Magnolia FF Dec 2010

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MAGNOLIA Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

Your Home • Your Community • Your Magazine

December 2010 • FREE




Letter From The Publisher

I

t’s difficult to write this without every single Christmas song I’ve ever heard streaming through my head. I love this time of year! The music, the decor and the general sense of harmony (excluding the mall traffic). It always takes me back to being a kid. When I was growing up, the 11 pm Christmas Eve church service was a staple. Any other night of the year I would have been fast asleep. But I still remember that drive home from church at 12:30 am on Christmas morning, my sister’s and my eyes glued to the skies just hoping to catch an early glimpse of Santa and his sleigh shooting across a starry backdrop. Then arriving at home and trying our hardest to fall asleep, because as we all know “Santa won’t come if you are still awake”. Christmas Day usually started somewhere around 5 am with the ceremonial peak around the corner at the tree then the impending “shock & awe” campaign of trying to wake up our parents. I don’t remember the exact gifts we received from year to year, but rather that special time when me and my sisters where like a small commando squad. We weren’t allowed in the living room until everyone was awake, so for the 10 minutes between us waking up and Mom and Dad rolling out of bed, it was our special time. Just three kids alone with the magic of Christmas.

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!” ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

From our family to yours

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 4 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine


Contents Credits Joshua Carré Publisher Every Aiden Thomas Editor

A Very British Chinese American Christmas

Sally Carré Advertising Director

Real Estate

Joshua Cantu Creative Consultant

Dono Nobis Pacem Brick Builder Club of Hunters Bend

Kathryn Fitch Account Executive

6 7 8 9

Magnolia Spotlight 10

Outside Graphic Art Jacob Bettis

The Fieldstone View 12

Contributors Kristi Carré Alison Carré Fieldstone Farms Contributors Phil Leftwich Maria Dinoia Christi Kline Scott Fishkind Susan S. Cheung Brian Bachochin Thomas Hall David Daily Karen Creason Magnolia Publications Franklin, Tennessee (615) 335-2049 www.MagnoliaPublications.com

Join Us On Facebook! Magnolia Mags

Magnolia Publications is a privately owned company and is not affiliated with The Fieldstone Farms Home Owners Association, Morris Properties or any of the advertisers within. All Content is © 2010 Magnolia Publications. All Rights Reserved.

Community Calendar 14 Teacher’s Corner 16 Wellness 17

On the Farm 18 Monthly Message 19 Gettin’ Crafty 20

Business Buzz 21

Fieldstone Financial 22

December Cover Photo: “Gingerbread Farms” Photo and gingerbread architecture by: Christi Kline & Family (949) 302-5608 Photos@ChristiKline.com

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010

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A Very British Chinese American Christmas By Susan S. Cheung

T

he best thing about growing up as a British-born Chinese in 1970s and 1980s Britain was Christmas. Why did I, a daughter of deeply spiritual Taoists parents, love Christmas so much? We didn’t celebrate it religiously, but still it was a magical time. For one thing, I enjoyed listening to choirs; young and old sing with joy to welcome the festive season. I sang in the school choir and my favorite performance was always the Christmas carol service. I looked forward to going carol singing around the local neighborhoods to spread the message of peace and raise money for some worthy cause. I loved the twinkling lights and colorful decorations hung up in shop windows and around lamp posts, and in the front rooms of terraced and semi-detached houses on my way home from school in inner-city Birmingham, England. The lights transformed the city into a magical place during a cold, grey and dreary time of year, when I went to school before it was light and came home in the dark. The colors and festive spirit broke the monotony of growing up in a family that had to work from dawn to dusk running a restaurant. Patrons came in full of good humor and cheer (sometimes having imbibed too much!) If I had to pin down why I loved Christmas so much, it was because it meant the gathering of my extended family. I was one of thirteen first cousins, who got together at my parents’ restaurant on Christmas Eve after we had closed early. It was the only time during the year, before my parents took vacations to relax and enjoy ourselves knowing we would have a three-day break. And what would a Chinese family gathering be without a feast? Adults – aunts, uncles, wait staff, cooks and their spouses – sat at tables pushed together to make one big, long table. Children sat at the children’s table, much to the chagrin of the older ones. Cousins, whom I had not seen for a while, even as we lived within an hour of each other, chatted away non-stop, joked and played games. We had home-cooked Chinese dishes galore, but no turkey and stuffing in sight. I can smell the braised pork ribs with taro marinated in a three bean sauce, crispy roast duck, glazed belly pork and char siu (barbecued roast pork) hot from the oven, 6 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

