April 2015

LEGACY BALL

TASTE OF

WILLIAMSON

BREWFEST

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE APRIL 2015

NASHVILLE SOUNDS ARE BACK New Ballpark for Music City

SPRING FASHION

25th Anniversary of Friends and Fashion

&

2015 Home

TAKE ME TO THE RACES

Derby Fashion, Food and Entertaining

Garden Guide

Through May 10 Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House invites you to immerse yourself in Old World opulence through a curated collection of paintings, furniture and other treasures from the meticulously designed early-1700s home of England’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Next, explore the visual richness of aristocratic living in Tina Barney: The Europeans, a collection of the renowned American photographer’s journey through the elite inner circles of Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

HOUGHTON HALL PLATINUM SPONSOR

H O U GH T O N H A LL H O S PI TALI T Y S PO N S O R

TINA BA RNEY PRESENTING SPONSORS

THE FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISU A L A RTS IS SU PPORTED IN PA RT BY

ROBIN AND RICHARD PATTON Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in collaboration with Houghton Hall. An indemnity has been granted by the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities | Tina Barney: The Europeans was organized by the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

D O W N TO W N N A S H V I LLE 9 1 9 B R O A D WAY

FR I S TC E N TE R . O R G Exterior view of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, England. Photo by Nick McCann

YOUR WILLIAMSON

APRIL 2015 • VOL III-XL

FEATURES 50

Bringing Music into Your Home with Shuff ’s Music & Piano Showroom

54

Stage to Sell!

Tips for staging your home to sell fast

56

Building a Gunite Pool with Clearwater Pools

LEGACY BALL

TASTE OF

WILLIAMSON

BREWFEST

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE APRIL 2015

NASHVILLE SOUNDS ARE BACK New Ballpark for Music City

SPRING FASHION

25th Anniversary of Friends and Fashion

&

2015 Home Cover-April-2015.indd 5

TAKE ME TO THE RACES

Derby Fashion, Food and Entertaining

Garden Guide 3/30/15 4:36 PM

58

68

How donating can make your home a peaceful retreat

Warming up your home with an indoor garden

64

70

Less is More

DIY Terrariums

DIY Clean

Interior Design

Household cleaning recipes that will leave your home sparkling

with Eric Ross Interiors

66 Hello Spring!

Tips for taking your home out of hibernation

72

Good, Solid, Southern Hospitality with Good Wood Nashville

COVER PROFILE This month’s cover is all about spring fashion! And what better event to showcase that than the Friends and Fashion Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. This year, the event celebrates 25 years and our cover features the original founders and chairs of the group and the event, hospital patients and gorgeous spring wardrobe courtesy of Belk at the CoolSprings Galleria. Our photo shoot was styled by Katie Rushton and Anna Robertson. The beautiful birthday cake was provided by Puffy Muffin.

Photography by Sarah Bailey at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

4 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

NEW 2015

IS 250 $349/MO LEASE FOR

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*2015 Lexus IS 250 MSRP $37,825 including delivery, processing and handling. 36 month lease. 10,000 miles per year $1,499 due at signing. Available on approved credit to very well qualified customers through Lexus Financial Services and Lexus | Cool Springs and Lexus | Nashville. Not all customers will qualify. Monthly payment may vary depending on final price of vehicle & your qualifications.

You pay $0.25/mi over 10k/year. See Lexus | Cool Springs or Lexus | Nashville for vehicle and lease program details. Must take delivery by 04/30/15.

NASHVILLELEXUS.COM

YOUR WILLIAMSON

APRIL 2015 • VOL III-XL

60

62

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TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR Social 14 Legacy Ball 18 Ballet Ball En Pointe Evening of Elegance 35 Friends for Healing 5k and 10k 36 Taste of Williamson

YOUR Community

YOUR Lifestyle

40 YOUR Charitable Self

16 Come Fly with Me

60 In YOUR Backyard

19 YOUR Best Self

78 YOUR History

20 YOUR Beauty & Style

38 Whiskey Warmer 39 Igniting Voices

82 YOUR Sports

22 YOUR Fashion

41 47 52 76

88 A Little Something Extra

24 Fashionable YOU

90 YOUR Arts & Culture

32 Mind YOUR Manners

98 WC Did You Know?

34 YOUR Health & Wellness

Scientia Soireé Strings and Stories Exit Realty Awards Banquet Main Street Brew Fest

80 Ringside: A Fight for Kids 85 Jeffrey Steele and Friends Celebrity Concert 89 GraceWorks 20th Birthday 93 Currey Ingram Celebration of the Arts

A Vintage Affair

Master Gardeners of Williamson County The History of Franklin Fashion The Nashville Sounds A Child’s Best Friend 5 Sense Living

with Connie Haley

Confessions of a Beauty Junkie with Effortless Style 25 Years of Friends & Fashion with Miss Social Grace

with Williamson Medical Center

42 YOUR Party Hostess with Southern Soireé

YOUR Business 55 YOUR Real Estate News

Williamson County Association of Realtors

94 It’s YOUR Business 96 Scoop You in the News

97 Business on the Move

6 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Take Me to the Races!

44 From Our Table to YOURS with Miss Daisy

62 Styling YOUR Everyday with Katie Jacobs

74 Southern Is...

with Jeffery Gray

89 Read Between the Lines with Landmark Booksellers

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YOUR STAFF

YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY Spring brings a host of fabulous events we can’t wait to attend! Here are just a few to add to the Social Calendar: APRIL 13

Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Johnny Birdsong

Anna Robertson

Caitlin Daschner

PRESIDENT

MANAGING PUBLISHER

CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR

OWNER, PUBLISHER

Friends & Fashion Runway Show and Luncheon April 13 Embassy Suites of Cool Springs

Andrea Davis

K York

Adam Sanner

Rachel Weishaupt

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Join us and check out the latest trends in spring fashion. $125 per person $1,500 for a table of 12

APRIL 15–17

A Vintage Affair Helen Simpkins

Emily Fordice

Brooke McKee

Erica Lampley

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

A Vintage Affair’s 15th Anniversary April 15-17

Come join us as we celebrate 15 years of giving to support the well-being of women and children of need in Williamson County.

Ron Cheatham

BUSINESS MANAGER

Vicki Stout

PHOTOGRAPHER

April 15-17th

Annie Osteen

Sarah Bailey

WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHY

Benefitting 15 APRIL 25–26 charities in honor of our 15th Anniversary!

YOUR Williamson is a publication of: Robertson Media Group, LLC 436 Main Street, Suite 205 Franklin, TN 37064 Office: 615.979.1548 www.yourwilliamson.com Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@yourwilliamson.com SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Steve Absher, Account Exec.

Kingery Printing Company YOUR Printing Partner

8 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

615-828-8661 stevea@kingeryprinting.com quotes@kingeryprinting.com

Main Street Festival EVENT SPONSOR

April 25-26

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

APRIL 2015

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Dear Readers,

CUSTOM PUBLISHING

INTEGRATED MEDIA & MARKETING

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

CONSULTING

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Home is where the heart is right? And this month YOUR Williamson and Robertson Media Group excitedly move in to our new home, just down the hall! From Suite 202 to Suite 205 but in a true metaphoric moment, this move symbolizes a lot about our company as we also celebrate four years in business in April. Our small space above Starbucks, which we didn’t even get until last March, is in a word…small. But it was all we needed, or even hardly needed, when we decided we would open an actual office after three years working out of our home and remotely for all our staff members. That system was working and hey, no overhead or office maintenance. But immediately upon acquiring space, a whole new vibe became evident with our team and our business. Suddenly, we WERE a team. We were a living breathing thing working on Main Street - also a living breathing thing, so to speak - and it was awesome! No regrets. Although we do fight about who takes out the trash and buys the bottled water…But now less than a year later we find ourselves moving down the hall into four times the space. Because as it happens, we find our team and our business to be at least four times as big! Exciting to say the least. Every time we add a new staff member, every time we add a new advertising partner, every time we add a new column or contributor to our mix, I feel a sense of pride. A sense of accomplishment that in four seemingly whirlwind years, I opened a business I never dreamed of doing, to produce a magazine I worked very hard to have the opportunity to publish and to be a part of a team of such talented and committed people, that I feel in awe of the blessing.

My heart is definitely in my home; My work home and that includes where I work, and what my work is about — Williamson County. And there is no greater time of year here than spring!

We finally (stupid ground hog) get to see spring in all its glory. Flowers, trees, green grass, warm sun (pollen and allergies and sneezing) and it’s wonderful! Spring brings color and so many fun activities, all mostly outside, which are synonymous with this time of year. Whether “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire you are making your way to A Vintage Affair to taste a variety of incredible wines and again, I won’t look any further than my support 15 years and 15 organizations this fabulous group benefits or you are dancing own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, your way down to Main Street for the annual I never really lost it to begin with.”

Main Street Festival; donning your new spring attire to lunch with the ladies at the –L. Frank Baum, from Dorothy in The Friends and Fashion Luncheon and Fashion Show, or maybe you just find yourself on Wonderful Wizard of Oz the playground sliding on the big girl slide as Keeling and I did yesterday! April brings much entertainment to choose from.

Of course we are all getting our homes spruced up for spring. Cleaning and repairing, maybe even moving to a new home, enjoying working in the yard, planting flowers and bushes and seeing plenty of mother nature at work. Days are longer and so too are our lists of honey-do’s.

But hey, it is truly that time to stop and smell the roses and to catch some spring fever. Enjoy April WC, because no foolin’, here in our home, it’s one of the greatest months of the year!

436 Main Street Suite 202 Franklin, TN 37064 615.979.1548 info@robertsonmediagroup.com 10 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Shelly Robertson Birdsong - Owner, Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

YOUR CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey Gray

Jeffrey Gray is as southern as sweet tea and fried chicken at a Sunday picnic.

This Southern bon vivant, decorator, event planner, painter, food slinger and drink pourer gives advice to the men of Williamson County on all things “Southern gentleman.”

Connie Haley

Connie Haley Life Coach is a certified life coach that specializes in helping people love the life they have and from there, create the life they always envisioned. Every issue she will show readers ways to find peace and calm in their lives and in themselves.

Miss Daisy King

Tennessee’s “First Lady of Southern Cooking,” Daisy King was the founder and chef of the renowned Miss Daisy’s Tearoom and is now the proprietor and executive chef of Miss Daisy’s Kitchen at Grassland Foodland Market in Franklin, Tennessee. Daisy will be the new YOUR Hospitality and Cooking Contributor both in our monthly print edition and online at www.yourwilliamson.com.

Katie Rushton

Fashion stylist and owner of Effortless Style, a personal shopping and wardrobe consulting company in Brentwood. She provides a variety of services including Closet Audits, Styling Sessions and Personal Shopping.

12 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Julie Jorgensen

A self proclaimed Beauty Junkie, Julie is our go-to gal for all things beauty - She scouts out the best deals and the best beauty tricks around.

She treats readers to some hilarious insight into the world of what it takes to be fabulous!

Katie Jacobs

Katie Jacobs is a graphic designer, photographer and stylist. She is the art director and creator of stylingmyeveryday. com, a food and lifestyle blog with a focus on styling, entertaining and DIY..

Ginger Jones

Ginger Jones is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Jones Therapy Services, which provides speechlanguage, occupational, and physical therapy in 7 locations across Middle and East Tennessee.

Lauryn Gilliam

Lauryn Gilliam is a seeker of fun, student of life and lover of exploring mindful ways to enlist the 5 senses in all her experiences.

Join her in every issue as she takes us on a sensory tour of all things arts, culture and dining.

Margie Thessin

Franklin on Foot owner and Williamson County historian. Author of Ghosts of Franklin, Tennessee’s Most Haunted Town and Lizzie’s War. Margie is seen throughout Franklin giving historical walking, biking and southern food tours.

Krista Ehret

As an event designer and co-owner of Southern Soiree, a full service event and wedding planning company, Krista collaborates with discerning brides to bring their vision to fruition. With a degree in interior design and a passion for all things domestic, she also enjoys bringing beauty into everyday life.

Joel & Carol Tomlin

Your monthly book review of great reads, local, regional and beyond is provided by this unique bookstore in historic downtown Franklin. Owners Joel and Carol Tomlin will share insight and knowledge of literature both current and old and encourage our readers to read, read, read.

Joe Harkins

Co-founder of Wheelhouse Marketing Advisors after spending the previous six years as Vice President, Group Director at J&A. Joe has more than 25 years of experience in both consumer and business-to-business marketing.

Wheelhouse will provide business and marketing insight monthly through their own expertise and that of their clientele via the It’s YOUR Business column.

Eric Ross

Eric Ross Interiors specializes in full service residential interior design and interior decoration for homes and provides truly unique, luxury design solutions for any room in your home. From design concept to installation and presentation, Eric Ross Interiors manages every aspect of your project and leaves no detail unattended.

LEGACY BALL Sponsored Event

Story & Photography by K York The Davis House Child Advocacy Center hosted the 2015 Legacy Ball, “A Night at the Oscars,” at Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. Guests enjoyed a wine reception, dinner and dancing. There was a silent and a “not-so-silent” auction. The event honored many special supporters including Ginger Smith, Jason & Marlene Boshears, Amy Baynes, Kate Yeager, Phil Jarosz and Tameka Sanders for efforts in doing the most to protect children in our community. The Davis House serves Williamson, Hickman, Lewis and Perry Counties.

Richard Cash, Denise Andre, Ginger & Derek Smith

Chelsea Jones, Kimi DeMent & Anita Mitchum

Jennifer & Peter Guerrero

14 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Clark & Gayle Liddell

Paula & Ray Uhlir

Deah Thornhill & Trevor Crowell

Linda Young, Paul Wills & Carla Aaron

April Wideman & Carrie Drury

Tina Bartlett & Elizabeth Roddy

Rita Reynolds, Brenda Davis & Ashley Fitz

Martin & Allison Spears, Travis & Rebecca Walters

LEGACY BALL Sponsored Event

Doug & Dottie Northam

Monty Lankford, Glen Casada, Phyllis Streiff & Joe Diaz

Melissa & Chris Grant

Ken & Anne Marie Buettner

Donna Choate & Jean Barwick

Mike & Rosanne Schenck

Pat & Dianne Petty

Ashley Perkins & Amy Pogue

Marcie Angle & Jane Sharp

Chuck & Marsha Blackburn, Clark Liddell

Kelly Stephens, Tamera Swinson, Jessica Barfield & Kim Helper

Marcus Stamps, Margaret McElhaney & John Wood

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 15

COME FLY WITH ME

TAKE ME TO THE RACES

Take Me to the Races!

It’s equine season in the south and residing in middle Tennessee we have three major opportunities to enjoy a little horse racing fun. So mix that julep, don your hat and bowtie and place your bets!

BY SHELLY ROBERTSON

STEEPLECHASE Saturday, May 9, 2015 Percy Warner Park Nashville, Tennessee www.IroquoisSteeplechase.org So you can’t make it to the Bluegrass state for the ultimate racing events — here in Tennessee we have our own time-honored homage to the horse. That would be Steeplechase of course! This rite of spring for middle Tennessee and most of Williamson County — takes place the second Saturday in May at the grounds located at Percy Warner Park.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Saturday, May 2, 2015 Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky www.KentuckyDerby.com There is no race more synonymous with the sport than the Derby. The very mention conjures up visions of great horses, roses, mint juleps and, of course, the amazing show stopping hats. Whether on Millionaires Row or in the Infield, the experience of the Kentucky Derby is on many a horse racing fans’ bucket list. And probably a few fashionistas ‘to do before I die’ lists as well!

As close as we are to the prestigious Churchill Downs, getting to the Derby as a guest and as a racing participant can be the culmination of a lifetime of effort. The 141st running of the $2 million guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented

by Yum! Brands (Grade I) will be run this year on a tiered point system in select races that will determine who qualifies to America’s greatest race. Each year 20 horses have the once in a lifetime chance to run in the Kentucky Derby.

16 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

In its 74th year, the Iroquois Steeplechase is still move alive than ever. Steeplechase averages about 25,000 spectators a year, making it one of the largest events in Music City. Since 1981, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has been the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase and has received almost $10 million from event proceeds. With options from casual infield to the high digs of the Iroquois Club tent — there is something for everyone at this truly beloved all day tailgate event. Seersucker would be a must and yes darling — a fabulous hat will be called for.

And expect rain. It always does and Wellies and flip flops are not only common and acceptable with your otherwise more formal frocks, but could even be called your initiation! Don’t miss the fun this year — tickets and tailgating spots still available!

KEENELAND: Lexington, Kentucky April and October 2015 www.Keeneland.com The Keeneland Track is unique in that seeing the ponies race onsite only happens two months out of the year and April is one of them! True to its original mission to be a model racetrack, Keeneland today is an industry leader in developing and promoting innovations to advance Thoroughbred racing, improving safety and preserving the sport’s history and integrity.

The world’s best Thoroughbred owners, trainers and jockeys converge each April and October at Keeneland to compete in an idyllic setting like no other in the world. The Spring Meet is anchored by the Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland Stakes, Grade 1 prep races for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, respectively. Keeneland’s Fall Meet opens with Fall Stars Weekend, featuring nine graded stakes, which serve as a springboard to success for many horses in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Opportunities to enter the paddock area and see the horses and jockeys up close and walk right up to the fence surrounding the track are just two of the unique aspects to a day at Keeneland. It’s an austere and somewhat formal attire kind of place where reverence and honor can be felt all around not only for the sport itself but what a day at the races should truly be about.

A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland features beautifully landscaped grounds that are open to the public every day. Fans and horsemen alike are welcome to enjoy its spectacular racing, attend one of its horse sales or simply visit the grounds.

Keeneland opens on April 3rd and continues through April 24th.

