December 2013

WINE DOWN MAIN STREET FRANKLIN

AMERICAN GIRL DOLL FASHION SHOW

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Dan Crockett & Franklin American Mortgage

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Dining, Décor, Gifts and More!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! from YOUR Williamson

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 1

PULMONARY & SLEEP MEDICINE

2 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Sleep Apnea • Insomnia • Restless Leg Syndrome • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease • Lung Cancer • Shortness of Breath • Smoking Cessation • Sleep Disorders • Snoring • Insomnia-Related Depression • Narcolepsy • Sleep Studies

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 3

YOUR WILLIAMSON

DECEMBER 2013 • VOL II-XVI HOSPITABLE YOU

DESIGNING YOUR LIFE

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52

78

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84 FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

ARTS & CULTURE A LA CARTE

TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

YOUR FEATURES

YOUR COLUMNS

24 Fashionable YOU

22 YOUR Effortless Style

18 Shopping

42 From Our House to YOURS

38 YOUR Beauty & Style

21 YOUR Best Self

54 YOUR Community Partner

52 Designing YOUR Life

30 YOUR Health & Wellness

‘Tis the Season for Fashion Homes for the Holidays Tour

Dan Crockett & Franklin American Mortgage

with Katie Rushton

Confessions of a Beauty Junkie with Amy Freese

72 In YOUR Backyard

66 From Our Table to YOURS

74 YOUR Charitable Self

70 YOUR Wine Guy

The Art of Exterior Illumination Giving for the Holidays

with CoolSprings Galleria

with Connie Haley with WMC

with Chef George

with Jimbo Elmerick

78 Hospitable YOU

with Southern Soiree

82 YOUR Dining Guide

with Ryan Musick & Sarah Ballenger

93 In YOUR Best Interest with First Farmers

COVER PROFILE

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Listening to a story from Santa is a great way to start the holiday! These children all joined Santa at the CoolSprings Galleria for this fun photo shoot. YOUR Williamson wants to thank our friends at the CoolSprings Galleria for hosting, Belk for providing our models with their holiday outfits, Santa (of course!), and our models - Cooper Waller, Grace Simpson, Miller Holstein, Greyson Waller, Madison Hurt, Anderson Waller & Lily Schroeder...and thank you to their parents for sharing them with us!

Photography by Sarah Bailey

4 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

EVERY MONTH 8

YOUR Publisher’s Letter

96 In the Click 92 Ribbon Cuttings

New Williamson County Businesses

94 Scoop: YOU in the News 76 Read Between the Lines with Landmark Booksellers

84 Arts & Culture A La Carte with Andrea Davis

98 YOUR Random WC Facts

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO CHANGE

YOUR WISHLIST NOW THROUGH JAN 2ND

COOL SPRINGS

1636 WESTGATE CIRCLE BRENTWOOD, TN 37027

NASHVILLE

2010 ROSA L. PARKS BLVD NASHVILLE, TN 37208

WWW.N ASHVILLEL EXUS. COM

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 5

YOUR STAFF

Andrea Davis

Anna Robertson

Heather Peters

Johnny Birdsong

Julie Jorgenson

MANAGING EDITOR

EDITOR EMERITUS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

VP OF SALES & DEVELOPMENT

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Susan Charest

Cameron McBride

Leslie Drewery

Erica Lampley

K York

COMMUNITY EDITOR

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER

SALES & MARKETING CONSULTANT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Charlie Kaser PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrea Stockard WRITER

Gary Buchanan Kerney McNeil DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS

Sarah Bailey

Rachel Weishaupt

Nicole Staggs

Adam Sanner

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

YOUR Williamson is a publication of: Robertson Media Group, LLC President/Publisher Shelly Robertson Birdsong Office: 615.979.1548

For our interactive calendar, event photos, additional features, and content, visit: www.yourwilliamson.com

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

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Steve Absher, Account Exec.

Kingery Printing Company YOUR Printing Partner

6 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

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

Ron Cheatham BUSINESS MANAGER

@yourwilliamson facebook.com/yourwilliamson

DECEMBER 2013

BELIEVE! Dear Readers,

info@robertsonmediagroup.com

CUSTOM PUBLISHING . INTEGRATED MEDIA & MARKETING . CONSULTING

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

8 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

What words of joy, reverence or magic could come from my pen that aren’t more aptly and ably penned by one eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon? As we all are aware, her letter to the editor of the New York Sun in 1897 has been reprinted, reread and every Christmas, become more beloved for its innocent but heartfelt inquiry to that ever important query. Merry Christmas Williamson County. May YOUR season be filled with magic we cannot see but in which, yes, we BELIEVE! Shelly, YOUR Publisher shelly@yourwilliamson.com

“Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.” ~ Francis P. Church

Keeling Birdsong & Santa This response was printed, as an unsigned editorial Sept.

21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

“Dear Editor: I am eight 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 West NinetyFifth Street.

“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 of 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 may 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. No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives. And he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

Express the essence of you New bracelet and charms collection

·PASSION·

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· H E A LT H ·

·RESPECT·

·PEACE·

·HOPE·

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THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS jewelrystorenashville.com COOL SPRINGS GALLERIA jewelryfranklin.com PEAR TREE AVUENUE Brentwood

TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR EVENTS 14 Wine Down Main Street

48 Hats Off to High Hopes

16 Artfully Aware

50 Barefoot Ball

20 Here Come the Brides Show

53 Lexus Nashville Grand Opening

26 An Evening with Friends

58 Sparkle & Twang

28 American Girl Fashion Show

60 The Night of the Elephant

31 Get Fit Franklin

61 GraceWorks Capital Campaign Benefit

32 Healthy Living Expo

62 A Mad Men Affair

33 Ladders to Hope

64 Santa & the Radio City Rockettes

34 Race for the Cure 35 Three Blind Vines Theme Reveal Party The Literacy Council of Williamson County invites you to our Patrons Party

Corks & Cadillacs Celebrating our 2nd annual Homes for the Holidays Tour

Thursday, December 5th 6-8pm Andrews Cadillac Showroom One Cadillac Drive Brentwood, TN Tickets $100, available online at: www.homes4holidays.org Wine and hors d’oeuvres Meet the homeowners and designers and...get a sneak peak at the all new luxury CTS!

10 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Home Tour: Dec 6-8, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm.

36 Westhaven Ladies Holiday Fashion Show 39 Westhaven Check Presentation

80 Chair-ish the Night with Vince Gill & Friends 88 Dancing with the Nashville Stars 90 Williamson County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

40 Blue & Gray Days 46 WCAR Officer Installation

97 Shuff ’s 35th Anniversary Awards Reception

Providing coverage and exposure for our community non-profits and other organizations is the cornerstone of what we do at YOUR Williamson. We would love to know about YOUR upcoming event and provide in-magazine or online coverage & promotion when possible. We also participate in a limited number of event partnerships with extensive advertising and marketing packages monthly. Please submit events at least one month in advance of date for consideration of coverage to info@yourwilliamson.com and contact our Publisher at shelly@yourwilliamson.com for sponsorship information.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 11

YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

YOUR Dining Guide Ryan Musick & Sarah Ballenger

Photographer and certified sommelier Ryan Musick and journalist Sarah Ballenger are food enthusiasts sout to find palate pleasing cuisines in and around Williamson County. The two combined, provide knowledge, delectable descriptions and artistic photography from monthly dining experiences.

Hospitable YOU Krista Cook & Lauren Hartman Southern Soiree

As a full service event production company specializing in weddings, Southern Soiree collaborates with discerning brides to design their wedding with personalized style and exceptional execution. Their goal is for you to enjoy your wedding, from the initial planning to the last dance of the night! They have fun and strive to minimize the stress associated with wedding planning.

Fashionable YOU Katie Rushton Effortless Style

Katie Rushton is a fashion stylist and owner of Effortless Style, a personal shopping and wardrobe consulting company in Brentwood, TN. She provides variety of services including Closet Audits, Styling Sessions and Personal Shopping. For more fashion tips from Katie or to learn more about about Effortless Style, visit effortlesstyle.com.

YOUR Wine Guy Jimbo Elmerick Bricks Cafe

Jimbo Elmerick is the proprietor of Bricks Cafe, with three locations in Williamson County. A modern Renaissance man, Jimbo plays a mean piano, loves being an anti-snob, wine connoisseur, and dotes on his wife and children.

He’s bringing his knowledge of wine and spirits to you in his signature easygoing style.

12 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Read Between the Lines Joel & Carol Tomlin Landmark Booksellers

YOUR monthly book review of great reads, local, regional and beyond will be 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.

From Our House to YOURS

Amy Freese Living in Style Franklin resident George Reed is a well-loved chef who likes to make food interesting and fun and has the personality to go with it. He and his wife Amy are the owners of Awesome Catering

By George and City Café East.

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.

YOUR Best Self Connie Haley Connie Haley Life Coaching

From Our Table to YOURS George Reed

YOUR Beauty & Style Julie Jorgenson The Beauty Junkie

Amy Freese, with Cool Springs Upholstery is a life-style expert, who encourages others to create a custom-fit they are excited to showcase from the inside out. She will take you inside one of a kind homes in the area and show readers that designHER living is more than just fabric swatches, paint and furniture!

It’s a state of mind.

A self proclaimed Beauty Junkie, Julie is our go-to gal for all things beauty - how to find it, apply it, fake it and rock it.

She scouts out the best deals and the best beauty tricks around. Author of her own beauty blog - she treats readers to some hilarious insight into the world of what it takes to be fabulous!

Charlie Woodall, investment officer for First Farmers Investment Services, is a twenty year investment industry veteran. His monthly column will offer practical advice on wealth-building strategies.

In YOUR Best Interest Charlie Woodall First Farmers

ENJOY MORE Shop your favorite retailers this holiday season.

The Apple Store Brighton J.Crew Pandora Pottery Barn Williams-Sonoma

Find gifts for everyone on your list at 5 department stores, 150+ premier specialty shops and 36 restaurants and eateries including Buca di Beppo and J. Alexander’s.

I-65, Exits 68 & 69, Franklin • 615.771.2128 • CoolSpringsGalleria.com

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 13

Sponsored Event

Wine Down Main Street

Story & Photography by Rachel Weishaupt A crisp fall night made for the perfect setting at this year’s Wine Down Main Street. Guests strolled along the streets of historic downtown Franklin and enjoyed spectacular wine tastings at over thirty-two pouring stations. More than twenty local restaurants were set up along Main Street, and live entertainment could be found at every street corner.

The fundraiser, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee, has been voted Best Fundraiser/Event in Williamson County five out of the past six years. For more information about this unique wine tasting event please visit www.winedownmainstreet.com.

Bryan & Emily Ansley

Brooke & Jason Garrett Caitlin Bloodworth & Cassie Hutchins

Sam Cranford, Marilyn Sanderson & Ty Parker Michelle Mayor & Ashley Childs

Chris Baron, Jane Sharp, Paula Wilson & Tonia Calhoun Jennifer Eoff, Kally White & Rebecca Key

Amber Thomas & Paula Pike

Anne & James Fine

14 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Paige Collier Thompson & Chad Collier

Sarah Hodrick & Paige Cleveland

Bonnie Tucker & Jeff Eadens

Drew Hughes & Catherine Harris

Vesna Zlojutro, Katie Egbert & Lyndsay Blalock Mark Dreps & Tommy Yates

Lisa Sims & Laura Miller

Candida Bannister, Sue Geisen & Samantha Sheldon

Amber Smith, Alex & Spencer Ellis, Matt Konyn & Amanda Brimhall

Autumn Key, Jason & Shannon Ryan

Belinda Batson, Donna Schacher, Rebecca Harris & Deana Righter

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 15

Sponsored Event

Artfully Aware

Story & Photography by Cameron McBride The third annual Artfully Aware: Auction for Autism was held at the Factory in November. The silent auction was filled with items created or donated by people connected to The Brown Center for Autism. Throughout the evening, young children impacted by Autism performed, and speakers were able to share how The Brown Center had positively influenced their family. You can learn more about The Brown Center by visiting thebrowncenter.org.

Leslie Hough, Katherine Alsup, Carol Huntress & Rachael Capri Sharlene & Eustace Denton

Josh & Annette Little Julia Hoyal & Tina Keeler

Whitney Wilson, Ben Wilson & Thuy Tracy

Eric Castor, Sean Haynes, Gary Shelton & Ashley Leech

Blake & Christy Berry, Holly Weatherford

Peter Beddow, Stacey & Jay Cawthon

16 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Grant Fisher & Kelly Goolsby

COME FIND YOUR PERFECT SLEIGH RIDE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

www.globalmotorsportsinc.com /GlobalMotorsportsBerryHill

Belle Meade Dealership 5212 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205 615.353.9333

Berry Hill Dealership 2222 Franklin Road Nashville, TN 37204 615.463.7474

/Global_Motor

Cool Springs Dealership 7116 Moores Lane Brentwood, TN 37027 615.661.5512

Downtown Dealership 1504 DemonBreun St Nashville, TN 37203 615.248.2215

esstyle 1/4 vert 2.indd 1

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

SHOPPING

COOL SPRINGS GALLERIA

Holiday Shopping Tips from CoolSprings Galleria Your shopping list is full of them. You know the ones: The child who has everything. The mother-in-law who doesn’t want anything. The sister who returns things. And the college kid who needs almost everything.

Christmas shopping would be easy, if those at the top of your list weren’t so difficult. But this year, CoolSprings Galleria is making fulfilling that list of yours a whole lot easier. We have more than 150 stores chock full of gifts that are perfect for whoever is on your list.

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!

As you dig out the Christmas decorations from the attic and begin to focus on the holidays, start by making this year’s shopping organized.

There are apps for that. If you are a pencil and paper kind of person, make an old-school list of who you need to buy for along with gift ideas. Stores like Pottery Barn and Bath & Body Works are great places to start because they specialize in something for everyone.

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

8/23/13 6:06 PM

Your child’s favorite teacher, soccer coach and the helpful next door neighbor would all love a rugged monogrammed tote, warm and cozy throw or monogrammed bottle topper from Pottery Barn.

Mini bottles of yummy-flavored anti-bacterial gels and soaps from Bath & Body Works make perfect stocking stuffers or gift basket contents. Scents like Fresh Sparkling Snow and Winter Cranberry are always better than the sterile scent of plain alcohol, but they are just as effective at warding off flu-causing germs. Don’t think that the men on your list can’t also be thrilled with gifts from the mall. The Art of Shaving has become the one-stop-shop for pampering your man. With handcrafted shaving sets and exclusive fragrances just for him, such as sandalwood or peppermint, what man wouldn’t love a smoother, softer, better-smelling shave each morning? The Apple Store is loaded up with the latest iPhone 5S and the iPad Air for the gadget gurus in your house. Maybe an iPad mini for your teenager?