steamed chicken served with a ginger and scallion dipping sauce, big lobsters or crabs stir-fried with ginger and scallions, fresh shrimps with their shells on, whole steamed fish, Hong Kong-style sweet and sour pork ribs, lots of Chinese green vegetables and, for dessert, sweet red bean soup and fresh fruits. After the feasting, the grown ups would get the mah jong sets out and the noise level rose several more decibels. We would move the remainder of the restaurant tables to the edges of the room, so we would have a decent sized space to play. The family occasion was the start of what would become an annual tradition for me; making homemade gifts for each cousin – a project I planned for over the year. I saved my allowance to buy supplies to make the gifts and wrapped them in crêpe paper decorated with glitter and pictures cut out from the previous year’s holiday cards. Then there was my pass the parcel game; each layer of the parcel holding small treats for everyone. Fast forward to 2010 and we (in the developed world) have been living beyond our means. As we tighten our belts, I see such times as our “slap in the face” moment to get back to some basics. I don’t know about you, but my children have already dropped hints about Christmas gifts. My son wants a Wii because all his friends have one. And so it starts with comparisons. I don’t remember Christmas costing that much, when I was growing up, because we couldn’t afford expensive gifts and, even now, some of my cousins tell me the best things they remember about our get-togethers were my homemade gifts and pass the parcel game. Living in suburban Franklin, my children live a life as far removed from the grittiness of my childhood as you can get and, because of that, it feels essential to teach them the value of money. My wish is they will grow up grounded, without a sense of entitlement. I would like them to know that being together as a family, with our happiness and health, is more important than having a stack of presents under the tree. So, together, we will make homemade cookies, candies and cakes for our friends, cook a simple meal and, afterwards, play board games and call our family and friends across the ocean to wish them the peace of the season. Susan S. Cheung (known to many by her Chinese name, Shifay) is a Fieldstone Farms-based writer originally from London, England. It has been a crazy, busy year for her making many new friends in the neighborhood, and she wishes everyone peace and happiness, whether you celebrate Christmas or not.


Real Estate

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010

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Dono Nobis Pacem by Phil Leftwich

I read and ponder. . . the cover of a Christmas card. Two dozen ways of saying peace bright gold leaf against matte white. . . words scattered like those who utter the ancient yearning “grant us peace.” Peacekeepers. . . so many. . . peacemakers. . . so few. . . peace. . . so rare. A cursive grunt of frieden ; in Times Roman: pax. A cognac taste upon the tongue. . . paix warms the heart sent as a wish. The bold type face of shalom dances from the fold. Salaam, shanti, he ping, pace. . . paz, mir, sith. So many words that mean the same. . . so many fonts to say it with. So easily said. . . so hard to do. Selam, sulh, vrede, paco, heiwa, wolakota, miers. The music of the words lies beneath, and resonates within the voice of nation, race, and clan. . . Peace slides like silk across the skin of humanity. . . obscures old hatreds. . . heals the doubt. . . binds mistrust. . . makes us whole. . . Sula, amani, melina, sholem, saq. Harmony, tranquility. . . calm, a state of quiet repose. . . synonyms that spell defeat of wars and killing. . .angry hurt. And so we cry and pray . . . Dono nobis pacem! Grant us peace! 8 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

You’re a neighbor, not a number.

Call my office for a quote 24/7.

Heather Farmer, Agent 6592 Hwy 100 Ste 2 Nashville, TN 37205 Bus: 615-356-6503 www.heatherfarmer.com

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Brick Builder Club of Hunters Bend Elementary School

was then hand delivered to the competition site in Chicago by Brick Builder Mom Robin Lapre and her son Luke. While the entry did not take top honors in the competition, it was an incredible honor and experience just to have the opportunity to compete in a national venue where thousands of Lego fans viewed the Lego rendition of Franklin. The students were very proud to have represented Brick Builders and Hunters Bend Elementary School.

by Robin Lapre

I

n late October, eight students representing the Brick Builder Club of Hunters Bend Elementary School joined forces to rebuild down town of Franklin brick by brick‌ Lego bricks, that is! The after school building club was named one of twenty finalists in the country to compete in a Lego Competition in Chicago. The challenge was to select a regional or local landmark and explain the importance to the community. The historic town square of Franklin was chosen as symbolic of the significant rebuilding and resilience that was demonstrated following the torrential flooding in the spring of this year. Students Zack McLain, Austin Newell, Jonathan Moyers, Michael Radick, Eli Christoph, Matthew Dotson, Adam Sirface, and Luke Lapre represented Brick Builders in the building. The students exhibited an abundance of enthusiasm, cooperation and passion as they spent hours working together to build the quaint town square. The masterpiece

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010

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Magnolia Spotlight Welcome to the Nashville Violin Studio!

H

as your child shown an interest in learning a musical instrument? Do they enjoy listening to music or singing along with the radio? Learning a musical instrument is a great way for your child to experience daily enrichment. It will allow them to attain satisfaction in the skills they learn, and they will relish the personal outlet that music allows them to create. When learning a musical instrument your child experiences the unique integration of body and mind that music provides. Sensory integration is proven to be a crucial factor in children’s learning readiness for school subjects such as reading, writing, and math. I teach using the Suzuki Method of violin, which helps a child not only learn to read and play music, but also teaches them discipline and helps to develop a strong work ethic. Few sounds are more beautiful than the melodies that come from a violin, however, it is one of the most complex instruments. The Suzuki Method of Violin teaches both ear training and note reading. It is the most effective and all-encompassing method used to teach children the violin. The Suzuki method allows children to begin their musical journey by first hearing a song and then learning the song. This method helps with memorization and makes reading music easier. If you’d like to learn more about the Nashville Violin Studio and my method and approach to teaching, please visit www.nashvilleviolinstudio.com. There you will find information about me, my studio, more about the Suzuki Method of Violin, and other valuable information. It is my pleasure to answer any questions you may have, so please don’t hesitate to ask! My email is sarah@nashvilleviolinstudio.com and my phone number is (615) 838-5379. I look forward to hearing from you and getting the privilege to teach your child! 10 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine


Fieldstone Bulletin Board

ing Babysitetr. I am a de-

Bud Vassar

year y Bowm I’m Case d caring fifteen an chool S le b h a ig d H n pe lin to Frank in the old. I go homore be a sop d parl n il a w r e d d n a ea a cheerl m Red a m a I I . ts ll. u fa co abysat in Girl S b te a ve a ip h c ti and to 10 ertified s. c o ss m 6 ro C m kids, fro d, I can proup to 7 e . If need ontact years old ces. You can c ren 0. vide refe t (615) 429- 837 me a

Handyman of Franklin

615.414.1074 Call today for a free estimate. NO JOB TOO SMALL!

assar Victoria V ed babysitter

Black Cat, NO tail. Missing from The Parks Experienced dog walker/pet since November- Please sitter. References available . call (615)425-6615. Please email scf.dogwalks@gmail. com for more information abou t pricing and other ng services. Interested in starti

Red Cross certifi

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Piano Lessons?