BALLET BALL EN POINTE EVENING OF ELEGANCE Story & Photography by Vicki Stout The Schermerhorn Symphony Center provided the stunning backdrop for an evening of elegance as a sold out crowd celebrated the 26th annual Ballet Ball to benefit the Nashville Ballet. Co-chairing the evening of majestic magic were Kerri Cavanaugh and Melissa Mahanes. Guests arrived to luscious masses of white orchids and enjoyed cocktails surrounded by ballet company members as live statues. They were show stoppers! Kristen Winston Catering served up a multi-course dinner followed by a fab vignette of ballet dancers lithely gracing the stage. And with a nod to Music City, John Oates, half of the famed Hall and Oates due, and Clare Bowen of ABC-TV’s famed “Nashville” cast, shared their voices and bountiful talent.

Lisa Slipkovich & Betsy Wills

Jennifer & Jamey Parker

Vickie Mertz, Patrick & Ellen McIntyre

Marsha Blackburn & Ashley Henry

18 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Vicki Horne, Clare Bowen & Brandon Young

Linda & Ken Moore

Barbara Turner, Tony Cates & Melody Telfer

Aimee & John Oates, Kerri Cavanaugh

Mary Spalding, David & Catherine Smith

Greg & Lauren Schick

Nick & Libby Sieveking, Jeff & Eleanor Nahley

Charlie Niewold, David Manning & Rick Turner

YOUR BEST SELF

CONNIE HALEY

IGNORE THE MANUAL! “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations.” – Michael J. Fox

Inspiring Eyewear for Expressive Individuals

Who can relate to this scenario? You rush home to assemble the latest gizmo you bought only to find that it doesn’t work. Someone in the family gently suggests that you read the owner’s manual. Voila! Problem solved.

Owner’s manuals are useful for electronics and children’s toys, but not in personal relationships. Master Certified Coach Instructor, Brooke Castillo, uses the term “manual” to describe the expectations we have for other people’s behaviors, so we can feel good. Our opinion about how others should act varies for each of us. They are formed from our unique personalities, experiences and views of the world. We may, or may not be conscious of what our manuals contain. We use different versions depending on the relationship; our expectations for our spouses will be different than those for our employers. The point is that we all have them and we all use them.

Spring into Summer Suns

Wishing people would behave differently creates problems for the other person, the relationship and us. We mistakenly believe that if people would just act the way we expect, we would be happier.

There are numerous setbacks with this line of reasoning. Our expectations are seldom communicated. How can someone follow a manual they don’t even know exists? We can never control the behavior of others. Attaching our emotions to another person’s actions is a choice and one that always leaves our joy in their control. We are responsible for our own happiness. Always.

407 Church Street•Franklin•615-599-1800 James Tilley, O.D. www.charactereyespc.com

Having a relationship with constant expectations attached to it creates tension, frustration and eventually resentment. It feels like a prison. Tension filled relationships are not the foundation for a joyful life. To improve any relationship, locate and then ditch the manuals. If you want to explore your manuals, make a list of your major relationships and write down your expectations spouses shouldn’t watch so much TV; friends should remember my birthday and employers should appreciate my hard work.

This will be an eye opening exercise.

We can make requests of people, but don’t attach happiness to the outcome. There is nothing wrong with making requests of people. The problems develop when we connect our emotional state with their behavior. Go ahead and ask for what you desire, change your expectations to preferences and allow people to behave as they please. Note: this does not mean we put up with bad behavior. Establish boundaries for these scenarios.

This idea involves a huge mental shift for most of us. The concept is easily understood, but the reality of applying it takes awareness and constant practice. Do it anyway. The only thing we have to lose is hurt feelings and strained relationships.

Be you. No apologies.

The Gold Boutique on Church

TAG BY

SWAG

LUXURY CONSIGNMENT SALE

APRIL 24-25th

The sale will be hosted in the gated community of Rosemont located off Arno Road in Franklin.

SAVE SELL SHOP VIP PRESALE Thursday, April 23rd 6-9PM your designer items and turn your closet into cash!

on Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Channel David Yurman, and more!

admission $50

*free for consignors/volunteers

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

Friday, April 24th 10AM-6PM Saturday, April 25th 8AM-Noon

CLOTHING, HANDBAGS, JEWELRY, SHOES, & MORE!

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That’s okay - We will also accept other stylish high-end brands that are in good condition.

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YOUR BEAUTY & STYLE

CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY JUNKIE

THE NATURAL ROUTE

By Julie Jorgensen

Spring has officially sprung, y’all! It’s so refreshing after the long winter we have had, to see the flowers blooming, the birds singing and our local farmers’ markets starting to bring in the season’s bounty. This is also the prime time for you smart people to get cracking on that backyard garden! Maybe a little insider knowledge as to how those veggies, fruits and herbs can give you glowing skin will have you reaching for those gardening gloves.

Fresh herbs are among some of the easiest plants to grow- so much so that even I can do it. Each spring, I plant a little herb garden in individual pots. I make sure to use an organic bug-repellent and potting soil. I usually have an assortment of herbs for cooking, but this year I’m also planting lavender and calendula. Why, you ask? Lavender and calendula are true “wonder herbs” when it comes to incorporating them into your skincare routine! Both are soothing and calming, and calendula especially is wonderful at fighting inflammation. Eczema, dry skin, diaper rash, you name it; Almost any skin condition related to irritation or inflammation can potentially benefit from these powerhouses. So, how do you go about putting them to work? Your first option is make a lovely steam bath. Snip some of the blossoms from each plant and bring them inside. Fresh rose petals make a nice addition as well. Place a large pot of distilled water on to boil and go wash your face. Throw in the fresh herbs and or flowers once the pot is boiling, then turn off the burner and hover over the pot for a nice steam. Bonus points if you use a hand towel as a hood to keep the steam around your face. Give it a few minutes, breathe deeply and voila’: your pores are opened, primed and ready for your favorite mask or scrub. Adding in fresh mint will help open up sinuses and ease those pesky seasonal allergies. If you really want to go all-out with the “my garden, my vanity cabinet” notion, mix together mashed strawberries with honey for a moisturizing anti-oxidant mask post-steam. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try your hand at making your own essential oils with the herbs from your garden. I’m obsessed with essential oils and use them on my skin regularly. So gather up your herbs and snag an organic carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or fractionated coconut oil.

Combine a ratio of a half-ounce of herbs to a cup of carrier oil and

20 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

cook together on low for four to eight hours. The trusty Crock-Pot is perfect for this. An alternative is to soak one part blooms or herbs in two parts olive or almond oil in a glass container and store it in a warm, dark place for two weeks, shaking the jar occasionally. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a glass jar with a rubber ring since metal can contaminate and damage the oil. Date the jar, and use within six months. I love to rub lavender essential oil onto the back of my neck and temples when I’m feeling stressed and at bedtime, and lemon essential oil is the perfect pick-me-up. An awesome way to incorporate your freshly-made essential oils is to make your own body scrub. Mix a cup of either white or brown sugar with a quarter-cup of olive oil and several drops of essential oil, and even a yummy-smelling food extract if you’re feeling fancy. Who could resist a fabulous lavender-vanilla or orange-almond scrub? Make a bigger batch and put into pretty containers for the perfect springtime gift. Just use an 80/20 sugar-to-oil ratio! I’ve even heard that adding a drop or two of lavender essential oil to your tube of mascara encourages lash growth. I’m trying it, and will be sure to give a full report for my fellow beauty junkies.

Armed with the knowledge that gorgeous, glowing skin can be as close as your back yard, head on over to Home Depot and pick up some herbs and a few cute little pots. Because, it’s not just about working on your green thumb when it comes to being a “natural” beauty! Happy spring, pretties!

Love, The Beauty Junkie

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EFFORTLESS STYLE

WITH KATIE RUSHTON

M U S T H AV E S FOR SPRING BOLD FLORALS Florals are one of those trends that tends to make its way into spring fashions in some form or another every year.

This season is no exception. However, this spring, the florals are noticeably bigger and bolder. Floral prints are widely used in dresses and I’ve already seen floral dresses galore in local stores. From sheaths to shifts and fit and flares, the only thing I will say about the floral dresses this season is to be careful with this print, especially if you are petite. Big floral prints can swallow you whole.

For a simpler, more understated look, try a great floral skirt or even a floral printed heel or sandal.

THE JUMPSUIT I wrote a little about the jumpsuit in last month's column. It’s a great transition piece as we move into the spring season, but it’s also one of the hottest pieces for spring. The jumpsuit is an easy piece to just throw on and go. It can be worn casually with a great flat or flat sandal, but it can also be dressed up with the right accessories and a strappy heel. Fit is key when it comes to the jumpsuit. If you are one that wears different sizes on top and bottom, it’s best to buy the bigger size and have the jumpsuit altered to fit.

THE KIMONO The kimono is one of my personal favorites of the spring trends this year.

This typically bohemian piece can be worn different ways. If the bohemian look isn’t your style, don’t cross the kimono off your list just yet. Is your style more classic? If so, keep it simple by layering your kimono over a simple tank and pair with a slim pant. If you like the flowy, bohemian look, try wearing a kimono layered over a dress.

STATEMENT EARRING The return of the statement earring is upon us. This chic accessory is perfect for elevating your style in warmer weather months.

WHITE LACE There’s no better way to start off the spring season than with some white lace. The look is so refreshing and is one that can be worn throughout the summer months to come. Try white lace in a dress or romper if you like the all over look. Prefer only a touch of lace? You will also see this trend in tops, shorts and even shoes via laser cut eyelets and cotton espadrilles.

22 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Make sure to stop by our blog www.effortlesstyle.com for more on spring trends!

YAC PROM FASHION SHOW Story & Photography by K York The United Way of Williamson County Youth Advisory Council (YAC) hosted its Prom Fashion Show at Belk in the CoolSprings Galleria. Beautiful fashions of pastels and bright spring colors showcased the hottest trends for this prom season. The Youth Council raises funds to support local United Way agencies. Last year these exceptional high school students contributed over $6,000 to help those in our community in need.

Carla Arnette, Jodi Rall & Katie Rushton

Victoria Sisson, Faith James, Ele Gilliland & Summer Brown

Youth Advisory Council

Wendy Durik & Kristi Sylvester

Kaitlin Bates & Laura Atalla

Madeline Gerlach & Sam Biancheri

FASHIONABLE YOU

25 YEARS OF FRIENDS & FASHION

2015 SP RI N G F A S HI O N 25 y e ar s at a glanc e for F r ie n ds & Fa s hion:

1990

2010

Friends & Fashion began as a fundraising event for the Williamson County chapter of Friends of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Representative Marsha Blackburn was instrumental in beginning the event, along with other Friends members such as Candace Revelette and Angela Chapman.

An Evening With Friends began as the fashion show’s pre-party and has grown to become a stand-alone event attracting more than 400 guests.

24 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

2004

2012

Friends of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital became Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt when the new hospital was built.

Sundae With Friends became a Friends & Fashion event to allow little girls to experience fashion show fun.

FASHIONABLE YOU

25 YEARS OF FRIENDS & FASHION Funds from Friends & Fashion has helped support a variety of needs at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital including pediatric oncology, prematurity research and this year is helping with Friends involvement in the Growing to New Heights campaign. Friends membership now includes a roster of more than 3,000 households from both the middle Tennessee region and across the country.

Friends & Fashion hosts approximately 700 guests each year. This year’s show will include 25 children, all of whom have been patients at Children’s Hospital. The show will also include 175 pairs of shoes worn by Belk’s professional models. The event has taken place all over town, including in Maryland Farms, Richland Country Club, The Factory and now for the past 5 years at Embassy Suites. Friends membership now includes a roster of more than 3,000 households from both the middle Tennessee region and across the country. To learn more about Friends & Fashion, go towww.ChildrensHospital.

Vanderbilt.org/Friends.

Photography by Sarah Bailey Styled by Katie Rushton & Belk of CoolSprings

2006

Belk became the presenting sponsor and has been since.

2015

Celebrating 25 years with many more to come in the future!

MARSHA BLACKBURN Tahari ASL Honeycomb Jacket in Aqua Blue

WILLIAM REID

FINLAND PAAVOLA Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Poplin Blake Shirt in Royal Blue Gingham Ralph Lauren Short Sleeve Big Pony Polo Shirt Ralph Lauren Tissue Chino Pant in Oasis Yellow

26 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Poplin Blake Shirt in Green Plaid Ralph Lauren Tissue Chino Pant in Sporting Blue ISABEL JOHNSON Ralph Lauren Sleeveless Floral Dress

FINLAND PAAVOLA, AGE 9 Finland stayed at the hospital a couple of times after a severe biking accident caused him significant head trauma. He likes playing basketball and football.

Finland’s role model is Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. He is in 2nd grade at Grassland Elementary.

ISABEL JOHNSON, AGE 9 Isabel was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4 but has been cancer free for over 2 years! She enjoys eating sushi and playing basketball. Her favorite book is Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing.

WILLIAM REID, AGE 5 William has cerebral palsy. He likes camping, riding his bike and eating chicken tenders. His dad is his role model. William wants to be a monster truck driver when he grows up.

WILLIAM REID

RYAN BARBARITE, AGE 12 Ryan was treated for alopecia at Children’s Hospital.

At age 12, he enjoys anything creative and extreme tumbling. Ryan is a fan of Dr. Who and likes pizza and mac-and-cheese.

KYLE BARBARITE, AGE 10 Kyle is a craniofacial patient who had cleft lip and palette procedures. He wants to play professional hockey someday. Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher is one of his role models, as is his dad.

RYAN BARBARITE Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Poplin Blake Shirt in Orange Plaid Ralph Lauren Tissue Chino Pant in Cruise Green KYLE BARBARITE Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Jersey Rugby Shirt Ralph Lauren Poplin Boating Shorts in Red

JOHN RALL, AGE 16 John sees specialists at Children’s Hospital and has been an ER patient. He plays both football and basketball for Ravenwood High School. When he grows up, he hopes to be a professional football player or a logistics manager.

JAMIE SMITH, AGE 13 Jamie has been a cardiac surgical patient and an orthopedic surgical patient. As a 7th grade student at Grassland Middle School, her favorite hobby is going to the mall and she wants to be a model someday.

Walt Disney is her role model.

REGAN CORK, AGE 7 Regan had surgery at Children’s Hospital. She loves Taylor Swift, playing with her friends and swimming.

Regan’s role model is her mom and see wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

GIGI PASLEY, AGE 17 JOHN RALL Polo Ralph Lauren Multi-Striped Oxford Shirt PoloRalph Lauren Classic-Fit Oxford Short in Harbor Green JAMIE SMITH

Gigi is a 4-time cancer survivor. She loves writing poetry and playing board games and X-box. As a student at Centennial High School, her favorite musicians are Florence and the Machine and Lana del Ray. Gigi wants to be a child life specialist someday.

Jolt Embroidered Peasant Blouse Celebrity Pink Colored Skinny Jegging in Lucite Green REGAN CORK Lilly Pulitzer Classic Shift Dress GIGI PASLEY Red Camel Denim Jacket Ralph Lauren Essential Crew Neck Tee in Resort Orange DKNY White Skinny Hipster Jeans RYAN BARBARITE See previous page

28 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Angela Bostelman and Vera Lee are the co-chairs for the 2015 Friends and Fashion event on April 13.

ANGELA BOSTELMAN Lilly Pulitzer Janice Knit Shift Dress in Hotty Pink

VERA LEE Lilly Pulitzer Charlene Printed Knit Shift Dress

30 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

PEGGY FRANKS Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top in Poolside Blue Lilly Pulitzer Worth Skinny Jean in Resort White Lilly Pulitzer Alley Gator Cuff Bracelet MARSHA BLACKBURN Tahari ASL Honeycomb Jacket in Aqua Blue

CANDACE REVELETTE Lilly Pulitzer Charlena Deep V-Neck Knit Shift Dress Lilly Pulitzer Everglades Statement Necklace

MIND YOUR MANNERS

MS. SOCIAL GRACE

Dear Ms. Social Grace:

Dear Truly Grateful:

I have twins, a son and a daughter, and a younger son. They are blessed to have many wonderful people in their lives — grandparents, aunts, uncles and Godparents. They are each on the receiving end of many and varied wonderful gifts during the Christmas season and on birthday celebrations.

I’ve been told numerous times by friends that children don’t need to write thank you notes anymore, in other words, written notes are a thing of the past.

I am glad you are writing. The short answer is, absolutely not!

Written notes are not a thing of the past. Gratitude and its expression is never out of style.

Is this true? If so, how do we address the receiving of the gifts?

If not, will you give us some pointers on how to get started?

Signed, Truly Grateful in Grassland

1. Help your children choose stationery that is age appropriate and is a reflection of their personality. Have some fun with it.

2. Keep the verbiage simple. If they are really young and need help.

Write a thank you note and let them fill in the blanks.

Dear ________:

Thank you for the _______.

I had a great ______ (Christmas, birthday, etc.).

I am enjoying playing with the _______.

Sincerely, _______________ 3. Remember this is an expression of thanks. The note doesn’t have to be an epistle or “perfect.” Your children's grateful hearts will shine through as they develop the habit of writing thank you notes.

Thank you for writing!

Ms. Social Grace

Ms. Social Grace can be reached by email at AskMsSocialGrace@yourwilliamson.com. Ms. Social Grace uses several resources, including the etiquette defining tones of Miss Manners and Emily Post, as a reference for all responses regarding appropriate behavior in Williamson County and beyond. Email your etiquette quandary. Responses will appear in print and soon on the new website at www.yourwilliamson.com.

YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS

WITH WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

BREAST HEALTH CENTER TO REOPEN AT WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER IN NEW LOCATION

One recurring theme I hear from the women we treat at Williamson’s Breast Health Center is that they want to be sure they can have the same procedures performed at the same level of expertise here that they could at some of the bigger facilities in Nashville. I am happy to tell them that yes, everything we do here is the same thing that’s being done at other medical centers nationwide – only with a more personal touch. We are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), which is a subsidiary of the American College of Surgeons, and our Breast Imaging Center was designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Those are huge accolades.

