The Contributor: February 25, 2026

A Growing Legacy

How the first Black Girl Scout leader in Nashville’s work continues through Camp Holloway

IN THE ISSUE

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Learn More About the Importance to Pay People with Lived Expertise

BY JUDITH TACKETT

After one year of unnecessary fighting and a power struggle between Metro Nashville and people with lived expertise/experience, the Continuum of Care general membership body voted on Feb. 19, 2026, to move the Consumer Advisory Board and the Youth Advisory Board from the Homelessness Planning Council, thereby making members with lived expertise/experience eligible for compensation under Metro’s legal interpretation.

“Engaging people with lived experience in any project or policy work must be based on time, trust, equal partnership roles … and fair compensation, of course.”

This quote stems from a blog written by Kaara Kallen and posted on dashconnect.org in June 2024. It is how she began her story about the importance of compensating people with lived experience.

In her blog, Kallen quotes the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which stressed the importance of including people with lived experience and expertise across all decision-making aspects is essential in its COVID-19 homeless response. HUD also said that “it is vitally important that [people with lived experience] are appropriately compensated for contributing their time, energy and valuable expertise.”

In Nashville, however, a quiet but fierce fight has been brewing over the Office of Homeless Services’ (OHS) refusal to truly advocate for and find a solution to compensate people with lived expertise/experience who serve actively on the Continuum of Care (CoC), a community-based local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for individuals, families, and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness.

In a nutshell, OHS has been hiding behind Metro Legal to avoid paying people serving on the Lived Expertise Cohort (also known as the Consumer Advisory Board), even though the members of that cohort are not the final decision-makers. Rather, they make recommendations to the Homelessness Planning Council, a community board that serves as the governing body of the CoC.

What is more, while the HPC is sitting within Metro government, it does not oversee a department or has any decision-making or recommendation power over any aspect of the Metro budget. This is critical and is the main reason why I keep referring to it as a community board while the OHS and the Mayor’s Office keep blurring that line whenever it is politically convenient.

“Engaging people with lived experience in any project or policy work must be based on time, trust, equal partnership roles… and fair compensation, of course.”

Last year, OHS, whose director reports directly to Mayor Freddie O’Connell, released a statement in which it defended its decision not to compensate people with lived expertise/experience.

“Under Metro law, administrative bodies, including their committees, operate as voluntary entities, meaning members are not compensated for their service. This structure aligns with Metro’s governance practices, which apply consistently across the more than 70 boards and commissions, many of which include committees. Exceptions to this structure, such as the Board of Equalization, are based on state law mandates, which require compensation for that specific body. However, there is no state or federal law requiring compensation for the Homelessness Planning Council or its committees, including the Consumer Advisory Board.”

Granted, paying people with lived expertise/experience, can be complicated. But the OHS statement misses the point. As outlined in an article by Mike Lacy published in The Contributor’s Feb. 11 issue, the Lived Expertise Cohort isn’t “asking to be paid as board members — they’re asking to be paid as consultants.” Previously, when the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) served as the CoC lead entity, the group was paid as vendors with federal CoC planning dollars.

When that leadership changed from MDHA to Metro, the payments dried up. Kennetha Patterson (read the Q&A on Page 4), who chairs the Lived Expertise

Cohort, has been fighting for one year for fair compensation for people with lived expertise/experience serving on improving our local community system.

Earlier, I called this a quiet but fierce fight because — as seems to be a trend with OHS – Metro elevates the voices of people with lived expertise/experience only when they stick with the political talking points seamlessly aligned with OHS. But when it comes to receiving criticism, the messengers are shut up quickly through official memos, public statements, and by hiding behind Metro Legal.

Having worked in Metro government for over 10 years myself, I know that Metro lawyers are more than willing and capable to help find and implement solutions. But such an approach would require sincere advocacy on OHS’ part on behalf of the people who are the experts on how our local homeless system actually works.

It is interesting to observe that Metro seems to be able to hire homelessness consultants in a manner that would have flouted procurement processes when I was still at Metro. We actually fly national experts in for local symposiums at a hefty cost. Or, in another example, Metro paid a total of $750,000 over the course of two years for a consulting contract out of New Orleans ($250,000 of that contract was never approved by Metro Council because Metro broke it up to keep it under that $250,000 threshold requirement for Council approval).

In comparison, the Lived Expertise

is asking for less than $30,000 a year to compensate up to 14 members at a rate of $20 per hour for each individual. This is below the listed living wage for Nashville, which is estimated at about $26 per hour according to Metro’s own Community Needs Evaluation.

Why is it that OHS can hire consultants but cannot find a way to advocate for the Lived Expertise Cohort within Metro and work with Metro Legal to pay them for their time when they serve on CoC committees that do not have decision-making power over how Metro dollars are spent?

The following argument from OHS’s 2025 document seems like a cop-out, “Over the past eight months, Metro has actively explored creative solutions to address concerns regarding compensation for individuals with lived experience.

“This work included questions about compensation that were asked of and answered by a representative of HUD, consultations with technical assistance providers, and a thorough review of potential options. Despite these efforts, no state or federal law preempts Metro’s requirements or permits compensation for these roles within the existing legal framework. For this reason, the CoC Planning Grant will no longer be used to compensate those with lived experience of homelessness effective on February 24, which is the date of the grant fund transfer.”

This tells me that:

For the past year, our city has refused to compensate people who have experienced homelessness, have gone through our local system, and have brought leadership and ideas to the table to work without compensation; and

OHS has potentially spent money on consultants (for a time, OHS hired at least one HUD Technical Assistance (TA) provider after the federal government stopped paying for those) who were unable to come up with a solution to compensate people with lived expertise/ experience as consultants.

After Thursday’s CoC vote to move the lived experience cohort under a , it will be interesting to see what Metro’s next move is. What is certain is that the federal CoC planning funds of $465,700 that OHS manages are certainly sufficient to cover an estimated $30,000 a year to pay for fair compensation of people with lived expertise/experience.

Judith Tackett is a longtime homelessness expert and advocate for housing-focused, person-centered solutions. Opinions in this column are her own.

Kennetha Patterson is a local advocate and activist and a leader in the homelessness sector. Patterson has lived expertise and identifies herself on LinkedIn as THE Homeless CEO.

She was recognized as a 40 under 40 honoree by the Nashville Business Journal in 2022, which annually lists young professionals that shape our community and forge a path for the next generation. Patterson is an active member of the Nashville Voices of Resilience Homeless Choir by Morning Coffee Artist. The choir performed at the 2025 Homeless Memorial in Nashville and the holiday party of The Contributor.

More recently, you may have come across Patterson through her work in tenant rights or as the chair of the Nashville-Davidson County Homelessness Planning Council, the Nashville-Davidson County community board of 25 members that serves as the Continuum of Care Governance Board. The Homelessness Planning Council is a quasi-Metro body as described in BL2018-1199. It is empowered to act on behalf of the CoC as outlined in the CoC Governance Charter.

The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for individuals, families, and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. In Nashville, the Office of Homeless Services currently serves as the CoC’s Collaborative Applicant. Per the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), “The Collaborative Applicant is the eligible applicant designated by the Continuum of Care (CoC) to collect and submit the CoC Registration, CoC Consolidated Application (which includes the CoC Application and CoC Priority Listing), and apply for CoC planning funds on behalf of the CoC during the CoC Program Competition.”

As part of Patterson’s advocacy work, she currently leads the local Lived Expertise Leadership Committee, serves as a member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)’s fourth Collective Cohort, and is engaged at the global level advocacy work to lend her experience of lived expertise.

On your LinkedIn profile, you call yourself THE Homeless CEO. What does that title signify?

It’s the storyteller of poverty and homelessness. What I do with that is build up other leaders. I call it the Homeless CEO Society. It’s really a brand. When I first came out with the concept, my husband was like, “We’re going to be [seen as] homeless forever with you calling yourself that.” But it’s not about that. It’s about proclaiming that while you’re homeless, you can still build yourself up. Because that’s what

Q&A with Kennetha Patterson

BY JUDITH TACKETT

I did back in 2020. That’s when I started to work on the brand around lived experience.