Call Lisa Sparks 615-210-0215 lulabell69@att.net

Rent – A – Teen

issues. For all your technological •Solve tech problems with , ers, cell phones, Ipods, TVs put com . etc , ers play o vide cameras, ns – No •Answer any and all questio question is too simple. duct to fit •Help shop for the ideal pro ds. nee r you s •Available days and evening •Hourly rates ool student I am a Franklin High Sch about and have been passionate young. y ver was I e sinc technology Ben Bergman 595-5573 rentateen42@gmail.com te Call or email for a free quo

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Vacation and Pet Care for your Home Need Going away for a long weekend or family trip? Contact: your k chec someone to walk your dog, feed your cat, mattay456@gmail.com mail, etc.? or 595-1773 Contact Vaughn Hamill at vaughn.hamill@comcast.net Rate is: $8 a day oard

lletin B

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to your ething love to add som e would ed for to w e , k li rd a d ld o n u B o te n w ti in e u ll If yo space is nity Bu Commu es please. This ouncements, e n le to s s n Field y An , For Sa usines g, etc...) mmunit p! No b se put it u st & Found, Co g, lawn mowin send in. Plea Lo ke to sittin li y b ld a : u (b to o rvices cable) t you w Teen Se ing tha (if appli nd anyth fo and a photo ations.com Items a c in ubli submit gnoliap FF@ma

Want to sell your child’s outgrown clothes and toys in a consignment sale but don’t have the time? Let me do it for you! Call Suzanne at 390-6405 for more information. sitter that Need a great baby loves kids?? tney and it My name is Cour ge to know would be a privile ren. you and your child American 16 years old and ed. Available Red Cross certifi anytime. an introducFirst hour free as e me a call! tory meeting. Giv 615-330-2171

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010 11


The Fieldstone View

with Maria Dinoia Maria Dinoia is a parttime freelance writer who happily resides in Fieldstone Farms with her husband and three kids. mariadin@ bellsouth.net.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition? “After the children have opened all of their presents, I make homemade pancakes and call them all in to eat. It is nice to see them eating and enjoying the morning while giving a feel of a less commercial time, when a home cooked meal can be as exciting as store bought presents”. ~Doug Durham

“I love putting out the Christmas tree & decorations while drinking hot chocolate and watching all the old Christmas specials, especially the Little Drummer Boy, which still makes me cry. I love making Christmas cookies, fudge and gingerbread houses and counting down the days on our advent calendar. And I love hearing the story of baby Jesus because it reminds me of what that season is all about!” ~Julie Bachochin

“Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year. My favorite tradition is Christmas Eve at our house. We make a special dinner that includes my husband’s famous Cranberry Salsa. We let the kids open their first Christmas present... pj’s and ornament. (This is something my family has done since I was a kid.) We read them “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, tuck them in... then keep our fingers crossed that they sleep past 5AM!” ~Rebecca Hodges

“A lot of our traditions seem ordinary, but they are important to our family. As a family we like to participate in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse by filling shoeboxes with gifts that are sent to children that are less fortunate. Then on Christmas Eve, we attend church as a family, enjoy a big dinner and take a tour of the beautiful Christmas light displays around Franklin”. ~Jennifer Sigler

No matter No matter your situation, your situation, we’ve got a mortgage we’ve got a mortgage for that. for that. Call Thomas Hall Call 615-525-7805 Call 615-525-7805 at 615-525-7805 orinwalk in any orto walk any any help with of your mortgage needs Fifth Third Banking Centertoday. Fifth Third Banking Center location today. today. location

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615-525-7805 Subject to credit review and approval. Fifth Third Mortgage is the trade name used by Fifth Third Mortgage Company and Fifth Third Mortgage – MI, LLC. Fifth Third is a registered serviceSubject mark ofto Fifth Thirdreview Bancorp. Member FDIC.FifthEqual Lender. credit and approval. ThirdHousing Mortgage is the trade

name used by Fifth Third Mortgage Company and Fifth Third Mortgage – MI, LLC. Fifth Third is a registered service mark of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

12 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine


Visit the new Fieldstone-Farms.com! Your community web site for news & information about Fieldstone Farms Your local • Resident Directory Source For • Community Calendar • Photo Gallery http:/

/www

Please Home

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• News articles • Community information • Discussion Groups • Classifieds Ads • Lost & Found

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s und any pa rk impro er wa vemen s of FF will y be ts and provid equipm receiving e a sa fe and ent up reside grade enjoya nts an s to b d fam ilies to le area for th enjoy! e

HOA B oard M Month eeting ly Bo ard m eeting

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unity C hurc

Christmas Lights & Decorating contest coming in December! e Farm s

A Happy H to the Field oliday & New Y stone Farm ear wish -The FF H s communi ty! OA Board ! h at 6 :00 PM

See Fieldstone-Farms.com for details.