Because we are always looking to expand our offerings and improve the experience our patients have while they are here, we are excited to announce we are growing Williamson’s Breast Health Center and moving into a beautiful new space at 4601 Carothers Parkway, just down the street from the medical center building and will open in that new space in June of this year. This move will combine all of our breast health services from consultations to biopsies to imaging into one convenient location. We are also adding some new technology, such as digital tomosynthesis, which creates a 3-D image of the breast using X-Rays and can produce clearer, more accurate images when used in conjunction with mammography. This type of technology can help us detect cancers of the breast earlier in some cases.

FAMILY ATMOSPHERE It would be easy for someone to look at our smaller size and assume that is a disadvantage for us, but in reality it’s the exact opposite. We have the technology and the skilled staff just like the bigger facilities, but we are able to offer very personalized service. We know you and your family when you come here. We get very involved not only in your medical treatment, but between myself, the breast health navigator and our nurses, we will be certain that you understand everything that is happening with your treatment.

We will have our breast health navigator on site and she will be available anytime you need her. She’s like having your own personal patient advocate. You never have to wonder who to call to ask a question.

Patients know exactly who they can call and that’s a great asset when you are dealing with something like breast cancer.

POSITIVE OUTCOMES Breast cancer, when caught and treated early is a very treatable disease and we want women to know that. It doesn’t have to be a death

34 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

sentence. The fact is now we have a lot more options with surgery and medical treatment. There is more testing now that can tell us what the risk is for your relatives and more of it is covered by insurance than in years past. Depending on the stage of cancer, in many cases we are able to put a woman’s mind at ease and educate them that breast cancer can be treatable and manageable.

Bernie Burgess, M.D., is a board-certified surgeon with Williamson Medical Group.

He is also a breast health specialist with Williamson Medical Center’s Breast Health Center. His office can be reached by calling 615-794-8900 prior to June 1. After June 1, the new number for the Breast Health Center will be 615-595-4570.

WMC’S BREAST HEALTH CENTER GARNERS WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD Williamson Medical Center has earned the 2015 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Breast Centers, acknowledging its dedication to providing exceptional patient care and treatment.

Williamson Medical Center earned the award by having met the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) standards from the American College of Surgeons.

WMC also carries the Seal of the American College of Radiologists as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and scored above average on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services patient satisfaction measures. The Women’s Choice Award helps women and their families by providing recommendations they can trust and use when making healthcare choices.

“We have found that recommendations are the single most important consideration used by women in selecting a hospital or care center,” says Delia Passi, CEO & founder of WomenCertified, home of the Women’s Choice Award. “By letting women know which breast centers in their area are among America’s best, we are able to reduce risk by helping them make better decisions and smarter healthcare choices.”

For more information on the Breast Health Center at Williamson Medical Center, please go to www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org/accreditedbreast-health-center.

FRIENDS FOR HEALING 5K AND 10K Story & Photography by K York The Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee held the inaugural Friends for Healing 5k and 10k in downtown Franklin in March. The faith-based organization provides professional licensed counseling to anyone in the community. Counselors have years of experience, education and training in religious and mental health services. The race proceeds will be used to assist those who cannot afford the services. It was a beautiful morning for a run to help others.

Vanessa Londino, Tracy Wells Miller, Chris O’Rear, Janet Parker & Jessie O’Rear

Bondsy Dillard, Ruth Ford & Claire Gaddis

Sarah Allen & Bridget Ziegler

Jason Hardee & Brian Lord

Brad & Emily Williams

Darcy Rowe, Erin & Isaac Stracener, Jan Sloan

Caroline Butler & Betsy Sloan

Sawyer & Trey Broome

John & Kelli LoPiccolo

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 35

TASTE OF WILLIAMSON Sponsored Event

Story & Photography by Adam Sanner The 13th annual Taste of Williamson presented

by Nissan took place in March at CoolSprings Galleria. Taste of Williamson showcases some of the top chefs from Williamson County’s favorite restaurants, caterers and hotels. Ticket sales for the event raise money for United Way of Williamson County and its partner agencies. Guests for this event enjoyed sampling a wide variety foods and beverages from about 40 different vendors.

Josh Black, Marc Trottier & Cathy Fuller

Amanda Amiss & Megan Kuhlenschmidt

Macie Hatcher & Taylor Hare

Susan & Eddie DeGarmo

Katie & Phil Warren

Terri Barry & Tracy Millette

Jeff & Julie Smith, Peyton Smith & Wyatt Moser Rebecca Herman, Josie Oldham & Kelsey Bramlett

Zach Broderick & Kim Collins

36 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Nikki Boston & Dan Corbin

Chris & Beth Derrick, Scott & Carley Bradford

TASTE OF WILLIAMSON Sponsored Event

Shonika Thompson & Janean Overton

Jane Marie Faulkner & Gina Bolgeo

Kamlah Zughni, Katie Ohh & Whitney Saia

Matt & Alicia Rovey

Tiffany Jones & Amanda McCarty

Shelley & Trent Johnson

Steven Simmons & Raquel Smith

Eric Hudson, Buddy Cutsinger & Anne Mathis

WHISKEY WARMER Story & Photography by K York The first Whiskey Warmer was held in the Westhaven Community recently and benefited the Westhaven Foundation, which provides grants, scholarships and helps raise funds for local charities and organizations. Guests enjoyed custom whiskey mixes of more than 30 spirit brands along with a selection of moonshines, including American Born Moonshine, Ole Smokey Moonshine and a few other unique spirits which delighted the palates of many. Stephen Wilson, Johnnie Walker's Master of Whiskey, was the main presenter at the event. For more information, go to www.westhaventn.com.

Monique Staffile & Lyndsey Crawford

Brian & Nicole Cunningham

Travis McAfee, Oaken Smith, Shane Crandall, Jason Plunkett & Jarod Jackson

Allen & Jessica Ray

Hermica Buckner

Amy Law, Josh Womack & Jennifer Cooke

Jeanne & Tennis Smith

38 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Robyn Biga & Todd Trowbridge

Chris Marin, Jennifer Krahenbill & Marcus Lackey

Luke Duncan, Rita Martinez, Charlie Nelson & Stephen Wilson

IGNITING VOICES Story & Photography Submitted New Hope Academy recently presented Igniting Voices at the Music City Center, a national speaker series focused on offering diverse perspectives on life, learning and changing the culture of poverty. The first speaker of the series was Dr. Ben Carson, a retired pediatric neurosurgeon and author. To learn more about New Hope Academy and Igniting Voices, go to www.IgnitingVoices.com.

Taylor Irwin, Ben Carson & Cathy Irwin

Stuart Tutler, Ben Carson, Mac Baxter & Glenn Wilson

Candy Carson & Cathy Irwin

Stephen Alred, Ben Carson & Caren Covington Jones

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 39

YOUR CHARITABLE SELF

Williamson County is lucky to have so many organizations and individuals that give back. One organization in our community gives back to several non profits each year! A Vintage Affair — AVA — was founded in 2001 as a means

A VINTAGE AFFAIR by which to raise funds for Williamson County non profits serving women and children in need. AVA was the brainchild of local insurance executive Ralph Drury, who in 2001 recruited other businessmen and women to form the organization. Since then, it has had a number of people who have been involved, from local companies and individuals to friends and winemakers in California. Today, through a series of community events and other fund raising efforts, AVA’s 501(c)3 organization is close to reaching a long-standing goal of distributing $1.5 million in direct support to the community.

This year marks the 15th anniversary for A Vintage Affair. This is a major milestone

and it really underscores the many ways the organization has directly benefited the local non profits doing critical work in the community. Williamson County has grown exponentially over the last 15 years and so has the need. AVA has identified 15 worthy beneficiaries to support this year with their “15 in 15 Campaign” in honor of the anniversary.

Several factors go into the beneficiaries for A Vintage Affair. Non profits must apply to become an AVA beneficiary in August for the following year, then the Board of Directors appoints a Beneficiary Committee to review all applications and create a short list for the Board to vote on. It is not an easy task.

AVA BENEFICIARIES FOR 2015 INCLUDE: • Benton Hall Academy - Funds will be used for an outdoor classroom to teach students and parents about growing food and personal nutrition.

• Bridges Domestic Violence Center - In need of an SUV to be used as transportation for their clients and supply donations.

• Franklin Firefighters' Annual Toy & Clothing Drive - Assist with needs for the toy drive such as purchasing additional clothing, toys, wrapping paper, etc.

• High Hopes Inclusive Preschool & Pediatric Therapy Clinic - Funds will be used to provide therapy visits and pre-school scholarships.

• Mercy Community Healthcare - Is continually in need of assistance in helping cover exam costs for the clinic’s uninsured patients.

• My Friend's House - Help with the maintenance of the facility and to support the overall well-being of the youth who call it home.

• New Hope Academy - To cover one child’s tuition for one year.

• O'More College of Design - Funds are used towards two scholarships in support of talented graphic and fashion design students.

• Saddle Up! - To fund scholarships for riders in need at the equestrian therapy facility.

• The Davis House Child Advocacy Center - In support of the Counseling and CPTI/Forensic Interview programs.

• The Refuge Center for Counseling - Funds will benefit the children's program by providing play therapy supplies and children’s sessions scholarships.

• Waves, Inc. - To assist with the renovation of bathrooms at the facility to make them ADA compliant for residents.

• Williamson County CASA - For ongoing training projects for CASA advocates and staff.

• Williamson Medical Center - Funds to assist with the Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

• Williamson County Library Foundation - To benefit the children’s Summer Reading program.

40 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

A Vintage Affair is successful each year due to the numerous participants involved. AVA is always looking for committee members, event volunteers, vendors, auction donors and sponsors. Contact Ashley Roberts, AVA Executive Director, for more information. Go to www.AVintageAffair.org to learn more about the organization and events.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE AVA EVENTS: April 15

A Vintner Dinner

April 16

A Vintage Affair Goes Country

April 17

Meet the Vintner Preview Party & AVA Main Event

SCIENTIA SOIREÉ Story & Photography Submitted Adventure Science Center’s Scientia Soirée – Eve of Innovation fundraising event was held in late February and brought donors face-to-face with the future, while generating support for the iconic Nashville institution. The evening included dinner, Tesla Motors Model S electric vehicle, 3D printing, gravity-defying performances, a “graffiti” light board, gravity-defying performances and more. For more information, go to www.adventuresci.com.

Chris Lee, Susan Duvenhage & Leah D’Andrea-Lee

Anne Davis, Karl Dean & Susan Duvenhage

April 15-17th

Benefitting 15 charities in honor of our 15th Anniversary!

Attendees using the 3Doodler 3D pen

Vickie Ziegler

Karen & DeVan Ard

EVENT SPONSOR

,

.

YOUR PARTY HOSTESS

WITH SOUTHERN SOIREÉ

SOUTHERN SOIREÉ

DOES THE DERBY

BY KRISTA EHRET Even if you’re not able to attend the actual race this year, the Kentucky Derby is still a great excuse to celebrate! Here are a few tips to put your party in the lead.

INVITATIONS With everything being so technologically inclined these days, you may feel that snail mail paper products are a waste of time and money. I politely disagree. Who doesn’t love receiving something in the mail other than junk or a bill (which I also consider to be junk). There are some great paper companies here in Williamson County that will design, print, and address them for you. You may also consider purchasing a design online and printing them yourself. Whichever your route, get going on these now as your friends’ spring calenders will fill up quickly. Use the invitation to set the tone for your party. This brings me to my next section — theme.

THEME This is a very important step and should actually be decided before you select invitations. My favorite way to collect inspiration is to start a Pinterest board specific for the event. Now, Pinterest is a marvelous tool and I love it. Here is the disclaimer, it can be overwhelming. There are so many “pretty things” it is super easy to veer off task. Are you wanting sophisticated, preppy, casual?

You must decide what you want the overall vibe to be and stick to it. Otherwise, you end up with 500 pins and no idea what direction you’re going in.

DECOR No matter what your theme, you’re going to want to save some of the budget for decorations. This can be as simple as a silver vase with some roses, or a much more elaborate combination of equestrian-related chachkies. One of the best designs I have seen used a black and white striped tablecloth for the dinner table and then created a trailing centerpiece that included a gold urn filled with white hydrangea, white roses, and greenery, a small gold horse hitching post, and white tapered candles. Compliment this with white china, beige napkins, and gold flatware. It’s also a fun extra to create place cards for each guest. Print the name in a pretty font on white paper and place at each setting. Add a gold horseshoe and a sprig of lavender to dress it up even more.

42 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

REFRESHMENTS The type of food you serve will be determined by your party’s theme and the time of day. You can go all out with a catered dinner party, or keep it simple with some hors d’oeuvres. If this is a casual affair, consider ordering BBQ for a quick and convenient crowd-pleaser. Compliment your menu with some event appropriate cocktails. Mint Juleps are the traditional choice. For an extra southern flair, offer a variety of bourbons displayed in glass decanters. Label each one and allow your guests a tasting of the assortment.

YOUR PARTY HOSTESS

DERBY

ENTERTAINMENT In my experience, poor entertainment can be a surefire way to ruin a good party. As a wedding designer, typically the entertainment that I witness is in the form of a band or DJ. While you may want to add this fun element to your soiree, most parties at home do not consist of a dance-off after dinner. There are definitely other ways to entertain your crowd.

If your event is taking place during the actual derby, allow guests to draw the name of a horse out of a hat. Whoever’s horse is the champion, wins a prize. Set up a horseshoe tournament outside.

Have someone be in charge of organizing a bracket so that everyone gets a chance to play. You may also want to have a best dressed award, or a most imaginative hat contest. Prizes could be items like a chocolate bourbon pecan pie, bouquet of roses, or bottle of champagne.

FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS

GRACIOUS SOUTHERN ENTERTAINING WITH MISS DAISY

RUN FOR THE R SES Friends, We have hopped into spring with our Easter bonnets on and will continue wearing many hats during the next several months. These next few weeks we will begin our spring planting in our favorite pots, window boxes and gardens. Hopefully, some of the rose bushes have survived the winter freeze and we will be able to start enjoying their beautiful colors and aromas. When I think of roses, the Kentucky Derby comes to mind.

The Kentucky Derby is the horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky the first Saturday in May. The race is known in the United States as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and is also called “The Run For The Roses.”

In 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. traveled to England to visit their Derby. From England, he went to Paris, France, where in 1863, a group of racing enthusiasts formed the French Jockey Club. Returning home to Kentucky, Clark initiated all the plans for a Derby to be run in Louisville. On May 17, 1875 the first Derby was run and the rest is history. A horse race mandates stylish hats for both men and women, beverages and, of course, the finest of food. Often the guests will have a brunch before the race as well as box lunches in tow for enjoying later.

Years ago, I began having a brunch for my friends before the big race and titled it: “Run For The Roses.” Captured in this article is the entire brunch menu from “Hosting Without Hassle.” I have shared several of the recipes here and will be sharing more via social media. Whether you are at the race or in front of the television, these recipes will guarantee you will be a winner.

Hats Off to the Races!

Miss Daisy’s Kitchen 2176 Hillsboro Road Franklin, TN 37069 | 615.599.5313 www.MissDaisyKing.com | Facebook/MissDaisysKitchen

44 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS

GRACIOUS SOUTHERN ENTERTAINING WITH MISS DAISY

RUN FOR THE ROSES MENU • FRESH SHRIMP WITH DIPPING SAUCE • DERBY PÂTÉ • BACON WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS • BAKED HAM WITH RAISIN SAUCE • EGGPLANT CASSEROLE • MISS DAISY'S FRIED CHICKEN

FRESH SHRIMP WITH DIPPING SAUCE

• RICE-POTATO SALAD • BUTTERMILK BISCUITS • DERBY PIE • MINT JULEPS Yield: 16 to 20 people This brunch menu honors the Bluegrass State, which gives us the best of horse racing in the form of the Kentucky Derby. No doubt these foods will appeal to horse lovers and the uninitiated alike.

So, place your bets and saddle up.

• • • • • •

2 cups chili sauce 1 cup finely chopped celery 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons horseradish 1 tablespoon salt 5-6 lbs cooked shrimp

Assemble all ingredients and utensils. In a bowl, combine all ingredients, except shrimp, and mix well. Serve with shrimp for dripping.

Yield: About 4 cups

MINT JULEPS • • • • • •

4 cups sugar 1 1/3 cups water Kentucky bourbon Fresh mint leaves Confectioners' sugar Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Assemble all ingredients and utensils. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, water and mint leaves. Boil for 5 minutes, or until green. Strain into a glass pitcher and chill for 24 hours For each julep, fill a 10-ounce glass with crushed ice and add 3 ounces bourbon and 1 ounce sugar, and mint syrup. Garnish with mint leaves that have been moistened and dipped in confectioners' sugar.

Yield: 40 servings

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 45

FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS

GRACIOUS SOUTHERN ENTERTAINING WITH MISS DAISY

DERBY PÂTÉ • • • • • • • • •

8 to 10 ounces raw chicken livers 1 cup butter, softened 1/3 cup chicken broth 4 eggs 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon 1 teaspoon salt Fresh parsley for garnish Baby jerkins for garnish Cherry tomatoes for garnish

Assemble all ingredients and utensils. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients (except those used for garnish). Mix on high for 2 minutes or less. Layer a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with aluminum foil that has been buttered. Place the mixture in the pan. Set that pan in a pan of water. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in a 350 degree oven, or until firm. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Garnish with fresh parsley. Surround the platter with baby jerkins and cherry tomato halves.