On March 12, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) will present you with the 2026 Loraine Brown Resident Leader Award, which honors a person living in subsidized housing who has shown dedication to helping tenants, people experiencing homelessness and their community. What does this award mean to you?

It’s actually very sacred. I’ve been with the National Low Income Housing Coalition for some years now, and I’ve watched the inaugural winner. I got to listen to him speak, Mr. Rob Robinson of New York. And so, being honored in that capacity with a legend like that [Patterson struggled here for words to describe her feelings]. And also, I get to do a plenary with Brian Goldstone as well. He is the author of “There Is No Place for Us.”

So it’s just a high honor to be able to participate at that level as a tenant that still is on [an] emergency housing voucher. Normally our work seems so invisible, but this just makes you feel seen and accepted in the work.

You have served as the first chair with lived expertise on the Homelessness Planning Council, Nashville’s community board overseeing the Continuum of Care process. What is one achievement you would like to highlight that happened under your leadership?

I would say breaking the monotony of just listening to only providers. That’s my number one thing. When I came in, my message was “transparency and no harm.” And that’s what I want to see happen for the people just in healing the system.

And then another big accomplishment, I think, was the strategic plan that I led. Also, I created the All-Chairs meeting where all the [committee] chairs meet every other month. The All-Chairs meeting is something they continued. It’s kind of like having an executive committee, but all the chairs are meeting, and I feel like that’s what can guide the work with everybody, being in one space.

What are some missed opportunities from that time?

A missed opportunity was really engaging the Lived Expertise Committee as the strategic plan called for.

Also, I was trying to do emergency preparedness then. So now looking at things like the [recent ice] storm and potentially another pandemic and going on, that’s something I was trying [for the HPC] to pay attention to then. I just feel like it was a fail because it was such a power struggle with our Collaborative Applicant, not the CoC itself. I really am grateful for the CoC.

What is a change that you would like to see happen locally to improve service delivery to people experiencing homelessness?

We have a Nashville Resident Con -

sumer Advisory Board that we started a little while ago. We were trying to transition that to being the wheelhouse for the Continuum of Care. It helps when people with lived expertise are the leaders to the capacity we’re supposed to [be according to] the CoC’s strategic plan. Within that, we have [discussed] triage systems. For example, we want to connect with every council person in all 40 districts. That way, when it’s something like we just saw with the winter storm, we could have been on the ground helping people, especially the people that are outside. Because I witnessed [the need] myself. I was just trying to walk to the store in the ice storm and saw people trying to get to warming stations.

It is those types of things that we know about that we can really help alleviate so much if we’re in the system as peer ambassadors to the city. So, just being able to be accepted by Metro Nashville-Davidson County [in] the position we’re supposed to be doing.

The reality is that even with all the recognition you have achieved over the years, your work as an advocate with lived expertise has been largely underfunded. What inspires and motivates you to keep going where others would have given up?

I really do think on this a lot because sometimes I do want to quit. I’ve had moments where I’m like, “Just forget it!” But at the same time, I think about the people and other families I don’t want to see this happen to, and that’s what’s

kept me in this. Because if I move from the position I’m in, I feel like the house of cards falls.

I feel like I’m built on a solid foundation, and the money will come when it releases. But the only reason it has not, is [because of] people blocking opportunities. They should be working with us because it would help us alleviate the homelessness problem here in Nashville.

You answered the prior question from the perspective of the CoC Consumer Advisory Board. But even on a bigger scale, people with lived expertise like you are doing so much work in a volunteer capacity.

Yes, and I always say one of them is involuntarily unpaid. That’s the one that’s in a consultant-type of manner, too. We have Section 3 with MDHA. It’s very hard to access that program to become our own consultant. [Editor’s note: Section 3 is meant to ensure that economic opportunities, most importantly employment, generated by certain HUD financial assistance shall be directed to low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing or residents of the communities in which Federal Assistance is spent. (from: https://www.nashville-mdha.org].

So we just have been figuring out different ways to become self-sustainable.

A FEW QUESTIONS

Like with the Nashville Voices of Resilience Homeless Choir, we’re looking at a method of thinking about how the freedom singers funded their movement. I didn’t know [that they funded their own movement] until I learned it directly from a freedom singer I met at a resort with the National Low Income Housing Coalition in Albany, Georgia, last year. So, it’s just thinking of different ways that we can get past that federal bar of paying us because that money never makes it down to us as the little people.

Why is it so important to listen and truly integrate voices of lived experience and expertise?

Because their voices are powerful, and they’re actually jewels to be uncovered.

I think about that with not only the people, but the things that are considered trash here in Nashville. I’ll look at it as kind of reverse gentrification if we could beautify those places that are adjudicated properties. That would be huge if we could flip these models as lived expertise into what we can envision. [We could] create temporary housing [where] we want to get people into permanent homes.

I just feel there is so much value within lived expertise that is just kind of — I don’t want to say buried because we’ve been working on the awareness

BY DANIEL H., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

On February 28th Nashville’s Morning Coffee Artist will be hosting a fundraiser for Saint Peter AME Church from 10 a.m.12 p.m. Please attend and help the church raise money to repair structural damage that was caused by a car running into the side of the building. Morning Coffee Artist, of which I am a member, will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our original art to help cover the cost of repairs. This is community event, so we are

of it — but it’s just undiscovered jewels, dealing with every person that’s been unhoused.

If a funder came to you and asked how you would invest $1 million, what would you say?

I’d say start with the lived expertise, and then going into, we would love to purchase land and adjudicated properties where we can [build] non-traditional housing like geodesic domes. We are about to crowdsource for a 3D printer. We have an architectural engineer on our team that wants to do tiny homes. I’ve been deeply researching shipping containers. So just having a different variety of homestays that will go across Nashville-Davidson County and also connect people back into community from the different counties they’ve been pushed out to.

So, I would use that money as a catalyst to create housing.

When you refer to your team, who is that?

They are lived expertise leaders. And we have Mr. Nelson Guillen with The Mandala Project. And then we have a grant writer behind the scenes on our team. They helped us get the Metro Arts Thrive Grant for “Voices Unheard –Art for Change.” And so we’re working with Metro Arts and doing some tours

and things with our Nashville Voices of Resilience Homeless Choir. It’s just really the people and community we’re in partnership with. We’ve been building those partnerships. We’re connected to over six organizations that can help build us out. We just got an offer from The Village that was formed in Mayor [John] Cooper’s administration, and they want to give us a platform for our work as well. Anybody that hears about our work is ready to plug in now, where we were invisible before. I call it a Cinderella system.

To clarify, the group is called the Lived Expertise Leadership Committee, which was formerly known as the CoC’s Consumer Advisory Board? Correct. Actually, as soon as we stopped trying to ask permission from the Collaborative Applicant, and we went out and did it ourselves, now we’re visible. You know, when we just went out and started showing our talents and becoming ourselves. Now we’re here.

What else would you like to add?

We appreciate our city, the ones that did look out for us and wanted to see us be honored with the dignity of being paid for our advice and our direction. What we really do offer is an enhanced asset. So we are just grateful for the ones that are embracing us in our own city.

asking any and all who can help mend the hearts of the brave congregation who need your support in their hour of prayer. You can also purchase art through the website: morningcoffeeartist.myshopify.com

Morning Coffee Artist will also be joing voices of Resilience Nasville Homeless Choir on March 21st at DRKMTTR, 1111

Dickerson Pike from 12 -6 p.m. Tickets run from $20 - $40 each. Catered food will be provided while it lasts.

Aces and 8’s

Written by Chris Scott Fieselman, Vendor #0015

I can tell by that black eye? You had yourself a hell of a time. I hope that they catch that guy, Responsible for that crime.

Where and when? Did this happen friend?

How’d you get yourself in this predicament? No sense saying, “I told you so.” You knew better, when you chose to go? &…

Aces and 8’s is the trouble that waits?

In a place that you shouldn’t be. When you put yourself in harm’s way?

You’ll pay the penalty.

A mistake that makes you say,

“Should have turned left at Albuquerque.”

And Aces and 8’s is the trouble that waits, In a place that you shouldn’t be.

