December 2014

AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW

WINE DOWN MAIN

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

WRAPPED UP IN SPLENDOR Kings’ Chapel Parade of Homes

SWEET SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE

with Southern Vacation Rentals

YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE with Miss Daisy

“They saved my life” –Duane Eddy

At Williamson Medical Center, our story is best told by our patients.

They have been here. They know us well.

To Deed and Duane Eddy, Williamson Medical Center is where Duane’s life was saved when he suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. What started out as back pain ended with Duane collapsing at our front door. One more red light and he wouldn’t have made it, his doctors told him.

What happened over the next few days, the Eddys describe as a symphony. Nurses, doctors and hospital staff working together to produce a beautiful outcome that meant Duane walked out of the hospital and back on stage where he belongs.

We want to hear your story.

#mywmcstory mystory@wmed.org

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year —Arde

YOUR WILLIAMSON

DECEMBER 2014 • VOL III-XXXVIII

FEATURES 63

53

76

Home & Decorating

Home & Decorating

A sneak peek of two homes on the tour

Kings’ Chapel Parade of Homes

Homes for the Holidays

Special Section

All Things Holiday 2014 Gift Guide

60

93

In YOUR Backyard

From Our Table to YOURS

Five well-known Santas in Williamson County and surrounding areas

Gracious Southern entertaining with Miss Daisy

Santas Helpers

AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW

WINE DOWN MAIN

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014

WRAPPED UP IN SPLENDOR Kings’ Chapel Parade of Homes

SWEET SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE

with Southern Vacation Rentals

YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE with Miss Daisy

Holiday Splendor

Holiday Table

COVER PROFILE Wrapped by an aged wall of mirrors and a layered damask finish, the Arnold home dining room is dressed in holiday shimmering silver and golds

by Julie McCoy Interiors setting an elegant French Provincial tone for the house. The home is on the tour in the December 6th-21st Parade of Homes in the gated Kings’ Chapel community of Arrington.

Finish by creative artist Heather Spriggs Thompson Photo by Sanford Myers

YOUR WILLIAMSON

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DECEMBER 2014 • VOL III-XXXVIII

72

96

TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR Social 16 Pumpkinfest 20 Women N Wine 21 Barn Bash 22 Champagne & Chardonnay 26 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 28 Fountains Holiday Party 29 30 34 46

Fountains Halloween Party Chair-Ish Chamber Annual Meeting WCAR Affiliate Luncheon

48 WCAR Awards 52 Mingle & Jingle

92 Blue & Gray Days 96 Battle of Franklin Reenactment YOUR Community

23 YOUR Best Self with Connie Haley

24 YOUR Health & Wellness

74 YOUR Community Partner

33 Come Fly With Me

75 Up the Road

43 YOUR Business Profile

Ways to Give During the Holidays

John Fraser

Keeping It Real with Jodi Rall

YOUR Business

with Williamson Medical Center Southern Vacation Rentals Encore Bridal

58 Southern Is...

with Jeffrey Gray

36 A Little Something Extra

72 Styling YOUR Everyday

40 Scoop

84 Arts & Culture A la Carte

End of Year Giving 101

You in the News

41 It’s YOUR Business

74 Martin Center Art Event 75 Nolensville Walk to School

42 Business on the Move

6 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Confessions of a Beauty Junkie

38 YOUR Charitable Self

61 Wine Down Main

82 GraceWorks Benefit Concert 88 American Girl Doll Fashion Show 91 150th Battle Anniversary Event

18 YOUR Beauty & Style

with Wheelhouse Marketing Advisors Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

YOUR Lifestyle 12 Mind YOUR Manners Ms. Social Grace

with Katie Jacobs

with Andrea Davis

86 YOUR Dining Guide with Lauryn Gilliam

90 YOUR Kids

with Jones Speech Therapy

96 Read Between the Lines with Landmark Booksellers

What Santa wants for Christmas Too bad no one ever asks Santa what he wants for Christmas, if they did, he’d most likely choose the 2015 Hyundai Equus.

Santa knows about value, which is why the Equus is the logical choice over the Mercedes-Benz S Class. There’s plenty of room for presents, with 126 cubic feet of interior space. Plus it has more horsepower than the Lexus LS 460. 429 to be exact. Good for covering a lot of ground in one night. Finally, the Equus is built for the long haul, with America’s best warranty. 10 years 100,000 miles powertrain protection.

Think about that when you’re putting out cookies and milk for dear old Santa.

Then come experience the Equus for yourself, at Hyundai of Cool Springs. See ya neighbor.

201 Comtide Ct, Franklin TN | (I-65, Exit 69) | 1.888.859.2718

www.hyundaiofcoolsprings.com

YOUR STAFF

Anna Robertson

Johnny Birdsong

Julie Jorgensen

Andrea Davis

Erica Lampley

Helen Simpkins

K York

MANAGING PUBLISHER

OWNER, VP OF SALES & DEVELOPMENT

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Vicky Travis

Daniel Robertson

WRITER

DISTRIBUTION

Adam Sanner

Sarah Bailey

Rachel Weishaupt

Jodi Rall

Ron Cheatham

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

COMMUNITY EDITOR

BUSINESS MANAGER

YOUR Williamson is a publication of: Robertson Media Group, LLC 436 Main Street, Suite 202 Franklin, TN 37064 Office: 615.979.1548

Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@yourwilliamson.com SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Steve Absher, Account Exec.

Kingery Printing Company YOUR Printing Partner

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

YOUR NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

LIVE AT THE SCHERMERHORN

Nashville symphoNy & Chorus

MESSIAH The Best of Gershwin, Strauss & more

December 18 to 20

December 31

Home for the Holidays

with the Nashville Symphony & Chorus

December 8

January 29 & 30

BEETHOVEN’S

JIM BRICKMAN

ON A WINTER’S NIGHT

December 9

with the Nashville Symphony

SEVENTH with the NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

with the Nashville Symphony

December 11 & 12

January 8 to 10

January 15 to 17

615.687.6400

NashvilleSymphony.org

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

DECEMBER 2014

A SEASON OF BELIEVING Dear Readers,

CUSTOM PUBLISHING INTEGRATED MEDIA & MARKETING DESIGN CONSULTING EVENT MANAGEMENT

Another year comes to a close and we all begin a season of celebration, blessings, holiday sprit, family and gifting.More than once I have referred to a much more profound and poetic missive on what Christmas really means. During this holiest and magical of seasons, with my own tiny “Virginia’” Keeling Birdsong & her Great Grandfather Giles staring at her Christmas tree with some concept of joy over it for the first time, I cannot help but want to repeat these often printed words yet again – for those who also love to believe – enjoy!

On Sept. 21, 1897, The New York Sun published what was to become the most widely read letter to a newspaper. It was sent by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, who lived with her parents in Manhattan. Below is the full text of that letter and the reply by Sun editorial writer Francis Pharcellus Church.

Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon 115 W. 95th St. Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world, which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

Luke 2:9-14

No Santa Claus! Thank God he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10 thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

436 Main Street Suite 202 Franklin, TN 37064 615.979.1548 info@robertsonmediagroup.com

Shelly Robertson Birdsong, Owner & Publisher Robertson Media Group, LLC & YOUR Williamson shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY December brings a host of fabulous events we can’t wait to attend! Here are just a few to add to the Social Calendar: DECEMBER 5-7

DECEMBER 6-21

DECEMBER 13-14

Dickens of a Christmas

Homes for the Holidays Annandale, Belle Rive II, and Princeton Hills in Brentwood

Historic Downtown Franklin

Dec 5: 5:00-8:00 pm Dec 6 & 7: 12:00-6:00 pm Homes for the Holidays benefits the Literacy Council of Williamson County, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching and transforming lives through free programs that encourage and enable adults to read, write, and employ basic math skills. homes4holidays.org/the-event

Saturday 10:00 am -5:00 pm

Kings’ Chapel Parade of Homes 4980 Meadowbrook Blvd.

Arrington, TN 37014 10:00 am -8:00 pm Benefiting Charity – Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee Holiday Parade Packed With Building And Decorating Ideas 12 Days of Christmas, DIY Blogger Trees, Instagram & Pinterest Fun www.KingsChapelLife.com

MIND YOUR MANNERS

Sunday 12:00 pm -5:00 pm This year will mark the 30th year to celebrate Dickens of a Christmas in Historic Downtown Franklin!

More than 250 volunteers participate in the event as characters from Dickens’s stories, vendors or street performers.

Show up any time over the course of the weekend. www.historicfranklin.com/events/ dickens-of-a-christmas

MS. SOCIAL GRACE

I am hosting Christmas Dinner in my home this year. Some of my husband’s relatives and mine haven’t met before.

Do you have any tips to help people feel at ease? And have good manners, at the same time?

Gratefully, A Westhaven Mommy

The most important thing to remember is that everyone should feel welcome in your home. Your table setting and flowers can make a

beautiful setting, but you and your family provide the love and inclusivity that enable guests to feel at ease on a special day.

Greet people by name and introduce your guests to one another. Include fun or memorable facts when introducing folks. Place cards are a nice touch and help everyone be able to greet unfamiliar faces by name. Face them outward so that those across the table can recognize the names.

Encourage your guests to leave their electronics behind when they are seated at the table. Times of togetherness are few and far between in our hustle and bustle society, take advantage of this opportunity to get to know your friends and relatives.

If someone makes an etiquette gaff,

such as picking up a neighbor’s napkin or using a bread plate on the right side of the dinner plate, as the host simply follow suit. Don’t point out the error or cause anyone to feel embarrassed.

As the host, clearing the table at the close of the meal is your call. If you want help you may ask for it, and, if it makes you more comfortable to clear the plates yourself that is fine, too. My preference is to clear the table, and ask my guests who wish to “help” to serve coffee or after dinner drinks while I clear the table.

As the host, you set the tone, if you are at ease your guests will be, too.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

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.

12 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

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YOUR CONTRIBUTORS 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 a foodie experience. Influenced by the bayous of Louisiana to the coast of south Florida, up the eastern shore and now rooted in Nashville, she has an appetite for finding good food in unique places.

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.

Jeffrey J. Alger This month’s advisor on ways to give at the end of the year - Jeffrey Alger is the 2013 Platinum Performance Excellence Winner.

He is Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor for SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. Private Wealth Management TN-NASH-0895 5205 Maryland Way Suite 200 Brentwood, TN. 37027, 615-507-7813.

14 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

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!

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.”

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..

Katie Rushton Katie Rushton is a 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.

Joel & Carol Tomlin 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.

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 Joe co-founded 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. His clients have included Exxon, Texas Instruments, Beech Aircraft, Kimberly-Clark, Tennessee Titans, KinderCare Learning Centers and Six Flags. Wheelhouse will provide business and marketing insight monthly through their own expertise and that of their clientele via the It’s YOUR Business column.

PUMPKINFEST & CHILI COOK-OFF Story & Photography by K York The 31st annual Pumpkinfest was bigger than ever this year, taking over downtown Franklin for a fun filled day of autumn favorites and of course, plenty of cute kids dressed in their Halloween finest. There was a pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, pumpkin painting, bungee jumping and rock wall-climbing. Two stages provided musical entertainment all day long. Arts and craft vendors with unique items and everyone’s favorite foods lined the Square. Franklin Tomorrow’s Chili Cook-Off, as always, was a big part of the day’s event and this year’s 12th annual competition had 14 teams compete for top awards. Congratulations to Brian Irvin’s ‘Nailed It Chili’ for taking home the Judges’ Choice & Best Décor, and My Friend’s House for winning the People’s Choice.

Kurt Bauer, Stephanie Prewitt, Kathy Bauer, Emersyn, Adalyn & Trey Prewitt

Sammy, Angela, Georgia & Violet Ward

Penny Goodrum, Cheyenne & Alexis Williams

Christine Hartman, Neal Miles & Katherine Melton

Jacey & Jim Mort

Zora & Nathan Berretta

Brian Irvin’s Nailed it Chili

16 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

My Friend’s House Chili Cookoff Team

Evelyn Hastings, Shelby Boyd & Luke Boyd

Rachel Jeanette & Rachel Hale

PUMPKINFEST & CHILI COOK-OFF

Jennifer Glenn & Sarah Beth Trull

Circa Grille Chili Cookoff Team

The Fountains of Franklin Chili Cookoff Team

Clayton, Rachel, Jackson Wray, Joey & Rhonda Zaccarelli

Leslie Benson & Jason Milner

Caroline & Natalie Harper, Mike Orr

Easton Butler

Elijah, Les, David, Wendy & Joshua Crouch

Ali Reynolds, Maegan Cooper, Isabella & Makayla LoPorto

Olivia & Laurel Browning, Lisa Biggers

Evan, Maya, Justin & Lori Giles

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 17

YOUR BEAUTY & STYLE

CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY JUNKIE

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer: Nordstrom, the Mall at Green Hills

HOW DOES THAT SAYING GO? “SMOOTH AND CALM ON THE SURFACE, BUT PADDLING LIKE THE DICKENS UNDERWATER.” IF ANY OF Y’ALL ARE LIKE ME, YOU KNOW THAT EXACT FEELING DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

Trying to balance the shopping and cooking and wrapping with all the parties and the accompanying stress can rattle even the best multi-tasker’s cage. Take a collective deep breath ladies. The Beauty Junkie has put together the best holiday survival kit you’ve ever seen, and will have you gliding into that after-work party like you own the place. Y’all ready? Okay, let’s go.

At some point or another during the holidays, we all find ourselves rushing around to this function or that party with no time to go home after a long work day. We look in the mirror in the car and think, eek! Faded makeup!