Or a MacBook Pro for the college student? We have it all, as well as the snappy accessories to help you flaunt your new goodies in style.

This season, CoolSprings Galleria can offer toys for the little ones on your list like never before with our first-ever Toys R Us Express, located in the lower level near the play area. Focused on added convenience for you, the shopper, Toys R Us Express will sell the hottest toys of the season right here in the mall. Just upstairs, the remodeled Build A Bear store has a stuffed critter just waiting to be placed under the tree on Christmas morning. But let’s not forget the fashionista in your family. Maybe it’s your tween daughter or your crazy sister. We have stylish fare from J. Crew & Banana Republic and the perfect accessories to add polish to the look from Coach & Pandora. When it’s all said and done, drop your bags under your favorite table at Starbucks. Kick back and raise your tall Christmas blend in a celebratory toast to a shopping marathon well-done.

Sign up for weekly e-blasts at www.yourwilliamson.com for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Pottery Barn courtesy of the CoolSprings Galleria in December.

Carmine Grassi Owner/Executive Manager

Come home for the Holidays.

This Holiday season, you’re invited to celebrate the Infiniti Limited Engagement Winter Event at Infiniti of Cool Springs.

We have attractive APR and leasing offers on our best selection of new Infiniti cars and SUV’s. This season, give your family and friends the gift of Inspired Performance.

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

Here Come the Brides Story & Photography

by K York

Lacey McLaughin

The Here Come the Brides Bridal Show was held at the Factory in Franklin in November. The show brought over forty vendors to Jamison Hall to assist prospective brides and grooms with every detail of their wedding day. “Brides to be� received free tote bags with gifts, enjoyed seeing the latest wedding attire and were eligible for prizes, which included a romantic weekend getaway.

Lauren Lovins, Ruth Ann Hutchinson & Michelle Bennett

Hannah Makarezyk, Brooke Crouch, Ashlee Lassiter, Ashton Merryman, Kathie Gardner, Tara Fleming & Madison Boaz

Anais, Jessie & Ciara Velez

20 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Bobbie Anne Williams, Ashley Batchelor & Holly Dershem

Erika Chambers & Gigi Tremel

Jennifer Couch & Mel Erny

YOUR BEST SELF

CONNIE HALEY

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

The holidays are here! For many people this is the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it is a time of stress and overload. Most folks fall somewhere in the middle of the continuum. If you are more on the “Bah, Humbug!” end of the scale and are interested in savoring the holiday season, instead of just surviving it this year, read on.

How you view anything in life is a choice. The holidays are no exception. If you expect them to be stressful that will most likely be your experience. If you would like to enjoy this holiday season and create magical memories for yourself and your loved ones, you will need to compare your current feelings to how you want the holidays to feel and take deliberate action on any discrepancies.

To start practicing deliberate holiday thinking, sit quietly and reflect on what doesn’t feel joyful about this time of year. Don’t judge your thoughts, just observe them. Now, write them down on a piece of paper, dividing them into two categories: things that are in your control and things that are out of your control.

Many of the items will be things that you have control over. Look at the list and see what you can eliminate, tweak or ask/hire someone else to do. Will the holidays be ruined if you buy cookies from a store or hang lights on the front door instead of on every shrub in the yard? Probably not. Will the holidays be less memorable, if you decline a party invitation or hire someone to wrap your gifts? Doubt it. If you just can’t bring yourself to remove an item from the list, or ask for help, find some way, any way, to make it more fun.

Items out of your control will most likely have to do with other people. We are never in control of other people’s behavior or opinions. Deliberate thinking is essential for these scenarios. Let’s say you dread Christmas dinner because you know your sister will have too much eggnog and start critiquing your parenting skills. Can you let her comments slide this year; laugh them off, even? Maybe you can tell yourself that her unsolicited advice is her way of feeling connected and important in your life. The point here is to find any thought that feels better than the one causing the bad feelings. Remember, you can’t control other people’s actions, but you can choose how you react. Choose a reaction that feels good!

Always in Bloom The Factory at Franklin 230 Franklin Rd., Bldg. 12, Suite F Franklin, TN 37064

615.591.7990 www.alwaysinbloominc.com

Order stunning arrangements for your Holiday event!

If you find yourself with a lengthy list of holiday dislikes, it may be time to totally revamp your expectations and traditions. If a holiday re-do is in order, I highly recommend Master Life Coach, Susan Hyatt’s, This Ain’t Yo Mama’s Christmas. It contains a video and a workbook to help you create a holiday that is inspiring, instead of draining. Grab a copy on her website: http://shyatt.com/shop/.

However you will be celebrating the holidays this year, I hope you make it a joyful, memorable one for you and your family!

Please contact me at conniehaleylifecoaching.com to schedule your free 20 minute coaching call, or with any comments, questions or topics you would like to see in this column. Visit my Facebook page at facebook.com/ConnieHaleyLifeCoaching.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 21

YOUR EFFORTLESS STYLE

KATIE RUSHTON

YOUR EFFORTLESS STYLE: NEW YEAR...NEW YOU...NEW CLOSET!

tend to just sit in our closet. Now is a good time to pull those out and take them to get them fixed.

The “Toss” pile is for all of those items that have holes, permanent stains and/ or major wear/peeling. No need to donate these items since they are not suitable for reuse. These items should go in that “Toss” trash bag and stay there!

I will be sharing several more tips throughout the month of January over on my Effortless Style blog. Stop by and check it out at effortlesstyle.com.

A few of the great places to donate:

Is your New Year’s resolution to get your closet cleaned out and more organized? A lot of people have this same resolution, and I always do several closet audits in January each year.

Below are a few tips to help you get started on that New Year’s resolution.

I have worked with has had at least one item (or a few) that has gotten placed back in their closet that had a stain they didn’t realize was there, so we usually have at least one item that needs to go in the laundry or to the cleaners.

One of the most important parts of getting your closet back in order is to purge and organize. Before you get started, pull out a couple of large trash bags and label them – “Clean,” “Donate,” “Repair,” and “Toss.” This will help you to have an exact place to put items as you are going through your closet.

The “Donate” pile is for those items that you don’t want anymore. You either haven’t worn them for a while or they don’t fit or maybe you just don’t like the way they fit. Whatever the case, these items are still suitable to be donated to a charity or cause that can use them. We have several great places to donate items here in Williamson County. I’ve noted a few of those here.

I always start in a closet and move left to right going over every single item. I know some of you are probably looking at the categories above and thinking to yourself “Clean?” seriously. Believe it or not, almost every client

Do you have items in your closet that need to be tailored? Or maybe you have something that needs a button sewn back on or a zipper replaced. This is what your “Repair” pile is for.

We all have those items, and many times they

22 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Couture For A Cause - Brentwood www.coutureforacause-nashville.org Couture for a Cause is a nonprofit boutique. Couture for a Cause strives to enhance philanthropic giving in the community by providing an additional way for individuals to give to nonprofit agencies and by helping to create awareness for local charities. They accept donations of haute couture, which when sold, will benefit the charity of the donor’s choice.

Our Thrift Store - Franklin www.ourthriftstore.org Our Thrift Store serves a very special purpose.

It has created 30+ ongoing jobs for young adults with disabilities and their job coaches.

They run solely off gently used donations of clothing, household goods, kitchen items, books, electronics, furniture, & vehicles from people in our community and surrounding areas. 100% of their profit goes back into their company to sustain & create more jobs.

Your Personal Fashion Expert,

KATIE RUSHTON

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 23

FASHIONABLE YOU

HOLIDAY FASHION

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“Out & About”

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Sequin and bead dress, French Connection, $398; fur vest, Parasuco, $199; both at Haven.

Purple dress, Rebecca Taylor, $345, at Emmaline. “Signature Torsade” multi-strand necklace, Chloe & Isabel, $188, at chloeandisabel.com.

It’s always a great time to gather your girlfriends together for a night on the town to celebrate the season! Fur and beads come together for the perfect rockstar outfit.

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A holiday dinner date is the perfect occasion to flaunt this gorgeous one-shoulder dress. Add a bold statement necklace and gunmetal clutch to complete this look.

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Leather-accent peplum top, Atelier Nicole Miller, $255, at Emmaline. All-over lace pant, Haute Hippie, $395, at Haven. Pearl and crystal spike “Drama” necklace, Chole & Isabel, at chloeandisabel.com. Peeptoe “Cantrelle” heels, Tory Burch, $75, at Couture for a Cause.

“Eriko” lace jacket, Alice + Olivia, $495; “Castelrotto” wool pant with contrast waistband, Tendresses, $459; both at Haven. Ivory silk blouse, Haute Hippie, editor’s own.

Don’t be afraid to wear something a little bolder than your everyday attire, when it comes to your office holiday party. This gorgeous combo makes a statement, while still looking polished and professional.

24 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

For those of you who work in a more conservative environment, keep it classy with pants and a jacket, but play around with different patterns and textures for a more laid-back look.

3

5 “Home for the Holidays” For the holiday hostess with the most-est, look for separates that keep you comfortable and effortlessly stylish, while you’re entertaining your guests.

Red “Luxe Sateen” jeans, J Brand, $185; embellishedcollar top, Rebecca Taylor, $375; all at Emmaline. Pewter platform heels (shown with red jeans and embellished top), Rock & Republic, editor’s own.

6

Whether you’ll spend the big day opening presents with family and sipping hot cocoa by the fire or traveling to grandma’s house, you can look casual without appearing sloppy or throwntogether (nobody wants that).

On left: gray “Wen” cardigan, Sofft by Joie, $159; silk tank, Joie, $198; “Ava” jeans, Citizens of Humanity, $238; beaded necklace, $250; suede flats, Joie, $185; all at Emmaline. On right: slouchy sweater, Free People, $118; v-neck print tee shirt, Simeon Farrar, $169; leggings, Skin, $125; all at Haven. Scarf, Eileen Fisher; and booties, Dolce Vita; editor’s own.

“Ring It In”

7

7

Seriously, how fun is this frock? Black leather and ivory tulle team up for the ultimate sexy-meetsinnocent combo. A girly bow around the neck plays up the demure.

Leather and tulle dress, Alice + Olivia, $698; lucite necklace, Tarina Tarantino, $145; both at Haven.

6 8

Whatever your fashion choices over the holidays, remember to add a little fun and sparkle to every outfit.

8

5

Emerald and black satin heel, Nine West, $35; rosette clutch and kitten heel, both Giorgio Armani, $75; and vintage beaded clutch, $25; all at Couture for a Cause. “La Belle Rose” collage necklace, $128; “Jardins du Trocadero” long pendant necklace, $88; and “Gilded Reeds” hinged statement collar, $128; “Owl in Flight” statement necklace, $98; and “La Belle Rose” long pendant necklace, $68; all Chloe & Isabel, all at chloeandisabel.com. Gold beaded clutch, price upon request, at Emmaline.

An Evening With Friends Story & Photography by Sarah Bailey An Evening with Friends is an annual event supporting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The event, now moved to the fall of the year, was held at the Loveless Cafe barn with entertainment by The Black Lillies. The event also included a silent auction, dinner and drinks, and of course, great fun!

Tamara Lankford, Sherri Middendorf & Katherine McGill

Alan, Curt, Danielle & Candace Revelette, Greg & Nikki Miller

Carol & John Russell, Melissa & Charlie Brown Dave & Kristen Malone

Russell Medwyk & Connie Ford

Monte & Tonia Poe

Cindy Comperry, Shelby Thompson & Donna Dalton

Edward & Carrie Payfair, Mary & Tal Lefler

Bob Palasky & Debbie Whiten

Jill & Bill O’Bremsky

26 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Rose & Doug Grindstaff

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 27

Sponsored Event

2nd Annual American Girl Fashion Show

Story & Photography by Andrea Stockard Girls of all ages gathered at The Factory to share their love for American Girl dolls at the 2nd Annual American Girl Fashion Show, benefiting Mercy Community Healthcare. Each model in the fashion show represented a different American Girl doll and embodied the experience of being a young girl in the changing United States throughout the past century.

Refreshments and door prizes were enjoyed, while girls were encouraged to bring their own dolls and participate in the Doll Saloon, Photo Booth, Nurse Check-Up Station and more. For more information about Mercy Community Healthcare, please visit www.mercycommunityhealthcare.org.

Grace Caroline & Lacey Stein, Bonnie Black, Virginia & Emily Prather

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Sarah Spence & Shannon Thomas

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28 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Shelly & Hope Francis, Jamie & Glory Petty

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Addison Church & Leslea Campbell

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Lindsay & Ainsley King

Meg Dunavant & Lucy McAndrew

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 29

YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS

WMC

Don’t Let Stress Creep into Your Bed and Rob You of Vital Sleep Time EASY WAYS TO HELP YOU GET THE BEST NIGHT’S SLEEP POSSIBLE: 1. Don’t exercise within three hours of bedtime.

2. Have a set sleep and wake time. Consistency trains your brain to know when it’s time for sleep.

3. If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there for more than 10 minutes. Get up, move around and then try again or your body will begin to associate your bed with wakefulness instead of sleep.

4. Limit caffeine intake after lunch.

5. Shoot for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

The month of December can be extra stressful with holiday preparations, added family commitments and general end-of-the-year mayhem; but the good news is you can still get a good night’s sleep. Everything from insomnia to snoring and stress can invade our precious time of rest that our bodies desperately need. Some problems are easier to fix than others, but it’s Aaron Milstone, M.D. important to realize how necessary a good night’s Williamson sleep really is and to be aware of all the ways Pulmonary and Sleep inadequate sleep can affect us during the day.

Medicine Why do we sleep?: Eight hours is a long time to carve out of a busy schedule, but you need to keep in mind that sleep is the restorative phase of the day for the body. The immune system is enhanced by sleep, and it also allows some of the vital organs to rest.

Your heart rate and blood pressure are lower, when you sleep. Sleep is very important for normal body functions like digestion and bowel function. It is also a critical to how you function during the day.

If you are sleep deprived it can have multiple effects. You lose your ability to concentrate, and it may cause you to be forgetful. Sleep is essential to restore your body for a new day.

The Tired and the Restless: Not getting enough sleep can leave you, among other things, feeling groggy, which can affect just about everything you do throughout the day. Grogginess could mean many things. Medications you take at night can carry over to the morning, or interactions between something you ingest like alcohol. You could have sleep apnea, when you sleep in a particular position. Maybe the nights you sleep on your side, you don’t have morning grogginess, etc.

