Williamson County Living May/June 2023

L O VE WHERE YOU WORK!

WE ARE PASSIONATE about the care we o er and the culture of compassion, excellence and teamwork that make us Williamson Health. Our mission is to treat people professionally, with dignity and respect. And we’re looking for talented, caring people to help us do just that.

To see our open positions, visit WilliamsonHealth.org/Careers or scan the code below.

A letter from the Publisher

KATHY FOX PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF

We made it! The warm weather has brought an abundance of green trees and colorful flowers along with all the favorite outdoor activities. All of these bring such renewal and with so much going on in Williamson County and Middle Tennessee, let’s all get out and enjoy the fun.

This issue of Williamson County Living is loaded with colorful stories. The cover feature peeks into Leiper’s Fork Cattle Company and life as a cowboy. For Mother’s or Father’s Day, why not go outdoors and explore the Shoals in Alabama with a weekend getaway? If you prefer to stay close to home, enjoy dinner alfresco on a Southern porch and pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the mother and son duo at Always In Bloom. Read how dreams do come true for both Dawn Burns and Olivia Webber, how to reclaim fatherhood and the Daddy Saturday story, and how to spring back into action. Finally, take a moment to appreciate and thank ALL our first responders as we highlight the Franklin Fire Department’s Station 7.

This magazine was created just for you here in Williamson County. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for those who contributed to this publication, whether through advertising, photography, or providing content, and I give you my sincerest thanks. The locally-owned businesses that make this magazine possible depend on your support and greatly appreciate your patronage!

Many warm blessings,

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN

CHIEF

Kathy Fox

CREATIVE | ART DIRECTOR

Shelly Wells

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Homer Alexis Olindo

SENIOR EDITOR

William Harwood

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Buffie Baril

Justin Batt

Dawn Burns

Kathy Fox

Amy Montgomery

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Allison Elefante

Lele Fain Photo

Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co.

Amelia J. Moore

US

IS A WAY OF LIFE

LEIPER’S FORK CATTLE COMPANY Ranching

B y Kathy Fox

A little bit of heaven can be seen driving through Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district, the village has a population of less than 700 and is full of character and Southern charm. Visitors will find an eclectic mix of retail therapy, unique finds, food, and the world-famous open mic night. But that’s not all, Leiper’s Fork Cattle Company is also putting Leiper’s Fork on the map.

Leiper’s Fork Cattle Company is privately owned by Rob Schaedle, founder of Chartwell Hospitality, LLC. It is situated on 150 acres near downtown Leiper’s Fork and is a farm breeding registered rodeo cattle. The farm is also home to Cornerstone Equestrian, where Macy Wesson rents most of the stalls and utilizes the jumping arena, tack room, grooming stalls, and round turnout paddocks for her hunter/jumper show program serving the Greater Nashville area.

Schaedle had always wanted a farm and through conversations first became interested in buying and selling beef cows in 2016 after purchasing the farm. He started with Brangus cows which is a cross between Angus and Brahman cattle. After a few years, Schaedle got out of the Brangus and started buying rodeo cows to breed. With beef cattle it is all about the volume sold, however, rodeo cows sell for a much higher price. Bull calves can sell for up to $50,000 depending on how desirable they are and their bloodline. BULL

ROB SCHAEDLE, OWNER LEIPER’S FORK CATTLE COMPANY

CALVES CAN SELL FOR UP TO $50,000 DEPENDING ON HOW DESIRABLE THEY ARE AND THEIR BLOODLINE.

With 82 breeding cows on the farm and with 60 going to calf this year, Schaedle depends on Ben Flynn, his ranch manager and modern-day cowboy, to keep the farm operating smoothly. For all of us city folk, the life of a cowboy is quite different. It takes passion, commitment, and many long hours to run a farm and tend cattle. Flynn and his wife Angie live on the property and there are also three farm hands Flynn manages each wellversed with horses and cattle to ensure any issues are immediately handled.

Flynn, originally from Ireland, came to the states in the 1980s and worked at the racetracks in Chicago. Different from his racetrack days, a normal day at LFCC starts at 6:30 a.m. First, the horses in the barn are checked and once everything is up and running it is time to head out to check the cows. “We drive the fields looking for cows that may not be doing well or are lost. We take a headcount and if any of them need help we take care of that. If we do find a cow that got out, we go back to the barn and get a horse or two to track the cow(s) down. Thankfully, this does not happen very often,” Flynn explained. “Next, it is time to feed them. During the fall, winter, and spring, I tend to feed the cows mostly hay and grain which takes a lot of time depending on how many there are.”

BEN FLYNN, RANCH MANAGER AT LEIPER’S FORK CATTLE COMPANY, AND HIS WIFE ANGIE.

After the horses and cows have been attended to in the morning, it is time to pull some of the ranch horses out for exercise and then check on the cows again. Although the cows do not require much attention since the cows are breeding stock, it is important to always keep tabs on them. “They don't require too much effort until there's a problem, and then because they're the kind of cows they are, sometimes it takes an act of Congress to get a cow up so you can medicate or check it. Rodeo cattle tend to be on the wild side,” stated Flynn. “They are not your average beef cow where you can simply walk up to it in the field and walk among them. These cows have an aversion to people interrupting their days and they are not on the friendly side. With rodeo bulls, the more rank and athletic they are, the more desirable they are.”

With 60 cows pregnant this year, Flynn spends a lot of time monitoring the cows and watching for signs of labor. Once the calf is born, it immediately has to be tagged and numbered. And with the weather being so unpredictable this spring, it has been important to make sure the calves are doing well after birth, no matter the time, so Flynn is constantly watching their progress. If any of the calves are rejected by their mom, they must be bottlefed around the clock until they can rejoin the herd. “When the cows are calving you don’t clock in and clock out, it really is a 24/7 job. When a calf or cow needs help, it is what I need to do no matter what time of day it is,” Flynn stated.

LFCC does not use artificial insemination for breeding but live breeds. Schaedle also breeds thoroughbred horses and uses the same principles for his rodeo cows where the female, or queen as they are called, is the most important component to produce a good athletic-looking bull/heifer with great bloodlines. LFCC initially got their breed bulls from DNH Cattle Company in Ardmore, Oklahoma, which has a very long list of successful bulls with remarkable bloodlines. However today, most of the cows and heifers at LFCC have been born and raised there.

There are a lot of risks involved in breeding, but with careful consideration and research, Schaedle is building a desirable bloodline of rodeo cattle. The cows at LFCC are registered with the American Bucking Bull Inc. (ABBI) and all have pedigrees like racehorses where the bloodlines are known. “Rob is very good at what he does and spends a lot of time researching. He wants to produce performance bulls, bucking bulls that will go on to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit. It's like breeding a racehorse to win the Breeder’s Cup. As a breeding operation, currently, the bulls get sold as yearlings some as two-year-olds, but as a rule, Rob doesn’t want to hold on to any at the moment,” said Flynn. Currently, a bull named Wilson is on the PBR tour and another, 63K, is in Texas getting ready for his futurity year. Both were bred at LFCC and 63K is still owned by Schaedle.