John Babb ,H Suzy Roho arry Fisk, Mike Olin lt, Paul St. , Jacques, & Tom Paden, John With erspoon

LAnd a special thank you to the great folks at Magnolia magazine for their support!


Community Calendar

Local Events Sat 4th Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk for Arthritis Downtown Franklin 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (615) 254-6795 jinglebellruninfo@gmail.com

December 2010 Sunday

FIELDSTON Monday

Tuesday

Wedne

Hanukkah Begin

For the latest Fieldstone Farms News and Information, please visit www.Fieldstone-Farms.com

Sat 4th

Kiwanis Christmas Parade Downtown Franklin - 2pm www.coolspringskiwanis.com

Wed 8th

Red Cross Blood Drive The Fieldstone Club 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm www.redcrossblood.org

Sat 11th - Sun 12th Dickens of a Christmas Downtown Franklin www.historicfranklin.com

9:30 am -Cardio at the

5

Walt Disney’s Birthday Born in Chicago in 1901

3pm - Zumba at The Fieldstone Club

Poinsettia Day

12

6

7

Pearl Harbor Day

Ira Gershwin’s Birthday A Famous Composer born in 1896.

9:30 am - Integrated Training at the Fieldstone Club

National Cocoa Day

13

Bodhi D

Blood D The Fieldsto

8 am - Pilates at the Fieldstone Club 6 pm - Weight & Core class at Fieldstone Club

9:30 am -Cardio at the

14

Phonograph By Thomas Edi

8 am - Pilates at the Fieldstone Club 6 pm - Weight & Core class at Fieldstone Club

9:30 am -Cardio at the

South Pole Discovered In 1911.

Tue 14th Real Food Farms CSA Pick-up Mon 20th

Winter Camp Begins The Fieldstone Club 10:00 am - 2:00 pm For kindergarten and older Call 790-9124 for details.

3pm - Zumba at The Fieldstone Club

19

Tue 14th - Fri 17th First Semester Exams Mon 20th - Fri 31st No School (Winter Holiday)

20

Oatmeal Muffin Day

Winter Camp Begins at The Fieldstone Club

Tue 28th Real Food Farms CSA Pick-up

WCS District Calendar

9:30 am - Integrated Training at the Fieldstone Club

3pm - Zumba at The Fieldstone Club

Boxing Day

All calendar content is not verified and is subject to change without notice.

14 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

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9:30 am - Integrated Training at the Fieldstone Club

Visit the Zoo Day

9:30 am - Integrated Training at the Fieldstone Club

27

First Day of Winter

HOA Board Meeting 6pm Christ Community Church

21

First Christmas Sale In 1

8 am - Pilates at the Fieldstone Club 6 pm - Weight & Core class at Fieldstone Club 9:30 am -Cardio at the

28

National Chocolate Day

8 am - Pilates at the Fieldstone Club 6 pm - Weight & Core class at Fieldstone Club

Bowling Ball In 186

9:30 am -Cardio at the


NE FARMS

Safe Toy and Gift Month Read A New Book Month Universal Human Rights Month

esday

1

ns at Sunset

Fieldstone Club

8

Day

Drive one Club

e Fieldstone Club

15

Patented ison in 1877.

e Fieldstone Club

22

s Lights for 1882.

Thursday

National Fritters Day

2

8:30 am - Pilates at The Fieldstone Club 9:30 am - Yoga at The Fieldstone Club

9

First Christmas Seals Issued In 1907.

8:30 am - Pilates at The Fieldstone Club 9:30 am - Yoga at The Fieldstone Club

Boston Tea Party Anniversary Occurred in 1773.

16

Friday

National Roof-Over-YourHead Day

9:30 am - Power Sculpt at The Fieldstone Club

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded

9:30 am - Power Sculpt at The Fieldstone Club

Happy Birthday Pammy Sue and Aunt Carol

9:30 am - Power Sculpt at The Fieldstone Club

23

Christmas Eve

Invented 62.

National Cookie Day

UNICEF Anniversary Established in 1946.

11

9 am - “Out of Water” Aerobics at The Fieldstone Club

17

18

Wear a Plunger On Your Head Day

9 am - “Out of Water” Aerobics at The Fieldstone Club

24

25

Merry Christmas

Fieldstone Club

29

4

9 am - “Out of Water” Aerobics at The Fieldstone Club

10

8:30 am - Pilates at The Fieldstone Club 9:30 am - Yoga at The Fieldstone Club

Roots Day

3

Local Phone Numbers

Saturday

Bowling Ball Invented In 1862.