Insomnia and depression: Grogginess is not ideal, but it can be minor compared to other conditions that can be caused by lack of sleep. People who suffer from insomnia have a very high rate of depression and depression itself may cause insomnia. In fact, 50 percent of patients with insomnia can have depression. Start with your primary care physician, and if you don’t get the results you are looking for, consider seeing a sleep specialist. Alternative Therapies for Insomnia: Here are some easy suggestions for treating insomnia.

First and foremost, I think it is critical to maintain a set sleep and wake time. Consistency trains the brain to realize that it is time for sleep. With insomnia, a person lies in bed trying to fall asleep, and the mind begins to associate the bedroom with wakefulness, not sleep. If you can’t fall asleep in bed, don’t lie there beyond 10 minutes. Get up and do some mundane task until you get sleepy. Go read a book, for example, but don’t do it in bed. Is Eight Hours Enough?: What is an ideal amount of sleep that our bodies need? I get this question a lot, and the answer is that it depends on your age However, the current accepted amount is 7 to 8 hours a night for an average adult. If you aren’t in that 7- to 8-hour window, you could be at risk for diabetes and other problems. The best way to know the optimal number of hours of sleep you need is how you function during the day. If you have a good energy level, you are getting adequate hours.

Aaron Milstone, M.D. is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, sleep medicine and critical care. He is a physician with Williamson Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.

30 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Get Fit Franklin Story & Photography by K York The Get Fit Franklin project celebrated their one year anniversary at Pinkerton Park with important health information from local organizations and vendors and workout demonstrations. The Get Fit project is a community health initiative of Franklin Tomorrow and founding partner BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The project was established with hopes to help change the lives of Franklin residents by encouraging us to lead healthier, more active lifestyles. There is no cost to participate in Get Fit Franklin and groups of all sizes and ages are welcome so check them out at getfitfranklintn.org.

Patty Norem, Cathy Montgomery & De Anna Scheffell

Rick Harvey & Lynn Fragetta

Pat Bateman & Mary Lee Bennett

Mike Skinner, Monique McCullough & Jim Roberts

J. Edward & Brenda Campbell

Kristin McGinnis, Brooke Sweeney, Tim Murphy & Mindy Tate

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 31

Sponsored Event

Healthy Living Expo

Story & Photography by K York It was the seventh year for the Healthy Living & Lifestyles Expo held at Brentwood Baptist Church. The Williamson County Chamber of Commerce provides this event as an expo for Chamber members in health-related fields to share information on their services with Williamson County residents. The focus of the free two-day event is to educate and enhance healthier living and allow participants of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to pick up race packets prior to race day.

Eli & Amy Young

Mary Brown & Marilyn Williams

Keri Price, Faye Blackshear, Lynn Moore & Tim Hayes

Seve Tra Gladden, Kerry Ann Robinson, Cynthea Clark & Jessica Balbin

Jovanna Vick, Heidi Cooke & Linda Taylor John Fee

Angie Rouech & Dana Gillespie

32 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Amy Sakowicz & Cindi Parmenter

Yani Madson & Courtney Carter

Ladders to Hope Story & Photography by Cameron McBride The Franklin Theatre welcomed donors, students and community leaders to the Williamson County Education Foundation’s Ladders to Hope celebration. Through the new program, students lead students by helping each other improve their ACT scores. The community support for Ladders to Hope will help present and future students excel throughout their academic career.

Riley Dunston, Olivia Wilson, Emma Andrew & Bailey Caty Cheryl Wilson & Carmen Powell

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Sponsored Event

Race for the Cure

Story & Photography by K York The Greater Nashville Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held at Maryland Farms in Brentwood on October 26th.

The Race for the Cure is the largest series of 5k run/walks in the world, celebrating breast cancer survivors and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease. Money raised locally for the race helps provide mammograms and diagnostics, support services, education and housing during treatment, along with cutting edge research to find a cure for breast cancer.

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The Bailey Bunch

Tonia Young & Suzi Winter

Nancy Norman, Rita Owens, Maureen McNamara, Darlene Schmidt & Julie Kelly

Lisa Shouppe

Winona Adyelotte, Bridget, Brittany & Rita Lambert, Victoria Wood & Joey Stephens

34 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Darrien Hyde, Parish Green & Jon-Michael Harmon

Tatiana Smith, Kaileigh Roberts & Lizzy Stone

Rex, Zailah, Jazzi & T-Rex Creviston

Three Blind Vines Theme Reveal Party Story & Photography

by Rachel Weishaupt The Franklin Theatre was the site for this year’s Three Blind Vines Theme Reveal Party. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception before a special screening of the The Great Gatsby was featured on the big screen. The Next Generation Heritage Foundation announced that the theme for the 2014 Three Blind Vines event will be “Classic Hollywood” and will take place at The Factory.

Next Gen has been committed over the years to raising funds for the Franklin Theater by hosting their annual Three Blind Vines events. For more information about next year’s Three Blind Vines event, visit threeblindvines.com.

Philip Dial, Andrea Farmer & Sean Carroll

Joni Cole & Donna Vissam

Kristan Swain & Ashley Tucker

Josh Denton, Jay Alexander & Jacob Thorington

Krista Dial, Brooke Sweeney & Carmen Boone

Paige Crutcher, Suzanne Dubose & Dallas Starkey

Leah & Eric Pyle

Great Gifts for Them Great Savings for You!

740 CoolDecember Springs Boulevard, Franklin 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 35 Like Us On Facebook (615) 771-1881 For News, Special Events And Upcoming Promotions

1st Annual Westhaven Ladies Holiday Fashion Show Story & Photography by Charlie Kaser The 1st Ladies Holiday Fashion Show at Westhaven Golf Club was presented by Dillards of Cool Springs in November. The show featured the latest in fall fashions from casual to formal, as well as accessories to complete the ensembles. Dillards of Cool Springs treated the ladies in attendance to door prizes, including fragrance gift baskets and gift cards to Dillards. After the fashion show, the ladies enjoyed a lovely meal and had the opportunity to discuss with Dillards representatives the fall 2013 trends. For more information and for future events at Westhaven Golf Club, please visit www.GolfWesthaven.com.

Marilyn Cornish, Yvonne Hayes & Linda Anderson

Lori King & Paula Mitchell Ann McAdams Smith, Abbie Crosby & Shelley Young

Judy Snow, Diane McBee & Ruste Foster Darby Pavlasek & Catherine Murphey

Sherry Schmidt, Anita Clarke & Andrea Tothacher

36 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Memorability

Memorability... at Westhaven, it’s when a stroll down the sidewalk evokes fond memories of holidays past.

Every season displays its own unique beauty at Westhaven, but there’s something truly magical about the holidays.

Here, “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style” is more than a line from a cherished tune … it’s what greets you, just outside your own front door.

In this special place where neighbors really do know their neighbors and holiday gatherings are reminiscent of a Currier and Ives print, we invite you to create and recall your own holiday memories. memorability.

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YOUR BEAUTY & STYLE

CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY JUNKIE

BEAUTY GIFTING Okay, ladies, deeeeeeeeep breath.

Yes, the holidays are upon us. Yes, you have a to-do list longer than your arm. Don’t worry. We’ll tackle this like the Titans’ offensive line - but with appropriate amounts of grace, style, and sass.

Remember that this season is more about celebration and loving on your closest friends and family members, than it is finding that SUPER SPECIAL AMAZING DEAL. For anyone who’s wondering, I detest Black Friday and boycott it every single year. Got it? Y’all ready? All right, here we go.

I’m a big fan of bestowing continual gifts on my nearest and dearest, and there’s a wealth of options at our disposal this time of year. For the fellow beauty junkie, check out Birchbox or Glossybox. Each offers a monthly subscription that, for a nominal fee, ships a carefully selected array of health-and-beauty samples to recipients to try. Glossybox even features a full-size product in each monthly shipment. I’ve recently fallen in love with Eyeko eyeliner and Figs & Rouge lip balm thanks to Glossybox. I get just a tad excited when I receive the “your box has shipped!” email every month. Shrieking may or may not be involved when I happen upon a particularly fabulous sample. Each company has a website highlighting full-size versions of its shipped samples for purchase. Pony up for a yearly subscription, and bask in praise! For the aspiring writer or stylist, look to Town & Country or InStyle (respectively) for year‘round inspiration. Garden & Gun and the perennial fave Southern Living are additional sure-fire bets, when it comes to blessing your loved one with Southern style every month.

Or how about a subscription to YOUR Williamson - now available for 2014! Those fitness buffs you know and love will rejoice in memberships to Koko Fitness and Hot Yoga Plus. Koko has the personalized weights-andcardio game nailed, thanks to a USB port given to each member after completing a simple fitness assessment. It’s literally a virtual personal trainer for around eighty bucks a month. Those of you who’ve been

38 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

paying attention - long hugs with plenty of back pats to you - already know about Hot Yoga Plus and its myriad of options for all walks of life to stretch, sweat, and shine via class cards that allow access to all its amazing teachers and their respective styles of teaching. Give a class card, buy one for yourself, and be transformed by the powerful force that is yoga! If you’ve already knocked out the majority of your gift list and are at loose ends when it comes to stocking stuffers, fear not. My fail proof list of all-time faves will please every gal on your list.

Head to the drugstore for Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara, and grab one for every single female on your list, as well as one for yourself. Quite simply, it’s fabulous. Hit up Nordstrom or Macy’s for the amazing Cils Boost mascara primer and Artliner by Lancome, some luxurious L’Occitane hand cream, and the cult-favorite MAC Lipglass. The deliciously scented Holiday candle from NEST will make everyone happy (grab one of those for yourself too). Throw in some always-appreciated gift cards to favorite stores and boutiques, and voila: the perfect beauty-junkie-approved stocking!

The men in our lives can be a little more difficult, so why not offer them a little pampering, too? Instead of the old standbys (golf balls, razor refills, BBQ sauce), seek out some skincare products, or a cologne you love. I told y’all about Beautycounter’s amazing products last month and have watched the hubs reach for the face oil and shampoo with glee ever since. Malin + Goetz makes a starter-pack of products that also appeal to both sexes. The detox mask is my personal fave. Bond No. 9 and Creed are cranking out some must-be-sniffed-to-be-believed fragrances these days. Wall Street and Green Irish Tweed, respectively, both smell incredible. Rest assured that, when your man receives a cologne that you deem “so sexy,” he’ll spritz it on like his very life depends on it!

Once all of the hubbub of the holiday season is stripped away, we have what really matters: friends, family, and faith. Keeping the “reason for the season” in the front of our minds can be difficult at best, but if you can let it guide everything you do or buy for others, you’ll be the one who receives. Enjoy the season, Williamson County!

Love, The Beauty Junkie

Buying Guide: Malin + Goetz - The Cosmetic Market, Hill Center; Creed and Bond No. 9: Private Edition and Nordstrom - Green Hills

Sponsored Event

Westhaven Check Presentation

Story & Photography by Cameron McBride In October, the Westhaven Foundation presented a check to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. They successfully raised $125,000, far exceeding their $100,000 goal. At the check presentation, individuals shared their personal stories of how the event impacted their family and themselves. The Westhaven Foundation plans to continue their annual fundraiser in 2014 and has scheduled “Franklin for the Cure” for mid-September.

You can learn more about the Westhaven Foundation by visiting WesthavenFoundation.org.

Louise Scott & Emily Stacey

Anne Waters & Mike Alexander

Erin Morrison & John Mallory

Chris Lee, Mary Lee Bennett & Donna Dalton

Mark McCutcheon, Larisa Hensiek & Samantha McKenzie

Doug Stacey & John Mallory

Cogie Smeeton, Claire Riley, Nicole Cunningham & Stephanie Dematos

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 39

Blue & Gray Days Story & Photography

by K York The annual Blue and Gray Days brought living historians to share the history of the Civil War with visitors at the Carnton Plantation and the Carter House. The Battle of Franklin Trust preserves the rich history of our city bringing war re-enactors, artillery demonstrations and artisans demonstrating the life of the 1860’s to this historic event each year.

Jim Atkinson, Austin Dubuc, Chris Corry, Kendall Meacham & Alan Corry

Avery & Charlie Kilburn, Olivia Bentley & Christie Kilburn

Dennis Boggs Collin Szatkowski & Wyatt Curtis

Cailin McGlory

40 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Ed Underwood & Tim Kearns

Tricia McVey, Tiffany Elwood, Mary Ann & Sara Hoover

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FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR

What is

HOMES FOR THE

HOLIDAYS? The second annual “Homes for the Holidays” tour will begin on Friday December 6th and go through Sunday December 8th. It is a public tour that will feature holiday decorations by toptier designers in four of Brentwood’s most exclusive homes. In addition to the homes showcasing a variety of neighborhoods in the city and featuring top-tier local designers, Andrews Cadillac of Brentwood has signed on to exclusively debut its next generation CTS with the first public appearance of this highly anticipated luxury vehicle model in Tennessee at the Patrons Party. The Patrons Party, Corks & Cadillacs, will be held on Thursday, December 5th at Andrews Cadillac in Brentwood. Ticketholders will have an opportunity to taste wines, sample hors d’oeuvres and meet the homeowners and designers. Catering will be generously provided by THE CHEF & I. YOUR Williamson is the Official Media Sponsor of Corks & Cadillacs.

Also new this year is a gift shop, located at the featured home in Princeton Hills. It will be open during the tour for visitors looking for holiday gifts, as well as home & holiday décor.

“Homes for the Holidays” benefits the Literacy Council of Williamson County, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enriching and transforming the lives of adults through free programs that encourage and enable its clients to read, write and employ basic math skills.

Here’s a sneak peek inside two tour homes!

42 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Where are the homes and who are the designers?

Home of Meg and George Hill 5201 Country Club Drive Brentwood Country Club Designer: Jennifer Markanich, Timeless Interiors

Home of Kim and Ryan Foster 5107 Yale Court Princeton Hills Designer: Tim Causey, ReCreations

Home of Judy and Dick Williams 519 Grand Oaks Drive Highlands of Belle Rive Designers: Richie Edwards, RED/Richard Edwards Design Deana Slemp, Deana Designs

Home of Stacey and Michael Clark 1015 Falling Leaf Circle Windstone Designers: Gail Adkins, Change Magic Interior Redesign Rhonda Perry, RdP Design

TOUR DATES & TIMES: Friday, December 6: 5 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 7: 12 – 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 8: 12 – 6 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION: $20 in advance; $25 at the door Buy tickets online at www.Homes4Holidays.org

for the

Homes Holidays MICHAEL & STACEY CLARK 1015 Falling Leaf Circle in Windstone

for the

Homes Holidays DICK & JUDY WILLIAMS 519 Grand Oaks Drive, Highlands of Belle Rive

44 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

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WCAR Officer Installation Story & Photography by K York It was a celebration in style as the Williamson County Association of Realtors held the 2013 Installation and Awards Celebration at Lillie Belle’s in Franklin. The 2013 officers and directors were thanked for a job well done, and the 2014 board was welcomed with great anticipation.