The wrong side of town, when the sun goes down, Is not where you want to be.

Hanging out with the wrong crowd, Pretending they’re family. But when trouble comes, and everyone runs, You’ll be left to fend for yourself. Consequence of your actions when? You should have been somewhere else… &…

Aces and 8’s is the trouble that waits? In a place that you shouldn’t be. When you put yourself in harm’s way?

You’ll pay the penalty. A mistake that makes you say, “Should have turned left at Albuquerque.”

And Aces and 8’s is the trouble that waits, In a place that you shouldn’t be.

They don’t call it?

“Dead Man’s Hand” For nothing.

Wild Bill Hickok, Found out that day. Done in by a gun, That he didn’t see coming, When he sat down to play. Poetic Justice works that way. &…

Aces and 8’s is the trouble that waits?

In a place that you shouldn’t be. When you put yourself in harm’s way? You’ll pay the penalty. A mistake that makes you say, “Should have turned left at Albuquerque.”

And Aces and 8’s is the trouble that waits? In a place that you shouldn’t be.

Violence Management

Written by Chris Scott Fieselman, Vendor #0015

Temper, temper, temper, You forget to remember? When? Someone’s going to suffer, The consequence. Forget about? Anger Management when? Violence is involved, to solve problems. Put down that bottle of Hater-aide. You don’t want to make?

A big mistake. Make up your mind, To understand?

Someone’s got to be? The bigger man… And?

Do no hurt and do no harm. Whoever strikes first, Is always wrong. Why can’t we all? Learn to get along?

And do no hurt and do no harm.

De-escalate a situation out of control. No-one wants to end up in the hospital. If this was a test?

Would you pass it or fail? Walk away willingly? Or end up in jail? Consider the source, And not what they say? They’re not even worth? Your time of day. “In your Anger do not Sin.” Violence loses out, When Wisdom wins? And…

Do no hurt and do no harm. Whoever strikes first, Is always wrong. Why can’t we all, Learn to get along?

And do no hurt and do no harm.

They may deserve it, But is it worth it?

Someone getting hurt, Over angry words. God Bless the bigger person, Who walks away.

You’re better off ignoring, What they say? And…

Do no hurt and do no harm. Whoever strikes first, Is always wrong.

Why can’t we all, Learn to get along?

And do no hurt and do no harm.

THEME: THE OSCARS

ACROSS

1. Traction aid

6. Freddy’s street

9. Reach a high

13. Italian bowling

14. Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk’s alias, Gary

15. Jolly good one 16. Parallel grooves

17. Many, many moons 18. “Take it back!”

19. *”Song Sung Blue” Best Actress nominee 21. *Movie with most 2026 Oscar nominations 23. Make a seam 24. Vampire’s tooth 25. Tai’s partner 28. South American monkey

30. Naphthenic acid + palmitic acid

35. Pilot’s stunt

37. Forbidden, to a baby

39. Vampire of Greek mythology

40. Italian wine region

41. Not Astroturf

43. Alpine lift

44. Sports figures, e.g.

46. Cantina pot

47. Email folder

48. Not vivid and bright

50. Nessie’s abode

52. *Jamie Foxx won for his role in this 2004 biopic 53. Eagle’s nest

55. Unreliable newspaper

57. *2026 nominated film with Stone and Plemons

61. *ChloÈ Zhao’s nominee

64. Newton or Stern

65. Romanian money

67. Star-crossed one

69. To the point

70. a.k.a sodium hydroxide

71. Novelist Zola

72. Formerly, formerly 73. Aye-aye

74. “He ____ it like it is”

DOWN

1. Not NBC or ABC

2. Reluctant

3. Pantyhose hue

4. DNA and RNA, e.g.

5. Cups and saucers

6. 20-20, e.g.

7. *”One Battle After Another” Best Actor nominee

8. High IQ society

9. *#7’s nominated co-star

10. “Anything ____?”

11. Wing-shaped

12. K to Romans, pl.

15. Like athlete’s foot

20. Behind on rent, e.g.

22. Night spot

24. At last

25. Necklace fastener

26. Popular garden perennial

27. I to Greeks, pl.

29. *2026 nominated Beni-

cio del ____

31. Benatar and Morita

32. Fly in ____, or a reminder of the past

33. Tarzan’s swing rope

34. *Fictional table tennis champ

36. *Nominated “F1” star

38. Nobel Peace Prize capital

42. Sacrum, pl.

45. Communicating with spirits event

49. Hawaiian flower garland

51. *Inspiration for #61 Across 54. Pep gathering

56. Lawn ornament

57. Angler’s hope

58. ____-friendly

59. Needlefish, pl.

60. Brewer’s kiln

61. Color wheel elements

62. Like fairytale stepmothers?

63. Be a snitch

66. Payment for an eye

68. Hi-____ graphics

WORDS OF WISDOM

“Choose Life”

ART AND POEM BY FYNALLEFRE,

CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Life begets life and death begets death. You will have what you say. Talk badly about someone; you will be talked badly about. Lie on or to someone; you will be lied on and/or to. Speak with malice and hate; you will be spoken to with malice and hate.

Forgive someone who has wronged you; you will be forgiven of a wrong.

Show respect and you will be given respect. Bless someone and you will be blessed.

Curse someone and you will be cursed. “Life and Death are in the power of the tongue.”

~ Proverbs 18:21 Choose Life.

COMIC BY DENNIS T.

How to Fly

BY MIKKEL S., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Reality is turmoil in our country. We are working against the old world that we have written our names upon again. Against our evens our odds have developed into our own selves.

Earlobes eloped into our pulled envelopes. For we are unable to push ourselves without the ability to process what we can not lean against when we are against our own selfish desires to mistrust another encumbers us with mistrust in ourselves.

The shelves that collect dust are being collected by a sunrise that has no dusk. Sun setting upon ourselves Doesn’t take the Dust from the moth itself.

Jet Lagged

BY FREEPRESSGMA, CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

People play act their paper selves. Their words just roll out  into the jetlagged sky. At night, they lay shrouded in light. Unable to see.

My neighbor shouts my name from across the street. We laugh. I go over and hug him and we carry on a bit, teasing each other and insulting each other. Since utopia begin, he’s had the time to create his new cleaning machine. I look out at the air and the water with its sheen. A rush of love for the world fills my heart.

Everyone is housed. Guaranteed. I am relaxed, happy and focused because I am not stressed about meeting my basic needs.  Everyone is fed, and fed well. We feed each other with delicious organic food, and lovely treats that we have all created for each other. We feasted the other day on stewed meat with vegetables, hot tea and baby greens.

We live in a democratic union, not a republic. The revolving door of politician to businessman and back to politician has been ended. Executive decisions can end in courtrooms with accusations of treason, so Presidents are very, very careful. Senators are selected by the people from Representatives that have done well. They cannot jump the gun straight to Senator-hood. In fact, we have instant runoff voting so all representatives must include those from other parties in their various committees and cabinets. Last year, I was tapped to find out if I would be willing to be on a committee for the federal government. I agreed to do it for one year. I’m glad that year is over. Being an average citizen with no particular

Utopia

BY FREEPRESSGMA, CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

political ambitions, this was quite interesting. Let’s leave it at that. In the south we say, “Well isn’t that interesting,” to mean a lot of things ….

The suburbs are filled with gardens and places to work. I love the bicycle taxis, the smell of growing things and the excitement of the neighborhood dogs as we wheel past.

There are no food deserts. Most of our food comes from the local produce of urban market gardeners. Our farmers are happy, healthy and wealthy. My friend Tom brings his vegetables to me and throws in extra all the time. I can pay for this with EBT or with cash. Those who have more pay with cash! But as I said, everyone is fed.

We manufacture all of our needs here. We have clean energy. We have clean air. Our public transportation rivals anywhere in the world and those beyond! Plastics are banned. A micro organism that eats plastic is released into important spaces like the ocean, rivers and old garbage dumps.

Our descendants intermix freely. Not only do we live in a meritocracy, but those who are less able find meaningful work or occupation are nurtured and given opportunities.