Some may think life as a cowboy can be lonely with all the long days and nights, but Flynn’s wife Angie is very supportive and understands the cowboy way of life. Although Angie, who is the barber/owner of Flynn & Company in Franklin, had nothing to do with horses or cows before they got married in 2021, she now regularly helps when needed. “Our first Valentine's Day together was spent driving around in six inches of snow looking for calves instead of having a fancy dinner. We had to bring a few calves into our living room, dry them off, keep them warm, and bottle-feed them. She’s super supportive and helpful. She will even come with me in the evening a lot of times and bottle feed a calf while I go check on the cows,” said Flynn. “Ranching is hard work and a way of life, not a job!”

THERE ARE A LOT OF RISKS INVOLVED IN BREEDING, BUT WITH CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND RESEARCH, SCHAEDLE IS BUILDING A DESIRABLE BLOODLINE OF RODEO CATTLE.

RANCHING IS HARD WORK AND A WAY OF LIFE, NOT A JOB!

imagine ...

More than sixty years ago, the building hummed of sewing machines and production at one of the largest shirt factories in southern Tennessee.

Now fast forward to find this incredible 71,000 square foot industrial facility converted to its present-day grandeur with the original steel windows and doors, an outside deck for music and entertainment, food, gifts, specialty tea, a boutique resale shop, and so much more. There is ample parking, and you can expect the unexpected from music on Saturdays, to rare antiques and treasures of all kinds every day of the week. Plan your day at the Factory at Columbia and experience all these wonderful retail and dining establishments under one roof.

101 NORTH JAMES M. CAMPBELL BOULEVARD | COLUMBIA, TN

factoryatcolumbia

THE DADDY SATURDAY STORY

When my wife Heather and I had our first child I had no idea that fifteen years later I would be leading an international platform on fatherhood. My wife Heather and I were married shortly after graduating from Clemson University and we started our careers in pharmaceutical sales and teaching. I quickly climbed the corporate ladder and Heather decided to leave teaching and become an entrepreneur by opening a bridal store in Charlotte, North Carolina. We named the store after our first child, our daughter Hayden Olivia and I found myself alone with our newborn daughter all day on Saturdays. Fast forward and three boys later I had continued climbing the corporate ladder and was traveling frequently during the week. I would come home on Fridays exhausted, stressed out, and wondering what to do with four young kids for 8-10 hours on a Saturday. I remember one Saturday in particular when I had an awakening moment that changed the trajectory of my role as a father. I was challenged with the question, is this time with my kids a burden or a blessing, an inconvenience or an assignment? I realized that I had been given a gift and wanted to make the most of the time I had with my kids in the home. I began planning our Saturdays with intentionality and tried to create “epic” moments with our four kids. This one act changed everything in our relationship and the time we spent together. The kids began looking forward to our days together and one Wednesday morning my middle son Mason said, “What are we doing for Daddy Saturday?” and we named it and claimed it.

Five years ago, I was asked to give a TEDx on fatherlessness and my eyes were opened to how big of an epidemic fatherlessness is in our world today. I knew I had a solution that could help other dads avoid the same mistakes that I had made and I could help fatherless kids at the same time. I wrote the book Daddy Saturday as a practical field manual for fathers and launched the Daddy Saturday Foundation with a mission to create events, experiences, education, and technology to help dads engage their kids and end fatherlessness. The organization is now international through Daddy Saturday Kenya, we work with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to put on the world’s largest Fatherhood Festival, partner with NFL players to bring the positive message of fatherhood to the masses, and partner with organizations locally to make an impact in the community. My wife Heather and I currently live in Columbia, Tennessee, on True South Farm where we raise our four kids, hold fatherless kid camps, youth events, and Daddy Saturdays almost every weekend.

By Justin Batt

If I could offer a few principles from the Daddy Saturday platform to help dads and moms engage their kids with intentionality to raise good kids who become great adults, I would share the following:

Time with your kids doesn’t have to be extravagant, extraordinary, or expensive to be epic ... it just has to be intentional. We encourage parents to use what they have around the house and in their local community to spend time engaging their children and we provide a

PHOTO BY BRETTE LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

playbook and resources to help them do so. We are best known for our crazy videos of our epic adventures together on Saturdays like bubble wrap battles, pickup truck hot tubs, slime battles, obstacle courses, etc. This most often comes from what we can find around the house or activities in the local community.

Don’t be your kid’s hero, instead be their guide! Dads, you are your kid’s hero and always will be. You must allow your child to experience success and failure with you as their guide. When you do this it also allows other men to come into your kid’s lives as guides and open up experiences and opportunities in areas you don’t have expertise in. I know little to nothing about deep-sea fishing and my kids constantly asked to go when we lived in Charleston, South Carolina. I have a mentor who has been deep sea fishing his whole life, and he took me and the kids out for an unforgettable experience. This is something I never would have been able to give my kids on my own.

Do hard things and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Each day before school I walk the hill in front of our home with the kids for what we call our “Driveway Devotional”. It’s about a quarter-mile down and back and 500' of elevation gain. The top of the hill is very steep and gets your blood pumping. On Wednesdays, we carry sandbags for what we call “Heavy Day Hump Day”. Each day before school my kids do something hard and overcome an obstacle. During the day when they encounter something difficult, they can look back and say to themselves, “I climbed a hill this morning and conquered that, so I can overcome this”. On Wednesdays, they overcome something even harder, because they will experience hard things in life and it’s important to have the mental fortitude and resiliency to overcome.

Run at the pace of your people. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had is running at the pace of my people. I have a very high personal velocity and bring a lot of energy to everything I touch. This also means I can get so passionate about something I begin to lose focus on the things that matter the most. When Daddy Saturday began to take off, I had a wake-up call as I was a corporate executive in my day job, running an international non-profit, supporting my wife’s business, running Spartan obstacle course races, and most importantly raising four kids.

I decided to do a personal inventory and refocus my time and energy and pace on the things that mattered the most ... my family. I began incorporating my family into the areas of my life like exercise, where I would often go it alone. I made decisions independently and we also made decisions as a family to align our pace. We now homeschool our kids so I get the opportunity to spend so much more quality and focused time with them and it’s relieved so much pressure due to the sheer amount of proximity.

