> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://pamphleteer.co/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # No. 575: Appointments, Movies, and Parks - URL: https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-575-appointments-movies-and-parks/ - Published: 2023-09-27T17:27:48.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-17T10:49:53.000Z - Description: šŸ“… Today, Davis cues up this week's livestreams, Jerod reviews Franklin-based filmmaker Ryan Whittaker's latest, and Megan takes a look at O'Connell's first appointments and some new developments at Brookmeade Park. - Author: The Pamphleteer - Tags: Newsletter, #Import 2026-08-01 20:40 Good afternoon, everyone. Back at it tonight at 7 p.m. when I'll be livestreaming my conversation with *IM1776*ā€™s contributing editor, [Lafayette Lee](https://twitter.com/Partisan%5FO?ref=pamphleteer.co). It'll be a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from the situation at the border to American foreign policyā€™s effects on immigration patterns. You can tune in [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdWTuQ1wDCU&ref=pamphleteer.co). Megan will return this week for another episode of [Nashville Savvy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kby7w82oUnM&ref=pamphleteer.co) tomorrow at noon, and Jerod runs his regularly scheduled [Culturally Appropriate](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5iJayVkigY&ref=pamphleteer.co) where he'll provide a preview of the Nashville Film Festival. Onward. [![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/07/office-hours-poster-ad-2.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/livestreams/) **Get notified when we go live (*[**More Info*](https://www.youtube.com/@realpamphleteer/streams?ref=pamphleteer.co)**)* ![Nashville](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2022/03/newtoday-1-1.png) ### āœž THE DIFFICULT FAITH OF "SURPRISED BY OXFORD" [![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/09/surprised-by-oxford-1.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/post/the-difficult-faith-of-surprised-by-oxford/) **Franklin Filmmaker Ryan Whitaker offers a much-needed respite from the dominant Christian movie mode by refusing to shy away from grappling with belief.* *From [Jerod Hollyfield](https://pamphleteer.co/author/jerodradel/)* Caro Drake (Rose Reid) plays by the rules because she saw her dad hauled away in handcuffs during her elementary school years after his white-collar crimes left his family in financial ruin. But that childhood trauma also begat a deep distrust of authority. In her clapback to a hard-nosed special-collections librarian, she breaks a pen and accidentally douses a priceless book with the projectile ink. Itā€™s the central symbolic moment of Ryan Whitakerā€™s new film *Surprised by Oxford*. In a lesser movie about belief, that cracked pen would represent its protagonistā€™s broken faith (if the audience were lucky enough that such a film would even bother with anything resembling a metaphor). Yet for Whitaker, the moment is all about the inkā€”the empty intellectual exercise executed to shore up egos and create a barrier between the intellectual class and the rest of us. *Surprised by Oxford* is a masterclass in what Whitaker has called [ā€œfaith-adjacentā€ film](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-423-franklin-goes-to-hollywood/). However, its preoccupation with reconciling faith with the academic quest for knowledge makes it one of the most intelligent and thematically dense movies in recent memory. [Continue reading...](https://pamphleteer.co/post/the-difficult-faith-of-surprised-by-oxford/#continue-reading) ![Nashville](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2021/10/nashville-label.png) ### ā BROOKMEADE PARK COMMUNITY POWWOW Brookmeade Park is getting a facelift. Last night, after signing in and designating on a map where they live in Nashville, community members filed into the Metro Parks building to look over the renovation plans, make suggestions, and ask questions. In 2021, the project was awarded just over a million dollars in ARPA money to restore the West Nashville park, which has served as a homeless camp for decades. Though a developer hasnā€™t been selected, Metroā€™s chosen design firm, [Gresham Smith](https://www.greshamsmith.