Limp hair! These busy-woman woes are easily addressed in a flash, provided you have the right products. I like to keep a separate little makeup bag in my car for my on-the-go products. Some of the products are duplicates of what I keep in my makeup drawer at home, others are little bits of genius that are perfect for looking pretty in a rush. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is at the top of the “genius” list.

This velvety cream pats on over my makeup and for an instant boost of radiance. Fatigued skin doesn’t stand a chance on its watch. A penny-pinching alternative is the travel Evian atomizer. Tired, thirsty skin gets a welcome drink of mineral water delivered in a fine mist.

A little touchup around the eyes and nose with Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, and you’re back in business.

Now let’s tackle those peepers. I’m never without Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel (to tame any stray hairs) and a pair of mini Tweezerman

tweezers (to address what I may have missed the last time I tidied my brows). For a subtle lift that prompts “did you get a nap today?” questioning, glide a shimmery highlighter under brow bones, at the inner corners of your eyes, and above cheeks. The Multiple from Nars is perfect, and its chubby-stick format is foolproof.

My favorite shade is Copacabana, a glistening pearl. Nothing makes eyes “pop” like jet-black mascara, and the holidays are the perfect time to rock a more-dramatic eye. I am never without a tube of Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara in my travel makeup bag. The volumizing formula and big ol’ rubber-spoke brush fatten up my lashes without clumping, flaking, or otherwise making me mad. Lastly, rim inner lower lids with either a nude or black eye pencil. Nude will make eyes appear larger, while black will add extra oomph and smokiness.

Get your pout ready for some party puckerups with a quick swipe of e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator. Brown sugar granules banish dry, chapped lips faster than you can say, “happy holidays!” Top with Beautycounter Lip Conditioner for soothing moisture and a blue-based lipstick to make teeth look whiter. Dab a little of The Multiple at the center of your bottom lip over your lipstick or gloss for a fuller look. Don’t pop a stick of gum! Tacky, tacky. Opt for a breath spray or strip instead. Keep a travel-size spool of dental floss in your purse to avoid any hors d’oeuvres disasters. Refresh your hair with a dry shampoo and a good brushing, or throw your tresses up into a high ponytail or messy bun. I like Dry Shampoo Invisible Spray from

The Multiple from Nars: Nordstrom, the Mall at Green Hills

Past Tense Roll-on: mydoterra.com/ juliejorgensen

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm: Nordstrom, the Mall at Green Hills

Oscar Blandi. Use your eyebrow gel to tame any flyaways. Slick on a fast-absorbing hand cream and, if you have time, add a spoonful of sugar or salt for a manicure stand-in. Scrub, rinse, and go. A little Past Tense essential oil blend from dōTerra on the back of your neck will stop tension headaches in their tracks, and Whish deodorant wipes eliminate any embarrassing “stress sweat.” Spritz on a sample of your favorite perfume, smile, and walk into that party like you own the place! Cheers and happy holidays!

Love, The Beauty Junkie

BUYING GUIDE Evian and Anastasia: Nordstrom, the Mall at Green Hills; Tweezerman and Oscar Blandi: Sephora, JC Penney at Cool Springs Galleria; Cover Girl and Evian: Local drugstores; Beautycounter: juliejorgensen.beautycounter.com; Whish: Ulta, 100 Oaks

18 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Magical

Make the night

©Disney

Available at: The Mall at Green Hills • jewelryfranklin.com Cool Springs Galleria • jewelrystorenashville.com

WOMEN ‘N’ WINE Story & Photography by K York Women ‘n’ Wine of Williamson County held their monthly meeting at Aloft Hotel recently. This unique group of women enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, network and give back to the community when each month attendees get together. This month they were asked to bring a bottle of wine to be donated to the “Wall of Wine,” which will include over 200 bottles of wine that will be raffled at the Women, Wine & Shoes fundraising event for the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter in January 2015.

Susan Mann & Cynthia Cole-Pearson

Jamie Hupp, Tammy Nicholls & Sheri Carr

Clure & Carol Winfree Jennifer Troxel , Jasper Tollett, Kim Fredrickson & Melanie Culbreathe

Tamyra & Kate Nash

Connie Kondrat, Ramona Witzgall, NaAnn Poole, Nancy Nichols, Denise Thompson & Jennifer Troxel

Nancy Nichols, Cathy Kaiser & Gail Springhorn

20 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Sissy Kulinski & Virginia Meares

Aly Sands, Leon Heron & Jane Dillon

Lisa Porter & Denise Thompson

BARN BASH Story & Photography by Adam Sanner The Southern Trace Barn Bash was a night of music, food and fun!

The evneing was held in October at Southern Trace Farms. Guests for this event were able to try foods from various caterers and enjoy performances by many great artists. 100% of the ticket sales for this event benefited the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Amy Frew & Shawn Burgos

Sandy, Sammy & Kenneth Engel

Leslie Roberts, Patty Sanicola, Bianca Rodriguez, Amanda Rohwedder, Hannah Grace Roberts & Isabella Grace

Jason Warner, Patti Moore & Sherman Saffell

Lilly, Doug & Sheri Robertson

You deserve to feel special, beautiful and confident — every single day.

When your wardrobe is at its very best, you are at your very best. That is effortlesstyle defined.

I help clients navigate new trends, choose items that work for their body type and know exactly where to find the pieces they need to build their Katie Rushton Wardrobe Consultant own personal style.

Is there a party or event on your calendar and you just don’t know what to wear?

For any special occasion where you want to look your very best – give me a call!

Lynn & Jim McHood, Victoria & Michael Porter

Katie Rushton | Wardrobe Consultant Closet audits | Styling sessions | Personal shopping 615.734.9956 | kbc.rushton@ gmail.com www.effortlesstyle.com

CHAMPAGNE & CHARDONNAY Story & Photography by K York A Sparkling Evening Just for Ladies was that and more! Ladies enjoyed drinking Champagne Pol Roger and Chardonnay from Domaine Faiveley and tasting delectable hors d’oeuvres, while bidding on luxurious silent auction items to raise money to fight the battle against cancer. This exclusive cocktail party was hosted at the home of Sylvia Roberts, which is featured on the hit ABC television series, Nashville. Beneficiaries include the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Gilda’s Club Nashville, Pearl Point Cancer Support, St. Thomas Cancer Network, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Williamson Medical Center Foundation.

Channing Powell, Whitney Haldeman & Kyle Shults

Melinda Wayland & Anne Livingston

Hollie Gray, Carol Hudler, Marci Houff & Marty Jordan

Leesa LeClaire, Linda Hirsch & Sonna Robinson

Claudia Turner, Lorri Overton, Nikki Miller & Candace Revelette

Gloria Oliver & Lori Guardino

Lisa Mays, Vivek Surti & Ruth Cleary

Sylvia Roberts, Carol Hudley & Amy Atkinson

22 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Glenda Ing & Kendall Gemill

Cindy Parmenter, Faeda Setser & Tracy Osborne

Teresa Sexton, Joy Jarrett, Emily Halpern, Danielle Kaegan & Kim Manning

YOUR BEST SELF

CONNIE HALEY

HABITS OF HAPPY PEOPLE: They Purposely Create Holidays That Feel Joyful The holidays are here! For most people, this time of year is eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed. It is a time of joy and celebration.

It provides a chance to relish traditions and connect with family and friends. For many folks, however, it is anything but.

Having the holiday blues can range from a mild full blown depression. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing excessive sadness, irritability, sleep problems, social withdrawal, or thoughts of suicide, getting immediate professional help from a doctor or therapist is a must! For less severe cases of holiday melancholy, pinpointing the possible causes and taking preventive action may be enough to change the holiday experience from murky to merry.

Feeling downhearted about the holidays, or some aspect of the season, is very common. Here are a few of the possible causes and triggers: • Expectations of the holidays and yourself that are impossible to obtain • Sense of scarcity around money and possessions • Grief surrounding the loss of a loved one • Escalated stress and activity levels • Family dynamics that do not mirror the Hallmark commercials If any of the above reasons feel true to you, come up with preventive solutions: stop comparing – just do what feels fun, change the current gift giving expectations, find a way to honor someone you are grieving for, don’t accept every social invitation, reconnect with the spiritual aspects of the season, find the humor in your family dynamics or hang out with friends instead.

Make a list of what you love and dislike about the season. Then, do more of what is on the “love” list and forego, delegate or tweak the “dislikes”. It really is that simple. It may not feel easy, but it is simple.

If you are reacting to the above with a, “Yes, but…” ask yourself why you think you should be doing this activity that you do not enjoy. Doing something out of guilt, obligation, or tradition is not a good reason. Pursue things that you can do lovingly. Action taken with a loving heart will always feel better to you and the people you care about the most. Always.

Upping the enjoyment factor of this time of year is available to anyone willing to put in the time to explore the situation and make the necessary changes. If this isn’t working for you right now, no worries. Focus on what you are grateful for and practice the following until the New Year arrives: • Pursue extreme self care: eat good food, get quality sleep, exercise • Volunteer (focusing on others is a great way to bust through mild bouts of depression) • Get outside Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, safe holiday!

Until Next Year….

YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS

WMC

REVERSE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF STRESS BEFORE THEY RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY

part of your life is out of sync. Are you upset with your spouse because they are working too much? Are you aggravated with a child who isn’t making good grades?

Having made that identity, see what you can do to change it.

If your child is failing school, you need to sit down and study with them two hours every night.

Find someone you trust to talk to about what’s stressing you out. Sometimes being a good listener for someone else makes you sort of reorient the way you look at your own life.

I’d say about a third of my practice is the management of stress and anxiety. It’s very prevalent. It really affects every aspect of my practice. Stress aggravates hypertension. It changes people’s diets, which affects their cholesterol. It creates obesity because people overeat. It creates debt because people overspend.

So, once you’ve identified sources of stress and decided to do something about them this holiday season, here are some recommendations I give my patients that might help you out: Everyone is susceptible to a stressful day at work or a rough patch in your home life, especially during this time of year when life gets busier with the holidays.

But when people start to ask you what’s wrong because you don’t seem like yourself, or you find yourself unable to sleep through the night without waking up at 3 a.m. and worrying about that presentation at work or how you are going to tell your wife your annoying sibling wants to come over for Christmas, then you have a problem far greater than you think.

In addition to the middle-of-the-night worry sessions or the all-toofrequent bad moods, stress can also be the cause of drastic changes in appetite. Whether you suddenly are overeating, or not eating at all, stress could be the reason.

Another big thing I see a lot this time of year is hypersomnia – or sleeping too much. Are you finding that your to-do list just gets longer and longer because you aren’t scratching anything off? You just can’t find the time to get things done, but you can find time to sleep in or take lengthy, frequent naps?

Once you have identified that you have some of these warning signs that stress is about to get the better of you, you have to identify what

24 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

1. Maintain a budget and stick to it through the holidays.

Don’t overspend.

2. Ask people what they really want. Don’t buy what you think they want.

3. Make family lists and do gift exchanges. That way you don’t have to buy something for every single person in your family.

4. Ask for help. Trying to do everything on your own at the holidays is awful. If getting holiday decorations out of the attic is stressing you out, hire a neighborhood kid to help you.

5. If you are hosting a dinner, don’t cook it all yourself. Let guests bring a dish.

Arthur Williams, D.O., is board certified in family medicine and has been practicing in Williamson County for more than 15 years. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and is currently practicing with Williamson Medical Group in Franklin. His office can be reached at 615.435.7780.

Merry Christmas from

214 Bridge St • Franklin, TN 37064 615.595.8585 www.taylormadesmiles.com

6 specialties 2 Williamson County locations 12 physicians One medical home for you and your family.

Internal Medicine • General Surgery • Family Medicine Pulmonary Medicine • Sleep Medicine • Travel Medicine

WilliamsonMedicalGroup.com WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org

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SUSAN KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

Story & Photography by K York 10,000 participants arrived on a beautiful fall morning for the 1-mile walk and the 5k Susan Komen Race for the Cure annual event at Maryland Farms in Brentwood. Breast cancer survivors were treated to an early morning breakfast and recognized for their courage and fight against the disease. Up to 75% of net income from the fundraiser supports breast cancer treatment in the area, with 25% funding research. Food trucks and a children’s area were set up at the YMCA parking lot so there was something for the whole family. Congratulations to Keith Davis, the winner of the 5k race and a big THANKS to all participants for your support.

Cambrie, Matt, Ensley & Anna Johnson

Andrea Hicks & Tomera Freeman

Bonnie’s Bakery Team

Bethany Harrell & Krysta Adkins

Survivor Pat Hargett & family

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26 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

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THE FOUNTAINS HOLIDAY PARTY Story & Photography by K York It was a festive event at the Fountains of Franklin as the residents and guests gathered to celebrate the holidays. The beautiful and luxurious community for seniors was decorated beautifully and full of holiday cheer. Several vendors were on site with goods to sale and there was scrumptious food and entertainment.

The Vogelsang’s & Ellie Crews

Julia Gaychuk & Lauren Jenkins

Brenda Rummell, Char Reynolds, Jane & Sarah Shillinglaw

Carol Renchino & Ricki Keckley

Kelly Ebb, Sue Hall & Linda Lerchenfeld

THE FOUNTAINS HALLOWEEN PARTY Story & Photography Submitted Residents and staff at the Fountains of Franklin celebrated Halloween 2014 by traveling to Wonderland! Alice and many of her character friends visited the Fountains along with other characters created by the residents.