30

New Years Eve

31

Emergency..................................911 Poison Control......................936-2034 Crisis Intervention.................269-4357 Franklin Police......................794-2513 Williamson Co. Sheriff........... 790-5550 Franklin Fire Dept.................. 791-3275 Williamson Medical Center....435-5000 Animal Control......................790-5590 Schools Hunters Bend Elem...............472-4580 Walnut Grove Elem............... 472-4870 Grassland Middle.................472-4500 Franklin High........................472-4450 B.G.A................................... 794-3501 Columbia State C.C...............790-4400 Williamson Co. A.L.C............790-5810 Services Middle TN. Elec (Service).......794-1102 Middle TN. Elec (Outage)877- 777-9111 Comcast.......................800-266-2278 Direct TV........................866-505-9387 Local Government Franklin City Govt..................791-3217 County Clerk.........................790-5712 Franklin Library.....................595-1250 Veteran Affairs......................790-5623 Miscellaneous Recycling.............................790-5848 Senior Services....................376-0102 Voter Registration.................790-5711 Chamber of Commerce.........794-1225

Fieldstone Club

535 Homes Sold in FF

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010 15


Teacher’s Corner

Christmas Fun by Kristi Carré

“The job of a teacher is to excite in the young a boundless sense of curiosity about life, so that the growing child shall come to apprehend it with an excitement tempered by awe and wonder.” ~ John Garrett When I think of Christmas, I remember all the excitement I felt, not only Christmas morning, but all the events leading up to Christmas. I always loved all the school plays and programs we had to celebrate the season. My elementary school had a Christmas program one night the week before Christmas Break. Our parents dropped us off in our classrooms in our Sunday best, and went to find a seat. My teachers always had some sort of activity to keep us busy while we were waiting to go into the multi-purpose room. My favorite activity was the pin-hole angel. We attached a (dittoed) picture of an angel to a piece of construction paper, then went to a spot on the carpet, and used a straight pin to poke holes in the paper following the lines of the angel

picture. When you were finished, you took off the angel picture and hung up the construction paper in the window. The light would shine through the holes, showing the picture of the angel. My teachers were able to give us that excitement and curiosity that went beyond school. We were given lessons that inspired our awe and wonder, not just about what we were learning in school, but in life as well.

Activity of the Month Sleigh Decoration Cut one section from a cardboard egg carton and trim to shape. Paint it a holiday color and add glitter if you like. Glue two pipe cleaners on the bottom for sleigh runners. Fill with candy and enjoy! This tiny sleigh can be used as a tree decoration or holiday favor. You can also attach a card with a name for a place setting at your Holiday dinner. Kristi Carré hold a Master’s Degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Reading and is a Fourth Grade teacher in the Franklin Special School District

Your Community Preschool since 1996

Mention this Ad and recieve a $75 credit upon enrollment. Spaces are limited, call today.

16 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine


Christmas & New Years by Scott Fishkind

S

ince the holidays will soon be upon us, this month’s article is related to that theme. Please note that part 2 of the flexibility article will be in next month’s edition of Magnolia. The holidays are definitely “A most wonderful time of the year”. They are a time of family, religious reflection and celebration, festive holiday parties and New Year’s resolutions. Folks often expect me to recommend complete restraint from any “feasting” during the holidays. However I believe that one can enjoy the many treats available while still exercising a “healthy dose” of moderation. My personal “trick” is to try small samples of the many various treats. This allows one to “have their cake and eat it too” without overindulging. I like to think of it as “guilt-free feasting”! That being said, if you happen to get a bit “carried away” and end up with a few extra pounds at the start of the New Year, don’t beat yourself up over it. If anything you can use it as positive motivation to make a post holiday season change. It’s really important when starting a program of exercise and healthy nutrition, to choose a realistic and sustainable strategy. Making small changes over time is the most realistic formula for long term success. It’s also crucial to find exercise modalities that are really appealing to you. In the beginning, “what” you do is less important than finding something you’ll “want” to do consistently. Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to walking on a treadmill and doing the same old machine circuits. Instead, weather permitting, you can walk outside in the fresh air on our beautiful walking paths at Fieldstone. There are also many fun choices available locally from Kickboxing to Kettlebells, Zumba to Yoga and everything in between. Swimming is a great full body workout available all year at the indoor pool at the Rec Center. Fitness DVDs can be a useful and convenient tool but inexperienced exercisers should use caution. Without proper body mechanics or knowledge of how to modify exercises appropriately injuries can happen very easily! Personal training, both solo and semi-private, is an excellent option for folks who prefer expert, individualized guidance. The right trainer will be able to teach you proper form as well as design appropriate and creative programs appropriate for your level of fitness. I recommend hiring one with a nationally recognized certification which is NCCA accredited. ACE, NASM, NSCA, ACSM and NESTA are some of the best known organizations. The most common reason that people stop exercising is lack of time. That’s why you should not take on too much too soon. Inevitably there will be days when you can’t fit in your full workout.

Wellness In these cases it’s always better to do “something” rather than skipping altogether. This is key for developing consistency which helps one develop the good “habit” of fitness into their lifestyle. Moms in particular have a real battle with the time factor. They often seem to feel as if spending any time on themselves is somehow selfish. They are wired to put themselves and their health last on their list of priorities. I work with a lot of moms and it’s amazing how I often have to remind them that taking care of their health is the most UN-selfish thing they can do! Let’s face it, in the majority of households the mom is generally the captain of the ship and “if the mom goes down due to pain or illness, even temporarily, the whole ship starts sinking very quickly!” My clients often tell me how the time they invest in their fitness pays them back abundantly with more energy and patience for everyone who depends on them both personally and/or professionally. Far from being selfish, taking care of oneself is the most wonderful gift you can give to your family and yourself, not only for the holidays but for the rest of the year! Happy and Healthy Holidays Everyone!