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co), provided a comprehensive plan and rendering of the changes needed to restore the park for recreational enjoyment: a brand-new boardwalk, a refurbished parking lot and trails, and a wetland area used to accommodate wildlife and control the floodplain. #### A NEW ERA For those who live in the area, the encampment that took over the park progressed from an annoyance into a hazard. [Drug paraphernalia](https://fox17.com/features/high-cost-of-homelessness/business-owner-near-brookmeade-park-homeless-camp-moves-locations-after-constant-crime?ref=pamphleteer.co), trash, and dumpster fires were just some of the intrusions locals experienced. At the peak of the problem, police intervention was discouraged and both residents and business owners were left to fend for themselves. District Attorney Glenn Funk, Mayor Cooper, Chief Drake, and Metro Council talked around the issue without taking decisive action until the State Legislature stepped in and passed a bill last year [criminalizing camping](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tenn-bill-criminalizing-camping-on-public-property-to-become-law-after-gov-lee-declines-to-sign-it?ref=pamphleteer.co) on private or public property. Though the bill became law without Governor Leeā€™s signature, homeless campers can now face felony charges, including fines and community service. #### LOOKING AHEAD The park was eventually cleared out in January, and the homeless occupants were moved into [temporary housing](https://fox17.com/features/high-cost-of-homelessness/former-brookmeade-park-residents-struggle-with-slow-transition-to-temporary-housing-whats-taking-so-long-west-nashville?ref=pamphleteer.co). Now the community is fighting to keep the area clean and safe as they wait for its development. Some of the suggestions made at last nightā€™s meeting included paddleboard and kayak access to the Cumberland River, a pickleball court, disc golf, and other activities as well as a police presence to help the park remain safe, maintained, and unoccupied. *Residents can email suggestions to* [*metroparks@nashville.gov*](mailto:metroparks@nashville.gov)*.* ### ā’ FREDDIE APPOINTS SOME FRIENDS So far, Oā€™Connell has named **Alex Apple** as his deputy communications director, **Kathy Floyd-Buggs** as the director of neighborhoods, **Katy Varney** as interim director of communications, **Bob Mendes** as chief development officer, **Kristin Wilson** as chief of operations and performance, **Bonita Dobbins** as executive assistant, and **Marjorie Pomeroy-Wallace** as chief of staff. **Wally Dietz,** known primarily for the numerous lawsuits heā€™s spearheaded against the state on behalf of Metro, will be staying on as legal director. A quick skim of this [*Scene* article](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/metropolitik/o-connell-takes-over-in-mayoral-transition/article%5Fae25bd86-5c7d-11ee-973d-0b118440dd70.html?ref=pamphleteer.co) gives you an idea of how the tapestry was woven: Apple is related to Glenn Funk, Dietzā€™s son worked on Oā€™Connellā€™s campaign, you get the picture. There are still a few roles yet to be filled, including the vacancy left by Kelly Flannery for finance director. This Saturday, Oā€™Connell will be [inaugurated](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/news/mayor-elect-freddie-oconnell-announces-swearing-inauguration-plans?ref=pamphleteer.co) at Diane Nash Plaza around 11:30 a.m. There will be music and food trucks following the ceremony. ### HEADLINES [**WeGo making major changes to improve public transit (WSMV)**](https://www.wsmv.com/2023/09/26/wego-making-major-changes-improve-public-transit/?utm%5Fcampaign=newsletter&utm%5Fsource=newsletter-daily&utm%5Fmedium=email)Major changes are coming to WeGo starting Sunday, including a new Quick Ticket that will be required on buses and trains. The technology is at the center of a new plan to improve Nashvilleā€™s public transit. [**Franklin board takes no action against Gabrielle Hanson; candidate's future now up to voters (Channel 5)**](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/franklin-board-takes-no-action-against-gabrielle-hanson-candidates-future-now-up-to-voters?utm%5Fsource=maropost&utm%5Fmedium=email&category=homepage-showcase&utm%5Fcampaign=WTVF-Newsletter-Headlines)The board had a recommendation to censure her, not for all the questionable behavior*,* but for using her position to try to pressure the Nashville airport authority to provide funding for a non-profit group she supported. [**Kelsey granted reprieve from prison while mounting appeal (TNJ)**](https://onthehill.tnjournal.net/kelsey-granted-reprieve-from-prison-while-mounting-appeal/?ref=pamphleteer.co)Kelsey, who pleaded guilty to two felony counts, argued federal prosecutors had violated the agreement by advocating for a sentence enhancement because he tried to withdraw the deal. ### DEVELOPMENT - High Notes Cannabis Bar and Lounge sets opening in Midtown as market demand increases ([NBJ](https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/09/26/high-notes-cannabis-bar-and-lounge-sets-opening-in.html?utm%5Fsource=st&utm%5Fmedium=en&utm%5Fcampaign=me&utm%5Fcontent=NA&ana=e%5FNA%5Fme&j=32845730&senddate=2023-09-27&empos=p6)) - Atlanta-based Wood Partners closes on MetroCenter property eyed for 325-unit development ([NBJ](https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/09/26/wood-partners-secures-metrocenter-property.html?utm%5Fsource=st&utm%5Fmedium=en&utm%5Fcampaign=ae&utm%5Fcontent=NA&j=32840174&senddate=2023-09-26&empos=p5)) - Developer pivots to condos for Gulch tower project midway through construction ([NBJ](https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/09/26/pullman-gulch-union-condominium-high-rise.html?utm%5Fsource=st&utm%5Fmedium=en&utm%5Fcampaign=me&utm%5Fcontent=NA&ana=e%5FNA%5Fme&j=32845730&senddate=2023-09-27&empos=p7)) ![Entertainment](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2022/01/Group-27.png) ### THINGS TO DO *View our calendar for the week* [*here*](https://pamphleteer.co/calendar/events-for-the-week-of-september-25/) *and our weekly film rundown* [*here*](https://pamphleteer.co/post/weekly-film-rundown-september-12-27/)*.