Among the award recipients were Kyle Shultz the 2013 Rookie of the Year and Phillip Cantrell, named Realtor of the Year.

Price Lechleiter & Hagan Stone

Andy Brookover & Laura Zeitlin

Lisa Culp Taylor, Melissa Clough & Kyle Shultz

Steve Cantrell & Jill Arnold

Patti Huff & Carla Ikard

Denise Moody & L Miller

Robert & Catherine Zanoni, Jason Black

46 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Andy Clough & Allison King

Dianne Payne, Steven Sharp & Marlene Burnette

Marti Veto

Taylor Conlan, Christina Livingston & Chris Cantrell

Hope Brazzell & Lisa Wright

Hats Off to High Hopes Story & Photography

by Rachel Weishaupt High Hopes Preschool and Therapy Clinic held its 16th annual Hats Off to High Hopes event in November at the Marriott in Cool Springs.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne, before they began bidding on items at the silent auction. Following the auction was a delicious dinner, stories of the High Hopes children and music by local songwriters. The fundraiser proceeds help High Hopes equip children with the skills needed to achieve success through their educational and rehabilitation programs. For more information about the event and High Hopes please visit highhopesforkids.org.

Margee Raplee, Denise Haggerty & Deidra Young

Jim Gray & Lauren Michael

48 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Chris & Melissa Mondzelewski, Amy & Clay Thompson

Marissa Dixon, Elizabeth Blaylock, Brittany Martin, Mary Hyche & Nikki Posnes

Gail Lea & Ann Holshouser

Sandra Zaccari & Lisa Thompson

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Barefoot Ball Story & Photography by K York The Barefoot Ball, presented by the Tennessee Preservation Trust, was held at Green’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork. It was an evening of great music featuring songwriters, Allen Shamblin and Tom Douglas, who entertained the crowd with their great vocals and the stories behind their music. All proceeds of the evening’s event benefited the Tennessee Preservation Trust and its mission to promote the preservation of our Tennessee’s diverse historic resources, such as their current project the Highlander Folk School Social Justice Education Center in Monteagle, Tennessee. For more information about the Trust go to www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org.

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DESIGNING YOUR LIFE

SPIRIT OF TRADITION

TAP INTO YOUR SPIRIT OF TRADITION

by Amy Freese Design with Cool Springs Upholstery

Much of the year, my family rides by the seat of our pants, when it comes to planning family outings, events, and getaways. However, when Christmas bells begin to ring, we (or should I say, “I”) get serious about ensuring certain protocol, by the way of traditions, remain tried and true.

Even though I love to bedazzle with boughs of holly throughout my holiday home and beyond, I find my heart stirring and my eyes twinkling brighter with the traditions that don’t require getting my tinsel untangled. My mom, Joyce Reeser, paved the way down the Christmas tradition trail years ago. Once the family had been fed, the presents opened and before anyone thought about saying goodbye, she passed around her little red book with strict orders to not even think about leaving without signing it. Even though her instructions often received a little eye rolling from her then college daughter, I learned quickly, after just a few years, that we weren’t writing in just some ole’ book. Instead, this book had become our family journal for the last twenty five years filled with memories, sentiments and a little bit of sass from everyone. The original book is now filled, and my mom has passed along one more instruction, “The next twenty five are up to you.”

In order for my kiddo’s not to be left out from having their mom’s own tradition to-do list, I came up with a little ‘Freese Family Five’ festivity of our own. For the past five years, each of us takes a turn drawing a name and then writing a letter sharing a special thought, a forgivable trial or a heart-felt thank you for that person. As you can imagine, there was a lot of eye rolling when I first gave my instructions on this idea, but as the years have passed and the kids have gotten older, they have admitted this to be a favorite of theirs.

While the décor is not the main tradition for the Freese family, a local friend, Kim Flores, knows how to light up the Christmas spirit each year in her Christmassy home. She loves

52 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

to display her sentimental nutcrackers that depict a special memory from each passing year.

For the past twelve years, her hubby has fueled her nutcracker fire by giving her a special nutcracker ranging from a 3’ tall Matador to many others costumed in bling. She also enjoys taking a walk down memory lane with her ‘Trip Tree’ that is adorned with ornaments from their many travels including, Greece, Belize, Maine, Boston, and Disney.

My hope is that you find these shared traditions as an opportunity to tap into your

own traditional heart tank and see where you can tweak them to make them your own. It’s never too late to begin a tradition because before you know it, you won’t remember a time when they weren’t a part of your celebration. Enjoy, and God bless you during this wonderful season of blessings and traditions!

You can find Amy at Cool Springs Upholstery 1120 S. Harpeth Industrial Franklin, Cool springsupholstery4u@yahoo.com.

Tennessee-River-lots.net Lexus Nashville Grand Opening Story & Photography by Charlie Kaser Mayor Karl Dean and Alderwoman Edith Taylor Langster congratulated Lexus dealership owner J.R. Roper and kicked off the Grand Opening of the new Lexus of Nashville at a grand event in November. The night began with guests being serenaded by the Sacred Arts String Quartet and enjoying refreshments, before moving into the service area, which had been transformed into an elegant dining room and dance floor. For more information of the new location, please go to www.LexusofNashville.com

Denson’s Landing Phase II • • • •

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Karl Dean, Edith Taylor Langste & J.R. Roper

Brandon Allen & Emelie Schaefer

Cindy Drafts, Michael Gabelman & Lynda Jones

Patricia Apple, Brion Barry & Rose Davis

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 53

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

DAN CROCKETT

DAN CROCKETT President and CEO of Franklin American Mortgage

by Shelly Robertson

this working farm where he learned not only the value of hard work but also of family and giving back. After graduating from Franklin Road Academy, he started as a loan officer in 1993 and by 1994 had taken over the business, which became Franklin American Mortgage.

With the same four original people who were with him then and are still with him today, Dan has built his mortgage company from 12 to 1300 employees nationwide; has forty-one retail locations and five operating centers – and his headquarters of course, located in his home - Williamson County.

A true Williamson County success story – Dan Crockett, President and CEO of Franklin American Mortgage – exemplifies what it means to much is given, much is required. In his own words, he extols the virtues of giving back to the community that has given him so much and in doing so he has seen his success go well beyond the financial or professionally recognized.

“My foundation is rooted in Williamson County,” says Dan of his birthplace in Brentwood, in his childhood home off Wilson Pike. He and his five brothers grew up on

54 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Braving the ups and downs of the mortgage lending industry over the last decade, while challenging, has been simple for Dan with his philosophy of doing one thing and doing it well and by not succumbing to the sub prime lending practices of much of the country’s lenders. Franklin American Mortgage has spent most of the mortgage and housing crisis, growing and maintaining their high quality, and attention to customer service.

Dan believes that the high standards in his business offering as well as his cultivation of great employees and teaching from within his organization, servant leadership, is what has made his company strong, competitive and successful in a sometimes volatile market. With his mindset to be proactive in bettering mortgage banking in general, he has seen his company become one of the Top 15 banking companies in the United States.

But beyond a great company and being recognized nationally for his work and as a leader in business, Dan is the proud father of two children and has spent his life sharing his success with a number of meaningful and

First Tee Youth Football check presentation at the 2012 Music City Bowl

deserving charities and causes. His three main focuses of God, kids and cancer have defined his interests and passions when it comes to charitable giving. Having lost his brother at eleven years old to Leukemia, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society tops the list of causes near and dear to his heart. From there, the Make A Wish Foundation, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Saddle UP! And High Hopes, to name just a few, are all area recipients of events, scholarships and charitable avenues of giving Dan and Franklin American Mortgage participate in.

Beyond just providing donations and funding to charitable entities, Dan has also set about

creating sponsorships of events, in particular sporting events, where he can not only provide funds for causes but can also be part of great events in our local community which bring revenue in numerous ways to the economy at large. One such event being the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. This post-season collegiate football game was created in 1998 to stimulate a positive impact on the Nashville economy, national image, and community pride while showcasing the city as a premier destination with audiences throughout the country.

Proceeds from the game provide scholarships and funding for multiple initiatives and charities.

“It’s important to give back,” says Dan. “It’s our responsibility,”’ he believes, and in his life and work he has certainly lived up to a responsibility instilled in him from an early age, exemplified in his family and perpetuated in a still relatively short lifetime with so much more to do and so many more to serve. It is a grateful Williamson County; to its native son for all that he does as our community partner.

About Franklin American Mortgage: Founded in 1994, Franklin American Mortgage is a privately-held, fullservice professional mortgage banking firm licensed to provide residential mortgages across the nation. The company is fast becoming a preferred lender for consumers and mortgage professionals, offering a host of diverse, flexible mortgage packages.

Franklin American Mortgage is committed to helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership through its three divisions: Retail, Wholesale, and Correspondent. Franklin American Mortgage’s Retail Lending division offers individuals across the country the opportunity to work directly with FAMC to secure a mortgage. The Wholesale Lending division funds and underwrites loans for mortgage brokers, offering efficiency and scalability through superior technology.

The Correspondent Lending division was designed to service small to large lenders. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, FAMC has over 40 Retail locations and 5 processing centers located throughout the country.

Franklin American Mortgage offers borrowers, brokers, and lenders the strength and security of a forward-thinking national mortgage company, dedicated to remaining an industry trendsetter. Franklin American Mortgage truly values its relationship with each customer and mortgage professional, maintaining a company tradition of responsiveness and personalized service; this philosophy has enabled FAMC to become one of the fastest-growing mortgage bankers in the nation. This growth rate has allowed FAMC to become a six-time recipient of the Inc. 500 Award, subsequently entering the company into the Inc. 500 Hall of Fame. Additionally, FAMC has twice been recognized by Business Nashville Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in Middle Tennessee and was awarded top honors for the Small Business Award by the Nashville Business Journal. The company is also a Hall of Fame recipient from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and The Tennessean Music City Future 50 Award. Since 2010, FAMC as served as the title sponsor of one of college football’s premier events – the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. Franklin American Mortgage is a FHA Direct Endorsed, VA Automatic, LAPP authority, and a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae Approved seller/ servicer.

Charitable Giving In addition to working with the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and all of its related charities, the company also gives back to the communities that have helped it succeed. Franklin American Mortgage is proud to give back not only to the local Nashville area, but across the country in all the communities which it serves.

Dan Crockett’s childhood home

Below are some of the organizations that FAMC has contributed to, or is actively working with, through various charitable giving initiatives: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society American Cancer Society Make-A-Wish Foundation Fellowship of Christian Athletes Youth for Christ Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s Bob Mueller Celebrity MS Golf Scramble Music Country Grand Prix – Saddle Up! Backfield In Motion High Hopes The Vinny – Tennessee Golf Foundation Nashville Zoo

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 55

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

MUSIC CITY BOWL

The Franklin American Mortgage

MUSIC CITY BOWL The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and the events around it deliver an exceptional entertainment experience for visitors, local fans, student-athletes, conference partners, sponsors, volunteers and the Nashville community. This post-season collegiate football game was created in 1998 to stimulate a positive impact on the Nashville economy, national image, and community pride while showcasing the city as a premier destination with audiences throughout the country.

December 30, 2013 2:15pm - Kickoff LP Field One of the hottest post-season Bowl games in America as the ACC and the SEC Conferences square off in Music City at LP Field on Monday, December 30 at 2:15pm CST. Broadcast live on ESPN and through the Nevada Sports Radio national network and locally on 104.5 The Zone, the Bowl is Nashville’s Holiday Tradition. The ACC and SEC feature some of the largest, most loyal, and rabid college football fans in the country. Get the Patch (visitMusicCityBowl.com) – the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl’s official backstage pass for Fans to receive unique discounts and opportunities at participating Patch Partner locations.

Ticket prices start at $18!

The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl is a great way to be a part of exciting post-season college football and support one of Nashville’s most important community assets!

When you purchase tickets to this year’s Bowl game you will have the opportunity to become one of our season ticket holders and renew (or upgrade) the same seats you have for the following year’s game and beyond.

Now all we need to know is WHO WILL BE PLAYING? Stay up to date and be the first to know at www.musiccitybowl.com.

56 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

W

Nashville’s Real Estate Sign Of Distinction

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Arts & Antiques, Clothing, Jewelry, Crafts & Gifts, Food & Dining, Home Decor, Entertainment, Classes, and so much more!

230 Franklin Rd. Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-791-1777 www.factoryatfranklin.com Abide Studio • Act Too Players • Advantage Models & Talent • Always In Bloom • Amish Excellence • Annette Charles Fashion Boutique • Antiques at The Factory • Art Row at the Factory • Artisan Guitars • Boiler Room Theatre • Boxwood Bistro • Constant Cravings Catering • Dave’s Barber Shop • Eric Lankford Metal Art • Essy’s Rug Gallery • Franklin Farmers Market • The Glass Touch Gulf Pride Seafood • Happy Tales Humane • ISI Defensive Driving • J Kelley Studios • Jeremy Cowart Photography • Journey Church • J Chastain PhotoImagine, Fine Art Gallery • Little Cottage Children’s Shoppe • Little Cottage Toys • Liz & Bella’s Gift Shoppe • Mark Casserly Architectural Woodworking • Music City Dog House Natures Greenlife • Nature’s Art • O’More College • Robinson Taekwondo • Saffire Restaurant • Second Impressions • SouthBranch Nursery • SouthGate Studio & Fine Art • Springtree Media Group Stonebridge Gallery • Stoveworks Restaurant • The Sweet Shoppe • Third Coast Clay • Times Past & Present • The Viking Store • Tuscan Iron Entries • Vintage Remedies • Wedding 101

DO MORE WITH LESS THIS YEAR. Whether you’re on a date or exploring trails, we have a clean, exciting and fun alternative to your personal transportation.

A Segway PT not only gets you from point A to point B, but you have fun while doing it!