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010 17


On The Farm

December Winter Salad Plant Fruit Trees by David Daily The best tasting salad I have ever eaten I grew in the winter. Cold weather enhances the flavor of most greens. If you are like most and think of gardening just as a summer event or of something you need more land for, well winter greens are a solution. We grow many greens all winter long with just solar energy, but if I wanted to start some plants today I would grow Microgreens; full of flavor and nutrition. Microgreens are defined as the growth of seeds just past sprouts and before baby size, usually harvested with just two or four leaves. At this size it takes a lot of plants to make a salad but the amazing flavor of these tiny greens make them worthwhile. And they can be used in small quantities to spice up any salad. I like to grow radishes, arugula, Pac Choi,

and cabbage as Microgreens. The process it to fill a flat with a good compost mix, level the soil really good(that is important when harvesting), broadcast the seeds on the surface, press the seeds into the soil lightly, water well. Next cover the flats with plastic to keep the moisture high so the seeds germinate well. Seeds do not need light at this point to germinate, just water. But in 3 to 6 days your try will be full of little sprouts and as soon as you see them start to sprout it is time to give them light. I use a standard florescent light set just inches above the flats. In about a week or two it is time to harvest. You can harvest as soon as the first two leaves appear or wait a little longer for the second set of leaves to form. While you are learning when to harvest just take a sample anytime of your greens and taste them to see what you like and when you are happy it is time to harvest. To harvest cut with scissors just able the soil level. You’ll need to grab a little bunch with your hand while you are cutting with the scissors. Harvest just what you need for that meal. You may get a little soil or seed hulls so a light washing may be needed. I like to mix the Microgreens together. The greens also make a nice addition to a sandwich or a chicken salad. After you have harvested the entire flat you can add the soil to you landscape or garden bed but don’t forget to start a second batch before you run out of the first batch. I like to grow enough for a week and start a new batch every Monday. Sourcing materials, you will need some plastic flats, compost mix, and seeds; some kind of stand and lighting can be bought at Lowe’s. I buy most seeds from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Be careful about the compost, lost of compost is just soil, sand and wood chips so ask a knowledgeable clerk. Plastic flats can be obtained free at most garden center or drop by the farm I have lots. Winter is the best time of the year to plant trees and with the amount of pesticides used in commercial orchards growing your own fruit is a wise thing. So get rid of that Bradford Pear and grow a real pear tree. On the farm… we are harvesting kale, cabbage, collards, turnips and greens, carrots and radishes. I’ve already put a light fabric cover over everything that is not in the greenhouse, to protect them from the cold and mostly the drying wind. If protect well enough these crops will thrive all winter without any added heat. Until next month… grow it yourself or buy it locally ~DD David Daily Direct 615-604-3886

18 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine


Monthly Message

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Brian Bachochin It’s coming. You can see it in people’s faces. You can feel it in the air. It’s getting closer. Heck, there’s only a handful of shopping days left! Now that I’ve heard Andy Williams inviting everyone to come and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, I feel like it’s officially Christmas time - and I love it! I’ve always looked forward to hearing the holiday music begin to trickle onto radio station play lists and echoing through the hallowed halls of Macy’s. Something about the transition from Muzak to Bing Crosby and the Carpenters just makes me all warm and fuzzy. This season, more than any other seems to change things - and people. Between the “Dicken’s of a Christmas” in downtown Franklin, and the carollers on your doorstep, folks appear to be a little cheerier, hot chocolate tastes just a little bit chocolaty-er, even shopping is...well, it’s still a nightmare. But overall, Christmas time does tend to have an uplifting impact on a lot of people. There is something about this time of year, however, that I don’t really look forward to, and it has to do with presents. Not the part about giving them - that’s always fun. It’s exciting to give someone a gift that really hits the spot, sends just the right message - A thoughtful gift can be a wonderful demonstration of how much you care about someone. So, it’s not the actual giving (or receiving) part that’s the problem. It’s the whole figuring-out-what-to-get-someonething. That part can be a real struggle for me. And, of course there’s always that one person in our lives who has everything. And what DO you get the person who has everything? (It used to be Isotoners, but nowadays, I’m at a loss!) Giving the right gift is a joy, but sometimes finding the right gift can be the one spectre in an otherwise beautiful holiday season. Now, on the same note (albeit in a more minor tone), what do you get the person who has...nothing? Hmm. Interestingly, that was the conundrum, in a sense, that God considered in eternity past while deciding on the perfect gift for us. It seems odd for many of us to think of ourselves as having nothing, but from God’s vantage point, every one of us, rich and poor alike lives out so much of our lives lacking the one thing that we truly need, peace with God. And so, “unto us a Child was born; unto us a Son was given” (Isaiah 9:6) to bring glory to God, and peace to men (Luke 2:14). The great Giver gave the perfect Gift, Jesus,

wrapped in swaddling cloths, and placed in a manger in Bethlehem a little over 2000 years ago. A Baby; approachable and unintimidating, a wonder to behold, and accessible to all. God’s greatest gift to us was Himself; walking among us, and one day, in the ultimate expression of His love and generosity, saving us from our sin - the one thing that keeps true peace out of reach. So, as Jack Frost begins to nip at your nose and the spirit of commercialism mercilessly assaults your pocketbook (*sigh* ok, no rants...), keep in mind that celebrating His precious Gift to us is what truly makes this the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Merry Christmas everyone!