Yield: 12 to 15 servings

BACON WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS • • • •

2 8-ounce cans water chestnuts, drained and halved Soy sauce Brown sugar 10 slices bacon, each cut into 4 pieces

Assemble all ingredients and utensils. In a bowl, marinate water chestnuts in soy sauce for 30 minutes. Roll in brown sugar and wrap in bacon pieces. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a broiler pan in a 400 degree over so that water chestnuts will not sit in the grease. Serve with toothpicks. These can be prepared ahead and reheated for 5 minutes in a 350 degree oven before serving.

Yield: 16 servings

For additional recipes go to: www.yourwilliamson.com www.missdaisyking.com

46 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Don’t forget the finishing touch to make her night spectacular!

615.591.7990 www.alwaysinbloominc.com

Always in Bloom 227 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37064

STRINGS AND STORIES Story & Photography Submitted Strings & Stories - An Intimate Night of Songwriters’ Tales - was held in late February at Green’s Grocery in Leipers Fork. This entertaining evening benefited High Hopes for Kids. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner

by Red Pony Catering and live music by artists Leslie Satcher, Buddy Jewell and David P. Allen. High Hopes Development Center offers a specialized environment for learning, where all children have an equal opportunity to lifelong success through education and supplemental therapeutic services.

Renee & Ron Taylor

Ellen & Mike Phelan

Tommy & Caren Williams, Amber Carrington & Chloe Anderson

Laurie & Walter Stephens, Emily & Chris Jenkins

Buddy Jewell

Tammy Brewer & Holly Martin

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 47

2015

HOME & GARDEN GUIDE April seems to be the month when we can finally dust away the proverbial cobwebs of winter and embrace spring! It is also the month when – no April fooling – it’s time to get our homes in spick and span shape both inside and out. During the dark and dreary cold months, we tend to neglect and even not see the dirt and mess we accumulate inevitably in our homes. Whether it be our cabinets or closets, the garage or the trunk of our car – the time has come for a little spring cleaning and clean out!

This year’s annual Home & Garden Guide offers plenty of tips on how to do both! We also give you some tips on selling your home – spring is the always a great season for real estate; and if you are planning a big home project like putting in a pool or an entire makeover with the help of an interior designer, we have some experts lined up to give you the advice you need! So get out that windex (or DIY organic homemade cleaner) and wipe off the muck and grime and get ready to spruce up your home, yard and self – Sunshine ready for spring!

48 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

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YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SHUFF’S MUSIC & PIANO SHOWROOM

BRING MUSIC TO YOUR HOME THIS SPRING When you hear the words, “Spring Cleaning,” do you think about cleaning or organizing your home? This spring, instead of going through the same old rituals, why not follow through with a goal you’ve been putting off? Is your family musical or do you want to make music a part of your life? We can help!

5 IDEAS TO BRING MUSIC INTO YOUR HOME THIS SPRING: 1. Create a Music Room Is a room in your house not being fully utilized? Clean it out and make space for your very own music room! Give your piano or other instruments a dedicated space where you can practice in peace and focus. If several people in the family play, now you can enjoy making music together! A dedicated music room will also help you protect your instruments and keep unwanted hands away.

2. Organize Your Musical Space Even if you don’t have space for an entire music room in your home, there’s still a lot you can do with an empty corner, open wall, or free space in your office. Consider investing in music stands, instrument stands, or wall hangers. Having an organized space will help you feel motivated to play, practice and jam with friends on a more consistent basis.

3. Invest in a Piano A piano is more than a decorative piece of furniture. A grand piano cannot only complete a room, but you’ll be amazed at how much attention it will attract. Whether it’s your children, friends, or neighbors, most people will want to try it out. Many children also learn to play just by having access to a piano. A Kawai piano will last for generations and is an excellent investment.

4. Upgrade Your Piano Is your piano sitting in a corner gathering dust because it doesn’t play well or stay in tune? Does it stand out and not match the rest of your décor? It might be time to upgrade to a new piano. We make it easy to upgrade your old piano by accepting trade-ins! Shuff’s carries beautiful Kawai grand pianos, uprights, digitals and keyboards.

We also have the largest used piano selection in middle Tennessee.

Whatever you need to fit your room, we have it.

5. Take Music Lessons or Join a Group Class.

Have you always wanted to play an instrument? It’s never too late to start! Studies show that playing music engages practically every area of the brain at once and allows people to solve problems more effectively and creatively.

At Shuff’s Music, we offer private lessons on most any instrument. Learn to play the piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, etc. We also offer fun weekly group classes for beginners, which is great way to learn to play! Now you can try before you buy. We offer affordable monthly rentals on instruments and pianos!

For more ideas, tips, or musical instruments, stop by Shuff’s Music and Piano Showroom, located in Historic Downtown Franklin. We’d love to help bring music into your home!

118 3rd Ave North Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.6139

EXIT REALTY AWARDS BANQUET Photography by Adam Sanner EXIT Realty Tennessee held its much anticipated annual awards banquet at The Factory at Franklin in February. Katie Cook, CMT personality, was host for the evening and 80’s icon and emerging country music artist, Tiffany, provided entertainment for the night.

Realtors, brokers, owners and special guests dined on a sumptuous buffet catered by Saffire Restaurant. Awards were presented by Regional Owners Stacy Strobl and Kenneth Lynn as the event “Tennessee Stars” was a culmination of a successful year.

Kenny Lynn, Katie Cook & Stacy Strobl

Brandon & Amber Bringier

Susie & Rick Brandon

Gina Walsh & Teresa Moss

David McClard & Shay Tanner

Jack Allen & David Wright

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

HOME STAGING

STAGED TO SELL! TIPS FOR STAGING A HOME TO SELL FAST One way to be involved in the selling of your home is to help stage your home for viewing. Statistics prove that staged homes are more likely to sell than non-decorated homes! Here are 5 pro tips for staging your home before putting it on the market: 1. Clean. This may seem obvious, but it is sadly not uncommon to see pictures of real estate online with messy rooms. The easiest and first thing you can do to help sell your home is clean! Hire a cleaning service or get down to the baseboards on your own, but make sure you put emphasis on this step.

2. Boost your curb appeal. Spend a little time and money on making sure your landscaping looks presentable. Even if it is just making sure your grass doesn’t overgrow, a well-kept lawn can be a huge turn on for a potential buyer.

3. Style your living spaces. Stage your living spaces to look inviting but not distracting.

Place a throw blanket over the sofa, or a nice coffee table book in the living room. This will help potential buyers visualize their family in your room and get their minds turning on the ways they would personalize your home.

4. Make the master bedroom gender neutral.

Even if you are living in a home by yourself, or have a husband that doesn’t mind the pink bedspread — change it. First impressions are everything and the first impression for your potential buyer could be shot with a poorly decorated master bedroom.

5. Don’t forget your outdoor living space.

Outdoor living space can be a deal breaker to some potential buyers. It can also be an incentive to buy for someone on the fence.

Even if you only have a single balcony or small terrace, fresh plants and flowers go a long way.

YOUR REAL ESTATE NEWS

WITH WCAR

FINDING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY SELLING SEASON REAL ESTATE IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT

MSON COUNTY

GLANCE

UARY 2015

As productive Where do we find “life” in the work/ American life balance? Is it at the beach? At the REALTORS® on ballpark? Fishing in a pond with our the cusp of spring kids? Do we even take time to linger WILLIAMSON COUNTY selling season, we are over coffee with our spouse?

AT A GLANCE happy to say we “are busy.” But it’s also tax REALTORS® provide a lot of guidance Chip Kerr EBRUA to their clients. We areFcalled onR Yto2 0 1 5 WCAR 2015 President time, spring break, March Madness, recommend stagers, landscapers, junk and little league is just around the men, plumbers, churches, schools, Median corner. So even as we are rushing off doctors and babysitters. We are price the for singlecondos in to the inspection of one house, the point-of contact for most newcomers to listing of another, and preparing for the community. But don’tWilliamson we owe County it to were up 31% over a closing tomorrow, our families are ourselves and our families to be as kind, February 2014. rushing around to ball practice and helpful and present with them as we are violin lessons just hoping that tonight with everyone else?  Median price of 20 land closings (not W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y A S S O C I A T I O N we can have dinner together.

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0 1 5 makes Statistics show our Both as real estate professionals County housing market is thriving. Current our sellers and buyers -it’sWilliamson important increased 81% in inventoryat levels will generate premium to consider how we can set some time Statistics a Glance February 2015 prices and multiple bids for sellers. We aside for ourselves and our families. ($266,404 )over 2014 are fortunate to be selling homes in a㻲㻱㻮㻾㼁㻭㻾㼅㻌㻞㻜㻝㻡㻌 Whether it’s a Spring Break trip down ($188,000). strong and desirable community.

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1,629

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Inventory is up by 5.6% over last month, an encouraging early sign that the Spring selling season has begun.

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34 9 115 16 Res 34 19 Condo Total

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www.wcartn.org

($188,000). 

A S S R

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For  information Median price for regarding condosthis in report Williamson please contact:County Chip were Kerr up 31% over February 2014. chipkerr@comcast.net Marti Veto  Median price of 20 marti@wcartn.org

C O U N T Y

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

price.

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Median Price Inventory

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price.

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Closings Median Price Inventory Res

238

$379,323

Condo

25

$163,900

Total

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1,477 86 1,563

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

WITH CLEARWATER POOLS

BUILDING A GUNITE POOL W I T H C L E A R WAT E R P O O L S

BY HEATHER CRAWFORD

T

he onset of spring puts us one step closer to SUMMER and swimming pool weather. If you have ever wanted to have your own backyard oasis, call Clearwater Pools in Brentwood to build the pool of your dreams! While there are many types of pools and you can go as simple and elaborate as you can imagine; a Gunite pool is one type that has become more and more popular.

Ever wondered how your gray and dreary backyard can go from a pile of dirt to a sparkling blue pool? Well here is a little insider’s look into installing a Gunite pool.

Once you choose your swimming pool contractor, all permits have been procured and any demo necessary has been completed, you’ll begin the process with the layout and dig. Your swimming pool contractor will spray out or place flags in the shape of your pool on the ground where the pool will go. This is your chance to move the pool or tweak the shape.

Once this is complete, the contractor will dig your pool. Your contractor will over dig your pool. The next step in the process is forming and steeling the pool. Steel rebar is tied into a grid forming the sides and floor of the pool.

Ditches for plumbing and electrical will be dug and pipes and conduit will be run from the pool to the equipment pad where your pump and filter will be placed. Work will continue on these items while we wait on an inspection. Now comes the unique process of “shooting the Gunite” to form the hard concrete shell of your pool. The finished product is smooth and hardens into a concrete shell for your pool. Next is the tile, coping and decking, and continued plumbing and electrical. You’ll choose your tile from a catalog and then your contractor will order samples for you to see in person. There are many different, wonderful tiles to choose from.

Coping is the edging around the perimeter of your pool. You can choose stone coping, brick coping, poured concrete coping, or travertine coping as well as other options. Decking also comes

56 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

in a variety of styles such as poured concrete, stained and/ or scored concrete, travertine, natural or cut stone, or pavers.

The combinations of materials and colors are endless and your contractor can help you choose the right style for your home.

Once coping, tile and decking are complete, your equipment will be set and we’ll be ready for plaster! Plaster comes in a variety of colors and textures. In this photo we’ve done a light green color mix with specks of brown, teal and gray. It’s applied by a team of trained plaster specialists.

This hardens into a smooth texture. The pool will be filled with water upon completion of plastering and will need to be brushed regularly for the first month.

After plaster, it’s time to crank the pumps and filters and get your pool running! At this time, we continue to care for our customers’ pools with weekly cleanings and chemical adjustments. We’ll also finish up any punch list and clean up items. Landscapers can come in now with grass, bushes and trees to soften the edges of your project, as well as provide privacy screening and color.

The process of building a Gunite swimming pool is a little bit messy, but with the right contractor your project will move quickly and uneventfully and at the end, you’ll have a fabulous swimming pool to enjoy that will enhance your outdoor living space and home!

Clearwater Pools 330 Franklin Road, Suite 242 Brentwood, TN 37027 www.clearwaterpoolsnashville.com

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

LESS IS MORE

LESS IS MORE

BY ANNIE OSTEEN

Early spring each year, I get to a point when I look around my house and tell myself that I need to clean, organize and declutter. I feel as if I’ve been cooped up in the same area hibernating during the winter months. The house feels heavy. The closets feel heavy.

That’s when I get the plastic containers out, along with the cleaning supplies and tons of motivation. My kids also seem to magically disappear for about a week in the hopes that they aren’t summoned to help me with my version of the Insanity workout.

As the sweaters and boots make their way into a storage container, I always pull a few items out that could conceivably be appreciated by someone else more than me. My rule of thumb? If I haven’t worn it since college, it should probably be donated to someone else in the hopes that they find as much delight in it as I did. Going from room-to-room analyzing every item in it, I have an internal debate if something should stay or go and I generally find that more stuff makes its way into the back of my car than I had originally anticipated. The extra dresser in the guest room for instance…it never gets used, it’s taking up space and frankly, it’s something else for me to dust. I am certain that there is someone in Williamson County that would enjoy the dresser more than my family has.

That’s the great thing about Williamson County… there are so many options for donating furniture, clothing and household goods. Each company has a unique feel but maintains the same purpose; to enhance someone else’s life with items that are donated by families in our area. What’s not to love about that? I have been to several donation facilities that Williamson County has to offer and they have

58 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

all lived up to their impressive reputations. Providing pieces for these organizations to resell has always been easy and efficient. The tough part is generally selling my husband on the idea that some of the items that he thinks he’ll use again, will never be used again and ultimately needs to find another home.

In September 2014, ThriftSmart, a company that has been in Nashville for ten years, opened a store off of Downs Boulevard in Franklin. The founders, Dick Gygi and Tres Scheibe, decided to connect savvy business ideas with their non-profit company. While ThriftSmart creates jobs and provides value for families in the area, they also work with local charitable groups that receive 100% of their profits after their operational costs are covered. Those charitable recipients are Mercy Community Healthcare, New Hope Academy, African Leadership and Belize Project. “African Leadership and Belize Project focus on education, healthcare, micro-enterprise and church development.

There’s no traditional fundraising with ThriftSmart.

Because people donate to us, we can generate funds to give back to the community. It’s all communityoriented,” states ThriftSmart Marketing Coordinator Shannon Taylor. The company has also incorporated the GiveSmart Program into their mission which allows local organizations to earn ThriftSmart gift cards by collecting donations for ThriftSmart stores.

Additionally, the program will generate funds for charities both locally and internationally.

ThiftSmart has fashioned the local donation process to be simple and effective. A family can deliver donated items to the facility located on Downs Boulevard, find one of many ThiftSmart Drop Boxes located in business and church parking lots

ThriftSmart of Franklin 454 Downs Blvd Franklin, TN 37064 615.472.8915 Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat 9am to 8pm Sun 12pm to 6pm www.thriftsmart.com GraceWorks Ministries: 104 Southeast Parkway, Suite 100 Franklin, TN 37064 615.794.9055 Store Hours: Mon - Sat 9am to 4pm (Including Boutique) Donation Hours: Mon - Sat 9am to 4pm www.graceworksministries.net Our Thrift Store 1018 Columbia Avenue Franklin, TN 37064 615. 591.9612 Store Hours: Tues - Sat 10am to 6pm www.ourthriftstore.org Goodwill Industries There are five Goodwill donation locations within Williamson County. You can find more information at their website: www.giveit2goodwill.org

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE around Williamson County or can arrange for a home pick-up. For more information on how to donate to ThriftSmart, please visit their website at www.thriftsmart.com. If your organization would like to learn more about the GiveSmart Program, you can contact Shannon Taylor directly at shannon@thriftsmart.com.

Concurrently, many of us have items in our home that while donating them would be a noteworthy gesture, trying to regain some of the funds from the original purchase is also understandable. What has seemingly taken Williamson County by storm are the different groups on Facebook that allow you to “Buy, Sell or Trade” furniture, clothes, accessories and household items to members of these various groups. About a month ago I had discovered these groups and had requested to become a member. I was immediately impressed by the level of professionalism and responsibility that the community had when they had listed something to be purchased. There is one small catch and I soon realized it after having joined the Franklin Buy, Sell, Trade group. One almost has to stalk the site as if you were watching the stock exchange. Once an item is uploaded and listed on the page it’s generally only a matter of

LESS IS MORE minutes, maybe even seconds before someone states their request to purchase the item. If that initial shopper decides to opt out then the second person in line to indicate their interest will have that chance. These groups have become so popular that additional groups to areas such as Brentwood, Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill and Nashville have been created.

In any case, when looking around your home, you can generally spot items that are overlooked day-after-day, sometimes year-after-year. It may be clothes that your children have outgrown or a set of dishes that you received as a gift ten years ago but never used. It may be an old microwave that was set aside when a new one was ordered, or a box of books that made the move from the old house but ended up collecting dust in the attic. It only seems natural that when the spring cleaning frenzy hits each year, pulling aside some of those items to declutter your home, yet enhance another home would be a pretty good option. Whether you want to sell your items or donate them to a charity, you have many respectable options that are serving our community in a huge way.

IN YOUR BACKYARD

MASTER GARDENERS

MASTER GARDENERS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY

BY KRISTA EHRET

Although it’s too late to join this year, you can still go out and show your support at local events: 2015 SPRING PLANT SALE May 9th 10:00am–3:00pm Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park 2015 JUNIOR GARDENER’S CAMP June 1st–June 5th Register Online For more information about becoming a member, community projects and more, visit their website online at www.wcmga.net

If you have visited some of the historic sites in Williamson County, then you have seen the work of the Master Gardeners and probably didn’t even know it. This wonderful non profit association is responsible for the upkeep and beautification of local landmarks such as the Carter House, Carnton Plantation, Williamson County Library and many others. Consisting of about 200 volunteers, these green-thumb wielding horticulturists donate their time to keep our community looking beautiful. Not only generous with their time, the association provides financial grants as well as scholarships.

