Seen and heard around town....

A crane, a cross and a lot of shaking going on
The cross is down at Brentwood United Methodist Church but don't worry that it's going new-age or church-lite or anything.
It seems that more than a few people had commented of late that the cross atop the Franklin Road landmark church had appeared to be leaning a bit. Since Methodists pride themselves on never leaning right or left but loving everyone, that wouldn't do.
Actually, the real story behind the huge, and I mean huge, crane seen today on the campus is that indeed the cross had not been inspected in 33 years and there were concerns that it wasn't as stable as it had been.
And it wasn't. But all's well that ends well. Apparently everything should be snug and secure again by Thursday.

These women love their needles
Speaking of Brentwood UMC, some of the wild women who meet every Wednesday during the school year to take part in the church's Prayer Shawl Ministry took over a large corner of The Harpeth Grille on Wednesday.
"We just missed everyone so much, we had to get together," said Pat Shobe, the group's leader.
I did notice that only one of the women actually brought her needles and yarn. I think the rest were there to spin yarns if you know what I mean.
Among them was Vera Rusak, a devoted member of St. Henry's Catholic Church. "But she's at Brentwood Methodist every single Wednesday!" Pat said.
If you love to knit, crochet -- or want to learn and be part of something really special -- you can join this fun group come September.

Speaking of The Harpeth Grille
The Town Center restaurant was hopping today. Former City Commission candidate Rod Freeman was just one of many folks spotted there. And here's some news:
On Monday, the restaurant became a bona fide chain. Chef Paul's restaurant, an offshoot of The Harpeth Grille, is now open in Cool Springs just across from Centennial High School in the strip center on Mallory Lane. Different name, same catfish. Life is good.
More details to come as soon as I gather them.

Concert of Hope tonight for one and all

Regardless of your faith, or if you even claim to be a person of faith, tonight's Concert of Hope at Brentwood United Methodist Church promises to be an event that raises spirits for all who attend.
"We invite the community ... to reach out to those they know who may be suffering and in despair at this time. All of us know people who are struggling economically, socially, physically and emotionally, and we offer this music as one comforting tool for tough times," the church announced in its invitation.
For the most part, I am over the pity party I threw myself after losing my job in December. I quickly put things in God's hands and so far he hasn't let me down. But almost daily I learn about friends and acquaintances in Brentwood and beyond also now struggling with job loss or cut hours or slow real estate markets or lost college funds or any number of other difficulties. I learned this morning about a fabulous Brentwood woman whose cancer has returned.
A Facebook friend just sent a note sharing that our Middle Tennessee Goodwill doesn't have enough donations at a time when demand for its stores' inventory is higher than ever. Though we don't have a store in Brentwood -- and boy do I wish we did! -- we do have a collection point at the Wilson Pike recycling center just south of Concord Road. I'm sure Thrift Smart, Graceworks and other nonprofit agencies are experiencing the same challenges.
But it's a beautiful day in a beautiful city in a beautiful country in a beautiful world. We have so much to be grateful for. And I think a night of music may be just the thing to remind us all of that.
The concert features the 120-voice Chancel Choir, Treble Chorus comprised of 5th-12th graders and the Franklin Boys Choir. The choirs will be accompanied by the Orchestra of Brentwood. Guest soloist is Scot Cameron of Dallas, Texas, and the concert is directed by Dr. David Keith.
The church is located at 309 Franklin Road, across the street from Brentwood Place shopping center.
If other churches, schools or organizations are hosting similar events, please let me know. I'd love to spread the news.