🎵 Your guide to AmericanaFest

🎤 AmericanaFest Starts Today!

AmericanaFest starts at venues all across town tonight, showcasing more than 200 artists, from big names to unknown newcomers. NPR Music critic Ann Powers has your bespoke schedule for this week's must-see gigs, including some great shows you can check out even if you don't buy a festival wristband. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

😞 Tennessee’s Not So Happy

Tennessee is one of the unhappiest states, ranking 47th in a WalletHub survey, above West Virginia, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The study used 30 metrics, including adult depression rates — where we ranked last — work hours, and sleep. [WalletHub]

• Where’s your happy place in Nashville? Let’s share some joy!

⛺ Old Tent City Demolition Postponed

Mayor Freddie O’Connell has asked for a 10-day extension before six structures, deemed unsafe by the Metro Department of Codes and Building Safety, are destroyed in an unhoused encampment. The extension will allow outreach groups to work with the people living in the structures. [WKRN]

👮 Sheriffs Address Increase in School Threats

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association released a joint statement denouncing the increase in threats against schools, including at MNPS. They ask parents to closely monitor their children’s social media accounts, and state that there will be zero tolerance for “making threats and inciting fear.” [WKRN]

• MNPS Director of Schools Dr. Battle and I chatted about school safety on the City Cast Nashville podcast. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

It’s Nashville Volunteer Week, though since we live in the Volunteer State, I’d argue every week is volunteer week. I’ve already written about general ways you can volunteer in Nashville, but I thought I’d focus specifically on volunteer opportunities at our many animal shelters and pet rescues. Volunteering with pets is so rewarding, both for the animal and your own mental well-being. Here are some ways you can help out!

Ways to Volunteer at Animal Shelters and Pet Rescues

Animal shelters and rescues are in constant need of volunteers for a variety of tasks. Here’s just a list of ways you can help.

• Foster. Shelters always need people willing to foster pets, but this is a big commitment. And beware: If you have a bleeding heart, that foster might become your furever pet! However, this is one of the best and most rewarding ways to help shelters. Getting those animals acclimated to home environments is crucial.
• Walk dogs. If you’ve got an extra hour in your day, stop by a local shelter to walk a dog! The pups will appreciate the outdoor time.
• Clean. Animal shelters need constant cleaning. Yes, you will be cleaning up excrement. Cleaning out cat cages as a kid at the Dickson Humane Society was one of my first volunteer experiences 💩
• Laundry. Animal beds and blankets need to be cleaned, too.
• Transportation. Pets need to be transported to a variety of locations: Vet clinics, foster homes, furever homes, pet stores, etc.
• Write grants. If you have writing skills, consider helping shelters find funding by writing and applying for grants.
• Graphic design & marketing. Help make ads, visuals, and social media posts to spread the word about the shelter or rescue.
• Photography. People are more likely to adopt pets with cute pictures on the shelter’s website and social media, so if you have some camera skills, put them to good use!
• Events. Volunteer at adoption events, or even host your own fundraiser.
• Administrative. Make treat bags, send out letters, or go through emails without ever leaving home.
• Donate. If you can, financial donations go a long way, but you can also donate old blankets and towels, or unexpired pet food.