Far more is caught than taught. Do you consider yourself a consumer or a creator? As a parent, how you model everything in life will be picked up by your children, especially your use of technology. If you routinely have your head in your phone scrolling your kids will too. One of the biggest ways we can impact the next generation is to help them become creators and not just consumers. Engage their imagination and creativity by helping them produce and not simply consume. This could be starting a YouTube channel on a topic they enjoy, starting an e-commerce business, or a social group based on an area of common interest. This year we’re launching a gamified mobile app for dads and kids, a fatherhood cryptocurrency coin, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of athlete dads, metaverse and gaming training for dads, and experimenting with AI technology for fatherless kids. A big shift is coming through the metaverse and how much time kids spend online and in front of screens or on VR. It’s only going to get harder with the wave of technology coming, so start modeling the behaviors you want to see in your children now.

Daddy Saturday is willing and able to serve the fathers, families, and fatherless of Middle Tennessee and beyond. It would be a pleasure to support those in need and I also appreciate your support of our mission to end fatherlessness. Please visit daddysaturday.com and follow along on social media, @daddysaturday, for ideas, resources, and tools to help you raise good kids who become great adults. If you have suggestions, opportunities, or would like to give to the cause please contact me at info@daddysaturday.com n

Fun for the whole family!

My big vision for impacting fathers and kids has led to the Fatherhood Festival taking place this Father’s Day: WHERE: PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME — CANTON, OHIO WHEN: JUNE 10 –11, 2023

Learn more at FatherhoodFestival.com.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST WAYS WE CAN IMPACT THE NEXT GENERATION IS TO HELP THEM BECOME CREATORS AND NOT JUST CONSUMERS. ENGAGE THEIR IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY BY HELPING THEM PRODUCE AND NOT SIMPLY CONSUME.

The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence awaits your arrival. This 4-star upscale hotel is the ideal location in Florence for your stay and is conveniently located. The traditionally decorated stylish rooms have plush bedding, white linens, and a large soaking tub, just what is needed after a busy day of exploring. To stay in style and go big, check out the top floor Presidential Suite, aptly named the Helen Keller whose birthplace is Tuscumbia, with feature amenities such as a fireplace, pool table, kitchen, and jet tub. The Marriott Shoals has two other suites, the W.C. Handy and the Sam Phillips, plus four Junior Suites for those who want an upgraded room experience.

Plan Your Getaway!

By Kathy Fox

Take a journey down the Natchez Trace Parkway, the scenic route, to the Shoals in North Alabama for Mother’s or Father’s Day. The Hit Recording Capital of the World is situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, aka the singing river. Take a step back in time and enjoy a weekend full of shopping, dining, and the great outdoors as you explore the distinctive small-city happenings. Located 75 miles south of Maury County, the Shoals are the charming historic communities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. The perfect combination of Southern hospitality and modern charm.

To dine in the comfort of your room, 24-hour room service is available. However, a visit to the 360 Grille, on the top floor of the hotel, offers patrons a stunning panoramic view of the water, especially at sunset, and delicious food. Who doesn’t enjoy crab cakes and filet mignon cooked to perfection? The 360 Grille is also Alabama’s only rotating tower restaurant and is rated the number-one Marriott restaurant in North America!

Additionally, the hotel features an on-site European-style spa, Spa at the Shoals, where guests can indulge in facials, pedicure scrubs, and massages to help create an extraordinary relaxing stay. Enjoy the two pools, indoor or outdoor, during downtime and enjoy a frosty cold drink. Margarita, please! If exercising is your thing, the fitness center is

open 24 hours a day. After that workout, be sure to stop by Rock & Roast for a cup of gourmet handcrafted coffee and a quick bite to eat. For a casual meal, check out the Swampers Bar and Grille and savor some Southern flavors and an array of comfort foods like shrimp and grits or a pretzel and beer cheese.

In the lobby of the Marriott Shoals sits a jukebox. How fitting for the recording capital of the world. There is a daily ritual where a special guest selects the song of the day and at the beginning of happy hour, the manager announces the song and then it is played on the jukebox. Speaking of music, live music nightly can be heard at the Swampers Bar and Grille, which makes for an energizing evening. Guest services will welcome you with a friendly smile and open arms ready to assist in any way to make your stay more enjoyable. Wi-Fi is provided in the hotel’s public areas, there is no charge for parking, and your fur babies are always welcome. At the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, expect a memorable stay.

Once settled at the hotel, check out Florence’s historic downtown which is only three miles from the Marriott Shoals. Get to know the local community as you walk the streets, have a bite to eat, and relish the diverse shopping.

FLORENCE — A SHOPPER'S PARADISE

From historic downtown Florence to Seven Points or the English Village, it is a shopper’s paradise. On the way downtown, take your pick and stop at Red Cow Coffee, Turbo Coffee, or Rivertown Coffee Company. Each coffee shop serves delicious cups of handcrafted coffee and more! If you pass Sweetwater Bakery, stop for something delicious, savory or sweet! Once downtown, shoppers will find an eclectic mix of stores ranging from clothing boutiques and gift shops to galleries and home furnishing stores. For the fashion lover, a must-visit is Billy Reid’s flagship location on N. Court Street.

Seven Points located on Wood and Royal Avenues offers restored historic shopping places with antiques, specialty stores, and eateries. Stop by the Midtowne Butcher for lunch and a specialty sandwich like the Cuban or the Hot Italian both served hot off the press. Afterward, walk across the street to the Grey House Gallery and browse local artists or up the street to eleven54 on Wood Antiques & Vintage to peruse antiques and more.

English Village, near the University of North Alabama-East Campus, is a historic yet invogue outdoor shopping center just a hop, skip, and jump from Seven Points. A collection of unique specialty stores, much like a small European village with a street of shops, awaits. Clothing — women and babies, gifts, fine art, flowers, and a café are among the offerings you will find there. While exploring stop at Marigail Mathis, a clothing boutique that has served the Shoals for 30 years. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Sweet Basil, a charming café and market serving homemade fare open since 1996. Make sure to save room for dessert!

Don’t miss First Fridays if you happen to visit on the first Friday of the month. This takes place on the downtown streets and is a chance to shop with local artists, experience local flavors, and listen to live music.

PHOTO BY BILLINGSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

MUSCLE SHOALS — MUSIC THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Across the river from the Marriot Shoals is nearby Muscle Shoals. A small town where big hits were recorded. Home to FAME Recording Studios, which has gone on to be the heartbeat of the Muscle Shoals Sound with entities including FAME Publishing, FAME Recording Studios, FAME Records, and Muscle Shoals Records. The FAME Studio has worked in the studio with some of America’s most loved and greatest artists in rock music history. Artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Etta James, Otis Redding, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Osmonds, Alabama, the Gatlin Brothers, Bobbie Gentry, and so many others. Enjoy a tour and step back in time to a soulful moment with some of the greatest artists of all time.