You’ll catch the eyes of everyone around you and you’ll be the talk of the town as you glide around on your Segway PT. For more information about Segway of Tennessee, call 615.244.0555 or visit us online at segwayoftennessee.com Segway of Tennessee 734 Fesslers Lane Nashville, TN 37210 December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 57

Sparkle & Twang Story & Photography by K York The Tennessee State Museum’s fall fundraiser, Sparkle and Twang, was held at the historic Bridge Building on the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville. The event showcased the Costume & Textile Institute, which honored designers Melissa Core, Rick Caballo, Jeff Garner and Otis James as the 2013 inductees. Guests admired the fashions of the honorees, bid on silent auction items and danced the night away at the riverfront fashion gala.

Kathleen & Ryan Thomas, Sara Preston & Ryan Brown

Stacey & Meagan Rhodes

Otis James & Claire Wallace

Leigh Hendry & Lori Smith

Ryan & Kathleen Thomas, Chuck Welch & Gloria Houghland

58 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Kristen Motil & Jeff Garner

Chuck Rapp, Derrick Beverly, Johnathan Kayne, Rachael Sue Ragland & Jonathan Pinkerton

Melissa Core & Rick Caballo

Susan Byrd & Nancy Russell

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*Maserati Ghibli base MSRP $65,600; Ghibli S Q4 base MSRP $75,700. Not including dealer prep and transportation. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, license and registration fees not included. Š2013 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati S.p.A. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

The key To an exTraordinary life is quite literally a key.

The Night of the Elephant Story & Photography by Nicole Staggs The Night of the Elephant was a unique black tie event that took place at Vanderbilt Lowe’s Plaza to support and raise money for The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Guests enjoyed cocktails, an auction, seated dinner, live entertainment and unique surprises. For more information about The Elephant Sanctuary, please go to www.elephants.com.

Noah Spiegal, Gretchen White & Cara Jackson Amanda Smith & Dixie Powell

Michael Atchley, Gretchen & Kent White

Matt Ridenour & Brenna Mader

Daisey King, Robin Rubinoff, George Clark & Alice Zimmerman

Less & Susan Cunningham

Dawn Hesse & Michael Atchley Chad & Amy Hill Tracy & Chenault Sanders, Lauren Howell

Carol Daniels

Jon & Kristy Ayers

60 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Deena Raja, Mark Bittles, Catherine & Jim Johnson

Derrik Beverly & Jonathan Kayne

GraceWorks Capital Campaign Benefit Story & Photography

by Rachel Weishaupt Soul Incision and 2Country4Nashville rocked out at the Franklin Theatre in November for the GraceWorks Capital Campaign Benefit.

Both bands represent some of Franklin’s finest local talent and made for a night to remember. GraceWorks Ministries launched the Capital Campaign to help sustain the future of our neighbors in need. The evening of performances will help GraceWorks provide essentials to Williamson County residents in crisis situations. Please visit graceworksministries.net for more information on how to contribute.

Missy Rudman & Brenda Davis

Pat & Dianne Petty Gary Housley, LeAnne & Joel Ulmer, Jeni Housley

Susan & Tom Hailey

Donna Choate, Jimmy Gentry & Barbara Hendrix Bobby, Sam & Mark Leuellen

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 61

A Mad Men Affair Story & Photography by Charlie Kaser It was truly a Mad Men Affair as Lexus’ sparkling new venue in Nashville transformed into New York circa 1960, with all its glamour and decadence. There were signature cocktails, specialty lounges, an elegant four-course dinner by Chef ’s Market and dancing to Rat Pack entertainment by The Craig Duncan Band. Co-chairs for the event, Judy and Joe Barker, Barbara and Jack Bovender, Joy and J.R.. Roper and Sue and Earl Swensson, created an amazing atmosphere that included models dressed in character from the hit television show Mad Men. Proceeds from the event benefited the Nashville Opera. You can learn more about this event and the Opera at www.NashvilleOpera.org.

April Wood & Jamison Roper

Christine Thompson & Ben Owenell

Bobbi Hemmen & Janice Elliott

Ricky & Vicki Kelley Craig Havighurst & Taylor Holliday

J.R. & Joy Roper, M.K. Bowen, April & Jeff Wood

62 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

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Santa & the Radio City Rockettes Story & Photography by K York November brought that man with the sleigh to see all the eager children gathered at CoolSprings Galleria to see him...

Santa Claus! The crowd enjoyed a performance by the world famous Radio City Rockettes, and Kid Dance entertained the youngsters with a performance, while they eagerly waited for the arrival of the jolly man. There was so much excitement, as the children then made their way to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas this year. Let the holiday season begin!

Debbie Harris, Ava Cait Jones & Caitlin Harris

Brad & Perry Mahs

Jax & Lindsay Cranston

Jason, June, Jackson & Jamie Rose Plum Andrew, Hannah & Sonya Herrington

Shannon & Quinn Murphy

64 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Austin, Sarah, Mike & Logan Winn

Cool Springs 650 Frazier Drive Franklin, TN 37067 615-778-9950

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FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS

CHEF GEORGE

Holiday Tradit ions “Not So Traditional“

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chef George Reed. I moved to Nashville with my big family in 1965, when I was a wee-tye (small boy). In 1968, I started working in and around food, and I haven’t stopped. I love it. It all began at Kinnard’s Restaurant on the corner of 21st and Blair. I’ve had the pleasure of managing restaurants like L & N Seafood Grille, Sportsman’s Grille and Gerst Haus, the Country Club of Franklin and some others along the way. I was often asked to cater weddings and private dinners for friends and acquaintances and over the years built a base of customers that would recommend me to their friends and associates. In 2006, my wife and I decided to take a leap of faith and start a catering service. After the first two years, we purchased the established City Café East in 2008 and now are blessed with both a catering business & a southern style meat-and-three lunch café.

So now that you know me, let’s talk holidays. I enjoy making food fun for people. My mother used to catch me looking at fruits and vegetables trying to figure out what I could turn even an apple into to garnish a dish or table and literally tell me to “stop playing with your food!” Now, when I go to the grocery, I look at food in a completely different way than most. I like to have garnishes on my catering displays to compliment the theme of an event. The decorated tree (pictured right) is made from the top of a pineapple with cranberries strung for garland and powdered sugar to represent snow. The snowman is made from turnips with an eggplant hat and twigs for arms. See, food is fun!

My first memories of the holiday season are with my family making the traditional “bird and bread” dinner. When I was about five years old, I remember going into the kitchen where my mother was making stuffing for the turkey. I started crying when I saw what she was putting in a large bowl. When asked, “Why are you crying George?” I replied, “I know we are poor, but why are you putting davenport stuffing in our food mom?” She told me it was rubbed sage. She sat me down, and she explained what herbs and seasoning did to flavor foods. The conversation sparked an interest in me that began my desire to be a chef.

Another memory I have is making potato candy with my six brothers. Potato candy was a family favorite that took quite a bit of stirring, and my mother used all seven of us to her advantage with our willingness to sit still while engrossed in our favorite holiday shows. We would pass around the bowl of the candy mixture and say that we all had a “hand” in making it.

Now there are new family traditions with my contributions being the cornbread dressing and Cajun deep-fried turkey for our Christmas dinner. I realized that my Cajun corncakes were so good that they would make a great substitute for the traditional cornbread dressing base.

Therefore, I start with that as my base and continue with my standard dressing recipe. For the turkey, I believe that, in addition to injecting seasoned butter before frying, what makes mine taste better is rubbing the entire skin with cayenne pepper. The skin absorbs the flavor of the pepper without the heat and turns a beautiful reddish-brown.

May you all have a blessed Christmas with your own memories whether they are old or new. I hope you enjoy the “seasonings” of the season!

66 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

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Potato Candy

Cranberry Salad

Ingredients: 1 Cup smooth plain mashed potatoes without peeling Kosher salt 6 to 8 Cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting 1 Cup crunchy peanut butter at room temperature

Ingredients: 1 pound fresh cranberries ground 1 cup orange juice 1 cup sugar 1 6 ounce box black cherry Jell-O 1 cup chopped pecans 1 large can crushed pineapple

Directions: Combine mashed potatoes and ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add 4 cups confectioners’ sugar and stir with a wooden spoon. Add remaining 2 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the dough is stiff and dry. The amount of sugar will depend on how starchy your mashed potatoes are. Knead with your hands to bring the dough together.

Directions: Wash cranberries and grind in blender using a little of the orange juice. Cook the Jell-O using the orange juice and some of the pineapple juice instead of water. Add sugar to hot Jell-O to dissolve. Add Jell-O and remaining ingredients to cranberries and mix well. Pour into mold or bowl and refrigerate until set.

Dust a large sheet of parchment paper with confectioners’ sugar.

Transfer the dough to the parchment and roll into a 12-by-14 inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick, dusting with confectioners’ sugar if the dough gets sticky. Refrigerate for a few minutes if the dough gets too soft to roll. Spread the peanut butter evenly over the dough, about 3 inches in from one of the long ends. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Starting with one of the long ends, roll up the dough like a jelly roll, using the parchment to help you. Turn seam-side down and slice into thin pieces.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Ingredients: Start with basic cornbread that has cooled. You will need 8 cups crumbled.

6 raw eggs well beaten ¼ pound margarine or butter melted In a pot combine: 4 stalks (ribs) diced celery 2 large diced onions ½ pound margarine or butter 3 cups water 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper 2 heaping tablespoons chicken base 1 tablespoon rubbed sage Directions: Cook the vegetables and seasonings until onions are transparent. Let cool (or I just add a few cubes of ice). Mix the beaten eggs and crumbled cornbread well. Stir into cooked vegetables. Batter should be loose (wet). Pour into greased baking dish and top with melted ¼ pound margarine or butter. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

It’s on everyone’s Christmas list this year.

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To subscribe contact: sales@YourWilliamson.com

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Sharing the Community with You

YOUR WINE GUY

JIMBO ELMERICK

A

HOLIDAY

Wine PRIMER

by Julie Jorgensen and Jimbo Elmerick

Our new monthly wine expert Jimbo has you covered with tips and ideas to make you look like a veritable sommelier, while you relax and welcome the holiday season in style!

Planning a holiday party? Having family or friends over for dinner, perhaps, or maybe popping some corks, while welcoming in the new year? Wondering about what to serve with that holiday meal, or what to offer your guests upon arrival? Wonder no more, friends. For today’s shopper, the wine industry offers more brands with similar products in similar-looking packaging than any other industry.

A trip to the wine store can be confusing at best and overwhelmingly intimidating at worst! So how do you tame the great “wall of wine”?

First, go with a plan. Make a list before you go, and stick to it. You’ll be able to resist drifting about the store, completely rudderless, reading the labels and tags of wines you neither want nor need. If you can approach choosing wines by certain criteria beforehand (color, price range, grape variety, and place of origin), you can figuratively shrink the size of the store’s selections by ninety-five percent.

Next, shop like an industry expert. Don’t turn your nose up at screwtop wines. They actually preserve wine better than traditional corks and are popping up on more and more top-notch wines these days.

Additionally, be sure to ask about a case discount (usually ten to twenty

70 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

percent). If you’ve happened upon a wine that you like and plan to enjoy regularly, it only makes sense to snag it at a discount and bypass multiple trips to the wine store in the process.

Now that you’re ready to shop, consider the occasion and proper food pairings. Thinking of pouring something different with each course of that wonderful meal? Wonderful! Welcome your guests with a sparkling wine or Champagne, such as Domaine Chandon or Gloria Ferrer from California, or Domaine St. Michelle from Washington (a personal favorite). Once you’re ready to dine, stick with a few basics to ensure an excellent food pairing. Pinot noir is a wonderful dry red wine with flavors of fruit and earth, perfect for that ham you’re serving. Sauvignon Blanc, with its fresh citrus flavors and herbal undertones, is ideal when you’re carving up that turkey. If you’re serving beef tenderloin or prime rib, go with a “bigger” red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel.

Both can stand up to the bold flavors of beef. When it’s time for desert, offer something sweet to drink, as well, such as a Riesling or even a port. Should you have guests who choose not to imbibe, have some Ceylon hot tea on hand. Its bold, brisk lemon-and-spice flavors will

pair beautifully with any meal. Another great option is Pellegrino sparkling mineral water. Serve it in a wine glass with a wedge of lemon or lime for a refreshing holiday sip.

“Okay,” you’re thinking, “now how do I pick a good pinot/ cab/ Riesling?” Worry not, friends, Jimbo’s got this. The Willamette Valley region produces some of the best pinot noir to be had. New Zealand is turning out some amazing Sauvignon Blanc these days. Look for The Loop or Kim Crawford. Clean Slate and Chateau St. Michelle are two great Riesling choices, and I personally love Pacific Rim dry Riesling. Liberty School and Avalon make all-around fabulous Cabernets, and Seven Deadly Zins is the go-to choice for Zinfandel.

For port, go with Grahams Six Grapes Reserve. Delicious! When it’s go-time, serve each wine at the proper temperature. Store white wines in the fridge until twenty minutes before serving. Conversely, keep reds in your bar and place them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before you pour. Champagne can be kept in an ice bucket before and during service, and port should be kept at room temperature.

Now that you’re feeling confident, let’s wrap up with a lightning round of questions for the holiday season. What do I buy for the boss? Think less “I’m kissing up” and more “I’m giving a thoughtful gift.” A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is always a solid choice, regardless of your budget. Look for vintages that were particularly stellar, such as 2005, ’07, ’08, and ’10. A surefire buy is Robert Craig Howell Mountain. I’m having a party, how much wine do I need?

No need to break out the calculator. Figure two glasses per guest for the first hour of the party, then one glass per hour after that. For a two-hour cocktail shindig, you’ll need three glasses per guest. If you’re planning on twenty guests, the total comes to about twelve bottles (or one case) of wine. If you’re hosting a longer affair, such as dinner, plan on a minimum of five glasses per person. Snag one bottle for each anticipated guest. Done. Do I need eleven different glasses for each variety? The wine snobs say “yes,” Jimbo says “no.” Have three at the ready: a proper flute for champagne, a wide glass (holding at least twelve ounces) for reds, and a more slender eight-ounce glass for whites. I don’t really dig wine. What beer goes will with turkey?

Get classy, friend. Give it up, and grab a glass of wine. You’re the host with the most, and you’ve worked hard to provide fabulous wine picks for your get-together. Play the part, and you’ll likely surprise yourself. If you (or a guest) absolutely must have something other than wine with dinner, keep it proper with a Stella Artois in a chilled glass. I need to bring wine to a party. Now what? Relax. This is your chance to break away from the ten-dollar bottles that everyone else will be slinging. Come off of that wallet, and do something different.

There are show-stopping options out there for around twenty-five dollars that will knock your fellow party-goers sideways. Lean on the wine shop folks for advice. I love a good Albarino or an as-yetundiscovered sparkling wine for a tasting party. Play, and have fun.