Gloria Seifert

Sue Hall, Jim Bradley, Brenda Rummell & Ricki Keckley

Wilma Mabrey, Brenda Rummell & Tommy Mabrey

Tommy & Wilma Mabrey

Ricki Keckley, Van Payne & Sue Hall

Isha Puckett & Julia Gaychuk

CHAIR-ISH Story & Photography by Adam Sanner Chair-Ish The Night with Vince Gill and Friends took place in November at The Country Music Hall of Fame.

The evening began with cocktails and a buffet, as well as a silent auction where patrons could bid on various items such as paintings, jewelry, autographed memorabilia and many other amazing collectibles. Once the auction closed, patrons gathered together at the CMA Theater to watch Vince Gill and Amy Grant perform. Proceeds from Chair-Ish The Night benefit STARS, Students Taking A Right Stand.

Adam Germek, Lynn White & Klay Lesko

Kathryn Russ, Fluke & Joyce Holland

Vince Gill

Erin Daunick, Amy Grant & Nancy McNulty

Collin Hansen & Heidi Rogers

Shannon & David McGahren, Tricia & Bill Spehr

Bill Spehr & Aaron Wimsatt

30 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Emma Hill & Bethany Brewster

Amy Bergesen & Tory Fitzgibbon

Derrick Mason, Stacey Garcia, Allison & DJ Wootson

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Southern, a locally owned and operated company, has been providing luxurious condo and beach home rentals in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama for nearly 20 years and offers a variety of accommodation choices, perfect for your next beach getaway.

If a few days of rest along the sugar white sands of Florida are what you have in mind, look no further than the condos, homes and cottages available with Southern. Whether you are looking to sneak away for a quiet stay with a loved one or bring your family and friends, Southern offers a variety of rentals for every occasion in some of the most well-known areas, including Destin, Florida.

Large, luxurious beach homes with an array of amenities and upgrades, expansive water views and space for up to 22 guests are available in Destin with Southern, as well as a variety of one to five bedroom condos. Here, you will also discover wonderful local dining, especially

32 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

fresh caught fish, in addition to many attractions and terrific shopping.

The Destin Harbor and Destin Commons are great places to visit for annual and weekly events while in town. To stay near the action in Destin, but enjoy a quieter, more laid-back environment, choose a spacious Fort Walton Beach condo on Okaloosa Island.

If boutique shopping, festivals and gorgeous, natural landscapes beckon you to the Southern shores, consider a vacation along Scenic 30A in South Walton. This section of Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its 14 distinct beach communities including Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Seacrest and Rosemary Beach. Other popular destinations include Alys Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watersound and Blue Mountain Beach, where you will find the upscale Adagio

by Southern resort. The annual food and wine festivals, as well as the incredible dining options and music events, make Scenic 30A a great choice for a couple’s trip or a getaway with a group of friends. Be sure to explore each community by renting bicycles and

cruising down the scenic paths that connect the South Walton communities. If you love to hike or kayak check out the numerous trails and the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Whether you come to Scenic 30A for private getaway or with the whole gang, Southern has you covered with a range of accommodations from studiolike condos to multi-level beach homes, some offering private pools, as well as other indulgent amenities. Choose Southern’s rentals on the west end of Scenic 30A to stay closer to the activities of Destin, or venture to the east to be near the waves of Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach has emerged as a family vacation hot spot in recent years. Escape to the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” and find yourself surrounded by adventures and attractions. Southern’s Panama City Beach home rentals, ranging from one to eight bedrooms, are a great choice for large groups such as wedding parties or family reunions.

If shopping, dining and entertainment are on your vacation to-do list, be sure to ask about Southern’s condos and homes near Pier Park, the area’s number one choice for family fun and activities in the area.

Southern Vacation Rentals also represents many cottages and home rentals on the Forgotten Coast, one of Florida’s best kept secrets. Comprised of Mexico Beach, Windmark Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas and Indian Pass, this area is a wonderful choice if peace and relaxation are a top priority for you. Offering little in the way of traditional activities, the Forgotten Coast is perfect for those who want to reconnect with family, lounge along the sand and leave the stress of the world behind them. The two and three bedroom cottages found in Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, such as The Barefoot Cottages, are excellent choices for family trips, while the

larger home rentals in Windmark Beach, Cape San Blas and Indian Pass make great beach retreats for large parties or multiple families traveling together.

Rounding out your Florida beach vacation destination options are Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Navarre is ideal for those who love to spend each moment of their stay along the water’s edge.

Head west to Pensacola Beach and find yourself surrounded by area attractions, including renowned dining options, water sports and gorgeous sunsets.

As the oldest settlement in Florida, Pensacola also offers many opportunities for educational exploration. Discover Civil War forts, tour the local lighthouse and impart a little history on your family between surfing sessions down by the Pensacola Beach Pier.

While condos are what you will primarily find along Pensacola Beach, popular choices being the amenity-packed Portofino Resort and Beach Club Resort & Spa, you will also find a few large beach front homes available from Southern Vacation Rentals.

Nestled against the state line is Perdido Key, FL. Condos and cottages span the horizon, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Choose the opulent amenities of The Lost Key Resort which offers golf, tennis, and multiple pools, to the simple beach cottage where the only amenity you need is just outside your back door.

For true luxury, consider a Southern condo at Mediterranean. You won’t be disappointed by the upgraded features, resort conveniences or location near the famous Flora-Bama.

Are the beautiful beaches of Coastal Alabama calling to you? Orange Beach and the grand

condo rentals available from Southern are found in this leading destination. Offering one to four bedroom condos, including blissful, spacious rentals at Turquoise Place, Bella Luna and Caribe Resort, Orange Beach is a perfect choice for a traditional family getaway. While on vacation in Orange Beach, you may cruise right into Gulf Shores without even realizing it. This neighboring community is marked by many local eateries and activities, as is Orange Beach, along with delightful one, two and three bedroom condo rentals. Beach Club in Fort Morgan is a great choice for a more tranquil setting. And, if you prefer a beach home, you will find several choices along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

If your typical vacation tends to be less about white sand and more about exploring local antique shops, art festivals and sipping sweet tea on a large, Bayfront porch, Southern can even help you plan that getaway in Alabama. Just ask their Vacation Planners to help you coordinate a trip to the historic shores of Fairhope along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. There is no doubt that Southern can provide the vacation rental of your dreams.

In addition to condos and beach homes, the Go Southern family of companies, which include RE/MAX Southern, Southern Residential Leasing and Pointe South, also offer real estate services and over 1,000 long term rentals on the Gulf Coast. So, if you have such a sweet experience while on vacation that you decide to make the move permanently, Southern’s experienced, dedicated staff is happy to help you make that transition, as well.

Are you ready to visit the beach for a sweet Southern experience? Call today to begin planning your trip or visit them online at www.SouthernResorts.com.

Sponsored Event

2014 WILLIAMSON, INC. ANNUAL MEETING

Story & Photography by Rachel Weishaupt The Williamson County Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at the Factory at Franklin in November.

The focus of the evening was how and why businesses thrive in the global economy. Guests began the evening with a networking cocktail hour and silent auction followed by dinner and a presentation by guest speaker Robert Guest of The Economist. For more information on future Williamson Chamber events visit www.williamsonchamber.com.

Jenna Eckert & Paige Thompson

Tom Miller & Andy Marshall

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34 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Tim Carroll & Rene Inman

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Mary & Rod O’Mara

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Margaret Smith & Amy Spears-Boyd

Shanna Jackson & Teri Kinloch

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Ryan Giffen & Carl Ware

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Lisa Shacklett, Benjamin Garner & Marianne Van der Voort

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 35

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING

STRATEGIZING DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER Now that the year is almost over, it is the ideal time to review your overall tax situation to see where you stand. A big jump in income can affect everything from the underpayment of taxes to a significant hike in the AMT. A drop in income, on the other hand, may lower the value of tax-saving strategies and mandate a shift in approach.

STRATEGIES AND TIPS FOR YEAR-END GIVING

by Jodi Rall As the holidays approach many are bombarded by requests for donations to various charities in the community. Fortunately, here in Williamson County residents are known for happily obliging these requests.

While the giver feels good about being able to lend their financial support, the church or charity being supported is able to continue to provide valuable programs and services. There is also something else to consider about being generous before the year end, your generosity might pay off at tax timee, as long as you know some simple rules governed by the IRS and have someone to give you the proper advice.

You must itemize expenses on your tax return in order to deduct charitable donations. Another important thing to remember is that donations must be made by year end in order to claim the deduction. All checks, etc. have to be dated on or before December 31st of the year you are wanting to claim. In addition, using a credit card is acceptable even when the payment is due on the card the in the New Year.

While most of us are probably familiar with the charity we are going to donate to, there are sometimes people who get asked and don’t do their research on the organization. Knowing the tax status on the charity is very important. Reputable nonprofits will be more than happy to offer proof.

Jeff Alger, Senior Vice President of SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., gives some sound advice and a list of guidelines to lead you into making solid financial decisions. “Often a client will own security or stock and want to give this to their church or local non-profit. Say a stock that has big gains is now worth $10,000, you can give the appreciated asset and not pay taxes on the gain,” Alger explained. He went on to say that “This time of year we begin to look at church accounts every day.

People forget to tell their church they are donating.” Alger offers three key advantages of making a donation at year end; first, the tax benefit; second, if you give appreciated investments, example: say you invest $1,000 but the actual worth is $10,000, the charity is getting a much bigger donation; lastly, by giving appreciated assets you can avoid taxes on the gain.

Here is a complete list from SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. about tax strategies and tips for charitable giving.

36 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

TAX LOSS SELLING Talk to your advisor about selling securities with significant losses. For mutual fund accounts not subject to sales charges, consider selling funds with capital losses this year and replacing them with similar style funds or ETFs. Don’t forget to take a look at your Fixed Income accounts for potential gains or losses if you have offsets in equities or other product areas.

REMEMBER ANY PRIOR-YEAR CARRYOVERS Investors typically only think about offsetting stock or fixed income investment gains with investment losses. However, there are many other situations where this strategy can be advantageous. For example, you may have (or be expecting) gains from mutual fund distributions, business ownership interests or real estate. Talk to your advisor to see if you have additional situations where you can offset losses.

MAKE A $14,000 GIFT Remember to take advantage of the annual gift exclusion by making your gifts by December 31. The limit for tax-free gifts this year is $14,000 per person per recipient. (Please Note: This can be $28,000 per couple per recipient).

REVIEW YOUR ESTATE PLAN Overall, it’s important to review the terms of your estate plan annually. Make sure you have established beneficiaries for all retirement accounts and life insurance products.

CHARITABLE GIVING – DONOR ADVISED FUNDS / POOLED INCOME FUNDS If you have recently come into a large inheritance and have charitable inclinations, consider investing in donor advised funds. Invest with cash or stock to receive an immediate tax deduction. Over time, you can move the money out of the donor advised fund into a recognized charity, while the money remaining in the donor advised fund continues to grow with the market. Donations are irrevocable. The Board of Directors of the Fund has ultimate control over all assets. Donors have no right to income or principal and account values will fluctuate.

The amount ultimately available for Donor recommended grants may be more or less than Donor contributions. Potential donors should consult their tax advisors. Pooled income funds allow the same attributes and processing of a donor advised fund, but they allow for an annual income stream, usually between 3-7%, depending on the fund allocation you choose. Pooled income fund values fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Availability of certain federal income tax deductions may depend on whether you itemize deductions. Rules and regulations regarding tax deductions for charitable giving vary at the state level. Please check with your tax advisor. Tax deductions herein refer specifically to federal taxes.

YOUR CHARITABLE SELF

GIVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHARITABLE GIVING for the Holidays

GRACEWORKS During the holidays, GraceWorks arranges for food boxes to be delivered to registered families that include the ingredients for a Christmas dinner, as well as staples for the pantry. If you are interested in providing a family with food this holiday season, please email GraceWorks at volunteer@ graceworksministries.net with the size family you prefer, the number of families you prefer and the area that you are willing to deliver.

Graceworks will then provide you with the contact information for a family and a suggested grocery list, and a few guidelines that they ask you to follow. GraceWorks also needs donations of new, unwrapped gifts for The Manger program that provides gifts for entire families. The gift donations are now being accepted Monday-Saturday from 9am to 4pm. These unwrapped donations are for the ages of birth to senior citizens, under $30.00. For more information go to www.graceworksministries.net.

38 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

CASA It’s easy to become captivated with the commercialism of the holidays. Though there’s value in giving a loved one that special gift, Williamson County CASA (Court Appointed Advocates) is encouraging y’all to delight in the season by also celebrating the joy of giving back! Like other nonprofits that rely on volunteers to deliver on our mission, CASA appreciates community members’ year-round dedication to our cause. CASA volunteers and supporters change lives.

What could be more fulfilling than that? To learn more about how volunteering or supporting Williamson County CASA can make a difference at the holidays or anytime throughout the year, visit the website at www.williamsoncountycasa.org.

MACY’S BELIEVE CAMPAIGN If you aren’t familiar with Macy’s Believe Campaign, people of all ages are encouraged to participate by writing letters to Santa and/or forming letter-writing campaigns at schools, churches and other community organizations.

Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, for every stamped letter to Santa delivered to Macy’s red Believe stations found in every Macy’s store throughout the country. The Believe Campaign runs from the beginning of through December 30th. Visit Macy’s Believe website at www.macys.com/believe for more information.

THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE PROGRAM

TOYS FOR TOTS

Along with the iconic Red Kettles and Bell Ringers, The Angel Tree program is one of The Salvation Army’s highest profile Christmas efforts. Angel Trees are located at CoolSprings Galleria, RiverGate, and The Mall at Green Hills with thousands of tags noting wish lists and necessities for children and seniors. Other partner programs that help the Angel Tree program are the Kroger Food Angel Program, which provides each family with a gift card to purchase Christmas Dinner, and the Daily’s Forgotten Angel Program, which provides extra toys to help us fill in for any angel that does not get adopted online or from one of the malls. For more information on how you can help go to www.nashville.salarmyangeltree.com.