The Wilson Dam was completed in 1924 and impounds the Wilson Lake and runs between Florence and Muscle Shoals. This neoclassical-style dam, named for President Woodrow Wilson, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966. The lock lift at 94 feet is the highest single lock east of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby is the 15,500 acres of Lake Wilson. If you like fishing, Lake Wilson produces some huge fish!

SHEFFIELD — CENTER OF THE SHOALS

Located between the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia is the town of Sheffield, also known as the Center of the Shoals. This small town is covered with historic landmarks and places that will surely pique your interest. Take the time to wander the revitalized downtown streets or drive the roads to find them, look for the historic Ritz Theatre, and wave to giant aluminum pseudo-Elvis, which stands 18 feet tall and commemorates the Muscle Shoals sound.

The town with a population of 9,000, was incorporated in 1885 and features three historic districts with antebellum architecture and Victorian-era buildings. As you make your way around downtown stop in the Red Clay Table serving up delicious, classic hometown American food. For some retail therapy, across the street is Zoey Belle’s Boutique & Briley’s Clothing Store, a Southern boutique catering to women, men, and the arts.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR COMFORT FOOD IN MUSCLE SHOALS, STOP BY CHAMPY’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN. IT’S LEGENDARY!

Sheffield is positioned on the banks and bluffs of the Tennessee River and the beauty of its natural resources is second to none. Best known as the home to the Muscle Shoals Sound, Sheffield is rich in musical heritage dating back to the 1950s. Many top songwriters and performers cut vinyl hit records at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Norala Sound Studio, and several others. The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was pictured on the cover of Cher's 3614 Jackson Highway album and Shoals native Percy Sledge recorded the iconic “When A Man Loves A Woman” at Norala Sound Studio on 2nd Street in Downtown Sheffield.

Tuscumbia, make sure to include a stop at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to and honors Alabama’s musical achievers and greatest legends.

Tuscumbia is the birthplace of Helen Keller, born in 1880. Ivy Green, her birthplace and childhood home, is on the National Register of Historic Places. This permanent shrine is open to visitors and tells the remarkable story of Keller. If visiting in June, the annual Helen Keller Festival is June 22-25, 2023, and pays tribute to America’s First Lady of Courage and commemorates her lifetime of achievements with activities including an outdoor marketplace and evening concerts.

On the outskirts of Tuscumbia, about 20 minutes from Ivy Green, is the Rattlesnake Saloon, which got its name during construction when some workers found a rattlesnake den with a mother snake with 12 babies. The saloon is a unique watering hole nestled under overhanging rocks and a great place to listen to some music and grab a bite to eat, alcohol is served after 5 pm. Open Thursday – Saturday.

TUSCUMBIA

— CHARM OF THE SHOALS

This city is loaded with personality and is approximately 15 minutes from the Marriott Shoals, just across the river and south of Sheffield. Dating back to 1820, Tuscumbia is known as the Charm of the Shoals with its walkable historic downtown and delicious edibles. The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, on Main Street, is a must-visit. The chocolate malt and PB & Banana sandwich would delight even Elvis!

Spring Park, with the showpiece of the park being a large 51-jet fountain that shoots water more than 150 feet in the air to music, is a nature lover’s delight. The park also features a man-made waterfall and amusements for children including a train. Go for a jog, hike, or enjoy a picnic at Spring Park. For the avid outdoor type, the scenic Cane Creek Canyon is a great place to hike. During your visit to

For additional information on things to discover in The Shoals visit TheShoalsAL.com and follow them on social media at @visitheshoalsal. Plan your getaway today and hit the Recording Capital of the World in stride! n

Catch Salon & Spa offers a full range of skin and haircare services. All treatments are non-invasive and can deliver lasting results without surgery or downtime. Schedule a complementary consultation 24/7 with online booking at CATCHNASHVILLE.COM. Catch beauty specialists will develop the best treatment plan for your concerns to leave you feeling refreshed and youthful.

797-5257

Dreams Do Come True !

THIS IS NASHVILLE

By Dawn Burns

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher, and I played school with my cousins and siblings. As the oldest, they remind me to this day of how bossy I was! One thing that came with my desire to be a teacher was a love of children’s books. I can look back on my childhood and have such fond memories of going to our small-town library, a reading performance of Dr. Seuss’, The Lorax, and begging my mom for book fair money to purchase a copy of Stone Soup.

Writing was also something I enjoyed during school! I looked forward to learning new vocabulary words each week and our daily journaling. I won a writing contest at my elementary school, wrote for my high school newspaper, and entered other writing competitions. I also student-taught English Language Arts and didn’t realize the impact these opportunities made on me until later in life.

Over the years, I finally became a real-life teacher and didn’t have to teach my family members anymore! After having my children and moving to the Nashville area from South Carolina, I took a more parttime role in education serving as a literacy tutor and substitute parttime. Since I had more time at home, I began writing about Nashville and kid-friendly places on my website, thenashvillemom.com

Through my blogging, I also began freelance writing for local publications and just seemed to be writing all the time. All of my writing sparked an interest to write my own children’s book. I had been collecting them for many years and enjoyed reading them to my own children.

WRITING WAS ALSO SOMETHING I ENJOYED DURING SCHOOL! I LOOKED FORWARD TO LEARNING NEW VOCABULARY WORDS EACH WEEK AND OUR DAILY JOURNALING.

PHOTOS BY LELE FAIN PHOTO AND COURTESY OF DAWN BURNS

I began jotting down notes about what I would write about in a journal. I had wanted to write a book for a few years but kept putting it off. Each January, it would be my goal for the year and then slowly would fade into the background again and again! However, in January 2021, I decided to finally make it happen and my book, soon to be titled This is Nashville, was finally becoming a reality. I took the notes that I had been hiding away for years and put them in a draft, researched illustrators, and put together a plan. Once I connected with Nashville resident Candler Reynolds, the illustrator of my book, we worked on the draft and the images. The process took about nine months from draft to publish!

I am so thankful for everyone who has purchased a copy, supported my dream, and encouraged me in this process. In addition, I have written a children’s coloring book for one of my other favorite towns, Fairhope, Alabama, and have another project in the works for this year, so stayed tuned! n

This is Nashville is a children’s book that features favorite and treasured places around Music City. It highlights places like the Ryman, Cheekwood, parks, and more. It is a keepsake book that makes a great gift for both locals and visitors and, as a way to give back, a portion of the proceeds benefit Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. My book can be purchased online at the-nashville-mom.myshopify.com

While I’m not in the classroom full-time, I have been able to host reading and writing workshops with local schools. That has been such a joy for me to share my love of reading and writing with students. It has also been such an honor to partner with local businesses, museums, and bookstores. I am thrilled to see my books in the store, host book signings and school events, and ship books all over the country one even went around the world to Israel!