Do you have a love for gardening and interested in participating? Membership

60 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

requires a 13 week training period in the form of evening classes. The training is done annually at The Williamson County AG Expo Park and typically runs from January through April. Once you have completed the training, as well as the requisite volunteer hours, you are invited to join the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association, Inc. You are also invited to join if you have completed the training previously in another state.

Ok, so you’ve earned the flashy new title, now what? The association holds a monthly meeting that will feature different speakers and topics. Field trips and other outings are arranged for the

group and it serves as a great networking opportunity for enthusiasts. While the perks are great, be prepared to get down and dirty as well. During peak season, volunteers must tend to several gardens throughout town diligently. At Historic Carnton Plantation, the group is responsible for 8 vegetable and herb gardens.

The beds are prepped in February and then harvested throughout the summer.

The fruits of their labor consist of onions, carrots, bell peppers, okra, corn and many other plants that would have been raised during the 1850s to sustain the household. Veggies are up for grabs to the volunteers and the remainder are donated to a charity known as “Share the Table.”

STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY

WITH KATIE JACOBS

Bring friends together with an all-white, relaxed-yet-elegant affair that brings the outdoors in.

STORY BY KATIE JACOBS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CHERRY

62 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY

WITH KATIE JACOBS

Spring is the time for relaxed white linens, fresh cucumber water and new growth that breathes life into the long cold days of the past winter season. What better time to bring the outdoors in than to host an elegant and chic ladies luncheon? Here’s how to pull off a relaxed all white affair where ferns and friends take center stage.

Ferns are the new succulents.

They’re not just a great accent but we’re also seeing them take center stage in weddings and home decor. Just like succulents, ferns come in hundreds of different varieties — from the featherlike maiden hair fern to the whimsical brown curly-cue fiddlehead fern. Planted in a collection of antique white pitchers that cascaded down a long linen-covered farm table, it seems as though the wooded trails of a fairy tale have been brought indoors.

A luncheon accented with ferns is both elegant and relaxed.

In leu of traditional plates, use wooden paddles to serve soup and sandwiches with petite white macaroons. Place crystal candle sticks with white tapers peaking through the lush fern centerpiece and serve champagne in hammered crystal flutes.

Attach watercolored and hand calligraphed place cards to fern branches and drape across each place setting.

Just as the decor should take center stage, the food is what guests will really remember.

It’s always important that it coordinates with the theme of the event. Zucchini Soup with Crème Fraîche and Cilantro, Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Lemon and Dill, Vanilla Bean Macaroons and Homemade Coconut Cake not only mimic the green and white decor but will also leave your guests gushing. Paired with Cucumber Water, Fresh Green Tea with Mint and Champagne, toasts abound.

Finally, when throwing a party like this one at your own home, don’t be afraid to rearrange a room or two to achieve the desired look. Switching out art or having something new made will take your party to the next level. The watercolored and calligraphy painting “Over the River and Through the Woods,” above the mantel was commissioned for the invitation and framed for the party. Change up your seating by adding a bench, don’t worry about silverware and glasses perfectly matching and plant ferns in white containers that you already have — pitchers and colanders make for unexpected centerpieces.

SHOP THE PARTY: Props from The Registry, Digs Interiors, The Iron Gate, The Barn Door Co. and West Elm Vanilla Bean Macaroons from The Painted Cupcake Calligraphy by Abi McGinnis of Abigail T. Calligraphy, AbigailTCalligraphy.com Painting by Katie Jacobs, StylingMyEveryday.com

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 63

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

DIY CLEAN

DIY: CLEAN

BY KRISTA EHRET Spring has officially sprung! Birds are chirping, trees are budding and the sun that we thought would never return is shining its bright rays. Those wonderful rays are warm, cheerful and drawing way too much attention to the dirty windows and layers of dust that have accumulated over the winter months. That’s right, it’s time for spring cleaning! There’s nothing better than basking in the glow of a newly-organized and deep cleaned home. But before you grab your commercial size bleach and climb into your hazmat suit, consider this; cleaning supplies contain some of the most harmful chemicals of any item in your home. The great thing is, we usually keep them nice and contained in a hidden safe spot, like the cabinet under the kitchen sink. While this is the way that most of us grew up, with knowledge comes power and now there are many options for those wanting to kick these noxious substances to the curb.

The good news is many brands now exist that have made healthier products safer for us as well as the planet. The bad news is that these harmonious hippy brands are apparently not into “free love.”

These products are pricey! Thus creates the dilemma. Of course I want to keep my family safe, but paying $20 for hand soap isn’t in my budget. Alas, you can have the best of both worlds! The solution is DIY. Homemade recipes for everything from glass cleaner to carpet freshener are at your fingertips. There are numerous blogs available online and pins flying all over Pinterest, all devoted to healthy chemical-free living. With there being so many options, it can be difficult to find the ones that actually work. Here are a few tried and true recipes that have worked for me!

GLASS CLEANER:

• 1/2 Cup Vinegar

• 2 Cups Warm Water

• 8 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

• Spray Bottle Combine all ingredients and pour into the spray bottle. Shake and spray onto glass surface. It may take more than one application the first time to remove any leftover residue from the previous cleaner.

DUSTING: • 1 Cup Olive Oil • 15 Drops Essential Oil

Pour the olive oil into a ramekin or small bowl. Drip in the essential oil of your choice; lemon or lavender work great. Using a lint-free rag,use a small amount of the oil and rub onto the furniture.

64 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

CARPET FRESHENER:

• 2 Cups Baking Soda

• 35-40 Drops Essential Oil

• Shaker Jar Combine the baking soda with the essential oil of your choice.

Mix together and pour into a container with a shaker lid. A repurposed Parmesan cheese container works great! Sprinkle over the carpet, wait 15 minutes and vacuum.

BATHTUB DRAIN CLEANER:

• ½ Cup Baking Soda

• ½ Cup White Vinegar

• Pot of Hot Water First, remove any excess hair from the drain,not fun, but necessary. I find that a pair of needlenose pliers and a straightened out wire coat hanger work the best. Pour the baking soda into the drain then pour the vinegar in. If you have children, they may enjoy helping with this part as the soda and vinegar combo make a fun volcano with sound effects. Cleaning IS fun kids! Let this sit for about 20 minutes and then pour the hot water in. It may take more than one time to completely unclog, but this method is much cheaper than the store bought bottled version.

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

DIY CLEAN

ROOM & LINEN SPRAY:

• 2 Cups Distilled Water

• ½ Tbsp. Baking Soda

• 30 Drops Lavender Essential Oil Mix together the baking soda and lavender essential oil. Using a funnel, pour into a spray bottle. Add water and shake well. Spray on bed linens, sofas, curtains, etc.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS: • To freshen a closet or drawer, put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and place in the space.

SIMMERING AIR FRESHENER:

• 1 Lemon

• 2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

• Rosemary

Fill a pot about 2/3 of the way full with water. Slice up the lemon and add to the pot. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and pour in the vanilla. Let simmer. Remember to add water as needed so you don’t scorch your cookware.

• When starting a new toilet paper roll, drip a couple of drops of essential oil onto the cardboard inside the roll.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER:

• Citrus Peels

• White Vinegar

• Large Glass Jar with Lid

• The best way to freshen a garbage disposal is to toss in a small amount of baking soda and citrus peels.

Any citrus peel will work. I used lemons after making a large batch of lemonade.

Place as many peels as will fit comfortably in your jar. Pour in enough vinegar to cover the peels. Seal the jar and place is in a dark cool spot for about 2 weeks. Strain the peels out of the jar and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Use this for non-porous surfaces only.

• Add a few drops of essential oil to the toilet tank for a fresh flush.

• Baking soda works like magic to remove bath oils from the tub basin.

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SPRING

HELLO, SPRING!

TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR HOME OUT OF HIBERNATION

It’s that time of year for spring-cleaning, and with that comes routine maintenance for your home. Like anything else, your home ages and endures the stress of weather and climate change. Because of this, it’s important to do a routine check up on your home once, if not twice, a year. Here is a go-to checklist for bringing your home back to life for the new season!

1. Inspect your roof. Winter weather is the toughest weather for your roof. With freezing rain, hail and the weight of snow, middle Tennessee residents have been through it all. Don’t wait until it’s too late to have your roof repaired. Pro Tip: Busy season for roof repairs occurs late summer/early fall, so beat the rush and schedule your repair this month!

2. Window & Doors. Make sure your windows and doors still maintain their weatherproofing before the summer heat hits. Proper weatherproofing will help keep cold air in and warm air out.

3. Air Conditioning. It is so important to regularly change air filters or purifiers throughout the year. Spring is a great time to make sure each vent in your home has been changed and that all air conditioning units work. We promise you don’t want to run into this problem come July.

4. Interior Cleaning. Give your home a good spring clean to welcome in the pleasant weather. Many areas in your home may have been overlooked during the long, cold winter months. Give your home a complete wipe down or hire a local cleaning company to come in and do it for you.

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

A NEW BRAND - SAME FACES!

Danny Anderson

Reid Anderson

Jennifer Bickerstaff

Darci Caesar

Christopher Close

Mary Jane Cochran

Mark Dobberstein

Cindy Garner

Michelle Glass

Loy Hardcastle

Doug Harris

Kim Henderson

Leanne Vande Kamp

Sarah Beth Litzenberg

Ray and Vicki Lowe

Peggy Mather

Diane Mckee

Christie Mullins

Tom Murray

Darenda Olsen

Pat Rappa

John Edwards Reynolds

Marnice Smith

Lauren Sullivan

PHONE: 615.790.7400

Amy Tarter

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN OFFICE 415 MAIN STREET FRANKLIN, TN 37064 WWW.BOBPARKS.COM

Pat Stevenson

Tricia Whitehead

FAX: 615.790.7413

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

DIY: TERRARIUMS

BY ANNA ROBERTSON

INDOOR GARDEN Many have seen pictures or heard about terrariums. They look rare, exotic and difficult to create. This is not the case. Terrariums are a unique and easy way to add an indoor garden to your home. They are not costly and can take under 30 minutes to put togther. So, try your hand at a DIY terrarium this spring, or make several to place throughout your home.

They can be works of art.

WHAT YOU NEED: • A clear glass vase, jar, bowl, globe or any kind of glass container you prefer • Small rocks, pebbles or glass stones • Activated charcoal (also called activated carbon) • Well draining potting soil • Various small succulent plants well-suited for terrariums • Decorative items — moss, shells, figurines, etc. (optional) • A small scoop or spoon (optional)

First, put a thin layer of the small rocks, pebbles or glass stones at the bottom of your glass container. Next, put a thin layer of activated charcoal. Then, layer an inch or two of the well draining potting soil.

Now is the time to situate your plants inside your terrarium. Do not overcrowd your plants. Dig small holes to fit them with your scoop, small shovel or just by hand. Place your plants and cover their base with the potting soil. You may need to add some additional potting soil around the plants to cover their roots and hold them in place.

This last step is optional. Place moss around your plants and top with your your stones and decorative items.

That’s it! Place your terrarium in a well-lit area with plenty of indirect sunlight and refer to the plant labels to make sure you are giving them the proper amount of moisture.

Enjoy your indoor garden!

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGN WITH ERIC ROSS INTERIORS

INTERIOR DESIGN with

220 Lewisburg Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 p. 615.472.8236 | f. 615.472.8237 www.EricRossInteriors.com Eric Ross Interiors specializes in full service residential interior design and interior decoration for homes in Greater Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee.

Interior designer Eric Ross provides truly unique, luxury design solutions for any room in your home including bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, game rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bath and spa retreats. From design concept to installation and presentation, Eric Ross Interiors manages every aspect of your project and leaves no detail unattended.

Eric Ross Interiors exists to create beautiful interiors and a luxury design experience for its clients. We are committed to creating whole room environments.

Anyone can sell you a sofa, a chair, a lamp…we are creating rooms in your home for your family and friends to enjoy. They are the backdrops to some of the most important moments in your life. Eric’s personal interior design philosophy is that your home should represent who you are on your best day. It’s like dressing to go to the Academy Awards. You want to put on your best outfit, one that makes people notice you, which makes you look the best you possibly can.

Christine Barker graduated Magna Cum Laude from O’More College of Design in 2007 and is a Design Associate with Eric Ross Interiors and believes that interior design has the innate ability to improve the quality of clients’ lives by reflecting the best possible version of their personal style and maximizing the functionality of their space. She also believes interesting use of pattern and color are essential and there should be a special “moment” to be found in every room. Our job is to listen to you about the look and feel you want to achieve. We want to make you comfortable with pushing your own design boundaries by discerning what your own interior design goals are, based on what you tell us. What we want more than anything is to “wow” you by creating a room that truly represents you…only better. Contact us today and learn how we can help you realize your vision for your home’s décor.

70 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

The entire process can be explained in four steps.

STEP 1: INITIAL CONSULT Schedule a time for us to come out to your home to discuss your possible project. We’ll ask lifestyle questions of you and your family. This is an interview process for both the designer and the client. If the client agrees to move forward, we take a retainer and schedule our presentation.

STEP 2: THE PRESENTATION We come to your home to show you the new room design. We’ll have scale drawings of your room as well as new fabrics, trims and finishes. A day or two later you will receive a proposal with all costs itemized. All you have to do is say, “Yes, when do we get started?”

STEP 3: INSTALLATION In this exciting phase of your project, I warehouse all furnishings, materials and accessories until everything is truly ready for execution. We will come to your home and execute the whole design in one day, coordinating and managing all partner resources and subcontractors that may be part of your installation. While you are away for the day, we will perfect and stage your interior for formal presentation down to every minute detail and accent.

STEP 4: THE REVEAL

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGN WITH ERIC ROSS INTERIORS

7 OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: AN INTERIOR DECORATOR’S MUST HAVES As an interior decorator (I prefer the term decorator to designer — decorating is my true passion) many of my clients ask advice or referrals on where to go and what to do, not just for draperies, furniture and objects d’art, but where I buy my clothes, where I travel, restaurants I love…so every year I post a list of my favorite things. As a tastemaker of sorts, my obsession for fine things may be trivial, but oh so satisfying.

1. My favorite TV show: Foyle’s War. Our family just switched to Apple TV from cable this fall, so we have enjoyed discovering shows we never knew before on Netflix. I can’t get enough of the costumes, vintage cars and the charming characters and murder in a small coastal English town.

2. My favorite shirt: J. Hilburn. PLEASE, your husbands will thank me, check out their website. Bespoke (new buzzword in interior design) or custom-made shirts at a fraction of the cost you would pay retail. You can mix different fabrics, button stitching and even distressed buttons to a shirt tailored just for you. Every decorators (or fashionisto’s) dream.

3. My favorite pet: A dog, of course! They are man’s best friend, after all. And the breed that is THE best accessory is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Darby is our family (and our business) mascot. He even blogs about design.

4. My favorite local restaurant: Amerigo’s in Cool Springs. My wife and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year and we have been dining there for most of those years. The mahogany, the oxblood leather upholstery and the BRASS (another huge trend), as well as Mary Beth at the bar, are mainstays we love. There are no hipsters and it’s close to home…another bonus!

5. My favorite weekend getaway: The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is the most charming respite found in Highlands, North Carolina. It’s worth the 6-hour drive just to have a drink in the library.

6. My favorite song: Taylor Swift’s Blank Space. Have you seen the interactive video on YouTube? If you have you must have a pre-teen daughter too. It’s completely cool and Taylor’s outfits are AMAZING! 7. My favorite car: My Audi A7 is like riding on a magic carpet. You just think about driving and it goes. I have never regretted that car.

I do have so many obsessions, it was hard to limit it to just seven, but of course my greatest obsession is creating beautiful interiors for families. Seeing how they enjoy their home after we’re finished — it’s my favorite thing of all!

Look for Eric Ross Interiors coming in May as YOUR Interior Decorating Expert - his column and home profiles will showcase his amazing talent and expertise in the field of interior design for our readers.

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 71

YOUR HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

GOOD WOOD NASHVILLE

GOOD, SOLID, SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY Southern Hospitality greets you the moment you walk into a home. When building or remodeling a home, it is good for us to think about the ‘feeling’ our guests, visitors, family and even we will get upon stepping in. While Southern Hospitality is a practice, we can do things to warm up the welcome as people enter into our homes.

One of the most overlooked items in building the home is the flooring. We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars picking out tile, countertops, lighting…but it is easy to forget that there are very unique options for your hardwood floors that will make a big impact on the overall feel of your home. They set the tone for the rest of the décor and ambience.

At Good Wood, we have created a process for choosing unique, one of a kind floors that match your personal style. We specialize in reclaimed flooring. It is like recycling for your floors. We take old wood that is slated for deconstruction, demoltion, decay or the dump, and we salvage it. This is called ‘Reclaiming.’ We then take out all the nails, clean it up, cut off the bad parts that did get rot or termites. To take it a step further, we put this old wood into a kiln, which is a large oven for lumber. The kiln takes the moisture out of the wood, so that it doesn’t expand and contract as much once it’s turned into flooring.

The kiln also ensures that any little bugs or

critters that could be in the wood are no longer there. We have created a millwork process that takes this old, beautiful, lumber and gives it a new life. Some of this wood dates back to the first downtown Nashville buildings of the 1800’s. Some of it dates back to Tennessee’s Centennial Celebration structures that were once built next to the Parthenon in Centennial Park in West End. Some of the lumber is what we call “Old Growth” or “Virgin” timber, meaning it was the first trees to be cut down as people settled this area. These trees grew slowly over hundreds of years, giving the wood a color and look that you just don’t get from ‘new’ lumber from tree farms.

The result? one of a kind flooring that is as unique as the different clients that come through our doors. No floor is the same, nor will it ever be.

The selection process is simple. We start with Species: Oak? Pine? Old Growth Heart Pine?