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through the new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. For more information on Toys for Tots, donating or where to drop off your toy donations, go to www.toysfortots.org.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK Many local groceries are sharing their commitment to the fight against hunger with their customers by offering easy ways to support the cause. Food Lion Feeds for the Holidays Campaign Timing takes place through December 23rd. Purchase a Holidays Without Hunger box of food for $5 and it will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee! Also, this year both the McEwen and Green Hills stores will be supporting Second Harvest Food Bank with our Feed 4 More Campaign through December 15th. Guests can donate $10, $5 $1 or open donation to help raise dollars for a Pantry Stocker. For every $10 raised, Whole Foods Market will donation the following “Pantry Stocker” of 365 Products to Second Harvest Food Bank For more information on this and other ways to support Second Harvest Food Bank go to www.secondharvestmidtn.org.

PETCO FOUNDATION TREE OF HOPE Help animals in need find a loving home this holiday season.

As we gather with our loved ones and remember all that we have to be thankful for, and the many gifts we will exchange and the memories we will share; animals will be in need of your help. Petco’s Tree of Hope Campaign will help save the lives of thousands of animals in need and give them a warm bed, a meal, and another night of being safe and cared for until they find a loving home. Your donation can make all the difference. This holiday season these animals will be thankful for you. For inofmation on your local Petco and to make donations to the Tree of Hope, go to www.petco.com.

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 39

YOU IN THE NEWS

SCOOP

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

ANDREWS CADILLAC NAMED OFFICIAL AUTOMOBILE SPONSOR OF 74TH ANNUAL IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE The Iroquois Steeplechase is proud to announce the return of Andrews Cadillac, a family-owned Cadillac dealership in Brentwood, Tennessee, as a sponsor for the 74th year of the Iroquois May 9, 2015. In its fourth consecutive year of support, Andrews Cadillac will be the Official Automobile Sponsor at the Iroquois Steeplechase. The company announced last year that it extended its support of the storied event through 2016. At this year’s race, Andrews will unveil for the first time a new 2016 Cadillac signature model. Guests will have the opportunity to get a first look at the new model before it’s available on the lot. Last year, the Winner’s Circle featured the allnew 2015 Cadillac Escalade. Three other luxury Cadillac vehicles were also displayed on the grounds. With the help of Middle Tennessee companies like Andrews Cadillac, the Iroquois Steeplechase has become known as Nashville’s Rite of Spring, drawing more than 25,000 guests every year. For more information about Andrews Cadillac, visit their web page at www.andrewscadillac.com. To learn more about the Iroquois Steeplechase, visit their site www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.

TJ MARTELL PRESENTS $50,000 CHECK FOR OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH AT FAMILY DAY WITH RCA PRESIDENT The T.J. Martell Foundation presented a check for a $50,000 grant from the foundation’s New York Family Day proceeds to Dr. David Spriggs, M.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for his work in Ovarian cancer research. Posing for the photo during the check presentation are Marcus Peterzell, Executive Vice President of Entertainment Ketchum, Susan Corson, Dr. David Spriggs, MD, Medical Oncologist and Head of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Division of Solid Tumors, Laura Heatherly - CEO of the TJ Martell Foundation and Tom Corson, RCA Records President & COO. For more information on the T.J. Martell Foundation go to www.tjmartell.org.

2014 ‘MUSIC WITH A MISSION’ CONCERT RAISES $200,000 FOR NASHVILLE RESCUE MISSION The 2014 “Music With A Mission” filled the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with lively music and energy on October 12th as the event raised $200,000 to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission, which serves more than 2,000 meals per day to the hungry and homeless in the Nashville community.

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Steve and Rudy, hosted this year’s event and have already committed to host next year’s benefit concert on October 18, 2015.

Other performers contributing their time and talent to this year’s event were country-recording artist Tracy Lawrence, Lynda Carter, Chip Esten, The Henningsens, The Willis Clan, and Jesse Lee Jones, Nashville Rescue Mission exists to provide practical help and promising hope to people in need throughout Middle Tennessee. The Mission’s goal is to help others know the saving grace of Jesus, gain wisdom for living, find fulfillment in life and become a positive part of the community. Nashville Rescue Mission, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is located at 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information on this event, please visit www.mwmnashville.com, or call (615) 312-1550.

YOUTH LEADERSHP BRENTWOOD ANNOUNCES NEW CLASS Twenty outstanding sophomores and juniors from seven area high schools have been selected to participate in the Williamson, Inc. Youth Leadership Brentwood (YLB) Class of 2015. During a five-month period, these student leaders will take an intensive look at the Brentwood community, hone their leadership skills and meet one-onone with adult community leaders in various business sectors. The 2015 class members are: Zaynah Ajmal of Brentwood High School, Reece Bennett of Brentwood Academy, Emily Berexa of Ravenwood High School, Connor Carroll of Brentwood High School, Katie Cartiglia of Father Ryan High School, Allison Cowie of Battle Ground Academy, Jimmy Dong of Brentwood High School, Kassie Dooley-Smith of Brentwood High School, Ally Driver of Brentwood High School, Caroline Enright of Brentwood High School, Noah Franks of Brentwood Academy, Rhea Jaisinghani of Ravenwood High School, Trent Jones of Ravenwood High School, Sam McDougal of Christ Presbyterian Academy, Conan McHugh of Brentwood High School, Abhi Raju of Ravenwood High School, Will Scott of Brentwood High School, Kelly Short of Harpeth Hall, Charlie Tate of Ravenwood High School and Kayla Williamson of Brentwood Academy.

40 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

IT'S YOUR BUSINESS

WHEELHOUSE

A LEADING DOCTOR SAYS NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR BUSINESS IN ORDER FOR 2015

Joe Harkins

We love the holiday season; Days filled with office parties, great food, and time with friends and family. However, for most business owners the work doesn’t stop for the festivities since tax season is looming just ahead. Wouldn’t it be great to be ready for it for once?

To help you get organized. We asked a leading tax doctor, Dr. Friday Burke, for some advice. Burke owns Dr. Friday Tax and Financial Firm, Inc., a full-service firm that specializes in tax solutions and preparation for small business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups. She is an Enrolled Agent (EA), which is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation. In addition to hosting “The Dr. Friday Show” on local cable and radio, she has written several books, and she posts an active blog on her website and social media. “We love helping our clients succeed,” says Dr. Friday. “Since small business owners and entrepreneurs wear many hats, we take an individualized approach to helping each of them understand the tax code and how to best manage their business to ensure there are no surprises.”

According to Dr. Friday, here are five steps every business owner should wrap up now to prepare for the tax season ahead.

1. Meet with your accountant to discuss your taxes for this year.

Talk to your accountant before the holidays to discuss your business and your tax return. Have your previous tax returns, bank statements, check registers, sales reports, and all liabilities (loans, credit cards, etc.). Handy for questions.

2. Pay your business expenses (rent, insurance, utilities, etc).

Do this before the end of the year and help lower your taxable income. Those bills can also be deducted as business expenses. Remember, even paying your electric bill on December 29th, instead of January 11th can help.

3. Close any inactive business.

Avoid paying unnecessary or excess taxes on that business next year. Wait to close it early next year you may have to file annual reports and tax returns for a dormant business that generated no income and was only open for a few weeks.

4. Check your files for all licenses, permits, and tax/employer ID numbers.

See if they’re still valid or about to expire. See if you can renew them early. The cost may be deductible as a business expense on your tax return schedule.

5. Prepay property taxes and make charitable contributions.

Handling that expense this year is deductible as a business expense from this year’s taxes. Make any charitable contributions before the end of the year, as most of those are also tax deductible.

If you follow the Doctor’s orders, the coming tax season could be your most pain-free tax-year ever. Happy New Year indeed!

Happy Holidays! from Danny and Reid Anderson

Reid Anderson 615-406-3426

Danny Anderson 615-585-3859

Downtown Franklin Office located at 415 Main Street 615-790-7400 December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 41

RIBBON CUTTINGS

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW WILLIAMSON COUNTY BUSINESSES

Franklin Athletic Club

Southern Polished

112 Rand Place Franklin, TN 37064

7018 Church Street East Brentwood, TN 37027

Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center at Williamson Medical Center

Hometown Pet

1203 Murfreesboro Road Franklin, TN 37062

Family Care Urgent Care 2070 Wall Street Spring Hill, TN 37174

Wishing you the Merriest of Holiday Seasons!

Your friends at AlphaGraphics of Franklin Need last minute holiday cards for your business?

Call us with your rush order.

600 B Frazier Dr., Suite 130 Franklin, TN 37067 phone: 615.786.0280 franklin.alphagraphics.com

4321 Carothers Parkway Franklin, TN 37067

Randstad

341 Cool Springs Blvd Franklin, TN 37067

YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE

ENCORE BRIDAL AND FORMAL WEAR

with Encore Bridal and Formal Wear Encore Bridal and Formal Wear, on the historic Square in Murfreesboro, has fast become one of Middle Tennessee’s premier bridal and formal shops. Known for their top quality consignment gowns, Encore Bridal is pleased to announce they are one of the few retailers in the area to carry Allure Bridals newest line, the Madison James Collection. The Madison James Collection offers brides to be a selection of timeless romantic, chic and gorgeous dresses. Gowns feature fresh silhouettes, amazing lace, unique textures and beaded fabrics that are truly gorgeous.

The designer was inspired by the fashion of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn for a sophisticated and classic look sure to intrigue everyone. You will find styles that compliment all body types and include illusion type necklines, lacy cap sleeves, keyhole backs and sweetheart necklines.

Remembering a bygone era when customers received personal and courteous attention, the staff at Encore Bridal and Formal Wear share in your search for the perfect dress.

You will find a comfortable, cozy shop and friendly atmosphere. No high pressure and commission driven sales people. Because the owner, Karen Whitaker, believes that everyone deserves to be treated like a princess, regardless of their budget, her shop has received the Ruthies Award for Favorite Bridal Shop in Rutherford and Cannon Counties for the past six years. The shop is located at 123 North Maple Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Shop hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (no appointment needed). On Sundays, appointments can be made by calling 615-893-7211 or by emailing the shop at encorebridal@comcast.net.

To view the Madison James Collection go to www.Madison-James.com.

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

JOHN FRASER

JOHN FRASER HAS BEEN PLAYING FAGIN IN DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS SINCE 1988

by Anna Robertson

As the holidays approach, many prepare for the traditions and annual events we all look forward to every year right here in our community. We also look forward to seeing familiar faces and characters during the holidays! One of those faces and characters is Williamson County’s John Fraser, or as most of us know him – Fagin from Dickens of a Christmas.

John is a native of Scotland, and grew up in Perth and was educated there. He came to the United States to study at the University of Colorado in 1967 and never went back. John and his wife, Marcia, were married right after they graduated college and have been together for 43 years and have three children.

John went to work for Delta Air Lines in Chicago, was transferred first to San Francisco, and then to Nashville in 1981, when he became District Sales Manager for Delta. He retired in 1998, but then decided retirement was not for him, so became an Account Manager with Landscape Services, Inc., here in Franklin. John describes himself as “restless and a non-conformist.” This may be why he did not take too well to retirement! As for his life in Franklin, John says, “We love the people, the weather and the pace of life and, naturally, have a ton of friends since we’ve been here so long.”

With all of the celebrated seasons in Williamson County, John says he “likes the fact that there are lots of different traditional events to look forward to, from Halloween, which I consider the start of the Holidays, through Thanksgiving, the Christmas Parade, Dickens

44 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

and finally Christmas. All are different, but that feeling that each is an integral part of my holidays makes them all special.”

As to the history of John’s well known alter ego, Fagin… John had appeared in Pull Tight Theater’s production of Oliver Twist in 1988 and realized that he WAS a Dickens character, so he showed up for his first “Dickens of a Christmas” that December.

And, luckily for us, he has been doing it ever since. Dickens of a Christmas would not be the same without Fagin! John has a complete costume and wig, so the only other elements to prepare is growing his beard, starting on Halloween. John says, “He (Fagin) is really is an extension of me, in an entertaining way. Fagin was a crook, but I remind everyone that, yes, I am portraying a crook, but I am a nice crook!”

On top of his Fagin duties, John is an Elder at Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church and is involved with The Westhaven Foundation, which he has been a part of since its inception. It is dedicated to supporting the efforts of numerous worthwhile local charities, particularly Franklin 4 the Cure. Crook while in character he may well be – but that crook is a face we all look forward to seeing every year on the streets of downtown Franklin at our classic holiday festival. John Fraser is more than just Fagin of course – he is someone who is contributing to our community in recognized and less public ways, all year round. God bless us everyone and for all our wonderful and dynamic community partners like John Fraser.

B r e n t w o o d , Te n n e s s e e

Morgan Farms is settled among the rolling hills of prestigious Brentwood with the feel of a sophisticated country estate. Forestar Group has gone to great lengths to maintain the natural beauty of the countryside while creating a community unlike any other in Middle Tennessee.

THE MANOR The Manor consists of custom homes built by some of the best custom home builders in the Middle Tennessee area: Barlow Builders, Firethorne Custom Homes and Hidden Valley Homes. Each home design will incorporate your unique tastes in order to provide a home that is distinctly you. Home prices begin at $1 million.