CALVARY CHAPEL FRANKLIN Simply teaching the Bible...simply Sunday Mornings at 9:30 am Meeting at the The Fieldstone Club 1530 Lexington Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37069 Phone: (615) 870-7310 e-mail: ccfranklintn@gmail.com www.CalvaryChapelFranklin.com

Pastor Brian Bachochin

MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010 19


Gettin’ Crafty

Candy Cane Tree by Alison Carré Jingle Bells! Joy to the World! Christmas is here!! It feels like just yesterday we were stuffing ourselves with the delights of Thanksgiving. And now here we are picking out our Christmas Trees, wrapping gifts and planning to spend the holidays gathered around the fire with our friends and families. The holidays are a time to give back, give thanks and remember loved ones who are no longer with us. As we set our tables with our finest China and the scent of Cherry Pie fills the air, we also think of gifts to give. In this section, I will show you how to make a fun little gift that will be loved by all ages. What you will need: Terra Cotta Pot (or themed holiday pot of your choice) Small Square of Flower Foam Small Candy Canes Decorative Gift Box Ornaments Twigs, Curly Willow, Branches

20 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

Step 1: Lay out all your items. Work on a flat surface, kitchen counter or table. Step 2: Put the flower foam into the pot. Push down firmly to make sure it stays in place. Begin to place the individual twigs to resemble a tree. Step 3: Arrange the decorative ornament boxes around the base of the tree to resemble gifts. Place a few of the candy canes around the gift boxes. Hang the other candy canes from the twigs. Congratulations!! Your Candy Cane tree is complete! Enjoy the holidays, have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!! Ali’s Tip: Tie colorful or sparkly ribbon to the other twigs to brighten it up. For added effects, you can spray hairspray and sprinkle Glitter to make the tree shimmer or wrap a small strand of battery operated Christmas Lights.


The Tennessee Credit Union Where You’re An Owner

In 1950, a group of Nashville teachers decided to pool their savings and lend it to other teachers at a more reasonable rate than what was available from other sources at that time. For 60 years, The Tennessee Credit Union has kept their long-standing commitment to provide members with the tools and knowledge necessary for personal financial growth and a sound financial future. Recently, The Tennessee Credit Union partnered with Antioch High School to open a student-run branch in the school. This is the first time in the history of Nashville’s public school system that a local business has earned the rights to be an official, named sponsor of a school program. The purpose of the program is to prepare Nashville students for college and career, to provide relevant and engaging coursework and to help students explore various careers, learn critical 21st century skills and graduate from high school better prepared for college, career and life. The Tennessee Credit Union is dedicated to supporting their local branch communities through partnerships of this kind and strives to be a leader in community outreach.

Business Buzz COOL SPRINGS BRANCH Call (615) 780-7800 Fax (615) 771-3627 Mitch Chalos, Branch Manager 1809 Mallory Lane Brentwood, TN 37027 8:30 am - 5 pm M - T 8:30 am - 6 pm F

What’s so different about a Credit Union? As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, The Tennessee Credit Union is owned by its members and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is this distinction that makes it possible for TTCU to return profits back to its members in the form of low financing rates, high savings rates, fewer fees, improved technology, and high quality products and services. It’s been estimated that credit union members save an average of $400 per year on fees and interest, just by choosing a credit union. What about fees? There are absolutely no fees for student checking accounts, bill payer service, credit card balance transfers, Smart Branch online banking, and no annual fees on any TTCU credit cards. Unlike, a for-profit company, a credit union doesn’t exist to fee you, but rather to serve you. How do I apply for membership? If you live or work in Williamson County, you are eligible for membership at The Tennessee Credit Union. Membership applications are available online at www.ttcu.org or you can simply stop by your local branch for more information. MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010 21


Fieldstone Financial

Mortgages by Thomas Hall

In the last two issues, we’ve addressed two different topics related to refinancing. I want to thank those readers who have taken the time to call to ask questions or comment on the articles. Please call and let me know if there is a topic that you think should be addressed. In this issue, we’ll discuss an issue that’s come up several times this past year in different forms. The conversation begins, “I’ve found a home that I really like and it’s a steal at $100,000 less than it would have cost two years ago. I also hear, “My family’s grown and we need a larger home.” Other say, “We want to move out further into the country and get some acreage.” The final questions are, “Will the bank lend money to us if we haven’t sold our home? If so, how much do I have to put down?” I’ll answer the second question first. If your present mortgage isn’t an FHA mortgage, than you can finance your new primary residence with a FHA mortgage with as little as 3.5% down. (Note: to correct a common misconception, FHA mortgages are not limited to first time home buyers but the loan amount is capped at $432,500.) If you use conventional financing, you’ll need a minimum of 5% down. For jumbo financing (over $432,500 loan amount in Williamson County), you will require 20% down in most cases although there are some options available to finance at a higher LTV (loan to value). To qualify for a new mortgage, your credit doesn’t need to be perfect. You can score as low as 620 FICO score (for FHA financing), but you will need to show the capacity to handle both houses’ obligations (principal, interest, taxes and insurance, any mortgage insurance, and HOA fees) and the monthly payment on any other debt obligations. As a general rule of thumb, the total debt to income ratio will not be able to exceed 45-50%. Therefore, if your household gross income is $84,000 (that is, monthly of $7000), then the

22 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

total monthly payment obligations would need to fall in the range of $3150-$3500. Thus, if you don’t have any monthly car payments or other installment and revolving debt, with a current monthly housing obligation of $1300, your household could assume a new housing obligation of $1850-$2200 monthly. If your desire is to apply the equity of the first home towards the second home home, but aren’t able to sell the home before purchasing the second, you may want to consider using a first and second mortgage to finance the new purchase. In this situation, you would need to have funds already available to cover 10% of the new home. This past year I structured one couple’s transaction with a first and second mortgage. The loan amount of the second mortgage was $100,000 which was what the couple expected to yield out of their original home. When they sold their home later in the year, they used the proceeds of the sale to pay off the second mortgage. Then they only had a single mortgage, just as if they had those funds when they purchased the home earlier in the year. To discuss this issue further or to recommend other topics, please call me or email me at 615-525-7805 or ThomasS.Hall@53.com