Walnut? A mix of indigenous Hardwoods?

Then we talk about the look. Old wood has unique saw marks, called “Kerf marks.”

We can leave those in, take them out, or do something in between. We call the origial face and sawmarks the amount of ‘dirty top.’ If you want floors that look like rustic barnwood that is smooth and has a coat of poly on it, that is called 100% Dirty Top.

Lastly, we talk about stain & finish. Stain can be added to most floors to darken or enrich the natural colors. This happens before the final finish. Polyurethane is a standard go-to.

Oil based polyurethane smells quite a bit when installed and can deepen and darken the color of your floors. Penetrating oil is a good option, especially when you anticipate heavy traffic or a lot of possible floor scratching (event venues, restaurants, or lots of dogs and kids). Water based options are nice for low VOC (no smell) and it does not deepen or change the color.

Check out our floor selection on our website, www.GoodWoodNashville.com or come see us at our showroom/warehouse. We are open to the public Monday through Saturday 8-5.

If you are building, we recommend seeing us before breaking ground, but at least when your footers are poured to give us ample time for your perfect floor selection and install.

Good Wood Nashville, LLC is locally owned and operated by Dave Puncochar and a wonderful team of skilled craftsmen & customer service oriented people dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction.

Good Wood Nashville, LLC 1015 W Kirkland Ave, Suite 406 Nashville , TN 37216 www.GoodWoodNashville.com 615.454.3817

Music Country Grand Prix The Tractor Supply Company $40,000

A premier equestrian show jumping competition featuring top riders and horses from across the nation.

Tractor Supply Company Presents

Date: SATURDAY, May 30, 2015 Time: Gates Open at 3:30 pm • Competition Begins at 5 pm Cost: General Admission: $15.00 (children under ten: free) Location: Brownland Farm • 1155 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN. Patron Tables: Front Row Table: $1,200 • Second Row Table: $1,000 Third Row Table: $750 Paddock At The Pavilion: $360/table or $60/person

All proceeds benefit Saddle Up!, serving children and youth with disabilities through the power of the horse.

Sponsored by:

Kay & Richard Francis

SOUTHERN IS...

WITH JEFFREY GRAY

DRESSING FOR

STEEPLE CHASE Photography by Andrea Davis

Spring is finally in the air! Hooray! The grass is greener this side of winter. The flowers are blooming and trees are unfurling their leaves. Mother Nature is sprucing up herself. I can smell the seersucker. I can almost smell the cut grass and horses as the excitement builds for the Iroquois Steeplechase.

While many think about Easter eggs and egg hunts at this time of year, we in Williamson County focus on becoming the walking personification of those Easter eggs. As the children are loading up their baskets with eggs of all assortment, we start packing our baskets with wonderful luncheon fair and cocktail shakers. Even if you are not interested in racing, you can still enjoy an event like this.

The venue, people, atmosphere and social cheer make this event a must for everyone. Let’s face it — this is one of the occasions everyone anticipates. Not only does it mark the beginning of our favorite time of year, but it’s a chance to show off your new wardrobe.

DRESSING FROM THE TOP DOWN: Hats — In the past, good manners dictated that no one stepped out the door without a hat. Times have changed and occasions for wearing a hat are fewer. Hats are truly a way to top off your outfit and express a personal style.

Steeplechase is the perfect event to show off your best summer hat. The best ones to wear are straw fedoras and boaters. The flat cap or the more casual baseball cap also can be seen at Steeplechase. Remember, there is no right or wrong hat. It’s your style. Embrace it and show off!

Blazers/Suits — Spring and Summertime suits in the South are all about classic style done well. Seersucker, seersucker, seersucker! It’s the number one choice! There are many color choices for seersucker today besides the classic blue and

74 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

white. Linen for suits and jackets is always a great choice. The range in linen choices has exploded from classic natural and white all the way to patterns, wovens and a multitude of colors. For some of the best choices in patterned suits and blazers, tropical weight wool will look wonderful in plaids and windowpanes. But don’t forget the classic navy blazer with beautiful gold or silver buttons. Always choose a well-tailored look when choosing a suit or blazer.

Shirts — Cotton is king. The classic oxford button down is always a go-to staple. Woven and polished cottons can add pizzazz to your look. Many bright and especially pastel shirts fit the bill. Just make sure the collar works with your choice of tie.

Ties — Bow ties are de rigueur. Another fun option is to unfurl an amazing patterned tie. Whatever you do, make a bold statement with your neckwear. Steeplechase is a special social occasion, so you can break out the ascot. This may be the one time you can pull off the look.

Belts — Whether rope, woven or harness maker leather, belts should be used to cinch your outfit as well as your pants.

Pocket Square/Handkerchief — Take the time to pick the best pocket square you can find. It adds another bold dash of color.

Whether you choose solid or plaid, be daring and let it complement your tie.

Pants — Seersucker and linen are classic choices. But you can take your basic khaki and give it some life. Think color, color, color.

This is the event to wear your most daring pastels or break out the bold saturated colors.

Socks — Well, let’s be honest. If the weather is great, you may not wear socks. Allow your choice of shoe to determine the need for socks. If you are wearing socks to Steeplechase, make sure you use this as another chance to flash your personal style.

SOUTHERN IS...

WITH JEFFREY GRAY

Shoes — The range of shows is very wide. Saddle shoes, boat shoes, penny loafers, drivers — I’ve even seen sandals. It’s all about personal style. If the weather is wet, choices can include duck boots, rubber boots or even riding boots. It can be a mudder on the hill and infield as well as on the course. It is sometimes a good idea to leave a backup pair of shoes in the car.

True Southern style is as big of a star at Steeplechase as are the horses. This wonderful event is the perfect time to wear your personality on the outside. It’s good to be a peacock.

You actually earn points for dressing over the top. Strut your stuff at Steeplechase and remember — have a great time with your friends and loved ones and pray for some sunshine.

MAIN STREET BREW FEST Sponsored Event

Story & Photography by K York There was plenty of Irish cheer along Main Street in downtown Franklin as the 12th pre-St. Patrick’s Day Brew Fest was held. Cloudy skies and some rain did not keep beer lovers from celebrating the Downtown Franklin Association’s annual festival. Twenty different tasting sites with the best local, national and international brews were available to sample. The event raises money for the DFA and its programs that maintain Franklin’s nationally recognized Main Street retail district.

Nadim Arnouk

Mark & Emily Volman

Rachel & James Norris, Chris & Andrea Dill

Tony & Lynn McAlister

McKenzie Simon & John Ponzio

David Brawner, Crystal Jenkins, Jenn Haman & Nathan Henry

76 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Bonnie Bent & Christa Carsello

Laura Ethridge, Jeff Garner & Allison Post

Mark Davis, Carson Payne, Lisa James, Kathy & Mark Wells

Jerry & Debbie Smartt

Anna Robertson & Chris Ham

Music City’s

d n a B t s Bigge

Your Nashville Symphony | Live at the schermerhorn

a t r i bu t e t o

BI L L I E HO L I DAY w i t h CASSANDRA WILSON April 8

BE RNA DETTE

PETERS

with the Nashville Symphony

April 9 to 11

ERO S GUERR T C O N D U C OV E N B EIEL LTE H NY SYMPHO

V E NASH WITH TH April 11 at 11 am

tchaikovsky’s pathetique & Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto N 0. 1

April 30 to May 2

NATALIE COLE

with the Nashv ille Symphony

Mother’s Day - May 10

April 17 & 18 • Added morning concert on Apr. 17

KENNY G with the Nashville Symphony

May 7 to 9

ABBA THE CONCERT A TRIBUTE TO ABBA

May 12

AEGIS

SCIENCES FOUNDATION EST. 2013

615.687.6400 | NashvilleSymphony.org

YOUR HISTORY

WITH MARGIE THESSIN

THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN FASHION

BY MARGIE THESSIN Photos from: A Pictorial History of Williamson County Available at Landmark Booksellers

I was so honored to be asked to join the list of contributors to YOUR Williamson. As Franklin’s streetwalking tour guide of all things historic, I will write about Franklin’s storied past. My tours tend toward the serious (it’s often war we’re talking about), but this column will be a bit lighthearted.

I’ll try not to bore you. Try to remember that history is just the past brought to the present (and best to remember if you want a future). I was talking to my friend Jeffrey Gray the other day. Jeffrey, as you know, is the dashing Puckett’s peep who writes about fashion, food and frolicking with his Southern Is… column in YOUR Williamson. His April topic is Steeplechase (natch) where all the beautiful people display the latest fashions (not that I’d know from personal experience). It sparked an idea to let you know how, if you’d gone to a Steeplechase-type event in 1885 or 1925, you might have dressed to impress.

Ladies, we all know, it’s all about the hats. You go hatless 364, but you will be wearing one to Steeplechase. Hats, prior to the late 1960s, were a part of every woman’s daily getup. My mother would sneak into the back entrance of the local 5 and dime so no one would see her embarrassingly bare head. It’s said that JFK’s hatless inauguration doomed men’s hats. Women soon followed the trend. Soon the milliner was out of business. Hats (or as the Brits say fascinators) I would have to agree...they are fascinating.

78 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Let’s move on to dresses. Before WWI, from time immemorial, the sight of a woman’s leg, even a bit of ankle, was considered risque.

These women, members of the local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy who raised the money for the Confederate monument, were covered head to toe in 1899. Now, look at this photo taken in the early 1920s. Hemlines have risen and I see ankles. Scandalous!

Downton Abbey provides, among other things, a thorough education on women’s clothing styles in the early 20th century. One can see how dramatically women’s clothing (not to mention hair) styles changed after The Great War.

YOUR HISTORY

WITH MARGIE THESSIN

Men’s attire, on the other hand, has not evolved much over Franklin’s 216 years. Pants. Shirts. Jackets. Ties. Hats. Franklin men’s clothing was simply a variation on the same theme. Check out these shopkeepers from Franklin’s past. They don’t look all that different from men today (except for the hats).

The big change for men occurred from the 18th century to the 19th century. Form a mental picture of Abe Lincoln: I’ll bet you see him in a black suit with a black top hat. Now, imagine George Washington.

He’s wearing capri pants (with long socks tucked in). They weren’t called capris, of course. They were called breeches, and had been around since the 12th century. He also wore a long frock coat, which is remembered today in a man’s formal morning coat.

Children had rules of their own. Boys wore dresses until the age of four. Then they got into their short pants. They didn’t start wearing pants, or what we’d call long pants or trousers, until about the age 13. My dad used to use the term “short pants” when referring to an immature person (he also never stopped referring to the refrigerator as the “icebox”). I didn’t realize that when he was a boy he wore short pants like these boys in the photo of the first day’s commuter train service to Franklin back in 1907. Dad grew up in Chicago and wore his short pants in the ’20s and ‘30s.

Girls wore dresses. It wasn’t until the 50s that women wore pants or shorts in public; Rosie the Riveter wore them in the factories even in WWI. Hollywood led the way in the evolution of dress; Katharine Hepburn was an early pants-wearer. I wore only dresses to school until the 10th grade in 1971, as required by our school’s dress code. I will say, when the school relaxed the dress code, standards seriously slipped and pretty soon, tank tops, shorts and flip flops ruled the day, none of which will be seen at this year’s Steeplechase!

RINGSIDE: A FIGHT FOR KIDS Story & Photography by Adam Sanner Ringside: A Fight For Kids took place in March at the Factory at Franklin. This was an event not to miss! It was a night filled with live music, a live auction, cocktails, dinner and the main event‌live boxing matches! Funds raised from the event benefited The Charley Foundation, which provides assistance to disabled and under privileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups throughout middle Tennessee.

Tiffany & Jay Richardson, Marci Waller

Casey Weston & Jade Lindstead

Amos Gott, Jane Safford, Carolann Motley, Kelly Donlee & Kris Wiatr

Ryan Balbalsoa, Maidel Sando & Fitim Haziri

Taylor & Derek Southerland

Miranda McDonald, Jojamie Hahr & Lisa English

Braden Carney & Bergen Rosvold

Ashley Laws & Bryan Hemby

80 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

Clinton & Brooke Barger, Dean Alexander & Mike Snyder

Ed Underwood, Sara Noriega, Dana Tennyson, Carolyn Miller & Ralph Drury

Blain Woods, Andy Rottero & Jeff West

YOUR SPORTS

NASHVILLE SOUNDS a .549 winning percentage over the last two years at Triple-A, posting a 79-65 record in both campaigns. He holds an alltime mark of 568-554 (.506) and has posted winning records in five of his eight seasons as a manager. Schulze was named the Sounds’ pitching coach for 2015 after having served in the same capacity at Double-A Midland the last four years. He broke into the A’s organization back in 2006 and has coached at virtually every level of the minors. Garrison was named Nashville’s hitting coach for the upcoming campaign. He enters his 15th year with Oakland as either a manger or a coach, the longest tenure of any on the staff.

!

K C A B E R A Story and Photos Submitted It’s baseball time in middle Tennessee again and a new Sounds ballpark will entice lovers of the game of all ages and even those who just want to check out the amazing new facility as the season opens on April 17th. Individual game tickets for the Nashville Sounds’ inaugural season at First Tennessee Park went on sale March 23rd.

The Oakland Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate will host 72 games at First Tennessee Park this season, beginning with the 7:05pm home opener on April 17th against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. The Nashville Sounds have unveiled a modified color scheme for their new logo as well as complete new marks and uniforms to be utilized during the club’s upcoming season.The Sounds’ new logo, which was initially unveiled in October, has been modified with a return to the classic red and black colors that the team has worn for the past 16 years while adding in a new platinum silver accent color.

“We heard loud and clear the strong feedback of our fans after our new logo was unveiled last fall. We have made the decision to return to our traditional red and black color scheme to accompany the new Nashville-styled logos,” said Sounds owner Frank Ward. The team’s new identity pays tribute to Nashville as the world-famous “Music City.” The centerpiece of the identity is a new guitar pick “N” logo stylized from an f-hole on a guitar. The Sounds’ new uniforms will feature home white jerseys, gray road jerseys and an alternate black “Music City” jersey that will be paired with black pants for all Friday home games to create a striking, all-black look. Fans will also enjoy the baseball guitar emblem hat, which will be worn during batting practice and in Sunday home games. T-shirts featuring the new logo scheme will be available for purchase in the team’s pro shop at Greer Stadium or via the Sounds’ website.

The Nashville Sounds coaching staff for the 2015 season features a veteran manager with a pair of personnel additions from Double-A. Steve Scarsone has joined the Sounds as manager and becomes the 26th manager in the team’s 38-year franchise history. It will be his seventh season in the Oakland organization. His coaching staff will consist of pitching coach Don Schulze, hitting coach Webster Garrison, trainer Brad LaRosa and strength coach Terence Brannic. Scarsone compiled

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LaRosa will return to Oakland’s top minor league affiliate for his eighth season as athletic trainer. Prior to joining the Athletics, he spent five seasons at Double-A with St. Louis (2005-07) and Miami (2003-04). Brannic will enter his first season as the strength and conditioning coach at the Triple-A level. He began in the Athletics’ organization in 2013 and spent the past two years at Midland. Brannic will be responsible for all the day-to-day conditioning responsibilities of the club.

The Nashville Sounds announced a parking plan for fans attending games during the 2015 season at First Tennessee Park, the city’s new minor-league ballpark located in Sulphur Dell north of downtown. “We want our fans to have the most enjoyable experience possible at First Tennessee Park during this inaugural season, and we know that starts with a parking and transportation plan that ensures trips to the ballpark will be as smooth as possible,” Mayor Dean said. “Our project team has worked closely with the Sounds, Nashville Downtown Partnership, Metro Police, Public Works and the Metro Transit Authority on this plan, and I want to thank all involved.” The parking and transportation plan was presented to the Nashville Sports Authority earlier today.

Fans are strongly encouraged to park at the Metro Courthouse Garage at 101 James Robertson Parkway at the Historic Metro Courthouse as their first option and take a free shuttle to First Tennessee Park.

Game-day parking in the Metro Courthouse Garage will be $5.

There are 800 gameday parking spots available at the underground Metro Courthouse Garage.

The free shuttles are

operated by the Nashville Downtown Partnership and will run approximately every 10 minutes from the courthouse to a drop-off area at First Tennessee Park at Fifth Avenue North and Harrison Street.

To pick up the shuttle, fans should take the garage elevator or stairs to Public Square Park and walk to the horseshoe driveway at the garage entrance.

Information is at

www.parkitdowntown. com/sounds.

Shuttle service will begin 90 minutes before the start of each game and will cease approximately half an hour after the end of each game.

A parking garage for 1,000 vehicles adjacent to First Tennessee Park is under construction by the State of Tennessee and will be available in 2016. season.

YOUR SPORTS

NASHVILLE SOUNDS

THE NASHVILLE SOUNDS WILL LIGHT UP THEIR NEW BALLPARK WITH NEW GUITARSHAPED VIDEO BOARD PAYING TRIBUTE TO MUSIC CITY

An HD video board in the shape of a guitar will be installed for to the 2015 season. TS Sports is a cutting edge audio/video integration company that specializes in complete high resolution video solutions. “The guitar shape is iconic to who we are in Music City and this is a great way to honor the many years of minor league baseball that has occurred here in Nashville. Continuing this tradition was important to the Sounds, important to the city and important to the fans,” said Mayor Karl Dean.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics and are a part of the Pacific Coast League. Previously, the Sounds played at Herschel Greer Stadium for over 35 years.

The 2015 season will be the first season for the Sounds playing at their new multi-million dollar stadium, First Tennessee Park.

For more information on the Nashville Sounds and links to all parking and ticket information go to: www.nashvillesounds.com.