For more information or make an appointment 615-533-4862 or 615-207-5600 or visit www.MorganFarmsLiving.com

Shannon Pope

Susan Gregory

Hidden Valley H

H

O

M

E

S

DIRECTIONS: From Nashville, take I-65 south to Moore’s Lane exit east.

Right on Wilson Pike. Left on Split Log Road. Morgan Farms is on the right.

615-370-8669

WCAR THANK YOU LUNCH Story & Photography by Jodi Rall In November, Affiliate Members of the Williamson County Association of Realtor’s were treated to a beautiful lunch thanking them for being valued supporters. More than 80 guests filled the WCAR meeting room as they dined on a delicious lunch Marti Veto, WCAR Association Executive Vice President, welcomed the group and gave a brief over-view of the growth and opportunities available for sponsorships and events. In the past year, membership to WCAR has grown to almost two thousand members. For additional information regarding WCAR, please visit www.wcartn.org.

Patti Ellsworth & Vicki Crigger

Lisa Culp Taylor & David Logan

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Blake Southerland, Gail Jones & Paul Sturtdivant

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Karen Czarnecki, Christy Watkins, Marti Veto, Allison King & Carmen Daniel Always in Bloom The Factory at Franklin 230 Franklin Rd., Bldg. 12, Suite F Franklin, TN 37064

615.591.7990 www.alwaysinbloominc.com

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS INSTALLATION BANQUET Story & Photography by Adam Sanner The WCAR Installation of new officers and annual banquet celebration took place in November at Lillie Belle’s in historic downtown Franklin. The evening began with live music, great food and cocktails. After a bit of mingling, the WCAR presented the Realtor of the Year Award, the President’s Award, as well as Rookie and Affiliate of the Year Award.

Hope Brazzell, Tiffany White, Michael Ham, Teresa Lott & Michael Brown

Emily McClendon, Andy Brookover & Eva Angelina Romero

Ernie Berkau & Mary Catherine McAnulty

Lisa Culp-Taylor, Brian Copeland & Megan Jones

Dianne Payne & Marlene Burnette

Trisha Ingram, Steve Cantrell, Brandon Polito & Darren DeMartino Barbara Layden & Sarah Beth Litzenberg

Nate & Rachel Steinson

48 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Kim Henderson, Molly Henderson, Christie Mullins, Marti Veto, Amy Tarter, Cindy Garner & Fran Damer

Jodi Watson & Tyler Blalock

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HOMES

Sponsored Event

MINGLE & JINGLE BRUNCH

Story & Photography Submitted Jonathan Pierce, host of HGTV’s Interiors, Inc. and owner of Pierce & Co., was the featured speaker at the Mingle & Jingle Brunch. The event took place in late Ocotber at the O’More College Alumni Show House in downtown Franklin. Hosted by the Literacy Council of Williamson County, the brunch highlighted the work of professional designers, as well as home decor for display and sales. The “eat, drink, and shop” event featured a buffet brunch by Barry Amato, Walker’s Southern Bloody Mary’s, bottomless Mimosas, Christmas music and vendors with merchandise ideal for holiday gift-giving.

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HOME & DECORATING

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Photography by Andrea Davis Need some home holiday décor inspiration?

Look no further. We have found a pair of Williamson County’s most beautifully decorated homes and part of this year’s Homes for the Holidays tour. With all of the holiday cheer in these homes, you won’t want to go anywhere but – Home for the Holidays!

One home we are showing you a cheerful sneak peek into, is this lovely Georgian home owned by Mike and Jane Ann Cain.

The house sits at 379 Jones Parkway in Brentwood.

The Cains moved to Nashville in 1975 and have lived in Brentwood since 1980.

They say they were attracted to Brentwood because it seemed like a great place to raise a family and “That proved to be true over the years and it continues to get better as the community continues to evolve.”

Mike and Jane Ann first built a house on

54 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

this location in 2008, but suffered a tragic loss when just twelve days after moving in, the house burned and they lost virtually everything. Luckily, no one was hurt. They then rebuilt on the same location and moved into the new home in 2009.

comfortable and enjoy themselves when they were here,” says Jane Ann. Of course, there are a number of features that focus on things the family really enjoys day to day, such as the kitchen area, the theatre, the wine cellar and the fitness area.

“There are a few items that survived the fire that mean a lot to us,” Jane Ann says. One of the most significant pieces they managed to get out of the fire is a mosaic that they got at the Vatican on their first trip to Rome. The Cains also enjoy collecting artwork and have several pieces throughout their home.

They may have only been in this home for five years, but the Cains have made many wonderful memories here They have many Christmas traditions in their family and the family gatherings at Christmas in their beautiful home are some of their most special times.

Among other special memories made in the home, Jane Ann says “Our granddaughter, Olivia’s, First Communion party was also a very special time for us.”

Mike and Jane Ann enjoy doing things with their family and friends. The house was designed to be well suited for entertaining, which works perfectly for their gatherings and holiday parties. “We wanted a casual elegance that created a welcoming feel so that people could feel

Mike, Jane Ann and their family and friends will truly celebrate a splendid holiday season in this gorgeous home.

Another beautiful home that showcases some of the most beautifully unique and inspiring holiday décor this year is the home of Dr. David and Melody Snodgrass. This gorgeous Antebellum home sits at the corner of Franklin Road and Murray Lane, and we are sure many have passed by and wondered what it looked like on the inside. Well, it makes even more of an impression during the holidays.

David and Melody have lived in the home for eleven years and in Williamson County for 17 years. They feel it is a great place to raise a family and have made many great friends here. They decided on a whim to build this home as their primary residence, but did quite a bit of research on the historical homes of Williamson County before doing so. Melody says “I wanted to pay homage to the style while still making it good for modern day use. We searched all over the country to find Antebellum antiques to lend an air of authenticity to the house. Four of our eight fireplaces have antique mantles along with many light fixtures, doors and other elements.”

Some of the other elements that add to the style of the home are the sconces on the front of the home, which are replicas of those at the Boston Public Library. The doors that the Snodgrass’s used for their kitchen pantry are 200 years old and were so warped from age, that they had to weigh them down for three months in order to use them.

Other antique items in the home include many accessories that were picked up from travels around the world including items from Italy, Greece and Turkey.

The Snodgrass’s feel the home speaks of the family well with décor, simple touches and unique elements. Melody says, “ One of the mantles has the inscription “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.” Melody says they know how blessed they are to be able to call this home and wanted to give back in ways they could utilizing their home. “We decided that we should always try to use this house to be a blessing to others. Over the years, this house has been used as a hospital, refuge, event center, fundraiser, and many other things. We have hosted weddings, parties and portraits of all kinds.”

Melody is proud that she and her husband designed and decorated everything, putting their staple everywhere throughout the home.

Many people have told her them that their home was a landmark for Brentwood and commented on their Christmas lights. “We have always felt that our (holiday) décor is a small gift to the community,” says Melody. “I have always felt that once you invite someone to your home, that they become your friend. That is one reason we open it up for so many events…I look forward to making several new friends!”

Thank you Melody and David for opening up your home for the YOUR readers!

Homes for the Holidays December 5-7, 2014

Homes for the Holidays is a public tour featuring holiday decorations by top-tier designers in some of Brentwood’s most exclusive homes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For more information about events times and a complete list of participating homes, please visit www.homes4holidays.org.

All proceeds benefit the Literacy Council of Williamson County.

SOUTHERN IS...

WITH JEFFREY GRAY

SHOPPING for the Man who has Everything Photography by Andrea Davis

‘Tis my favorite season of the year. The holidays are here, and time seems to fly by even faster. The rounds of dinners, parties, and family gatherings are in full swing. I love the feelings of joy, remembrance and expectation that always come this time of year. I, myself, love the experience of being on the hunt for gifts for those I love. I pride myself on always finding the perfect present for those on my gift list.

I think of it as a challenge and a race for the best. I have a great deal of fun with the whole process, but I know this is not everyone’s story, as stress and worry can quickly dim the experience.

So many feel too much pressure when shopping for gifts for that special person. Needless to say, it is especially hard for the “man who has everything.” Well, I am here to bring the joy back to the shopping experience. It is very simple to make a home-run with the best gift for the man you consider “just too hard to shop for.” Don’t worry. You don’t have to search the world over to find a wonderful gift for this man. The answers are all around you.

The “man who has everything,” does not truly have everything.

You may think he does, but he actually doesn’t. Most men have a natural, insatiable hunger for things - new toys, better versions of current toys, or simply more of their favorite things. Understanding this can make finding a gift for him so much easier. Here are a few tips and suggestions from me - a man whom many consider to have everything and hard to shop for.

1

Buy the best of the best of whatever you are going to buy him. He may be spending top dollar on his accessories, but you can find many examples of the best in class of any item. Consider handmade ties and pocket squares, cashmere socks, or even bespoke boxer shorts.

Take it a step further by having the gift monogrammed, and it’ll be the bow on top of the perfect high-end gift.

2

Buy something he would not buy for himself. The holiday season is not the time to pinch pennies. Most men find it hard to spend $50-$60 on socks, but one feel of a cashmere sock and he’ll be hooked! These socks can change a life. The feel and wear

is incredible and definitely worth the price. A cashmere robe is a big hit, too.

Another option is a nice razor or dopp kit.

He will see it every morning and think of you. A gift idea that needs to come back into vogue is bespoke, personalized stationery. Wonderful embossed or monogrammed paper note cards and envelopes make a wonderful gift and encourage the gentlemanly act of writing notes and letters.

3

Another direction to consider is buying something that he should not buy for himself. Cuff links, cuff links, cuff links! These should always be given to the man and not purchased by the man. I have inherited and been given so many wonderful sets of cuff-links and enjoy remembering how I came to receive each of them and who gave them to me. It’s like wearing the start of a story as part of my attire. When someone compliments my cuff-links, I always love to share the story of their origin.

4

Another safe bet is to simply give him something that he truly loves. This may be his favorite bottle of bourbon or wine, a box of fine cigars, or tickets to his favorite event. He will appreciate this because it may broaden his horizons or simply expand his collection. Monogrammed bar ware is also a big hit. A wonderful monogrammed silver corkscrew, crystal decanter, leather table light for cigars, or a heavy silver ashtray to compliment the cigars.

Leather is always a great idea because it ages so well.

5

If none of these ideas appeal to you, then sometimes it’s good to introduce your man to your world. A gift certificate to your aesthetician for facial or a 90-minute massage at the spa can help him relax. Or, you can splurge on a weekend spa retreat. If all else fails, make a donation in his name to a local charity.

This is the season of giving and love. Don’t stress too much. Take a deep breath and relax. Never forget that no matter the gift you choose, it is the thought that counts. Just knowing that you have taken the time to pick out something personal means so much to the one receiving the gift. Make it personal, make it special, make it you. Always remember how lucky we are to live in such a great community with so many local merchants and artists all around – check them out. Happy holidays and good shopping! May you feel the spirit of the holidays now and always!

IN YOUR BACKYARD

SANTA’S HELPERS

Santa’s HELPERS

“Santa’s a busy man he has no time to play He’s got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day” Yes, Santa Claus is a very busy man, and this time of year he needs help! Good help is hard to find, but in Middle Tennessee, Santa has some very hard workers that are reporting back to him who is naughty and who is nice.

Here are some of the well-known Santa’s here in Williamson County and beyond for you and your family to visit! Just remember, these Santa’s see everything too, so you better be good for goodness sake!

by Anna Robertson

Franklin’s Own Santa Santa Pat, a.k.a. Pat Petty, is well known in Williamson County and especially Franklin. You can see Santa Pat in the Franklin Christmas Parade and around town at many parties this holiday season.

Santa at Cool Springs Galleria You can see the Cool Springs Galleria Santa this season, take photos and tell him your wish list on the lower level of the Mall.

60 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Green Hills Santa

Nashville Santa

Cheekwood Santa

If you’re a bit north of Williamson County, see Santa Claus at The Mall at Green Hills this season and get your photo with the jolly man.

Going to the Nashville Christmas Parade?

Well, then you will see Santa Claus in this huge annual event, which is celebrating its 61st year.

The Holidays at Cheekwood will not only have a Santa Claus to take photos with, but live reindeer too!

Sponsored Event

WINE DOWN MAIN

Story & Photography by K York The Boy’s & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee presented the annual Wine Down Main fundraising event in early November. From Five Points to the Square, crowds meandered in and out of the 31 participating shops and through the streets, tasting red and white wines of every variety and brand, beers, whiskeys and even cider.

Each tasting was paired with the most delectable foods and luscious sweets from 25 area restaurants. The Franklin and Fairview Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee appreciate the support of the community through this incredible annual event.

Regina Holtje, Lauren Rauter & Roberta Salamone

Monette & Alan Young

Alex Cruz & Ty Parker

Trice & Shaun Petty

Sue Hinesley, Paula Thompson, Melody Scott & Kelley Gilfillan

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Taylor Woodall, Allison Moore, Julianna Bass & Annie Minor

Christina & Jim Holloway, Martha & Dave Harvey

Vicki Vinson, Erin Meyer & Lindsay Haynes

Brandy Tatum & Kelly Rowland

Stacey Perry, Bruno Lee & Hannah Brown

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 61

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Edy Nash & Gail Southwell

Meg Davis & Ashley Roy

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Brooke Garrett & Julie Couch

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UR Williamson O Y e h T

Beth Ann & David Yakes

Brittanie, Richard & Rhonda Albright

R.J. Stillwell, William Smithson & Gary Jaeger

There is no better time to enjoy the spirit of the holiday season than while shopping for that perfect Christmas gift. Williamson and Davidson County offer a host of unique and special shops, merchants, boutiques and services for all your gift giving desires. No need to go online or out of state – stay here and shop local with a myriad of wonderful and magical businesses open and ready to wrap up that Christmas wish.