DAWN BURNS is a freelance writer and shares kid-friendly events, restaurants, travel tips, recipes, and things to do in Nashville on her website thenashvillemom.com. She also hosts an online book club. Burns resides in Nashville with her two children and you will find her eating her way through Nashville with kids in tow, trying new things, and enjoying all that Music City has to offer. Follow her on social media at @thenashvillemom and join her book club at @thenashvillebookclub

Although every recovery process is different, patients can typically expect to be walking with assistance within a week and returning to a pain-free lifestyle in four to six weeks.

As the first medical center in Middle Tennessee to offer Mako SmartRobotics starting in 2015, these technologies have revolutionized orthopaedics allowing surgeons at the Institute to assess more patients. The Mako system uses a CT scan to capture specialized images of the area before surgery so that surgeons can make more educated decisions regarding surgical proceedings. With technologies like these, surgeons can address joint issues at an early stage, often resulting in the need for only a partial joint replacement.

“With this technology, we are able to identify areas of concern earlier, complete less invasive surgeries and, oftentimes, send the patient home the same day,” said Cory Calendine, M.D., a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute. However, state-of-the-art technology is not the only thing that makes Bone and Joint Institute the premier location for orthopaedic needs.

“Partial knee replacements or anterior hip replacements are unique surgeries that must be performed by highly trained specialists,” said Dr. Perkinson. “We are proud to be able to offer these kinds of procedures to our patients at our facility right here in Williamson County.”

As the demand for knee and hip replacement surgery continues to grow, these advanced surgical technologies allow surgeons to serve patients in their time of need with cutting-edge technologies.

BONE

AND JOINT INSTITUTE OF TENNESSEE OFFERS ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT

When arthritis causes debilitating pain that alters your daily life, look no further than the resources at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. The group continues to be on the cutting edge of advanced surgical technologies offering a more streamlined approach to common operations like total joint replacements.

With the help of robotic technology, physicians and patients can be more confident in the strategy, accuracy, and recovery surrounding their surgeries. This robotic arm, created by Mako SmartRobotics, acts as a GPS-like extension of the surgeon’s hand, enhancing precision during hip or knee joint surgery. This technology allows for smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.

“The robotic technology we use greatly benefits our patients,” said Brian Perkinson, M.D., a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute. “It provides more accurate positioning and balancing of the joint replacement and also allows less soft tissue dissection. All of those benefits provide an earlier functional recovery and more success in the long run.”

“As a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute, I meet people in their time of need, not when they are living their best life,” said Dr. Calendine. “It’s a privilege to be able to use new technology to offer innovative treatment methods to our patients.”

With advanced surgical technologies and experienced surgeons close to home, many patients are choosing to have their total joint replacement procedures sooner rather than later so they can get back to enjoying outdoor activities.

“If you are experiencing arthritis pain, come get evaluated at Bone and Joint Institute,” said Dr. Perkinson. “What sets us apart is the environment you are in, the advances in medicine you have access to, and more than anything, the superior patient experience.”

For more information or to schedule a consultation with a Bone and Joint Institute physician, visit BoneandJointTN.org n

Scott Arthur, M.D. Ian Byram, M.D. Cory Calendine, M.D.

Casey Davidson, M.D.

Ronald Derr, D.O. Richard Gibson, M.D. Zachary Kalb, D.O. John Klekamp, M.D.

Jeffrey Kutsikovich, M.D. Colin Looney, M.D.

Michael McNamara, M.D. Brian Perkinson, M.D.

Christopher Stark, M.D. Geoff Watson, M.D. Todd Wurth, M.D.

Always in Bloom, a family-owned florist in Franklin, has been in business for 28 years and is located across from The Factory at Franklin. It is known for its exceptional customer service and owner Margie Church Dobler is there to make sure all her customers are happy. As full-service florists, they specialize in floral needs for birthdays, Mother’s Day, weddings, baby, get well, sympathy, everyday and seasonal bouquets, and events. Dobler has the reputation for going the extra mile making sure every floral arrangement or gift is perfect for her customers.

Dobler, a Franklin local, was born in the historic Dan German hospital on 4th Avenue South. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1968 and her mother owned a hair salon on Main Street, and her stepfather owned the auction barn where Riverside Franklin is now located. It wasn’t until Dobler was 35 years old she discovered her passion when she began what she thought was just a part-time job at Franklin Flower Shop to help at Christmas doing office work. After Christmas, she continued part-time and started doing basic florals, bud vases, and boutonnières, along with balloons and fruit baskets.

It didn’t take Dobler long before she began doing all the arranging and was promoted to head designer. She realized she had a real knack for floral design, and it was a wonderful creative outlet that brought joy to others. In 1995, Dobler opened her first florist in Independence Square near where Sal’s Pizza is currently located and grew her knowledge and skill by becoming one of Tennessee’s first certified floral design charter members. She continued her education through classes and workshops by some of the world’s most skilled floral artists from Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, and the United States.

B y Buffie Baril

PHOTOS BY BUFFIE BARIL AND KATHY FOX

Early on, her son Michael would go from kindergarten to the floral shop to be with his mom and customers adored Michael and his charming personality. By age seventeen, Michael began helping with the delivery after his classes at Centennial High School and when he turned 21 years old he became more interested in the business. After watching his mom for years design gorgeous floral arrangements, to her surprise, he arranged a beautiful bouquet, and she knew then Michael would be a great asset to the family business. He quickly became his mom’s, right-hand man.

Sadly, her shop at Independence Square caught fire and they were forced to find a new location, which was on 5th Avenue North. Then in May 2010, Dobler was forced to move again after the Harpeth River overflowed causing their shop to flood. It was then she turned to friend Calvin LeHew who helped her secure a space right before Mother’s Day at The Factory at Franklin. However, after five years at The Factory, Always in Bloom needed more visibility with locals, so they moved across the street to their current location at 227 Franklin Road. The building had been a consignment shop, and many years ago it was a honky tonk. Dobler will even show you the bullet hole left from a late-night brawl.

When Dobler was asked what she loves most about her profession, she said, “It’s like Christmas when the flowers come in and seeing the smiling faces of our customers knowing we exceeded their expectations. We really think about each person we make flowers for and want to make sure each person feels honored and special.” Michael seconds her sentiments, “I love what I do every day because I can make people smile and get to work with pretty flowers. When I open a box of flowers, it's like Christmas every day.”

I LOVE WHAT I DO EVERY DAY BECAUSE I CAN MAKE PEOPLE SMILE AND GET TO WORK WITH PRETTY FLOWERS. WHEN I OPEN A BOX OF FLOWERS, IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY.