After all, isn’t that what the “party season” is all about? Enjoy!

Jimbo Elmerick is owner and proprietor of Bricks Cafe’, with one Nashville and two Williamson County locations. A humble “wine guy,” his knowledge comes first-hand and bypasses the traditional wine industry standards and expectations. Look to Bricks for amazing food and handpicked wines, for the holidays and beyond! Visit www.brickscafe.com.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 71

IN YOUR BACKYARD

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

The Art of Exterior Illumination

by Andrea Davis

With this year’s passing of George Jones and now the arrival of the holiday season, I think back to 2010, when I wondered “who’s gonna fill his shoes,” after George announced that he and Nancy were no longer going to have their light display.

Their Nestledown Farms home was a monumental stop on my family’s traditional Christmas light excursion each year, and we were disappointed, but understanding, that it had to come to an end. I do not think that anyone has or will ever take the place of the Possum, but we do have some extraordinarily lit homes in our area that everyone should take the time to see and enjoy. Here are a few suggestions:

LED color-changing lights. The display runs from a dedicated playback system, an FM transmitter, and hundreds of feet of data/ communications cable. Music is broadcast on a local FM radio frequency (107.7) so you can listen to the show from the comfort of your car. The 2012 show will run from November 23, 2012 - January 7, 2013.

1. Lights on Old Charlotte 2613 Old Charlotte Pike, Franklin & Lights on Sparrow Street 2038 Sparrow Street, Spring Hill 2013 will be their 8th year of doing a computerized Christmas display. For 2013, they are expanding the display to Spring Hill. This means they will have two displays running at the same time! They say that hopefully they will have over 70,000 Lights, 176 Channels of Light-O-Rama Computer Control, and 21 Channels of DMX Control.

The show runs Thanksgiving day through Christmas Day from 4:3010:00pm.(May be disabled in the event of inclement weather).

2. Nashville Christmas Display 213 Lipton Court, Franklin They celebrate Christmas a little different from most people. Starting in 2008, they have been running an animated Christmas light display for the Nashville and Franklin community. As of 2009, they added a donation box for a local charity. For 2012, they converted to 100%

72 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

3. BJ’s Christmas Lights on Sunnyside 1956 Sunnyside Drive, Brentwood Eight houses in the Sunnyside neighborhood off of Hillsboro Road in Brentwood participate in this illumination extravaganza! There are over 300 figures and over 135,000 lights.

4. HWY 96 West If you’re heading to Leiper’s Fork, take a minute and go past the intersection of Hwy 96 and Old Hillsboro Road. There on the left is a magnificent display of all things merry and bright!

5. The Dancing Lights of Christmas 2572 Music Valley Drive, Nashville Of course, everyone knows to go see the lights at the Opryland Hotel.

What some do not know is that just across the street at Nashville’s Jellystone Park is an amazing drive thru light show. This is its fourth year, and it is bigger and better with new displays and festive Christmas songs. With hundreds of thousands of LED Christmas lights dancing to some Rockin’ Christmas tunes, you will enjoy a drive that will bring joy and the spirit of the season to young and old alike!! The show is open weeknights from 5pm until 10 pm with extended weekend and Holiday hours rain or shine.

Merry Christmas! from the True Value Christmas Store

203 Downs Blvd. Franklin, TN December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 73 615-794-3641

YOUR CHARITABLE SELF

GIVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHARITABLE GIVING for the Holidays

by Andrea Davis

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 them 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, a suggested grocery list and a few guidelines that they ask you to follow. You will receive the contact information by December 15th. 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 at the back dock door each day from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Saturday. These unwrapped donations are for the ages of birth to senior citizens, under $30.00. For more information go to www.graceworksministries.net.

74 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

BRIGHTSTONE Shop at BrightStone during their annual Jingle Bell Sale on December 6th and 7th for unique ceramic nativity scenes, yummy fudge and tea mixes, beautiful stoneware platters and bowls, a variety of holiday painted gift pots, and much, much more! This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for your friends, family members and co-workers. All sales benefit BrightStone adults who seek to work and live a productive life. BrightStone is located at 140 Southeast Parkway Court in Franklin. If you miss the sale, you can shop during general hours of operation Monday –Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. For more information go to: www.brightstone.org.

MACY’S BELIEVE CAMPAIGN 2013 marks the 6th year of Macy’s Believe campaign benefiting Make-A-Wish. Based on The New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” editorial, Macy’s Believe campaign invites believers of all ages to get involved. Beginning in November, children can drop their stamped letters, addressed to Santa At The North Pole, in the Santa Mail letterbox at their local Macy’s. For each letter received through December 24th, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. Visit Macy’s Believe website at 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. This year is the 29th Angel Tree Season in Nashville. 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 partners 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 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. Upcoming area Toys for Tots drives are: December 12th Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars Toy Drive December 14th Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks Toy Drive December 15th Tennesee Titans vs Arizona Cardinals Toy Drive

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK In the spirit of holiday sharing, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee invites you and your business or organization to honor your family, friends, clients, and co-workers this year by giving them a card that represents a gift of food and hope for hungry children, seniors, and families in our community. For a gift of only $5 (or more if you wish) per card, Second Harvest will share your personalized holiday greetings with friends, family, and colleagues, letting them know that you have made a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee on their behalf.

The card will be personalized and mailed out from the Second Harvest office for your convenience. Packs of cards (12 in a pack) are available for $15. For more information on this and other ways to support Second Harvest Food Bank go to secondharvestmidtn.org.

OPERATION WARM AND COATS FOR KIDS Warming the hearts, minds and bodies of children, Operation Warm and Coats for Kids Foundation inspires hope and empowers communities by providing NEW winter coats to children in need throughout the U.S. Since beginning in 1998, Operation Warm has provided the gift of warmth to more than 1.2 MILLION CHILDREN. Your donation to Operation Warm will allow more children to receive the gift of warmth. By providing a new winter coat, you make a child feel valued and happy. School attendance often suffers during winter months due to inadequate clothing. Your gift means children can get to school where they are safe, warm and receive the education and nutrition needed to become healthy and productive citizens. To find out how to donate go to www.operationwarm.org.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 75

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

Gift

LANDMARK BOOKSELLERS

The

of

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” I have often wondered what inspired that quote from Garrison Keillor. Had he just given a book?

Had he just received a book? Either way, we agree and would add, “A carefully selected book is the most well received gift you can give, a gift that will be cherished for years to come and passed down from generation to generation.”

We realize that we are plowing new ground here for some, as this concept in gift giving is contrary to the often practiced tradition of giving socks, candles, or sweaters. Those can be warm, enlightening and fuzzy at the moment, but they are not likely to be around or remembered in six months, next year or much less from generation to generation. Speaking of generations, out of all the toys you were given, how many do you still have? How many do your children still have or remember? Why not give them that special Star Wars book instead of a toy whose battery will be dead by the end of the day and the toy itself gone by next week?

Let’s assume for the moment that this Christmas you are game for considering

76 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

the purchase of what I will label here for lack of a better term, an ”heirloom gift book.” I know it sounds expensive, but it does not have to be. We are simply referring to a carefully selected book that will be cherished, visited again and again, saved and then passed on to children and grandchildren. We even have books for people who do not like to read. So when I say we have something for everyone, I mean everyone! There are so many possibilities, as you consider your selection. Hundreds of new titles abound from every publishing house, as well as thousands of timeless classics both old and newly released, and they are all available here at Landmark Booksellers and priced to meet any budget.

Some of our favorites for this year would include: Franklin Tennessee, The Jewel of the Harpeth by Leonard Isaacs, Coon Dogs and Out Houses, Tennessee Tales by Luke Boyd, Sawdust and Turnip Greens by William F. Fleet, Tennessee River, Sparkling Gem of the South for those interested in local history by local authors.

For those interested in fiction by local authors you may want to consider, A Walk One Winter Night, A Christmas Story by Al Andrews, Southern as a Second Language

by Lisa Patton, Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury, Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon, or those interested in Southern fiction you may want, Moonrise by Cassandra King, Sycamore Row by John Grisham, The All Girl Filling Station Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg, or Local Souls by Allan Gurganus.

On the non-local front, new history and auto/biography might include, The Death of Santini by Pat Conroy, Johnny Cash by Robert Hilburn, The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin, On Paper: The Everything of Its Two-Thousand-Year History by Nicholas A. Basbanes, Vanity Fair 100 Years by Graydon

READING

Carter, or The Library, A World History by James W. P. Campbell and last but not least, The Southerner’s Handbook, A Guide to Living The Good Life by the Editors of Garden & Gun Magazine.

Folks, these are just of few of the “new releases”. There are literally hundreds more, not to mention the thousands of

classics that are available here at Landmark Booksellers, or the signed editions or the leather bound volumes, or the...etc. Bottom line, come see us, bring your list, let us take the hassle out of your Christmas shopping this year and guess what, everything in the store is on sale through Christmas.

Hope to see you soon, Joel & Carol Tomlin Landmark Booksellers

join us

for A SPeCtACulAr SeASon!

Dashing Snow Jessie Jones Nicholas Hope Jamie Wooten through the

by

aNd

Show runs December 6-21.

PurChASe tICKetS now!

Go to www.pull-tight.com any time, or call 791-5007 Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm.

Discover a treasure.

112 2nd Avenue, South • Historic Downtown Franklin

www.pull-tight.com

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 77

HOSPITABLE YOU

SOUTHERN SOIREE

Throw an Unforgettable

NEW YEAR’S BASH New Year’s Eve is the biggest party day of the year. Why then, does it always seem to be a challenge to find the perfect spot to celebrate? Prices are high, crowds are...crowded, and roads are often dotted with seasonal drinkers. We consider all of these excellent reasons to host your own New year’s Eve soiree. Whether just a few friends or creating the toasting spot for the town, here are some tips to throwing an unforgettable New Year’s bash.

Dis the Dinner. Unlike other events, we recommend skipping the dinner portion of the evening.

Let your start time be later, around 9’o clock or so, and serve a selection of appetizers. The late start time will subtly suggest to guests to eat dinner beforehand. However, subtlety is lost on some, so it’s probably a good idea to mention on the invitation that drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided. This lighter fare not only saves money on catering but also keeps folks livelier.

Party like it’s 1999. Music is a huge factor that can make or break the success of your night.

We were unfortunate enough to attend a New Year’s Party at which the band played the song “Closing Time” at 10:00pm…..bad choice! If you’re at a large venue, hire a good band or DJ to keep everyone partying. Contact us for suggestions—we know the great ones from the flops. If you’re having a smaller at-home gathering, make a song playlist in advance, and have it ready to go. We are huge Pandora fans, but this is not the time to rely on a computer to pick your tunes. New Year’s Eve songs are scarce, and you can only listen to Old Lang Syne so many times. Create a tune mix that reflects your party style!

Dazzle with Décor. With weddings, birthdays and showers, we tend to choose neutral linens and add color with runners and flowers. However, this holiday has no rules! Pack a punch with a burst of color on your tables. Metallics are still big this winter, and sparkle is always appropriate. Gold and black are a classic combination, or try switching it up with something unique like silver and navy. Bring in low and high cocktail tables that are the perfect size for a small plate and glass. Arrange your appetizers at different heights on a buffet table, and offer a variety of cocktails in different glasses and fun garnishes. A hired bartender is a great addition, if the budget allows. For an inexpensive wow factor, fill your ceiling with helium balloons or even arrange a balloon drop at the 12 o’clock hour. The fun ideas are endless!

Entertain & Excite. The last thing you want is for your guests to get bored. This is the time to truly show off your hosting skills. You know your crowd and what will keep everyone’s momentum going. If you’ve got a party-loving dance crowd, throw a Gatsby inspired roaring twenties party, and invite guests to don appropriate garb. Looking for something more laid-back? Let everyone dress casual, and host a game-night with lots of group party games. Make sure they are interactive, and keep people on their feet. Either route should include some fun extras like a photo booth, midnight party favors, or even a karaoke hour.

However you choose to celebrate, make sure it represents you. If you are having fun, your guests will have fun. Have a wonderful and safe holiday, and we’ll see you next year!

Cheers to 2013 and another year filled with Southern Soirees!

Krista Cook & Lauren Hartman

Southern Soiree December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 79

Chair-ish The Night With Vince Gill & Friends Story & Photography by K York

Vince Gill

The 5th Annual Chair-ish The Night With Vince Gill & Friends event for STARS took place in the Conservatory of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, beginning with an art auction and cocktail reception. The prestigious ADAM Award was presented to Carrie Goodwin, as the person who has gone the extra mile to promote the importance of Accepting Differences Among Mankind.

Patron Chairs for the event were Derrick Mason and Kelly Crockett. After the dinner and awards, attendees were treated to a performance by Vince Gill in the new County Music Association Ford Theatre.

Jeremy & Charity Rochford

Derrick Mason & Stacey Garcia Danielle Ralston & Frank Haviland

Lisa McReynolds, Rodger Dinwiddie, Ginger Oglesby & Annie Tagg Christy Smith, Rob & Kim Barrick

Tricia & Bill Spehr

Deb Phillips & Joy Hehmann

Patty Ruqua & Rogers Jackson

Melissa & Matt Coleman

80 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

Jennifer Howard, Chirag Delwandia, Patty Green & Toni Kaul

Whitney Britt, Lori Warrix, Shanna Fry & Kami Ransom

Tori McPherson & Rob Lundy

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YOUR DINING GUIDE

RYAN AND SARAH

by Sarah Ballenger Photography by Ryan Musick

FIREFLY Walking up to Firefly Grille you may think that the tinsel and colored Christmas lights hanging from the front awning are a nod to the holiday season, but after crossing the threshold, you quickly realize that they were the year round prelude to a colorful, eccentric setting. The lights and tinsel run throughout the restaurant, and the walls are splattered with knick-knacks, headshots, articles, customer graffiti and anything else one halfexpects to pull out of a gypsy’s trunk.

While the quirky environment is tongue-incheek, the food warrants being taken very seriously. The cozy cottage in Green Hills has played host to Executive Chef Kristen Gregory’s imaginative, thoughtful creations for six years. Gregory, who recently competed on The Food Network’s “Chopped”, crafts seasonal menus that feature contemporary comfort food made from scratch, and the result is simply delicious.

GRILLE

Our meal started with an artisan cheese plate that featured Pecorino Vecchio, Nancy’s Hudson Valley Camembert and Asher Blue.