Do YOUR Christmas Shopping in Downtown Franklin

Treat yourself to a gorgeous outfit from Haven in downtown Franklin, and be the belle of the ball (or cocktail party)!

This sparkly little number is perfect for any holiday occasion. A contrasting feather clutch, droolworthy cuff bracelet, and embroidered heels bump up the glamour. Haute Hippie “Sapphire Alpine” sequin dress, $895. Candela “Ario” pumps, $595. Jenny Packham “Tinta” handbag, $1155. Erickson Beamon “Clairvoyant” cuff, $615 Haven Historic Downtown Franklin 615.790.7955 www.sanctuaryofstyle.com

Join The Registry for their Holiday Open House on December 4th from 4pm-7pm.

During this holiday season The Registry is open on Mon- Sat 10 am - 5 pm Sundays 12 pm-4pm.

The Registry Historic Downtown Franklin 615.595.2323 www.theregistryfranklin.com

Since 1978, Shuff’s Music has provided our community with musical instruments, piano and instrument rentals, and music lessons.

Shop Shuffs…For All Your Musical Needs!

Shuff’s Music Store 118 3rd Ave N Franklin, TN 615.790.6139 Shuff’s Piano Showroom 127 2nd Ave N Franklin, TN 615.261.8888

64 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Shop and Find your Christmas Fashions at the Cellar on Main.

344 Main Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.9803

Do YOUR Christmas Shopping in Downtown Franklin

1346 West Main St. Franklin, TN 37064 (615) 628-8062

Chef Beanie is a local prepared food store that offers a storefront, convenient drive-thru service, and a weekly meal delivery service! Our yummy, fresh from scratch foods are served in hearty single and family size portions - just heat & eat!

1418 West Main Street Monday -Thursday 10am-6pm 615-499-0725 www.orderstart.com/chefbeanie Come see us, we'd love to meet you and your family, Shelly Young "Chef Beanie"

Be Merry & Bright with Harpeth True Value We have everything you need for all of your holiday décorating! Trees, trimmings, seasonal decor and unique gifts too!

This holiday season come see us at Friedman’s of Franklin, an outdoor store and more! We specialize in camping, fishing, military surplus, tactical and survival gear, and outdoor clothing. Need stocking stuffers for the hunter or military personnel in your life? From Wigwam socks to hunting calls we are sure to have what you’re looking for. Happy Holidays!

203 Downs Blvd Franklin, TN 37064 615.794.3641 www.harpethtruevalue.com

Find the perfect holiday gifts at Franklin Kubota & Franklin Horse Supply!

1561 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.7860

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 65

Spend YOUR Holidays with the Merchants of Nolensville

The Nolensville Toy Shop offers toys for all ages, from whimsical small treats to treasured gifts! Browse through quality toys, dolls and accessories, wooden play food, Calico Critters, Thomas the Train, plush, science kits, arts, crafts, Legos, games and puzzles for the whole family.

Open Tues 10-8, Wed 10-5, Thurs-Fri 10-6, Sat 9-6 615-819-2949 www.nolensvilletoyshop.com

Want to avoid the mall & find unique items at affordable pricing? Stay Local and Shop Small at The Peacock Lane in Historic Downtown Nolensville. Shop our vast selection of trendy clothing, jewelry & gifts. The 2014 Winner of Toast of Music City Best Home Furnishings & Best Women's Clothing.

The Tanner House A refreshing addition to the antique district of historic Nolensville, The Tanner House is a mingling of vintage and modern wares accessorized with local flair. For your home, for your friends, for yourself, treasures from The Tanner House bring delight and spread good cheer. We look forward to seeing you!

Open Monday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday1-5 7307 Nolensville Road Nolensville, TN 37135 615.776.7307

Offering select custom painted antique/vintage finds, and the products and know how to create your own.

The DIY source for paint supplies and education.

Make our studio YOUR personal studio.

Come see us for classes, supplies, and hands-on education for both Pro's and DIYers.

Located inside The Tanner House 7307 Nolensville Road Nolensville, TN 37135 www.painteddragonfly.blogspot.com

66 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Make your gift giving personal this year. Shop The Village Antiques and Gifts at 7289 Nolensville Road in Nolensville and choose that just right present! We feature antique glassware, china, crystal, silver, holiday décor, vintage items, jewelry, furniture and more.

Visit our Facebook page for daily sales and events!

615.776.1200

Find Unique and Special Gifts at The Factory at Franklin

Local artist Deann Hebert celebrates 10 years of business inside The Factory.

Each painting has significance, a story behind it. Celebrating the heritage of the South and our community, her signature style of artwork has caught the attention of collectors nationwide. Give the gift of art this season!

Tuesday-Friday, 10-3, by appointment Saturdays. Prints available online! www.deanndesigns.com/shop

 Happy Holidays from Essy's Rug Gallery  Family owned and operated Over 28 years experience In-home design consultation Local Delivery Available Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm 615.595.0959 www.essysruggallery.com

Antiques at The Factory A huge, new shipment has just arrived from France and Sweden!

Don't miss out on this opportunity! Great prices and the highest quality of furniture and home decor. Warmest wishes for your Christmas and holiday season from the dealers and staff of Antiques at the Factory.

615.591.4612 www.antiquesatthefactoryfranklintn.com December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 67

Find Unique and Special Gifts at The Factory at Franklin Nature's Art

Located on Artist's Row in The Factory.

615.599.1400

Inspirational Glass balls for home and garden

Framed Tropical Butterflies

A Cold-Pressed Juicery. Raw, fresh, unpasteurized, & HPP-Free juices, cleanses, & elixirs! All our juices are made with organic ingredients & WE DELIVER! We also serve açaí bowls and smoothies in our new shop inside the Factory at Franklin! www.franklinjuice.com Locally Owned Courteous - Professional Located in the Factory at Franklin 615.790.9020 Showroom Hours Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

at The Factory in Franklin, Tn.

Hand-picked Antique and Vintage Home Furnishings; Design and Decorating Services; Re-Purposed/Re-Designed Pieces; Furniture Make-overs; Personal Shopping; Holiday Decorating Services

68 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Kristin Gatlin Spencer Owner 512-970-1711 relekdecor.com

Find Unique and Special Gifts at The Factory at Franklin

We are a premium coffee roasting company and espresso bar located in the Factory at Franklin. We are proud to brew high quality single-origin coffees sourced with integrity.

Come visit us and learn the passion and science behind the great taste of our coffee! www.honest.coffee

Have a Creative Christmas!

We have lots of fun gift ideas to make yourself. Make sure to paint

by Sunday, Dec. 14 to get your pottery fired by Christmas.

No time to paint?

Give a Third Coast Clay gift certificate!

Open Mon & Tues 10-6, Wed-Sat 10-9 & Sun 1-6 www.thirdcoastclay.com Antique and vintage repurposed jewelry, accessories and gifts.

All price ranges.

20% off entire store Black Friday Located inside the Factory 230 Franklin Road www.lizzycouture.com

!

ART ! !

!

Unique art by popular local artist, Streater Spencer. www.streaterspencer.com

The Place for Holiday Parties We have unique spaces for a family of 5 or a group of 50. Have our Chef prepare the perfect meal for your family and guests.

Free room rentals for your party!

615.791.6065 www.StoveworksRestaurant.com

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 69

Make this Christmas Merry and Bright

This year marks our 25th Anniversary serving Nashville, and we thank you for your continued support and patronage. We look forward to this holiday season, and invite you to join us December 4th through December 6th for a special commemorative sale – enjoy 25% OFF all in-store purchases, (excluding custom & special orders).

3305 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37203 615.321.0686 www.jmichaelsclothiers.com

Make this a Christmas to remember with the perfect gift from Brentwood Jewelry & Gifts!

Brentwood Jewelry & Gifts 7012 Church Street East Brentwood, TN 37027 615.373.5959 www.brentwoodjewelry.com

C'est Moi specializes in accents for you and your home.

Our collections include one of a kind vintage finds, local artwork, home furnishings, jewelry, Farmstead Flannels and Annie Sloan CHALK PAINTÂŽ 7020 Church St E, Brentwood, TN 37027

615.457.3579 www.shopcestmoi.com

Let there be

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December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 71

GIFTED

Creatively All Wrapped Up

Part of the fun of gifting around the holidays is the wrapping.

The wrapping of a package is an extension of the gift and I love to personalize the decoration of each box for each recipient. Plus, thoughtfully trimmed packages look so beautiful under your Christmas tree in the weeks leading up to the big day. So, start stocking up on different size boxes (gift bags are totally lazy) and get creative! Here are some of my favorite ideas to make your gift wrapping extra special this year.

72 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY

GET CRAFTY Craft paper is something you should always have in your craft arsenal. It’s an inexpensive, neutral base that can really be dressed up with little effort. It also comes in huge rolls which makes wrapping those really large boxes super simple. Dress it up with a strip of candy cane wrapping paper, red ribbon and homemade tags. It’s also fun to add some greenery to boxes by just sliding it under the bow—think evergreen branches, fresh rosemary or holly.

FORGET THE PAPER ALTOGETHER Don’t confine yourself to wrapping all your gifts in paper.

A box wrapped in a piece of linen or burlap with a simple bow feels really special. An antique table cloth tied around a box makes for a beautiful package and becomes a gift in and of itself.

WITH KATIE JACOBS

THE WRITING ON THE WALL I am loving the chalk board trend right now and it’s super easy to carry over into your wrapping. Wrap each package in simple black craft paper and use a white paint pen to draw and write on each package to make it personal.

The black paper looks so beautiful with a red bow and it’s even fun to add a little silver glitter if you are feeling crafty. One of my favorite things to add to Christmas packages are ornaments. The recipient will save it and put it on their tree next year.

SKIP THE RED AND GREEN Metallic and glitter paper around the holidays is so festive. Silver (or gold) and white packages are so elegant and festive without using anything red or green. Tie on a snowflake and a silver tag and you have a really sophisticated gift.

PERSONALIZED PAPER Think beyond the traditional Christmas wrapping paper. Instead, use a map of where the recipient is from or newspaper from the sports section for a sports fan.

It’s fun to think beyond the red and green wrapping to do something that will mean something to the person receiving the gift.

STICK WITH A THEME I am all about a themed gift and think that the wrapping should correspond. If the gift is cooking related, for example, wrap it in paper that has butcher knife outlines and measurements, add a red bow and a wooden spoon and the chef on your list will be thrilled.

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS When giving bottles of wine as hostess gifts, skip the cheap oblong paper gift bag they give you at the store and find a wine bag to give as part of the gift.

Linen or burlap bottle bags are so simple (and inexpensive) but make it feel really finished and polished.

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 73

Sponsored Event

MARTIN CENTER 9TH ANNUAL MARTIN MASTERS ART SALE

Story & Photography by Peg Fredi The FiftyForward group at the Martin Center held its 9th Annual Martin Masters Art Sale in November, which was sponsored by Cigna HealthSpring. This year, Zoë’s Gallery of Friends featured guest artists, painter, John Cannon and photographer, John Guider. More than 40 local artists had the opportunity to show and sell their work. The event began with a preview party complete with wine provided by Cool Springs Wines and Spirits and food by G Catering and Events. The Wright Darling’s supplied festive music for the occasion.

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74 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

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UP THE ROAD

BRENTWOOD

Keeping it All in Balance... with Jodi Rall

Where has the year gone? The past few years, as it seems each year, goes by quicker and quicker. I remember my own parents telling me as you get older, you will see, time flies.

remembered as our “bag lady.” Her second Christmas, the gift she was most drawn to was an inexpensive bag of different play dogs. She put those puppies in her little purse and took them everywhere.

I am surrounded by the memories that twenty-two years of parenting has brought.

With the “fab” four, these are moments that I deeply treasure.

Recently, I was preparing a memory book for my third child and found several Christmas photos of him beaming with books in hand. In the background, little brother with Hulk hands or some other action figure jumping around , trying to do what all little brothers do, steal the limelight.

I still have a note my eldest wrote to us after being disciplined for something she had done right before Christmas: “All I want for Christmas is cool, cool, cool.”

Obviously, she meant coal however we were still working on spelling at this age.

My memory of my fourth child is at our church. He was happily coloring. When I asked him what he was coloring his reply was priceless, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news!” His picture was of the Angel visiting Mary.

Our second daughter will always be

Yes, we all need good news. In a world full

of bad news, sadness and despair, trying to slow down and keep it all in balance can often be challenging.

I hope my children and my grandchildren will remember me by the traditions I set for our family. Our faith at the center of all we do. Recognizing the birth of the Christ child as the core of our Christmas, not the count of gifts under the tree. Another tradition that I hope stays alive is recognizing there is something bigger at stake than ourselves. Reaching out to others, offering a hand up and giving our time to make a difference, this is the memory I want each of my children to have, and continue practicing.

So, my dear readers, I’m off to enjoy every moment of December. I sincerely hope you do too.

Many blessings to you and yours.

NOLENSVILLE WALK TO SCHOOL Story & Photography by Vicky Travis Hundreds of Nolensville Elementary School students, teachers, parents and pets took to the streets October 24th for the annual Walk to School Day. Starting with last year’s walk, the decade-old tradition to celebrate health, added a pink twist to bring awareness to October’s designation as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, many walkers wore pink t-shirts to support Kristin Mullenix, who recently faced surgery for breast cancer. She is mom to a kindergartner and a third-grader at NES. Physical education teacher Deborah Russell, who organizes the walk, is a four-year survivor of the disease. Russell, who wears pink almost daily, also walks in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The milelong walk started near Gregory Park and winds through Greystone neighborhood to end at the school on Rocky Fork Road.

