Page 31 - FDCC_Summer2023_Flyer

Looking Back
performance, a walking tour of Historic Nashville, and a Trolley Tour of Music City. And because we all know a trip to Nashville isn’t complete without a Pedal Tavern Tour, we did that too!
The Country Music Hall of Fame provided a spectacular view of the Nashville city lights to honor President Howard Merten and First Lady Roni Dash on Monday evening. “Elvis,” “Minnie Pearl,” and “Dolly Parton” made their appearances, and many of you got pictures with them to prove it. My favorite part of that night was the live music performed by singer-songwriter Savanna
On our final day, we enjoyed offsite activities to Corsair Distillery, Ryman Auditorium, and the National Museum of African American Music. My personal favorite was the singer-songwriter event arranged by Marc Young - a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Attendees were paired up with amazingly talented singer-songwriters - Daniella Mason, Clark Beckham and Parker Welling, with Chris Young on guitar - and tasked with writing a song that incorporated the lyrics “I want to get to know you better.” It was unbelievable to witness the professionals in action, writing, and
Bassett and her fiancé, Josh Watson.
Tuesday morning, we had two hours of heroic Section Meetings featuring jam-packed sessions. We closed
out the morning with a “Heroes of Mediation” session featuring mediation tips from Dan Kohane, Jean Lawler, Tom Cordell, with Marc Harwell moderating.
The fun continued Tuesday afternoon with offsite activities to The Hermitage, Goo Goo Chocolate Company, RCA Studio B, and the Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour. After dining with friends, we capped off the evening with the beloved Dessert Party (did you try the Edible Cookie Dough Station?!) and some amazing karaoke performances by Dan McCune, Jeff Kelsey and Carrie Underwood – I mean, Micalann Pepe!
Wednesday morning, we had our business meeting, during which we presented John Woodard the well- deserved FDCC Lifetime Achievement Award. After
the business, it was time for – what else? – more music! Country music star Russell Dickerson talked to us about his life and career, and he treated us to a few songs, along with guitarist Chris Young. Russell capped off our heroic program with a bang!
performing music on a dime. We closed out the evening with – you guessed it - music and dancing, featuring the incredible Downtown Band!
I would like to say a final thank you to Howard Merten and Roni Dash for giving me the opportunity to serve as Convention Chair; to Sean Griffin for putting together an exceptional program; to Marc Young for arranging the amazing musical performances; to Karen Young for running registration; and to Bernie and Martha Heinze, Kim Cavendar, and the rest of the FDCC Headquarters Team for everything!
I wrote this in my closing email, but I’ll say it again – our time in Nashville went really fast. I’m hoping that was the old adage in action – “time flies when you’re having fun.” I hope your time in Nashville was filled with fun.
Until the next time!
Lauren Curtis is a Senior Director on the FDCC’s Board of Directors. Lauren is a Partner at the St. Petersburg, Florida office of
Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry LLP and can be reached at lcurtis@tlsslaw.com.
www.thefederation.org
summer | federation flyer 28