UNDEFEATED SEASON
PAGE 8
FREE AND CHEAP THINGS TO DO
DECEMBER 8, 2022 | VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 46
PAGE 13
Lipscomb rings in holiday season with 18th annual Lighting of the Green BY JAYME FOLTZ
Williamson County’s Beechwood Hall as seen in December 2022.
PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS
Heritage Foundation of Williamson County president pens open letter on Beechwood Hall BY MATT MASTERS Heritage Foundation of Williamson County President and Chief Executive Officer Bari Beasley has penned an open letter on the future of Beechwood Hall following national attention on the historic home. This fall, concerns over the potential demolition of the historic home grew, sparking an online petition and an appearance by musician Kid Rock on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight which threw the home into the national spotlight. Beasley’s open letter disputes allegations that the organization accepted donations from the property owners in exchange for not advocating for the historic home, and says that the Heritage Foundation is doing what they can to help preserve the property which is privately owned. “Recent sensationalist declarations and
misinformation have been spread about the Heritage Foundation regarding Beechwood Hall,” Beasely said in the letter which can be read in full on our website. “This has not only been an attempt to damage our Foundation, but a black eye in national media for our community – it is contrary to the Franklin way.” BEECHWOOD HALL BACKGROUND
The home dates back to 1856 and the surrounding 268 acres, which sits in Williamson County’s unincorporated area just outside of Franklin and Leiper’s Fork, were purchased in 2021 by Larry Keele, an Advisory Partner with Oaktree Capital Management, a California-based company which he co-founded in 1995. Keele is originally from Lewisburg, Tennessee, and according to the Heritage
Foundation’s 2019 annual report, the Keeles were one of 11 individuals or groups who made a “Founders” level donation to the organization which ranges between $10,000– $24,999. The Heritage Foundation said that the Keeles are not currently donors to the organization. “Inflammatory and false claims have been made that the Heritage Foundation accepted money from the owners of Beechwood Hall to keep us from advocating for this home. This could not be further from the truth, and it undermines both my integrity and the integrity of all associated with our organization,” Beasley said in the letter. Despite the home being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, with a listed “local” significance, that designation doesn’t protect >> PAGE 3
It was dark and stormy in Nashville on November 29th, but that didn’t stop the Christmas spirit from filling the Lipscomb University campus with holiday cheer. Lipscomb University presented rang in the holiday season with the community at the 18th annual Lighting of the Green. Nashville’s very own Christmas angel, Amy Grant, hosted the holiday concert with the help of her friends, the vocal trio Selah and Michael Tait, the lead singer of the Newsboys. “It’s just so good for us to be together tonight,” said Grant with a smile after opening the celebration with her song “To Be Together.” Also joining Grant were Lipscomb’s acapella group Sanctuary and choirs from Lipscomb Academy and Lipscomb University. Those unable to attend the event were able to join a virtual live stream for a chance to partake in the festivities. Festivities began at 4 p.m. to give attendees an opportunity to explore the Merry Marketplace. The collection of holiday vendors offered a variety of knick knacks and festive items that are perfect for gift shopping. A portion of the proceeds made by the vendors will be donated to Lipscomb’s Associated Women of Lipscomb scholarship fund, another tradition of the holiday event. The Haley Sue Foundation, created in honor of former Lipscomb student Haley Sue Pearson, was selling baked goods. Lipscomb senior Mallory Pedigo is president of the Pi Delta social club on the University’s campus and she explained why the cause is so important to its members. “We just want to be kind souls toward other people and lend a helping hand.” “Haley’s Merry Little Christmas” aims to raise money each year to help underprivileged children have >> PAGE 2
THENEWS @ FWPUBLISHING.COM | 615.298.1500 | THENEWSTN.COM TICKED OFF: tickedoff@fwpublishing.com
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT # 338