Amy Montgomery, the owner of Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, shares a passion for creating floral arrangements and visited Always in Bloom to peruse their gorgeous flowers. As Michael was getting ready for a pop-up event, he took time to show her around the shop and the 38-degree cooler loaded with roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and many other colorful flowers and greenery. They discussed their favorite flowers to work with and Michael even showed Amy some tricks of the trade he uses with his florals top secret of course. Amy was excited to share her new secrets with her class, Boards and Blooms, which she teaches at her store.

At this year’s Nashville Lawn and Garden Show, Michael had the opportunity to show off his talents by participating in an on-stage competition, which he won! His mom was very proud of him as she loves seeing him excel at his gift and the ability he has to make all their customers so happy. Over the years many people have walked through the doors at Always in Bloom and the community has been so kind and supportive, Dobler confesses, “I think I grew up in the best place in the world!”

This mother-and-son duo continues to put smiles on people’s faces even after more than three years of road construction on Franklin Road. Although this beloved florist has been virtually hidden from view due to the orange barrels and construction signs blocking its visibility, it is OPEN for business! With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, or any event needing a colorful pop of flowers, take time to order a beautiful bouquet from Always in Bloom and support this adored small business. They even offer delivery to the local community.

Follow them on social media at @alwaysinbloomfranklin. For orders call (615) 591-7990, order online at alwaysinbloominc.com, or stop by Monday through Saturday and browse the store. Who knows, you might even meet Gribbit, Margie’s rescue pug that hangs around the shop, or Porsche, Michael’s rescue cat. n

BUFFIE BARIL is a Tennessee REALTOR®, founder of LovelyFranklin.com, and local storyteller. Her passion is telling the backstories of Williamson County including the historic homes, interesting places, and fascinating people. You can follow her on social media at @buffiebarilrealtor and at @lovelyfranklintn or visit LovelyFranklin.com

HENRIETTA RED

Musical NOTES

FEATURING OLIVIA WEBBER

Q and A

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I am a senior at Brentwood High School, and I love music and performing. I have recorded a few songs now, lead worship at my church and FCA, and am also part of an acapella group at my music studio, Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy. I have been involved with the acapella group all through high school. Last year we sang at the Pumpkin Fest in downtown Franklin and at Christmas tree lightings in the area. We also do showcases at the studio for Christmas and a show in the spring. I did a songwriters’ night last fall at the Commodore and really loved it! My goal is to try to perform out and about a little bit more at open mic nights or at auditions. When I graduate high school, I will be going to Samford to study songwriting.

Q: How did you get involved with music?

A: I have always loved music; it's been my favorite thing to do. My uncle is a phenomenal piano player and as a child, I would play with him and that's how I started. I can play by ear so in a few minutes I am able to figure a song out and play it. As I got older I realized how much I loved music, and I started singing and playing. Songwriting came into my life a lot more throughout middle and high school. Along with the piano, I also play the guitar. I started playing the piano at 4 years old and around 6th grade is when I picked up the guitar.

Q: Since you started songwriting, what has been some of your inspiration?

A: A lot of people think songwriting is all based on their life and sometimes I do think the emotion is, but not necessarily all the time. I have a running list in my phone of random lyric ideas or a song idea from a line out of a movie, a topic of conversation with one of my friends, or from random places I keep tabs on. My list of ideas is really long, and I'll typically write songs from that collection of ideas.

PHOTOS BY AMELIA J. MOORE

Q: Tells us about a few of the songs you have written and recorded.

A: The most recent song “Therapist,” I recorded in November 2022 and was released on April 14, 2023. It is a witty song and the punch line at the end of the chorus is “you don't know my therapist, but you're the reason she knows me.” It’s about all the things a person doesn't know that they would typically talk through with a therapist. Such as compromising your own strength and yourself for the benefit of somebody else. As I wrote the song, it branched from that, and I was thinking about processing all the unhealthy habits and breaking them so one can realize their true value. This is my favorite song so far.

I also recorded “Extremes,” which came out in July 2022. This song is about a relationship where there is no middle ground, it's all or nothing. It was one of those songs I wrote when I was up at 2:00 AM because I couldn't sleep. I had this idea in my head and typically, songs take longer to write, but that one just came all out at once. I was actually planning on recording a different song, but I liked it so much that I felt that was the one I had to do at that time.

Another song titled “Headfirst” came out in February 2022. The premise was it's a play on words with the hook at the end of the chorus “you've got me jumping in headfirst, maybe I should use my headfirst.” The idea had come while I was writing a different song with one of my friends, but she felt I should save the song for myself. Then I built the idea around a love story that shouldn't really happen, but you want to go all in and you do headfirst.

Q: What is recording a song like?

A: My producer is Daniel Dennis and he's amazing. He lives in Nashville and has a studio at the back of his house. I'll walk in with a song that I've written, play it for him, and I'll give him the lyrics. We then come up with a vision for the song and what vibe we want it to have. We then play all the instruments, meaning I'll play piano, and he plays everything else. I'll sing and the recording sessions usually last a day and half and then the song is ready to go.

Q: What would your aspirations be for when you graduate?

A: I would really love to be a writer. I cannot fathom life without music. It's just in my wheelhouse.

Q: Who are your biggest supporters?

A: My mom and dad of course! They have always been my biggest fans and they are my biggest supporters. They have always loved and supported me and I am so unbelievably grateful for them. n

Follow

THE JOYS OF Southern Porches

By Amy Montgomery

Southerners take a lot of pride in their porches. When Southerners think of gracious living, it always includes the porch. It doesn't matter how many living rooms, family rooms, etc. there are in a house, during spring, summer, and fall, relaxing on a beautiful porch is most important! Courtyards and patios will work, but a Southerner knows there needs that little bit of porch covering overhead to keep a spring breeze from being too chilly or to keep from baking in the summer sun. A blanket and a gas fire pit on a covered porch are all you need to enjoy the outdoors beyond Thanksgiving.

The thought of a covered porch must be followed up with a little haint blue. Looking up at a porch ceiling in this part of the country will usually reveal that oh-so-soft blue with a hint of green in it. Originally, haint blue was thought to ward off evil spirits by making them rise through the sky. The use of this blue has lost a bit of its superstition, but modern-day enthusiasts believe it to deter wasps and spiders. Either way, it is tradition, and it is soothing and easy on the eyes.

Truly, there is nothing better than pre-dinner cocktails on the porch and later bringing dinner out to dine alfresco. Summer supper with neighbors enjoying every moment of the end of the day, the beginning of sunset, then nightfall, and the appearance of lightning bugs is the perfect way to cap off the workday or spend a weekend evening. Community with neighbors is so important. Whether friends or simply acquaintances, porches can foster growth and relationships with those who live close. Porches can be the best place to reflect on the day or reflect on the world around us. Grab a comfy seat, put your feet up, and peer inside your home from the porch. It will give you a new viewpoint of your dwelling.