No one is required to work. My housing, food, clothing and sanitation needs are met easily. My neighbors are all happy. There is no more need for violence or desperation. Our banks give micro loans

to everyone. Those who fail are lifted up by those who succeed. Banks must profit share. All corporations are owned by the people, and the profits are shared into the local government coffer. The other day, I attended a budgeting meeting where the whole town got to discuss and decide on where the money goes.

Happiness and a flow of free ideas occurs naturally for the majority of people because they are engaged in meaningful work and satisfying play. Some people are quite happy being janitors while one of my friends teaches at a university. Another friend works on neutralizing nuclear waste.

Buildings are beautiful and ecological. Last month I helped to build a straw bale house. It was so much fun, stomping my feet into the clay and straw. Now my friend Pedro has a beautiful home that is easy to maintain and will stay there for 500 years or more.

The soil is being repaired faster than it was destroyed. Regenerative agriculture is the law, and we managed to dismantle Archer Daniels Midland and they no longer control our food production bread basket in the Midwest. Everyone has clean food and clean water, wild animals included.

Weekly I meet my goals, because none of my costs are externalized. When I travel to work, that is paid. No one must travel farther than 15 minutes to work. Bus, train, or bicycle.

Living With #3

BY MAURICE B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

The solutions at hand for humanity for solving a problem or even dealing with a particular difficult situation like life’s struggles/challenges brings about various difficulties in the learning processes of each individual. The complexity of comprehension levels fluctuates, whereas some are more difficult than others. It’s a complex matter and is a part of this series called, “Living With.” Finding solutions to problems mainly involves taking a structured approach. The deep understanding and notion of love, and the dear inclinations of compassion brings about various kinds of approaches. Many people have their own mindset towards various situations and issues of their lives that even bring about the catastrophe of different strategies.

The “wheres” the “whys” and the “what ifs” keep a lot of matters unsolved, but that’s okay with many people. That, too, is a part of “living with.”

Everyone is judged by their actions of their interactions. Allah/God’s creation/ word is that of profound perfection. By observing the full picture of His cre -

ation, we bear witness to the circles and cycles of His will, which forevermore unites the male “mankind” and the female “family ties.” That’s the only way life continues on this Earth.

His will is for all to understand and accept that we must endure regardless of our own actions and our own intentions throughout our own beliefs. Think about being an infant. One knew of nothing while being that age. We did not have a clue how to do or accomplish the mere steps that we were taught to take. We did not have the ability to eat solid foods until the learning process that actually came from Him. There have been other vices that He used to teach us that took claim of His works and actions. The realization that the different steps and stages and levels and degrees that it takes for each individual to learn shows the similarities of us all. Yes, we have expectations of certain aspects to be presented in a certain manner of time which becomes a factor of “living with.” When those certain aspects aren’t presented we perceive that our will is the best will to make changeable

comforts.

One male “mankind” and one female “family-ties” brings about the next generation: A “child” or “children.“ Regardless of their nationality there are certain issues that are the same but because of the different levels and degrees that one nation might have over the other then the anger and frustration or resentment comes about, and that becomes something to “live with.” But those same differences have identical similarities. Each nation has their own unique strengths which Allah/God has given them and at the same time He has shown that neither one is better than the next. His will is the same throughout all nations. In all cultures it still takes one male “mankind” and one female “family-ties” to produce the next generation. Who, what, and where does a person place blame?

Becoming irresponsible lays on each individual, but becoming responsible lay upon the teachings and the learning processes from each person that we associate ourselves with. That’s the, “each one

I feel free to swim in any body of water, knowing that it is free of toxins. My body relaxes into the water. My old bones feel young again. Young people splash about me, excited and happy. I have some friends that I swim with that are my age and so we paddle about acting like we’re exercising.

Millions of species return from the brink of extinction. The other day I saw a flock of bluebirds.

People are trusted as autonomous beings who can make intelligent decisions. Therefore they do.

The scent of fresh air is always around me. I inhale deeply, reveling in the quiet of a city full of people and very few machines. Certainly no cars. There are a few trucks that are available for hauling large things. Everyone breathes freely, a sense of joy with each breath.

Everyone has every reason to live a long healthy life. Happiness is the main vibe. Laughter is everywhere around us. Sometimes I just let out a laugh of pure joy for no particular reason. Nobody thinks I’m weird or sidesteps me. Everyone does this periodically and sometimes whole street full of people will begin laughing together. Women and children walk freely to and fro at all hours of the day.

Everyone has given up hope and lives with the certainty of being alive  because Hope is a fatal mistress.

We made this dream come true by saying no. And then we said yes.

teach one motto,” where the first overall teaching process starts from the love and compassion of that male’s and that female’s combined chemistry, originated within their respective genes. Each entity/ child has a part of those make ups in their own chemistry/gene, but the teaching and learning processes of conditioning their conduct and character derives from the actions thereof taken from historical knowledge and experiences that come about in each individual’s own daily habits, in which is a part of “living with.”

As a results of these pros and cons in historical events is what we attest to as the importance that our present actions is the future’s history. The seemed changes of modern-day socialism is only circles/cycles from the beginning of time, an aspect of “living with” whereas there’s nothing in creation that is new up under the sun. A fact that we all must learn to “live with” in the context of keeping an open mind about learning is the only way that solutions can be foundational within the interactions of our everyday lives.

Tips if you think you found an orphaned wild animal

Winter is typically quiet at Harmony Wildlife Rehabilitation, but this year’s late January ice storm brought the busy season early. During the storm, animals were relocated, volunteers came together and supporters brought supplies and chainsaws.

“Sometimes it takes the worst storm to bring out the best in people,” said Anastasia Kudrez, executive director of Harmony Wildlife, a nonprofit based in West Nashville.

As spring approaches, the typical “animal baby season” rush begins. Harmony Wildlife received more than 10,000 messages about injured and orphaned native wildlife last year, with many coming in during spring.

But there are many things people can do themselves to help animals that don’t require a call to a wildlife rehab. Below are tips from Harmony.

Protect baby rabbits instead of taking them: Mother rabbits have a habit of not picking the best spot for a nest. In the spring, what looks like a mound that suddenly appeared under the lawn could be a nest full of baby rabbits. Try to lift grass

BY ELYSHA ENOS

to inspect it. Do not mow over it. If there are pets that roam the property, consider keeping the cat inside and putting the dog on a leash for a few weeks. In three or four weeks, the babies will be gone.

Trust the mothers (especially with squirrels): If you find a baby squirrel on its own and it isn’t visibly injured, Harmony’s advice is to give the mother a chance to retrieve it. Place the baby in a shoebox-sized container that’s shallow enough that the mother can see in, but tall enough that the baby can’t crawl out. Line it with a T-shirt, add warmth (a sock filled with dry rice and microwaved briefly, for instance). Return to the exact location, place the box at the base of the nearest tree, and then step back. To encourage the mother to approach, play baby squirrel calls from YouTube for three to five minutes every 15–30 minutes on a phone or small speaker. Step back so the mother feels safe to approach.

Baby birds go back to their nest: This one is tricky and requires a ladder, but the best place for an uninjured baby bird is back in the nest it fell from. Sometimes a sibling

or strong wind can knock them out of their home. It’s a myth that the mother bird will reject them if they’ve been touched by a human. When baby birds are ready to leave the nest, they “fledge.” Fledglings may spend a few days on the ground, watched over by parents, before they take flight. It can be scary to leave these young birds in such a vulnerable situation, but they do not need a rescue unless they are injured.

If the cat (or dog) found it, it likely needs medical attention: Cats have bacteria on their claws and teeth that can make even a small injury deadly to wildlife. The best place for a baby rabbit, or any other living animal your pet may have brought home, is a box in a warm, dark, quiet place. Do not offer food or water, but contact a licensed wildlife rehabber asap. Also, consider making your cat an indoor cat — free-ranging domestic cats are devastating to wildlife and in the U.S. and kill an estimated 1.3–4.0 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals annually. Check for nests before yardwork: Especially with this year’s storm destroying so many trees and habitats, many animals

adapted by building nests in downed trees. If a tree is down and the roots are exposed, that’s prime real estate for them. Before removing it, check if there’s a family of small animals that are already settled in. The same applies for trimming branches — check for nests first.