* šŸ“… Visit our [On The Radar](https://pamphleteer.co/post/on-the-radar/) list to find upcoming events around Nashville. šŸŽ§ On Spotify: [Pamphleteer's Picks](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46Yds4VbS47NzRa4blrWUY?si=2040311a7d7f403f&ref=pamphleteer.co), a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week. šŸ‘ØšŸ»ā€šŸŒ¾ Check out our Nashville [farmer's market guide](https://pamphleteer.co/post/nashville-farmers-market-guide/) and our 2023 [southern festival guide](https://pamphleteer.co/post/southeastern-music-festivals-2023/) and šŸŽ„ [2023 movie guide](https://pamphleteer.co/post/the-pamphleteers-comprehensive-2023-movie-guide/). #### TONIGHT šŸŽø Caroline Jones @ Station Inn, 8p, $15, [Info ](https://stationinn.com/event/caroline-jones/?ref=pamphleteer.co)\+ *pop-country* šŸŽø C.O.F.F.I.N. @ The Blue Room, 8p, $22, [Info ](https://link.dice.fm/V981cb08db04?ref=pamphleteer.co) šŸŖ• Bluegrass Night @ The American Legion Post 82, 7p, Free, [Info](https://www.instagram.com/bluegrasswednesday/?hl=en&ref=pamphleteer.co) ![In case you missed it...](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/01/Group-20.png) šŸ“° *Check out the full newsletter archive [here](https://pamphleteer.co/tag/newsletter/)*. [No. 574: Fall ContinuesšŸ“… Today, we revisit Edward Landstreetā€™s interview with Mike Armstrong, and Megan looks at the speakerā€™s efforts to turn down the fed.![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1471958680802-1345a694ba6d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHxmYWxsfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NTc1NDI4OHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-574-fall-continues/) [No. 573: Fall ArrivesšŸ“… Today, Davis welcomes fall, Megan introduces us to the five at-large council members and Miles talks about how bad the Titans are.![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1501973801540-537f08ccae7b?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fGZhbGx8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjk1NjU5MzY4fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-573-fall-arrives/) [No. 572: In the Shadow of the 90sšŸ“… Today, Davis talks about the nineties, Jerod furnishes his weekly film rundown and goes live with his weekly show, and Megan looks at the governorā€™s response to the border crisis.![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1580087700722-bf9a33bc5952?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDQ4fHw5MHN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjk1NDAzNzcxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-572-in-the-shadow-of-the-90s/) [No. 571: An Unserious ManšŸ“… Today, Davis talks about the latest local media bubble, Tyler Hummel reviews NSFā€™s rendition of Much Ado About Nothing, and Megan updates us on the AGā€™s efforts to combat federal overreach.![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/09/justin-kanew.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-571-an-unserious-man/) [No. 570: A Small ProposalšŸ“… Today, Davis makes a proposal, Jerod furnishes his fall streaming guide, and Megan runs through a list of recent headlines.![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554780632-511142996491?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE0MHx8dmlzaW9ufGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NTIzMDIyMnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-570-a-small-proposal/) ### **YOU MAY ALSO LIKE** - šŸˆ Costly penalties and offensive ineptitude lead to blowout loss in Cleveland ([Read](https://pamphleteer.co/post/browns-bury-titans/)) - šŸŽ­ This year's Nashville Shakespeare Festival is ā€œAll Mirth and Not Matterā€ ([Read](https://pamphleteer.co/post/review-nashville-shakespeare-festivals-much-ado-about-nothing/)) - šŸŽž *The Pamphleteer's* Fall 2023 Streaming Guide ([Read](https://pamphleteer.co/post/the-pamphleteers-fall-2023-streaming-guide/)) - šŸ¹ Valerie roams the town looking for the best rum cocktail ([Read](https://pamphleteer.co/post/nashvilles-best-rum-cocktails/)) - šŸ§  The rise of mental illness as a trendy identity marker in America's social media era ([Read](https://pamphleteer.co/post/the-fashion-of-the-mind/)) - And check out our [podcast](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1986019?ref=pamphleteer.co), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@realpamphleteer?ref=pamphleteer.co), and [article archive](https://pamphleteer.co/post/) for more.