COMMUNITY WITH NEIGHBORS IS SO IMPORTANT. WHETHER FRIENDS OR SIMPLY ACQUAINTANCES, PORCHES CAN FOSTER GROWTH AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE WHO LIVE CLOSE.

PHOTO BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

THE THOUGHT OF A COVERED PORCH MUST BE FOLLOWED UP WITH A LITTLE HAINT BLUE. LOOKING UP AT A PORCH CEILING IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY WILL USUALLY REVEAL THAT OH-SOSOFT BLUE WITH A HINT OF GREEN IN IT.

From drizzle to downpour, a porch is that extra room we all look for in a home. These inviting porches are truly a continuation of your home, a go-between space from home to garden. A porch extends your home, just as a lush green lawn or garden extends your porch beyond its perimeters. It doesn't need to be a sunny day to appreciate a porch.

Gardens tend to be a big point of pride for those who love digging in the dirt. Favorite days of spring for gardeners include a day spent shopping for blossoms, blooms, and seedlings, a day spent preparing beds, planters, and sowing seeds, and a day spent cleaning up and admiring the finished product. The blooms flourish with watering and sunshine and will last until the mums of fall make their appearance. Gardening incorporates many benefits such as exercise, a little Vitamin D from the sun, and it is certainly a mood booster. Whether you have a large vegetable garden or tend a few pots on your porch, gardening is endlessly adaptable and rewarding.

A PORCH EXTENDS YOUR HOME, JUST AS A LUSH GREEN LAWN OR GARDEN EXTENDS YOUR PORCH BEYOND ITS PERIMETERS.

One place in Columbia I delight in seeing how the gardens are kept is the James K. Polk Home. Two short walkable blocks from my home, this former President's abode and museum attracts natives and visitors all year long. Spring marks the re-birth of their gardens and by June, blooms and vegetables are abundant. Columbia has been home for me and my husband for two years and we love giving back to our community. The perfect opportunity for us to do this is at the Gardens of Columbia Tour, hosted by the James K. Polk Home, which takes place on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3. My husband and I are so happy to share our porch garden this year. While I wish I had time for vegetable gardens, planting heirloom peonies, and training vines on walls, I do not. Instead, I dedicate myself in the early spring to several days of filling my pots and planters to create an outdoor room on our porch, an extension of our home.

Our porch is a continuation of our keeping room in the kitchen, and we will be including the main floor of our home on the garden tour. The cottage garden at the entrance to our house is recovering from the December freeze, but it is remarkable how things have rebounded and begun to flourish in the warmth and sunshine. We want to welcome you to our home and share some hospitality on the porch with you during the Gardens of Columbia Tour. On both Friday and Saturday of the tour, I invite you to join me at the Polk Home while I present a floral demonstration to those who have purchased tickets for the tour. I look forward to sharing some of my floral tips and tricks with everyone in attendance.

GARDENS OF COLUMBIA TOUR

HOSTED BY THE JAMES K. POLK HOME

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

JUNE 2 – 3, 2023

10:00 a.m . — 4:00 p.m.

My shop, Amy Montgomery Home, will also be celebrating the Gardens of Columbia Tour. The shop is on the street behind our residence, located at 808 Walker Street, where you can shop and enjoy the curated collection of gifts, papers, and home goods. During each day of the tour, AMH will be offering 50 delicious boxed lunches. To reserve a boxed lunch and make payment visit amymontgomeryhome.com. Boxes may be picked up at the shop on the day of your reservation and there is limited seating available in the courtyard of Amy Montgomery Home for those wishing to stay a while.

To purchase tickets to the Gardens of Columbia Tour, visit jameskpolk.com/news/gardens-ofcolumbia-tour n

AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home and flowers and delights in offering her customers an elevated customer service experience. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow her on social media at @amymontgomeryhome

I DEDICATE MYSELF IN THE EARLY SPRING TO SEVERAL DAYS OF FILLING MY POTS AND PLANTERS TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR ROOM ON OUR PORCH, AN EXTENSION OF OUR HOME.

PHOTO BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

FRANKLIN FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE STATION 7

Our community is supported in so many ways by the men and women who serve as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. First responders’ duties place them in harm’s way daily, but those who serve in these roles find it extremely rewarding and satisfying and truly have a servant’s heart. Firefighters in Franklin train for endless hours to ensure they are prepared to handle all types of emergencies that occur. We want to take this opportunity to introduce some of the firefighters and paramedics with the Franklin Fire Department (FFD) who were on duty at Fire Station 7 when we stopped by.

Fire Station 7 is the newest and first fire station to include an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) wing, which was funded by Williamson County and staffed by Williamson Health EMS. When you are out and about and see a first responder, take a moment and thank them for their assistance and community service. They will certainly be grateful. Thank you for your service we appreciate everything you do for the community!

FIRE CHIEF GLENN JOHNSON

Let us first introduce Fire Chief Glenn Johnson, a 28-year veteran of the department, who has been the Fire Chief since October 1, 2020. As Fire Chief, all three divisions of the FFD report to him including Operations, Fire Prevention, and Administration. Before being named Fire Chief, Johnson was second in command serving as Assistant Fire Chief of the Operations Division from 2014-2020. As commander of the Operations Division, he was responsible for the daily operations of more than 150 firefighters at eight stations, overseeing fire suppression, special operations, emergency medical services, training, and more.

Johnson, a Desert Storm veteran, began his firefighting career in 1990 while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Originally from Centerville, Tennessee, he was hired by the FFD in 1994 and began working his way through the ranks, being promoted from firefighter to lieutenant, captain, Battalion Chief of Training, Deputy Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and finally Chief.

Over the years Johnson has had an exemplifying career. He has received numerous national and state firefighting, emergency medical, and emergency management certifications. The list of honors is also very impressive and quite long. During the flood of May 2010, Johnson earned a Meritorious Service Award from the Franklin Fire Department, in 2019 a Phoenix Award for saving the life of a patient in cardiac arrest, an Exemplary Service Award for saving the life of a choking patient in 2019, and in 2018 Chief Johnson received the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security's First Responder Award, which is presented to emergency responders for outstanding and heroic actions while serving the people of Tennessee. He was named Officer of the Year in 2006, honored with the Hope Award in 2008 by the Full Life Assembly of God for being an outstanding inspirational emergency responder, and has received multiple deployment awards. Johnson also has two undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and an A.S. in Fire Science from Volunteer State Community College.