Kudrez also stresses that it’s important to stay safe whenever trying to help animals. She recommends keeping a wildlife rescue kit in the car. A list of what to include can be found on Harmony’s website, along with other helpful articles about helping animals in different situations.

Anyone who has found an animal and needs advice, or to check if there’s room at Harmony for them, is welcome to call or text and Harmony will reply as soon as they can. To help meet demand, Harmony hopes to raise funds to hire a hotline operator.

“The more resources we have, the faster we can respond,” said Kudrez.

Visit HarmonyWildlife.org for more information on upcoming meet and greets and with the team and ambassador animals.

A Growing Legacy

How the first Black Girl Scout leader in Nashville’s work continues through Camp Holloway

When Heather “Glee” McCathern became the camp director for the Girl Scout Camp Holloway north of Nashville, she says it was truly a full circle moment for her.

For the past two summers, McCathern has served as director of the camp and is headed into her third summer stewarding the grounds, staff and campers at Camp Holloway in Millersville. More than 20 years before, she was a camper and then counselor herself

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

at Holloway, where she earned her “Glee” nickname, a sign of being a longtime camp attendee.

“I first attended in 2003 when I was a Brownie with Troop 1857 in Lebanon, Tennessee,” she says.

“We did troop camping for three summers, and I loved it so much that when I became a senior in high school, I applied to be a camp counselor.

I worked at camp for over six summers before moving to California to continue working with

children at a small mountain church in Tahoe City.”

Former Camp Holloway Director Lauren Reichstein shared that she was looking for someone to step up as the director right around the same time McCathern moved back to Tennessee to be closer to family in 2023.

“I immediately said yes,” McCathern says. “Camp Holloway helped shape who I am, so stepping into this role truly felt like coming home.”

Years and years before McCathern first camped there as a Brownie, the camp’s namesake and founder Josephine Groves Holloway paved the way for Black girls to enjoy the Girl Scout experience in Middle Tennessee. She established the area’s first Black Girl Scout Troop — Troop 200 — in 1942 and pushed to desegregate the Girl Scout Council of Cumberland Valley, which is now known as the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee.

Integration of the local Girl Scouts happened between 1960 and 1965 throughout the region. In the interim, Holloway was the first Black professional Girl Scout employee in the area, working as a field advisor, district director and camp director for Black Girl Scout troops.

“Josephine opened doors for girls who had no way to walk through them,” McCathern says. “She broke down barriers that took only moments to create but years to tear down. In the early 1900s, Black girls in our state did not have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and explore. For one woman to recognize that and say this needs to change, and then actually take action, speaks volumes.”

Over the years, Holloway has been celebrated more and more locally, but it was an uphill battle for her to form a troop at all. Holloway first attended a Girl Scout training session in Nashville in 1924 and was autho -

rized through her training to form troops for Black girls, but they were not officially recognized until Troop 200 formed. After that, more than a dozen troops for Black girls popped up in a year and a half.

But to many involved in scouts in the area, including McCathern, Holloway’s greatest lasting legacy is the piece of land she laid out to ensure there was a place young, Black girls could go to be fully themselves.

“She did not just help form Black Girl Scout troops in Middle Tennessee,” McCathern says. “She wanted those girls to experience the outdoors, learn new skills, and have a space where they could fully be themselves. So she found land and made it happen.”

The 76-acre property opened as Camp Holloway in 1955 for Black Girl Scout troops and over the years began to integrate scout troops at the camp. As you enter the property by car, you head from the big city of Nashville down into Millersville and then through a quiet residential neighborhood. The camp sits nestled behind, down a winding road. Once you’re there surrounded by trees, it’s hard to believe the city is so close. Today the camp has campers from all over the place. In February each year, the camp invites Girl Scout troops, staff and leaders to celebrate Holloway on Josephine Holloway Day.

“It is also important that our council continues to recognize her through programs and opportunities that reflect her

mission, inspiring girls to be more than they think they are, to dream boldly, achieve confidently, and believe they can do anything,” McCathern says. “That is Josephine’s legacy, and it is still alive today.”

At this year’s event on Feb. 21, folks gathered to hike together, cook over a fire and learn about the camp’s founder and leader.

“I want the Girl Scouts at this event to see that one dream became our reality,” McCathern says. “Camp Holloway exists because Josephine believed something better was possible. Giving girls the opportunity to see where it all began and understand the depth of her impact allows them to connect with her story in a deeper way. This space was built on a dream, and it continues to be a place where girls can dream, create, grow in confidence, and feel brave in exactly who they are.”

For McCathern, it’s important that campers know that Holloway is the reason the camp exists at all.

“The first thing we do is make sure Josephine Holloway’s name stays at the forefront of what we do,” she says. “She is often recognized once a year in February, but at camp we talk about her all summer long.”

The camp also engages campers in a tradition called Holloway Heroine. McCathern says the tradition pre-dates her time as a camper at Holloway, and it is a way to cement the values Holloway brought to her work.

Camp tours for parents and others also include a viewing of a memorial to Holloway. Staff shares how much Holloway invested physically, emotionally and financially to the camp.

Holloway operated everything with the idea of making the space right for the girls and for expanding the opportunity to include Black girls.

“We want campers to understand that they are part of something much bigger than just one week in the summer,” McCathern says. “ It truly starts at camp. In many ways, her legacy is Camp Holloway. Every time Girl Scouts come here to play, laugh, grow, and discover something new about themselves, they are living out the vision she had. When girls leave camp, tell their friends about it, and bring more friends back each summer, that legacy continues to grow year after year.”

“During each session, campers vote for a counselor who has shown the true traits of Josephine Holloway, including being caring, courageous, kind, adventurous, enthusiastic, and overall a safe place for Girl Scouts to belong,” McCathern says. “The girls write why they are voting for that counselor and place their note in a special box. At our closing campfire, we read some of their words and announce the winner. It is always a powerful moment because it connects Josephine’s legacy to the leadership our campers see in real time.”

‘Keep Hope Alive’

A Nashville reporter remembers her meeting with Jesse Jackson

When I heard that Jesse Jackson had passed, it caused me to pause and think about what his life and his passing meant to America and to the African American race.

In the year 2000, I was given the difficult task of interviewing Jesse Jackson. He was very well protected. I discovered that he was staying at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel so off I went. I questioned one of the bellhops and he told me that Mr. Jackson would be coming down to the lobby shortly, so I sat and waited. After about 30 minutes, I began to hear a buzz in the lobby and I looked toward the elevator only to see Mr. Jackson and his daughter with an entourage leave the elevator. I have seen Jesse Jackson many times here in Nashville either at Fisk University, or Tennessee State or other venues around town, but this time I was able to get up close and personal with him. There were no other reporters around so I was able to get in a few questions. He was very personable and agreeable and allowed me to take pictures.

In our brief meeting, he said that he loved Nashville and that he had lots of friends here

OHS Releases Winter Storm Response Recap

In late January, the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), worked alongside nonprofits and service organizations to “provide critical outreach, shelter, and care to over a thousand people experiencing homelessness during Winter Storm Fern in Nashville,” according to a release from OHS. “This winter storm was a community-wide event, but it proved to be especially dire for our unsheltered population,” said OHS Director April Calvin. During the annual Point-in-Time count on Jan. 22, OHS and 120 volunteers also gave out cold weather supplies and shelter information to people on the streets. The release says teams from OHS, OEM, the Nashville Fire Department (NFD), the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) continued to perform cold patrols during the storm, checking areas for people still outside and offering resources to folks. Normal winter weather overflow shelters switched temporarily to a 24/7 operation, adding overflow with the Salvation Army to provide more access. More than 1,400 people received shelter nightly at the two OHS overflow shelters, the Nashville Rescue Mission, Room In The Inn and Launch Pad, according to the release. “People experiencing homelessness received real-time text alerts with information on when and how to access available shelter,” the release reads. “WeGo Public Transit and Mobility Solutions, as well as emergency responders, provided free transportation to shelter sites throughout the storm response. Once at the shelters, guests had access to services on site from medical and behavioral health professionals, had access to donations of emergency supplies (hats, gloves, clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies, etc.), were provided some 8,000 meals by World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs, and more. OHS

STORY AND PHOTO BY BARBARA WOMACK

who were involved in the civil rights movement.

