volunteer spirit. At the heart of what has created such a vibrant community—and what will inevitably determine its sustainability—are the schools that make up the Maplewood and Stratford Clusters. As a community organizer with Stand for Children, a public education advocacy organization headquartered in Five Points, I know our neighbors care deeply about quality of our neighborhood schools. For parents interested in finding a local school that is best suited to your family, make a visit to your zoned school and school choice options. Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has an open door policy. Call the school you are interested in and inquire about upcoming open houses, parents’ nights or simply schedule a visit. A few exciting developments for our neighborhood schools are that Stratford High School, Bailey Middle, and Litton Middle are becoming more focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). East Literature Middle and High Schools have become Paideia magnets. Paideia is a philosophy of education based on newly written standards in reading, math, science, social studies, and visual and performing arts. A new charter school has been approved for our area—East End Preparatory. This school for K-5th grade students is an offshoot of the Martha O’Bryan Center, a faith-based family resource center near East Nashville’s James Cayce Homes. For our neighborhood schools to thrive, it is not simply a matter of finding the schools that are the best fit for our families. It is also requires creating the schools that are the best fit for our families. Thomas Friedman, a New York Times columnist, recently wrote

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

34

FROM MNPS: PARENT’S GUIDE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK SCHOOL STAFF ON YOUR VISIT • What standardized tests do you use and how were last year’s scores?

that making excellent schools takes devoted citizens “pushing super-hard to assemble what we know works: better-trained teachers working with the best methods under the best principals supported by more involved parents.”

• How are you working to make sure every child is learning and making progress?

Fortunately for East Nashvillians, this is a time of historic opportunity for bold education reform. Through the recent win of $500 million from the Race to the Top federal grant for Tennessee schools, we have unprecedented amounts of resources for our schools. Tennessee has raised the bar for students in the classroom with higher standards that align with national benchmarks for success. While in the short-term, how our students perform to those new, higher standards will likely be a rude awakening, it is a necessary step to ensuring that they are prepared for a career or college.

• How do you help students who do not perform well in certain subjects?

Whether or not you have school-aged children, our community needs your help to support public education. If you want to help, go to www.onenashville.org to find way to donate your time, money or voice to support our neighborhood schools.

• Will my child have textbooks to take home?

Other resources:

• How do you encourage and reward good behavior?

• Metro Nashville Public Schools, to find out your school options: www.mnps.org

• Does the school use in school suspension for students who misbehave? How does the school discipline students who misbehave?

• First to the Top Coalition information on public education reform in Tennessee: www.tn.gov/firsttothetop Francie Hunt is Nashville Director of Stand for Children (www.stand.org) and Chief Bicycle Gardener at Eastside Cycles.

• How are your students performing in reading and math? How does this compare to previous years?

• What after-school programs and activities does your school offer? • Are most of your teachers certified in their subjects? • How often do your teachers receive training? • How can parents get involved in your school and the decisions made for our children? • Is there a handbook for parents and students? • Will my child be able to take other books or reading materials home? • What are the school’s discipline policies?

• How many students were suspended or expelled last year? • How is the school working to help students who misbehave? • Are there programs that address behavioral challenges? • What percentage of seniors graduated last year? • Is there a school-to-career program? • How does your counselor help students choose classes and make decisions about college, career, and general life after high school?

Robbie H. Bell Law Office

LEGAL SERVICES

FOR THE COMMUNITY Robbie H. Bell

Rachel Valentine

Attorney

Administrative Assistant

615.227.9999 robbiebell@gmail.com 307 N. 16th Street • Nashville, TN 37206


FINDING AND MAKING GREAT SCHOOLS

IN A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD By Francie Hunt Photos By Tonda McKay The reasons why residents choose to stay and move into our neighborhood is easy to see. East Nashville is wonderfully diverse with a strong creative, civic volunteer spirit. At the heart of what has created such a vibrant community—and what will inevitably determine its sustainability—are the schools that make up the Maplewood and Stratford Clusters. As a community organizer with Stand for Children, a public education advocacy organization headquartered in Five Points, I know our neighbors care deeply about quality of our neighborhood schools. For parents interested in finding a local school that is best suited to your family, make a visit to your zoned school and school choice options. Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has an open door policy. Call the school you are interested in and inquire about upcoming open houses, parents’ nights or simply schedule a visit. A few exciting developments for our neighborhood schools are that Stratford High School, Bailey Middle, and Litton Middle are becoming more focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). East Literature Middle and High Schools have become Paideia magnets. Paideia is a philosophy of education based on newly written standards in reading, math, science, social studies, and visual and performing arts. A new charter school has been approved for our area—East End Preparatory. This school for K-5th grade students is an offshoot of the Martha O’Bryan Center, a faith-based family resource center near East Nashville’s James Cayce Homes. For our neighborhood schools to thrive, it is not simply a matter of finding the schools that are the best fit for our families. It is also requires creating the schools that are the best fit for our families. Thomas Friedman, a New York Times columnist, recently wrote

w w w. t h e e a s t n a s h v i l l i a n . c o m

34

FROM MNPS: PARENT’S GUIDE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK SCHOOL STAFF ON YOUR VISIT • What standardized tests do you use and how were last year’s scores?

that making excellent schools takes devoted citizens “pushing super-hard to assemble what we know works: better-trained teachers working with the best methods under the best principals supported by more involved parents.”

• How are you working to make sure every child is learning and making progress?

Fortunately for East Nashvillians, this is a time of historic opportunity for bold education reform. Through the recent win of $500 million from the Race to the Top federal grant for Tennessee schools, we have unprecedented amounts of resources for our schools. Tennessee has raised the bar for students in the classroom with higher standards that align with national benchmarks for success. While in the short-term, how our students perform to those new, higher standards will likely be a rude awakening, it is a necessary step to ensuring that they are prepared for a career or college.

• How do you help students who do not perform well in certain subjects?

Whether or not you have school-aged children, our community needs your help to support public education. If you want to help, go to www.onenashville.org to find way to donate your time, money or voice to support our neighborhood schools.

• Will my child have textbooks to take home?

Other resources:

• How do you encourage and reward good behavior?

• Metro Nashville Public Schools, to find out your school options: www.mnps.org

• Does the school use in school suspension for students who misbehave? How does the school discipline students who misbehave?

• First to the Top Coalition information on public education reform in Tennessee: www.tn.gov/firsttothetop Francie Hunt is Nashville Director of Stand for Children (www.stand.org) and Chief Bicycle Gardener at Eastside Cycles.

• How are your students performing in reading and math? How does this compare to previous years?

• What after-school programs and activities does your school offer? • Are most of your teachers certified in their subjects? • How often do your teachers receive training? • How can parents get involved in your school and the decisions made for our children? • Is there a handbook for parents and students? • Will my child be able to take other books or reading materials home? • What are the school’s discipline policies?

• How many students were suspended or expelled last year? • How is the school working to help students who misbehave? • Are there programs that address behavioral challenges? • What percentage of seniors graduated last year? • Is there a school-to-career program? • How does your counselor help students choose classes and make decisions about college, career, and general life after high school?

Robbie H. Bell Law Office

LEGAL SERVICES

FOR THE COMMUNITY Robbie H. Bell

Rachel Valentine

Attorney

Administrative Assistant

615.227.9999 robbiebell@gmail.com 307 N. 16th Street • Nashville, TN 37206


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