TICKET PRICES FOR THE 2015 SEASON • $9 - $24 in advance • $11 - $26 on game day • Club level seating $30 in advance, $32 game day • Berm seating $7, available on day of game only Visit the schedule page at www.nashvillesounds.com and click on the “Buy Tickets” link on the desired game to select purchase

their tickets. The Sounds’ ticket sales staff can also be reached by dialing (615) 690-HITS ext. 2.

The Sounds’ ticket sales trailer will be open as follows: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: Closed Note: On home game dates, the First Tennessee Park ticket office will be open at 9 a.m. Monday - Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday & Sunday.

YOUR KIDS

WITH GINGER JONES

GET TING KIDS TO

HELP AROUND THE HOUSE There are multiple benefits to getting your children involved in working around the home. In doing so, they learn responsibility, life skills and how the world works. And parents get some much-needed help with things around the house.

Depending on the age of the child, helping out around the house will look very different. Toddlers aren’t ready to tackle major household duties, but can help with certain things such as putting away toys and sorting laundry.

Talking younger children through these types of tasks also helps them with categorizations skills - for example put all the vehicles in the green basket, put all of the socks on the table, etc. Holding them accountable for smaller responsibilities will set the stage for the expectations that they are to help out more as they are older and more able.

If you need ideas for duties that children can participate in, here are some examples: • Feeding pets • Walking the dog • Cleaning baseboards • Loading and unloading the dishwasher • Helping with yardwork • Getting the mail • Sorting recycling • Taking out the trash • Vacuuming • Dusting • Meal prep/Cleaning up kitchen Here are some tips to help make chores a part of your family’s routine: • Be specific with expectations • Give lots of praise while do the work and after • Be consistent with when they will be done and how often • Don’t expect or insist on perfection If you aren’t already enlisting the help of your children around the house, start to think of ways that you can. Everyone needs to feel needed and helping out with responsibilities around the house lets children know they are making contributions.

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JEFFREY STEELE AND FRIENDS CELEBRITY CONCERT Story & Photography by Rachel Weishaupt The 8th annual Jeffrey Steele and Friends Celebrity Concert was back for another amazing year to benefit the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund. The intimate evening featured performances by Jeffrey Steele, LoCash Cowboys, Chris Janson, Alyssa Bonagura, Delbert McClinton and more! Storme Warren hosted the event which was held at the Franklin Theatre. The night featured dinner and a live auction and ended with wonderful musical performances.

Proceeds from the night benefit the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund and go towards helping underprivileged youth in Middle Tennessee. For more information about the annual fundraiser, please visit www.cfmt.org.

Wendy & Delbert McClinton

Wes Elrod & Darrell Elrod

Jeffrey Steele & Alyssa Bonagura Amy Krechel, Angela Krechel & Courtney Krechel

Stephanie LeVasseur & Storme Warren

Alissa Moreno

IN YOUR SCHOOLS

NEWS FROM WILLIAMSON COUNTY PUBLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOLS

A SIMPLE SOLUTION:

BE NICE

The statistics are mind-blowing. The lasting effects are frightening. The reality of it is that bullying, whether it’s done in person or through the cyber-world, is undoubtedly an ongoing concern for students, their parents and the educators in the different school systems. Bullying has been around for centuries but because there was no exact term for it, it was never truly defined. Since the beginning of time, there have always been people who haven’t liked other people. It’s a part of human nature; every person in society isn’t going to always agree or get along with someone else. However, it’s when things go from simply not liking someone to using words to tease, taunt and sometimes torture others that bullying shows its ugly face and changes the game.

According to bullying rates in America, nearly one in three school children experience some level of bullying between the grades of six through ten. The rates of bullying drastically affect children going to school and their overall educational experience, as well. In fact, around 160,000 children miss some amount of school each and every day due to simply being frightened or intimidated by other students. This eventually hinders and hurts their chances of learning in school, dropping their grades and, ultimately making simply going to school that much more difficult. (www.nobullying.com/bullying-rates).

Fairview High School’s principal, Dr. Juli Oyer, created a simple yet effective campaign that would promote kindness and become brilliantly contagious in schools across Williamson County. Last year while waiting at an airport to board a plane, Dr.Oyer asked an airline employee a basic question about her flight and in return got an unkind, malevolent response. Dr. Oyer found herself blurting out “Will you please just be nice to me?” It was from that experience that the widely admired “Be Nice” slogan came to life. “It’s a very basic consistent message that’s simple. It applies to everybody at every age, and every place,” states Dr. Oyer. “We need to bring kindness back and it doesn’t need to be complicated.” The Williamson County Schools and Franklin Special School District have chosen to model themselves after Dr. Oyer’s and Fairview High School’s impressive example of bringing about an important message that seems to have been forgotten by so many. Every school has committed to become a part of bringing awareness and change to bullying, while also making the straightforward solution of simply being nice an easy choice for everyone to make. Each school in Williamson County has varied in their quest to spread the “Be Nice” theme around. For instance, Poplar Grove School staff created a fun spin on the early 90’s hit Ice, Ice Baby when they morphed the song into “Nice, Nice Baby,” creating an

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entertaining and motivating YouTube video. Some of the staff and teachers at Freedom Intermediate School decided to do a rendition of the song “All About That Base” with a lighthearted and charming version titled “We’re All About That Nice.”

Williamson County Schools have also created videos capturing students taking pride in conveying what “being nice” means to them and also the actions that may bring kindness to others.

The creativity behind the various messages that each school used will be long-remembered by everyone that took part in creating something so simple, yet so powerful in the hopes of making a lasting impact. Some schools have created bulletin boards in their front lobbies allowing access for recognizing kindness to anyone that comes in the door while other schools have printed and sold t-shirts with the simple slogan “Be Nice”, marketing the message to the community. Several people have even photographed themselves holding their school’s Be Nice sign while on vacation in different parts of the world, teaching the lesson that you can be nice in any situation in any location.

The solution to many of the complex questions and theories that society has about bullying seems to be fairly basic. It’s not overly complicated or difficult to understand. To make a difference in someone’s life in a positive way, leaving out opportunity for the mistreatment of others, the answer is remarkably simple. Be Nice.

Elementary has pledged to donate all proceeds from the 5k and Fun Run to Imagination Library; a non-profit organization started by Dolly Parton that promotes early childhood literacy by giving free ageappropriate books to children from birth to age five.

Shannon Smith, Oak View PTO parent said “this event is fun, family friendly and for all skill levels.

We hope Williamson County will join us in giving a hoot for Imagination Library.”

Oak View Elementary is giving back to the community with their 2nd Annual give a hoot! 5K and Fun Run on Saturday April 18th.

The give a hoot! race got started last year as a way to commemorate Oak View’s 20th anniversary.

Last year all proceeds, $10,500, were donated to Saddle Up!.

The fun and success that it generated led the PTO to organize another race. This year Oak View

The give a hoot! race begins at 7:30am on Saturday April 18th. The 5k will start and finish at Oak View Elementary School located at 2390 Henpeck Lane in Franklin. Registration for the 5K is $30.

You can also register for the Fun Run for $10, which will begin at 9am.

For more information or to register for Oak View’s give a hoot! fundraiser, please go to www.giveahootrace.com. You can also find their Facebook page at facebook.com/giveahoot5k.

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 87

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

A CHILD'S BEST FRIEND

A CHILD'S BEST FRIEND There is a new professional in town that takes his job very seriously. He goes to work, on all four legs, and makes a difference in Williamson County. Rocklin is the newest staff member of Williamson County CASA. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) is a non-profit organization that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children in the juvenile court system. Its advocates are appointed to cases by the juvenile court judge or magistrate and they see the case through to its conclusion. Throughout that time, the CASA maintains a relationship with the child with the specific goal of ensuring that the child’s best interest is always upheld. The CASA’s vision is that every child be in a safe and permanent home.

Williamson County CASA Executive Director, Marianne Schroer, and the staff wanted to expand their program to better meet the needs of the children that they serve.

After doing extensive research, they concluded that a service dog would be the most beneficial tool to achieve this goal.

Utilizing Rocklin allows the children CASA works with to experience the juvenile justice system as less traumatic and more therapeutic. With Rocklin, they can leave court feeling positively about their experience and maybe even hopeful.

Rocklin was matched to Marianne and CASA after a lengthy application process and two weeks of comprehensive training with Canine Companions for Independence or CCI. Rocklin’s job is to offer support, motivation and comfort in difficult situations. He is a support to the staff, the advocates, the DCS staff and the attorneys. His most important job, however, is his support for juveniles as they go through the court system. Rocklin can be there for children in a courtroom, in interviews with children or at the foster care review board. He is at court two days a week. He attends foster care review board meetings and he attends interviews with children and their CASA advocates, among other things. He is also involved in community outreach to teach people about CASA’s work.

CCI dogs are specifically bred and trained to become service animals.

Rocklin has been training for this position since he was about 8-12 weeks old.

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He lived with his puppy raisers for about 18 months where he obtained basic training. At this point, he moved to CCI where he began more intensive training to become a service dog. After CASA’s application was approved, Marianne headed to Orlando for two weeks of intensive training to learn how to be Rocklin’s handler. Out of Rocklin’s graduating class, 13 dogs were placed as service dogs. Of those 13, 4 dogs were specifically trained to be facility dogs; Rocklin is one of those four.

Just like humans, Rocklin has is “off duty” time. When he goes home with Marianne in the evening, he takes off his work vest and loves hanging out with his new family and his canine sister, Lizzie. Rocklin loves to chase the tennis ball, play with squeaky toys and cuddling up on his Mom and Dad’s bed. He also is pampered quite a bit to stay in top shape for the courtroom, being brushed and teeth cleaned daily.

CCI is a non-profit and there was no charge to CASA for Rocklin but there are expenses to maintain his care and CASA welcomes any donations to assist.

To make a donation to support Rocklin, contact CASA at 615.591.2699 or go to www.WilliamsonCountyCASA.org.

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

WITH LANDMARK BOOKSELLERS

READS THAT WILL GROW ON YOU

“Si hortum in bibliotheca habes, deerit nihil.” Translation: “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” –Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters to His Friends, Vol 2: Books 7-12 Two Thousand years ago, Cicero understood that the two most important necessities on this earth for a man or woman to properly enjoy life were his house and gardens. Of course the library he refers to would be a collection of good books. But many would say that it would include the room or home library, if you will, to properly store and house this collection. In any event we can help you with both! It is that time of year — Spring, warm weather, plants budding — when we turn our attention to our house and gardens, considering repairs, improvements and new additions. Will Rogers once said, “A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.” Well folks, we do

not know who you have been associating with, but what we do know is that we have an extensive selection of wonderful books on homes and gardens and everything you ever wanted to know about each. How to books, garden and home design books, lawn maintenance books, home repair books, landscaping books, tree books, books on stairs, books on every room in your home.

We even have books on historic gardens and historic home restoration.

Looking for a title that we do not have in stock? Contact us by 11am on any weekday and we can put it on our order for next day delivery at no extra charge. So, as you survey your castle and grounds this spring, stop by, visit us and pick up one or more of the beautiful new, old or rare volumes available at Landmark Booksellers — a booklover’s paradise!

–Joel and Carol Tomlin

GRACEWORKS 20TH BIRTHDAY Story & Photography by K York GraceWorks Ministries held their 20th Birthday Celebration at Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. It was a special evening with over 200 people in attendance to enjoy a silent auction, dinner and entertainment by singer-songwriter Calvin Nowell. GraceWorks began as a food pantry and clothes closet and today offers 20 different programs to Williamson County families in need. Last year alone 40,906 needs were met in our community through their ministries.

Kimberly Burr, David White, Tandy Rice Jr. & Tina Edwards

Heather Thompson & Cheryl King

Tomma Santini & Ann Kegarise

Gil Costello, Brian King & Will Costello

Natalie Brainard & Shane Boyd

5 SENSE LIVING

WITH LAURYN GILLIAM

WITH LAURYN GILLIAM Bringing you the 411 on the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of what touches you in Williamson County.

Carpe diem y’all!

ART

WHERE DID GRACE LEARN HOW TO PAINT? Like many people with autism, Grace’s artistic ability is innate. We believe that her ability is enhanced by how autism affects her brain. It may enhance the ways she see things. There is a purity, a naivety, in art by many artists with disabilities that needs to be encouraged not Photo by Ashley Hylbert hampered by teaching.

WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT THE READERS TO KNOW ABOUT GRACE? Art is a window into the beauty and potential of people with disabilities. It’s about what a person, who is labeled by many in our culture as broken, can do and create. Look for the gifts!

There are other “Grace Goads” across the country. Having autism or a disability and being an artist is not unique, but not enough individuals are given the opportunities to create and have their art recognized.

GRACE GOAD

www.gracegoad.com | Facebook/Grace Goad Autism Art Recently, I was inspired by the works of a local artist Grace Goad. Grace, is a successful artist, who does mostly abstract pieces in stunning color combinations. Her works are found anywhere from Dan Marino’s home to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, from the Shimai Gallery on the grounds of the Loveless Cafe to galleries in Ventura.

Photo by Ashley Hylbert And…she has autism. April is National Autism Awareness month so I thought it would be a great issue to share her story. Because Grace is not conversational as one of the ways her autism manifests, her mom and “ARTism agent” Leisa Hammett answered some questions for us.

WHAT GOT GRACE PAINTING? Grace was a year into multiple, typical, grueling autism early intervention therapies. I realized she was missing the usual childhood joys of making music, art, and dance. It was in the visual art that we realized she was most exceptional. Now, nearly every day, Grace says: “Go to art! Paintbrush!” She drops into a zen-like state when she is creating art. She carefully studies her palette and her media and is very intentional about color and composition.

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ART

FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS Houghton House: Portrait of an English Country House | www.fristcenter.org

Sir Robert Walpole built the Houghton House as his country home but it’s been said that it was his way of showing the world his power, wealth and prestige. According to curator Katie Delmez, curator at the Frist, ”Houghton Hall is remarkable because it was one of the first homes in Britain in which the architecture, furnishings, art, and gardens were fully integrated.” Each square foot of this “second home” is planned with precision. Yet, there is a warmth to it that as you learn about it’s predecessors, you begin to under-stand how such a showpiece, has such heart. When the 5th marchioness, Lady Sybil, took an interest in restoring the home, it was important to her to maintain the dignity of the design and the warmth of a lived in family home. The homes rich family heritage and stories are important to them and they want the legacy to continue. In a video narrated by David Cholmondeley, he remembers vividly the days of yore when he would visit Lady Sybil, his grandmother, at the Houghton House. He describes how she would gather the children each visit, taking them to one room in the house, and spend time sit-ting and describing in detail for them the stories behind that one room. She held a soft place in her heart for the Houghton House and spent a great deal of time and money dedicating herself to renovating the family home back to a warm and livable place.

5 SENSE LIVING

WITH LAURYN GILLIAM

The art collections have evolved over time with the addition of new objects as each new generation of the family brought in favored pieces. According to Katie Delmez, each had distinctively different styles but Walpole insisted on integrating the two making the house customized to his specifications. The decor is by William Kent. His focus was warmth and luxury using crimson silk velvet and gilded mahogany chairs, settles and stools contrasted with vast openness using stone and marble cooling things off in other areas. The “Marble Parlour” thought to be the

first purposely built dining room in England was developed in this home.

According to Delmez, “Houghton was one of the first homes in which Kent took a holistic design approach, considering everything from the chimney surrounds to the ceilings to the furniture to the way the paintings were hung around it.”

Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House will be featured in the Ingram Gallery at the Frist Center February 13–May 10, 2015. For more information on this exhibit, visit www.fristcenter.org.

Photo by Ben Krebs

MUSIC

JOHN & JACOB www.johnandjacob.com

On a cold night in February, some roads were still closed due to ice around Nashville, but inside 3rd & Lindsley, it was hot! A full house bouncing to the tunes performed by the band John and Jacob. If you haven’t heard of them yet you will want to look them up so you can say you knew them when. This group was introduced to Nashville by Major Bob Publishing company through Neil Thrasher, a prominent singer and songwriter in country music and a Williamson County resident! Mike Doyle, the band’s manager,

who is a graduate of Brentwood High and local Williamson County resident, shared with me that Neil turned them on to the boys’ music.

The relationship grew very organically from there into both a professional talent development and personal relationship. Mike comes from a family well versed in the music industry, and he has faith in the fact that their talent will continue to get noticed and is dedicated to watching and making this happen. It didn’t take them long to get noticed after signing with Major Bob; co-writing “Done” with The Band Perry’s Neil and Reid Perry which then went #1 on Billboard and then having their song “Be My Girl” performed on the ABC show Nashville. When they went on tour with The Band Perry in the UK, they created quite a following, and will be returning there in April to tour with The Shires and to release their single “Be My Girl.” They have also toured twice this year with Kasey Musgrave and will be performing at the Grammy Block Party along with many festivals around the country.

So what is there music all about? If you think you might like a fusion of

Photo by Nick McCann

Beach Boys meets the Everly Brothers, toss in a Beatles/Paul McCartney twist and a pinch of hip moving Elvis and then for good measure throw in a little Mumford & Son, and you may have a recipe for a good ole heaping of heartwarming and fun loving music.

I noticed you might also be able to pick up on a hint of The December-ists and Cowboy Mouth with the strong vocal and harmonies, drumming and guitar riffs mixed all together to make a good ole simmering Southern Stew of good tunes! On stage there is an energy about them that is infectious and it won’t take long before you are jamming with them. Their joy in performing pervades the room. I couldn’t help but get a warm feeling when the audience sang along like family around a fire pit with the soothing melody “I’d Go Back.”

Check out their website for more tour dates and when they will be back this way and take a listen to “Think About You,” “Breaking the Law,” “Goodbye,” and “Guilty Face,” for some of my favorite picks on their new album. WARNING: You will be singing them all day!