“Nashville was the core of the movement and persons like Diane Nash and John Lewis were vital to the success that was made in this city,” he told me.

In 1986, Jackson ran for president of the United States and at that time he held a large rally at Vanderbilt University and he spoke at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church where he advocated for the poor and he also encouraged the importance of voting.

When Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, it was a devastating blow to the African American community, but we knew we still had John Lewis and Jesse Jackson. When John Lewis died, we knew we still had Jesse Jackson. Now that Jesse has passed, we are a race without leadership living in a country who doesn’t love us as much as we love it.

I did not get a full interview as he was on his way to the airport, but as Jesse Jackson entered his limo, he looked back at me and said, “Keep hope alive.”

News Briefs

outreach teams also worked alongside OEM and the Red Cross to provide services and information to people experiencing homelessness who came to one of the three warming centers opened during the storm for all residents in need of a warm place to stay,” OHS outlined in the release. OHS has provided 46 total nights of shelter since the start of winter in November of last year.

Commission Formed to Assess Winter Storm Response

Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced Feb. 17 a nine-member commission to look at the recent response to the late January ice storms after several community members were left without power for extended periods in the bitter cold.

The 2026 Winter Storm Response Commission, according to a release, “is charged with conducting a comprehensive review of the storm response. The Commission will have investigative powers, including the ability to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records pertinent to the investigation or any hearing, and to administer oaths to witnesses. The Commission also has the ability to hold hearings and request assistance from the Metropolitan Auditor.” Members of the commission include Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, the local NAACP President Timothy Hughes, folks from various energy management seats with former Nashville Mayor and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen as chair of the Commission. “Rarely in our city’s history has a weather event that so thoroughly affected the entire county. That made our response unprecedented and the opportunity to review our performance highly valuable,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “I’m grateful for the willingness of the nine commission members to serve the city. They will look at both Metro government’s response as well as that of [Nash-

ville Electric Service].” The Commission’s initial report is due by Aug. 23, 2026.

SNAP

Benefits

to be Replaced for Some ZIP Codes Affected by Storm

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) will replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for some ZIP codes affected by the late January storms, according to a release. The department made this announcement after receiving federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA) to automatically issue replacement to households impacted by prolonged power outages caused by the January 2026 Winter Storm Fern in Tennessee. The state will automatically issue 45 percent of affected SNAP households’ January 2026 SNAP benefit amount beginning Feb. 13, 2026, without requiring households to submit an individual food loss affidavit. This automatic replacement will be issued to SNAP households that were active and had received January 2026 benefits as of Jan. 24, 2026, and that reside in the following impacted ZIP codes: 37012, 37025, 37046, 37062, 37090, 37146, 37184, 37307, 37321, 37322, 37325, 37327, 37332, 37367, 37381, 37826, 37880, 38061, 38425, 38504, 38549, 38572, 38573, and 38583. “As communities across Tennessee continue to recover from the January winter storms, we are committed to providing efficient relief to all eligible SNAP households in the areas most affected by the prolonged power outages,” commented TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. “This automatic replacement ensures households receive timely support without additional paperwork, allowing families to focus on recovery and meeting their basic needs during a difficult time.” TDHS estimated in the release that there were approximately 36,486 active

SNAP households that may have been impacted in the approved counties and ZIP codes. SNAP customers who would like to request replacement for the remaining 55 percent of their January 2026 benefit amount that is not automatically replaced may still submit a Household Misfortune Affidavit. People had until only Feb. 23, 2026, to submit those requests.

Property Owners Can Request an Informal Review for the 2026 Assessment Year The informal review period for homeowners seeking a property assessment in Davidson County opened Jan. 20 for the 2026 Assessment year, according to a release from the Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite. In the release, she said, “if you plan to appeal your property value or its classification, the Assessor of Property Wilhoite wants residential and commercial property owners to know the option to file an Informal Review for the 2026 assessment year is the time for property owners to share information regarding their property that could support a change in value or classification.” The best way to file an is to visit the Assessor of Property’s website at www.padctn. org. Access property records according to the directions, then click on the review/appeal tab. The deadline for filing an Informal Review for the 2026 Assessment year is April 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. If you need assistance in filing your Informal Review, please call (615) 862-6080. Decisions will be mailed by May 20, 2026. Wilhoite said in the release that it is important to remember that any Informal Review Decision resulting in a change of value or classification will affect the 2026 tax bill and not the 2025 tax bill that was mailed by the Trustee to property owners in October 2025. Property owners cannot appeal the increased tax rates that were set by the Mayor and the Metro Council in June of 2025.

HOBOSCOPES

PISCES

Parking in my neighborhood has gotten crazy since the house at the end of the block turned into a very popular hardware store with a spaghetti buffet in the back. How is it even zoned for that? Used to be, I could get a space right in front of my complex, but now the lot is always full. It wouldn’t be a problem but there are “No Parking” signs all up and down the street and I have a phobia of being towed. Anyway, Pisces, that’s why I can’t meet you for coffee. I got a good space yesterday and I don’t want to lose it. Ok, I know, it’s a terrible excuse. Because we all need more face-to-face time to connect without an agenda. But if you can come my way I know a good spot for spaghetti and hammers.

ARIES

This time of year, when the winter is falling back and spring is trying to break through, I think a lot about death. Just your basic breeze calls out the impermanence of every living thing. There’s a pull toward the green that wants to burst from these trees and at the same time there’s something on the wind that says “remember.” Is that just me or have you been feeling it too? Anyway, Aries, don’t try and chase it away. It’s telling us something true. Before the leap forward into blossoms and bugs, sit with the absence and see what it says.

TAURUS

This coffee shop was packed when I got here, Taurus. I had to slide into this bench that put me right between two people who were both working away on their projects at the community table. I set down my coffee and my muffin and my onion frittata and my birth-charting book and star-maps. I wedged my laptop in between and consulted The Stars on your behalf, Taurus, and the funniest thing happened. The people on either side of me started packing up their things. At first I took offense. Did I do something wrong? The seat was open. But as they walked away I looked around at all the open space in front of me, all I could find was gratitude. Take up the space you need, Taurus. You’re allowed to be here.

GEMINI

Yes, Gemini, you got me. It’s true that whenever I get a free moment I look at my phone. And I scroll past all kinds of ads that want to break me of my “phone addiction.” And I understand why that might be a helpful framework for this situation. Phone equals bad. Too much phone equals worse. But what parts of all this are actually working for me? I learn about the world. I think less about my problems. I remember people I used to know. I get angry at injustice. And then I look up and come back to my life. That’s the tricky part, Gemini. Coming back. And that’s the thing we can practice. Staying with an uncomfortable

feeling or a difficult task. That’s something we can do. And then, after that, I’ll show you this hilarious clip of a kid discovering hot sauce.

CANCER

I was already running late to work this morning and then I realized there was a good bit of frost on my windshield. But with no time to scrape, I couldn’t be bothered. So with only a tiny patch of visibility just above my dashboard, I hit the open road! Well, for about 45 seconds, anyway. Then I hit the hedge at the end of my block. At that point I decided I could make the time and do the necessary window scraping (and pull the extra twigs off the hood of my car.) Sometimes it pays to put in the extra work up front, Cancer.

LEO

Yes, Leo, I bought this sushi at the gas station. And, yes, I’m eating it in my car. But that doesn’t mean I’m not having a delightful and nourishing culinary experience. As a matter of fact, Leo, I challenge you to find a better meal available on this block! You’re allowed to have moments like these too, Leo. You deserve to de-shame the basic activities of your day. Turn up the classic rock on the radio and spread a little more wasabi on that spicy tuna roll. If you won’t enjoy this moment, who will?