The favorite was the Camembert - velvety, with the texture of a triple-crème that spread like butter on grilled Tuscan bread. The difference and quality of each cheese made pairing them with the accoutrements (think apples, whole grain mustard, berry compote, quince paste, sopressata, picholine olives, spicy candied almonds, etc.), dance between sweet and savory matches.

Next was a salad of warm brussel sprouts, roasted beets, goat cheese, toasted pecans, pears, tangy apple cider vinaigrette and challah croutons. The perfectly balanced dish sent utensils flurrying to scrape the last bite off of the plate, before it was removed. Something else that will leave you scraping for the last morsels? The white cheddar mac and cheese with truffle oil!

The main event was pork osso bucco that was served over creamy herb polenta with dark cranberry jus and an apple gremolatta that noted the apple used in the traditional Italian braising process that Gregory spends hours in the kitchen respecting and leads to tender, juicy pork that falls right off the bone.

Our meal was paired with a bottle of 2008 Recchia Le Muraie Ripasso Valpolicella, a beautiful, medium-bodied red that has layered flavors of cherry, licorice, mineral and tobacco, balanced with soft tannins. As it opened up, so did the notes of Amarone origin, and it had enough acidity that would lend itself well to pairings with pork, duck or lamb.

Firefly Grille is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (615)383-0042.

MESSIAH a h o l i day t r a d i t i o n !

December 11-13

Schermerhorn Symphony Center BUY TICKETS AT: NashvilleSymphony.org 615.687.6400

Mary C. Ragland Foundation

Give the Gift of Music!

Nashville Symphony gift cards can be redeemed for concert tickets, 2013 drinks at any of the Schermerhorn’s bars orDecember shopping in YOURWILLIAMSON.COM the Symphony Store. 83

ARTS & CULTURE A LA CARTE

ANDREA DAVIS

WITH ANDREA DAVIS

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

ON SCREEN: Nashville After seeing the title, you may think this is a story about Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten or any of the other big “Nashville” stars. However, this one is about yours truly. I’ve been an extra on the show a couple of times and have been asked to share my experience. One of the episodes has not aired, so I won’t be sharing any secrets. Sorry!

@YOURAndreaDavis facebook.com/artsandculturealacarte artsandculturealacarte.blogspot.com

My first time filming was for Episode 6 of the current season.

YOUR Williamson’s Cameron McBride was there with me (pictured right), and we had a blast. Our scene was filmed at the famed “Bluebird Café.” Those quotations are not used because it’s a title.

They are “air quotes” because the Bluebird you see on TV is not the actual Bluebird. I am not giving any secrets away on that one.

Many of you may have already known it is a replica. You can find that little piece of info and much more on Wikipedia. What you may not know is, other than the big pole in the middle of the room in the real Bluebird, the set is exactly like the Green Hill’s venue, right down to the nails on the wall. It was amazing and also a little strange because it felt like we were really there.

The scene we were in was Scarlett’s showcase before she goes on tour, and it included Connie Britton, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, new comers Chaley Rose and Will Chase, and of course, Clare Bowen who plays Scarlett. We as extras, were cast as “industry people.” It was a scene for only a few minutes of the episode, and we filmed for 13 hours! It takes a long time to get it just right, and they pay attention to every detail right down to the drink I had in my hand.

My drink was my “prop” for the day, and I was to have it with me at all times. One time, I forgot it, and they waited for me to go and get it! Even though you do not really notice it, all the extras were given a little description of who they were and direction of exactly what they were doing. There was a lot more to it than just being at the Bluebird. I even had cues and parts that were only for me. I was not expecting it to be that way! They really made all the extras feel like they mattered. Everyone was extremely nice and a lot fun to work with.

The next episode I will be on is Episode 11. Again, I am not giving away any secrets! However, I will tell you that I am in a scene with Hayden Panettiere and her TV entourage. Ironically, I am a part of the press in the scene. I’m sure I’m just playing myself, as they, no doubt, would want coverage from YOUR Williamson!

84 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

ARTS & CULTURE A LA CARTE

ANDREA DAVIS

THEATER: Christmas on Stage It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and theaters all around definitely take part in it. If you are so inclined, you can fill your calendar with Christmas shows happening right in our own backyard. There are many shows listed below, and there is one in particular that I would like to “shine the spotlight on”.

Studio Tenn will once again bring Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life in their contemporary rendition that has become a seasonal favorite. This year, the show has been hand picked as an add on in TPAC’s elite Broadway Series and Humanities Outreach Tennessee program. Studio Tenn’s Managing Director Jake Speck says, “Engaging with and educating students is an important and integral part of our mission. Several of our company members got their first taste of theatre as students, so we have experienced first-hand the significant impact that live theatre can have on the minds and ambitions of young people.”

Company Artistic Director Matt Logan, says he is looking forward to making the show bigger in terms of scale and set, while maintaining the signature “steampunk, Victorian-Industrial-era look and feel,” Studio Tenn has honed in past productions. “The contemporary twist we have fashioned with the set, choreography and costuming has really resonated with our modern audience,” Logan said.

Chip Arnold will again play Ebeneezer Scrooge this year, along side several other returning cast members. New to the production is Patrick Waller. You may have seen him as the wolf and Cinderella’s prince in Into the Woods. He’s also infamous in the Studio Tenn world for bringing down the house with “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat” in Guys & Dolls.

The show runs December 12th-22nd. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit StudioTenn.com or call the TPAC box office at (615) 782-4040.

Additional shows to catch this holiday season: Dashing Through the Snow at Pull-Tight Theatre Dec. 6th-21st.

Dashing through the Snow takes place at the Snowflake Inn, where it is Christmas 365 days a year, in Tinsel, Texas. The days leading up to Christmas are filled with fun, laughter and unforgettable characters. Could it be that Mrs. Claus is having a secret rendezvous with one of Santa’s elves?

There are the brother and sister trying to reconcile two elderly aunts and get them to end their decades long feud. Two road weary actors are just hiding from their stage manager, not at all doing something illegal. The Futrelle sisters are putting on wedding number six for Honey Raye. All the while Trina, the innkeeper, is battling with Mr. Boykin as he overstays his welcome. Join in the fun with this new Jones, Hope, Wooten Christmas comedy and make your holiday even merrier!

A Christmas Story at TPAC’s Andrew Johnson Theater Nov. 29th-Dec. 22nd.

Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940’s follows nine year-old Ralphie Parker in his unflappable campaign to get Santa (or anyone else) to give him a “legendary official Red Rider carbine-action 200 shot range-model air rifle.” This irresistible piece of Americana is guaranteed to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone.

Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall Dec. 7th - 22nd.

Nashville’s own version of this timeless holiday classic tells the tale of Clara, a young girl who goes on a fantastic journey with the help of her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. Almost 200 dancers perform to the famous music of Tchaikovsky’s ballet classic.

Scrooge The Musical at Boiler Room Theatre Dec. 6th-22nd.

Join Ebenezer Scrooge, as he is taken on a magical journey of redemption that will forever change the future of Christmas in London town. You’ll experience an unforgettable presentation of dancing, singing, amazing lights, a live band and beautiful music.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 85

ARTS & CULTURE A LA CARTE

ANDREA DAVIS

MUSIC: Naomi Striemer Growing up on a farm in Nova Scotia, singer, Naomi Striemer, led a very sheltered life; and by sheltered, I do not mean only G rated movies allowed. There was no TV, no radio and very much at home, homeschooling. Church was her musical outlet, and she knew at a very young age that singing was all that she wanted to do. Finally, at ten years old, she heard the radio.

She found that she loved pop music. Her favorite voices were those of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. She was obsessed with the Backstreet Boys. She knew then that pop was her genre.

Eight years later, with determination and a family that sacrificed everything for her to fulfill her dreams, this farm girl from Nova Scotia, beat the odds and landed a record deal with Sony. Naomi was then believed to be the next Celine Dion and had everything she had ever wanted. She made a record and right before the release, her mom asked her, “What would you rather happen first? The record coming out or the second coming of Jesus?” This put things in perspective for Naomi and soon after, everyone she was working with at Sony was laid off.

Everything fell apart.

Naomi moved back to Canada and went into a deep depression. She had everything, and then she had nothing. She finally decided to start singing again and began performing in bookstores.

The next thing she knew, she had another record deal and was moving to LA. At a restaurant in LA, Naomi met Carlos Santana. Santana ended up playing on one of her songs and shot a video with her. Once again, the hype began to build around her record and she was on top of the world. Unfortunately, history repeated itself. The record was the most uncalculated release in the history of music. Naomi was angry with God and embarrassed that she was a singer. Then one day, she got a call from a Hip Hop studio in New York. One of Sean Combs’ (Puff Daddy, P Diddy, what is it now?) producers wanted to work with her. She went to New York and ended up in one of Combs’ studios. While pacing the hallway, she was having an inner conflict about her life, wondering if she was doing the right thing. A chauffeur approached her in the hall and said, “I had a dream about you last night. An angel came to me and told me he had a message for me to tell you.” He started telling her, her life. She thought he found all this information online, until he started telling her, her prayers. One being “would she be biggest failure ever?” The chauffeur told her that he had an answer. “You can keep chasing your own dreams and keep pursuing what you think you want,” he said, “Or, start chasing after Jesus and your dreams will come true.” Those words changed Naomi’s life forever. She walked out of the studio and never looked back.

There was one more time that Naomi almost stayed with a career in pop. Randy Jackson wanted her to be a part of a “super band” he was putting together. This did not feel natural to Naomi, and she felt like she had never let God lead her life. She had only asked Him to bless whatever she wanted to do. Jackson told her, “ You know, in this business, it’s authenticity that will win fans. You can’t fake something on stage.

You got to go sing for Jesus.”

After that, Naomi moved back to Canada and met her husband. While trying to figure out what she was going to do with her music, she received a message from Andrew Fromm (yes, the one I wrote about a few issues ago). They met at a Backstreet Boys Concert, when Naomi was sixteen. The two reconnected, and Naomi came to Franklin to make a record with Andrew. She and her husband have now moved to Franklin, and she is pursuing her career in the Christian Contemporary market.

There is so much more to this amazing story, but I just cannot fit it all in. Fortunately, Naomi has written a book, and you can read it to find out more about her incredible journey. It would also make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas, along with her album! The book can be purchased at Barnes and Nobel and on Amazon. It’s also available for the Kindle. The cd can be purchased on iTunes. For more information go to www.naomistriemermusic.com.

86 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

A LA CARTE MONTHLY MENU

ART Holiday at Cheekwood…………………….Ongoing until Dec. 31 30 Americans at The Frist…………………..Ongoing until Jan. 12 More Love at Cheekwood….……………….Ongoing until Jan. 5 *Franklin Art Scene..........First Friday of Every Month from 6-9pm *Nashville Art Crawl.....First Saturday of Every Month from 4-9pm

MUSIC Martina McBride at The Ryman……................................….Dec 4 Nashville in Harmony at The Ryman………………………Dec 5 Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver at The Franklin Theatre….…Dec. 6 A December Halleluja at War Memorial Auditorium……….Dec. 8 The Brian Setzer Orchestra at The Ryman……………...Dec 8 & 9 Thirty Seconds To Mars at War Memorial Auditorium…....Dec. 10 Christmas with the Celts at Franklin Theatre………Dec. 10 & 11 Andrew Peterson at The Ryman…………………..…Dec 11 & 12 Dave Barnes at War Memorial Auditorium….………...…..Dec. 13 Street Corner Symphony at Franklin Theatre………….…Dec 14 Brendan Benson at The Ryman……………………………Dec 18 John Tesh Big Band Christmas at War Memorial Auditorium….Dec. 18

Mark Schultz at Franklin Theatre………………………….Dec 19 Phil Vassar at Franklin Theatre……………………………Dec 21 Old Crow Medicine Show at The Ryman……………Dec 30 & 31 The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra at Franklin Theatre…Dec 31

THEATER A Christmas Story at TPAC……………………………….Nov. 29-Dec. 22 Dashing Through the Snow at Pull-Tight Theatre……………Dec. 6-21 Scrooge the Musical at Boiler Room Theatre………..…………Dec 6-22 Bravo Creative Art Center’s Annie at Franklin Theatre…………Dec. 7 Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC………………………………….Dec 7-22 Studio Tenn’s A Christmas Carol at TPAC………………………Dec. 12-22

For more information on these events or to submit events for the calendar, please send an email to andrea@yourwilliamson.com.

Watch for the newDecember Community Calendar coming soon 87 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM to www.yourwilliamson.com.

Dancing with the Nashville Stars Story & Photography by Rachel Weishaupt

Kelly Sutton & Dayshawn Powell

Feed America First hosted Dancing with the Nashville Stars in November to raise money for their hunger relief organization. The sold out event took place in Liberty Hall at the Factory with the proceeds going towards feeding our local communities. Eight Nashville stars put their dancing shoes on and competed for the coveted Dancing with the Nashville Stars trophy. Guests enjoyed a delicious catered dinner, silent auction and the celebrity dance competition.

You can learn more about this event and Feed America First at www.feedamericafirst.com.

Enrique Arevalos & Khrystyne Dunaway

Jason Weidman & Bailey Hanks Ashley Morris, Tracy Mitchell & Katrina Anderson

Michelle Murray & Joan Kolcz Shauna Billingsley & Tom Henry

Matt Hoffner & Whitley Gaffney Pat DuPree, Linda Dyer, Judy Hollis & Deborah Prince

David & Annie Furr

88 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 89

Williamson County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Story & Photography by K York In 2012 the three existing Williamson County Chamber of Commerce – Franklin, Brentwood and Cool Springs, unified to become One Williamson One Chamber. This year the Williamson County Chamber celebrated their first anniversary with a fabulous banquet and dinner. The Factory was packed with over 350 people in attendance for this very special event. Outgoing Board Chair, Brad Dunn was thanked for his dedication and hard work, along with a special thank you presented to his wife, Melanie. Judy Hayes was recognized as the incoming 2014 Chair. Excitement was in the air as Matt Largen, Chamber CEO, unveiled the new logo and branding of the unified Chamber; “Williamson Chamber, Inc.” The Chamber provides opportunities, inspiration and support to its members. It’s always looking to the future to make our community the best! And it’s a lot of fun too!

355 new chamber members were welcomed in 2013. As the new tag line attests – “Where Growth is the Point.” For information on the Chamber and how to join go to www. williamsoncountychamber.org.