In addition to his duties in Franklin, Johnson is very involved at the state level. Since 2009 he has chaired Tennessee’s Homeland Security District 5 Training and Exercise Committee, which is comprised of emergency responders from seven Middle Tennessee counties

Battalion Chief Jonathan Jenkins and Fire Chief Glenn Johnson

who deploy nationwide to critical incidents. Johnson has been deployed as a member of the Middle Tennessee Incident Management Team to various hurricane recovery efforts in Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and Louisiana, as well as the Gatlinburg wildfires and Klondike fire in Oregon. With his expertise in these areas, he was instrumental in helping the City of Franklin achieve National Incident Management System compliance.

Johnson considers himself lucky to have the community support here in Franklin, in turn, he knows the men and women that serve at the FFD will do everything possible to make the community a safer place. Johnson and his wife Ondrea, who is the Director of Williamson County Animal Center, reside in Franklin with their five children. He also is a co-owner and founder of the Franklin Cattle Company, which is a local wholesale distributor of 100% Certified Angus beef and when he is not on duty Johnson turns into a true cowboy.

BATTALION CHIEF JONATHAN JENKINS

Battalion Chief Jonathan Jenkins has been at Station 2 since being promoted to Battalion Chief in January 2020. In this position, he oversees the A-shift battalion, comprised of 51 firefighters at eight stations. Before that, he was a Captain at Station 1.

Jenkins is also a coordinator of the Williamson County Interagency Swiftwater Rescue Team, which last year was designated a Type II Swiftwater Flood/Search and Rescue Team by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. This means the team is available for deployment nationwide and they have been deployed around the country. It is comprised of personnel from the cities of Franklin and Brentwood and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

When Jenkins was in kindergarten, a firefighter came to visit his class and that is when he knew he wanted to be a firefighter. And to this day Jenkins said, “Helping people and the team atmosphere are what I like most about working for the fire department.” Jenkins shared two memorable firefighter calls where the first call was helping to deliver a baby at Station 1 in 2002 a little girl Lauren Grace Pine. Lauren and her family have stopped by the station to visit over the years, and one of her brothers is now a firefighter.

The second unforgettable call on July 28, 2004, was much more lifethreatening. Firefighters made their entry to fight a house fire in the Founder’s Pointe subdivision, but they didn’t realize the flames were beneath them in the crawl space. They were in the kitchen when the floor collapsed under Jenkins, sending him plunging and disappearing into the fiery crawl space below. Despite heavy smoke and zero visibility, two other firefighters located him and helped pull him out. Jenkins escaped serious injury but suffered seconddegree burns to his face and body. One of the other firefighters involved in the rescue also sustained burn injuries.

In his spare time, Jenkins enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering for the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department, which he has done for the past 25 years, and working on his family farm.

LIEUTENANT LLOYD “RIP” BAXTER

Lieutenant Lloyd “Rip” Baxter has 31 years of firefighting experience, including 22 with the Franklin Fire Department. He served in the U.S. Air Force and upon returning home he joined the Columbia Fire Department, where his uncle had served for 42 years, and then came to Franklin.

Baxter has been at Station 7 since just before the permanent station opened in 2021 and enjoys the comradery of the fire service. Before the new building opened, there was a temporary station on the site, established in 2014, that consisted of a doublewide trailer for living quarters and a pole barn for the apparatus.

There are many stories Baxter can share from his years of service. “The most memorable calls are the ones with positive outcomes, such as saving a person’s life,” he commented. Baxter has earned four Phoenix Awards for saving the lives of patients in cardiac arrest.

On his days off, he enjoys spending time with his family.

LIEUTENANT TODD STAPLETON

Lieutenant Todd Stapleton is currently at Station 3 in Cool Springs and has been at that station four separate times during his career. He opened the station as a firefighter, worked as an engineer there, and now is on his second assignment there as a Lieutenant. “Making a positive difference in the city and bringing compassion and calm to people who are experiencing possibly the worst event in their lifetime is why I serve,” Stapleton said.

Stapleton started in the fire service in 1989 after a good friend, who was a volunteer firefighter, suggested he try it. After consideration, Stapleton thought it was something he would enjoy and following a few years of volunteering, he decided that was the career path he wanted to follow. His career now spans 34 years with almost 29 years at the FFD.

When Stapleton has time off he likes to read, spend time with his friends and family, ride his motorcycle, and collect LEGO bricks.

FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC QUAID LEDINGHAM

Firefighter-Paramedic Quaid Ledingham has been with the Franklin Fire Department for 10 years and has been assigned to Station 3 for the past three years. Before joining the FFD he was a paramedic and wanted to get on with a fire department. After moving to Tennessee, he was able to get a job with the Franklin Fire Department and has never looked back.

As a firefighter and paramedic, Ledingham likes helping people and enjoys the challenges the job brings. “It’s a unique job that brings something different every day,” he stated. Ledingham enjoys spending time with his family, camping, building things, and being outside on his days off.

FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC CODY ROBINSON

Firefighter-Paramedic Cody Robinson has been at Station 7 for eight months now but has been a firefighter for four years in total. Before moving to Franklin, he lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, working for a fire department there. Robinson decided to become a firefighter because he wanted to have a career that gave him a sense of purpose. “I wanted to feel like I was making a difference,” he said.

During his career, Robinson has been on many calls and explained, “Unfortunately, many times when we go on a call it is because someone is having a very bad day. Our job is to show up and try to make the situation a little bit better. Of course, the best feeling is when you see someone whom you made a call on and they have recovered fully.”

What Robinson likes most about being a firefighter is the comradery and teamwork. “The fire department really does become your second family,” he said. When he is not at the fire station he enjoys spending time with his fiancé, doing physical sporting activities, and traveling.

FIREFIGHTER ROB THOMAS

Firefighter Rob Thomas has served with the Franklin Fire Department for 15 years and has been at Station 1 in downtown Franklin his entire career with FFD. His path to becoming a firefighter started as a volunteer firefighter with Kingston Springs. While driving in his hometown of Kingston Springs he rolled up on a wreck where a car had caught fire with two teens still inside. Thomas didn’t hesitate and immediately helped get the teens out of the burning car. The volunteer fire department was the one that responded and when the call wrapped up, the firefighters encouraged Thomas to join the department, and he did!

One of the most impactful stories Thomas can think of was a house fire in Westhaven that happened on October 3, 2010. Thomas was one of the four firefighters injured, including another firefighter who was knocked unconscious and had to be rescued, fighting a massive house fire. The fire resulted in a backdraft smoke explosion, but luckily none of the firefighters’ injuries were serious, but it certainly could have had a much different outcome.

Thomas has also served on multiple hurricane and major incident deployments with Tennessee Task Force 2, an urban search and rescue (USAR) team. Additionally, he is part of Franklin’s Swiftwater team and helped outfit FFD’s Technical Rescue truck (Technical Rescue 5).

In his spare time, Thomas enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He is also very proud that his oldest son has followed in his footsteps and now volunteers for the Kingston Springs Fire Department.