VIRGO

After this horoscope, Virgo, please stay on the line and help us improve our service by taking a brief survey. Hello, Virgo, the outlook for this week includes sunshine and rain. Positive feelings as well as negative ones. Comfort accompanied by varying degrees of discomfort. Thank you for reading. If you found this helpful, press (1) on your touchtone phone now. If you found it dismissive or demeaning, press (2). To speak to someone with more insight into your circumstances, check your “recent calls” tab and press the name of the person you like the best. Your feedback is important to us.

LIBRA

There was a line at the coffee pot at work, so I made tea instead. Maybe I’m a tea-guy now? I guess there’s worse things to be. In fact, just this morning I watched a bunch of news videos about people who decided to be way worse things than tea-guys. But I don’t actually know any of those guys personally, I just like to get angry early in the day. It helps with blood-flow, I think? Anyway, Libra, whatever you’re doing to get going in the morning, I know you’re doing your best. Keep it up. And go easy on yourself. There’s way worse things to be.

SCORPIO

There are only two kinds of people in this world, Scorpio, and I’m about to tell you what they are. Nah, I’m just kidding. There’s a bunch more than two. I actually lost count. Partly because every time you think you find a “kind of person” and then you watch them for a little bit longer and pay a little more attention, you start to realize that’s not a kind of person at all, it’s … just a person. And we’re all the same. And we’re all different. So we might need to stop trying to divide each other into kinds at all. What kind of person are you when it comes to this kind of thing, Scorpio? No, wait, let me guess.

SAGITTARIUS

Someday, the last Toyota will roll off the line. It seems like these brands will last forever, but they all have an endpoint. Someday, the last McDonald’s sign will come down off its post. Will it be removed by a construction crew, or outlast humanity? Either way, it won’t stand forever. Someday, the last Coca-Cola logo will disappear. Perhaps it will last 100,000 years. Perhaps a million. Maybe the words will be readable up until the moment the sun expands into its red-giant phase and engulfs the earth completely, but then, at least, it will be silenced. If nothing lasts, Sagittarius, then it must be a good day to help somebody who needs it. What else were you gonna do?

CAPRICORN

In the open, arid parts of the American southwest where I grew up, there’s a little invasive weed called puncturevine. Also known as, 3-corner-jack, bull’s head, devil’s eyelashes, or tackweed; we always just called them goatheads. You might walk out to the mailbox and come back with 20 of those dried 3-prongedthorns stuck to your shoes and pantlegs. That’s if you’re lucky enough to keep them out of your feet. I’ve shed many-a-tear as goatheads were pulled from my heel, palm, or freshly-flattened bicycle tire. I thought that must be what it was like everywhere. But then I found out some places have grass soft as silk. You can walk barefoot without a worry. Still, it’s hard to trust. You’ve been stuck plenty, Capricorn, but those stickers may not be around anymore. Put a toe out and see.

AQUARIUS

I like that thing where a regular February has 28 days and 28 is divisible by 7 and so March is basically a mirror of the month before. What I mean is that If February 11th was a Wednesday then March 11th gets to be a Wednesday too. It makes me feel like I know more about what’s going to happen next. Like last month was just practice for this one. It’s a good reminder, Aquarius, that all of this has happened before. One thing that’s different this time is that you’re here. And you’ve been training for this. You’ve done plenty of Februaries and March has no idea how prepared you’re going to be.

Who Buys the Paper?

BY CHUCK C., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

In my almost 19 year association with The Contributor and holding Vendor Badge #0002, I have a pretty good idea who buys our paper. I believe our focus has shifted from just buying the paper to also reading the paper. In my years of active vending, I have encountered a really diverse cross-section of customers who buy The Contributor.

So just who does buy The Contributor? Here are just a few examples of some of my personal diverse clientele of customers who have purchased The Contributor from me over the past almost 19 years. A kid on a skateboard. A man driving a garbage truck. Someone who dropped a few dollars in change off a fourth story apartment building in a Ziplock bag with a balloon attached. A professor on his way to Vanderbilt to

teach class. A country music star. A lady in a car behind the hearse in a funeral procession (R.I.P. Alan Bubis). And many other fantastic generous folks along my journey with The Contributor. Finally, the matter which I find to be of the up most importance to The Contributor vendors is the responsibility of us to encourage our customers to READ THE PAPER. Many of our patrons are very invested in our own individual stories and how we came to be vendors of The Contributor. As our customers and readers are engaged by our vendors, not only are our personal stories put out there for all to read, but it gives the folks who buy our paper a reason to READ our paper, which will in all likelihood increase sales and continue the existence and success of The Contributor.

The Big Thaw Out

BY LORA V., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

The last weekend in January we had an ice storm with a little snow. The temps plummeted. The following week the temps were in the single digits. It seems like when Tennessee gets snow or ice it takes a week to get back to 32 degrees. A lot of people lost power for about a week or a little longer. NES did the best they could to get people’s lights back on. They had to call for help. Thank God that more warming shelters were opening up for the unhoused. Even some

people that have houses but didn’t have electricity had to go to shelters during this storm. The week after the storm was still cold. The next week a few days it was warm. Then cold again. This week, Feb 19-23 the temps are above normal in the upper 60s and 70s. I know it is still Winter. There is still cold weather to come. I hope we don’t have no more snow or ice though. I can deal with cold weather.

Kid’s Corner

Created by Mccollonough Ceili

Partial Government Shutdown, Update

BY “SHORTY” R., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

In my last article I wrote about the looming government shutdown. Turns out the Congress already had a plan for the president to sign the next week. The government was only shutdown that weekend Monday and Tuesday until the president signed the bill to open the government back up. Now they are talking about another partial shutdown. They are talking about how to fund TSA and Homeland

Security. Ain’t this partial shutdown costing the government more money?

Another partial government shutdown started on Feb. 14 at 12:01 a.m. It’s still about funding on the same as the other agencies: TSA, Homeland Security, ICE, FEMA.

When will this one end? Nobody knows. How many more shutdowns do we have to have before we are all able to keep the government open?

Joke of the Issue

SUBMITTED BY HOWARD P., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

A father decides that he is going to take his twelve year old son out hunting for the first time. He spends about two months teaching his son about hunting, and what types of animals to shoot if seen. On the opening day of hunting season the dad takes his son to a spot and tells him, “Remember you need to be quiet. I’m going to go that way and circle around back to you, OK?”

“OK Dad,” says the son. Dad starts his walk around the field. About an hour later dad hears his son let out a blood curdling yell, so he runs to where his son is sitting. When he gets there he says, “Son, what’s wrong? I thought I told you that you had to remain quiet.”

The son replies, “Dad, I was quiet when that rattle snake slithered across my legs. I was quiet when that black bear was sniffing around my feet. And I was quiet when I saw that mountain lion, but when those squirrels went up my pant legs and said should we eat them here or take them with us I just had to panic!”

LA NOTICIA

“The Contributor” está trabajando con uno de los principales periódicos en español La Noticia para llevar contenido a más lectores en Middle Tennessee. Nuestros vendedores de periódicos han pedido durante mucho tiempo que nuestra publicación incluya contenido que apele al interés de residentes de habla hispana en nuestra comunidad.

“The Contributor” is working with one of the leading Spanish-language newspapers La Noticia to bring content to more readers in Middle Tennessee. Our newspaper vendors have long requested that our publication include content that appeals to the interest of Spanish-speaking residents in our community.

