We won’t sugarcoat it: Things have felt a little bleak lately. Fewer hours of sunlight; the anxiety of a looming Christmas season; a discouraging political landscape … to put it mildly. But there’s also an awful lot to be grateful for here in Nashville, and that’s why we at the Scene have turned the “Hey, Thanks” issue into an annual tradition — a bright spot at the outset of the holiday season, alongside screenings of The Last Waltz and leftover-turkey sandwiches.
In this year’s installment, Scene staff and contributors say thanks to many of the local people, organizations and institutions that make our city a special place to live. In our cover package this week you’ll find our notes of appreciation to animal rescue workers, booksellers, homeless service providers, arborists, dentists and a whole lot more. Read along with us as we at the Scene look at Nashville and say, “Hey, thanks.” —D. PATRICK RODGERS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
To the Belcourt folks programming one of the best film series of the year
To those who help their community perform this important civic duty
Jackie Laurian Long and Jake Long offer a very therapeutic experience
To the groups and individuals working to keep the city’s tree canopy strong and verdant
A slate of women blazed a trail for future candidates this election year
To the organization making camping more pleasant, one kid at a time
To the rescue organizations, pet foster families and all the others who take care of at-risk animals
Hats off to the places that make a decidedly not-pro musician feel at home
Vanderbilt’s football program appreciates your quarterback and coaching staff
A special shout-out to Ann Patchett, the Patron Saint of Book Recs
Because visiting the dentist is scary enough
To groups like Colby’s Army doing the important work of serving unhoused Nashvillians
A competitive dancer choreographed a last-minute first dance for a couple of procrastinators
The queer-centered youth crisis intervention organization does important work in Nashville and beyond