NES teachers and staff

Cathy, Debbie & Jean

Holly Pring and children

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 75

HOME & DECORATING

KINGS’ CHAPEL PARADE OF HOMES

Photography by Sanford Myers & Peyton Hoge

Wrapped up in the splendor of a good old-fashioned Southern Christmas, the Parade of Homes at the gated Kings’ Chapel neighborhood is filled with a spectacular array of design, building and holiday décor ideas. Open daily for tour December 6th-21st, the event benefits Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee and includes fun 12 Days of Christmas activities for the whole family.

Just south of Nashville in the pretty Arrington area of Williamson County, the premier home tour unleashes the creativity of four of the area’s top builders teamed with incredible designers and popular Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home bloggers.

Weaving throughout the homes are magical holiday touches of feathers, gold, silver, punches of Grinch green and the ever popular burlap. But you’ll also find intriguing ideas like whiskey barrel

shelving, tobacco stick mansard ceiling, shiplap interior kids playhouse and deterioration defying screen porch material.

Kings’ Chapel Developer John Powell said the homes, all currently available for purchase, range from French Provincial to English Country and highlight the beauty of Williamson County while sending tour visitors home with hundreds of great decorating ideas.

“Surrounded by 350 acres of green space, the Parade showcases our talented builders with great building and design ideas. You’ll also find 12 Days of Christmas events including a Southern Living “Deck The Halls” tables cape workshop, Mother/Daughter High Tea and a great Instagram contest where you win one item from each Parade house,” Powell said. “Each of the holiday festive

homes has blogger decorated trees based on actual wishes of Make-A-Wish children with themes of the circus, Greece, the Grammys and a fashion model. The trees are also part of a silent auction,” Powell said.

Blending new, old, whimsical and sentimental are ways decorator Julie McCoy wraps her French Provincial style Parade home in southern splendor.

“Steeped in tradition and beauty, the best part is what is under the wrapping…fond family memories and traditions to keep alive for generations,” McCoy said. The Franklin native says that’s what the South is all about.

Touches of the season in every room is how Parade designer Kara Blalock, part of the ReFresh Home team working with the Gregg & Rains builders, achieves the perfect Southern Christmas décor.

“Whether it’s a nutcracker sitting on a side table or peppermints in an apothecary jar, I love to sprinkle Christmas throughout my home. Burning Park Hill’s Tree Lot or Bundled Evergreen candles from Thanksgiving to New Years sets the right scent to me,” Blalock said. “Hanging teardrops from porch light fixtures and multiple trees with burlap, pine cones, grapevine and lots of kid-crafted ornaments makes us all so happy.”

For the first time in its history, the Parade is going social. Top home bloggers from the Southeast have been invited to a Blogger High Tea Meet Up partnering with the national social network, Hometalk, Kirkland’s and StyleBlueprint Williamson County. An online

78 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Pinterest party is being hosted by Kings’ Chapel and Talk of the Town Host Meryll Rose on a special Pinterest board you can find via the Kings’ Chapel website. Top creative Parade pins will be shared live Monday, December 8th from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. CST. Finally, when visitors tour the houses, they can post dreamy pictures to Instagram with the hashtag #KCParadeOfHomes and win one item from each Parade house.

The 2014 holiday Parade of Homes at Kings’ Chapel includes: Arnold Homes LLC and Julie McCoy Interiors with home blogger, The Decorologist and a Greece-themed tree; Drees Homes and Design Environments Inc. with home blogger; Rain On A Tin Roof and a Grammy-themed tree; Gregg & Rains Building Group and ReFresh Home with home blogger, Thistlewood Farms and a circus-themed tree; and, Tennessee Valley Homes building and design with home blogger, Chaotically Creative, and a model-themed tree.

Kings’ Chapel will donate proceeds from Parade events to Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. Admission to the parade, an on-going silent auction and the 12 Days of Christmas events will help fund the wishes of several children with life threatening medical conditions. For a full listing of special holiday events including a fun run and Grinch That Stole Christmas Brunch, visit www.KingsChapelLife.com. Powell said a check will be presented during the December 28th Titans home game to Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, in partnership with Parade sponsor, LP Building Products.

With gazillions of home building, decorating and holiday ideas, the Parade of Homes returns to the gorgeous Kings’ Chapel in Arrington, just south of Nashville. The city’s premier home tour will be open daily from December 6th-21st from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 7 p.m. Presented by Reliant Bank and LP Building Products, the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee tour tickets are online at no extra charge and at the gate - $12 for entry and ages 12 and under are free. The 16 day home tour includes 12 Days of Christmas activities including a fun run, Santa’s Workshop and a cooking demonstration by Kings’ Chapel’s own Executive Chef Brian Cochrane. The Parade ends with a historical rendition of a Civil War Era Christmas sermon at the onsite chapel which dates back to 1804, and the After The Parade Sale on Monday, December 22nd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit www.KingsChapelLife.com.

Southern Living Garden Lifestyle Editor Carmen Johnston will be at the Parade of Homes on Friday, December 12 for a Deck The Halls Tablescapes Workshop which includes a ticket to tour the Parade.

Sponsored Event

GRACEWORKS BENEFIT CONCERT

Story & Photography by K York A concert benefiting GraceWorks’ Capital Campaign, Growing in Grace, was held at the Franklin Theatre on in November. Jackson Nance and Savannah Lynne opened the show for the The Austin Brothers Band. GraceWorks Executive Director, Tina Edwards, gave a compelling presentation regarding the importance of GraceWorks’ services to our community. 30,000 people in Williamson County were served last year and the demands for services continues to grow. The Capital Campaign will help the organization buy land and build a new building that will aid in their growing needs.

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82 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

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ARTS & CULTURE A LA CARTE

ANDREA DAVIS

WITH ANDREA DAVIS

Your Williamson’s gal about town for everything arts, culture & leisure

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DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE WONDERFUL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

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CHRISTMAS THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show December 5th Justin Peters “Christmas I Love Christmas” December 6th Suzy Bogguss’ Swingin’ Little Christmas December 12th Phil Vassar Christmas Show December 13th Riders in the Sky: Christmas The Cowboy Way December 20th RYMAN AUDITORIUM Christmas at The Ryman with Vince Gill and Amy Grant- Wednesdays and Thursdays December 3rd- 18th The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rock Extravaganza December 8th SCHEMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER: Michael W. Smith: Spirit of Christmas December 6th Dave Barnes: A Very Merry Christmas December 7th Anthony Hamilton: Home for the Holidays December 8th Jim Brickman: On a Winter’s Night December 9th Joy: An Irish Christmas December 22nd BRIDGESTONE ARENA Kelly Clarkson: Miracle on Broadway December 20th

STUDIO TENN- JAMISON HALL IN THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN It’s A Wonderful Life December 4th-21st TPAC Nashville Repertory Theater Presents A Christmas Story November 28thDecember 21st Nashville’s Nutcracker with the Nashville Symphony December 6th-21st Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show December 11th-12th PULL TIGHT THEATRE It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play December 5th-20th GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE Radio City Christmas Spectacular Featuring the Rockettes November 21st-December 24th BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE NEW CHRISTMAS CDS: TIM RUSHLOW & HIS BIG BAND CLASSIC CHRISTMAS Fontanel Family Christmas

NEW YEAR’S EVE Jack Daniel’s BASH ON BROADWAY NEW YEARS EVE IN MUSIC CITY with Lady Antebellum BRIDGESTONE ARENA: Bass Nectar MARATHON MUSIC WORKS: St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Black Cadillacs WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM: Moon Taxi FRANKLIN THEATER: The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra RYMAN AUDITORIUM: Old Crow Medicine Show SCHEMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER: A Nashville Symphony New Year’s Eve

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 85

YOUR DINING GUIDE

WITH LAURYN SALASSI GILLIAM

I know you have already seen the holiday lights on in the shopping malls and, yes, the Christmas music has begun. I wonder from year to year what Christmas is going to look like for my group this year. Will I be visiting a family member or will they be visiting me? Do I need to finally shuttle out all the cookbooks I buy with great intentions and start looking up some new impressive festive recipes, or rely on the tried and true?

There have been many a time when I have wanted to ditch the cooking...as traditional and ritualistic as I am (scratch that..or would like to be!!). There is something to be said for going out so that you can truly enjoy the

86 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

day with whomever you choose (or whom chooses you!).

I like to be mindful all of the time...taking advantage and being grateful for all of the 5 senses around me...it’s my thing...I like to not only savor the food that has been prepared but also the company in which I keep and break bread with. Sometimes it’s just easier to do both of those when you aren’t in kitchen. And what I’ve come to learn about the local holiday restaurant scene, is that some of the greats will be open and available to you if you like to savor the time you have with your loved ones.

This is our annual list of foodie venues that will be open and be providing a holiday menu on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. From the traditional Monell’s Victorian brunch, to Opryland’s holiday extravaganza with dinner entertainment, to some of the new venue’s such as 1808 Grille in the Hutton Hotel - You can get your Christmas traditional dinner with no deliberation over who is doing the dishes! Make your reservations now and then all you have to do is focus on picking the perfect gifts for the special people in your life!

Feliz Navidad Y’all!

join us

FOR A SPECTACULAR SEASON!

It’s a Wonderful Life: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

Adapted by Joe Landry

RESTAURANTS OFFERING CHRISTMAS DINNERS MONELL’S Victorian Christmas Brunch www.monellstn.com 615-248-4747

1808 GRILLE Hutton Hotel www.1808grille.com 615-340-0012

OPRYLAND DINNER SHOW...RESTLESS HEART: A SEASON OF HARMONY DINNER SHOW Offered in December and Christmas Day www.marriott.com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE www.ruthschris.com 615-320-0163

PRIME 108 Union Station Hotel www.prime108.com 615-620-5665 MASON’S Lowe’s Vanderbilt Holiday Brunch and Dinner www.masons-nashville.com 615-321-1990 PARK25 BISTRO Nashville Marriott Vanderbilt www.marriottvanderbilt.com 615-340-5152 RIVERFRONT TAVERN Christmas Day 6pm www.riverfronttavern.net 615-252-4849 CAPITOL GRILLE/ OAK BAR Hermitage Hotel Christmas Brunch and Dinner www.capitolgrillenashville.com 615-345-7116

CRACKER BARREL Christmas Eve 6am-2pm www.crackerbarrel.com SPERRY’S Opens at 4pm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with reservations required www.sperrys.com 615-778-9950 MACK & KATE’S CAFÉ www.mackandkatescafe.com 615-591-4104 MERE BULLES Christmas Eve 4pm-8pm www.merebulles.com 615-467-1945 CITY CAFÉ Christmas Eve 10:45am-2pm 615-373-5555 BUCA DI BEPPO Christmas Day 11am-8pm www.bucadibeppo.com 615-778-1321

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Sponsored Event

AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW

Story & Photography by K York Mercy Community Healthcare presented with sponsorship provided by Pandora, the American Girl Fashion Show at the Factory in Franklin in November.

Young girls modeled the clothing of the American Girls along with fun and fashionable attire for girls today. Those attending had the opportunity to visit the Marketplace where they could have their nails done, their doll’s hair styled, their face painted, or buy souvenirs from the show. Refreshments featured mini quiches and pink lemonade, ginger cookies and Mexican chocolate cake. The three shows were such fun for all those who attended. Mercy Community Healthcare provides healthcare for the uninsured or under-insured throughout Middle Tennessee.

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88 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Amy & Mary Preston Hamilton, Caroline Hamburg

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December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 89

YOUR KIDS

WITH GINGER JONES

GIFT GUIDE for Kids

THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON HAS ARRIVED. IF YOU’RE TIRED OF BUYING GIFTS THAT QUICKLY END UP ON THE SHELF COLLECTING DUST, HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO HELP YOU OUT BEFORE YOU HIT THE STORES.

90 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Think about things that require imagination and inspire creativity.

In this technology-advanced world we live in, it can be easy to forget how children need to use their imaginations. Some examples of these are: building blocks, puppet sets, kitchen sets with food, and doctor kits.

Don’t get too caught up on the ages on toys. Those are suggested, but may not be the case for every child.

The exception here would be to make sure that you pay attention to small parts that may be a choking hazard.

Kids can grow into some toys and play with them in different ways as they get older.

Games are a great gift that kids will love. There are classic games that every kid enjoys such as Chutes and Ladders, Memory, Candyland and Battleship. Check out the game aisle at any store for others your child may be interested in. Games are a great way to work on social skills, such as turn taking and sportsmanship.

You may also want to consider giving the gift of an experience you can have together…tickets to a special concert or event or even just a night at the movies. You and your child will love creating memories of a something special and spending that time together.

You can never go wrong with books for kids at any age. Books are a great way to build vocabulary and spark interest in a certain subject area.

Give yourself the gift of not stressing too much about gift giving. Instead, find delight in the real reason we celebrate and enjoy time with your loved ones.

150 BATTLE ANNIVERSARY EVENT Story & Photography by K York The 2014 Tennessee Civil War 150 Years Signature event kicked off three days of events in Liberty Hall at the Factory. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner, Susan H. Whitaker opened the Sesquicentennial commemoration ceremony.

There was a special musical performance by the New Hope Academy Choir, special remarks, stories and announcements by historians, elected officials and guests. Damien Shiels, author of The Irish in the American Civil War, was the keynote speaker. The Tennessee State Museum displayed rare artifacts of Confederate and Union soldiers who fought in the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, including those of Patrick Cleburne and the 13th United States Colored Troops.