Fieldstone Farms Business Page The Advertisements on this page are Fieldstone Farms resident owned businesses. If you are a Fieldstone Farms resident and would like more information about advertising on this page, please contact us at (615) 335-2049 FFBiz@magnoliapublications.com

Support Your Neighbors! MagnoliaPublications.com • December 2010 23


Cuddly Companions

Guiding Puppy by Karen Creason

T

he black Labrador puppy we are raising for Southeastern Guide Dogs arrived on November 3rd! A generous sponsor named her ‘Honey’ – quite appropriate for the little bundle of fluffy love. By now, many of you have seen us about town - me, looking quite frazzled, wearing a large blue backpack chock full of accident cleaning supplies and Honey, sporting her blue ‘Puppy In Training’ coat. It is said ‘It takes a village to raise a successful guide dog’ and as Honey’s village I thought it best to pass along the following helpful hints: 1. I know Honey is terribly hard to resist but please ask before petting her. Honey has not quite grasped the concept of ‘in jacket = work’ yet (we are told this happens around 6 months of age). Honey must learn to sit for attention and wait for an ‘ok’ command before greeting people. This also allows us to make certain she does not jump up or nip with her little razor sharp baby teeth.

2. Puppy In Training means just that – training. When you see me standing at a door telling Honey to sit (sometimes repeatedly) before and after we enter a building, it is because she is learning the skills she will need when paired with her blind partner. Please do not interrupt her during these training moments. 3. Honey needs to learn to work for praise, not treats. Please do not offer her food treats of any kind. 4. Honey is only 10 weeks old and sometimes gets overwhelmed by many people giving her attention at the same time. If you do not get to pet her this time, there will be plenty of other opportunities throughout the year as we will be raising her for the next 12 -16 months. (And YES, it will be hard to send her back!) I want to thank you in advance for your understanding, patience and continued support of our efforts to raise Honey to be a successful guide dog. In time, and with repeated exposures, Honey (and I) will get the hang of this. Karen Creason www.guidingpuppy.blogspot.com Blog about our experiences of raising a puppy for SEGD www.guidedogs.org Southeastern Guide Dogs website

Fun Christmas Christmas Facts Facts Fun

• According to a 1995 survey, 7 out of 10 British dogs get Christmas gifts from their doting owners. • According to historical accounts, the first Christmas in the Philippines was celebrated 200 years before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the country for the western world, likely between the years 1280 and 1320 AD. • After “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens wrote several other Christmas stories, one each year, but none was as successful as the original. • Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday. This tradition began in 1836. • America’s official national Christmas tree is located in King’s Canyon National Park in California. The tree, a giant sequoia called the “General Grant Tree,” is over 300 feet (90 meters) high. It was made the official Christmas tree in 1925. • An average household in America will mail out 28 Christmas cards each year and see 28 cards return in their place. • At Christmas, Ukrainians prepare a traditional twelvecourse meal. A family’s youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear, a signal that the feast can begin. • Christmas caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing - toasting neighbors to a long and healthy life. 24 Magnolia • Fieldstone Farms Community Magazine

• During World War II it was necessary for Americans to mail Christmas gifts early for the troops in Europe to receive them in time. Merchants joined in the effort to remind the public to shop and mail early and the protracted shopping season was born. • For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2 to 3 seedlings are planted in its place. • Franklin Pierce was the first United States’ president to decorate an official White House Christmas tree • In an effort to solicit cash to pay for a charity Christmas dinner in 1891, a large crabpot was set down on a San Francisco street, becoming the first Salvation Army collection kettle. • In Syria, Christmas gifts are distributed by one of the Wise Men’s camels. The gift-giving camel is said to have been the smallest one in the Wise Men’s caravan. • The abbreviation of Xmas for Christmas is not irreligious. The first letter of the word Christ in Greek is chi, which is identical to our X. Xmas was originally an ecclesiastical abbreviation that was used in tables and charts. • The first printed reference to Christmas trees appeared in Germany in 1531. • During the Christmas/Hanukkah season, more than 1.76 billion candy canes will be made.


Twas the Night before Christmas - Clement Clarke Moore Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas the night before Christmas also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas” in 1822. It is now the tradition in many American families to read the poem every Christmas Eve. The poem Twas the night before Christmas has redefined our image of Christmas and Santa Claus. Prior to the creation of the story of Twas the night before Christmas St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, had never been associated with a sleigh or reindeers! The author of the poem Twas the night before Christmas was a reticent man and it is believed that a family friend, Miss H. Butler, sent a copy of the poem to the New York Sentinel who published the poem. The condition of publication was that the author of Twas the night before Christmas was to remain anonymous. The first publication date was 23rd December 1823 and it was an immediate success. It was not until 1844 that Clement Clarke Moore claimed ownership when the work was included in a book of his poetry. Clement Clarke Moore came from a prominent family and his father Benjamin Moore was the Bishop of New York who was famous for officiating at the inauguration of George Washington. The tradition of reading Twas the night before Christmas poem on Christmas Eve is now a Worldwide institution.


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