Betsy Crossley, Jill Burgin & Eric Stuckey

LeAnn Hughes & Greg Jordan

Kristy Rose, Jim Bright & George Haytko

Tim Jones, Eric Bero, Marty Martin & Shane Shoulders

Rebecca Collins, Emma Witherspoon & Amanda Murray

Jeremiah Pyron, Amanda Murray, Vanessa Pogarch, Drew Brooks & Ben Webster

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Jay Fulmer, Jim Rieniets, Anthony Lopes, David Creed & Kyle Armstrong

Kathryne Burks & Bert Bosse

Dave & Tammy Crouch

Elizabeth Mefferd, John & Patty Bearden, Shelley & Mike Moeller

Drew Brooks, Vanessa Pogarch & Krystal Serrano

Scott Moore, Mary Forsythe & Kenny Blackburn

Nancy Conway, Liz Long, Mike Alexander & Amanda Oldham

D’Arcy Park & Holly Carpenter

Janet Meek, Linda Hirsch & Sidney Powers

Shane Bailey, Debbie Vandiver Martin, Sloan Bowen & Scott Newell

Derby & Cassie Jones, Candy Sullivan & Taylor Irwin

Brad Dunn, Judy Hayes & Matt Largen

Bert & Betty Jane Chalfant & Nancy Conway

Larry Kain, Melanie Dunn & Kay McAlister

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 91

RIBBON CUTTINGS

NEW BUSINESSES

Congratulations

to New Williamson County Businesses!

Ecco Bella 341 Main Street Franklin

Franklin Housing Authority 129 Strahl Street Franklin

Republic Bank 113 Seaboard Lane Franklin

Nashville Fiat 1124 Murfreesboro Road Franklin

Urgent Team 10644 Concord Road Brentwood

Holistic Pet 330 Mayfield Drive, Ste D-3 Franklin

Williamson County CASA 1164 Columbia Avenue Franklin

of Franklin

is expanding!

We’ll be moving to a larger facility in the Cool Springs area - same great customer care - same superior services - expanded services Watch for news of our grand re-opening at our new location on Frazier Drive.

Or scan the code below secure your invitation to our opening festivities and for your chance to win one of several door prizes at our upcoming celebration.

Please contact us today to purchase your rack!

Purchase a rack or multiple racks and expand your ad campaign all over the county. Unlimited exposure opportunities in highly trafficked target demographic locations. Limited number of racks for sale – order yours TODAY!

Contact us at:

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YOUR BEST INTEREST

FIRST FARMERS

Looking Back AND Looking Forward

It’s that a wonderful time of year! Family gatherings, social events, meaningful church services; all to celebrate the holidays. On New Years Eve, much revelry will be devoted to looking ahead to 2014, with all of its promise. Many will also reminisce about the year gone by with its fulfilled and, sadly, missed opportunities.

When it comes to your business and personal finances, that’s exactly what you should do in the month of December... look forward AND look back at your finances. Only, just the opposite sequence. First, look at what you planned for the closing year and study how it worked out. Then, project new or continuing financial strategies based on the lessons of 2013. For instance, some investments certainly did better than others. But you can’t just accept and move on... you need to ask “Why?” What was it about the “winners” that made them so?

And, more importantly, are conditions going to be the same going forward? If that’s the case, can we expect similar results? Or are conditions changing and, therefore, we need to make preemptive changes in the portfolio? A large number of investors make the mistake of using past performance as the single greatest reason for making an investment. This will work well if the future is similar to the past. But in an ever changing world, that’s rarely the case. Besides, it’s not what an investment did in the past, but what it’s likely to do in the future that should be the reason for selection. The best use of an annual review is to look forward and make changes to your portfolio that take in account an evolving future.

•

A portfolio doing “well” is a matter of perspective. The return of your portfolio should equal to the amount of risk you’re willing to take. The stock market has done very well but if your portfolio was designed to take less risk, you probably had returns that were lower than the market. Take a look at your risk tolerance (1 being no risk and 10 being the highest risk possible.; a 5 would be moderate risk) and match your investments accordingly. Think in terms of risk-adjusted returns.

In other words, how much return did you get for the level of risk you are willing to take?

•

What big themes or trends are likely to happen in the new year and how can you take advantage of them? For example, over the long term, interest rates are likely to rise from historical lows, which is where they’ve hovered this year. What effect might that have on your investments?

•

Now, make the changes that you feel are appropriate. An old Chinese proverb says: “If you know but don’t act, you really don’t know”. Take the necessary steps to allocate accordingly.

Taking the time to do an annual review in December can be very beneficial to your long-term returns. It helps keep current conditions in perspective and opportunities in your sights.

Here’s hoping your holidays are wonderful and your new year highly successful!

Charlie Woodall, investment officer for First Farmers Investment Services, helps clients build personal wealth through investments such as mutual funds, stocks, fixed income securities, fixed and variable annuities and insurance products.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 93

YOU IN THE NEWS

SCOOP

HISTORICAL FRANKLIN BATTLEFIELD ARTIFACTS UNCOVERED IN LOTZ HOUSE CELLAR

WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER BREAKS GROUND ON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SET TO OPEN EARLY 2015

GIRL SCOUT TRANSPORTATION PATCH IS THE FIRST IN TENNESSEE

Franklin’s Lotz House Executive Director J.T. Thompson has announced that historian John Marler recently completed a two year archeological excavation project in the Lotz House cellar uncovering and meticulously documenting approximately 900 Civil War relics and items connected with civilian life from the mid to late 1800’s. The Lotz House was built in 1858 and is located at 1111 Columbia Pike, at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin held November 30, 1864. John Marler began this project two years ago to see if there were any artifacts that could be recovered in an effort to help preserve the story of the Lotz family and the Battle of Franklin. As a result of many hours of hard labor and careful removal, he recovered 900 items ranging from canister shots, bullets and Civil War uniform buttons and buckles to civilian items such as a whiskey flask bearing a patriotic eagle, doll parts, toys and chips of china. Marler described the overall cellar “as if the cellar door had been shut and locked in the late 1860’s and left closed until 2011.” For more information about this historic home, call 615-790-7190 or visit the website is www. lotzhouse.com.

Williamson Medical Center executives officially broke ground this past month on its latest expansion project, which will include a dedicated children’s Emergency Department and hospital as well as expanded surgery and women’s services and surgical suites, which will bear the name Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center. The name reflects WMC’s partnership in bringing highly advanced pediatric inpatient care to Williamson County and its surrounding communities.

Williamson Medical Center, a 185-bed hospital fully accredited by The Joint Commission, provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care including emergency services, with credentialed physicians in 53 specialties and sub-specialties.

The community-focused hospital offers a wide range of wellness services, screenings and classes. For more information about Williamson Medical Center, visit www. williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

Preston Elliott, chairman of the Franklin Transit Authority along with Debbie Henry, executive director of the TMA Group, recently presented a framed Girl Scout Transportation Patch to the City of Franklin. Agenia Clark, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, and Girl Scouts were on hand for the presentation at the BOMA (Board of Mayor and Alderman) meeting. The Transportation Patch was developed by the Franklin Transit Authority’s board members and the Girl Scouts Middle Tennessee Council. This is the first partnership between Franklin Transit Authority and Girl Scouts making this the first transportation patch available for Girl Scouts in the state of Tennessee. The Transportation Patch teaches and celebrates alternative methods of transportation, such as walking, bicycling, and using mass transit.

Each Girl Scout must complete activity requirements, tailored to her age level, to earn the Transportation Patch. The TMA Group manages and operates Franklin Transit Authority and VanStar services. For more information visit www.franklintransit.org or call 615-628-0260 or go to: www.vanstar.com.

O’MORE AWARDS FRANKLIN STUDENT $40,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY O’More College of Design has awarded $40,000 in scholarship money to a Franklin student who entered the College’s second annual Verve show, a graphic design contest for Tennessee high school students. Applicants were asked to create a poster of any medium that interpreted famed designer Paul Rand’s quote: “Everything is design.

Everything!” More than 100 young designers submitted projects. Alyssa Ward of Centennial High School won the 2013 Best of Show for her submission, and the junior student was awarded the scholarship over four years to attend O’More. In addition to Ward’s submission, six additional Verve honors were given to students across the state. Professional designers made up the panel that judged each submission. The winning work will be displayed online at www.omorecollege.edu/verveshow. Founded in 1970, O’More College of Design is located in the downtown historic district of Franklin, Tenn. The College offers bachelor of fine arts degrees in interior design, fashion design, graphic design and interactive design. To learn more, visit www.omorecollege.edu.

94 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

YOU IN THE NEWS

SCOOP

NATIONAL RECOGNITION KEEPS COMING FOR DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

BRENTWOOD SERVICES ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTS MARK SPARKS AS REGIONAL CLAIM MANAGER IN BIRMINGHAM OFFICE

Travel + Leisure Magazine has named Franklin, Tennessee one of “America’s Favorite Towns,” following an online readers’ poll conducted last month. Coming in at #8 on the list, Franklin was included among other popular small-town tourism destinations such as Park City, Utah; Telluride, Colo.; and Amelia Island, Fla. In 1995, Franklin was honored as one of five “Great American Main Streets” in the inaugural annual competition held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since then, it has been recognized by various outlets with titles including “Best Small Town in Tennessee,” “America’s Most Romantic Main Street,” “One of America’s Greatest Antique Destinations,” and “Best Places to Visit for Historic Preservation,” among others. To view Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Favorite Towns” poll results, go to www.travelandleisure.com/ toc.

Brentwood Services Administrators, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brentwood Services Inc., has recently appointed Mark Sparks as regional claim manager in the Birmingham, Alabama. Sparks brings over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry to his new position. Sparks’ career has included positions of increasing responsibility working in claims management with both third party administrators and national carriers.

Brentwood Services Inc., an independent employee-owned company headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., specializes in structuring and managing alternative market solutions for employers and insurance providers.

To learn more about Brentwood Services Administrators, Inc., please visit the website http://www.bwood.com, email your request to bsiinfo@bwood.com or call John Smitherman, vice president of sales for Brentwood Services Inc., at (800) 524-0604 or (615) 263-1300.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO WILLIAMSON COUNTY STUDENTS

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization working to improve the quality of life in 40 Middle Tennessee counties, announces it is awarding 255 scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education at accredited schools throughout the United States. A total of $423,770 is being awarded to students from more than 70 scholarship funds within The Community Foundation. 2013 scholarship recipients from Williamson County were: Kara R. Fite, Ryan J. Holguin, Brandon A. Lackey, Havisha Munjal, Peyton L. McClure, Sarah W. McClure, Britta S. Ristau, Rachel N. Curtis, Karah A. Waters, Niki M. Haynes, Jonathan R. Besch, Paige J. Shelby, Katelyn L. Parent, Jonathan L. Sullenger, Katherine E. Stuvick, Savannah S. Ball, Anthony K. Loukili and Natalie B. Sanders. Community Foundation scholarships, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 850 charitable funds, providing customized philanthropic solutions with flexibility for donors, nonprofit organizations and the community. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.

WCAR ANNOUNCE 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Williamson County Association of Realtors® celebrated the installation of their 2014 Board of Directors along with recognizing several members and offices for outstanding service in November. NOLA Lending received the award for Affiliate of the Year. Steve Cantrell accepted the award on their behalf. Phillip Cantrell received the coveted Realtor® of the Year award. Phillip, a resident of Williamson County for more than 40 years, is the Broker/Owner of Benchmark Realty. Kyle Shults received the award for Rookie of the Year. Battle Ground Realty, Daniel-Christian and Premier Auctions received the award for percentage participation for a small office and Crye-Leike REALTORS®-Franklin, received the large office award for participation. The 2014 Board of Directors President is Lisa Culp Taylor with Bob Parks Realty. The Williamson County Association of Realtors® is a leading regional REALTOR® trade association in middle Tennessee with over 1750 members.

December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 95

IN THE CLICK

CHRISTMAS

What Do You Want Santa to Bring?

Jolly Old Saint Nick will be here soon! We asked some of our young Williamson County residents to tell us what they hope the big guy will leave under the tree. Here’s what they had to say…

Sophie Spodeck, 4 years: “I want my own scooter & a jewelry box.”

Brody Burton, 4 years: “When I go to the store, I said a bike.”

Cullen Whitefield, 6 years: “I’m getting a cactus plant. I’m gonna grow it in my backyard and my front yard. I’m gonna grow about ten of them and a dragon plant. And I want Skylanders Swap Force.”

Aidan Leibowitz, 6 years: “A Zoomer Pup”

Will Braden, 8 years: “A Lego castle.”

Ainsley Grant, 4 years: “A kid’s sewing machine like momma, a big car I can drive my sister around in, a bike that is fixed and princess dolls with dresses.”

Ada Whitefield, 8 years: “A rainbow loom, a robotic dog like Zoomer and there is this solar system that lights up, and you hang it on your ceiling.”

Olivia Braden, 6 years: “I want Santa to surprise me!”

GOT WILLIAMSON? We do.

Now more than ever. With the launch of our new website, look for exclusive and ongoing content from the community you love.

Make sure to subscribe to our weekly eblasts online.

96 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013

www.yourwilliamson.com

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The Extras Aren’t Extra!® Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin 1874 West McEwen Drive Franklin, TN 37067 615-771-6778

Shuff’s 35th Anniversary Awards Reception Story & Photography

by Rachel Weishaupt Shuff’s Music and Piano Showroom celebrated thirty-five years of service by hosting a memorable awards reception at their Franklin showroom. The Shuff family gathered with friends for the 35th Anniversary party, which consisted of a light dinner, music and a special speech from Ron Shuff.

The night concluded with an awards ceremony honoring staff and the winners of six donated pianos. Shuff’s is located in the heart of downtown Franklin and specializes in pianos and school instrument sales.

For more information about Shuff’s Music please visit www.shuffsmusic.com.

Ron Shuff & Monica Zsolt

Sophia Chen, Ron Shuff & Guang Chen

Ainge Smith, Pam Braun & Katie Kane

Ron Shuff

Gina Canaday, Shannon Killin & Sasha Shuff

Zach Green & Bill Ferrari

Monica Zsolt & Sarah Whittin

YOUR COUNTY

FACTS & TRIVIA

YOUR HOLIDAY FACTS Your monthly dose of random facts and trivia!

822 The number of homes US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit per second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, traveling at 650 miles a second and 3,000 times the speed of sound!

2

1841

The year Christmas trees become popular in the UK when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.

20

The two busiest shopping days of the year are the Friday & Saturday before Christmas Eve. Although many believe the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, it is actually the 5th to 10th busiest day.

The percent of yearly sales that jewelry stores report taking place in the month of December.

1 head

A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard.

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MERRY

Christmas

Experience

the difference

Taylor

made

smiles

214 Bridge St Franklin, TN 37064 615.595.8585 December 2013 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 99 www.taylormadesmiles.com

100 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM December 2013