In HD | with the NASHVILLE SYMPHONY DECEMBER 6 at SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER See this beloved holiday classic on the big screen as the Nashville Symphony performs John Williams’ score live.

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Susan Whitaker & Ken Moore

Damien Shiels

LouAnna Smith

Dan Pomeroy, Brad Kavan & Bob White

Check out our online photo galleries Now you can view, share, purchase and download images from any event we cover.

Eric Jacobsen, Jim Liththizer & Mike Grainger

Paige Cruse & Tiffany Fantine

James Hoobler & Rick Warwick

Look for your smiling face! www.yourwilliamson.com/event-coverage

BLUE & GRAY DAYS Story & Photography by K York The Battle of Franklin Trust recently presented the annual Blue and Gray Days at the Carter House and Carnton Plantation. Living history re-enactors were on the grounds of the historic homes depicting life during the Civil War era. Visitors were shown how clothing was weaved and spun and tools were made by a blacksmith in the 1860’s. Re-enactors depicting slaves told their stories and sang hymns of inspiration. Abraham Lincoln shared stories of emancipation and the Gettysburg Address. Held in conjunction with the Battle of Franklin re-enactment, it was a weekend walk back in time.

Christian Shaster, Gary Sutton & Howard Rollins

Tom Wright & Sam Reed

Dave Howells, Kristin Benham, Julie & Nigel Williams

Gerald Augustus

Odessa Settles, Jermaine Johnson, Calvin Settles & Robert Smith

Dennis Ferrier, Susan Thompson & Craig Landschoff

92 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

Henry & Denise Amat

Tom Dolan & Debbie Watts

FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS

GRACIOUS SOUTHERN ENTERTAINING WITH MISS DAISY

As we’ve all come to appreciate that the holidays are an especially important time for family. Our relatives are one of the greatest blessings we could have, and this is the time of year to celebrate them.

In the exchanging of gifts and stories, we ultimately share the love that brought us together in the first place. Even for the most seasoned of hosts, the joy of hosting one’s family is incomparable.

It is because of the incomparable joy of having a family gathering that those sharing wisdom for the holidays focus on discussing holiday functions with their readership, narrowing the discussion to those related by blood. I know all too well the strength of those ties. Having raised two children, I wear my love for traditional families like a badge of pride over my heart. And though you will find no bigger advocate for the family unit, I still feel that our definition of “family” is very limiting.

Of course, those who share branches on a family tree have a great connection. But what about the friends you have loved and unconditionally supported you throughout the years? What about

coworkers and the office parties? What about church functions? Or the neighborhood parties that welcome those on the whole block?

Should they not be included in your planning for festivities? Odds are, you’ll wind up attending a few holiday parties with the people in your life whose bonds of spirit are just as cherished as bonds of family.

You might not share a last name, but you still value them as if you did. For this reason, you should plan your parties accordingly.

For me, “Southern Hospitality” is a very simple concept: treating your friends like family. That little idea transcends barriers and relationships into a sort of universal kindness. It means always making time for others, which can be particularly intimidating during the hectic nature of December. Many people do practice that concept, but our schedules still wind up limiting that definition for the sake of convenience.

It doesn’t have to be this way though, as dispensing Southern hospitality is as easy as serving coffee, tea, a mixed drink, or some of your favorite appetizers or meals. These items are focal points for the social occasion, and as suggested in “Gracious Entertaining, Southern Style,” the origin of hospitality came from the South’s loneliness of living in a predominantly rural area. This made every event a special occasion.

As I’ve said in the past, I view all of my friends as an extension of my family. This year, I want to reflect that by offering recipe selections for those extended family members. These “party pleasers” come from the heart and are wrapped in love.

In addition to some of my favorite appetizers, I’d like to add a few of my favorite drinks that hopefully will find their way onto your party menus. To help prepare you for entertaining a wide variety of guests, I’d also like to recommend having the items to keep stocked in your home bar. Of course, you’ll want to make accommodations depending on which drinks you prefer. With sharing these, I make two requests. The first being that you please drink responsibly, and the second being that you be as generous with your time as possible.

This is the time of year when your presence is “at a premium,” and though I know it’s a difficult balance, there are people in your life who might not have the same social wealth that you do.

Your presence is a warm fire, and can thaw the chill of the winter season. And with that, I would like to wish everyone the happiest of holidays.

Thank you!

Miss Daisy King For additional recipes go to www.yourwilliamson.com and www.missdaisyking.com.

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 93

PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO TORTE

MISS DAISY’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A FULLYSTOCKED BAR:

Chef’s Note: This torte gets better with age. Make it two days in advance, and serve with crackers, baguette slices, crostini.

2 LITERS OF BOURBON 1 LITER OF GIN 2 LITERS OF VODKA 2 LITERS OF SCOTCH 1 LITER OF BLENDED WHISKEY 1 LITER OF LIGHT RUM 1 LITER OF DARK RUM DARK SHERRY DRY VERMOUTH COINTREAU GRAND MARNIER AMARETTO KAHLUA COGNAC 6 BOTTLES OF WHITE WINE 6 BOTTLES OF RED WINE 1 SIX-PACK OF LIGHT BEER 1 SIX-PACK OF DARK BEER 1 SIX PACK OF IMPORTED/CRAFT BEER (YOUR CHOICE, THIS ADDS VARIATION TO YOUR STOCK) MIXERS OF YOUR CHOICE: SPARKLING WATER, CLUB SODA, TONIC, GINGER ALE, COLAS; ORANGE JUICE, TOMATO JUICE AND GRAPEFRUIT JUICE.

94 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

• 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese • 3/4 cup butter • 4 garlic cloves • 1 1/2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 1/3 cups oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained • 1/3 cup tomato paste • Basil sprigs • Grape tomatoes • Toasted pine nuts

Assemble all ingredients and utensils.

Blend two packages of cream cheese with the butter in a food processor and transfer it to a bowl. Chop the garlic in the processor. Add the basil, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Add one-half of the remaining package of cream cheese and blend well. Transfer it to another bowl.

with place wrap, leaving an overhang.

Spread a layer of the cream cheese and butter mixture in the bottom of the mold. Top with a pesto layer. Add another layer of the cream cheese and butter mixture. Top with a sun-dried tomato layer. Repeat the layers until all of the ingredients are used. Cover the mold with the plastic wrap and chill for up to three days.

Chop the sun-dried tomatoes in the process. Add the tomato paste and the remaining cream cheese. Blend well and reserve in the processor bowl.

Spray a 1/2 quart souffle dish with non-stick vegetable spray and line it

To serve, invert the mold onto a serving platter and peel away the plastic.

Garnish the torte with sprigs of basil, grape tomatoes and toasted pine nuts.

Yield: 20 servings

GINGER CREAM CHEESE BALL • 1 8-ounce box pitted dates • 6 to 8 candied ginger bits • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened • Flaked coconut • Gingersnaps Assemble all ingredients and utensils. Chop dates, ginger and nuts in a food processor or mince by hand. Add cheese and blend well. Chill 2 hours and shape into 1 large ball or 2 small ones. Cover with flaked coconut. Serve with gingersnaps.

INDIAN BEEF CURRY WONTONS

PICKLED JALAPEÑO PEPPER

Recipe courtesy of chef Patricia Jones Chef’s Note: Wonton skins may be found in produce section of your local grocer, and you can alternatively stuff lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps.

Chef’s Note: This recipe is courtesy of Jeff Kenyon of Temple Hills (of Williamson County). Also, you can peel tomatoes by plunging them in boiling hot water.

• 1 pound ground beef, lean • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3 garlic cloves • 3 tablespoons ketchup • 2 tablespoons Indian curry powder (mild or hot) • 2 cans of water chestnuts, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup of sweet onion • 1/2 cup of green onion • 2 packages of Wonton Skins • 2 tablespoons cornstarch • 1/2 cup of water • 1/2 cup of oil • 1/4 cup of sugar

• ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapeno peppers • 2 medium tomatoes • 1 medium yellow onion • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese

Assemble all ingredients and utensils. After heating your skillet to a medium-level of heat, add olive oil, then garlic and ground meat. Cook the meat, stirring and breaking it up until meat is in small crumbles. Afterward, add chopped sweet onion, tomato ketchup, water chestnuts, curry powder and sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, adding a little bit of water only if needed.

Once frozen, remove from freezer. Heat oil in skillet, about 1/2 an inch deep. When hot, add wontons and make sure they’re sizzling. Cooking very quickly, flip them as soon as they brown.

Take wonton wraps, coat an L with cornstarch and water mixture.This is the glue that seals the wontons. Put meat in center and fill the wonton over, it will make a triangle. Press all edges together, these must be frozen after that. Remove from freezer.

At the end, add mostly the Heat oil in skillet, about half inch green chopped part of the deep. When hot, add wontons. green onions. Take wonton Make sure they are sizzling! skins, and coat an “L-shape” They cook very quickly, so as with cornstarch and water mixture. Using this mixture to soon as they’re toasty brown, flip over. This meat mixture is seal the wontons, put meat in center and fill wonton over better made the day before.

Serve mild or hot to taste! to make a triangle. Press all edges together, and place in Yield: Several dozen freezer until frozen.

• 4 tablespoons butter • Approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream • Bacon bits

Assemble ingredients and utensils. Peel, seed and finely chop tomatoes (peel by plunging in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer to a bath of ice water. Let sit until peel begins to separate from fruit).

In a sauce pan, saute onions in butter until soft. Add jalapenos and tomatoes and saute for 2-3 minutes more. Add cream cheese and stir in. Pour into serving bowl and top with bacon bits.

Yield: 6-8 servings

POMEGRANATE MARGARITA • Salt (Margarita preferred) • Ice • 8 ounces white tequila • 4 ounces triple sec

• 1 cup pomegranate juice • 2 limes • Club soda

Place salt onto a shallow dish. With a lime wedge, rub along the rim of the glass and dip glass upside-down to salt the rim. Fill glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker with ice, mix tequila, triple sec, pomegranate juice and the juice from one squeezed lime. Pour into salt rimmed glass and top off with club soda. Garnish with wedges from other lime.

Yield: 8 servings

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 95

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

WITH LANDMARK BOOKSELLERS

“Tis the Season!” A season of joy and hope, a season for family and friends; A season of thanksgiving and gift giving.

What gifts to give? Some embrace the task with great enthusiasm and energy; Others dread it like the plague. We have great news for all, no matter your bent, taste or budget.

Simply put, books are the best gift you can give. “Q book is a gift that can be opened again and again.” A book is a gift that will be cherished and kept for a lifetime, a constant reminder of good times, goodwill and your friendship.

We have thousands of wonderful books, new, old and rare, beautifully crafted and carefully selected, in all price

ranges, sure to please even the most difficult people on your shopping list.

We hope you will stop by this Christmas season and allow us to assist you in your gift selection process, we promise it will not be painful, as a matter of fact you are likely to find it very rewarding and even enjoyable.

Until then we wish you and your family our very best during this Season of Seasons.

Joel & Carol Tomlin, Landmark Booksellers

LOCAL HISTORY is one of our specialties, new old and rare titles, some signed by the authors - a sure bet for those history buffs!

CHILDREN’S BOOKS for all ages, new releases as well as timeless classics - we have a room devoted to many of your favorites.

CIVIL WAR We are in the middle of our 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.

We offer the latest releases as well as one-ofa-kind, rare copies of the most important books on the subject.

FICTION New releases from your favorite authors as well as Pulitzer Prize winning classics, many first editions, as well as signed copies are available, in all price ranges.

LOCAL AUTHORS We are blessed here in Williamson County with a number of outstanding authors, representing a wide range of interests and subjects. You may personally know several, making their books the perfect choice for that special gift.

ART/OVERSIZED We have a variety of oversized books in all areas of interest, beautifully crafted, of timeless interest, designed for hours of enjoyment - a beautiful gift indeed.

96 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2014

150TH ANNIVERSARY BATTLE OF FRANKLIN RE-ENACTMENT Story & Photography by K York Re-enactors camped on the grounds of Carnton Plantation, sitting around campfires and preparing for battle, as over 5,000 spectators gathered at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park to witness the 150th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Franklin. Over 700 Union and Confederate soldiers depicted the fighting near the Carter House on November 30, 1864 where thousands of American soldiers died. The weekend events commemorating the 150th Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, was a proud accomplishment for the community.

Charles McDaniel

Steven Givens, Luke Sesler, Seth Flippo & Hunter Hyde

Mike & James Copelin, Grantham & Scott Schumann

Jim Houghton

Derrick Lindow

Darrell Ball, Michael Hill, Jimmy Smith & Jesse Hay

Edwin Josey & Matt McClanahan

Missouri Tigers

Skip Korte & David Wittenberg

Ashlee, Natalie & James Clayton, Ken Curtis

Luke & Margaret Davis

December 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 97

This winter leave the one-horse open sleigh in the barn.

Oh, what fun it is to shop a large selection of Infiniti vehicles during the Infiniti Limited Winter Engagement Event, in our new showroom at Infiniti of Cool Springs. Our courteous staff will greet you and make you feel warm all over with Limited Engagement Winter Event prices on the Infiniti of your choice. Plus, all Infiniti vehicles come with plenty of bells, whistles and a dazzling array of technological features and amenities including heated seats! However, the Infiniti Limited Engagement Winter Event will end soon and so will these prices. So don’t get left out in the cold!

Make your spirits bright with a visit to Infiniti of Cool Springs during the Limited Engagement Winter Event.

“An exceptional owner experience.”

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