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 91

5 SENSE LIVING

DINING

WITH LAURYN GILLIAM

MERE BULLE’S www.merebulles.com

Picture an outdoor patio, full of people soaking up the much anticipated warmth and sunshine while enjoying a good meal and a glass of chilled wine. Inside of Mere Bulle’s in Brentwood, it’s bustling with the sounds of families and friends connecting and business deals getting done over lunch. In this beautiful old historic home, it presents as a fine dining steak house partnered with exceptional service. With dark colored walls, heavy drapes, ornate oil paintings and fireplaces, you instantly feel the warmth of a surrogate home to transplants or a traditional meeting place for longtime locals over the years. White table linens leave you feeling important and connected. Owner Steven Smithing says nothing is better than a compliment from a customer and the return of a loyal fan of their food and service. “We are more flattered here to receive our accolades from the people who eat our food and like it,” he says. Mere Bulle’s, once known as Maryland Manor, is a historic plantation-style farmhouse whose family loved the beauty of rolling hills and horses. The Mansion itself was built in 1942 with salvaged bricks from a historic building that had been torn down near by. Steven and his brother Christopher, who serves as the restaurant’s chef, come to the table with their own story: That of a family who learned early on the importance of finding something they love to do and then spending their time and energy perfecting that craft.

The menu is big, but not overwhelming. Each selection brought out was a testament to the importance this team places on solid, consistent dishes. If you haven’t tried their true southern favorite Charleston She-Crab Bisque, it’s a

92 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

must; Tasting like rich, creamy love in a bowl. This dish has been perfected, but Steven told me he still tastes it every day to make sure that it’s the same for it’s loyal fans. You’ll taste a slight crunch of onion and smooth lumps of fresh sweet crab perfectly seasoned with just enough pepper to give it some heat, but not overwhelm your palette.

This was followed by the Spinach Salmon Salad. Living away from the coast, I miss fresh fish and Steven shared that they get fresh fish every day to make sure they are confident in the product they are putting out. The salmon is perfectly seasoned and grilled and then placed upon a bed of tender fresh green spinach with crumbles of tangy blue cheese, topped with a fresh strawberry mango salsa and tossed in a strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. The stand out dish for me was the Caprese Salad. It is a 4 oz filet mignon over a spinach basil pesto topped with shallots and mushrooms served with a spring mix medallions of buffalo mozzarella, tomato basil vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. This is a compilation of slight heat in the spice, coolness of the pesto, creamy cheese and acid of the tomato and sweetness of balsamic. When you take a bite of the beef surrounded by this in-credible freshness, it is a true taste juxtaposition and yet it will become my new favorite celebrity foodie couple. I surprised myself with my last favorite….I mean what southern girl doesn’t love shrimp and grits? However, since being back in the real south (South Florida does not count)! I have purposely not ordered shrimp and grits just because it seems almost cliche. What I love is how restaurants are finding new and clever ways to present this traditional humble dish into a more refined modern recipe in a way that doesn’t deconstruct it to the point that you don’t recognize it. Nobody wants the band to mess with the original tunes! Here they lightly bread and fry grit cakes, then top each one with a nice fat and perfectly cooked tender shrimp and drizzle it with creamy deliciousness. Call me cliche y’all, but I’m sold! They offer catering, private events in house, and they will deliver lunch during the day. Half price bottles of wine are offered every night and there is a brunch every Sunday. I hear they serve a mean Creme Brûlée French Toast which may have to be my Mother’s Day breakfast.

Cheers!

CURREY INGRAM CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS Story & Photography by K York Currey Ingram Academy Parents Organization hosted the 2015 Celebration of the Arts fundraiser at the Jan Carell Field House recently. The Patrons Party was decorated with a nightclub vibe where guests enjoyed great food, drinks and bid on fabulous silent auction items. The Main Event “Stars in the Round” featured award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jon Randall Stewart and Chris Tompkins. Both were great evenings of fun supporting the students and programs of Currey Ingram Academy.

Laurie & Michael Berryhill

Mary Lou & John Brien

Elizabeth & Joe Sharpe, Arthur & Kim Anderson, Amy & James Hobbs Lori Kelly & Jacqueline Phillips

Laura Braam, Dana Huffstutter & Betty Ann Ralston

Anthony & Barbara Henderson, Christine & Kevin Skold

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 93

IT'S YOUR BUSINESS

WITH JOE HARKINS

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Joe Harkins

As a small business owner you have numerous items on your plate, at all hours of the day. Some tasks are more fun than others, such as when you’re out front engaging your customers or clients. Others are not so glamorous, such as the late nights and weekends when you’re crunching numbers for payroll, expenses and receivables.

And whether you’re in start-up mode or have a few years under your belt, someone will inevitably ask how you’re using social media to market your business.

“Aren’t you on Facebook?”

“Why aren’t you tweeting?”

But how does social media actually relate to your business? And, perhaps, more importantly, how are you ever going to find time to devote to it? The first step is to define your target audience, i.e. who you’re marketing to and what type of content is relevant to them. Then select somebody on staff (even if it’s you) to serve as the “editor” of your social networks and plan out a modest editorial calendar. Social media by nature is immediate so a good chance to post something could come at any time. But the calendar will serve as a reminder and keep you disciplined.

The key to content isn’t so much quantity but quality. If someone has taken the time to “like” or “follow” you, don’t clutter their feed with random musings. (We all have those friends on Facebook who post every time they go to the gym or grab a latte, right?) So your business shouldn’t post only when you need something, like when you’re having a sale or soliciting donations. Share a relevant article; display new portfolio work; congratulate a client or recognize an employee milestone. It’s all part of telling your story.

Engage your fans or followers and invite them to be part of that story. As a small business, that’s the advantage you possess over the large (and generally faceless) corporate brands. Your customers know you; they know your employees; in many cases they know how hard you’ve worked to get to this point. They can be advocates and evangelists for your brand. Social media is a great way to give them the opportunity to do just that.

Also try to carve out a few minutes each day to respond to posts from fans and followers. If a customer posts a question on your Facebook page and you take a week to respond, how does that reflect upon your customer service? Small businesses are oftentimes more agile and less tethered to the hierarchical red tape of larger companies. A quick and courteous reply — whether it’s to address something positive or negative — goes a long way towards helping your online (and overall) reputation.

Social media isn’t necessarily “free” because time is money. But if used effectively and efficiently it can be an inexpensive, yet powerful tool to drive more business. You just have to find the time.

YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE

HAPPY TALES HUMANE

Happy Tales

H U M A N E There are so many wonderful resources in Williamson County for finding your new pet. Adoption is a wonderful route to go, and Happy Tales Humane offers adopters a beneficial and educational experience to make sure you are getting the best fit for your family when adopting a new pet. Part of the amazing experience is our new location in Berry Farms.

We were happy to be a part of the Factory community for over a decade. When we left the Factory, we went for a period of almost a year without an operational shelter space.

During that time, it was important that we continue to serve the animal community in some capacity. To the extent possible and with the support of the community and dedicated foster families, we continued to rescue animals and to adopt out at community events and individualized adoption appointments. We discovered that the more controlled adoption environment allowed us to spend more quality time with prospective adopters and resulted in more successful adoptions. We wanted to carry the success of this more controlled environment over to the new location in Berry Farms.

Our new facility offers a calm, soothing, zen-like atmosphere. There are large, private rooms for potential adopters/families to interact with animals and to spend time with staff to learn more about the animal’s behavior and to

potentially meet other family dogs. Our retail space supplies food that our animals are eating, as well as basic pet supplies (collars, leashes, toys, etc.) for new adopters.

The new facility location has brought an entirely new spirit to Happy Tales for the staff, the animals and potential adopters. We are seeing a heightened interest in fostering from families in the area. The design of the new facility allows for better socialization of the animals that reside here and this leads to a greater adoptability factor. Better isolation facilities allow for healthier animals. We have a deepened relationship with the veterinarians at Battleground Animal Hospital who provide consistent and exceptional veterinary services to our shelter animals.

Happy Tales Humane works with other shelters and rescue organizations that have limited resources to hold animals beyond a defined time limit and also take in owner-surrenders.

We need community support and involvement in the way of funding, fostering, donating volunteering and adopting. Our long-term goal is to obtain land for the Happy Tales farm where we can house dogs on-site and have facilities to rescue large animals including horses, goats and other farm animals.

We feel a deep responsibility to the people of Williamson County and we are anxious to

implement our exceptional adoption experience to provide the community with the level of services they deserve from a no-kill facility. All of our adoptable animals have been spayed/ neutered, microchipped, tested and are up-to-date on vaccinations before they go out the door with their new family. Cats reside at the shelter and are available for adoption during regular shelter hours and appointments for dog adoptions can be scheduled on any day during regular shelter hours. Our dogs primarily reside in foster homes, which allows us to better understand their behaviors and characteristics in a home environment. We strive to rotate dogs in foster environments so they do not become too attached to one particular style of care or family. We understand that many people wish to rescue an animal, but the process of going to a shelter and finding that perfect match can be a daunting experience. We offer an unparalleled adoption experience where families are able to schedule an individualized adoption appointment in a serene environment.

Our experienced staff will consult and work with families to find the right match, even if that animal isn’t currently in our system. There is a family for every animal that needs a home!

Come see our new facility in Berry Farms!

4001 Hughes Crossing, Suite 161 Franklin, TN 37064 615.261.7387 www.HappyTalesHumane.com

where will your happy tale begin?

Happy Tales Humane rescued Bosco on September 11, 2014 at a high-kill shelter. He was around 3 months old at the time, found as a stray and very emaciated. Bosco was adopted from Happy Tales on September 20, 2014.

Happy Tales gave Bosco his second chance and a loving family!

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 95

YOU IN THE NEWS

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If you or your company has community or business news to share please send to info@yourwilliamson.com!

NATIONAL MAGAZINE NAMES TIM PAGLIARA, TOP WEALTH ADVISOR IN TENNESSEE Middle Tennessee-based wealth manager Tim Pagliara, chairman/CEO of registered independent advisory firm CapWealth Advisors, has been named the top financial advisor in the state of Tennessee by Barron’s magazine for the fourth consecutive year.

He and his firm also made the magazine’s list of Top 1,200 Advisors for the sixth time in seven years. Announced annually, the ranking is based on assets under management, revenue generated by the firm’s advisors and quality of practice, including regulatory history and community giving. For more information, visit www.CapWealthAdvisors.com and www.CapWealthInsights.com.

SADDLE UP! EARNS PATH INTL. PREMIER ACCREDITED CENTER DESIGNATION Saddle Up! has earned the Premier Accredited Center designation by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, the leading organization that sets standards for safety and quality in equine-assisted programs. Saddle Up! is a non profit organization that served 258 children/ youth with disabilities in 2014 with physical and occupational therapy, equine assisted learning and recreational therapeutic horseback riding and unmounted lessons. All programs are based on the power of the horse to change lives. Saddle Up! has been a Premier Accredited Center since 2005. In almost 25 years of service, Saddle Up! has served more 1,100 children with disabilities, provided more than 50,000 hours of services and cared for more than 125 noble horses who served our program. For more information, please visit www.SaddleUpNashville.org.

IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE NAMES DR. BILL RUSSELL AS 2015 HONORARY CO-CHAIR Iroquois Steeplechase has selected Dr. Bill Russell to represent Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as honorary co-chair of the 74th running of the races, slated for May 9, 2015. Dr. Russell was selected in recognition of his contributions to research and the clinical care of children with endocrine disorders. Dr. Russell currently serves as director of the Ian M. Burr Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. In addition, he is a professor of cell and developmental biology and a Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Pediatrics, a distinction given in recognition of accomplishments or contributions beyond the normal expectations of professors. For more information about Iroquois Steeplechase, visit www.IroquoisSteeplechase.org.

96 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM April 2015

FRANKLIN TOMORROW’S GET FIT FRANKLIN TO SERVE AS PILOT FOR GOVERNOR’S HEALTHIER TENNESSEE INITIATIVE Gov. Bill Haslam has announced that Franklin Tomorrow’s Get Fit Franklin program will represent the City of Franklin as a pilot program of the Governor’s Foundation for a Healthier Tennessee program. Healthier Tennessee is led by Gov. Bill Haslam and made possible by The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness, a non profit corporation dedicated to enabling and encouraging Tennesseans to lead healthier lives. Eight communities across Tennessee have been selected. Get Fit Franklin is a program of Franklin Tomorrow, which partners with the City of Franklin, Vanderbilt Health and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, along with numerous other organizations and health and fitness agencies.

Currently, quarterly events are held around the city to encourage participation. Christa and Michael Gonzales of the Westhaven community have been selected to serve as the Wellness Champions for the Get Fit Franklin/Healthier Tennessee initiative and as chairs of a newly formed Wellness Council. Learn more at FranklinTomorrow.org or GetFitFranklinTN.org.

MARK ANTONINI WINS 2014 JOHN DEERE DRIVE GREEN TRACTOR SWEEPSTAKES Mark Antonini of Franklin, TN, is the winner of the John Deere 2014 Drive Green Tractor Sweepstakes.

Antonini, who owns a rural acreage farm in Franklin, attended a John Deere Drive Green event hosted

by TriGreen Equipment LLC in Franklin, Tennessee. Antonini said that he visited the dealership months beforehand to try out equipment before buying a 3046R tractor in September 2014. Four months later, Antonini was notified that he’ had won the sweepstakes. For more information on the 2015 Drive Green Demo Days event in your area, visit www.JohnDeere.com/ DriveGreen or see your local John Deere dealer.

YOU IN THE NEWS

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY RESIDENT CROWNED MRS. TENNESSEE AMERICA Cheryl Brehm, a resident of Williamson County, has been selected as Mrs. Tennessee America 2015. She will go on to compete with the other state winners in the Mrs. America Pageant this fall. The Mrs. Tennessee America Pageant was held in the Coliseum Civic Center located in Corinth, MS. With the help of her crown, Mrs. Brehm continues to promote her favorite nonprofit, Mercy Ministries that provides hope to young women around the world. For appearance inquirie, please email MrsTnAmerica2015@gmail.com.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

WILLIAMSON COUNTY PROCLAIMS MARCH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

ANDERSON BENSON INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT EXPANDS TO FRANKLIN

In 1987, President Reagan declared March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. He called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with developmental disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Here in Williamson County recently, County Commissioners signed a proclamation that March will officially be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and urged all citizens to “celebrate abilities.” They encourage the public’s awareness through people’s active participation in community activities and the openness to learn and acknowledge each individual’s contribution. BrightStone and Waves, Inc., whose mission is to assist the lives of people with developmental disabilities, were both honored.

Anderson Benson Insurance & Risk Management has expanded operations to Williamson County with a downtown Franklin office. The new office is located at 317 Main Street, Suite 206.

Darla Bousselot, who joined the firm in 2014, will lead the Franklin office.

She has 10 years of insurance industry experience as both a broker and carrier representative and most recently worked with PURE, a national high net worth specialty insurance carrier. For additional information, go to www.AndersonBenson.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW WILLIAMSON COUNTY BUSINESSES

Belk Men’s & Kid’s Store CoolSprings Galleria 1800 Galleria Blvd Franklin, TN 37067

Spring Hill Day School 4006 O’Hallorn Drive Spring Hill, TN 37174

Back 2 Wellness 1912 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064

Brookdale Franklin 1912 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064

Daily Juice Café 700 Old Hickory Blvd Brentwood, TN 37027

Alternative Health 4886 Port Royal Rd. Suite 190 Spring Hill, TN 37174

Juice Bar Franklin 232 5th Avenue N. Franklin, TN 37064

Goddard School 98 Moss Lane Franklin, TN 37064

April 2015 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 97

WC DID YOU KNOW?

THE KENTUCKY DERBY

DID YOU KNOW? THE KENTUCKY DERBY It’s that time of year when horse racing takes center stage — and track. No more famous and celebrated than the Kentucky Derby.

ALTERNATIVELY REFERRED TO AS “THE RUN FOR THE ROSES” OR “THE MOST EXCITING TWO MINUTES IN SPORTS,” THE KENTUCKY DERBY IS A 1.25 MILE RACE FOR THREE-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBRED HORSES.THE KENTUCKY DERBY DRAWS AN AVERAGE OF 150,000 VISITORS EACH YEAR, INCLUDING RESIDENTS, OUTOF-TOWNERS, CELEBRITIES, PRESIDENTS, AND EVEN MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILIES. By the early 1900s, owners of winning Kentucky Derby horses started sending their winners to run in the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York. In 1930, sportswriter Charles Hatton coined the term “Triple Crown” in reference to the same horses running the three races consecutively.

The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It is an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and a sweet syrup and is traditionally served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass.

THE FIRST KENTUCKY DERBY RACE OCCURRED IN 1875. CLOSE TO 10,000 PEOPLE WATCHED AS 15 THOROUGHBRED HORSES RAN WHAT WAS THEN A 1.5 MILE COURSE. IN 1876, THE LENGTH OF THE RACE WAS CHANGED TO 1.25 MILES.

The fastest horse to ever run the Kentucky Derby was Secretariat. In 1973, this Triple Crown-winning horse ran the 1 1/4 miles in 1 minute 59 seconds. The horse that ran the first Kentucky Derby took 2 minutes 27 seconds.

The vehicles that defy classification can be found at the dealer that defies expectations.

Now is the time when everything you thought about buying a vehicle and driving one changes. You’ll understand what we mean once you see the new Infiniti luxury vehicles now available at Infiniti of Cool Springs. For example, the all-new 2015 Infiniti QX60 luxury utility vehicle offers a seamless blend of dynamic performance, life-changing functionality and head turning style and Infiniti of Cool Springs offers this exciting crossover for less. Visit our new modern showroom today and see why Infiniti of Cool Springs delivers vehicles and an experience that are exceptional in every detail.

“An exceptional owner experience.”

211 Comtide Ct., Franklin, TN 37067 | 888.395.5101 | infinitiofcoolsprings.com