Cuando la mente se rebela: No Todo Lo Que Piensas Eres Tú

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r e c o r d a r a l g o e s e n c i a l : q u e l a

m e n t e s e r e b e l e n o s i g n i f i c a q u e h aya m o s p e r d i d o q u i é n e s s o m o s U n p e n s a m i e n t o n o e s u n a i d e n t id a d N o t o d o l o q u e a p a r e c e e n t u c a b e z a e r e s t ú

A estos pensamientos se les conoce como pensamientos intr usivos Son i d e a s , i m á ge n e s o i m p u l s o s q u e aparecen de for ma involuntaria y, mu c h a s ve c e s , r e p e t i t iva N o l o s ele gimos No reflejan necesariamente nuestros valores ni nuestras intenciones Sin embargo, cuando lle gan, p u e d e n s e n t i r s e i n t e n s o s , i n q u i etantes o incluso alar mantes Y en per sonas que atraviesan ansiedad, de presión o altos niveles de estrés, p u e d e n vo l ve r s e m á s i n s i s t e n t e s , como si la mente quedara atrapada en un eco difícil de silenciar

El cerebro humano genera miles de pensamientos al día Algunos son neutrales Otros ne gativos Algunos simplemente absurdos El problema no es que apare z can; el problema es creer que cada pensamiento merece ser analizado o tratado como una verdad absoluta Cuando la mente se

rebela, tiende a amplificar lo incómodo y minimizar lo racional

En cier tos contextos, especialmente cuando existe de presión o ansiedad prolongada, la re gulación emocional se vuelve más compleja También ocur re en personas dentro del espectro autista, par ticular mente en adultos que han aprendido a adaptarse socialmente mientras inter namente enfrentan sobrecarga sensorial, agotamiento mental o dificultad para procesar estímulos emocionales Ese desgaste acumulado puede intensificar pensamientos re petitivos o estados de angustia profunda

A veces, cuando la presión emocional es demasiado intensa, el cerebro activa otro mecanismo: la disociación Es esa sensación de estar físicamente presente, pero mentalmente lejos Como si una par te de nosotros se

Conoce tus derechos:

¿Que hacer en caso de una redada?

Mantenerse callado Sólo dar nombre y apellido No mentir Nunca acepte/lleve documentos falsos No revelar su situación migratoria No llevar documentación de otro país

En caso de ser arrestado, mostrar la Tarjeta Miranda sados en la Quinta Enmienda de la Constitución, derechos de guardar silencio y contar con un ogado fueron denominados Derechos Miranda go de la decisión de la Suprema Corte de Justicia Estados Unidos en el caso Miranda vs Arizona, 4 U S 436, de 1966

d e s c o n e c t a r a p a r a p r o t e ge r n o s .

P u e d e s e n t i r s e c o m o o b s e r va r l a propia vida desde afuera, como si todo ocur riera a cier ta distancia En a l g u n o s c a s o s , e s u n a r e s p u e s t a automática frente al estrés El problema surge cuando esa desconexión se vuelve frecuente y comienza a interferir con la vida cotidiana

La salud mental, aunque hoy se discute con mayor aper tura, todavía enfrenta estigmas En muchas comun i d a d e s , h a bl a r d e p e n s a m i e n t o s intr usivos o disociación puede interpretarse como debilidad Sin embargo, reconocer lo que ocur re en nuestra mente es un acto de conciencia, no de fragilidad.

Las terapias contemporáneas como l a Te r ap i a C o g n i t ivo C o n d u c t u a l (T CC) y la Terapia de Ace ptación y Compromiso (ACT) par ten de una

premisa clara: los pensamientos no son órdenes Son eventos mentales Podemos observarlos sin obedecerl o s . Po d e m o s i d e n t i f i c a r l o s s i n fusionar nos con ellos No todo pensamiento merece ne gociación

Establecer límites inter nos es una fo r m a d e r e c u p e r a r e l e q u i l i b r i o

Detectar un pensamiento intr usivo y ele gir no darle poder es un ejercicio de for tale za emocional No se trata d e n e g a r s u e x i s t e n c i a , s i n o d e decidir conscientemente si merece nuestra energía

Por supuesto, cuando la intensidad de estos estados afecta la calidad de vida, buscar ayuda profesional es f u n d a m e n t a l P s i c o t e r ap i a , tratamiento médico cuando es necesario y redes de apoyo pueden marcar una diferencia significativa. La salud mental no es un destino fijo; es un proceso continuo de cuidado

Cuando la mente se rebela, puede p a r e c e r q u e p e r d e m o s e l c o n t r o l Pe r o c o m p r e n d e r l o q u e s u c e d e reduce el miedo Nombrar la experiencia le resta poder Y recordar que l o s p e n s a m i e n t o s n o n o s d e f i n e n devuelve perspectiva

No se trata de silenciar la mente, sino de aprender a convivir con ella sin que nos gobier ne. Reconocer el pensamiento Observarlo Y, si no refleja nuestros valores ni nuestra intención, dejarlo pasar

Porque al final, incluso cuando la mente se rebela, nuestra identidad per manece intacta

No todo lo que piensas eres tú

En víenos sus sugerencias por e-mail: ne ws@hispanicpaper com ó 615-582-3757

‘Whistle’ is more alarming than its familiar premise

Genre films are defined by their tropes. What’s a noir thriller without a hardscrabble detective who’s seen it all? What’s a sci-fi adventure without speeding spaceships and a universe-conquering villain? Horror films are no different: gore, jump scares, final girls, supernatural forces, monsters, masked murderers and more are the reasons we want to watch scary movies in the dark. The new film Whistle shows how filmmakers can celebrate a genre and still have something unique to say between the stabs and the screams.

Chrysanthemum “Chrys” Willet (Dafne Keen) moves in with her cousin Rel (Sky Yang), transferring to a new high school and inheriting a locker that once belonged to star athlete Mason. On her first day, Chrys clashes with Dean (Jhaleil Swaby), Mason’s grieving teammate, leading to detention alongside Dean’s girlfriend Grace (Ali Skovbye) and her friend Ellie (Sophie Nélisse).

Inside her locker, Chrys discovers an ancient urn containing a skull-shaped whistle carved from what appears to be bone. Their teacher Mr. Craven (Nick Frost) identifies

BY JOE NOLAN, FILM CRITIC

carved inscriptions on the whistle that translate roughly to “summon the dead.” Later that evening, curiosity gets the better of the group when Grace blows the whistle at a party. The sound it emits is painful and otherworldly, rattling everyone who hears it.

This setup will feel familiar to horror fans. Whistle is directed by Corin Hardy (The Nun), and Owen Egerton’s (Blood Fest) screenplay is an adaptation of his own short story, “Untimely.” Together the pair deliver a supernatural horror film about cursed objects and teenage mortality. Whistle feels like a mashup of Talk to Me and the Final Destination franchise — an ancient, esoteric object puts teens in touch with the afterlife and they know they are being hunted by death before each succumbs to their own frightening fate. It’s not a particularly original premise, but the filmmakers still have fun running their teens through this grim gauntlet. Soon after hearing the whistle, the teens are shaken by strange visions and supernatural stalkings. The students seek answers from Mason’s terminally ill grandmother Ivy (Michelle Fairley), a collector of occult

artifacts from around the world. She reveals that the object is an Olmec death whistle, and the inscription actually reads “summon your death.” Anyone who hears the whistle will be hunted by a manifestation of their own future demise, experiencing their unique death decades ahead of schedule.

Hardy and cinematographer Björn Charpentier shot Whistle in winter 2024 in Hamilton, Ontario. The picture takes place in stuffy interiors under slate-gray skies, and every frame looks like it’s suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder — in the best (worst) way.

Through Charpentier’s lens, locker rooms are swallowed in shadows, nighttime school hallways are transformed into the corridors of a haunted house, and the every car feels like a crypt closing in around the terrified teens. Whistle ’s premise feels like a retread, but the immersive atmosphere sells every scare even when viewers know they’re coming.

The cast and dialogue also help to make Whistle enjoyable despite its familiar tropes. All actors are believable and they talk to each other like actual young people instead of the

cliché archetypes we’ve come to expect from teen horror flicks. Whistle includes mean girls, jocks, new kids, and geeks, but admirably humanizes them before killing them off. Like the film’s atmosphere, these deeper-than-expected characterizations help viewers overlook Whistle ’s derivative premise.

As friends begin meeting horrific ends, Chrys and Ellie race to reverse the curse before it claims them all, but local youth pastor Noah (Percy Hynes White) complicates their investigation with his own dangerous agenda. Whistle ’s subplots about exploitation and addiction help keep the movie grounded in reality. Along with a refreshingly believable romantic connection, these storylines are another way Hardy and Egerton make their movie more than the sum of its predictable parts.

Whistle is currently in theaters.

Joe Nolan is a critic, columnist and performing singer/songwriter based in East Nashville. Find out more about his projects at www.joenolan.com.